Fluids

37 pages, 6052 KiB

Open AccessReview

Subchannel Reactor Studies: Applications and Advances Using Lattice Boltzmann Method—Comprehensive Review Study

by Abutiatey Eugene and Pil-Seung Chung

Fluids 2025, 10(5), 109; https://doi.org/10.3390/fluids10050109 - 25 Apr 2025

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is an instrumental tool used in tackling the challenges of flow behavior and safety within nuclear reactor cores. Traditional CFD methods like finite volume, finite element, and finite difference have driven significant progress in nuclear engineering, particularly in single-phase [...] Read more.

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is an instrumental tool used in tackling the challenges of flow behavior and safety within nuclear reactor cores. Traditional CFD methods like finite volume, finite element, and finite difference have driven significant progress in nuclear engineering, particularly in single-phase and two-phase flow modeling, multiscale analysis, and multiphysics coupling. However, the Lattice Boltzmann Method (LBM), an advancing CFD tool for nuclear reactor subchannel study, remains underexplored in this field. LBM takes a unique mesoscopic approach by modeling particle distributions on a discrete lattice, offering a bridge between microscopic dynamics and macroscopic continuum behavior. Since the integration of LBM into the Lattice Bhatnagar–Gross–Krook (LBGK) model, it has significantly advanced, proving its efficiency in handling complex flow conditions. This review explores the potential of LBM in nuclear reactor subchannel applications. This study emphasizes LBM as a robust computational tool for subchannel study by highlighting its strengths, limitations, and future possibilities. Full article

13 pages, 987 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Concentration Monitoring of Highly-Diluted Crude Oil-In-Water Emulsions by Ultrasonic Backscattering Sensors

by Carlos A. B. Reyna, Ediguer E. Franco, Santiago Laín, Timoteo F. de Oliveira, Marcos S. G. Tsuzuki and Flávio Buiochi

Fluids 2025, 10(5), 108; https://doi.org/10.3390/fluids10050108 - 25 Apr 2025

Abstract

This work deals with the feasibility of ultrasonic monitoring of the crude oil content in highly diluted crude oil-in-water emulsions, common mixtures obtained in the coalescence process of the petroleum industry. The measurement principle is the determination of the time of flight using [...] Read more.

This work deals with the feasibility of ultrasonic monitoring of the crude oil content in highly diluted crude oil-in-water emulsions, common mixtures obtained in the coalescence process of the petroleum industry. The measurement principle is the determination of the time of flight using the reflected pulses from a set of scatterers located in the near field of commercial transducers of 5 and 10 MHz. Dispersers consist of two rows of metal wires tensioned in front of the transducer using a specially designed mechanical part. The resulting assembly is a probe that can be introduced into a tank or pipe to perform the measurement. Experiments with crude oil-in-water emulsions with concentrations from 10 to 2000 ppm (parts per million) at a temperature of 20 °C were carried out. The results show that the small changes in the propagation velocity resulting from changes in concentration and temperature can be detected by the developed ultrasonic sensor. This opens up the possibility of determining the oil content in the emulsion by means of a calibration approach. The main motivation is the development of techniques for real-time monitoring of crude oil content in the wastewater produced in the petroleum industry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Numerical Modeling and Experimental Studies of Two-Phase Flows, 2nd Edition)

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18 pages, 6280 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Hydrodynamic Resistance Analysis of Large Biomimetic Yellow Croaker Model: Effects of Shape, Body Length, and Material Based on CFD

by Donglei Zhao, Kexiang Lu and Weiguo Qian

Fluids 2025, 10(5), 107; https://doi.org/10.3390/fluids10050107 - 24 Apr 2025

Abstract

The marine environment is highly complex, characterized by substantial fluctuations in flow velocity. To enhance the adaptability of robotic large yellow croakers to such conditions, this study takes into account multiple factors, including shape, dimensions, and material properties, and evaluates their hydrodynamic resistance [...] Read more.

