No description available.

No description available.

During the past decade, new advanced combustion systems that share the same basic concept of using a substantially diluted and high-temperature oxidizer in the reaction volume have gained a great deal of interest regarding their application in industrial and power systems. These novel combustion technologies have proved to offer significant benefits compared to traditional combustion techniques. These benefits include reductions in pollutant emissions and energy consumption, as well as a higher and more uniformly distributed heat flux. This entails the potential to, for example, reduce the size of equipment in industrial units or increase production rates while fuel consumption and the subsequent CO2 emissions are decreased or maintained at the same level. Although the development of these new combustion technologies has occurred fairly recently, it has gained worldwide recognition. During the past few years the technique has been used commercially with several different types of burners. Despite its widespread use, the basic understanding of the chemical-physical phenomena involved is limited, and a better understanding of the combustion phenomena is required for more effective utilization of the technology. The objectives of this work have been to obtain fuel-jet characteristics in combustion under high-temperature, low-oxygen conditions and to develop some theoretical considerations of the phenomena. The effect of the preheat temperature of the combustion air, combustion stoichiometry and the fuel-jet calorific value on flame behavior was investigated. Temperature and heat-flux distribution were also studied using a semi-industrial test furnace to see if similar flame features would be found for the small- and large-scale experiments. Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) was used for the first time to obtain information on the flow dynamics of a fuel jet injected into a crossflow of oxidizer at either a normal temperature or a very high temperature. Light emission spectroscopy was used to collect information on time-averaged radical distributions in the combustion jet. Jet turbulence, time-averaged velocity distribution, fuel-jet mixing, the distribution of radicals such as CH, OH and C2, and flame photographs were investigated. The results showed delayed mixing and combustion under high-temperature low-oxygen-concentration conditions. The combustion air preheat temperature and oxygen concentration were found to have a significant effect on the burning fuel-jet behavior. The results of the semi-industrial-scale tests also showed the features of even flame temperature and heat flux. / QC 20100610

The exchange of mass (gases, water & salts) between the oceans and the atmosphere is vital to the maintenance of life on earth. At high wind velocities most of this exchange is attributable to breaking wave entrained air bubbles. A vertical supported planar plunging jet experiment was used to model the entrainment process. The bubbles were detected with a dual tip conductivity probe and a video camera. At plunging jet velocities below 1.0m/s there is no bubble entrainment. This inception velocity appears to have a Froude and Weber number scaling for large rough turbulent jets. At jet velocities up to 5m/s air appeared to be entrained via intermittent air cavities at the jet - plunge pool intersection. The entrained air packets subsequently break in the two phase free shear layer under the entrainment point. At higher jet velocities there may be partial penetration of the aerated jet surface via pulsating induction cavities plus air entrainment via jet self aeration before impact. Plunging jet air flow data displays the different types of entrainment mechanisms. Mono-phase diffusion models can be successfully adapted to describe the shear layer developing zone. The diffusion of the air bubbles is approximately a Gaussian self similar process. The mean bubble velocity profiles can be modelled using the Goertler Error function or Hyperbolic Tangent models. The bubble spectra is approximately Lognormal with a geometric mean diameter of 1.0-2.0mm for a range of jet velocities. A bubble Weber number is found to model the maximum bubble size of approximately 10mm diameter. An original adaptation of the potential flow solution for the vortex sheet is shown to be a simple and reasonably accurate finite amplitude model for water surface gravity waves, especially in deep water. This model has some interesting features, such as both vertical and horizontal asymmetry and standing wave water profile modelling. A simple and possibly insightful model of wave growth due to the wind is introduced, using a constant sea surface Reynolds number U*.sqrt(L.F)/Gamma , where U* = wind friction velocity, L = wavelength, F = fetch, and Gamma = wave field vortex circulation per wavelength. The results may have application in the modelling of air - sea gas exchanges, predicting breaking wave forces on structures and the use of the planar plunging jet as an aeration device in industry.

