Aortic aneurysms are the 14th leading cause of death in the United States. Annually, abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) ruptures are responsible for 4500 deaths. There are another 45,000 repair procedures performed to prevent rupture, and of these approximately 1400 lead to deaths. With proper detection, the aneurysm may be treated using endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). Understanding how the flow of the blood within the artery is affected by the aneurysm is important in determining the growth of the aneurysm, as well as how to properly treat the aneurysm. The goal of this project was to develop a physical construct of the AAA, and use this construct to validate a computational model of the same aneurysm through flow visualization. The hypothesis was that the fluid velocities within the physical construct would accurately mimic the fluid velocities used in the computational model. The physical model was created from a CT scan of an AAA using 3D printing and polymer casting. The result was a translucent box containing a region in the shape of the aneurysm. Fluid was pumped through the construct to visualize and quantify the velocity of the fluid within the aneurysm. COMSOL Multiphysics® was used to create a computational model of the same aneurysm, as well as obtain velocity measurements to statistically compare to those from the physical construct. There was no significant difference between the velocity values for the physical construct and the COMSOL Multiphysics® model, confirming the hypothesis. This study used a CT scan to create an anatomically accurate model of an AAA that was used to validate a computational model using a novel technique of flow visualization. As EVAR technologies continue to progress, it will become increasingly important to understand how the blood flow within the aneurysm affects the growth and treatment of AAAs.

Heat transfer brought about by impinging jets is common in several industrialapplications such as the cooling of heated objects. The purpose of this investigationis to create a numerical model of an impacting jet, then to use it in parametricresearch and in the cooling of an electronic device. In this work, COMSOL Multiphysics software has been used to carry out a numericalanalysis of a cooling jet impacting a vertical surface. Water and air are the two fluidscompared to each other, and three different materials were selected for modelling theheated object. The model created can be used in many areas. For example, the caseof the air jet hitting an aluminum object is commonly used in the cooling of electronicdevices while the water jet hitting a brick is used in building and construction. Inother words, the highlight of this project is to create a useful tool that can be easilymodified in order to investigate a specific area. To set an example, the cooling of aninsulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) has been investigated in this work. Equations related to the conservation of mass and momentum, coupled to the energyconservation equation, have been solved. Several assumptions were carefully andreasonably considered to simplify the simulation and ensure the accuracy andreliability of the results. The effect of the type of the heated material and the distancebetween the tube nozzle and the heated object have been investigated in the study.The results show that the jet is effective in cooling heated objects and can be used inparametric research. In fact, surface temperature and jet velocity have been displayedand discussed and it has been found that the most optimal combination for efficientheat transfer is a shorter distance between the tube nozzle and the heated object, amaterial with higher thermal conductivity, and water as the jet fluid. The impingingjet device has been tested in the cooling of Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT)and the results showed that the temperature of the IGBT drops by 14.57%. Despite the accuracy of the results, it is important to recognize the limits of thenumerical model such as the discretization of the physical domain, the resolution ofthe mesh, the assumptions, and the simplifications. In addition, this investigation waslimited to three variable factors. Therefore, further studies are recommended tofurther optimize the cooling effect of the jet, such as the study of nozzle shape, jetvelocity, jet mass flow rate and a 3D-simulation. / Värmeöverföring som orsakas av påverkande strålar är vanligt förekommandeinom flera industriella tillämpningar, såsom kylning av uppvärmda objekt. Syftetmed denna undersökning är att skapa en