The marine environment is highly complex, characterized by substantial fluctuations in flow velocity. To enhance the adaptability of robotic large yellow croakers to such conditions, this study takes into account multiple factors, including shape, dimensions, and material properties, and evaluates their hydrodynamic resistance characteristics. A 2D model of large yellow croakers aged 1, 4, 7, 10, and 12 months was established as the bionic object. Based on computational fluid dynamics, the water resistance characteristics of this model were investigated in the same water environment. A 3D model of this species based on the 2D model and three skin materials, PE, PC, and ST, was added, and the effects of these materials on the water resistance of the 3D model were investigated. It was shown that in a water environment with a current speed of 0.1~1 m/s, the water resistance of large yellow croaker models at different ages ranged from 0.1006 to 6.8485 N; that of croakers with different body lengths ranged from 0.1067 to 28.5760 N; and that of croakers with different skin materials ranged from 0.0048 to 0.8672 N. The results showed that in the water environment with a current speed of 0.1–1 m/s, the 12-month-old large yellow croaker model had a lower water resistance range of 0.1006~3.6512 N in the watershed compared with other models of the same age; the large yellow croaker models with body lengths of 20, 30, and 40 cm had a smaller range of water resistance of 0.1125~12.5110 N in the watershed compared with other models of the same body length; and large yellow croaker models made of PE had a smaller range of resistance of 0.0048~0.7523 N in the watershed compared to those made of PC and ST materials. The results of this study are important for the design and fabrication of robotic fish capable of prolonged underwater operations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Mathematical and Computational Fluid Mechanics)

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21 pages, 2488 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Combination of Integral Transforms and Linear Optimization for Source Reconstruction in Heat and Mass Diffusion Problems

by André J. P. de Oliveira, Diego C. Knupp, Luiz A. S. Abreu, David A. Pelta and Antônio J. da Silva Neto

Fluids 2025, 10(4), 106; https://doi.org/10.3390/fluids10040106 - 21 Apr 2025

Abstract

This paper presents a novel methodology for estimating space- and time-dependent source terms in heat and mass diffusion problems. The approach combines classical integral transform techniques (CITTs) with the least squares optimization method, enabling an efficient reconstruction of source terms. The method employs [...] Read more.

This paper presents a novel methodology for estimating space- and time-dependent source terms in heat and mass diffusion problems. The approach combines classical integral transform techniques (CITTs) with the least squares optimization method, enabling an efficient reconstruction of source terms. The method employs a double expansion framework, using both spatial eigenfunction and temporal expansions. The new presented idea assumes that the source term can be expressed as a spatial expansion in eigenfunctions of the eigenvalue problem, and then each transient function associated with each term of spatial expansion is rewritten as an additional expansion, where the unknown coefficients approximating the transformed source enable the direct use of the solution in the objective function. This, in turn, results in a linear optimization problem that can be quickly minimized. Numerical experiments, including one-dimensional and two-dimensional scenarios, demonstrate the accuracy of the proposed method in the presence of noisy data. The results highlight the method’s robustness and computational efficiency, even with minimal temporal expansion terms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Computational Fluid Dynamics Applied to Transport Phenomena)

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25 pages, 8015 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fluid–Structure Coupling Analysis of the Vibration Characteristics of a High-Parameter Spool

by Haozhe Jin, Haotian Xu, Jiongming Zhang, Chao Wang and Xiaofei Liu

Fluids 2025, 10(4), 105; https://doi.org/10.3390/fluids10040105 - 21 Apr 2025

Abstract

High-performance control valves are essential components in power plants. High-parameter control valves are specialized valves for controlling high-pressure, high-flow, high-temperature, and highly corrosive media. Control valve performance is critical for the stable operation of power plants. The multi-stage counter-flow passage is a common [...] Read more.

