The presence of vegetation in open channel flow has a significant influence on flow resistance, turbulence structures and sediment transport. This study will evaluate flow resistance and scale velocity profile in depth limited flow conditions, specifically investigating the impact of vegetation on the flow resistance under submerged flow conditions. The resistance induced by vegetation in open channel flows has been interpreted differently in literature, largely due to different definitions of friction factors or drag coefficients and the different Reynolds numbers. The methods utilized in this study are based on analytical and numerical models to investigate the effects of vegetation presence on flow resistance in open channel flows. The performing strategy approach was applied by three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations, using artificial cylinders for the velocity profile. This is to estimate the average flow velocity and resistance coefficients for flexible vegetation, which results in more accurate flow rate predictions, particularly for the case of low Reynolds number. This thesis shows different formulas from previous studies under certain conditions for a length scale metric, which normalises velocity profiles of depth limited open channel flows with submerged vegetation, using both calculated and simulated model work. It considers the submerged vegetation case in shallow flows, when the flow depth remains no greater than twice the vegetation height. The proposed scaling has been compared and developed upon work that have been influenced by logarithmic and power laws to present velocity profiles, in order to illustrate the variety of flow and vegetation configurations.

With the increased frequency of accidental and deliberate explosions, the response of civil infrastructure systems to blast loading has become a research topic of great interest. However, with the high cost and complex safety and logistical issues associated with live explosives testing, North American blast resistant construction standards (e.g. ASCE 59-11 & CSA S850-12) recommend the use of shock tubes to simulate blast loads and evaluate relevant structural response. This study aims first at developing a 2D axisymmetric shock tube model, implemented in ANSYS Fluent, a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software, and then validating the model using the classical Sod’s shock tube problem solution, as well as available shock tube experimental test results. Subsequently, the developed model is compared to a more complex 3D model in terms of the pressure, velocity and gas density. The analysis results show that there is negligible difference between the two models for axisymmetric shock tube performance simulation. However, the 3D model is necessary to simulate non-axisymmetric shock tubes. The design of a shock tube depends on the intended application. As such, extensive analyses are performed in this study, using the developed 2D axisymmetric model, to evaluate the relationships between the blast wave characteristics and the shock tube design parameters. More specifically, the blast wave characteristics (e.g. peak reflected pressure, positive phase duration and the reflected impulse), were compared to the shock tube design parameters (e.g. the driver section pressure and length, the driven v section length, and perforation diameter and their locations). The results show that the peak reflected pressure increases as the driver pressure increases, while a decrease of the driven length increases the peak reflected pressure. In addition, the positive phase duration increases as both the driver length and driven length are increased. Finally, although shock tubes generally generate long positive phase durations, perforations located along the expansion section showed promising results in this study to generate short positive durations. Finally, the developed 2D axisymmetric model is used to optimize the dimensions of a proposed large-scale conical shock tube system developed for civil infrastructure blast response evaluation applications. The capabilities of this proposed shock tube system are further investigated by correlating its design parameters to a range of explosion threats identified by different hemispherical TNT charge weight and distance scenarios. / Thesis / Master of Applied Science (MASc)

Energy harvesting of ambient and aeroelastic vibrations is important for reducing the dependence of wireless sensing and networks on batteries. We develop a configuration for a piezoelectric energy harvester with the capability to wirelessly communicate vibration measurements while using those vibrations to power the sensing and communication devices. Particularly, we perform experiments that aim at identifying challenges to overcome in the development of such a configuration. Towards that objective, we successfully tested a self-powered real-time point-to-point wireless communication system between a vibration sensor and transmission and receiving modules. The sensing device and transmission module are powered by the vibrating object using a piezoelectric energy harvester. The communication is established by using two XBee modules. In the second part of this dissertation, we address the optimization of the output power of piezoelectric energy harvesters of aeroelastic vibrations. Given the complexity of high-fidelity simulations of the coupling between the fluid flow, structural response and piezoelectric transduction, we develop and experimentally validate a phenomelogical reduced-order model for energy harvesting from wake galloping. We also develop a high-fidelity simulation for the same phenomena. The modeling and high-fidelity simulations can be a part of a multi-disciplinary optimization framework to be used in the design and operation of galloping-based energy harvesters. / Doctor of Philosophy / Energy harvesting of ambient or flow-induced vibrations is important for reducing the dependence on batteries in wireless sensing and networks to monitor deterioration conditions, environmental pollution or wildlife conservation. Balancing the benefits and shortcomings of a specific approach, namely piezoelctric transduction, for energy harvesting from vibrations, we address a specific challenge related to the development of a configuration that allows for communicating measured vibrations using their power. Furthermore, given the low levels of output power from piezoelectric transduction, we address the need to optimize power output levels through the development of predictive models that depend on geometry and speed of the fluid flow.