numerisk modell av en påverkande stråleoch sedan använda den i parametrisk forskning och för att kyla en elektroniskenhet. I detta arbete har COMSOL Multiphysics-programvaran använts för att genomföraen numerisk analys av en kylstråle som påverkar en vertikal yta. Vatten och luft ärde två vätskor som jämförs med varandra, och tre olika material valdes för attmodellera det uppvärmda objektet. Den skapade modellen kan användas inommånga områden. Till exempel används fallet med luftstrålen som träffar ettaluminiumobjekt vanligtvis vid kylning av elektroniska enheter, medanvattenstrålen som träffar en tegelsten används inom bygg- ochkonstruktionsbranschen. Med andra ord är höjdpunkten i detta projekt att skapa ettanvändbart verktyg som lätt kan modifieras för att undersöka ett specifikt område.Som ett exempel har kylningen av en isolerad gatebipolär transistor (IGBT) undersökts i detta arbete.  Ekvationer relaterade till mass- och rörelsebevarande, kopplade tillenergibevarelsesekvationen, har lösts. Flera antaganden beaktades noggrant ochrimligtvis för att förenkla simuleringen och säkerställa noggrannheten ochtillförlitligheten hos resultaten. Effekten av uppvärmt materials typ och avståndetmellan tubmunstycket och det uppvärmda objektet har undersökts i studien.Resultaten visar att strålen är effektiv för att kyla uppvärmda objekt och kananvändas inom parametrisk forskning. Faktum är att yttemperaturen och strålenshastighet har visats och diskuterats, och det har konstaterats att den mest optimalakombinationen för effektiv värmeöverföring är ett kortare avstånd mellantubmunstycket och det uppvärmda objektet, ett material med högre termiskledningsförmåga och vatten som strålens fluid. Den påverkande strålenheten hartestats för att kyla en isolerad gatebipolär transistor (IGBT) och resultaten visadeatt temperaturen på IGBT sjunker med 14,57%. Trots resultatens noggrannhet är det viktigt att erkänna begränsningarna hos dennumeriska modellen, såsom diskretiseringen av det fysiska området, upplösningenpå nätet, antaganden och förenklingar. Dessutom var denna undersökningbegränsad till tre variabla faktorer. Därför rekommenderas ytterligare studier för attytterligare optimera strålens kylningseffekt, såsom studiet av munstyckets form,strålens hastighet, strålens massflödesintensitet och en 3D-simulering.

Partial discharge (PD) is a micro discharge that occurs in defected regions within the insulating media. As these discharges are the main culprits that cause dielectric material aging, PD measurements have been used for assessing insulating materials, including solids, liquids, and gases for power applications. There are various methods and sensors available for measuring PD sensitive to specific characteristics and operable over a wide range of frequencies. Most PD measurement techniques provide patterns that enable PD interpretation more comfortable for users. For example, in AC applications, the phase-resolved partial discharge (PRPD) technique provides identifiable patterns for distinguishing various types of PDs. However, the establishment of meaningful patterns to multiple types of PD in DC systems requires more sensitive and accurate measurements of individual PD pulses with noise rejection functionality due to the lack of phase-resolved information. Investigating of the transient phenomena such as individual PD pulses requires well-designed circuits with sufficiently large bandwidths. Waveshapes can be easily disturbed by background noise and deformed by the frequency response of measuring circuits and data acquisition systems (DAQ). Noises are unwanted disturbances that could be suppressed by suitable filters or mathematical methods. Measurement circuits and DAQ systems consist of transmission lines, sensors, cables, connectors, DAQ hardware, and oscilloscopes. Therefore, matching the impedance of all components guarantees a reflectionree path for traveling signals and addresses most of the challenges relevant to transient measurements. In this dissertation, we proposed and designed an appropriate testbed equipped with high bandwidth transmission line and electromagnetic field sensors suitable for investigating PD under DC electrical stresses. We comprehensively used finite element analysis simulations through the COMSOL Multiphysics software to design the dimensions and evaluate the frequency response of the testbed, transmission line, and electromagnetic sensors. Furthermore, based on the new testbed, DC PD measurements were performed using conventional and non-conventional sensors. Finally, various types of DC PD were statistically classified based on the proposed testbed.