High-performance control valves are essential components in power plants. High-parameter control valves are specialized valves for controlling high-pressure, high-flow, high-temperature, and highly corrosive media. Control valve performance is critical for the stable operation of power plants. The multi-stage counter-flow passage is a common structure in pressure-reducing control valves, effectively mitigating cavitation and erosion on the valve walls. However, in practice, vibration issues in multi-stage passage valves are particularly pronounced. This study employs FSI (fluid–structure interaction) to simulate the vibration characteristics of multi-stage passages. Flow field data for the multi-stage passage are obtained through FLUENT software. A time-frequency analysis of the lift coefficient in the multi-stage passage flow field was performed. The vibration characteristics of the valve core’s inlet and outlet surfaces were studied using Transient Structural software. The results show that when high-pressure fluid passes through the valve core’s passage, it undergoes buffering, steering, and rotating motions, leading to a gradual pressure drop and generating resistance and lift. These phenomena are primarily caused by vortex shedding in the flow field, with the dominant frequency observed to be approximately 5400 Hz. Additionally, as the valve core progresses through the P1 phase at the inlet and the P2 phase at the outlet, the vibration intensity gradually decreases, reaching a minimum in the sixth phase, before increasing and peaking in the final stage. Analysis of the flow field characteristics within the valve core passage reveals the significant impact of vortex shedding on the valve core’s vibration and lift. Phase analysis of the valve core’s vibration intensity further clarifies its behavioral changes at different operational stages. These findings help optimize the design of multi-stage buffering valve cores, improving their performance and stability. Full article

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19 pages, 6051 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Deformable Gurney Flaps on the Output Power of Flapping Turbine

by Chebana Abdelbasset, Ghelani Laala, Mohamed Taher Bouzaher, Charaf Eddine Bensaci, Alaeddine Zereg, Nadhir Lebaal and Mounir Aksas

Fluids 2025, 10(4), 104; https://doi.org/10.3390/fluids10040104 - 19 Apr 2025

Abstract

The Gurney flap (GF) is a simple flat plate frequently mounted at the airfoil rear. Several investigations have been devoted to studying the effect of a rigid or even movable GF on the aerodynamic behavior of several devices such as flapping airfoils and [...] Read more.

The Gurney flap (GF) is a simple flat plate frequently mounted at the airfoil rear. Several investigations have been devoted to studying the effect of a rigid or even movable GF on the aerodynamic behavior of several devices such as flapping airfoils and vertical or horizontal axis turbines. The present paper proposes a new concept of a deformable Gurney flap (DGF) to improve the output power of a flapping airfoil in vertical mode. The advantage of this model is the full control of the effect on the GF during the flapping movement. The DGF is expandable and contractible which allows for monitoring and adjusting the pressure distribution at the appropriate time and position. By using a 2D transient simulation with a specific dynamic mesh design, an extended numerical analysis has been provided. It was found that this model is able to increase the output power by 19.5%. Furthermore, the concept of the DGF is applied on flapping turbines in hybrid modes such as swing arm mode and D-shaped mode. These modes are investigated to clarify the studied model’s advantage and to demonstrate the possibility of applying this strategy to control the different flapping movements. Full article

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6 pages, 204 KiB

Open AccessCorrection

Correction: Yusuf et al. Magneto-Bioconvection Flow of Williamson Nanofluid over an Inclined Plate with Gyrotactic Microorganisms and Entropy Generation. Fluids 2021, 6, 109

by Tunde A. Yusuf, Fazle Mabood, B. C. Prasannakumara and Ioannis E. Sarris

Fluids 2025, 10(4), 103; https://doi.org/10.3390/fluids10040103 - 17 Apr 2025

Abstract

This is an erratum to our published paper Reference [...] Full article

23 pages, 6274 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Thermal Irreversibility in Nano-Enhanced Phase Change Material Liquefaction

by Fikret Alić

Fluids 2025, 10(4), 102; https://doi.org/10.3390/fluids10040102 - 16 Apr 2025

Abstract

Inside a closed, thin-walled hollow cylinder, there is a solid state of phase change material (NePCM) that has been nano-enhanced. This NePCM is heated at its bottom, with nanoparticles (Al₂O₃) inserted and homogenized within the PCM (sodium acetate trihydrate, [...] Read more.

