Comparison between frequency domain and time domain riser analysis

In the optimization or parametric analyses of risers, several configurations must be analyzed. It is laborious to perform time domain solutions for the dynamic analysis, since they are time-consuming tasks. So, frequency domain solutions appear to be a possible alternative, mainly in the early stages of a riser design. However, frequency domain analysis is linear and requires that nonlinear effects are treated. The aim of this paper is to present a possible way to treat some of these nonlinearities, using an iterative process together with an analytical correction, and compare the results of a frequency domain analysis with the those of a full nonlinear analysis. [DOI: 10.1115/1.4006149]

Experimental investigation of regular fluids and nanofluids during flow boiling in a single microchannel at different heat fluxes and mass fluxes

The dissipation of high heat flux from integrated circuit chips and the maintenance of acceptable junction temperatures in high powered electronics require advanced cooling technologies. One such technology is two-phase cooling in microchannels under confined flow boiling conditions. In macroscale flow boiling bubbles will nucleate on the channel walls, grow, and depart from the surface. In microscale flow boiling bubbles can fill the channel diameter before the liquid drag force has a chance to sweep them off the channel wall. As a confined bubble elongates in a microchannel, it traps thin liquid films between the heated wall and the vapor core that are subject to large temperature gradients. The thin films evaporate rapidly, sometimes faster than the incoming mass flux can replenish bulk fluid in the microchannel. When the local vapor pressure spike exceeds the inlet pressure, it forces the upstream interface to travel back into the inlet plenum and create flow boiling instabilities. Flow boiling instabilities reduce the temperature at which critical heat flux occurs and create channel dryout. Dryout causes high surface temperatures that can destroy the electronic circuits that use two-phase micro heat exchangers for cooling. Flow boiling instability is characterized by periodic oscillation of flow regimes which induce oscillations in fluid temperature, wall temperatures, pressure drop, and mass flux. When nanofluids are used in flow boiling, the nanoparticles become deposited on the heated surface and change its thermal conductivity, roughness, capillarity, wettability, and nucleation site density. It also affects heat transfer by changing bubble departure diameter, bubble departure frequency, and the evaporation of the micro and macrolayer beneath the growing bubbles. Flow boiling was investigated in this study using degassed, deionized water, and 0.001 vol% aluminum oxide nanofluids in a single rectangular brass microchannel with a hydraulic diameter of 229 µm for one inlet fluid temperature of 63°C and two constant flow rates of 0.41 ml/min and 0.82 ml/min. The power input was adjusted for two average surface temperatures of 103°C and 119°C at each flow rate. High speed images were taken periodically for water and nanofluid flow boiling after durations of 25, 75, and 125 minutes from the start of flow. The change in regime timing revealed the effect of nanoparticle suspension and deposition on the Onset of Nucelate Boiling (ONB) and the Onset of Bubble Elongation (OBE). Cycle duration and bubble frequencies are reported for different nanofluid flow boiling durations. The addition of nanoparticles was found to stabilize bubble nucleation and growth and limit the recession rate of the upstream and downstream interfaces, mitigating the spreading of dry spots and elongating the thin film regions to increase thin film evaporation.

Analysis of bare-tether systems for deorbiting low-earth-orbit satellites

Performances, design criteria, and system mass of bare tethers for satellite deorbiting missions are analyzed. Orbital conditions and tether cross section define a tether length, such that 1) shorter tethers are electron collecting practically in their whole extension and 2) longer tethers collect practically the short-circuit current in a fixed segment length. Long tethers have a higher drag efficiency (defined as the drag force vs the tether mass) and are better adapted to adverse plasma densities. Dragging efficiency and mission-related costs are used to define design criteria for tether geometry. A comparative analysis with electric thrusters shows that bare tethers have much lower costs for low- and midinclination orbits and remain an attractive option up to 70 deg.

