Simple lattice Boltzmann model for traffic flows

A lattice Boltzmann model with 5-bit lattice for traffic flows is proposed. Using the Chapman-Enskog expansion and multi-scale technique, we obtain the higher-order moments of equilibrium distribution function. A simple traffic light problem is simulated by using the present lattice Boltzmann model, and the result agrees well with analytical solution.

Application of Similarity Theory to the Characterization of Non-Transferred Laminar Plasma Jet Generation

Laminar-flow non-transferred DC plasma jets were generated by a torch with an inter-electrode insert by which the arc column was limited to a length of about 20 mm. Current–voltage characteristics, thermal efficiency and jet length, a parameter which changes greatly with the generating parameters in contrast with the almost unchangeable jet length of the turbulent plasma, were investigated systematically, by using the similarity theory combined with the corresponding experimental examination. Formulae in non-dimensional forms were derived for predicting the characteristics of the laminar plasma jet generation, within the parameter ranges where no transfer to turbulent flow occurs. Mean arc temperature in the torch channel and mean jet-flow temperature at the torch exit were obtained, and the results indicate that the thermal conductivity feature of the working gas seems to be an important factor affecting thermal efficiency of laminar plasma generation.

Generation of large-scale vortex dislocations in a three-dimensional wake-type flow

Numerical study of three-dimensional evolution of wake-type flow and vortex dislocations is performed by using a compact finite diffenence-Fourier spectral method to solve 3-D incompressible Navier-Stokes equations. A local spanwise nonuniformity in momentum defect is imposed on the incoming wake-type flow. The present numerical results have shown that the flow instability leads to three-dimensional vortex streets, whose frequency, phase as well as the strength vary with the span caused by the local nonuniformity. The vortex dislocations are generated in the nonuniform region and the large-scale chain-like vortex linkage structures in the dislocations are shown. The generation and the characteristics of the vortex dislocations are described in detail.

Experimental Study on the Generation and Characteristics of Plasma Jets

报道热等离子体射流产生及射流特性的实验研究结果。。采用同一个直流等离子体发生器，工作气体流量小时产生出层流等离子体长射流，射流长度随气体流量或弧电流的增加而明显增加；工作气体流量大时则产生出湍流等离子体短射流，此时射流长度几乎与工作气体流量或弧电流无关；在层流与湍流等离子体射流工况之间，存在一个流动状况不稳定的过渡区，此时等离子体射流的平均长度随气流量的加大而减小，但随弧电流的加大而明显加大。层流等离子体长射流有相当好的刚性。

Experimental Study on the Thermal Argon Plasma Generation and Jet Length Change Characteristics at Atmospheric Pressure

The generation, jet length and flow-regime change characteristics of argon plasma issuing into ambient air have been experimentally examined. Different torch structures have been used in the tests. Laminar plasma jets can be generated within a rather wide range of working-gas flow rates, and an unsteady transitional flow state exists between the laminar and turbulent flow regimes. The high-temperature region length of the laminar plasma jet can be over an order longer than that of the turbulent plasma jet and increases with increasing argon flow rate or arc current, while the jet length of the turbulent plasma is less influenced by the generating parameters. The flow field of the plasma jet has very high radial gradients of plasma parameters, and a Reynolds number alone calculated in the ordinary manner may not adequately serve as a criterion for transition. The laminar plasma jet can have a higher velocity than that of an unsteady or turbulent jet. The long laminar plasma jet has good stiffness to withstand the impact of laterally injected cold gas and particulate matter. It could be used as a rather ideal object for fundamental studies and be applied to novel materials processing due to its attractive stable and adjustable properties.