Inside a closed, thin-walled hollow cylinder, there is a solid state of phase change material (NePCM) that has been nano-enhanced. This NePCM is heated at its bottom, with nanoparticles (Al₂O₃) inserted and homogenized within the PCM (sodium acetate trihydrate, C₂H₃O₂Na) to create the NePCM. The hollow cylinder is thermally insulated from the outside ambient temperature, while the heat supplied is sufficient to cause a phase change. Once the entire NePCM has converted from a solid to a liquid due to heating, it is then cooled, and the thermal insulation is removed. The cylindrical liquefied NePCM bar is cooled in this manner. Thermal entropy, entransy dissipation rate, and bar efficiency during the heating and cooling of the NePCM bar were analyzed by changing variables. The volume fraction ratio of nanoparticles, inlet heat flux, and liquefied bar height were the variables considered. The results indicate a significant impact on the NePCM bar during liquefaction and convective cooling when the values of these variables are altered. For instance, with an increase in the volume fraction ratio from 3% to 9%, at a constant heat flux of 10⁴ Wm⁻² and a liquefied bar height of 0.02 m, the NePCM bar efficiency decreases to 99%. The thermal entropy from heat conduction through the liquefied NePCM bar is significantly lower compared to the thermal entropy from convective air cooling on its surface. The thermal entropy of the liquefied NePCM bar increases on average by 110% without any cooling. With a volume fraction ratio of 6%, there is an 80% increase in heat flux as the bar height increases to 0.02 m. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Heat and Mass Transfer)

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19 pages, 7654 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Improved Regularization Scheme for an Extended Lattice Boltzmann Model

by Zhihong Zhang, Yijin Li and Haobu Gao

Fluids 2025, 10(4), 101; https://doi.org/10.3390/fluids10040101 - 11 Apr 2025

Abstract

For an extended lattice Boltzmann model based on a product-form equilibrium distribution function, an improved regularization model with enhanced numerical stability is proposed. In this paper’s regularized collision model, coefficients are calculated using two distinct methods during the reconstruction of the non-equilibrium distribution. [...] Read more.

For an extended lattice Boltzmann model based on a product-form equilibrium distribution function, an improved regularization model with enhanced numerical stability is proposed. In this paper’s regularized collision model, coefficients are calculated using two distinct methods during the reconstruction of the non-equilibrium distribution. The first method stems from the direct projection of the non-equilibrium distribution, while the second method relies on the regularization step, which is refined through the recursive calculation of the coefficients of non-equilibrium Hermite polynomials. Compared to the original lattice Boltzmann model, the recursive regularization method significantly enhances the stability of the numerical scheme by appropriately filtering out second-order and/or higher-order non-hydrodynamic contributions. Initially, under isothermal conditions, the periodic double-shear layer simulations are conducted at Reynolds numbers ranging from 10⁴ to 10⁶, testing the enhanced effect of the regularized model in broadening its available speed range. Subsequently, with a fixed Reynolds number, simulations are performed at various temperature values to assess the model’s performance when deviating from the lattice reference temperature. The results demonstrate that, compared to the original model, the recursive regularization model exhibits improved stability and widens the model’s usable speed and temperature ranges. Full article

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28 pages, 957 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Stability Analysis of Unsteady Laminar Boundary Layers Subject to Streamwise Pressure Gradient

by Miguel Ramirez and Guillermo Araya

Fluids 2025, 10(4), 100; https://doi.org/10.3390/fluids10040100 - 8 Apr 2025

Abstract

A transient stability flow analysis is performed using the unsteady laminar boundary layer equations. The flow dynamics are studied via the Navier–Stokes equations. In the case of external spatially developing flow, the differential equations are reduced via Prandtl or boundary-layer assumptions, consisting of [...] Read more.

A transient stability flow analysis is performed using the unsteady laminar boundary layer equations. The flow dynamics are studied via the Navier–Stokes equations. In the case of external spatially developing flow, the differential equations are reduced via Prandtl or boundary-layer assumptions, consisting of continuity and momentum conservation equations. Prescription of streamwise pressure gradients (decelerating and accelerating flows) is carried out by an impulsively started Falkner–Skan (FS) or wedge-flow similarity flow solution in the case of flat plate or a Blasius solution for particular zero-pressure gradient case. The obtained mean streamwise velocity and its derivatives from FS flows are then inserted into the well-known Orr–Sommerfeld equation of small disturbances at different dimensionless times (

