Results for “complex fluid” — Page 97

NASA NTRS2016

Effect of Molecular Flexibility upon Ice Adhesion Shear Strength

Ice formation on aircraft surfaces effects aircraft performance by increasing weight and drag leading to loss of lift. Current active alleviation strategies involve pneumatic boots, heated surfaces, and usage of glycol based de-icing fluids. Mitigation or reduction of in-flight icing by means of a passive approach may enable retention of aircraft capabilities, i.e., no reduction in lift, while reducing the aircraft weight and mechanical complexity. Under a NASA Aeronautics Research Institute Seedling activity, the effect of end group functionality and chain length upon ice adhesion shear strength (IASS) was evaluated with the results indicating that chemical functionality and chain length (i.e. molecular flexibility) affected IASS. Based on experimental and modeling results, diamine monomers incorporating molecular flexibility as either a side chain or in between diamine functionalities were prepared, incorporated into epoxy resins that were subsequently used to fabricate coatings on aluminum substrates, and tested in a simulated icing environment. The IASS was found to be lower when molecular flexibility was incorporated in the polymer chain as opposed to a side chain.

Smith, Joseph G.↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

GT2024-139262: Development of a Computational Fluid Dynamics Model for a High-Speed Centrifugal Compressor

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) has become widely used in the design and analysis of turbomachinery components such as centrifugal compressors. However, CFD is only a limited representation of experimental cases and struggles to model complex flows or lack model details to increase computation speed. The High Efficiency Centrifugal Compressor (HECC) was designed by United Technologies Research Center for NASA to investigate the difficulties behind improving centrifugal compressor technology and to provide an open case to the turbomachinery research community. The CFD technology seen in previous numerical models of the compressor have improved since then. In this study, a high-fidelity computational model for the vaneless configuration of HECC operating at its design point was developed and compared to an equivalent experimental case. This model incorporated GPU versions of mesh generation code WAND and solver code LEO from AeroDynamic Solutions, Inc. Blade sections extracted from the solid model formed the basis of the impeller mesh, while the remainder of the stage was modeled as ducts. Standard day aerodynamic conditions, design rotational speed, design mass flow rate, and inlet flow angles served as additional inputs. A mesh sensitivity study was performed prior to using the model for analysis. The accuracy of the model’s predictions of impeller and stage performance were assessed by comparing the total pressure ratio, total temperature rise ratio, and adiabatic efficiency to the corresponding parameters observed in the experimental case. Results showed a general overprediction of compressor performance by the model. Predictions were more accurate for the impeller performance compared to those for the full compressor stage. Spanwise analyses showed that the model tended to follow flow behavior patterns exhibited in the experiment. Beyond this study, this model was used to examine HECC aerodynamics and performance in research following thereafter.