A Savonius wind turbine is a self-starting vertical axis rotor. It can be designed to be compact in size and also produces less noise which makes it suitable to integrate into urban spaces such as rooftops and sign-poles. These characteristics make it interesting from a sustainability point of view, especially when aiming to increase the decentralization of electricity production. This thesis aimed to investigate the aerodynamic performance of different two-bladed Savonius profiles by varying the blade arc angle and the overlap ratio. For evaluation, the dimensionless power coefficient and torque coefficient were investigated over different tip speed ratios. The study was conducted numerically with 2D simulations in Ansys Fluent. The partial differential equations describing the characteristics of the flow, including the flow turbulence effects, were solved with the Reynolds-average Navier Stokes in combination with the k-omega SST model. A validation was performed by comparing data from simulated and experimental tests of a semi-circular profile and a Benesh profile. The investigation of the blade arc angle and overlap ratio was performed on a Modified Bach profile. The profile with a blade arc angle of 130 degrees and an overlap ratio of 0.56 generated a maximal power coefficient of 0.267 at a tip speed ratio of 0.9. This blade configuration generated the best performance of all conducted simulations in this project. However, this project contained uncertainties since simulations can never be an exact description of reality. The project was also limited by the computational power available. Nevertheless, according to the conducted simulations, it was observed that a higher blade arc angle and a larger overlap ratio seem to generate higher efficiency. / En Savonius vindturbin är en självstartande vertikalaxlad rotor som kan utformas i en kompakt design samtidigt som den producerar mindre oljud än horisontalaxlade vindkraftverk. Dagens hållbarhetssträvan i kombination med Savonius turbinens karakteristiska egenskaper gör den till ett potentiellt starkt vertyg för vindenergi. Då den kan placeras på exempelvis hustak eller skyltstolpar, utan att störa närliggande omgivning, finns det många möjliga sätt att implementera och integrera den i samhällets infrastruktur. Målet med detta projekt var att undersöka den aerodynamiska prestationen för Savoniusturbiner med två blad genom att variera bladvinkeln och överlappningsförhållandet. För att jämföra de olika profilerna användes den dimensionslösa effektkoefficienten och momentkoefficienten. Dessa koefficienter beräknades i förhållande till löptalet. Studien utfördes numeriskt med 2D-simuleringar i Ansys Fluent. De partiella differentialekvationerna som beskriver flödets egenskaper, inkluderat turbulenseffekterna, löstes med Reynolds-average Navier Stokes i kombination med k-ω SST modellen. En validering utfördes genom att jämföra data med simulerade och experimentella värden av en Semi-circular profil och en Benesh profil. Studien av bladvinkel och överlappningsförhållandet utgick från en Modified Bach profil. Den mest effektiva profilen hade en bladvinkel av 130 grader och ett överlappsförhållande på 0,56. Den genererade en maximal effektkoefficient av 0,267 vid löptal 0,9. Projektet innehöll en del osäkerheter då simuleringar aldrig kan beskriva verkligheten till fullo. Den tillgängliga beräkningskapaciteten begränsade även projektet ytterligare. Trots vissa begränsningar, visar ändå utförda simuleringar att ökad bladvinkel och ökat överlappningsförhållande genererar högre effekt. / <p>This project was conducted within Stand up for wind and Stand up for energy.</p>