τ

). Finally, the corresponding eigenvalues are dynamically computed for temporal stability analysis. A finite difference algorithm is effectively applied to solve the Orr–Sommerfeld equations. It is observed that flow acceleration or favorable pressure gradients (FPGs) lead to a significantly shorter transient period before reaching steady-state conditions, as the developed shear layer is notably thinner compared to cases with adverse pressure gradients (APGs). During the transient phase (i.e., for

τ < 1

), the majority of the flow modifications are confined to the innermost 20–25% of the boundary layer, in proximity to the wall. In the context of temporal flow stability, the magnitude of the pressure gradient is pivotal in determining the streamwise extent of the Tollmien–Schlichting (TS) waves. In highly accelerated laminar flows, these waves experience considerable elongation. Conversely, under the influence of a strong adverse pressure gradient, the characteristic streamwise length of the smallest unstable wavelength, which is necessary for destabilization via TS waves, is significantly reduced. Furthermore, flows subjected to acceleration (

β

> 0) exhibit a higher propensity to transition towards a more stable state during the initial transient phase. For instance, the time response required to reach the steady-state critical Reynolds number was approximately 1

τ

for

β

= 0.18 (FPG) and

τ

= 6.8 for

β

= −0.18 (APG). Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Mathematical and Computational Fluid Mechanics)

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29 pages, 12104 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Numerical Investigations of the Influence of the Spool Structure on the Flow and Damage Characteristics of Control Valves

by Haozhe Jin, Haokun An, Chao Wang and Xiaofei Liu

Fluids 2025, 10(4), 99; https://doi.org/10.3390/fluids10040099 - 7 Apr 2025

Abstract

This study investigates the flow dynamics and damage characteristics of liquid level control valves in direct coal liquefaction processes. The primary failure mechanisms are identified as eccentric jet-induced unilateral wall damage, cavitation erosion, and solid particle erosive wear. A numerical simulation framework was [...] Read more.

This study investigates the flow dynamics and damage characteristics of liquid level control valves in direct coal liquefaction processes. The primary failure mechanisms are identified as eccentric jet-induced unilateral wall damage, cavitation erosion, and solid particle erosive wear. A numerical simulation framework was developed to analyze the effects of varying spool angles (72°, 90°, 98°, 105°, and 120°) on flow stability, cavitation dynamics, and erosion patterns. The key findings include the following: A spool angle of 90° achieves the most uniform pressure distribution and minimizes eccentric jet phenomena. Spool geometry modifications exhibit a negligible influence on cavitation characteristics. Reduced wear rates are observed at smaller spool angles (72° and 90°), with the lowest particle-induced erosion occurring at 90°. There is a certain correlation between the particle residence time and the wear of the valve core wall, which is illustrated in the shorter residence times that are correlated with accelerated material degradation. The optimal spool angle of 90° simultaneously mitigates eccentric jet effects, cavitation, and erosive wear. This research provides novel insights for predictive failure analysis and the structural optimization of control valves in high-pressure multi-phase flow systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Flow Control Techniques: Advances in Flow System Analysis, Modeling and Applications)

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15 pages, 3456 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of the Adsorption Potential of Benzo(a)pyrene in Coal Produced from Sewage Treatment Station Sludge

by Natiele Kleemann, Débora Jaeschke, Nauro Silveira, Jr., Luiz Pinto, Tito Cadaval, Jr., Jean Arias, Sergiane Barbosa, Ednei Primel and Adilson Bamberg

Fluids 2025, 10(4), 98; https://doi.org/10.3390/fluids10040098 - 7 Apr 2025

Abstract

This work investigates the adsorption of benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) using a charcoal adsorbent derived from sewage treatment plant sludge. BaP is a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH), carcinogenic to humans, which his used by the World Health Organization as a marker for all PAH mixtures. [...] Read more.