L’apparition accidentelle d’un arc électrique dans le système de distribution électrique d’un aéronef peut compromettre la sécurité du vol. Il existe peu de travaux liés à cette problématique.Le but de ce travail est donc d’étudier le comportement d’un arc électrique, en conditions aéronautiques,par des approches théorique, numérique, et expérimentale. Dans ce travail, un modèle MHD de la colonne d’arc à l’ETL a été utilisé, et résolu à l’aide du logiciel commercial comsolMultiphysics. Afin de décrire l’interaction plasma-électrodes, le modèle a dû étendu pour inclure les écarts à l’équilibre près des électrodes. Ces zones ont été prises en compte en considérant la conservation du courant et de l’énergie dans la zone hors-équilibre. L’approche choisie et le développement du modèle ont été détaillés. La validation du modèle dans le cas d’un arc libre a montré un excellent accord avec les résultats numériques et expérimentaux de la littérature.Ce modèle d’arc libre a été étendu au cas de l’arc se propageant entre des électrodes en configuration rails et en géométrie 3D. Une description auto-cohérente du déplacement de l’arc entre les électrodes a été réalisée. La simulation numérique a été faite pour des arcs en régimes DC, pulsé et AC à des pressions atmosphériques et inférieures. Les principales caractéristiques de l’arc ont été analysées et discutées. Les résultats obtenus ont été comparés avec les résultats expérimentaux et ont montré un bon accord.Ce modèle d’arc électrique est capable de prédire le comportement d’un arc de défaut dans des conditions aéronautiques. Des améliorations du modèle sont discutées comme perspectives de ce travail. / The ignition of an electric arc in the electric distribution system of an aircraft can be a serious problem for flight safety. The amount of information on this topic is limited, however. Therefore,the aim of this work is to investigate the electric arc behavior by means of experiment and numerical simulations.The MHD model of the LTE arc column was used and resolved numerically using the commercial software comsol Multiphysics. In order to describe plasma-electride interaction, the model had to be extended to include non-equilibrium effects near the electrodes. These zones were taken into account by means of current and energy conservation in the non-equilibrium layer. The correct matching conditions were developed and are described in the work. Validation of the model in the case of a free burning arc showed excellent agreement between comprehensive models and the experiment.This model was then extended to the case of the electric arc between rail electrodes in a 3D geometry. Due to electromagnetic forces the electric arc displaces along the electrodes. A self-consistent description of this phenomenon was established. The calculation was performed for DC, pulsed and AC current conditions at atmospheric and lower pressures. The main characteristics of the arc were analyzed and discussed. The results obtained were compared with the experimental measurements and showed good agreement.The model of electric arcs between busbar electrodes is able to predict the behavior of a fault arc in aeronautical conditions. Further improvements of the model are discussed as an outlook of the research.

Utilisée depuis des milliers d’années sous ses manifestations naturelles par l’Homme, cette ressource fait l’objet d’une exploitation commerciale depuis seulement le XXe siècle, à destination du chauffage de bâtiments, de certains usages industriels ainsi que de la production d’électricité. La France compte parmi les pionniers concernant l’usage direct de la chaleur alors qu’aucune filière industrielle n’est véritablement effective pour la production d’électricité d’origine géothermique. Le projet sélectionné, intitulé FONGEOSEC, a pour objectif la conception et la réalisation d’un démonstrateur innovant préindustriel d’une centrale géothermique haute enthalpie exploité par cogénération d’électricité et de chaleur. Un travail de recherche et développement, conduit par un consortium composé de partenaires industriels et scientifiques, vise au lancement de la filière industrielle géothermique haute température en France. L’objectif général des travaux de thèse porte sur une meilleure compréhension globale des comportements hydrauliques, massiques et thermiques des formations profondes en réponse à une sollicitation anthropique de longue durée. Il s’agit d’identifier les paramètres clés régissant la réponse du complexe réservoir à la suite d’une exploitation géothermique. Un point particulier sera consacré à caractériser la part de chacun des modes de transport de chaleur