centrifugal compressor↗

DOE OSTI2014

Geoelectrical Measurement of Multi-Scale Mass Transfer Parameters

Mass transfer affects contaminant transport and is thought to control the efficiency of aquifer remediation at a number of sites within the Department of Energy (DOE) complex. An improved understanding of mass transfer is critical to meeting the enormous scientific and engineering challenges currently facing DOE. Informed design of site remedies and long-term stewardship of radionuclide-contaminated sites will require new cost-effective laboratory and field techniques to measure the parameters controlling mass transfer spatially and across a range of scales. In this project, we sought to capitalize on the geophysical signatures of mass transfer. Previous numerical modeling and pilot-scale field experiments suggested that mass transfer produces a geoelectrical signature—a hysteretic relation between sampled (mobile-domain) fluid conductivity and bulk (mobile + immobile) conductivity—over a range of scales relevant to aquifer remediation. In this work, we investigated the geoelectrical signature of mass transfer during tracer transport in a series of controlled experiments to determine the operation of controlling parameters, and also investigated the use of complex-resistivity (CR) as a means of quantifying mass transfer parameters in situ without tracer experiments. In an add-on component to our grant, we additionally considered nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) to help parse mobile from immobile porosities. Including the NMR component, our revised study objectives were to: 1. Develop and demonstrate geophysical approaches to measure mass-transfer parameters spatially and over a range of scales, including the combination of electrical resistivity monitoring, tracer tests, complex resistivity, nuclear magnetic resonance, and materials characterization; and 2. Provide mass-transfer estimates for improved understanding of contaminant fate and transport at DOE sites, such as uranium transport at the Hanford 300 Area. To achieve our objectives, we implemented a 3-part research plan involving (1) development of computer codes and techniques to estimate mass-transfer parameters from time-lapse electrical data; (2) bench-scale experiments on synthetic materials and materials from cores from the Hanford 300 Area; and (3) field demonstration experiments at the DOE’s Hanford 300 Area. In a synergistic add-on to our workplan, we analyzed data from field experiments performed at the DOE Naturita Site under a separate DOE SBR grant, on which PI Day-Lewis served as co-PI. Techniques developed for application to Hanford datasets also were applied to data from Naturita. 1. Introduction The Department of Energy (DOE) faces enormous scientific and engineering challenges associated with the remediation of legacy contamination at former nuclear weapons production facilities. Selection, design and optimization of appropriate site remedies (e.g., pump-and-treat, biostimulation, or monitored natural attenuation) requires reliable predictive models of radionuclide fate and transport; however, our current modeling capabilities are limited by an incomplete understanding of multi-scale mass transfer—its rates, scales, and the heterogeneity of controlling parameters. At many DOE sites, long “tailing” behavior, concentration rebound, and slower-than-expected cleanup are observed; these observations are all consistent with multi-scale mass transfer [Haggerty and Gorelick, 1995; Haggerty et al., 2000; 2004], which renders pump-and-treat remediation and biotransformation inefficient and slow [Haggerty and Gorelick, 1994; Harvey et al., 1994; Wilson, 1997]. Despite the importance of mass transfer, there are significant uncertainties associated with controlling parameters, and the prevalence of mass transfer remains a point of debate [e.g., Hill et al., 2006; Molz et al., 2006] for lack of experimental methods to verify and measure it in situ or independently of tracer breakthrough. There is a critical need for new field-experimental techniques to measure mass transfer in-situ and estimate multi-scale and spatially variable mass-transfer parameters. The current lack of such techniques results in large parameter uncertainty, which in turn translates into enormous prediction uncertainty and cost to DOE. In this project, we considered three hydrogeophysical approaches for providing information about mass-transfer parameters: (1) the combination of electrical-resistivity tomography (ERT) and ionic tracer experiments to explore rates of exchange and relative mobile and immobile porosities; (2) complex resistivity (CR) measurements to infer the distribution of diffusive length scales active in a porous medium; and (3) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) to estimate mobile and immobile porosity.

38 RADIATION CHEMISTRY, RADIOCHEMISTRY, AND NUCLEA↗

DOE OSTI2014

Final Report: Geoelectrical Measurement of Multi-Scale Mass Transfer Parameters

Mass transfer affects contaminant transport and is thought to control the efficiency of aquifer remediation at a number of sites within the Department of Energy (DOE) complex. An improved understanding of mass transfer is critical to meeting the enormous scientific and engineering challenges currently facing DOE. Informed design of site remedies and long-term stewardship of radionuclide-contaminated sites will require new cost-effective laboratory and field techniques to measure the parameters controlling mass transfer spatially and across a range of scales. In this project, we sought to capitalize on the geophysical signatures of mass transfer. Previous numerical modeling and pilot-scale field experiments suggested that mass transfer produces a geoelectrical signature—a hysteretic relation between sampled (mobile-domain) fluid conductivity and bulk (mobile + immobile) conductivity—over a range of scales relevant to aquifer remediation. In this work, we investigated the geoelectrical signature of mass transfer during tracer transport in a series of controlled experiments to determine the operation of controlling parameters, and also investigated the use of complex-resistivity (CR) as a means of quantifying mass transfer parameters in situ without tracer experiments. In an add-on component to our grant, we additionally considered nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) to help parse mobile from immobile porosities. Including the NMR component, our revised study objectives were to: 1. Develop and demonstrate geophysical approaches to measure mass-transfer parameters spatially and over a range of scales, including the combination of electrical resistivity monitoring, tracer tests, complex resistivity, nuclear magnetic resonance, and materials characterization; and 2. Provide mass-transfer estimates for improved understanding of contaminant fate and transport at DOE sites, such as uranium transport at the Hanford 300 Area. To achieve our objectives, we implemented a 3-part research plan involving (1) development of computer codes and techniques to estimate mass-transfer parameters from time-lapse electrical data; (2) bench-scale experiments on synthetic materials and materials from cores from the Hanford 300 Area; and (3) field demonstration experiments at the DOE’s Hanford 300 Area. In a synergistic add-on to our workplan, we analyzed data from field experiments performed at the DOE Naturita Site under a separate DOE SBR grant, on which PI Day-Lewis served as co-PI. Techniques developed for application to Hanford datasets also were applied to data from Naturita.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

