Direct numerical simulations for assessment of gas-solid drag models in two-dimensional random arrays of particles

The momentum exchange between the phases plays a vital role in modelling of gas–solid flows and it is mathematically described by drag models. However, no consensus exists on which drag model gives the most accurate prediction of the drag force, and, despite the increase in available computing power, the same drag models are used in two-dimensional and three-dimensional simulations. In this study, direct numerical simulations of gas flow through multiple random configurations of static monodisperse particles are performed. The variations of solid volume fraction and particle Reynolds number are in the ranges of 0.05–0.4 and 13.7–136.9, respectively. The drag force exerted on particles is calculated and properly averaged. Based on the simulation results, thirteen drag models are compared and correction factors are introduced using the stochastic gradient descent algorithm. The correction factors provide a simple adjustment for the models to be used in 2D modelling.     

Effect of axial and radial velocities on solids mass flow rate measurement

In coal powder flow transportation and combustion, powder mass flow rate is a key parameter to be monitored and controlled. Electrostatics is one of the techniques used for such task with its non-intrusive, robust, and low cost natures. The passive electrostatic meters measure charge induced on the detecting electrodes. As it is known that the induced signal is not only dependent on the solids mass flow rate, but also affected by solids velocity. However, the velocity of particles usually referred to is the axial velocity. In reality, the solids velocity is a vector, its projections in both the radial and tangential directions also need to be investigated. This paper analyses the dynamic sensitivity of ring-shaped electrostatic sensors using the finite element method (FEM), and investigates the influence of the axial and radial velocities on the induced signal on the electrodes.     

Evanescent wave sensor based on permanently bent single mode optical fiber

A novel refractive index sensing scheme based on evanescent wave interaction through locally and permanently bent single mode optical fibers is proposed. Local and permanent bends in single mode optical fibers enable significant power coupling between core and cladding modes. Order and number of excited cladding modes depend on bend features and determine the field profile at the output of the bent region. This in turn constitutes a simple mechanism to tailor the field distribution in single mode optical fibers useful for spatial light modulation. Moreover, since guided cladding modes are strongly influenced by the surrounding refractive index (SRI), the power transmitted at the output of the bent region as well as its dependence on the optical wavelength are strongly sensitive to the SRI opening new scenarios in sensing applications.     

Ordered mesoporous Pd/SnO2 synthesized by a nanocasting route for high hydrogen sensing performance

Ordered mesoporous SnO₂ and mesoporous Pd/SnO₂ have been successfully synthesized via nanocasting method using the hexagonal mesoporous SBA-15 as template. Two different procedures, impregnation technique and direct synthesis, were utilized for the doping of Pd in the mesoporous SnO₂. The results of small angle X-ray diffraction (SAXD), nitrogen adsorption–desorption and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) demonstrate that the SnO₂ and Pd/SnO₂ display ordered mesoporous structures and high surface areas. Wide angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) reveal tetragonal structure of SnO₂ and the existence of Pd element. The sensing properties of mesoporous SnO₂ and mesoporous Pd/SnO₂ for H₂ were detected. The sensor utilizing mesoporous Pd/SnO₂ via direct synthesis method exhibits excellent response and recovery behavior and much higher sensitivity to H₂, compared to those using mesoporous SnO₂ and mesoporous Pd/SnO₂ via impregnation technique. It is believed that its high gas sensing performance is derived from the large surface area, high activity and well dispersion of Pd additive, as well as high porosity, which lead to highly effective surface interaction between the target gas molecules and the surface active sites.     

Effect of micro-electrode geometry on NO2 gas-sensing characteristics of one-dimensional tin dioxide nanostructure microsensors

Electrodes with micro-gaps are fabricated by using dc-sputtering and FIB techniques. SnO₂ nanowires are deposited on the micro-gap (1-30 μm) by suspension dropping method to fabricate a micro-gas sensor. The sensing ability of various SnO₂ micro-gap sensors is measured. A comparison between sensors reveals that the short-gap electrode has numerous advantages in terms of reliability, high sensitivity and detection of low concentrations of NO₂, while the large-gap electrode is relatively sensitive for high concentrations. Conductance measurements are carried out at different surface temperatures and NO₂ concentrations in order to investigate the effects that the gap size has on the overall sensor conductance. The results suggest that the interface between the electrode and sensitive layer has a very important role for the sensing mechanism of tin dioxide gas sensors.     

Structural and properties of nanocrystalline WO3/TiO2-based humidity sensors elements prepared by high energy activation

Nanocrystalline WO₃/TiO₂-based powders have been prepared by the high energy activation method with WO₃ concentration ranging from 1 to 10 mol%. The samples were thermal treated in a microwave oven at 600 °C for 20 min and their structural and micro-structural characteristics were evaluated by X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, EXAFS measurements at the Ti K-edge, and transmission electron microscopy. Nitrogen adsorption isotherms and H₂ Temperature Programmed Reduction were also carried out for physical characterization. The crystallite and particle mean sizes ranged from 30 to 40 nm and from 100 to 190 nm, respectively. Good sensor response was obtained for samples with at least 5 mol% WO₃ activated for at least 80 min. Ceramics heat-treated in microwave oven for 20 min have shown similar sensor response as those prepared in conventional oven for 120 min, which is highly cost effective. These results indicate that WO₃/TiO₂ ceramics can be used as a humidity sensor element.     

无线光电定位网络的设计

为满足非接触化、小型化、集成化、数字化、智能化等现代检测技术的发展要求,从成本、工作原理、灵敏度等方面综合考虑,现采用以光电定位模块为核心的光电定位技术,以无线传感器网络作为数据传输与管理的技术手段,构建了无线光电定位网络,并进行了实验分析.可实现多点实时监测、异地显示测量数据、数据网络化管理等特殊需求;涵盖了多学科领...     

A fuzzy-based interleaved multi-hop authentication scheme in wireless sensor networks

In sensor networks, a compromised node can either generate fabricated reports with false votes or inject false votes into real reports, which causes severe damage such as false alarms, energy drain and information loss. An interleaved hop-by-hop authentication (IHA) scheme addresses the former attack by detecting and filtering false reports in a deterministic and hop-by-hop fashion. Unfortunately, in IHA, all en-route nodes must join to verify reports while only a few are necessary to the authentication procedure. In this paper, we propose a fuzzy-based interleaved multi-hop authentication scheme based on IHA. In our scheme, the fuzzy logic system only selects some nodes for verification based on the network characteristics. Moreover, we apply a voting method and a hash-based key assignment mechanism to improve network security. Through performance evaluation, the proposed scheme is found to save up to 13% of the energy consumption and to provide more network protection compared to IHA.     

Fabrication and characterization of a miniaturized planar voltammetric sensor array for use in an electronic tongue

A planar voltammetric sensor array for use in an electronic tongue was fabricated using a combination of microfabrication techniques. The techniques of e-beam evaporation and pulsed laser deposition were applied to prepare a device that contained all of the electrodes integrated on a silicon die (6 mm × 6 mm). The working electrodes were metals gold, platinum, iridium and rhodium. They were characterized by SEM and EDX, and by electrochemical investigation of the packaged dies with cyclic voltammetry in solutions of sulfuric acid and of ferrocene carboxylic acid in aqueous buffer solution. The robustness and reproducibility of the devices were assessed by potential cycling in acid solution.