Urychlovačem řízené podkritické systémy (ADS) se schopností transmutovat dlouhodobě žijící radionuklidy mohou vyřešit problematiku použitého jaderného paliva z aktuálních jaderných reaktorů. Stejně tak i potenciální problém s nedostatkem dnes používaného paliva, U-235, jelikož jsou schopny energeticky využít U-238 nebo i hojný izotop thoria Th-232. Tato disertační práce se v rámci základního ADS výzkumu zabývá spalačními reakcemi a produkcí tepla různých experimentálních terčů. Experimentální měření bylo provedeno ve Spojeném ústavu jaderných výzkumů v Dubně v Ruské federaci. V rámci doktorského studia bylo v průběhu let 2015-2019 provedeno 13 experimentů. Během výzkumu byly na urychlovači Fázotron ozařovány různé terče protony s energií 660 MeV. Nejdříve spalační terč QUINTA složený z 512 kg přírodního uranu, následně pak experimentální terče z olova a uhlíku nebo terč složený z olověných cihel. Byl proveden také speciální experiment zaměřený na detailní výzkum dvou protony ozařovaných uranových válečků, z nichž je složen spalační terč QUINTA. Výzkum byl především zaměřen na monitorování uvolňovaného tepla ze zpomalovaných protonů, spalační reakce a štěpení, způsobeného neutrony produkovanými spalační reakcí. Dále se na uvolňování tepla podílely piony a fotony. Teplota byla experimentálně měřena pomocí přesných termočlánků se speciální kalibrací. Rozdíly teplot byly monitorovány jak na povrchu, tak uvnitř terčů. Další výzkum byl zaměřený na monitorování unikajících neutronů z terče porovnávací metodou mezi dvěma detektory. První obsahoval malé množství štěpného materiálu s teplotním čidlem. Druhý byl složený z neštěpného materiálu (W nebo Ta), avšak s podobnými materiálovými vlastnostmi se stejnými rozměry. Unik neutronů (resp. neutronový tok mimo experimentální terč) byl detekován uvolněnou energií ze štěpné reakce. Tato práce se zabývá přesným měřením změny teploty pomocí termočlánků, s využitím elekroniky od National Instrument a softwaru LabView pro sběr dat. Pro práci s daty, analýzu a vizualizaci dat byl použit skriptovací jazyk Python 3.7. (s využitím několika knihoven). Přenos částic by simulován pomocí MCNPX 2.7.0., a konečně simulace přenosu tepla a určení povrchové teploty simulovaného modelu bylo provedeno v programu ANSYS Fluent (pro jednodušší výpočty ANSYS Transient Thermal).

Purpose of this thesis is to check influence of turbulent model used for simulation of flow close to primary elementi inserted into piping. The goal is to check if results computed by these models are equal and how precise is their prediction.

The main objective of this diploma thesis is to optimize the high lift device on the wing of the Phoenix Air U-15 ultralight aircraft, so that it complies with the UL-2 regulation regarding the stalling speed – 65 KPH. This is fulfilled by optimization of the slotted flap position. Methods used include the Response Surface Method and the Computational Fluid Dynamics approach – namely Ansys Fluent v6 software package. Furthermore, the paper deals with take-off flap optimization and construction of the flap deflection mechanism.

The diploma thesis is focused on a quantification of hydrodynamic load of overflowed bridge deck. Solution was pursued by using two–dimensional numerical simulation of open channel flow in vertical plane created in ANSYS 15.0 software (modules: Workbench, Design Modeler, Meshing, Fluent). Values of drag force, lift force, moment, drag coefficient, lift coefficient and moment coefficient is result of computation. Various types of bridge decks were tested in relation to the degree of inundation (inundation ratio) and flow velocity.The thesis provides comparison of numerical simulation with physical experimental testing and result published in accessible resources.