en milieu poreux – conduction thermique, convection libre et forcée – dans l’établissement des performances thermiques de l’ouvrage considéré. Plusieurs dispositifs techniques d’exploitation seront proposés afin de réduire les incertitudes associées au système géothermique souterrain et garantir le succès du projet FONGEOSEC. L’impact des mécanismes thermo-convectifs au voisinage des forages d’exploitation géothermique de grande profondeur reste peu documenté, a fortiori dans le cas de dispositifs déviés adoptant une complétion particulière. L’outil retenu pour l’évaluation des performances du dispositif au contact de l’encaissant est la modélisation numérique distribuée. La variabilité des propriétés physiques de l’hydrosystème, de la conception et des modalités d’exploitation du dispositif sur le comportement hydraulique et thermique de l’exploitation est envisagée selon différentes approches développées à partir de modèles numériques 3D. / Used for thousands of years under its natural manifestations, this resource has been commercially exploited since the twentieth century, for the heating of buildings, certain industrial uses and the production of electricity. France is one of the pioneers in the direct use of heat, whereas no industrial cluster is truly effective for the production of geothermal electricity. The selected project, FONGEOSEC, aims to design and produce an innovative pre-industrial demonstrator of a high enthalpy geothermal power plant operated by cogeneration of electricity and heat. A research and development project, led by a consortium of industrial and scientific partners, aims to launch the high-temperature geothermal industrial sector in France. The general objective of this thesis is to improve the understanding of the hydraulic, mass and thermal behavior of deep porous formations in response to long-term anthropogenic stress. The aim is to identify the key parameters governing the response of the reservoir complex related to geothermal operation. A particular point will be devoted to characterize the part of each mode of transport of heat in porous medium – thermal conduction, free and forced convection – in the establishment of the thermal performances of the geothermal power plant. Several technical operating devices will be proposed to reduce the uncertainties associated with the underground geothermal system and guarantee the success of the FONGEOSEC project. The impact of thermo-convective mechanisms in the vicinity of deep geothermal borehole remains poorly documented, especially in the case of deviated wells with a complex inner geometry. The evaluation of the hydraulic and thermal performances of the device, based on 3D numerical modeling, is conducted according to different approaches.

Cement hydration is the result of a series of simultaneous chemical reactions occurring during the production of concrete. An excessive amount of heat is generated, which consequently may give rise to thermal stresses and cause early age cracks in concrete that may affect its structural integrity, and load bearing capacity. Incorporating fly ash into the concrete mixture has shown to be an efficient method to reduce the temperatures developed during early age hydration, especially for massive concrete structures. Fly ash does additionally affect the concrete's development of compressive strength, tensile strength and Young's modulus. The MahanaKhon tower's mat foundation is divided into 14 layers, with fly ash incorporated in the concrete mix. A finite element model was developed of the mat foundation with COMSOL Multiphysics to simulate the developed temperatures and thermal stresses during curing. The simulations were carried out as parametric studies with different strain reference temperatures. The simulated temperatures were compared with existing temperature measurements that were conducted in three different elevations in each concrete layer. The result of the temperature analyses showed that the measured temperatures were generally larger than the simulated ones, which may have been the result of the numerical model's heat conductivity and convective heat transfer coeffcient not reflecting the actual case. Furthermore, the numerical model did not take into account the effects of solar radiation, which would most likely have increased the temperature of the concrete. The maximum simulated temperatures were mostly found in the center level of the concrete, followed by the lower level, and the lowest at the top. It was also observed that the maximum temperatures in some of the mat foundation layers could exceed 70 °C, which is generally considered high since the risk of