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At least 523 records · Page 29

Simulation of Guided-Wave Ultrasound Propagation in Composite Laminates: Benchmark Comparisons of Numerical Codes and Experiment

Ultrasonic wave methods constitute the leading physical mechanism for nondestructive evaluation (NDE) and structural health monitoring (SHM) of solid composite materials, such as carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) laminates. Computational models of ultrasonic wave excitation, propagation, and scattering in CFRP composites can be extremely valuable in designing practicable NDE and SHM hardware, software, and methodologies that accomplish the desired accuracy, reliability, efficiency, and coverage. The development and application of ultrasonic simulation approaches for composite materials is an active area of research in the field of NDE. This paper presents comparisons of guided wave simulations for CFRP composites implemented using four different simulation codes: the commercial finite element modeling (FEM) packages ABAQUS, ANSYS, and COMSOL, and a custom code executing the Elastodynamic Finite Integration Technique (EFIT). Benchmark comparisons are made between the simulation tools and both experimental laser Doppler vibrometry data and theoretical dispersion curves. A pristine and a delamination type case (Teflon insert in the experimental specimen) is studied. A summary is given of the accuracy of simulation results and the respective computational performance of the four different simulation tools.

Composite↗

Undercooling minimization in ultrasound coupled DTA measurements of molten salts

Molten salts are ionic liquids that are used for the electrolytic pyroprocessing of metals and as heat transfer fluids in very high temperature processes. Recently, halide-based molten salt reactors (MSR) have gained momentum for high density and environmentally responsible electricity generation. The function of these reactors and their fuel cycle depend on a knowledge of the halide salt’s thermodynamic properties [1]. Therefore, high accuracy phase equilibria of MSR relevant base halide and actinide containing salts are needed. Modern thermal analysis of the phase transitions of halide salts is usually done during heating at relatively high scan rates with commercial devices. Normally such measurements are adequate for pure or pseudo-binary salts. However, as the number of components in the mixture increases, accurately resolving the liquidus becomes increasingly difficult. Reversing the scanning mode greatly increases the sensitivity of phase transition measurements but can decrease accuracy due to undercooling [2] — a common occurrence in molten halide systems [3]. This work presents the development of a differential thermal analysis (DTA) cell intended for use in radiological gloveboxes. Non-contact ultrasonic agitation of the halide salt is implemented to limit kinetic limitations on crystallization during cooling to minimize undercooling [4]. Measurements on halide salts are also presented to elucidate the effect of non-contact mixing on undercooling. Reference [1] S. Boyd and C. Taylor, “3 - Chemical fundamentals and applications of molten salts,” in Molten Salt Reactors and Thorium Energy, T. J. Dolan, Ed., Woodhead Publishing, 2017, pp. 29–91. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-08-101126-3.00003-8. [2] K. Nitsch, A. Cihlár, and M. Rodová, “Molten state and supercooling of lead halides,” J. Cryst. Growth, vol. 264, no. 1, pp. 492–498, Mar. 2004, doi: 10.1016/j.jcrysgro.2004.01.011. [3] L. Rycerz, “Practical remarks concerning phase diagrams determination on the basis of differential scanning calorimetry measurements,” J. Therm. Anal. Calorim., vol. 113, no. 1, pp. 231–238, Jul. 2013, doi: 10.1007/s10973-013-3097-0. [4] Md. H. Zahir, S. A. Mohamed, R. Saidur, and F. A. Al-Sulaiman, “Supercooling of phase-change materials and the techniques used to mitigate the phenomenon,” Appl. Energy, vol. 240, pp. 793–817, Apr. 2019, doi: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2019.02.045.

11 - NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Ultrasound Manipulation and Extrusion of Active Nanorods

Abstract Synthetic self‐propelled nano and microparticles have a growing appeal for targeted drug delivery, collective functionality, and manipulation at the nanoscale. However, it is challenging to control their positions and orientations under confinement, e.g., in microchannels, nozzles, and microcapillaries. This study reports on the synergistic effect of acoustic and flow‐induced focusing in microfluidic nozzles. In a microchannel with a nozzle, the balance between the acoustophoretic forces and the fluid drag due to streaming flows generated by the acoustic field controls the microparticle's dynamics. This study manipulates the positions and orientations of dispersed particles and dense clusters inside the channel at a fixed frequency by tuning the acoustic intensity. The main findings are: first, this study successfully manipulates the positions and orientations of individual particles and dense clusters inside the channel at a fixed frequency by tuning the acoustic intensity. Second, when an external flow is applied, the acoustic field separates and selectively extrudes shape‐anisotropic passive particles and self‐propelled active nanorods. Finally, the observed phenomena are explained by multiphysics finite‐element modeling. The results shed light on the control and extrusion of active particles in confined geometries and enable applications for acoustic cargo (e.g., drug) delivery, particle injection, and additive manufacturing via printed self‐propelled active particles.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Double contrast-enhanced ultrasound improves the detection and localization of occult lesions in the pancreatic tail: a initial experience report