NOWADAYS, a number of studies keep on demonstrating the existence of a strong relation between high concentrations of particulate matter (PM) and the prevalence of human morbidity and mortality. Large particles can be filtered in the nose or in the throat, while fine particles (about10 micrometer) can settle in the bronchi and lungs, leading to more serious consequences. According to Karagulian et al. the major sources of urban air pollution are traffic (25%), combustion and agriculture (22%), domestic fuel burning (20%), natural dust (18%) and industrial activities (15%).As a consequence, the detailed study of dispersion phenomena within the urban canopy becomes a target of great interest. To this end, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) can be successfully employed to predict turbulence and dispersion patterns, accounting for a detailed characterization of the pollutant sources, complex obstacles and atmospheric stability classes.Despite being intrinsically different phenomena, turbulence and dispersion are closely related. It is universally accepted that, to reach accurate prediction of the concentration field, it is necessary to properly reproduce the turbulence one. For this reason, the present PhD thesis is split into two main Sections: one focused on turbulence modelling and the subsequent, centered on the dispersion modelling.Thanks to its good compromise between accuracy of results and calculation time, Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) still represents a valid alternative to more resource-demanding methods. However, focusing on the models’ performance in urban studies, Large Eddy Simulation (LES) generally outperforms RANS results, even if the former is at least one order of magnitude more expensive. Stemming from this consideration, the aim of this work is to propose a variety of approaches meant to solve some of the major limitations linked to standard RANS simulation and to further improve its accuracy in disturbed flow fields, without renouncing to its intrinsic feasibility. The proposed models are suitable for the urban context, being capable of automatically switching from a formulation proper for undisturbed flow fields to one suitable for disturbed areas. For neutral homogeneous atmospheric boundary layer (ABL), a comprehensive approach is adopted, solving the issue of the erroneous stream-wise gradients affecting the turbulent profiles and able to correctly represent the various roughness elements. Around obstacles, more performing closures are employed. The transition between the two treatments is achieved through the definition of a Building Influence Area (BIA). The finalgoal is to offer more affordable alternatives to LES simulations without sacrificing a good grade of accuracy.Focusing on the dispersion modelling framework, there exists a number of parameters which have to be properly specified. In particular, the definition of the turbulent Schmidt number Sct, expressing the ratio of turbulent viscosity to turbulent mass diffusivity, is imperative. Despite its relevance, the literature does not report a clear guideline on the definition of this quantity. Nevertheless, the importance of Sct with respect to dispersion is undoubted and further demonstrated in the works of different authors. For atmospheric boundary layer flows, typical constant values range between 0.2 and 1.3. As a matter of fact, the local variability of Sct is supported by experimental evidence and by direct numerical simulations (DNS). These observations further suggest that the turbulent Schmidt number should be prescribed as a dynamic variable. Following these observations a variable turbulent Schmidt number formulation is proposed in this work. The latter stems from the same hypothesis of the variable formulation developed by Gorlé et al. Moreover, the relevant uncertain model parameters are optimized through uncertainty quantification (UQ). This formulation further increased the accuracy of the predictions, and was successfully verified by Di Bernardino et al. However, the turbulent Schmidt number resulting from this formulation is still intrinsically linked to the turbulence model employed, i.e. to the Cμ coefficient. To overcome this constraint, the nature and the dependencies of Sct were further analyzed through correlation studies and employing principal component analysis (PCA) on data obtained through the proposed ABL RANS model. Subsequently, the same data-driven technique was employed based on the high-fidelity outcomes of a delayed Detached Eddy Simulation (dDES) to derive a generalized turbulentSchmidt number formulation. The latter can be employed within a wide range of turbulence models, without limiting its variability. / Doctorat en Sciences de l'ingénieur et technologie / info:eu-repo/semantics/nonPublished

World resources are becoming more and more scarce due to the increasing demand. Hence, the industry is moving towards sustainable development in order to suffice the needs of the future generations. Electricity is one such resources that account for 90% of the daily utility. In Sweden alone 378 TWh of electricity is consumed over a year. The major source of production of electricity is the fossil fuels, but due to development in the renewable resource's the electricity is also produced using solar, wind and geothermal energy. However, no production process is 100% efficient and hence, there is loss of energy in the form of waste. Organic Rankine Cycle Turbine (ORC) is a technology which is under the focus of the researcher and the industry to convert this wasteful energy into useful energy. Designing of these machines is a challenging task which requires careful consideration of every design parameter, i.e. with the change in every parameter the losses in the turbine either increase or decrease. In this study, effect of the parameters such as inlet mach number, stagger angle, inlet angle and pitch to chord is studied to see the effect on the profile loss. Since ANSYS Fluent works with 2D unlike ANSYS CFX which work with pseudo 2D geometry, ANSYS Fluent was used for investigating profile loss. Furthermore, a methodology is defined to investigate the tip leakage loss based on the geometry provided by the Againity AB for future studies. Tip leakage loss simulations were carried out in ANSYS CFX turbo mode due to its user friendly interface for simulating turbo machinery flows. The results of the profile loss investigation suggested a range for parameters where the profile loss is observed to be comparatively lower than elsewhere. The methodology proposed for tip leakage loss investigation paved a pathway for the further improvement with respect to the future studies.