Extracción de energía del agua mediante generadores piezoeléctricos

El desarrollo del Proyecto consiste, por una parte, en el estudio sobre la respuesta de los materiales piezoeléctricos como generadores de energía en un entorno acuoso que está sometido a variaciones de potencial y, por otra, en el estudio técnico y económico de un equipo basado en la utilización esta fuente de energía y su comercialización en el mercado energético. Esta energía es la que se obtiene de la fuerza de arrastre del agua al desplazarse a causa del movimiento ondulatorio de las olas y que el elemento al flexionar es capaz de transformar. El proyecto contempla a partir de modelos, el funcionamiento eléctrico y mecánico de un generador piezoeléctrico, el sistema de electrónica necesaria para su inserción optimizada en la red eléctrica. A partir de esto se desarrolla una instalación que puede adaptarse a los requerimientos del estudio previo. Empleando un modelo de relación técnica y económica se establece una conexión entre estas dos secciones para hacerse una idea de la rentabilidad económica de un equipo de este estilo a día de hoy. El propósito final, es el de estudiar un nuevo tipo de energía, y comenzar una línea que puede llevar a un lugar muy interesante del sector energético. ABSTRACT This Project presents an analysis on the performance of piezoelectric materials as energy producer in an aquatic environment subject to potential variations. Additionally, the Project contains a technical and an economic analysis on the equipment based on the use of this energy source, as well as its commercialization. Energy is obtained by the water drag force when it is moved by the wave’s movement and by its transformation by the piezoelectric material. The Project studies the electric and mechanic functioning of a piezoelectric generator and the necessary electronic system for its optimized insertion on the electricity distribution network. Based on this, it is developed a system that can be adapted to the previous study requirements. The use of a technical and economic relation model allows the establishment of a connection among them in order to estimate the economic profitability of such equipment nowadays. The final objective of this Project is analyzing a new source of energy, which could start a new investigation line that may lead the energetic sector to a very interesting future.

Multicomponent diffusion in polymeric liquids.

It is shown how the phase-space kinetic theory of polymeric liquid mixtures leads to a set of extended Maxwell-Stefan equations describing multicomponent diffusion. This expression reduces to standard results for dilute solutions and for undiluted polymers. The polymer molecules are modeled as flexible bead-spring structures. To obtain the Maxwell-Stefan equations, the usual expression for the hydrodynamic drag force on a bead, used in previous kinetic theories, must be replaced by a new expression that accounts explicitly for bead-bead interactions between different molecules.

Gravidade de Lovelock e a correspondência AdS/CFT

A correspondência AdS/CFT é uma notável ferramenta no estudo de teorias de gauge fortemente acopladas que podem ser mapeadas em uma descrição gravitacional dual fracamente acoplada. A correspondência é melhor entendida no limite em que ambos $N$ e $\\lambda$, o rank do grupo de gauge e o acoplamento de \'t Hooft da teoria de gauge, respectivamente, são infinitos. Levar em consideração interações com termos de curvatura de ordem superior nos permite considerar correções de $\\lambda$ finito. Por exemplo, a primeira correção de acoplamento finito para supergravidade tipo IIB surge como um termo de curvatura com forma esquemática $\\alpha\'^3 R^4$. Neste trabalho investigamos correções de curvatura no contexto da gravidade de Lovelock, que é um cenário simples para investigar tais correções pois as suas equações de movimento ainda são de segunda ordem em derivadas. Esse cenário também é particularmente interessante do ponto de vista da correspondência AdS/CFT devido a sua grande classe de soluções de buracos negros assintoticamente AdS. Consideramos um sistema de gravidade AdS-axion-dilaton em cinco dimensões com um termo de Gauss-Bonnet e encontramos uma solução das equações de movimento, o que corresponde a uma black brane exibindo uma anisotropia espacial, onde a fonte da anisotropia é um campo escalar linear em uma das coordenadas espaciais. Estudamos suas propriedades termodinâmicas e realizamos a renormalização holográfica usando o método de Hamilton-Jacobi. Finalmente, usamos a solução obtida como dual gravitacional de um plasma anisotrópico fortemente acoplado com duas cargas centrais independentes, $a eq c$. Calculamos vários observáveis relevantes para o estudo do plasma, a saber, a viscosidade de cisalhamento sobre densidade de entropia, a força de arrasto, o parâmetro de jet quenching, o potencial entre um par quark-antiquark e a taxa de produção de fótons.