DOE OSTI2014

Geoelectrical Measurement of Multi-Scale Mass Transfer Parameters

Mass transfer affects contaminant transport and is thought to control the efficiency of aquifer remediation at a number of sites within the Department of Energy (DOE) complex. An improved understanding of mass transfer is critical to meeting the enormous scientific and engineering challenges currently facing DOE. Informed design of site remedies and long-term stewardship of radionuclide-contaminated sites will require new cost-effective laboratory and field techniques to measure the parameters controlling mass transfer spatially and across a range of scales. In this project, we sought to capitalize on the geophysical signatures of mass transfer. Previous numerical modeling and pilot-scale field experiments suggested that mass transfer produces a geoelectrical signature—a hysteretic relation between sampled (mobile-domain) fluid conductivity and bulk (mobile + immobile) conductivity—over a range of scales relevant to aquifer remediation. In this work, we investigated the geoelectrical signature of mass transfer during tracer transport in a series of controlled experiments to determine the operation of controlling parameters, and also investigated the use of complex-resistivity (CR) as a means of quantifying mass transfer parameters in situ without tracer experiments. In an add-on component to our grant, we additionally considered nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) to help parse mobile from immobile porosities. Including the NMR component, our revised study objectives were to: 1. Develop and demonstrate geophysical approaches to measure mass-transfer parameters spatially and over a range of scales, including the combination of electrical resistivity monitoring, tracer tests, complex resistivity, nuclear magnetic resonance, and materials characterization; and 2. Provide mass-transfer estimates for improved understanding of contaminant fate and transport at DOE sites, such as uranium transport at the Hanford 300 Area. To achieve our objectives, we implemented a 3-part research plan involving (1) development of computer codes and techniques to estimate mass-transfer parameters from time-lapse electrical data; (2) bench-scale experiments on synthetic materials and materials from cores from the Hanford 300 Area; and (3) field demonstration experiments at the DOE’s Hanford 300 Area. In a synergistic add-on to our workplan, we analyzed data from field experiments performed at the DOE Naturita Site under a separate DOE SBR grant, on which PI Day-Lewis served as co-PI. Techniques developed for application to Hanford datasets also were applied to data from Naturita.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

DOE OSTI2013

Multiscale multiphysics and multidomain models—Flexibility and rigidity

The emerging complexity of large macromolecules has led to challenges in their full scale theoretical description and computer simulation. Multiscale multiphysics and multidomain models have been introduced to reduce the number of degrees of freedom while maintaining modeling accuracy and achieving computational efficiency. A total energy functional is constructed to put energies for polar and nonpolar solvation, chemical potential, fluid flow, molecular mechanics, and elastic dynamics on an equal footing. The variational principle is utilized to derive coupled governing equations for the above mentioned multiphysical descriptions. Among these governing equations is the Poisson-Boltzmann equation which describes continuum electrostatics with atomic charges. The present work introduces the theory of continuum elasticity with atomic rigidity (CEWAR). The essence of CEWAR is to formulate the shear modulus as a continuous function of atomic rigidity. As a result, the dynamics complexity of a macromolecular system is separated from its static complexity so that the more time-consuming dynamics is handled with continuum elasticity theory, while the less time-consuming static analysis is pursued with atomic approaches. We propose a simple method, flexibility-rigidity index (FRI), to analyze macromolecular flexibility and rigidity in atomic detail. The construction of FRI relies on the fundamental assumption that protein functions, such as flexibility, rigidity, and energy, are entirely determined by the structure of the protein and its environment, although the structure is in turn determined by all the interactions. As such, the FRI measures the topological connectivity of protein atoms or residues and characterizes the geometric compactness of the protein structure. As a consequence, the FRI does not resort to the interaction Hamiltonian and bypasses matrix diagonalization, which underpins most other flexibility analysis methods. FRI's computational complexity is of O(N{sup 2}) at most, where N is the number of atoms or residues, in contrast to O(N{sup 3}) for Hamiltonian based methods. We demonstrate that the proposed FRI gives rise to accurate prediction of protein B-Factor for a set of 263 proteins. We show that a parameter free FRI is able to achieve about 95% accuracy of the parameter optimized FRI. An interpolation algorithm is developed to construct continuous atomic flexibility functions for visualization and use with CEWAR.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

DOE OSTI2020

Shape-preserving amorphous-to-crystalline transformation of CaCO3 revealed by in situ TEM

