Flow field measurements of a series of turbulent premixed and stratified methane/air flames

This paper presents flow field measurements for the turbulent stratified burner introduced in two previous publications in which high resolution scalar measurements were made by Sweeney et al. [1,2] for model validation. The flow fields of the series of premixed and stratified methane/air flames are investigated under turbulent, globally lean conditions (φg=0.75). Velocity data acquired with laser Doppler anemometry (LDA) and particle image velocimetry (PIV) are presented and discussed. Pairwise 2-component LDA measurements provide profiles of axial velocity, radial velocity, tangential velocity and corresponding fluctuating velocities. The LDA measurements of axial and tangential velocities enable the swirl number to be evaluated and the degree of swirl characterized. Power spectral density and autocorrelation functions derived from the LDA data acquired at 10kHz are optimized to calculate the integral time scales. Flow patterns are obtained using a 2-component PIV system operated at 7Hz. Velocity profiles and spatial correlations derived from the PIV and LDA measurements are shown to be in very good agreement, thus offering 3D mapping of the velocities. A strong correlation was observed between the shape of the recirculation zones above the central bluff body and the effects of heat release, stoichiometry and swirl. Detailed analyses of the LDA data further demonstrate that the flow behavior changes significantly with the levels of swirl and stratification, which combines the contributions of dilatation, recirculation and swirl. Key turbulence parameters are derived from the total velocity components, combining axial, radial and tangential velocities. © 2013 The Combustion Institute.

Influence of turbulence-chemistry interaction for n-heptane spray combustion under diesel engine conditions with emphasis on soot formation and oxidation

The influence of the turbulence-chemistry interaction (TCI) for n-heptane sprays under diesel engine conditions has been investigated by means of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. The conditional moment closure approach, which has been previously validated thoroughly for such flows, and the homogeneous reactor (i.e. no turbulent combustion model) approach have been compared, in view of the recent resurgence of the latter approaches for diesel engine CFD. Experimental data available from a constant-volume combustion chamber have been used for model validation purposes for a broad range of conditions including variations in ambient oxygen (8-21% by vol.), ambient temperature (900 and 1000 K) and ambient density (14.8 and 30 kg/m3). The results from both numerical approaches have been compared to the experimental values of ignition delay (ID), flame lift-off length (LOL), and soot volume fraction distributions. TCI was found to have a weak influence on ignition delay for the conditions simulated, attributed to the low values of the scalar dissipation relative to the critical value above which auto-ignition does not occur. In contrast, the flame LOL was considerably affected, in particular at low oxygen concentrations. Quasi-steady soot formation was similar; however, pronounced differences in soot oxidation behaviour are reported. The differences were further emphasised for a case with short injection duration: in such conditions, TCI was found to play a major role concerning the soot oxidation behaviour because of the importance of soot-oxidiser structure in mixture fraction space. Neglecting TCI leads to a strong over-estimation of soot oxidation after the end of injection. The results suggest that for some engines, and for some phenomena, the neglect of turbulent fluctuations may lead to predictions of acceptable engineering accuracy, but that a proper turbulent combustion model is needed for more reliable results. © 2014 Taylor & Francis.

黄土高原不同降水类型区旱作玉米田土壤干燥化效应与土壤水分承载力模拟研究

在模拟精度验证基础上,应用WinEPIC模型模拟研究了黄土高原不同降水类型区1960～2000年期间不同肥力水平下连作春玉米的产量变化和土壤水分效应。模拟结果表明:(1)洛川、延安、寿阳、榆林连作春玉米产量地区间差异显著,其年平均值分别为4.40、3.75、2.50、1.75t/hm2。施肥增产率和水分利用效率地区间差异均显著,均表现为洛川>延安>寿阳>榆林;同一地区水分利用效率随施肥量的增加而提高,不同地区施肥增产率最大值范围不同。(2)0～7m土层逐月土壤有效含水量地区间差异显著,洛川>延安>寿阳>榆林;同一地区内肥力水平越高,春玉米耗水量越大,逐月土壤有效含水量平均值越低。在春玉米生育期内0～7m土层年度土壤有效水分增减量地区间差异显著,洛川<延安<寿阳<榆林;不同肥力处理间的差异在模拟前期为显著,在模拟后期为不显著。(3)所有地区的春玉米在连作期间0～7m土层土壤湿度剖面分布,在经历了土壤湿度逐年降低、土壤干层逐年加厚的干燥化过程后,均出现了稳定的土壤干层。土壤干燥化速度地区间差异显著,洛川<延安<寿阳<榆林;不同肥力处理间随着施肥水平的提高土壤干燥化速度加快。(4)洛川、延安、寿阳、榆林连作春玉米的...