Controlled growth of carbon nanotubes for high performance nanoelectronics

Unique electrical and mechanical properties of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) have made them one of the most promising candidates for next-generation nanoelectronics. Efficient utilization of the exceptional properties of SWNTs requires controlling their growth direction (e.g., vertical, horizontal) and morphologies (e.g., straight, junction, coiled). ^ In this dissertation, the catalytic effect on the branching of SWNTs, Y-shaped SWNTs (Y-SWNTs), was investigated. The formation of Y-shaped branches was found to be dependent on the composition of the catalysts. Easier carbide formers have a strong tendency to attach to the sidewall of SWNTs and thus enhance the degree of branching. Y-SWNTs based field-effect transistors (FETs) were fabricated and modulated by the metallic branch of the Y-SWNTs, exhibiting ambipolar characteristics at room temperature. A subthreshold swing of 700 mV/decade and an on/off ratio of 105 with a low off-state current of 10-13 A were obtained. The transport phenomena associated with Y- and cross-junction configurations reveals that the conduction mechanism in the SWNT junctions is governed by thermionic emission at T > 100 K and by tunneling at T < 100 K. ^ Furthermore, horizontally aligned SWNTs were synthesized by the controlled modification of external fields and forces. High performance carbon nanotube FETs and logic circuit were demonstrated utilizing the aligned SWNTs. It is found that the hysteresis in CNTFETs can be eliminated by removing absorbed water molecules on the CNT/SiO2 interface by vacuum annealing, hydrophobic surface treatment, and surface passivation. SWNT “serpentines” were synthesized by utilization of the interaction between drag force from gas flow and Van der Waals force with substrates. The curvature of bent SWNTs could be tailored by adjusting the gas flow rate, and changing the gas flow direction with respect to the step-edges on a single-crystal quartz substrate. Resistivity of bent SWNTs was observed to increase with curvature, which can be attributed to local deformations and possible chirality shift at curved part. ^ Our results show the successful synthesis of SWNTs having controllable morphologies and directionality. The capability of tailoring the electrical properties of SWNTs makes it possible to build an all-nanotube device by integrating SWNTs, having different functionalities, into complex circuits. ^

Integrated surface-ground water modeling in wetlands with improved methods to simulate vegetative resistance to flow

In topographically flat wetlands, where shallow water table and conductive soil may develop as a result of wet and dry seasons, the connection between surface water and groundwater is not only present, but perhaps the key factor dominating the magnitude and direction of water flux. Due to their complex characteristics, modeling waterflow through wetlands using more realistic process formulations (integrated surface-ground water and vegetative resistance) is an actual necessity. This dissertation focused on developing an integrated surface – subsurface hydrologic simulation numerical model by programming and testing the coupling of the USGS MODFLOW-2005 Groundwater Flow Process (GWF) package (USGS, 2005) with the 2D surface water routing model: FLO-2D (O’Brien et al., 1993). The coupling included the necessary procedures to numerically integrate and verify both models as a single computational software system that will heretofore be referred to as WHIMFLO-2D (Wetlands Hydrology Integrated Model). An improved physical formulation of flow resistance through vegetation in shallow waters based on the concept of drag force was also implemented for the simulations of floodplains, while the use of the classical methods (e.g., Manning, Chezy, Darcy-Weisbach) to calculate flow resistance has been maintained for the canals and deeper waters. A preliminary demonstration exercise WHIMFLO-2D in an existing field site was developed for the Loxahatchee Impoundment Landscape Assessment (LILA), an 80 acre area, located at the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wild Life Refuge in Boynton Beach, Florida. After applying a number of simplifying assumptions, results have illustrated the ability of the model to simulate the hydrology of a wetland. In this illustrative case, a comparison between measured and simulated stages level showed an average error of 0.31% with a maximum error of 2.8%. Comparison of measured and simulated groundwater head levels showed an average error of 0.18% with a maximum of 2.9%. The coupling of FLO-2D model with MODFLOW-2005 model and the incorporation of the dynamic effect of flow resistance due to vegetation performed in the new modeling tool WHIMFLO-2D is an important contribution to the field of numerical modeling of hydrologic flow in wetlands.