Organisms use inorganic ions and macromolecules to regulate crystallization from amorphous- precursors, endowing natural biominerals with complex morphologies and enhanced properties. The mechanisms by which modifiers enable these shape preserving transformations are poorly understood. We used in situ liquid-phase transmission electron microscopy to follow the evolution from amorphous calcium carbonate to calcite in the presence of additives. A combination of contrast analysis and infrared spectroscopy shows that Mg ions, which are widely present in seawater and biological fluids, alter the transformation pathway in a concentration-dependent manner. The ions bring excess (structural) water into the amorphous bulk so that a direct transformation is triggered by dehydration in the absence of morphological changes. Molecular dynamics simulations suggest Mg-incorporated water induces structural fluctuations, allowing transformation without the need to nucleate a separate crystal. Thus, the obtained calcite retains the original morphology of the amorphous state, biomimetically achieving the morphological control of crystals seen in biominerals

crystallization, biomineralization, calcium carbon↗

NASA NTRS2016

Wind-US Users Guide Version 3.0

Wind-US is a computational platform which may be used to numerically solve various sets of equations governing physical phenomena. Currently, the code supports the solution of the Euler and Navier-Stokes equations of fluid mechanics, along with supporting equation sets governing turbulent and chemically reacting flows. Wind-US is a product of the NPARC Alliance, a partnership between the NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) and the Arnold Engineering Development Complex (AEDC) dedicated to the establishment of a national, applications-oriented flow simulation capability. The Boeing Company has also been closely associated with the Alliance since its inception, and represents the interests of the NPARC User's Association. The "Wind-US User's Guide" describes the operation and use of Wind-US, including: a basic tutorial; the physical and numerical models that are used; the boundary conditions; monitoring convergence; the files that are read and/or written; parallel execution; and a complete list of input keywords and test options. For current information about Wind-US and the NPARC Alliance, please see the Wind-US home page at http://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/winddocs/ and the NPARC Alliance home page at http://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/wind/. This manual describes the operation and use of Wind-US, a computational platform which may be used to numerically solve various sets of equations governing physical phenomena. Wind-US represents a merger of the capabilities of four CFD codes - NASTD (a structured grid flow solver developed at McDonnell Douglas, now part of Boeing), NPARC (the original NPARC Alliance structured grid flow solver), NXAIR (an AEDC structured grid code used primarily for store separation analysis), and ICAT (an unstructured grid flow solver developed at the Rockwell Science Center and Boeing).

Navier-Stokes equation↗

DOE OSTI2023

Data-Driven RANS Turbulence Closures for Forced Convection Flow in Reactor Downcomer Geometry

Recent progress in data-driven turbulence modeling has shown its potential to enhance or replace traditional equation-based Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) turbulence models. Here, this work utilizes invariant neural network (NN) architectures to model Reynolds stresses and turbulent heat fluxes in forced convection flows (when the models can be decoupled). As the considered flow is statistically one dimensional, the invariant NN architecture for the Reynolds stress model reduces to the linear eddy viscosity model. To develop the data-driven models, direct numerical and RANS simulations in vertical planar channel geometry mimicking a part of the reactor downcomer are performed. Different conditions and fluids relevant to advanced reactors (sodium, lead, unitary-Prandtl-number fluid, and molten salt) constitute the training database. The models enabled accurate predictions of velocity and temperature, and compared to the baseline k–τ turbulence model with the simple gradient diffusion hypothesis, do not require tuning of the turbulent Prandtl number. The data-driven framework is implemented in the open-source graphics processing unit–accelerated spectral element solver nekRS and has shown the potential for future developments and consideration of more complex mixed convection flows.

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗

DOE OSTI2016

BIGHORN Computational Fluid Dynamics Theory, Methodology, and Code Verification & Validation Benchmark Problems

This document presents the theoretical background for a hybrid finite-element / finite-volume fluid flow solver, namely BIGHORN, based on the Multiphysics Object Oriented Simulation Environment (MOOSE) computational framework developed at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL). An overview of the numerical methods used in BIGHORN are discussed and followed by a presentation of the formulation details. The document begins with the governing equations for the compressible fluid flow, with an outline of the requisite constitutive relations. A second-order finite volume method used for solving the compressible fluid flow problems is presented next. A Pressure-Corrected Implicit Continuous-fluid Eulerian (PCICE) formulation for time integration is also presented. The multi-fluid formulation is being developed. Although multi-fluid is not fully-developed, BIGHORN has been designed to handle multi-fluid problems. Due to the flexibility in the underlying MOOSE framework, BIGHORN is quite extensible, and can accommodate both multi-species and multi-phase formulations. This document also presents a suite of verification & validation benchmark test problems for BIGHORN. The intent for this suite of problems is to provide baseline comparison data that demonstrates the performance of the BIGHORN solution methods on problems that vary in complexity from laminar to turbulent flows. Wherever possible, some form of solution verification has been attempted to identify sensitivities in the solution methods, and suggest best practices when using BIGHORN.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

