Search Results (13)

Cryogenic compressed hydrogen (CcH2) technology combines the advantages of high pressure and low temperature to achieve high hydrogen storage density without liquefying the hydrogen, which has broad application prospects. However, the safety concerns related to cryogenic hydrogen need to be carefully addressed beforehand. In the present work, cryogenic hydrogen jet flames are experimentally investigated for various release pressures and initial temperatures. The flame length and thermal radiation flux were measured for horizontally releasing with nozzle diameters of 0.5–2 mm, temperatures ranging from 93 to 298 K, and initial pressures of 2–10 MPa. The results show that the flame length is dependent on the nozzle diameter, stagnation pressure and temperature. At a given pressure, the flame length, size and total radiant power increase with decreasing temperature, which is attributed to the lower jet flow velocity and higher density of low-temperature hydrogen. The normalized flame length L_f/D is correlated with the pressure ratio and temperature ratio. The correlation can be used to predict the flame length at various hydrogen pressures and temperatures. The normalized flame length of the cryogenic hydrogen jet flame is greater than that of the room-temperature hydrogen jet flame. The radiative heat flux of the flame can be predicted by the mass flow rate of the jet flow. Full article

Prescribed burning is a cost-effective method for reducing hazardous fuels in pine- and oak-dominated forests, but smoke emissions contribute to atmospheric pollutant loads, and the potential exists for exceeding federal air quality standards designed to protect human health. Fire behavior during prescribed burns influences above-canopy sensible heat flux and turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) in buoyant plumes, affecting the lofting and dispersion of smoke. A more comprehensive understanding of how enhanced energy fluxes and turbulence are related during the passage of flame fronts could improve efforts to mitigate the impacts of smoke emissions. Pre- and post-fire fuel loading measurements taken during 48 operational prescribed burns were used to estimate the combustion completeness factors (CC) and emissions of fine particulates (PM_2.5), carbon dioxide (CO₂), and carbon monoxide (CO) in pine- and oak-dominated stands in the Pinelands National Reserve of southern New Jersey. During 11 of the prescribed burns, sensible heat flux and turbulence statistics were measured by tower networks above the forest canopy. Fire behavior when fire fronts passed the towers ranged from low-intensity backing fires to high-intensity head fires with some crown torching. Consumption of forest-floor and understory vegetation was a near-linear function of pre-burn loading, and combustion of fine litter on the forest floor was the predominant source of emissions, even during head fires with some crowning activity. Tower measurements indicated that above-canopy sensible heat flux and TKE calculated at 1 min intervals during the passage of fire fronts were strongly influenced by fire behavior. Low-intensity backing fires, regardless of forest type, had weaker enhancement of above-canopy air temperature, vertical and horizontal wind velocities, sensible heat fluxes, and TKE compared to higher-intensity head and flanking fires. Sensible heat flux and TKE in buoyant plumes were unrelated during low-intensity burns but more tightly coupled during higher-intensity burns. The weak coupling during low-intensity backing fires resulted in reduced rates of smoke transport and dispersion, and likely in more prolonged periods of elevated surface concentrations. This research facilitates more accurate estimates of PM_2.5, CO, and CO₂ emissions from prescribed burns in the Pinelands, and it provides a better understanding of the relationships among fire behavior, sensible heat fluxes and turbulence, and smoke dispersion in pine- and oak-dominated forests. Full article