施肥水平对冬小麦田土壤水分影响的模拟

在模拟精度验证基础上,应用WinEPIC模型模拟研究了黄土高原长武旱塬地1957～2001年期间不同肥力水平下连作冬小麦田的土壤干燥化效应。结果表明:4种肥力处理下连作冬小麦逐月土壤有效含水量均呈现波动性降低趋势,平均每年分别减少8.6、8.6、11.1和13.7mm,无肥和低肥与中肥和高肥处理间土壤有效含水量差异十分显著,但无肥和低肥处理间无明显差异;在模拟初期出现了土壤湿度逐年降低、土壤干层逐年加厚的干燥化过程,在连作第5～8年以后均出现了稳定的土壤干层,无肥和低肥处理土壤干层均分布于2～3m土层,中肥和高肥肥处理分别分布于2～4m和2～5m土层,随肥力和作物产量水平的提高,土壤干层厚度增厚;4种肥力处理麦田生产年度耗水量接近且呈现波动性缓慢降低趋势,但前1～4年中肥和高肥处理麦田共计较无肥处理麦田多耗水91和203mm,长武旱塬地麦田土壤水分承载力为1.422～2.405t/hm2,相应的肥力水平为N45～90kg/hm2和P15～30kg/hm2。

施肥水平对长武旱塬地冬小麦产量影响的模拟

为了在实时气象条件下确定旱塬区适宜的肥力水平和产量水平,在模拟精度验证基础上,应用WinEPIC模型模拟研究了黄土高原长武旱塬地1957～2001年期间不同肥力水平下连作冬小麦田产量效应。模型验证结果表明CK、N、NP处理产量模拟值与观测值之间的相关系数分别为0.740、0.764和0.740,均达到显著水平,WinEPIC模型对不同肥力处理下冬小麦籽粒产量模拟较为准确。模拟结果表明,无肥、低肥、中肥和高肥处理下连作冬小麦的产量均呈现波动性降低趋势,其平均值分别为1.055、1.422、2.405和3.170t/hm2,不同肥力处理间差异显著,以中肥和高肥处理增产效果最好。为黄土高原南部沟壑区旱地小麦生产的可持续发展提供了科学依据。

一个改进的随机动力学水平衡模型及其应用研究Ⅱ.应用

本文用黄土高原长武农业生态试验站的冬小麦长期定位试验资料对改进的随机动力学水平衡模型进行了准确性检验 .从模型对参数反映的敏感性分析和模型计算值与数值模型WAVES的比较 ,以及模型对黄土区旱作高生产力的水分环境效应的评价结果 ,均证明改进的随机动力学水平衡模型能比较准确地预测一定生产力水平、特定生态系统平衡体系水均衡要素的定量分配和土壤含水量的动态变化 .

New tools provide a second look at HDV ribozyme structure, dynamics and cleavage.

The hepatitis delta virus (HDV) ribozyme is a self-cleaving RNA enzyme essential for processing viral transcripts during rolling circle viral replication. The first crystal structure of the cleaved ribozyme was solved in 1998, followed by structures of uncleaved, mutant-inhibited and ion-complexed forms. Recently, methods have been developed that make the task of modeling RNA structure and dynamics significantly easier and more reliable. We have used ERRASER and PHENIX to rebuild and re-refine the cleaved and cis-acting C75U-inhibited structures of the HDV ribozyme. The results correct local conformations and identify alternates for RNA residues, many in functionally important regions, leading to improved R values and model validation statistics for both structures. We compare the rebuilt structures to a higher resolution, trans-acting deoxy-inhibited structure of the ribozyme, and conclude that although both inhibited structures are consistent with the currently accepted hammerhead-like mechanism of cleavage, they do not add direct structural evidence to the biochemical and modeling data. However, the rebuilt structures (PDBs: 4PR6, 4PRF) provide a more robust starting point for research on the dynamics and catalytic mechanism of the HDV ribozyme and demonstrate the power of new techniques to make significant improvements in RNA structures that impact biologically relevant conclusions.

A general approach to validating evacuation models with an application to EXODUS

Too often, validation of computer models is considered as a "once and forget" task. In this paper a systematic and graduated approach to evacua tion model validation is suggested.