DOE OSTI2016

Comparative wellbore integrity evaluation across a complex of oil and gas fields within the Michigan Basin and implications for CO 2 storage: Modeling and Analysis: Comparative wellbore integrity evaluation across a complex of oil

Not provided.

Energy & Fuels↗

NASA NTRS1999

Unstructured Grid Generation for Complex 3D High-Lift Configurations

The application of an unstructured grid methodology on a three-dimensional high-lift configuration is presented. The focus of this paper is on the grid generation aspect of an integrated effort for the development of an unstructured-grid computational fluid dynamics (CFD) capability at the NASA Langley Research Center. The meshing approach is based on tetrahedral grids generated by the advancing-front and the advancing-layers procedures. The capability of the method for solving high-lift problems is demonstrated on an aircraft model referred to as the energy efficient transport configuration. The grid generation issues, including the pros and cons of the present approach, are discussed in relation to the high-lift problems. Limited viscous flow results are presented to demonstrate the viability of the generated grids. A corresponding Navier-Stokes solution capability, along with further computations on the present grid, is presented in a companion SAE paper.

Pirzadeh, Shahyar Z.↗

DOE OSTI2021

Combined Structural Analysis of Core and Image Log of TGH 76-31 South East of Mt Baker, Washington State

Despite active volcanism, few geothermal energy resources have been developed in the Cascades Range. Temperature Gradient Hole 76-31 was drilled to ~440 m measured depth to probe for zones where fractures provide fluid conduits that transport deep volcanic heat to shallow depths that could support baseload, carbon neutral electrical generation. These zones were predicted by a Play Fairway assessment (PFA) of resource potential along a zone 11 km west-southwest of the summit of Mount Baker Volcano. Rock core, temperature logs, and an acoustic image log were obtained. By comparison to outcrops, the core has been initially interpreted as the Chilliwack group comprised of partially metamorphosed basaltic to andesitic volcanics. Core mapping reveals complex, steeply dipping networks of fractures and brecciation along slickensided strike slip faults; clay alteration is common in many of these structures. The majority of fractures are thoroughly healed by layers of chlorite and calcite; preservation of pyrite indicates anoxic conditions. The majority of fracture porosity resides in very dense fractures a few centimeters or less in length. The image log provides good insights into attitude of fractures that fully transect the core, but generally underestimates fracture density. The combination of complex, non-planar fracture zones containing many short fractures and healing promote misinterpretation of natural fracture attitude and density in the image log. The healing and anoxic minerals are consistent with the conductive temperature gradient measured in the well below a shallow isothermal zone, although, several fractures are open or only partially healed and resulted in fluid entries into the well. Here, the equilibrated measured temperature gradient of 64ºC/km and calculated heat flow of 145 mW/m2 is more than twice the regional average, indicating local influence of the Mt Baker magmatic system at the Little Park Creek TGH site.

Cascades↗

DOE OSTI2017

Analysis of a Complex Faulted CO 2 Reservoir Using a Three-dimensional Hydro-geochemical-Mechanical Approach

This work applies a three-dimensional (3D) multiscale approach recently developed to analyze a complex CO 2 faulted reservoir that includes some key geological features of the San Andreas and nearby faults. The approach couples the STOMP-CO2-R code for flow and reactive transport modeling to the ABAQUS ® finite element package for geomechanical analysis. The objective is to examine the coupled hydro-geochemical-mechanical impact on the risk of hydraulic fracture and fault slip in a complex and representative CO 2 reservoir that contains two nearly parallel faults. STOMP-CO2-R/ABAQUS ® coupled analyses of this reservoir are performed assuming extensional and compressional stress regimes to predict evolutions of fluid pressure, stress and strain distributions as well as potential fault failure and leakage of CO 2 along the fault damage zones. The tendency for the faults to slip and pressure margin to fracture are examined in terms of stress regime, mineral composition, crack distributions in the fault damage zones and geomechanical properties. Here, this model in combination with a detailed description of the faults helps assess the coupled hydro-geochemical-mechanical effect.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