Stepped cascades are recognised for both aeration potential and energy dissipation, and have been employed in hydraulic structures for over 3,500 years. Yet little detailed information exists on their performance, especially pertaining to low-gradient cascades. This study presents a detailed investigation of both the macro and micro-scale flow properties on a low-gradient cascade (3.4º slope). Research is conducted on two large-size physical models: a 24m long multi-step cascade (10× 2.4m long steps), and a single-step model with identical step height and length. The large size of the model allows near full-scale data acquisition under controlled flow conditions, minimising potential scale effects. The study comprises three distinct components: 1. A global investigation of the general flow properties of nappe flow on a low-gradient, multi-step cascade. Unforeseen three-dimensional characteristics of the flow, including supercritical shockwaves and sidewall standing-waves downstream of nappe impact, are identified and examined by the study. Although comparable to similar phenomena at channel bends and expansions, these have not been previously described on stepped cascades. Energy dissipation on the cascade is investigated, and is found to be over twice that observed for a smooth chute of similar gradient. 2. A complete characterisation of the air-water structure of flow in a nappe regime. Significant outcomes of the analysis include: ⊕ Air-concentration Distribution: The air-concentration distribution at the lower nappe of the free-falling jet shows good agreement with an analytical solution of the diffusion equation. The experimental results from the study, and a reanalysis of existing data, indicate a distinct relationship between the turbulent diffusivity in the shear layer and distance from the step brink. This contradicts earlier investigations that assumed constant diffusivity. Strong aeration of the flow, with a large volume of spray, occurs downstream of the nappe impact. Depth-averaged air concentrations of 40% to 50% are observed within the spray region, decreasing towards the downstream end of the step. ⊕ Velocity Distribution: A theoretical analysis of the momentum transfer process imparts an improved understanding of the momentum transfer and velocity redistribution within the free-falling jet. An analytical solution based on twodimensional wake flow is developed, superseding existing solutions based upon a monophase free-mixing layer. ⊕ Bubble-frequency Distribution: A quasi-parabolic relationship between bubble frequency and time-average air concentration across a cross-section is observed. A theoretical explanation for the parabolic relationship is developed, and two correction factors are introduced to provide a better representation of the experimental data. ⊕ Air-bubble and Water-droplet Size Distributions: Chord-length distributions are compared with standard probability distributions, showing good agreement with standard Weibull, gamma and log-normal probability distributions within various regions of the flow on the step. A computer model is developed to model interaction between a bubbly transition from water to air and fluctuations of the free surface. 3. A parallel investigation of the oxygen aeration efficiency of a stepped cascade. Measured air-water property data is used to calculate the air-water interface area in bubbly flow, and to estimate the theoretical aeration efficiency of the stepped cascade based upon the integration of the mass transfer equation. The aeration performance of the stepped cascade model is also measured experimentally in terms of dissolved oxygen content. This analysis allows a unique, successful comparison of experimental dissolved oxygen measurements with the numerical integration of the mass transfer equation.

Local gamma-band (~30-100Hz) oscillations in the brain, produced by feedback inhibition on a characteristic timescale, appear in multiple areas of the brain and are associated with a wide range of cognitive functions. Some regions producing gamma also receive gamma-rhythmic input, and the interaction and coordination of these rhythms has been hypothesized to serve various functional roles. This thesis consists of three stand-alone chapters, each of which considers the response of a gamma-rhythmic neuronal circuit to input in an analytical framework. In the first, we demonstrate that several related models of a gamma-generating circuit under periodic forcing are asymptotically drawn onto an attracting invariant torus due to the convergence of inhibition trajectories at spikes and the convergence of voltage trajectories during sustained inhibition, and therefore display a restricted range of dynamics. In the second, we show that a model of a gamma-generating circuit under forcing by square pulses cannot maintain multiple stably phase-locked solutions. In the third, we show that a separation of time scales of membrane potential dynamics and synaptic decay causes the gamma model to phase align its spiking such that periodic forcing pulses arrive under minimal inhibition. When two of these models are mutually coupled, the same effect causes excitatory pulses from the faster oscillator to arrive at the slower under minimal inhibition, while pulses from the slower to the faster arrive under maximal inhibition. We also show that such a time scale separation allows the model to respond sensitively to input pulse coherence to an extent that is not possible for a simple one-dimensional oscillator. We draw on a wide range of mathematical tools and structures including return maps, saltation matrices, contraction methods, phase response formalism, and singular perturbation theory in order to show that the neuronal mechanism of gamma oscillations is uniquely suited to reliably phase lock across brain regions and facilitate the selective transmission of information.

In this thesis an analytical modelling approach is employed to predict and gain insight into the flows induced by turbulent plumes and jets above slender horizontal slots, in otherwise quiescent uniform environments. To supplement the solutions, the effect on the environment of a plume driven by an off-source supply of buoyancy was also considered. The solutions derived provide an advancement on existing idealised models for the jet and plume induced flows, and moreover, complement a number of key advances that have been made in our understanding of plume flows in recent years. The theory of functions of a complex variable, which has not previously been applied in such an application, has been utilised as a fundamental tool throughout the work. This has enabled the entrainment behaviour and geometry of the plumes to be accounted for when developing the induced flow solutions. A novel conformal mapping has been devised specifically to account for the curved perimeter of the contracting lazy plume. This modelling approach is robust in that future developments to aspects of the modelling, for instance, the formulation of a new entrainment closure, can be straightforwardly accounted for using the method. The induced flow solutions exhibit a range of flow patterns which are dependent on the source Richardson number of the plume flow. A pure plume induces a uniform horizontal flow. Forced and lazy plumes correspond to a relative deficit and excess in source buoyancy flux compared to the pure plume, respectively. Generally, forced plumes induce downwardly inclined flows, in contrast to lazy plumes, which induce upwardly inclined flows. Consistent with these solutions, the notionally lazy plume driven by a vertical uniform off-source supply of buoyancy induces an upwardly inclined flow. In addition to an improved understanding of induced flows, our solutions have provided us with insight into the plume flow. Notably, the solution corresponding to the forced plume has led us to fundamentally question existing models describing the plume and, in particular, closures that have been employed to model entrainment. We find that the existing well accepted closures exhibit some form of non-physical flow behaviour.