This work investigates the adsorption of benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) using a charcoal adsorbent derived from sewage treatment plant sludge. BaP is a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH), carcinogenic to humans, which his used by the World Health Organization as a marker for all PAH mixtures. The charcoal was produced by the pyrolysis (500 °C, 4 h) of municipal sewage sludge. The resulting biochar presented mesoporous and oxygenated functional groups that are beneficial for the adsorption of benzo[a]pyrene. The material contained graphitic structures, suggesting potential sites for π–π interactions. The adsorption followed the Elovich kinetic model. A maximum adsorbed value of 60.8 µg g⁻¹ was achieved for an initial BaP concentration of 100 µg L⁻¹ of BaP at 298 K after 20 min. Parameters related to mass transfer phenomena, such as the intraparticle diffusion coefficient, were determined using the homogeneous solid diffusion model (HSDM). These experimental data demonstrate the great potential for computational fluid dynamics (CFD) applications. The value reached for the intraparticle diffusion coefficient was 1.63 × 10⁻¹³ m²s⁻¹. Adsorption equilibrium experiments showed that the Langmuir model was most suitable for experimental data, suggesting a monolayer molecular adsorption process. The results showed that charcoal can be employed as an effective material for removing BaP. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Computational Fluid Dynamics Applied to Transport Phenomena)

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21 pages, 9514 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Choked Flow in Calibrated Orifices for Hydraulic Fluid Power Applications

by Massimo Rundo, Paola Fresia, Carmine Conte and Paolo Casoli

Fluids 2025, 10(4), 97; https://doi.org/10.3390/fluids10040097 - 6 Apr 2025

Abstract

The flow rate through hydraulic resistance increases with the pressure drop across it, but this correlation is no longer valid under cavitation conditions. This study investigates choked flow in calibrated screw-in orifices, widely used for control and damping in fluid power components. An [...] Read more.

The flow rate through hydraulic resistance increases with the pressure drop across it, but this correlation is no longer valid under cavitation conditions. This study investigates choked flow in calibrated screw-in orifices, widely used for control and damping in fluid power components. An experimental campaign was conducted on orifices with diameters ranging from 1 to 0.4 mm at various upstream pressures using hydraulic oil. A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model was developed and validated against experiments, then used to analyze the effects of geometric parameters such as edge chamfers, hex wrench sockets, and length-to-diameter ratio. From CFD results, an analytical correlation between flow rate and pressure drop was derived, incorporating flow saturation effects. The study revealed that under saturation conditions, flow rate is largely unaffected by geometry, except for the ideal case of a perfectly sharp-edged orifice, which is rarely encountered. Even minimal chamfers of a few hundredths of a millimeter make the restrictor non-ideal. The derived correlation can be integrated into lumped parameter models of fluid power components to account for choked flow. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multiphase Flow and Fluid Machinery)

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17 pages, 4769 KiB

Open AccessArticle

CFD Analysis of Hydrodynamic Loads on Jack-Up Platforms Using Buoyancy-Modified k-ω SST Turbulence Model

by Nu Rhahida Arini, Gilang Muhammad, Eko Charnius Ilman, Teguh Hady Ariwibowo, Mohamed Moshrefi-Torbati and Deni Saputra

Fluids 2025, 10(4), 96; https://doi.org/10.3390/fluids10040096 - 4 Apr 2025

Abstract

The offshore jack-up production platform operates in extreme and unpredictable marine environments. Therefore, its structural strength must be designed to withstand harsh conditions, particularly hydrodynamic loads from waves and ocean currents. This study aims to numerically analyze the interaction of marine hydrodynamic forces [...] Read more.

The offshore jack-up production platform operates in extreme and unpredictable marine environments. Therefore, its structural strength must be designed to withstand harsh conditions, particularly hydrodynamic loads from waves and ocean currents. This study aims to numerically analyze the interaction of marine hydrodynamic forces with a jack-up production platform using OpenFOAM v1606, a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software. Specifically, the research evaluates a buoyancy-modified k−ω SST turbulence model based on the Standard Gradient Diffusion Hypothesis (SGDH) on a 3D jack-up platform model. The analysis is conducted using a Stokes 5th-order wave model within the waves2Foam toolbox, considering four variations in wave height and period. The results demonstrate that the modified turbulence model provides more accurate predictions. Additionally, they reveal that the forces acting on the platform’s walls are directly proportional to wave height and period, with the highest recorded load reaching 4000 N in Case A, where the wave height and period are 5.4 m and 5.9 s, respectively. Furthermore, it is observed that most of the forces exerted on the platform hull are vertical, primarily due to the negative pressure on the platform’s bottom side. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Marine Hydrodynamics: Theory and Application)