Soil moisture (SM) is an indicator of the moisture status of the land surface, which is useful for monitoring extreme weather events. Representative global SM datasets include the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP), the Global Land Data Assimilation System (GLDAS), and the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) Reanalysis 5 (ERA5), but due to their low spatial resolutions, none of these datasets well describe SM changes in local areas, and they tend to have a low accuracy. Machine learning (ML)-based SM predictions have demonstrated high accuracy, but obtaining semi-real-time SM information remains challenging, and the dependence of the validation accuracy on the data sampling method used, such as random or yearly sampling, has led to uncertainties. In this study, we aimed to develop an ML-based model for real-time SM estimation that can capture local-scale variabilities in SM and have reliable accuracy, regardless of the sampling method. This study was conducted in South Korea, and satellite image data, numerical weather prediction (NWP) data, and topographic data provided within one day were used as the input data. For SM modeling, 13 input variables affecting the surface SM status were selected: 10- and 20-day cumulative standardized precipitation indexes (SPI10 and SPI20), a normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), downward shortwave radiation (DSR), air temperature (Tair), land surface temperature (LST), soil temperature (Tsoil), relative humidity (RH), latent heat flux (LE), slope, elevation, topographic ruggedness index (TRI), and aspect. Then, SM models based on random forest (RF) and automated machine learning (AutoML) were constructed, trained, and validated using random sampling and leave-one-year-out (LOYO) cross-validation. The RF- and AutoML-based SM models had significantly high accuracy rates based on comparisons with in situ SM (mean absolute error (MAE) = 2.212–4.132%; mean bias error (MBE) = −0.110–0.136%; root mean square error (RMSE) = 3.186–5.384%; correlation coefficient (CC) = 0.732–0.913), while the AutoML-based SM model tended to have a higher accuracy than the RF-based SM model, regardless of the data sampling method used. In addition, when compared to in situ SM data, the SM models demonstrated the highest accuracy, outperforming both GLDAS and ERA5 SM data and well representing changes in the dryness/wetness of the land surface according to meteorological events (heatwave, drought, and rainfall). The SM models proposed in this study can, thus, offer semi-real-time SM data, aiding in the monitoring of moisture changes in the land surface, as well as short-term meteorological disasters, like flash droughts or floods. Full article

Heat release rate (HRR) is the principal fire characteristic of materials. There are three known methods for the measurement of HRR (based on oxygen consumption, mass loss rate, and combustion products temperature rise). The method based on oxygen consumption is considered to be the reference. However, this method is expensive and for a large part of laboratories and universities unavailable. The simplest method is based on combustion products’ temperature rise. However, this method has a fundamental problem with the temperature dependence of the heat capacity of combustion products and the thermal inertia of the measurement system. This problem has been solved by training neural networks to predict molar heat capacity and the amount of substance (chemical amount) flow rate of combustion products in the cone calorimeter exhaust duct. Data were obtained for six different wood species: birch (Betula verrucosa Ehrh.), oak (Quercus robur L.) spruce (Picea abies (L.) H. Karst.), locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.), poplar (Populus nigra × P. maximowiczii L.), and willow (Salix alba L.) woods at heat fluxes from 25 to 50 kW m⁻² have been used for neural network training. Data from three other wood species iroko (Milicia excelsa (Welw.) C.C. Berg), pine (Pinus sylvestris L.), and paulownia (Paulownia tomentosa (Thunb.) Steud.) woods have been used for testing of trained neural network. The average percentage ratio of the predicted to the true value of HRR (during the test) has been 103.8%. In addition to that, some key average fire characteristics of wood have been determined: critical heat flux 20.7 kW m⁻², effective heat of combustion 14.01 MJ kg⁻¹, and the average value of molar heat capacity of combustion products 0.045 kJ mol⁻¹ K⁻¹. Full article

The problem of the formation and estimation of a thermoradiant and temperature field in ceramics Thermal- Environmental-Barrier Coatings (TBC/EBC) has been considered with complex heat transfer but under the influence of the penetrating intense radiant component. The authors proposed to analyze not only TBC but also EBC from the point of view of the optics of semitransparent scattering and absorbing media in the range of ~0.4–4 μm of external radiant action. This paradigm allows us to continue the study of ceramic fibers embedded in ceramic matrix CMCs (C/C, C/SiC, SiC/SiC) as a traditional class of opaque materials. However, at the same time, mullites, Al₂O₃/Al₂O₃ have been reviewed as a class of semitransparent elements for designing CMCs. The relevance of studying the effect of oriented fibers on the formation of thermoradiation and temperature fields in a semitransparent material was noted. Modeling the scattering asymmetry coefficient influence (scattering phase function) on the generation of the subsurface thermal radiation source was carried out. The methodology for calculating the thermoradiative field in a semitransparent medium (with relative absorption, scattering indexes, and scattering asymmetry coefficient) was used under a one-dimensional two-flux model as the first approximation for solving the radiative heat transfer equation. Calculations of temperature profiles in opaque and semitransparent ceramics were presented under heat load typical for the combustion chambers operating regime of diesel and gas turbine engines. Full article

