Estimation of element-based zero-stress state for arterial FSI computations

In patient-specific arterial fluid–structure interaction (FSI) computations the image-based arterial geometry comes from a configuration that is not stress-free. We present a method for estimation of element-based zero-stress (ZS) state. The method has three main components. (1) An iterative method, which starts with an initial guess for the ZS state, is used for computing the element-based ZS state such that when a given pressure load is applied, the image-based target shape is matched. (2) A method for straight-tube geometries with single and multiple layers is used for computing the element-based ZS state so that we match the given diameter and longitudinal stretch in the target configuration and the “opening angle.” (3) An element-based mapping between the arterial and straight-tube configurations is used for mapping from the arterial configuration to the straight-tube configuration, and for mapping the estimated ZS state of the straight tube back to the arterial configuration, to be used as the initial guess for the iterative method that matches the image-based target shape. We present a set of test computations to show how the method works.     

Qualitative Differences Between Conscious and Nonconscious Processing? On Inverse Priming Induced by Masked Arrows.

In general, both consciously and unconsciously perceived stimuli facilitate responses to following similar stimuli. However, masked arrows delay responses to following arrows. This inverse priming has been ascribed to inhibition of premature motor activation, more recently even to special processing of nonconsciously perceived material. Here, inverse priming depended on particular masks, was insensitive to contextual requirements for increased inhibition, and was constant across response speeds. Putative signs of motor inhibition in the electroencephalogram may as well reflect activation of the opposite response. Consequently, rather than profiting from inhibition of primed responses, the alternative response is directly primed by perceptual interactions of primes and masks. Thus there is no need to assume separate pathways for nonconscious and conscious processing. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The effect of core-sheath proportion on the characteristics of hollow yarns: part I mechanical properties

In the scope of this study, core yarns in the yarn count of 59 tex were produced by using cotton, viscose, wool, and polyester fibers in the sheath and different ratios of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) in the core. After completion of yarn production on ring spinning frame, winding process was performed in order to get packages. These yarns in the form of packages were washed during a time period in order to remove PVA from the yarn structures to obtain hollow yarn structure. Yarn irregularity and yarn tensile tests were performed in the form of packages before and after washing process. As a result of these tests; it was observed that values of yarn unevenness and tensile tests were significantly influenced by the core-sheath proportion and washing process.     

The effect of core-sheath proportion on the characteristics of fabrics produced with hollow yarns: part II comfort and mechanical properties

The study aims to investigate the effect of hollow yarn structure and the sheath-core proportion of hollow yarns on the permeability properties of the knitted fabrics. In order to accomplish this, core yarns in the yarn count of 59 tex were produced by using cotton, viscose, wool, and polyester fibers in the sheath and different ratios of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) in the core. After completion of yarn production on ring spinning frame, the yarns in the form of packages were used to produce plain knitted fabrics. Fabrics were then divided into two groups, one of which was washed during a time period in order to remove PVA from the core to obtain hollow yarn structure. Air and water permeability, and wicking properties of the knitted fabrics were measured before and after washing processes. Mechanical properties such as pilling and bursting strength of the fabrics were also examined. The results show that washing process and PVA proportion used to produce core spun yarns have a significant effect on the permeability and mechanical properties of the fabrics.     

Fluid–structure interaction modeling of clusters of spacecraft parachutes with modified geometric porosity

To increase aerodynamic performance, the geometric porosity of a ringsail spacecraft parachute canopy is sometimes increased, beyond the “rings” and “sails” with hundreds of “ring gaps” and “sail slits.” This creates extra computational challenges for fluid–structure interaction (FSI) modeling of clusters of such parachutes, beyond those created by the lightness of the canopy structure, geometric complexities of hundreds of gaps and slits, and the contact between the parachutes of the cluster. In FSI computation of parachutes with such “modified geometric porosity,” the flow through the “windows” created by the removal of the panels and the wider gaps created by the removal of the sails cannot be accurately modeled with the Homogenized Modeling of Geometric Porosity (HMGP), which was introduced to deal with the hundreds of gaps and slits. The flow needs to be actually resolved. All these computational challenges need to be addressed simultaneously in FSI modeling of clusters of spacecraft parachutes with modified geometric porosity. The core numerical technology is the Stabilized Space–Time FSI (SSTFSI) technique, and the contact between the parachutes is handled with the Surface-Edge-Node Contact Tracking (SENCT) technique. In the computations reported here, in addition to the SSTFSI and SENCT techniques and HMGP, we use the special techniques we have developed for removing the numerical spinning component of the parachute motion and for restoring the mesh integrity without a remesh. We present results for 2- and 3-parachute clusters with two different payload models.     