An experimental and numerical CFD study of turbulence in a tundish container

This paper describes work performed at IRSID/USINOR in France and the University of Greenwich, UK, to investigate flow structures and turbulence in a water-model container, simulating aspects typical of metal tundish operation. Extensive mean and fluctuating velocity measurements were performed at IRSID using LDA to determine the flow field and these form the basis for a numerical model validation. This apparently simple problem poses several difficulties for the CFD modelling. The flow is driven by the strong impinging jet at the inlet. Accurate description of the jet is most important and requires a localized fine grid, but also a turbulence model that predicts the correct spreading rates of jet and impinging wall boundary layers. The velocities in the bulk of the tundish tend to be (indeed need to be) much smaller than those of the jet, leading to damping of turbulence, or even laminar flow. The authors have developed several low-Reynolds number (low-Re) k–var epsilon model variants to compute this flow and compare against measurements. Best agreement is obtained when turbulence damping is introduced to account not only for walls, but also for low-Re regions in the bulk – the k–var epsilon model otherwise allows turbulence to accumulate in the container due to the restricted outlet. Several damping functions are tested and the results reported here. The k–ω model, which is more suited to transitional flow, also seems to perform well in this problem.

A systematic comparison of buildingEXODUS predictions with experimental data from the Stapelfeldt trials and the Milburn House evacuation

In this paper, the buildingEXODUS evacuation model is described and discussed and attempts at qualitative and quantitative model validation are presented. The data sets used for validation are the Stapelfeldt and Milburn House evacuation data. As part of the validation exercise, the sensitivity of the building-EXODUS predictions to a range of variables is examined, including occupant drive, occupant location, exit flow capacity, exit size, occupant response times and geometry definition. An important consideration that has been highlighted by this work is that any validation exercise must be scrutinised to identify both the results generated and the considerations and assumptions on which they are based. During the course of the validation exercise, both data sets were found to be less than ideal for the purpose of validating complex evacuation. However, the buildingEXODUS evacuation model was found to be able to produce reasonable qualitative and quantitative agreement with the experimental data.

Maximising heat transfer efficiency in the cold crucible induction melting process

Induction heating is an efficient method used to melt electrically conductive materials, particularly if melting takes place in a ceramic crucible. This form of melting is particularly good for alloys, as electromagnetic forces set up by the induction coil lead to vigorous stirring of the melt ensuring homogeneity and uniformity in temperature. However, for certain reactive alloys, or where high purity is required, ceramic crucibles cannot be used, but a water-cooled segmented copper crucible is employed instead. Water cooling prevents meltdown or distortion of the metal wall, but much of the energy goes into the coolant. To reduce this loss, the electromagnetic force generated by the coil is used to push the melt away from the walls and so minimise contact with water-cooled surfaces. Even then, heat is lost through the crucible base where contact is inevitable. In a collaborative programme between Greenwich and Birmingham Universities, computer modelling has been used in conjunction with experiments to improve the superheat attainable in the melt for a,number of alloys, especially for y-TiAl intermetallics to cast aeroengine turbine blades. The model solves the discretised form of the turbulent Navier-Stokes, thermal energy conservation and Maxwell equations using a Spectral Collocation technique. The time-varying melt envelope is followed explicitly during the computation using an adaptive mesh. This paper briefly describes the mathematical model used to represent the interaction between the magnetic field, fluid flow, heat transfer and change of phase in the crucible and identifies the proportions of energy used in the melt, lost in the crucible base and in the crucible walls. The role of turbulence is highlighted as important in controlling heat losses and turbulence damping is introduced as a means of improving superheat. Model validation is against experimental results and shows good agreement with measured temperatures and energy losses in the cooling fluid throughout the melting cycle.

Technical Note: Ensuring consistent, global measurements of short-lived halocarbon gases in the ocean and atmosphere

Very short-lived halocarbons are significant sources of reactive halogen in the marine boundary layer, and likely in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere. Quantifying ambient concentrations in the surface ocean and atmosphere is essential for understanding the atmospheric impact of these trace gas fluxes. Despite the body of literature increasing substantially over recent years, calibration issues complicate the comparison of results and limit the utility of building larger-scale databases that would enable further development of the science (e.g. sea-air flux quantification, model validation, etc.). With this in mind, thirty-one scientists from both atmospheric and oceanic halocarbon communities in eight nations gathered in London in February 2008 to discuss the scientific issues and plan an international effort toward developing common calibration scales (http://tinyurl.com/c9cg58). Here, we discuss the outputs from this meeting, suggest the compounds that should be targeted initially, identify opportunities for beginning calibration and comparison efforts, and make recommendations for ways to improve the comparability of previous and future measurements.