The purpose of this work is to offer a unique theoretical ternary nanofluid (graphene/tungsten oxide/zirconium oxide) framework for better heat transfer. This model describes how to create better heat conduction than a hybrid nanofluid. Three different nanostructures with different chemical and physical bonds are suspended in water to create the ternary nanofluid (graphene/tungsten oxide/zirconium oxide). Toxic substances are broken down, the air is purified, and other devices are cooled thanks to the synergy of these nanoparticles. The properties of ternary nanofluids are discussed in this article, including their thermal conductivity, specific heat capacitance, viscosity, and density. In addition, heat transport phenomena are explained by the Cattaneo–Christov (CC) heat flow theory. In the modeling of the physical phenomena under investigation, the impacts of thermal nonlinear radiation and velocity slip are considered. By using the right transformations, flow-generating PDEs are converted into nonlinear ordinary differential equations. The parameters’ impacts on the velocity and temperature fields are analyzed in detail. The modeled problem is graphically handled in MATLAB using a numerical technique (BVP4c). Graphical representations of the important factors affecting temperature and velocity fields are illustrated through graphs. The findings disclose that the performance of ternary nanofluid phase heat transfer is improved compared to dusty phase performance. Furthermore, the magnetic parameter and the velocity slip parameter both experience a slowing-down effect of their respective velocities. Full article

The radiolysis of water is a significant cause of corrosion damage in the primary heat transport systems (PHTSs) of water-cooled, fission nuclear power reactors (BWRs, PWRs, and CANDUs) and is projected to be a significant factor in the evolution of corrosion damage in future fusion reactors (e.g., the ITER that is currently under development). In Part I of this two-part series, we reviewed the proposed mechanisms for the radiolysis of water and demonstrate that radiolysis leads to the formation of a myriad of oxidizing and reducing species. In this Part II, we review the role that the radiolysis species play in establishing the electrochemical corrosion potential (ECP) and the development of corrosion damage due to intergranular stress corrosion cracking (IGSCC) in reactor PHTSs. We demonstrate, that the radiolytic oxidizing radiolysis products, such as O₂, H₂O₂, HO₂⁻, and OH, when in molar excess over reducing species (H₂, H, and O₂²⁻), some of which (H₂) are preferentially stripped from the coolant upon boiling in a BWR PHTS, for example, renders the coolant in many BWRs oxidizing, thereby shifting the ECP in the positive direction to a value that is more positive than the critical potential (E_crit = −0.23 V_she at 288 °C) for IGSCC in sensitized austenitic stainless steel (e.g., Type 304 SS). This has led to many IGSCC incidents in operating BWRs over the past five decades that has exacted a great cost on the plant operators and electricity consumers, alike. In the case of PWRs, the primary circuits are pressurized with hydrogen to give a hydrogen concentration of 10 to 50 cm³/kgH₂O (0.89 to 4.46 ppm), such that no sustained boiling occurs, and the hydrogen suppresses the radiolysis of water, thereby inhibiting the formation of oxidizing radiolysis products from water. Thus, the ECP is dominated by the hydrogen electrode reaction (HER), although important deviations from the HER equilibrium potential may occur, particularly at low [H₂]. In any event, the ECP is displaced to approximately −0.85 V_she, which is below the critical potential for IGSCC in sensitized stainless steels but is also more negative than the critical potential for the hydrogen-induced cracking (HIC) of mill-annealed Alloy 600. This has led to extensive cracking of steam generator tubing and other components (e.g., control rod drive tubes, pressurizer components) in PWRs that has also exacted a high cost on operators and power consumers. Although the ITER has yet to operate, the proposed chemistry protocol for the coolant places it close to a BWR operating on Normal Water Chemistry (NWC) without boiling or, if hydrogen is added to the IBED-PHTS, close to a BWR on Hydrogen Water Chemistry (HWC). In the current ITER technology, the concentration of H₂ in the IBED-PHTS is specified to be 80 ppb, which is the concentration that will be experienced in both the Plasma Flux Area (PFA) and in the Out of Plasma Flux Area (OPFA). That corresponds to 0.90 cc(STP) H₂/KgH₂O, compared with 20–50 cc(STP) H₂/KgH₂O employed in a PWR primary coolant circuit and 5.5 to 22 cc(STP) H₂/KgH₂O in a BWR on hydrogen water chemistry (HWC). We predict that a hydrogen concentration of 80 ppb is sufficient to reduce the ECP in the OPFA to a level (−0.324 V_she) that is sufficient to suppress the crack growth rate (CGR) below the practical, maximum level of 10⁻⁹ cm/s (0.315 mm/a) at which SCC is considered not to be a problem in a coolant circuit but, in the PFA, the ECP is predicted to be 0.380 V_she, which gives a calculated standard CGR of 2.7 × 10⁻⁶ cm/s. This is more than three orders in magnitude greater that the desired maximum value of 10⁻⁹ cm/s. We recommend that the HWC issue in ITER be revisited to develop a protocol that is effective in suppressing both the ECP and the CGR in the PFA to levels that permit the operation of the IBED-PHTS in accordance with the experience gained in fission reactor technology. Full article