delayed ettringite formation may arise. The large temperature is partially a result of not using cooling methods, such as cooling pipes, but also due to the high initial and ambient temperatures. The result of the thermal stress analyses showed that no tensile stresses arose when the strain reference temperature, Tref, was specified to 30 °C, corresponding to the mean ambient temperature. This is due to the concrete temperature not falling below Tref, and the concrete will therefore be in expansion and only be subject to compressive stresses. Increasing Tref to 50 °C, which was considered a reasonable estimation, resulted in developed tensile stresses in all mat foundation layers, where the majority of the mat foundation layers showed a risk of superficial surface cracks. The maximum tensile stresses were found at the final time of the simulations, which was expected, since the temperatures were at their lowest as a result of removing the curing insulation. Finally, setting Tref to 70 °C, corresponding to the maximum temperature during hardening, increased the induced tensile stresses considerably, due to the large temperature gradient between Tref and the concrete temperature. The maximum stresses were, as expected, located at the top level and caused by internal restraint. The second largest tensile stresses were found in the center level, also subject to internal restraint. The lowest tensile stresses were located in the lower level, subject to external restraint. / Cementhydratation är resultatet av en serie kemiska reaktioner som sker under tillverkningen av betong. Stora mängder värme genereras, vilket följaktligen kan ge upphov till termiska spänningar och orsaka tidig sprickbildning som påverkar betongens hållfasthet, och bärförmåga. Inkludering av flygaska i betongblandningen har visat sig vara en effektiv metod avsedd att minska temperaturerna som utvecklas under hydratationen i ung betong, särskilt i massiva betongkonstruktioner. Flygaska påverkar också betongens utveckling av tryckhållfasthet, draghållfasthet och elasticitetsmodul. MahanaKhon towers bottenplatta är uppdelad i 14 lager, där flygaska inkluderades i bottenplattans betong. En finit elementmodell av bottenplattan skapades i COMSOL Multiphysics, där de utvecklade temperaturerna och termiska spänningarna i den unga betongen simulerades under bottenplattans härdningsfas. Simuleringarna genomfördes som parameterstudier med olika referenstemperaturer. De simulerade temperaturerna jämfördes vidare med befintliga temperaturmätningar som utfördes i tre olika elevationer i varje gjutetapp. Resultaten av temperaturerna visade att de uppmätta temperaturerna var generellt högre än de simulerade, vilket bland annat kan bero på att betongens värmeledningsförmåga, samt konvektiva värmeöverföringskoefficient inte återspeglade det aktuella fallet. Den numeriska modellen tog inte heller hänsyn till effekten av solinstrålning, som sannolikt skulle ökat betongens temperatur. De maximala temperaturerna hittades mestadels i betongens mittnivå, följt av den lägre nivån och slutligen lägsta nivåerna vid toppen. Det observerades även att de maximala temperaturerna i bottenplattan kunde överstiga 70 °C, vilket generellt anses vara högt då risken för fördröjd ettringitbildning kan uppstå. De höga temperaturerna beror delvis på avsaknad av kylmetoder, såsom kylrör, men även på den höga initialtemperaturen och omgivningstemperaturen. Resultaten av spänningsanalysen påvisade att inga dragspänningar uppstod när referenstemperaturen Tref denierades till 30 °C, som motsvarar den genomsnittliga omgivningstemperaturen. Detta förklaras av att betongen kommer att vara i expansion och följaktligen endast utsättas för tryckspänningar. Efter att Tref ökats till 50 °C, vilken ansågs vara en rimlig estimering i denna studie, uppstod dragspänningar i alla lager i bottenplattan, där vissa utsattes för risk för ytsprickor. De maximala dragspänningarna uppstod vid simuleringarnas slut, vilket var förväntat då temperaturerna var som lägst vid den tidpunkten till följd av att isoleringen avlägsnades. Slutligen höjdes Tref till 70 °C, vilket motsvarar den maximala temperaturen i bottenplattan under härdning. De inducerade dragspänningarna ökade avsevärt på grund av den stora temperaturgradienten mellan Tref och betongtemperaturen. Samtliga lager utsattes i detta fall för risk för genomgående sprickor. De maximala dragspänningarna påträffades på toppnivån och orsakades av inre tvång. De näst största dragspänningarna fanns i mitten av plattan och var också resultatet av inre tvång. De lägsta dragspänningarna påträffades vid plattans lägre nivå, som utsattes för yttre tvång.