DOE OSTI2014

Ionic Asymmetry and Solvent Excluded Volume Effects on Spherical Electric Double Layers: A Density Functional Approach

In this article we present a classical density functional theory for electrical double layers of spherical macroions that extends the capabilities of conventional approaches by accounting for electrostatic ion correlations, size asymmetry and excluded volume effects. The approach is based on a recent approximation introduced by Hansen-Goos and Roth for the hard sphere excess free energy of inhomogeneous fluids (J. Chem. Phys. 124, 154506). It accounts for the proper and efficient description of the effects of ionic asymmetry and solvent excluded volume, especially at high ion concentrations and size asymmetry ratios including those observed in experimental studies. Additionally, we utilize a leading functional Taylor expansion approximation of the ion density profiles. In addition, we use the Mean Spherical Approximation for multi-component charged hard sphere fluids to account for the electrostatic ion correlation effects. These approximations are implemented in our theoretical formulation into a suitable decomposition of the excess free energy which plays a key role in capturing the complex interplay between charge correlations and excluded volume effects. We perform Monte Carlo simulations in various scenarios to validate the proposed approach, obtaining a good compromise between accuracy and computational cost. We use the proposed computational approach to study the effects of ion size, ion size asymmetry and solvent excluded volume on the ion profiles, integrated charge, mean electrostatic potential, and ionic coordination number around spherical macroions in various electrolyte mixtures. Our results show that both solvent hard sphere diameter and density play a dominant role in the distribution of ions around spherical macroions, mainly for experimental water molarity and size values where the counterion distribution is characterized by a tight binding to the macroion, similar to that predicted by the Stern model.

Medasani, Bharat↗

DOE OSTI2025

Numerical simulation of frost formation and heat transfer on fin-and-tube heat exchangers in turbulent cross-flow

Frost formation in fin-and-tube heat exchangers in turbulent cross-flow presents significant challenges in industrial refrigeration applications, affecting heat transfer efficiency and operational reliability. The purpose of this work is to investigate frost deposition and growth on a staggered bank of a fin-and-tube freezer coil under turbulent forced convection conditions. The focus here is on investigating conditions that closely replicate real-world scenarios in large walk-in industrial freezers. Using a direct numerical simulation approach, we examine the flow dynamics and thermal behaviour in the presence of frost, considering turbulent regimes characterized by a Reynolds number in the range 1050 ≤ R e D , avg ≤ 4800 , with the characteristic length being the outer diameter of the tube and the velocity being the bulk fluid velocity between the plates (fins). Computational fluid dynamics simulations are employed to resolve the interactions between turbulent airflow and the frost layer. Our approach incorporates a modified immersed boundary method and a slow-time acceleration technique to address the complex dynamic interface between the continuously evolving frost layer and the flowing air stream. Our findings indicate that frost forms more on the sides of the finned surfaces (plates) and less on the tubes themselves. This article is part of the theme issue ‘Heat and mass transfer in frost and ice’.

Science & Technology - Other Topics↗

DOE OSTI2022

Finite Element Modeling of Electrochemical Polishing of Niobium in Hydrofluoric-Sulfuric Acid Electrolyte

Niobium (Nb) used in superconducting radio-frequency cavities requires smooth surface to achieve optimal performance. In this work, a finite element model that coupled electrochemistry, heat transfer, and fluid dynamics was developed to investigate the electrochemical polishing mechanisms of Nb, using experimentally measured polarization results of coupon samples as validations. The current and potential distribution, oxide growth kinetics of Nb in a complex cavity geometry was investigated as a function of temperature and coolant flow. A low temperature coolant with intermediate flow rate was found to reduce surface current and ensure oxide uniformity. These results could shed light on the design of future particle accelerators.

SRF accelerator cavity↗

DOE OSTI2023

NMACFoam (Numerical-model for Membrane-spacer Assemblies and Configurations in OpenFOAM) [SWR-23-57]

NMACFoam is a computational fluid dynamics tool for simulating flow and solids transport in membrane-spacer channels pertaining to reverse osmosis or nanofiltration applications. It is developed on the OpenFOAM framework and allows for simulating spacers with complex geometries. It includes porous wall boundary conditions for membranes and can accurately capture concentration polarization effects. One can perform large calculations at module-scale domain sizes using high performance computing resources with NMACFoam, which scales to 1000s of processors for problems with 1-10 million cells.

Sitaraman, Hariswaran↗