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19 pages, 2153 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Complex Network Method for Inferring Well Interconnectivity in Hydrocarbon Reservoirs

by M. Mayoral-Villa, F. A. Godínez, J. A. González-Guevara, J. Klapp and J. E. V. Guzmán

Fluids 2025, 10(4), 95; https://doi.org/10.3390/fluids10040095 - 4 Apr 2025

Abstract

Reservoir management becomes increasingly critical as fields decline to a fully mature state. During this stage, engineers and managers must make decisions based on a limited set of field measurements (such as pressure and production rates). At the same time, up-to-date information concerning [...] Read more.

Reservoir management becomes increasingly critical as fields decline to a fully mature state. During this stage, engineers and managers must make decisions based on a limited set of field measurements (such as pressure and production rates). At the same time, up-to-date information concerning the reservoir’s geophysical characteristics and petrochemical properties may be unavailable. To aid in the expert’s appraisal of this production scenario, we present the results of applying a data-driven methodology based on visibility graph analysis (VGA) and multiplex visibility graphs (MVGs). It infers inter-well connectivities at the reservoir level and clarifies the degrees of mutual influence among wells. This parameter-free technique supersedes the limitations of traditional methods, such as the capacitance–resistance (CR) models and inter-well numerical simulation models (INSIMs) that rely heavily on geophysical data and are sensitive to porous datasets. We tested the method with actual data representing a field’s state over 62 years. The technique revealed short- and long-term dependencies between wells when applied to historical records of production rates (oil, water, and gas) and pressures (bottom and wellhead). The inferred connectivity aligned with documented operational trends and successfully identified stable connectivity structures. In addition, the interlayer mutual information (IMI) parameter exceeded 0.75 in most periods, confirming high temporal consistency. Moreover, validation by field experts confirmed that the inferred interconnectivity was consistent with the observed production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pipe Flow: Research and Applications, 2nd Edition)

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15 pages, 2793 KiB

Open AccessReview

Geometric Analyses of the Expiratory Flow–Volume Curve to Identify Expiratory Flow Limitation During Exercise

by Hans Haverkamp, Gregory Petrics and Yannick Molgat-Seon

Fluids 2025, 10(4), 94; https://doi.org/10.3390/fluids10040094 - 3 Apr 2025

Abstract

An important purpose of cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) is to query the mechanisms for unexplained shortness of breath or exaggerated exertional dyspnea. Expiratory flow limitation (EFL) is an important indicator of ventilatory constraint that can negatively influence both dyspnea and exercise capacity. Unfortunately, [...] Read more.

An important purpose of cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) is to query the mechanisms for unexplained shortness of breath or exaggerated exertional dyspnea. Expiratory flow limitation (EFL) is an important indicator of ventilatory constraint that can negatively influence both dyspnea and exercise capacity. Unfortunately, due to logistical challenges and lack of sufficient clinical training, EFL is rarely measured during CPET. The conventional method for identifying exercise EFL is limited because it requires patient cooperation and it is also dependent on the maximal expiratory flow–volume curve, which underestimates actual maximal expiratory flow during exercise. Simplified methods for identifying EFL that are based on the shape of the exercise tidal flow–volume curve would improve the accessibility of measuring EFL during exercise. The overall aim of this review is to critically review the approaches and methods used to measure EFL in exercising adults. We review the physiology underlying EFL and the conventional methods for determining exercise EFL. We then provide critical analyses of more recent methods for identifying exercise EFL that are based on the geometry of the exercise tidal expiratory flow–volume curve. Finally, we highlight recent work designed to assess exercise EFL using a type of deep machine learning known as a convolutional neural network. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Respiratory Flows)

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34 pages, 3644 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Review of Diffuse Interface-Capturing Methods for Compressible Multiphase Flows

by Ebenezer Mayowa Adebayo, Panagiotis Tsoutsanis and Karl W. Jenkins

Fluids 2025, 10(4), 93; https://doi.org/10.3390/fluids10040093 - 3 Apr 2025

Abstract

This paper discusses in detail the classification, historical development, and application of diffuse interface-capturing models (DIMs) for compressible multiphase flows. The work begins with an overview of the development of DIMs, highlighting important contributions and key moments from classical studies to contemporary advances. [...] Read more.

