Yes / Self-aeration in open channel flows occurs owing to free surface air entrainment. Self-aeration development and fully cross-sectional distribution of air concentration are not thoroughly understood. In the present study, an analytical solution for the averaged cross-sectional air concentration in the gradually varying region is established using a simplified mechanism of free surface air entrainment. For a fully cross-sectional distribution of air concentration affected by the channel bottom, a model of a diffusion region without wall restraint is proposed, and two situations are classified based on averaged cross-sectional air concentration. Good agreement between measured data and calculations is obtained, and the computational accuracy of the air concentration distribution near the wall is improved. The results reveal that the channel slope determines the air entrainment quantity, while water flow discharge determines the self-aeration evolution distance. The solutions for the averaged cross-sectional air concentration and the effect of the bottom wall on air diffusion promote air–water flow applications in hydraulic engineering practices. / This work was supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China [grant numbers 51939007, 51979183]; Sichuan Province Science and Technology support program [grant number 2019JDTD0007].

The entrainment process in two-phase buoyant jets differs significantly from their singlephase counterparts, and is not well understood. Entrainment models developed for singlephase flow are often used in two-phase jetting simulations, albeit with limited success. In this work, Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) and shadowgraph flow visualization experiments have been conducted on submerged round gas jets of varying speeds and nozzle diameters with the goal of improving our understanding of the entrainment process in a two-phase (gas-liquid) jet. The total entrainment estimated using the PIV measurements is higher than the respective values suggested by a common empirical model developed for singlephase buoyant jets. A two-phase theoretical entrainment model used for comparison shows an overestimation of entrainment, but predicts the increase in the rate of entrainment with axial distance from the jet nozzle seen in the PIV results. This thesis also presents advances in PIV processing methodology that were developed concurrently with the entrainment research. The novel Spectral Phase Correlation (SPC) allows for particle displacement to be determined directly from phase information in the Fourier domain. Some of the potential benefits of the SPC explored here include (1) avoidance of errors introduced by spatial peak-finding routines; (2) use of a modal analysis that can be used to provide information such as correlation quality; and (3) introduction of a means of incorporating information from multiple image windows. At low image noise levels, the method performs as well as an advanced CC-based method. However, difficulties unwrapping the aliased phase information cause the SPC's performance to degrade at high noise levels. / Master of Science

The objective of the present study was to acquire a better understanding of parameters controlling the species generation and transport from compartment fires. The experiments were performed in a half-scale ISO 9705 compartment and a 6.1 m long hallway connected in a head-on configuration. The buoyancy driven propane fire was provided by a burner and a continuous gaseous fuel supply system. All the measurements were obtained during the steady state of the fire. The ventilation conditions were fixed and three different fire source elevations were studied for heat release rates ranging from 20 kW to 150kW. The species yields were obtained from performing detailed mapping measurements at the compartment and hallway exit planes. The measurements included local specie mole fractions of oxygen, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and unburned hydrocarbons. The local temperature and the local pressure (for local gas velocity calculations) were also measured. In addition, visual observations of the flow dynamic were performed through a window and the vents to give useful insights and lead to a better understanding of the combustion process. The data obtained from the species generation study was analyzed using previously developed methods. The method based on equivalence ratio was presented and determined inappropriate for the present study where the global equivalence ratio was not equal to the plume equivalence ratio due to the complexity of the fire dynamic taking place. The method consisting of correlating the species yields based on the combustion within the compartment as a function of a non dimensional heat release rate allowed qualitative conclusions to be made. The non-dimensional heat release rate was based on the fuel load and the geometric parameters of the compartment. This methodology revealed similarities in the species production between the three fire source elevations investigated. A correlation of the data was obtained based on experimental data. The transport of species to remote locations was studied for the three fire source elevations and fixed ventilation conditions. Species mole fractions and yields were obtained at the compartment exit plane (compartment/hallway interface) and at the hallway exit plane. The results were compared for various heat release rates and showed differences for some scenarios attributed to mixing along the hallway and oxidation reactions outside the compartment. / Master of Science