abstract: Magicians are informal cognitive scientists who regularly test their hypotheses in the real world. As such, they can provide scientists with novel hypotheses for formal psychological research as well as a real-world context in which to study them. One domain where magic can directly inform science is the deployment of attention in time and across modalities. Both magicians and scientists have an incomplete understanding of how attention operates in time, rather than in space. However, magicians have highlighted a set of variables that can create moments of visual attentional suppression, which they call "off-beats," and these variables can speak to modern models of temporal attention. The current research examines two of these variables under conditions ranging from artificial laboratory tasks to the (almost) natural viewing of magic tricks. Across three experiments, I show that the detection of subtle dot probes in a noisy visual display and pieces of sleight of hand in magic tricks can be influenced by the seemingly irrelevant rhythmic qualities of auditory stimuli (cross-modal attentional entrainment) and processes of working memory updating (akin to the attentional blink). / Dissertation/Thesis / Ph.D. Psychology 2013

Orientador: Ana Ines Borri Genovez / Tese (doutorado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Engenharia Civil, Arquitetura e Urbanismo / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-09T18:19:12Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Ferreira_LauraMariaCanno_D.pdf: 6902999 bytes, checksum: 3e1f02a65f335b50df38d55fa7ab47bd (MD5) Previous issue date: 2007 / Resumo: Estruturas de queda com poços verticais podem ser utilizadas para drenagem urbana, dissipação de energia e como vertedores em barragens. No último caso, tem-se os vertedores com emboque tipo tulipa, formados por um perfil vertedor seguido de um poço vertical, que se liga a um túnel por meio de uma curva. A curva é um ponto crítico do dimensionamento do vertedor, pois, é onde o escoamento o deflete, causando elevadas pressões na sua parte convexa e subpressões na parte côncava. Este trabalho tem, como objetivo, o estudo experimental de um vertedor tipo tulipa, para definir uma melhor geometria para a curva de ligação poço-túnel. Um estudo experimental foi feito, empregando-se o modelo do vertedor de Paraitinga, em escala 1:51,02, utilizando novas geometrias para a curva, para avaliar as pressões e o arraste de ar. Pôde constatar-se a nfluência da geometria da curva, sendo que as novas curvas resultaram em um escoamento mais regular, acompanhando o traçado da curva, com pressões menores na parte convexa, além de uma maior vazão de afogamento do vertedor. Foram propostas equações para o cálculo da vazão de ar em função da concentração média do ar no escoamento. Através do estudo experimental comparativo entre as diferentes curvas se sugere o emprego da curva clotóide para ser usada na ligaçao poço-túnel / Abstract: Vertical dropshafts can be used in drainage systems, energy dissipator and as dam spillways. In this case, they are called morning glory, and consists of an inlet followed by a shaft which joins a tunnel through a bend. The bend is a critical point in spillway sizing, therefore the flow deflects in this region and causes high pressures in the convex part of the bend and negative pressures in the concavous part. This paper cares for the experimental study to define a better geometry for the shaft spillway vertical bend. An experimental study has been carried out, using the spillway model of Paraitinga dam, which scale was 1:51,02, using new bend geometries, to evaluate pressures flow and air entrainment. The influence of the bend geometry has been noticed, and the new curves resulted in a more regular flow, that followed the trace of the curve, with smaller pressures in the convex part, besides a higher flow to submerge the spillway. Equations have been proposed to calculate air entrainment flow as a function of the average concentration of air. Through the experimental study to compare the different curves, one suggest the use of use clotóide curve, as a bend shaft / Doutorado / Recursos Hidricos / Doutor em Engenharia Civil

Granular gas bed filters have been used in industry for a considerable period and mathematical descriptions of dust capture have allowed rigorous design of static beds. Provision for bed movement and electrostatic augmentation, which allows much thinner continuous beds to be used, requires adaptation of design methods for these phenomena. Design methods that allow for this are developed for a cross-flow bed with vertical bed movement and a number of granule and dust types. Direct current charging is applied to the bed itself and to the particles before they enter the bed. In the case of electrostatic augmentation, it is shown that simple models of spherical particles describe the mechanism adequately. The advantages of pre-charging dust particles before they enter the bed are indicated by calculation and proved experimentally. Parameters to describe the enhancement of filtration efficiency by the collected dust are obtained experimentally. It is shown that the factors controlling re-entrainment vary with particle size. For the dust particles less than 1,5 micrometers in size, re-entrainment is linked closely to the electrostatic capture mechanism which is dominant in that size range. For particles approaching 10 micrometer, re-entrainment can be neglected as the impaction efficiency, which is dominant for particles of this size and larger, approaches unity. A complex situation exists between these particle sizes as the magnitude and predominance of capture mechanisms in this region are determined by a number of operational parameters. It did not prove possible to develop predictive equations for re-entrainment efficiency using the results of this study. A number of heuristics are however developed that allow rational design by the use of the empirical parameters found, and that will be valid for the range of parameters used in this work. / Thesis (PhD(Chemical Engineering))--University of Pretoria, 2006. / Chemical Engineering / unrestricted