This paper discusses in detail the classification, historical development, and application of diffuse interface-capturing models (DIMs) for compressible multiphase flows. The work begins with an overview of the development of DIMs, highlighting important contributions and key moments from classical studies to contemporary advances. The theoretical foundations and computational methods of the diffuse interface method are outlined for the full models and the reduced models or sub-models. Some of the difficulties encountered when using DIMs for multiphase flow modelling are also discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Compressible Flows)

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17 pages, 1224 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Numerical Approximation of the In Situ Combustion Model Using the Nonlinear Mixed Complementarity Method

by Julio César Agustin Sangay, Alexis Rodriguez Carranza, Juan Carlos Ponte Bejarano, José Luis Ponte Bejarano, Eddy Cristiam Miranda Ramos, Obidio Rubio and Franco Rubio-López

Fluids 2025, 10(4), 92; https://doi.org/10.3390/fluids10040092 - 3 Apr 2025

Abstract

In this work, we study a numerical method to approximate the exact solution of a simple in situ combustion model. To achieve this, we use the mixed nonlinear complementarity method (MNCP), a variation of the Newton method for solving nonlinear systems, incorporating a [...] Read more.

In this work, we study a numerical method to approximate the exact solution of a simple in situ combustion model. To achieve this, we use the mixed nonlinear complementarity method (MNCP), a variation of the Newton method for solving nonlinear systems, incorporating a single Hadamard product in its formulation. The method is based on an implicit finite difference scheme and a mixed nonlinear complementarity algorithm (FDA-MNCP). One of its main advantages is that it ensures global convergence, unlike the finite difference method and the Newton method, which only guarantee local convergence. We apply this theory to an in situ combustion model, reformulating it in terms of mixed complementarity. Additionally, we compare it with the FDA-NCP method, demonstrating that the FDA-MNCP is computationally more efficient when the spatial discretization is refined. Full article

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20 pages, 9841 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Experimental Investigations of Capillary Flow in Three-Dimensional-Printed Microchannels

by Behrouz Pirouz, Seyed Navid Naghib, Diamante Chirillo, Hana Javadi Nejad and Patrizia Piro

Fluids 2025, 10(4), 91; https://doi.org/10.3390/fluids10040091 - 2 Apr 2025

Abstract

In recent years, the application of microfluidic devices has increased, and three-dimensional (3D) printers for fabricating microdevices could be considered a suitable technique but, in some cases, may confront some issues. The main issues include channel roughness values, print orientation due to the [...] Read more.

In recent years, the application of microfluidic devices has increased, and three-dimensional (3D) printers for fabricating microdevices could be considered a suitable technique but, in some cases, may confront some issues. The main issues include channel roughness values, print orientation due to the 3D printer’s setup, filament materials, nozzle specifications, and condition. This study aims to analyze the capillary-driven flow in microdevices produced by 3D printers. Therefore, four 3D printer-based microchannels were investigated, and the capillary-driven flow of five liquids with different viscosities and contact angles was evaluated experimentally. The experimental results were compared with theoretical calculations using the Lucas−Washburn equation, and the impact of the width, length, and closed and open microchannel on flow behaviors was explored. The experimental results showed that the peak velocity for open and closed microchannels decreases with the length. Moreover, there were differences in flow behavior between open and closed microchannels. For the former, the maximum average velocity appeared in the microchannel with a width of 400 μm, while for the latter, it was for a width of 1000 μm. In addition, the flow velocity decreased when the viscosity increased, regardless of microchannel width. The decrease was more pronounced for the lower-viscosity liquids (ethanol and water) and smaller for the higher-viscosity ones (coffee and olive oil). Finally, the advantages and challenges of 3D printer-based microdevices are presented. Full article

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