Strong links between phytoplankton community physiology and dimethylsulphoniopropionate (DMSP) concentrations in the sub-tropical/tropical Atlantic

We present an extensive dataset of dimethylsulphide (DMS, n = 651) and dimethylsulphoniopropionate (DMSP, n = 590) from the Atlantic Meridional Transect programme. These data are used to derive representative depth profiles that illustrate observed natural variations and can be used for DMS and DMSP model-validation in oligotrophic waters. To further understand our dataset, we interpret the data with a wide range of accompanying parameters that characterise the prevailing biogeochemical conditions and phytoplankton community physiology, activity, taxonomic composition, and capacity to cope with light stress. No correlations were observed with typical biomarker pigments for DMSP-producing species. However, strong correlations were found between DMSP and primary production by cells >2 µm in diameter, and between DMSP and some photo-protective pigments. These parameters are measures of mixed phytoplankton communities, so we infer that such associations are likely to be stronger in DMSP-producing organisms. Further work is warranted to develop links between community parameters, DMS and DMSP at the global scale.

Ecohydrodynamics of cold-water coral reefs: A case study of the Mingulay Reef complex (western Scotland)

Ecohydrodynamics investigates the hydrodynamic constraints on ecosystems across different temporal and spatial scales. Ecohydrodynamics play a pivotal role in the structure and functioning of marine ecosystems, however the lack of integrated complex flow models for deep-water ecosystems beyond the coastal zone prevents further synthesis in these settings. We present a hydrodynamic model for one of Earth's most biologically diverse deep-water ecosystems, cold-water coral reefs. The Mingulay Reef Complex (western Scotland) is an inshore seascape of cold-water coral reefs formed by the scleractinian coral Lophelia pertusa. We applied single-image edge detection and composite front maps using satellite remote sensing, to detect oceanographic fronts and peaks of chlorophyll a values that likely affect food supply to corals and other suspension-feeding fauna. We also present a high resolution 3D ocean model to incorporate salient aspects of the regional and local oceanography. Model validation using in situ current speed, direction and sea elevation data confirmed the model's realistic representation of spatial and temporal aspects of circulation at the reef complex including a tidally driven current regime, eddies, and downwelling phenomena. This novel combination of 3D hydrodynamic modelling and remote sensing in deep-water ecosystems improves our understanding of the temporal and spatial scales of ecological processes occurring in marine systems. The modelled information has been integrated into a 3D GIS, providing a user interface for visualization and interrogation of results that allows wider ecological application of the model and that can provide valuable input for marine biodiversity and conservation applications.

Decadal reanalysis of biogeochemical indicators and fluxes in the North West European shelf-sea ecosystem

In this paper we present the first decadal reanalysis simulation of the biogeochemistry of the North West European shelf, along with a full evaluation of its skill and value. An error-characterized satellite product for chlorophyll was assimilated into a physical-biogeochemical model of the North East Atlantic, applying a localized Ensemble Kalman filter. The results showed that the reanalysis improved the model predictions of assimilated chlorophyll in 60% of the study region. Model validation metrics showed that the reanalysis had skill in matching a large dataset of in situ observations for ten ecosystem variables. Spearman rank correlations were significant and higher than 0.7 for physical-chemical variables (temperature, salinity, oxygen), ∼0.6 for chlorophyll and nutrients (phosphate, nitrate, silicate), and significant, though lower in value, for partial pressure of dissolved carbon dioxide (∼0.4). The reanalysis captured the magnitude of pH and ammonia observations, but not their variability. The value of the reanalysis for assessing environmental status and variability has been exemplified in two case studies. The first shows that between 340,000-380,000 km2 of shelf bottom waters were oxygen deficient potentially threatening bottom fishes and benthos. The second application confirmed that the shelf is a net sink of atmospheric carbon dioxide, but the total amount of uptake varies between 36-46 Tg C yr−1 at a 90% confidence level. These results indicate that the reanalysis output dataset can inform the management of the North West European shelf ecosystem, in relation to eutrophication, fishery, and variability of the carbon cycle.