Integrated Surface-Ground Water Modeling in Wetlands With Improved Methods to Simulate Vegetative Resistance to Flow

This dissertation focused on developing an integrated surface – subsurface hydrologic simulation numerical model by programming and testing the coupling of the USGS MODFLOW-2005 Groundwater Flow Process (GWF) package (USGS, 2005) with the 2D surface water routing model: FLO-2D (O’Brien et al., 1993). The coupling included the necessary procedures to numerically integrate and verify both models as a single computational software system that will heretofore be referred to as WHIMFLO-2D (Wetlands Hydrology Integrated Model). An improved physical formulation of flow resistance through vegetation in shallow waters based on the concept of drag force was also implemented for the simulations of floodplains, while the use of the classical methods (e.g., Manning, Chezy, Darcy-Weisbach) to calculate flow resistance has been maintained for the canals and deeper waters. A preliminary demonstration exercise WHIMFLO-2D in an existing field site was developed for the Loxahatchee Impoundment Landscape Assessment (LILA), an 80 acre area, located at the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wild Life Refuge in Boynton Beach, Florida. After applying a number of simplifying assumptions, results have illustrated the ability of the model to simulate the hydrology of a wetland. In this illustrative case, a comparison between measured and simulated stages level showed an average error of 0.31% with a maximum error of 2.8%. Comparison of measured and simulated groundwater head levels showed an average error of 0.18% with a maximum of 2.9%.

Satellite protection and drag reduction using a purging gas flow

We have used the DSMC method to determine contamination (impingement of atmospheric molecules) and the aerodynamic forces on a cold satellite when a protective “purge gas” is ejected from a sting protruding ahead of the satellite. Forward ejection of the purge gas provides the greatest protection for a given mass of purge gas and the aerodynamic drag can be significantly reduced, thus compensating for the backward reaction from the forward ejection. If the purge gas is ejected backward from the sting (towards the satellite) the ejection provides thrust and the net retarding force can be reduced to zero. Contamination can be reduced and the mass of purging gas is less than the mass of conventional rocket propellant required to maintain the orbit of an unprotected satellite.

The friction force mouse-pad and the forearm muscles efforts (preliminary results)

The objective of the article is to evaluate the impact of the friction force mouse-pad in the contraction level of the forearm muscles M. extensor carpi ulnaris, M. extensor digitorum and M. extensor carpi radialis longus. A standard protocol of mouse movements was performed involving horizontal, vertical and diagonal mouse displacements drag-and-drop type. The operators were instructed to execute the protocol with their normal working speed. The movements protocol were performed by each subject (n=17) with three selected pairs mouse-pad, classified as low, medium and high friction force pairs. The mean time to execute the protocol with each mouse was ~138s. Mean values of ~13%MVE and ~17%MVE were found in the M. extensor carpi ulnaris and in the M. extensor digitorum respectively when performing the movements’ protocol. A 8.1% increase in %MVE was observed in the M. extensor digitorum and a 9.4% increase in %MVE was observed in the M. extensor carpi ulnaris when the high friction force pair was operated, relatively to the low friction force pair (p<0.05). The main preliminary conclusions of this study is that operating a high friction force mouse-pad may increase the risk to symptoms or disorders in the wrist due to an increase in the forearm muscles contraction levels, particularly during work with drawing application

Impact of non-hydrostatic effects and trapped lee waves on mountain wave drag in directionally sheared flow