In this paper, an analogous study of the velocity and temperature profiles inside microchannel cooling plates (with hydraulic diameter of 6 mm), placed on a large pouch-type LiFePO₄ battery, is presented using both the laboratory and simulation techniques. For this, we used reverse engineering (RE), computed tomography (CT) scanning, Detroit Engineering Products (DEP) MeshWorks 8.0 for surface meshing of the cold plate, and STAR CCM+ for steady-state simulation. The numerical study was conducted for 20 A (1C) and 40 A (2C) and different operating temperatures. For experimental work, three heat flux sensors were used and were intentionally pasted at distributed locations, out of which one was situated near the negative tab (anode) and the other was near the positive tab (cathode), because the heat production is high near electrodes and the one near the mid body. Moreover, the realizable k-ε turbulence model in STAR CCM+ is used for simulation of the stream in a microchannel cooling plate, and the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations under constant current (CC) discharge load cases are studied. Later, the validation is conducted with the lab data to ensure sufficient cooling occurs for the required range of temperature. The outcome of this research work shows that as C-rates and ambient temperature increase, the temperature contours of the cooling plates also increase. Full article

The investigation and improvement of the cooling process of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) used in battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) are required in order to achieve better performance and longer lifespan. In this manuscript, the temperature and velocity profiles of cooling plates used to cool down the large prismatic Graphite/LiFePO₄ battery are presented using both laboratory testing and modeling techniques. Computed tomography (CT) scanning was utilized for the cooling plate, Detroit Engineering Products (DEP) MeshWorks 8.0 was used for meshing of the cooling plate, and STAR CCM+ was used for simulation. The numerical investigation was conducted for higher C-rates of 3C and 4C with different ambient temperatures. For the experimental work, three heat flux sensors were attached to the battery surface. Water was used as a coolant inside the cooling plate to cool down the battery. The mass flow rate at each channel was 0.000277677 kg/s. The k-ε model was then utilized to simulate the turbulent behaviour of the fluid in the cooling plate, and the thermal behaviour under constant current (CC) discharge was studied and validated with the experimental data. This study provides insight into thermal and flow characteristics of the coolant inside a cooing plate, which can be used for designing more efficient cooling plates. Full article