Laboratory experiments were conducted to investigate the effect of low relative depth and high Froude number on the dimensionless critical shear stress (Shields parameter). Spherical particles of four different densities and an 8mm diameter were used as movable test material. The relative depth ranged from 2 to 12 and the Froude number ranged from 0.36 to 1.29. The results show that the traditional Shields diagram cannot be used to predict the incipient motion of coarse sediment particles when the relative depth is below 10 and the Froude number is above 0.5, approximately. Experiments using glass balls, whose density is almost identical to that of natural gravel, show that the Shields parameter can be twice as large in shallow flows than in deep flows. The results also show that the Shields parameter is dependent on the density of the particles. Data obtained from other studies support the findings of the present work. These findings can result in significant cost savings for riprap. Additionally, velocity profiles using a laser-Doppler velocimeter (LDV) were taken for the glass ball incipient motion experiments. The purpose of this was to study possible changes in the velocity distribution with decreasing relative depth and increasing Froude number. The results show that the von Karman and integral constants in the law of the wall do not change in the range of relative depths and Froude numbers tested. / Master of Science

A pneumatic particulate collection system harnesses the energy associated with the release of a compressed gas to transport particulate to a collection chamber. In an effort to improve the efficiency of a previously designed collection system, high speed imaging in conjunction with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) was utilized to highlight design deficiencies. Areas of recirculation within the collection device as well as impingement of the sampling surface were observed through the testing and CFD analysis. The basis of the improved collection system was conceived through research of pneumatic transport and the deficiencies found through testing and simulation. An improved rectangular-duct-styled system was designed in three main stages. A variety of filters used to contain the desired particulate were characterized through testing for use in simulations as well as fluids calculations. The improved system was then analyzed utilizing compressible and incompressible flow calculations and design iterations were conducted with CFD to determine the final parameters. The final design was simulated with a multiphase flow model to examine the particulate entrainment performance. The improved collection system efficiently expanded and developed the gas flow prior to the collection area to employ the particulate entrainment process. The final design was constructed with an additive manufacturing process and experimentally tested to validate the simulations and flow calculations. The testing proved that the final design operated purely on particulate entrainment and collected only the top layer of particles as simulated. The improved collection system eliminated all areas of flow recirculation and impingement of the particle bed to provide a more efficient sampling device. / Master of Science

Purpose: We investigated motor-respiratory coordination (MRC) in visually guided forearm tracking movements focusing on two main questions: (1) Does attentional demand, training or complexity of the tracking task have an effect on the degree of MRC? (2) Does MRC impair the precision of those movements? We hypothesized that (1) enhanced attention to the tracking task and training increase the degree of MRC while higher task complexity would reduce it, and (2) MRC impairs tracking precision. Methods: Thirty-five volunteers performed eight tracking trials with several conditions: positive (direct) signal–response relation (SRR), negative (inverse) SRR to increase task complexity, specific instruction for enhanced attention to maximize tracking precision (“strict” instruction), and specific instruction that tracking precision would not be evaluated (“relaxed” instruction). The trials with positive and negative SRR were performed three times each to study training effects. Results: While the degree of MRC remained in the same range throughout all experimental conditions, a switch in phase-coupling pattern was observed. In conditions with positive SRR or with relaxed instruction, we found one preferred phase-relationship per period. With higher task complexity (negative SRR) or increased attentional demand (strict instruction), a tighter coupling pattern with two preferred phase-relationships per period was adopted. Our main result was that MRC improved tracking precision in all conditions except for that with relaxed instruction. Reduction of amplitude errors mainly contributed to this precision improvement. Conclusion: These results suggest that attention devoted to a precision movement intensifies its phase-coupling with breathing and enhances MRC-related improvement of tracking precision.