The orographic gravity wave drag produced in flow over an axisymmetric mountain when both vertical wind shear and non-hydrostatic effects are important was calculated using a semi-analytical two-layer linear model, including unidirectional or directional constant wind shear in a layer near the surface, above which the wind is constant. The drag behaviour is determined by partial wave reflection at the shear discontinuity, wave absorption at critical levels (both of which exist in hydrostatic flow), and total wave reflection at levels where the waves become evanescent (an intrinsically non-hydrostatic effect), which produces resonant trapped lee wave modes. As a result of constructive or destructive wave interference, the drag oscillates with the thickness of the constant-shear layer and the Richardson number within it (Ri), generally decreasing at low Ri and when the flow is strongly non-hydrostatic. Critical level absorption, which increases with the angle spanned by the wind velocity in the constant-shear layer, shields the surface from reflected waves, keeping the drag closer to its hydrostatic limit. While, for the parameter range considered here, the drag seldom exceeds this limit, a substantial drag fraction may be produced by trapped lee waves, particularly when the flow is strongly non-hydrostatic, the lower layer is thick and Ri is relatively high. In directionally sheared flows with Ri = O(1), the drag may be misaligned with the surface wind in a direction opposite to the shear, a behaviour which is totally due to non-trapped waves. The trapped lee wave drag, whose reaction force on the atmosphere is felt at low levels, may therefore have a distinctly different direction from the drag associated with vertically propagating waves, which acts on the atmosphere at higher levels.

Optimal space manoeuvres in a non-Keplerian force field

In this work the problem of a spacecraft bi-impulsive transfer between two given non coplanar elliptical orbits, with minimum fuel consumption, is solved considering a non-Keplerian force field (the perturbing forces include Earth gravity harmonics and atmospheric drag). The problem is transformed in the Two Point Boundary Value Problem. It is developed and implemented a new algorithm, that uses the analytical expressions developed here. A dynamics that considered a Keplerian force field was used to produce an initial guess to solve the Two Point Boundary Value Problem. Several simulations were performed to observe the spacecraft orbital behaviour by different kind of perturbations and constraints, on a fuel consumption optimization point of view. (C) 2002 COSPAR. Published by Elsevier B.V. Ltd. All rights reserved.

An analytical and numerical study of plane change maneuvers using aerodynamic force

The goal of the present work is to analyze space missions that use the terrestrial atmosphere to accomplish orbital maneuvers that involve a plane change. A set of analytical solutions is presented for the variation of the orbital elements due to a single passage through the atmosphere, assuming that the interval the spacecraft travels through the atmosphere is not too large. The study considers both the lift influence on the spacecraft orbit as well as drag. The final equations are tested with numerical integration and can be considered in accordance with the numerical results whenever the perigee height is larger than a critical value. Next, a numerical study of the ratio between the velocity increment required to correct the semimajor axis decay due to the atmospheric passage and the velocity variation required to obtain the change in the inclination is also presented. This analysis can be used to decide if a maneuver passing through the atmosphere can decrease the fuel consumption of the mission and, in the cases where this technique can be used, if a multiple passage is more efficient than a single passage.

Force-mediated kinetics of single P-selectin/ligand complexes observed by atomic force microscopy

Leukocytes roll along the endothelium of postcapillary venules in response to inflammatory signals. Rolling under the hydrodynamic drag forces of blood flow is mediated by the interaction between selectins and their ligands across the leukocyte and endothelial cell surfaces. Here we present force-spectroscopy experiments on single complexes of P-selectin and P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 by atomic force microscopy to determine the intrinsic molecular properties of this dynamic adhesion process. By modeling intermolecular and intramolecular forces as well as the adhesion probability in atomic force microscopy experiments we gain information on rupture forces, elasticity, and kinetics of the P-selectin/P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 interaction. The complexes are able to withstand forces up to 165 pN and show a chain-like elasticity with a molecular spring constant of 5.3 pN nm−1 and a persistence length of 0.35 nm. The dissociation constant (off-rate) varies over three orders of magnitude from 0.02 s−1 under zero force up to 15 s−1 under external applied forces. Rupture force and lifetime of the complexes are not constant, but directly depend on the applied force per unit time, which is a product of the intrinsic molecular elasticity and the external pulling velocity. The high strength of binding combined with force-dependent rate constants and high molecular elasticity are tailored to support physiological leukocyte rolling.