Search Results (151)

The present study investigates the influence of low temperatures on the starting torque, viscous friction, and power intensity of a precision cycloidal reducer TwinSpin TS 140-115-E-P19-0583. Two types of plastic greases with differing viscosities were compared in the experiment: Castrol TT-1 (low-viscosity, optimised for low-temperature) and Vigo RE-0 (higher viscosity, designated for greater loads). The measurements were taken in a climate chamber in the temperature ranging from +24 °C to −20 °C in the mode accounting for no external load. The results have shown that Castrol TT-1 maintains its beneficial rheological properties at as low as −20 °C, which is manifested in a low starting torque (~0.30 Nm) and low power intensity (~0.33 kW). On the contrary, Vigo RE-0 shows a significant increase in friction: at −20 °C, the starting torque is 1.0–1.1 Nm and the power intensity of the operation increases to consume more than 1.5 kW. The correct choice of lubricant is a critical factor for reliable cold-start behaviour under no-load, internal-loss-dominated conditions. This study provides a rare experimentally verified low-temperature assessment of starting torque, viscous friction, and power intensity in fully assembled TwinSpin precision cycloidal reducers lubricated with greases of markedly different viscosity classes, addressing an important gap in the existing literature. Full article

The aim of this work is to describe the gelation process of a crosslinked polymer composition depending on its flow rate in free space and in pore space. The object of the study is a polymer solution based on partially hydrolyzed polyacrylonitrile and chromium acetate. A team of researchers has proposed a new approach to describing the kinetic viscosity curve of a crosslinked polymer system in a free volume. This approach takes into account oscillatory variations in the structural and mechanical characteristics relative to a smoothly increasing gelation curve. The nonlinear effects are linked to the processes of structural formation and, simultaneously, destruction due to mechanical, thermobaric, and chemical destruction under varying flow conditions. The proposed solution is based on the Verhulst differential equation and tested on five values of shear rates with the addition of correction factors. The article explains the processes of gel formation and the destruction of polymer compounds, and compares the equation of limited growth with the Kenneth Sorbie method, which is employed in the PC-GEL simulator. The limitations of the modern gel invasion model used in the UTCHEM and BPOPE simulator within the porous media (within a narrow gap) are revealed. Full article

Accurate prediction of separated flows remains a critical challenge for Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) simulations, primarily due to the tendency of standard turbulence models to overpredict separation. To address this limitation, this study develops and validates a helicity-augmented variant of Menter’s Shear Stress Transport (SST) model within a high-fidelity, data-guided framework. First, a scale-resolving database, capturing the physics of corner separation, is established via an improved Delayed Detached Eddy Simulation (DDES) of a linear compressor cascade. Insights from this database directly inform the integration of a normalized helicity parameter into the SST formulation, enabling dynamic modulation of the turbulent eddy viscosity to account for non-equilibrium turbulence and energy backscatter in three-dimensional (3D) vortical flows. The enhanced SST model is subsequently validated against experimental data for two benchmark aerodynamic configurations: ARA M100 wing–fuselage and DLR-F6 aircraft models. Results demonstrate that the proposed correction significantly improves the prediction of separation topology and aerodynamic coefficients, delays the predicted onset of stall, and achieves closer agreement with measurements. These findings confirm the DDES-guided helicity correction as an effective strategy for enhancing the predictive fidelity of RANS models in simulating the complex separated flows encountered in practical aeronautical applications. Full article

Traditional fluid network theory often underestimates pressure losses in complex pipe-bundle systems operating under vortex-dominated flow conditions, with deviations exceeding 20% in many cases. To address this limitation, this study proposes a vortex-based correction method. Three-dimensional simulations were performed on a multidirectional parallel pipe bundle to analyze vortex formation and to quantify the effects of fluid properties (viscosity and inlet velocity) and structural parameters (branch diameter, manifold cross-sectional ratio, and manifold arrangement) on pressure loss. To account for vortex-induced energy dissipation that is overlooked by conventional one-dimensional network models, an additional vortex-induced loss coefficient, α, is introduced to modify the pressure-loss formulation. Results indicate that higher viscosity, larger branch diameter, a higher manifold cross-sectional ratio, and a co-flow arrangement improve flow uniformity and prediction accuracy. Conversely, higher inlet velocities and counter-flow arrangements intensify vortex effects and increase prediction deviations. Least-squares fitting indicates that α ranges from 1.15 to 1.37. Implementation of the proposed correction reduces pressure-loss prediction errors to within 5%, demonstrating the method’s effectiveness and extending the applicability of fluid network theory to vortex-dominated flows. Full article

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is one of the most selective physiological interfaces in the human body. Transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) has become a widely adopted quantitative metric for assessing its in vitro structural and functional integrity. Although TEER measurements are routinely incorporated into BBB-on-chips, the absence of harmonized electrode architectures, measurement settings, and reporting standards continues to undermine reproducibility and translational reliability among laboratories. This systematic review provides the first comprehensive classification and critical comparison of electrode configurations used for TEER assessment, specifically within BBB-on-chip systems. Eligible studies were analyzed and categorized according to electrode design, fabrication method, integration strategy, and operational constraints. We critically evaluated six principal electrode architectures, highlighting their performance trade-offs in terms of uniformity of current distribution, long-term stability, scalability, and compatibility with dynamic shear conditions. Furthermore, we propose a bioinspired TEER reporting framework that consolidates essential metadata, including electrode specification, temperature control, viscosity effects, and blank resistance correction. Our analysis proposes screen-printed and hybrid silver-indium tin oxide (ITO) electrodes as promising candidates for next-generation BBB platforms. Moreover, our review provides a structured roadmap for standardizing TEER electrode design and reporting practices to facilitate interlaboratory consistency and accelerate the adoption of BBB-on-chip systems as truly biomimetic platforms for predictive neuropharmacological workflows. Full article

This study investigates the influence of surface texturing on temperature distribution in lubricated sliding contacts using infrared thermography. The work addresses the broader challenge of understanding thermal effects in conformal hydrodynamic contacts, where localized heating and viscosity variations can significantly affect tribological performance. A pin-on-disc configuration was employed, featuring steel pins with laser-etched micro-dimples that slid against a sapphire disc, allowing for thermal imaging of the contact zone. A dual-bandpass filter infrared thermography technique was developed and rigorously calibrated to distinguish between the temperatures of the steel surface and the lubricant film. Friction measurements and laser-induced fluorescence were used in parallel to assess contact conditions and the behavior of the lubricant film. The results show that surface textures can alter local frictional heating and contribute to non-uniform temperature distributions, particularly in parallel contact geometries. Lubricant temperature was consistently higher than the surface temperature, highlighting the role of shear heating within the fluid film. However, within the tested parameter range, no unambiguous viscosity-wedge signature was identified beyond the dominant temperature-driven viscosity reduction captured by the in situ correction. The method provides a novel means of experimentally resolving temperature fields in sliding textured contacts, offering a valuable foundation for validating thermo-hydrodynamic models in lubricated tribological systems. Full article

Detailed knowledge regarding the thermophysical properties and electrical conductivity of the combustion products derived from solid propellants is essential for the optimized design and operation of solid-fuel rocket engines employing magnetohydrodynamic drive technology. However, the high-temperature and high-pressure environment prevailing during rocket operation makes the experimental measurement of these characteristics extremely difficult, while the ionization reactions obtained by adding ionization seeds containing cesium to solid propellants for increasing the electrical conductivity of gaseous combustion products makes the theoretical calculation of these characteristics extremely problematic as well. The present work addresses these issues by constructing a minimum Gibbs free energy constraint function in conjunction with the Debye–Hückel correction under the condition of ionization to calculate the equilibrium components of combustion products. The obtained equilibrium components are then applied in conjunction with Lennard–Jones potential energy theory and the Champan–Enskog framework to approximately calculate the specific heat, viscosity coefficient, and thermal conductivity of propellant gases over a wide range of temperatures and pressures. The Kantrowitz model is proposed to solve the electrical conductivity of combustion products. Finally, the accuracy of the numerical calculations is validated through the Langmuir probe experiment. The discrepancy between calculated and measured electron density decreases with increasing temperature and remains within 5% when the combustion product temperature exceeds approximately 1800 K. The validity of the proposed framework is demonstrated by examining the effects of temperature, pressure, and ionization seed content on the thermophysical properties and electrical conductivity of the combustion products derived from tri-base solid propellant with cesium atoms employed as ionization seeds. Full article

Drilling fluid loss is a common and complex downhole problem that occurs during drilling in deep fractured formations, which has a significant negative impact on the exploration and development of oil and gas resources. Establishing a drilling fluid loss model for the quantitative analysis of drilling fluid loss is the most effective method for the diagnosis of drilling fluid loss, which provides a favorable basis for the formulation of drilling fluid loss control measures, including the information on thief zone location, loss type, and the size of loss channels. The previous loss model assumes that the drilling fluid is driven by constant flow or pressure at the fracture inlet. However, drilling fluid loss is a complex physical process in the coupled wellbore circulation system. The lost drilling fluid is driven by dynamic bottomhole pressure (BHP) during the drilling process. The use of a single-phase model to describe drilling fluids ignores the influence of solid-phase particles in the drilling fluid system on its rheological properties. This paper aims to model drilling fluid loss in the coupled wellbore–-fracture system based on the two-phase flow model. It focuses on the effects of well depth, drilling pumping rate, drilling fluid density, viscosity, fracture geometric parameters, and their morphology on loss during the drilling fluid circulation process. Numerical discrete equations are derived using the finite volume method and the “upwind” scheme. The correctness of the model is verified by published literature data and experimental data. The results show that the loss model without considering the circulation of drilling fluid underestimates the extent of drilling fluid loss. The presence of annular pressure loss in the circulation of drilling fluid will lead to an increase in BHP, resulting in more serious loss. Full article

The stability of ceramic suspensions is a key factor in the preparation and shaping of ceramic bodies. The presented work offers an experimental determination of ceramics suspensions stability using the LUMiSizer analytical centrifuge, focusing on kinetic behaviour using transmission profiles and instability indexes. Multiple ceramic systems comprising corundum, metakaolin, and zirconia suspensions were experimentally examined under varying solid contents, dispersant dosages, and additive concentrations. Results showed that highly loaded corundum suspensions with dispersant (Dolapix CE64) achieved excellent stability, with an instability index below 0.05. Compared to classical sedimentation tests, which are time-consuming and not highly sensitive, LUMiSizer offers a suitable alternative by guaranteeing correct kinetic data and instability indexes indicating suspension behaviour using centrifugal force. Comparisons of the LUMiSizer results and data obtained using the modified Stokes law confirmed increased terminal velocities in experiments with metakaolin suspensions, indicating the sensitivity of the centrifuge to the effect of dispersion medium shape. The influence of porogen (waste coffee grounds) on the stability of corundum suspensions was also investigated, followed by slip casting to create and characterize a ceramic body, confirming the possibility of shaping based on stability results. Furthermore, instability indices are suggested as a rapid, quantitative method for comparing system stability and as an auxiliary criterion to the rheological measurements. Optimal dispersant concentration for zirconia-based photocurable suspensions was identified as 8.5 wt.%, which minimized viscosity and, at the same time, assured maximal kinetic stability. Integrating the LUMiSizer analytical centrifuge with standard methods, including sedimentation tests and rheological measurements, highlights its value as a powerful tool for characterizing and optimizing ceramic suspensions. Full article

To accommodate the extreme thermodynamic effects and erosion damage in throttling equipment for ultra-high-pressure natural gas wells (175 MPa), a coupled multiphase flow erosion numerical model for nozzles was established. This model incorporates a real gas compressibility factor correction and is based on the renormalized k-ε RNG (Renormalization Group k-epsilon model, a turbulence model that simulates the effects of vortices and rotation in the mean flow by modifying turbulent viscosity) turbulence model and the Discrete Phase Model (DPM, a multiphase flow model based on the Eulerian–Lagrangian framework). The study revealed that the nozzle flow characteristics follow an equal-percentage nonlinear regulation pattern. Choked flow occurs at the throttling orifice throat due to supersonic velocity (Ma ≈ 3.5), resulting in a mass flow rate governed solely by the upstream total pressure. The Joule–Thomson effect induces a drastic temperature drop of 273 K. The outlet temperature drops below the critical temperature for methane hydrate phase transition, thereby presenting a substantial risk of hydrate formation and ice blockage in the downstream outlet segment. Erosion analysis indicates that particles accumulate in the 180° backside region of the cage sleeve under the influence of secondary flow. At a 30% opening, micro-jet impact causes the maximum erosion rate to surge to 3.47 kg/(m²·s), while a minimum erosion rate is observed at a 50% opening. Across all opening levels, the maximum erosion rate consistently concentrates on the oblique section of the plunger front. Results demonstrate that removing the front chamfer of the plunger effectively improves the internal erosion profile. These findings provide a theoretical basis for the reliability design and risk prevention of surface equipment in deep ultra-high-pressure gas wells. Full article

Objective: Dysphagia is common among elderly patients after hip fracture surgery and can lead to aspiration pneumonia, malnutrition, and delayed rehabilitation. This study aims to present current clinical practice patterns of assessment and intervention for dysphagia in this patient group. Methods: The study was conducted through a two-round online questionnaire targeting Danish occupational therapists with expertise in dysphagia post hip fracture. Results: A total of 71 therapists participated in round one, and 44 (62%) completed round two. Triggers for assessment included coughing, recurrent pneumonia, voice changes, altered eating habits, unplanned weight loss, functional decline, and comorbidities; age was rarely used. Frequently used assessment tools were Facio-Oral Tract Therapy (57.1%), the Minimal Eating Observation Form—Version II (40%) and the Volume–Viscosity Swallow Test (41.4%). Key interventions included texture modification, posture correction, patient education, oral hygiene optimization, compensatory strategies, and dysphagia training; oral screens and electrical stimulation were less common. Conclusions: This study provides a descriptive overview of current dysphagia assessment triggers, tools, and interventions used for elderly hip fracture patients in Denmark. The findings highlight clinical practice patterns that can inform future research on patient outcomes and the effectiveness of specific interventions in this population. Full article

To address the issue of coating accumulation model failure in unstable environments, this paper proposes a dynamic control method based on visual differential feedback. An image difference model is constructed through online image data modeling and real-time reference image feedback, enabling real-time correction of the coating accumulation model. Firstly, by combining the Arrhenius equation and the Hagen–Poiseuille equation, it is demonstrated that pressure regulation and temperature changes are equivalent under dataset establishment conditions, thereby reducing data collection costs. Secondly, online paint mist image acquisition and processing technology enables real-time modeling, overcoming the limitations of traditional offline methods. This approach reduces modeling time to less than 4 min, enhancing real-time parameter adjustability. Thirdly, an image difference model employing a CNN + MLP structure, combined with feature fusion and optimization strategies, achieved high prediction accuracy: R² > 0.999, RMSE < 0.79 kPa, and σ_e < 0.74 kPa on the test set for paint A; and R² > 0.997, RMSE < 0.67 kPa, and σ_e < 0.66 kPa on the test set for aviation paint B. The results show that the model can achieve good dynamic regulation for both types of typical aviation paint used in the experiment: high-viscosity polyurethane enamel (paint A, viscosity 22 s at 25 °C) and epoxy polyamide primer (paint B, viscosity 18 s at 25 °C). In summary, the image difference model can achieve dynamic regulation of the coating accumulation model in unstable environments, ensuring the stability of the coating accumulation model. This technology can be widely applied in industrial spraying scenarios with high requirements for coating uniformity and stability, especially in occasions with significant fluctuations in environmental parameters or complex process conditions, and has important engineering application value. Full article

Since the beginning of the 21st century, the supercritical carbon dioxide (sCO₂) Brayton cycle has emerged as a hot topic of research in the energy field. Among its key components, the sCO₂ compressor has received significant attention. In particular, axial-flow sCO₂ compressors are increasingly being investigated as power systems advance toward high power scaling. This paper reviews global research progress in this field. As for performance characteristics, currently, sCO₂ axial-flow compressors are mostly designed with large mass flow rates (>100 kg/s), near-critical inlet conditions, multistage configurations with relatively low stage pressure ratios (1.1–1.2), and high isentropic efficiencies (87–93%). As for internal flow characteristics, although similarity laws remain applicable to sCO₂ turbomachinery, the flow dynamics are strongly influenced by abrupt variations in thermophysical properties (e.g., viscosities, sound speeds, and isentropic exponents). High Reynolds numbers reduce frictional losses and enhance flow stability against separation but increase sensitivity to wall roughness. The locally reduced sound speed may induce shock waves and choke, while drastic variation in the isentropic exponent makes the multistage matching difficult and disperses normalized performance curves. Additionally, the quantitative impact of a near-critical phase change remains insufficiently understood. As for the experimental investigation, so far, it has been publicly shown that only the University of Notre Dame has conducted an axial-flow compressor experimental test, for the first stage of a 10 MW sCO₂ multistage axial-flow compressor. Although the measured efficiency is higher than that of all known sCO₂ centrifugal compressors, the inlet conditions evidently deviate from the critical point, limiting the applicability of the results to sCO₂ power cycles. As for design and optimization, conventional design methodologies for axial-flow compressors require adaptations to incorporate real-gas property correction models, re-evaluations of maximum diffusion (e.g., the DF parameter) for sCO₂ applications, and the intensification of structural constraints due to the high pressure and density of sCO₂. In conclusion, further research should focus on two aspects. The first is to carry out more fundamental cascade experiments and numerical simulations to reveal the complex mechanisms for the near-critical, transonic, and two-phase flow within the sCO₂ axial-flow compressor. The second is to develop loss models and design a space suitable for sCO₂ multistage axial-flow compressors, thus improving the design tools for high-efficiency and wide-margin sCO₂ axial-flow compressors. Full article

A functional measure encompasses quantum corrections and is explored in the fluid/gravity correspondence. Corrections to the response and transport coefficients in the second-order dissipative relativistic hydrodynamics are proposed, including those to the pressure, relaxation time, and shear relaxation time. Their dependence on the quark–gluon plasma (QGP) temperature sets a temperature dependence on the running parameter encoding the one-loop quantum gravity correction, driven by a functional measure. The experimental range of the bulk-viscosity-to-entropy-density ratio of the QGP, obtained by five different analyses (JETSCAPE Bayesian model, Duke, Jyväskylä–Helsinki–Munich, MIT–Utrecht–Genève, and Shanghai) corroborates the existence of the functional measure. Our results suggest that high-temperature plasmas could be used to experimentally test quantum gravity. Full article

Field observations revealed that a mooring buoy rapidly drifts in a reciprocating motion along an arcuate path between two extreme positions. When the anchor point is considered the origin and viewed from an aerial perspective, this movement resembles a pendulum. The implications of this motion for data acquisition efficiency prompted our inquiry into this phenomenon. The comparative analysis of the model’s different movements under wave-only, current-only, and wave–current conditions demonstrates that currents are the source inducing this pendulum-like motion. To investigate the mechanism of this current-driven motion, the flow field around the buoy was visualized through numerical simulations. Specifically, the CFD results aligned with the field data and confirmed that periodic vortex shedding induces oscillatory forces, which dominate the rapid reciprocating movement. The findings emphasize the significant impact of fluid viscosity and the resulting vortex effects on the motion characteristics of buoys. They can provide a foundation for addressing more applied problems of data error-correcting and trajectory predictions. Full article