Purpose: The aim of this study is to review our initial experience of Double contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (DCEUS) in the preoperative detection of pancreatic tail occult tumors. Methods: Thirty-five patients were recruited to undergo DCEUS of the pancreas suspected by occult lesions of pancreatic with MRI or clinical evidence. The radiologists assessed the images (conventional US, DCEUS, and MRI) for enhancement phases, tumor presence, location, enhancement characteristics, and tumor conspicuity. The differences in the onset times of the phases between DCEUS and MRI were noted. Tumor conspicuity was graded on a four-point scale for conspicuity comparison among three imaging modalities. Results: Pancreatic tail tumors were missed on conventional transabdominal US in 11 of 35 patients. DCEUS revealed 12 lesions of 35 patients. Pancreatic tail tumors were identified on MRI in 10 of 35 patients. The sensitivity and specificity of DCEUS for depicting occult lesions of ≤ 2.2 cm were 92% and 95%, respectively. In contrast, the sensitivity and specificity of conventional US were 67% and 66%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of MRI were 91% and 88%, respectively. The conspicuity ratings of the three phases did not significantly differ between the DCEUS and MRI groups (P > 0.05). The DCEUS phases started much earlier than the corresponding MRI phases. Conclusion: DCEUS is a promising technique in the detection of occult pancreatic tail tumors and is possibly superior to dynamic enhanced MRI in the case of some peripheral lesions.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗

Interval Biliary Stent Placement Via Percutaneous Ultrasound Guided Cholecystostomy: Another Approach to Palliative Treatment in Malignant Biliary Tract Obstruction

Percutaneous cholecystostomy is a minimally invasive procedure for providing gallbladder decompression, often in critically ill patients. It can be used in malignant biliary obstruction following failed endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography when the intrahepatic ducts are not dilated or when stent insertion is not possible via the bile ducts. In properly selected patients, percutaneous cholecystostomy in obstructive jaundice is a simple, safe, and rapid option for biliary decompression, thus avoiding the morbidity and mortality involved with percutaneous transhepatic biliary stenting. Subsequent use of a percutaneous cholecystostomy for definitive biliary stent placement is an attractive concept and leaves patients with no external drain. To the best of our knowledge, it has only been described on three previous occasions in the published literature, on each occasion forced by surgical or technical considerations. Traditionally, anatomic/technical considerations and the risk of bile leak have precluded such an approach, but improvements in catheter design and manufacture may now make it more feasible. We report a case of successful interval metal stent placement via percutaneous cholecystostomy which was preplanned and achieved excellent palliation for the patient. The pros and cons of the procedure and approach are discussed.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗

Literature Review of the Role of Ultrasound, Computed Tomography, and Transcatheter Arterial Embolization for the Treatment of Traumatic Splenic Injuries

IntroductionThe spleen is the second most frequently injured organ following blunt abdominal trauma. Trends in management have changed over the years. Traditionally, laparotomy and splenectomy was the standard management. Presently, nonoperative management (NOM) of splenic injury is the most common management strategy in hemodynamically stable patients. Splenic injuries can be managed via simple observation (OBS) or with angiography and embolization (AE). Angio-embolization has shown to be a valuable alternative to observational management and has increased the success rate of nonoperative management in many series.DiagnosticsImproved imaging techniques and advances in interventional radiology have led to a better selection of patients who are amenable to nonoperative management. Despite this, there is still a lot of debate about which patients are prone to NOM.Angiography and EmbolizationThe optimal patient selection is still a matter of debate and the role of CT and angio-embolization has not yet fully evolved. We discuss the role of sonography and CT features, such as contrast extravasation, pseudoaneurysms, arteriovenous fistulas, or hemoperitoneum, to determine the optimal patient selection for angiography and embolization. We also review the efficiency, technical considerations (proximal or selective embolization), logistics, and complication rates of AE for blunt traumatic splenic injuries.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗

Halophyte biorefinery for polyhydroxyalkanoates production from Ulva sp. Hydrolysate with Haloferax mediterranei in pneumatically agitated bioreactors and ultrasound harvesting

Here, the present study tested the outdoor cultivation of Haloferax mediterranei for PHA production from green macroalgae Ulva sp. in pneumatically agitated bioreactors and applied ultrasonic separation for enhanced settling of archaeal cells. Scaled-up cultivation (40 L) yielded maximum biomass productivity of 50.1 ± 0.11 mg·L -1 ·h -1 with a PHA productivity of 27 ± 0.01 mg·L -1 ·h -1 and conversion yield of 0.107 g PHA per gram UlvaDW. The maximum mass fraction of PHA achieved in biomass was calculated to be 56% w/w. Ultrasonic harvesting of Hfx. mediterranei cells approached 30% removal at energy inputs around 7.8 kWh·m -3 , and indicated no significant aggregation enhancement by Ca 2+ addition. Molecular weight analysis showed an increase in Polydispersity Index (PDI) when the corresponding air velocities were increased suggesting that the polymer was more homogeneous at lower mixing velocities. The current study demonstrated scalable processes for PHA production using Ulva sp. feedstock providing new technologies for halophilic biorefinery.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