Electrodeposited Cu2ZnSnSe4 thin film solar cell with 7% power conversion efficiency

High performance Cu₂ZnSnSe₄ (CZTSe) photovoltaic materials were synthesized by electrodeposition of metal stack precursors followed by selenization. A champion solar cell with 7.0% efficiency is demonstrated. This is the highest efficiency among all of the CZTSe solar cells prepared from electrodeposited metallic precursors reported to‐date. Device parameters are discussed from the perspective of material microstructure and composition in order to improve performance. In addition, a high performance electrodeposited CZTS (S only) solar cell was demonstrated and its device characteristics were compared against the CZTSe (Se only) cell. Using secondary ion mass spectrometry for the analysis of the chemical composition of the absorber layer, a higher concentration of oxygen in the electrodeposited absorber is thought to be the root cause of the lower performance of the electrodeposited CZTS or CZTSe solar cells with respect to a solar cell fabricated by evaporation. The grain boundary areas of Sn‐rich composition are thought to be responsible for the lower shunt resistance commonly observed in CZTSe devices. We measured the longest minority carrier lifetime of 18 ns among all reported kesterite devices. This work builds a good baseline for obtaining higher efficiency earth‐abundant solar cells, while it highlights electrodepositon as a low cost and feasible method for earth‐abundant thin film solar cell fabrication. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

OPTIMUM STEAM INJECTION STRATEGIES FOR NATURALLY FRACTURED RESERVOIRS

ABSTRACT

This study aims to identify the effective parameters on matrix oil recovery and the efficiency of this process while there is a continuous flow of steam in fracture. Single matrix system is studied first. The critical injection rate is defined for laboratory scale simulation for different matrix properties. It is observed that there is a critical injection rate optimizing the process and the critical injection rate for an efficient matrix oil recovery is defined for different matrix sizes and matrix heat transfer coefficients.

In the second part of the study, similar analysis is performed to investigate the effect of injection rate on the oil recovery for field scale. Critical rate concept is evaluated for different number of horizontal fractures and steam qualities. Finally, the economics of steam injection in the field scale is studied. The optimum injection strategies determined by the adjustment of injection rates are discussed based on the fracture properties such as density and permeability. The approach and results can be used in further studies to analyze the efficiency of thermal applications and to obtain correlations for steam injection performances in naturally fractured reservoirs.     

Bond strength of polymer lightweight aggregate concrete

Bond strength, physical, and mechanical properties of lightweight PC were investigated with inclusion of pumice lightweight aggregate in maximum size of 12 mm. As binder material, epoxy resin‐based polymer was used with its hardener. The binder to aggregate ratio was 30% by weight. In addition, steel fibers were added to lightweight PC mixtures in ratio of 0, 0.5, and 1%. After lightweight PC mixture was prepared, it was poured in the molds with different type of steel‐bars in size of 100 × 100 × 100 mm³. The steel‐bars centered in the cubic molds, and they were in size of Ø12, Ø14, and Ø16. The specimens were cured at 60°C for 2 h. On the hardened polymer lightweight concrete (PLC), pull‐out test for bond strength and compressive strength tests were performed. Moreover, ultrasonic pulse velocity, water absorption by weight, specific porosity, and density experiments were carried out. The relation between physical and mechanical properties showed that PLCs become more durable when using ratio of steel fibers. POLYM. COMPOS., 34:2125–2132, 2013. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers