Effect of impeller type and stirring frequency on the behavior of an AnSBBR in the treatment of low-strength wastewater

The influence of impeller type and stirring frequency on the performance of a mechanically stirred anaerobic sequencing batch reactor containing immobilized biomass on an inert support (AnSBBR - Anaerobic Sequencing Batch Biofilm Reactor) was evaluated. The biomass was immobilized on polyurethane foam cubes placed in a stainless-steel basket inside a glass cylinder. Each 8-h batch run consisted of three stages: feed (10 min), reaction (460 min) and discharge (10 min) at 30 degrees C. Experiments were performed with four impeller types, i.e., helical, flat-blade, inclined-blade and curved-blade turbines, at stirring frequencies ranging from 100 to 1100 rpm. Synthetic wastewater was used in all experiments with an organic-matter concentration of 530 +/- 37 mg/L measured as chemical oxygen demand (COD). The reactor achieved an organic-matter removal efficiency of around 87% under all investigated conditions. Analysis of the four impeller types and the investigated stirring frequencies showed that mass transfer in the liquid phase was affected not only by the applied stirring frequency but also by the agitation mode imposed by each impeller type. The best reactor performance at all stirring frequencies was obtained when agitation was provided by the flat-blade turbine impeller. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Heterogeneous modeling of an anaerobic sequencing batch biofilm reactor (ASBBR)

The objective of this study was to estimate the first-order intrinsic kinetic constant (k(1)) and the liquid-phase mass transfer coefficient (k(c)) in a bench-scale anaerobic sequencing batch biofilm reactor (ASBBR) fed with glucose. A dynamic heterogeneous mathematical model, considering two phases (liquid and solid), was developed through mass balances in the liquid and solid phases. The model was adjusted to experimental data obtained from the ASBBR applied for the treatment of glucose-based synthetic wastewater with approximately 500 mg L-1 of glucose, operating in 8 h batch cycles, at 30 degrees C and 300 rpm. The values of the parameters obtained were 0.8911 min(-1) for k(1) and 0.7644 cm min(-1) for kc. The model was validated utilizing the estimated parameters with data obtained from the ASBBR operating in 3 h batch cycles, with a good representation of the experimental behavior. The solid-phase mass transfer flux was found to be the limiting step of the overall glucose conversion rate.

Solution of a heterogeneous modeling of a horizontal-flow anaerobic immobilized biomass (HAIB) reactor by the sequencing method

A modeling study was completed to develop a methodology that combines the sequencing and finite difference methods for the simulation of a heterogeneous model of a tubular reactor applied in the treatment of wastewater. The system included a liquid phase (convection diffusion transport) and a solid phase (diffusion reaction) that was obtained by completing a mass balance in the reactor and in the particle, respectively. The model was solved using a pilot-scale horizontal-flow anaerobic immobilized biomass (HAIB) reactor to treat domestic sewage, with the concentration results compared with the experimental data. A comparison of the behavior of the liquid phase concentration profile and the experimental results indicated that both the numerical methods offer a good description of the behavior of the concentration along the reactor. The advantage of the sequencing method over the finite difference method is that it is easier to apply and requires less computational time to model the dynamic simulation of outlet response of HAIB.

Dynamic formation of SEBS copolymer submicrometric structures

Highly ordered A-B-A block copolymer arrangements in the submicrometric scale, resulting from dewetting and solvent evaporation of thin films, have inspired a variety of new applications in the nanometric world. Despite the progress observed in the control of such structures, the intricate scientific phenomena related to regular patterns formation are still not completely elucidated. SEBS is a standard example of a triblock copolymer that forms spontaneously impressive pattern arrangements. From macroscopic thin liquid films of SEBS solution, several physical effects and phenomena act synergistically to achieve well-arranged patterns of stripes and/or droplets. That is, concomitant with dewetting, solvent evaporation, and Marangoni effect, Rayleigh instability and phase separation also play important role in the pattern formation. These two last effects are difficult to be followed experimentally in the nanoscale, which render difficulties to the comprehension of the whole phenomenon. In this paper, we use computational methods for image analysis, which provide quantitative morphometric data of the patterns, specifically comprising stripes fragmentation into droplets. With the help of these computational techniques, we developed an explanation for the final part of the pattern formation, i.e. structural dynamics related to the stripes fragmentation. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Dendritic Arm Spacing Affecting Mechanical Properties and Wear Behavior of Al-Sn and Al-Si Alloys Directionally Solidified under Unsteady-State Conditions

Alloys of Al-Sn and Al-Si are widely used in tribological applications such as cylinder liners and journal bearings. Studies of the influence of the as-cast microstructures of these alloys on the final mechanical properties and wear resistance can be very useful for planning solidification conditions in order to permit a desired level of final properties to be achieved. The aim of the present study was to contribute to a better understanding about the relationship between the scale of the dendritic network and the corresponding mechanical properties and wear behavior. The Al-Sn (15 and 20 wt pct Sn) and Al-Si (3 and 5 wt pct Si) alloys were directionally solidified under unsteady-state heat flow conditions in water-cooled molds in order to permit samples with a wide range of dendritic spacings to be obtained. These samples were subjected to tensile and wear tests, and experimental quantitative expressions correlating the ultimate tensile strength (UTS), yield tensile strength, elongation, and wear volume to the primary dendritic arm spacing (DAS) have been determined. The wear resistance was shown to be significantly affected by the scale of primary dendrite arm spacing. For Al-Si alloys, the refinement of the dendritic array improved the wear resistance, while for the Al-Sn alloys, an opposite effect was observed, i.e., the increase in primary dendrite arm spacing improved the wear resistance. The effect of inverse segregation, which is observed for Al-Sn alloys, on the wear resistance is also discussed.

Microstructural characteristics and corrosion behavior of a super duplex stainless steel casting

The machining of super duplex stainless steel castings is usually complicated by the difficulty involved in maintaining the dimensional tolerances required for given applications. Internal stresses originating from the solidification process and from subsequent heat treatments reach levels that exceed the material`s yield strength, promoting plastic strain. Stress relief heat treatments at 520 degrees C for 2 h are an interesting option to solve this problem, but because these materials present a thermodynamically metastable condition, a few precautions should be taken. The main objective of this work was to demonstrate that, after solution annealing at 1130 degrees C and water quenching, stress relief at 520 degrees C for 2 h did not alter the duplex microstructure or impair the pitting corrosion resistance of ASTM A890/A890M Grade 6A steel. This finding was confirmed by microstructural characterization techniques, including light optical and scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction. Corrosion potential measurements in synthetic sea water containing 20,000 ppm of chloride ions were also conducted at three temperatures: 5 degrees C, 25 degrees C and 60 degrees C. (c) 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Thixocasting of an A356 alloy: Fluidity, porosity distribution and thermomechanical fatigue behavior

An extensive set of experiments was performed on a semi-solid A356 alloy in order to assess its flow behavior, mechanical properties, microstructural evolution and porosity level. Three different microstructural conditioning techniques (raw material preparation) were employed: deformation recrystallization, magnetohydrodynamic stirring and low temperature pouring. Measurement of microstructural parameters such as Al-alpha particle size, shape factor, contiguity and entrapped liquid showed a relative equivalency among the various conditioning techniques. It was found that the strongest influence on semi-solid slurry fluidity is exerted by the mould temperature. Tensile properties and porosity levels were measured on a demonstration part produced with different slurry ingate velocities. Results showed similar strength levels among all thixocast samples, a strong correlation between elongation and pore volume fraction and porosity levels much lower than the typical figure for permanent mould or die cast Al-Si alloys. Finally, thermomechanical fatigue tests results were much more favorable to the semi-solid material when compared with the conventionally cast alloy, a result attributed to lower porosity, spheroidal shape of the Al-alpha phase, and refined Si eutectic particles. alpha 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Composite materials of thermoplastic starch and fibers from the ethanol-water fractionation of bagasse

The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of the fibrous material obtained from ethanol-water fractionation of bagasse as reinforcement of thermoplastic starches in order to improve their mechanical properties. The composites were elaborated using matrices of corn and cassava starches plasticized with 30 wt%glycerin. The mixtures (0,5,10 and 15 wt% bagasse fiber) were elaborated in a rheometer at 150 degrees C. The mixtures obtained were pressed on a hot plate press at 155 degrees C. The test specimens were obtained according to ASTM D638. Tensile tests, moisture absorption tests for 24 days (20-23 degrees C and 53% RH, ASTM E104), and dynamic-mechanical analyses (DMA) in tensile mode were carried out. Images by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction were obtained. Fibers (10 wt% bagasse fiber) increased tensile strength by 44% and 47% compared to corn and cassava starches, respectively. The reinforcement (15 wt% bagasse fiber) increased more than fourfold the elastic modulus on starch matrices. The storage modulus at 30 C (E(30 degrees C)`) increased as the bagasse fiber content increased, following the trend of tensile elastic modulus. The results indicate that these fibers have potential applications in the development of biodegradable composite materials. (c) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Collapse behavior of soil in a Brazilian region affected by a rising water table

Collapsible soils are usually nonsaturated, low density, and metastable-structured soils that are known to exhibit a volume reduction following an episode of moisture increase or suction reduction. This paper describes the collapsible behavior of clayey sand based on controlled soil suction tests carried out on undisturbed samples from the city of Pereira Barreto, in the State of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Foundation settlements due to soil collapse are common in this region and occurred during the filling of the reservoir of the Tres Irmaos Dam, which induced the elevation of the groundwater table in different parts of Pereira Barreto. This paper shows that collapse strains depend on the stress and soil suction acting in the sample and that saturation is not necessary for a collapse to occur. The influence of soil suction, gradual wetting, and the wetting and drying cycle on the collapsible behavior of the soil is also shown and discussed.