In Photovoltaic/Thermal (PVT) technology, both PV and solar thermal technology are integrated in the same module for simultaneous electricity and heat production. Research has shown that there are multiple benefits from integrating PVT collectors with a ground source heat pump (GSHP) system, since it allows for seasonal storage of thermal energy over the year. Furthermore, it leads to reduced operating temperatures for the PVT collectors which can increase efficiency and lifetime. The aim of this study is to present the electric and thermal performance of a PVT collector developed by Solhybrid i Småland AB, for different environmental and fluid inlet conditions that can occur when PVT collectors are connected to a GSHP system. Furthermore, the performance of this PVT design is evaluated with ASHRAE (Standard 93-2003), to allow for comparison with other PVT collector designs, with values on the overall heat loss coefficient (UL) and heat removal factor (FR). The modelling tool used for the study is the software COMSOL Multiphysics, which uses the finite element method to solve the partial differential equations in heat transfer and fluid flow problems. Based on the performance curves, the thermal and electrical efficiency of the collector is approximately 48.0-53.4% and 19.0-19.2% respectively at a reduced temperature of zero and irradiance levels of 800-1000 W/m2 for the mass flow rate of 0.026 kg/sm2 which was determined as most suitable to increase thermal performance. Furthermore, these results resulted in a heat removal factor (FR) and overall heat loss coefficient (UL) of 0.56-0.62 and 53.4-53.5 W/m2 K respectively. The results on the performance of the PVT collector in different weather conditions shows that the inlet water temperature can significantly affect operating time and the amount of thermal energy that can be extracted during the year, especially if the collector operates in a colder climate like Sweden. To assess the accuracy of the created model, future work includes experimental testing of the studied PVT collector. / En panel med kombinerad teknik av både solceller och termisk solfångare (PVT) kan producera både elektricitet och värme samtidigt. Forskning har visat att det kan finnas flera fördelar med att integrera PVT-paneler med ett bergvärmesystem, eftersom det mjliggör lagring av termisk energi över året. Dessutom leder ett sådant system till lägre drifttemperaturer som kan öka PVT-panelens effektivitet och livslängd. Syftet med studien är att presentera den elektriska och termiska prestandan av en PVT-panel utvecklat av Solhybrid i Småland AB för olika driftförhållanden som kan uppstå på grund av olika väderförhållanden och inlopps-temperaturer när panelerna är kopplade till ett bergvärmesystem. Vidare utvärderas prestandan för denna panel med ASHRAEmetoden (standard 93-2003), för att möjliggöra jämförelse med andra PVT-paneler. Modelleringsverktyget som använts i studien är mjukvaran COMSOL Multiphysics, som använder finita elementmetoden för att lösa partiella differentialekvationer i värmeöverförings-och flödesproblem. Baserat på prestandakurvorna som presenteras i resultatet, är den termiska och elektriska verkningsgraden approximativt 48.0-53.4% respektive 19.0-19.2% för en reducerad temperatur med värdet noll, en solstrålning mellan 800-1000 W/m2, för en massflödeshastighet på 0.026 kg/sm2 som beslutades som den mest lämpliga för att öka den termiska prestandan. Resultaten resulterade i en värmeavledningsfaktor (FR) och total värmeförlustkoefficient (UL) på 0.56-0.62 respektive 53.4-53.5 W/m2 K. Resultaten på PVT-panelens prestanda under olika väderförhållanden visar att vattnets inloppstemperatur kan påverka drifttiden och mängden termisk energi som kan extraheras under året avsevärt, speciellt i nordiskt klimat. För att bedöma korrektheten i resultaten och den skapade modellen rekommenderas experimentell testning av den studerade PVT-panelen.

Bakterien Legionella pneumophila orsakar sjukdomen Legionella vilket har ökat i världen de senaste 20 åren och har troligtvis ett ännu större mörkertal. Den frodas i vattenrör mellan temperaturen 25–50 grader och vid installation av varmvattenrör i byggnader måste det tas hänsyn i riskzoner. Ett speciellt riskområde är varmvattenavstick som skapas för att kunna dra vidare vattenrör i framtiden. Där utsätts vattnet för större risk för stillastående och sjunkande temperaturprofil beroende på längd. Med hjälp av COMSOL Multiphysics® Modelling Software har ett teoretiskt ramverk för dimensionering av varmvattenavstick i byggnader skapats. Resultatet visar på hur stor strömningshastighet i vattenflödet, isoleringstjocklek och luftrörslängd har påverkan på hur långt avsticket kan vara utan att understiga kritisk temperatur. Resultatet kan användas som beslutsstöd givet att liknande avstickmodell och flödesprofil används samt om strömningshastighet i röret inte är längre än det i rapporten. / The bacterium Legionella pneumophila causes the disease Legionella which has seen an increase in the world over the last 20 years and likely has an even greater number of unrecorded cases. It thrives in water pipes between the temperature of 25-50 degrees and when installing hot water pipes in buildings certain factors must be taken into account. A special risk area is hot water branches that are created to be able to extend water pipes in the future. There, the water is at greater risk of stagnant and decreasing temperature profile depending on its length. With the help of COMSOL Multiphysics® Modelling Software, a theoretical framework for the dimensioning of hot water distances in buildings has been created. The result shows how the velocity in the water flow, the insulation thickness and the length of the air pipe have a great influence on how long the branch can be without falling below the critical temperature. The results can be used as decision support if one has a similar branch model and flow profile and also given a that a lower flow rate is not used.