Nosso grupo de pesquisa estuda ritmos circadianos em um roedor subterrâneo do gênero Ctenomys, o tuco-tuco. Nesta tese, apresentarei dados sobre sincronização fótica e não-fótica dos ritmos circadianos em tuco-tucos, e sobre sincronização não-fótica em camundongos. Investigamos a sincronização fótica em tuco-tucos por meio de uma abordagem conjunta de campo e laboratório. Inicialmente medimos o ciclo claro/escuro natural percebido por animais mantidos em áreas cercadas em campo, utilizando aparelhos light loggers que registraram continuamente o padrão temporal diário da exposição à luz. Em seguida, foi aplicado um modelo desse padrão de exposição à luz em laboratório, para testar o seu potencial como um sincronizador fótico dos ritmos circadianos dos tuco-tucos. O modelo consistiu em pulsos de luz aplicados uma vez por dia em diferentes momentos aleatórios. Apesar de carregar o mínimo de informação temporal, esse regime luminoso foi um sincronizador eficiente em muitos casos, tal como previsto anteriormente a partir de simulações computacionais de um oscilador matemático. Os resultados revelam que a sincronização de osciladores circadianos é ainda mais robusta do que se imaginava. Nosso segundo conjunto de experimentos avaliou a sincronização não-fótica em tuco-tucos, os quais são herbívoros, expostos a ciclos diários de disponibilidade de alimentos. Semelhante a outras espécies de roedores, tuco-tucos desenvolveram uma atividade antecipatória ao alimento, expressa diariamente antes da alimentação. Houve, no entanto, grande variabilidade inter-individual na expressão da atividade antecipatória, provavelmente relacionada com diferenças nas respostas metabólicas à restrição temporal do alimento. O trabalho final foi uma colaboração com o Dr. Shin Yamazaki, sobre sincronização não-fótica em camundongos do tipo selvagem e camundongos mutantes com ablação genética do relógio circadiano. Ciclos diários de alimentos palatáveis e de corrida em roda induziram ritmicidade autossustentada em camundongos mutantes arrítmicos, que não expressavam os genes Period, componentes importantes da maquinaria molecular que gera os ritmos circadianos nas células. Estes resultados sugerem a existência de novos osciladores circadianos que respondem a sinais diários de recompensa. Enquanto espécies modelo de laboratório, tais como o camundongo, podem trazer informações valiosas sobre os mecanismos fisiológicos, as espécies selvagens como o tuco-tuco podem nos dar pistas sobre o significado ecológico dos fenômenos circadianos / Our research group studies circadian rhythms in a subterranean rodent from the genus Ctenomys, the tuco-tuco. In this thesis, I will present data on photic and non-photic synchronization of circadian rhythms in tuco-tucos, as well as a study on non-photic synchronization in the laboratory mouse. Natural photic synchronization in tuco-tucos was verified with field and laboratory approaches. We initially measured the natural light/dark cycle experienced by tuco-tucos in semi natural field enclosures, by means of automatic light logger devices that continuously recorded the daily temporal pattern of light exposure. Next, a model of this light exposure pattern was applied to tuco-tucos in the laboratory, to test its potential as a photic synchronizer of the circadian rhythms. The model consisted of single light pulses applied once a day at varying random times. Despite the minimal timing information, this light regimen was a successful synchronizer in many instances, as predicted from previous computer simulations of a mathematical oscillator. These results revealed that the synchronization of circadian oscillators is even more robust than previously thought. Our second set of experiments evaluated the non-photic synchronization in the herbivorous tuco-tucos, by exposing animals to daily cycles of food availability. Similar to other rodent species, tuco-tucos in this protocol developed a circadian food anticipatory activity (FAA) right before the daily feeding time. However, there was great interindividual variability in FAA expression, likely related to differences in the metabolic responses to time-restricted feeding. The final work was a collaboration with Dr. Shin Yamazaki from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, regarding non-photic synchronization in wildtype and mutant mice with genetic disruption of the circadian clock. Daily cycles of palatable food and wheel running induced self-sustaining rhythmicity in arrhythmic mutant mice, which do not express the Period genes, key components of the molecular machinery responsible for circadian rhythm generation within the cells. These results suggest the existence of novel circadian oscillators responsive to daily rewarding signals. While model laboratory species such as the mouse can bring valuable information on physiological mechanisms, wild species like the tuco-tuco can give us insights into the ecological meaning of circadian phenomena