In the present exploration, our objective is to investigate the importance of Hall current coatings in the establishment of Cattaneo–Christov (CC) heat flux model in an unsteady aqueous-based nanofluid flow comprising single (SWCNTs) and multi-walled (MWCNTs) carbon nanotubes (CNTs) amid two parallel rotating stretchable disks. The novelty of the presented model is strengthened with the presence of homogeneous-heterogeneous (HH) reactions and thermal stratification effects. The numerical solution of the system of coupled differential equations with high nonlinearity is obtained by applying the bvp4c function of MATLAB software. To corroborate the authenticity of the present envisioned mathematical model, a comparison table is added to this study in limiting case. An excellent harmony between the two results is obtained. Effects of numerous parameters on involved distributions are displayed graphically and are argued logically in the light of physical laws. Numerical values of coefficient of drag force and Nusselt number are also tabulated for different parameters. It is observed that tangential velocity (function of rotation parameter) is increasing for both CNTs. Further, the incremental values of thermal stratification parameter cause the decrease in fluid temperature parameter. Full article

The present research examines the impact of second-order slip with thermal and solutal stratification coatings on three-dimensional (3D) Williamson nanofluid flow past a bidirectional stretched surface and envisages it analytically. The novelty of the analysis is strengthened by Cattaneo–Christov (CC) heat flux accompanying varying thermal conductivity. The appropriate set of transformations is implemented to get a differential equation system with high nonlinearity. The structure is addressed via the homotopy analysis technique. The authenticity of the presented model is verified by creating a comparison with the limited published results and finding harmony between the two. The impacts of miscellaneous arising parameters are deliberated through graphical structures. Some useful tabulated values of arising parameters versus physical quantities are also discussed here. It is observed that velocity components exhibit an opposite trend with respect to the stretching ratio parameter. Moreover, the Brownian motion parameter shows the opposite behavior versus temperature and concentration distributions. Full article

During the continuous casting (CC) of Ti-bearing steel, a steel lump can solidify in the mold (i.e., floater steel) more easily than in the Ti-free steels. This causes severe surface defects or even a breakout. We have examined the mechanisms of floater formation during the CC of 321 stainless steel by analyzing the inclusions in the floater steel and in the 321 steel that was sampled from the mold. Additionally, we calculated the disregistry between the metallic phases and common inclusions. The mineralogy and morphology of the inclusions were examined while using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Thermodynamic calculations on the Ti_xO_y inclusions at different oxygen potentials were performed while using FactSage 7.2. Using this approach, we determined that ferrite nucleates grow on TiN and MgO inclusions following solidification, which then form micro-aggregates as a result of dynamic collisions and alliances. Analysis of the mold slag from the metallurgy stage indicated that altering the basicity and properties of the mold flux systematically might minimize the reaction between the slag and steel, which would achieve a coordinated control over lubrication and heat transfer. Full article

In the present exploration, instead of the more customary parabolic Fourier law, we have adopted the hyperbolic Cattaneo–Christov (C–C) heat flux model to jump over the major hurdle of “parabolic energy equation”. The more realistic three-dimensional Carreau fluid flow analysis is conducted in attendance of temperature-dependent thermal conductivity. The other salient impacts affecting the considered model are the homogeneous-heterogeneous (h-h) reactions and magnetohydrodynamic (MHD). The boundary conditions supporting the problem are convective heat and of h-h reactions. The considered boundary layer problem is addressed via similarity transformations to obtain the system of coupled differential equations. The numerical solutions are attained by undertaking the MATLAB built-in function bvp4c. To comprehend the consequences of assorted parameters on involved distributions, different graphs are plotted and are accompanied by requisite discussions in the light of their physical significance. To substantiate the presented results, a comparison to the already conducted problem is also given. It is envisaged that there is a close correlation between the two results. This shows that dependable results are being submitted. It is noticed that h-h reactions depict an opposite behavior versus concentration profile. Moreover, the temperature of the fluid augments for higher values of thermal conductivity parameters. Full article