Doctor of Philosophy / Department of Chemistry / Takashi Ito / Self-organized nanoporous materials have drawn a lot of attention because the uniform, highly dense, and ordered cylindrical nanopores in these materials provide a unique platform for chemical separations and chemical sensing applications. Here, we explore self-organized nanopores of PS-b-PMMA diblock copolymer thin films and anodic gallium oxide for chemical separations and sensing applications. In the first study, cyclic voltammograms of cytochrome c on recessed nanodisk-array electrodes (RNEs) based on nanoporous films (11, 14 or 24 nm in average pore diameter; 30 nm thick) derived from polystyrene-poly(methylmethacrylate) diblock copolymers were measured. The faradic current of cytochrome c was observed on RNEs, indicating the penetration of cytochrome c (hydrodynamic diameter ≈ 4 nm) through the nanopores to the underlying electrodes. Compared to the 24-nm pores, the diffusion of cytochrome c molecules through the 11- and 14-nm pores suffered significantly larger hindrance. The results reported in this study will provide guidance in designing RNEs for size-based chemical sensing and also for controlled immobilization of biomolecules within nanoporous media for biosensors and bioreactors. In another study, conditions for the formation of self-organized nanopores of a metal oxide film were investigated. Self-organized nanopores aligned perpendicular to the film surface were obtained upon anodization of gallium films in ice-cooled 4 and 6 M aqueous H2SO4 at 10 V and 15 V. The average pore diameter was in the range of 18 ~ 40 nm, and the anodic gallium oxide was ca. 2 µm thick. In addition, anodic formation of self-organized nanopores was demonstrated for a solid gallium monolith incorporated at the end of a glass capillary. Nanoporous anodic oxide monoliths formed from a fusible metal will lead to future development of unique devices for chemical sensing and catalysis. In the final study, surface chemical property of self-organized nanoporous anodic gallium oxide is explored through potentiometric measurements. The nanoporous anodic and barrier layer gallium oxide structures showed slow potentiometric response only at acidic pH (≤ 4), in contrast to metallic gallium substrates that exhibited a positive potentiometric response to H⁺ over the pH range examined (3-10). The potentiometric response at acidic pH probably reflects some chemical processes between gallium oxide and HCl.

Aluminium recycling requires 95% less energy than primary production with no loss of quality. The Black Dross (BD) produced during secondary aluminium production contains high amounts of water-soluble compounds, therefore it is considered as a toxic waste. In the present work, salt removal from BD by thermal treatment has been investigated in laboratory scale. The optimum conditions for treatment were established, i.e., temperature, gas flow rate, holding time, rotation rate, and sample size. The overall degree of chloride removal was established to increase as a function of time and temperature. Even Pretreated Black Dross (PBD) was evaluated as a possible raw material for the production of a calcium aluminate-based ladle-fluxing agent to be used in the steel industry. The effects of different process parameters on the properties of the produced flux were experimentally investigated, i.e. CaO/Al2O3 ratio, temperature, holding time, and cooling media. The utilization of PBD as the alumina source during the production of a calcium aluminate fluxing agent shows promising results. The iron/steel industry is responsible for 9% of anthropogenic energy and process CO2 emissions. It is believed that the only way to a long-term reduction of the CO2 emissions from the iron/steel industry is commercialization of alternative processes such as Direct Reduction (DR) of iron oxide. Detailed knowledge of the kinetics of the reduction reactions is, however, a prerequisite for the design and optimization of the DR process. To obtain a better understanding of the reduction kinetics, a model was developed step-by-step, from a single pellet to a fixed bed with many pellets. The equations were solved using the commercial software COMSOL Multiphysics®. The final model considers the reaction rate and mass transfer inside the pellet, as well as the mass transfers and heat transfer in the fixed bed. All the models were verified against experimental results, and where found to describe the results in a satisfying way. / <p>QC 20161128</p>