Em inúmeras aplicações práticas da engenharia a camada interfacial entre dois fluidos é de extrema importância para a correta caracterização do escoamento. Especificamente na Engenharia Ambiental e Hidráulica na interface entre o ar e a água existem propriedades capazes de relacionar a aeração e oxigenação. Focado na dinâmica dos processos turbulentos, o estudo proposto se aplica a problemas de sub-pressão em vertedores e visa analisar a troca de gases da interface ar-água em situações de fases dispersas e avaliar a qualidade da água a jusante dos mesmos. O objetivo maior é descrever a relação entre o comportamento da superfície da água, o desenvolvimento da camada limite e os regimes de escoamento de acordo com a vazão volumétrica. Para representar a distribuição da fração de vazios da fase dispersa, foram usados os princípios da formulação dos escoamentos em vertedores escalonados e da formulação para enlaçamento de ar. As argumentações e justificativas das formulações propostas para os perfis de concentrações foram baseadas na distribuição da fração de vazios prevista numericamente. A abordagem numérica do problema fluidodinâmico diferencia da maioria dos estudos concentrados na literatura, por estar baseada na quebra da superfície livre. / In many pratical aplications of engineering the interfacial layer between two fluids has a strong relevance in the process of right measurements of the flow. Espeficically in the enviromental and hydraulics engineering the interface between air and water is the property related with oxigen and areation of the flow. With focus on the dynamics of the turbulent processes, the proposed study is applied to sub-pressure problems in spillways. It investigates the gases exchange in the air- water interface in the dispersed phase and evaluate the water quality downstream. The major goal is to describe a relation between the boundary layer development and the flow regimes with discharge. To represent the distribution of void fractions of the dispersed phase, the physical formulation concepts of stepped spillways and entrapped air were used. The arguments and reasons to justify the proposed concentration profile formulation are based on the numerical provided void fraction distribution. The results as well as the physical model are in good agrement with described literature data. The Numerical approach of the fluid dynamics problem differs from major of described literature studies because it is based on the surface breakup.

Em inúmeras aplicações práticas da engenharia a camada interfacial entre dois fluidos é de extrema importância para a correta caracterização do escoamento. Especificamente na Engenharia Ambiental e Hidráulica na interface entre o ar e a água existem propriedades capazes de relacionar a aeração e oxigenação. Focado na dinâmica dos processos turbulentos, o estudo proposto se aplica a problemas de sub-pressão em vertedores e visa analisar a troca de gases da interface ar-água em situações de fases dispersas e avaliar a qualidade da água a jusante dos mesmos. O objetivo maior é descrever a relação entre o comportamento da superfície da água, o desenvolvimento da camada limite e os regimes de escoamento de acordo com a vazão volumétrica. Para representar a distribuição da fração de vazios da fase dispersa, foram usados os princípios da formulação dos escoamentos em vertedores escalonados e da formulação para enlaçamento de ar. As argumentações e justificativas das formulações propostas para os perfis de concentrações foram baseadas na distribuição da fração de vazios prevista numericamente. A abordagem numérica do problema fluidodinâmico diferencia da maioria dos estudos concentrados na literatura, por estar baseada na quebra da superfície livre. / In many pratical aplications of engineering the interfacial layer between two fluids has a strong relevance in the process of right measurements of the flow. Espeficically in the enviromental and hydraulics engineering the interface between air and water is the property related with oxigen and areation of the flow. With focus on the dynamics of the turbulent processes, the proposed study is applied to sub-pressure problems in spillways. It investigates the gases exchange in the air- water interface in the dispersed phase and evaluate the water quality downstream. The major goal is to describe a relation between the boundary layer development and the flow regimes with discharge. To represent the distribution of void fractions of the dispersed phase, the physical formulation concepts of stepped spillways and entrapped air were used. The arguments and reasons to justify the proposed concentration profile formulation are based on the numerical provided void fraction distribution. The results as well as the physical model are in good agrement with described literature data. The Numerical approach of the fluid dynamics problem differs from major of described literature studies because it is based on the surface breakup.

Environmental pollution is an important problem of our world. Governments are aware of this problem and emission regulations are continuously improved. One of the strictest regulations is about unburned and burned hydrocarbon emissions. In internal combustion engines the origin of the burned and unburned hydrocarbons is fuel and engine oil. As a result of the sanctions and the necessity of improved combustion performance of the engine, manufacturers work on manufacturing technology and engine tribology. With the improvement of these areas oil loss from internal combustion engine is reduced. Engine oil consumption mechanisms are specific research areas in the internal combustion engine development. Oil consumption occurs via to two main routes: &ldquo / Valve train&rdquo / and &ldquo / in cylinder components&rdquo / . In cylinder components have three sub mechanisms: evaporation, ring scraping and blowback. In this thesis, blowback oil loss mechanism is studied. 2D flow model of piston-cylinder mechanism is developed in Fluent. Land pressures and ring end gap flow data are taken from this model. An iterative computer program is developed to calculate backflow oil consumption. In this program, an empirical entrainment correlation compiled from literature is used. The calculated oil consumption values match with the range of the values in the literature.