Experimental analysis of wheel/workpiece dynamic interactions in grinding

The aim of this work is to study the wheel/workpiece dynamic interactions in high-speed grinding using vitrified CBN wheel and DTG (difficult to grind) work materials. This problem is typical in the grinding of engine valve heads. The influence of tangential force per abrasive grain was investigated as an important control variable for the determination of G ratio. Experiments were carried out to observe the influence of vibrations in the wheel wear. The measurements of acoustic emission (AE) and vibration signals helped in identifying the correlation between the dynamic interactions (produced by forced random excitation) and the wheel wear. The wheel regenerative chatter phenomenon was observed by using the wheel mapping technique. (c) 2008 CIRP.

Rheological behavior of mortars under different squeezing rates

In the present work the squeeze flow technique was used to evaluate the rheological behavior of cement-based mortars containing macroscopic aggregates up to 1.2 mm. Compositions with different water and air contents were tested at three squeezing rates (0.01, 0.1 and 1 mm/s) 15 and 60 min after mixing. The mortars prepared with low (13 wt.%) and usual water content (15 wt.%) presented opposite behaviors as a function of elapsed time and squeezing speed. The first lost its cohesion with time and required higher loads when squeezed faster, while the latter became stiffer with time and was more difficult to be squeezed slowly as a result of phase segregation. Due to the increase of air content, the effects of this compressible phase became more significant and a more complex behavior was observed. Rheological properties such as elongational viscosity and yield stress were also determined. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Acoustic Simulation of a Special Switched Reluctance Drive by Means of Field-Circuit Coupling and Multiphysics Simulation

The approach presented in this paper consists of an energy-based field-circuit coupling in combination with multi-physics simulation of the acoustic radiation of electrical machines. The proposed method is applied to a special switched reluctance motor with asymmetric pole geometry to improve the start-up torque. The pole shape has been optimized, subject to low torque ripple, in a previous study. The proposed approach here is used to analyze the impact of the optimization on the overall acoustic behavior. The field-circuit coupling is based on a temporary lumped-parameter model of the magnetic part incorporated into a circuit simulation based on the modified nodal analysis. The harmonic force excitation is calculated by means of stress tensor computation, and it is transformed to a mechanical mesh by mapping techniques. The structural dynamic problem is solved in the frequency domain using a finite-element modal analysis and superposition. The radiation characteristic is obtained from boundary element acoustic simulation. Simulation results of both rotor types are compared, and measurements of the drive are presented.

Analysis of a Three-Phase LSPMM by Numerical Method

Line-start permanent magnet motor (LSPMM) is a very attractive alternative to replace induction motors due to its very high efficiency and constant speed operation with load variations. However, designing this kind of hybrid motor is hard work and requires a good understanding of motor behavior. The calculation of load angle is an important step in motor design and can not be neglected. This paper uses the finite element method to show a simple methodology to calculate the load angle of a three-phase LSPMM combining the dynamic and steady-state simulations. The methodology is used to analyze a three-phase LSPMM.

Specification of Supervisory Control Systems for Ventricular Assist Devices

One of the most important recent improvements in cardiology is the use of ventricular assist devices (VADs) to help patients with severe heart diseases, especially when they are indicated to heart transplantation. The Institute Dante Pazzanese of Cardiology has been developing an implantable centrifugal blood pump that will be able to help a sick human heart to keep blood flow and pressure at physiological levels. This device will be used as a totally or partially implantable VAD. Therefore, an improvement on device performance is important for the betterment of the level of interaction with patient`s behavior or conditions. But some failures may occur if the device`s pumping control does not follow the changes in patient`s behavior or conditions. The VAD control system must consider tolerance to faults and have a dynamic adaptation according to patient`s cardiovascular system changes, and also must attend to changes in patient conditions, behavior, or comportments. This work proposes an application of the mechatronic approach to this class of devices based on advanced techniques for control, instrumentation, and automation to define a method for developing a hierarchical supervisory control system that is able to perform VAD control dynamically, automatically, and securely. For this methodology, we used concepts based on Bayesian network for patients` diagnoses, Petri nets to generate a VAD control algorithm, and Safety Instrumented Systems to ensure VAD system security. Applying these concepts, a VAD control system is being built for method effectiveness confirmation.

Finite element computational modeling of externally bonded CFRP composites flexural behavior in RC beams

This paper focuses on the flexural behavior of RC beams externally strengthened with Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymers (CFRP) fabric. A non-linear finite element (FE) analysis strategy is proposed to support the beam flexural behavior experimental analysis. A development system (QUEBRA2D/FEMOOP programs) has been used to accomplish the numerical simulation. Appropriate constitutive models for concrete, rebars, CFRP and bond-slip interfaces have been implemented and adjusted to represent the composite system behavior. Interface and truss finite elements have been implemented (discrete and embedded approaches) for the numerical representation of rebars, interfaces and composites.