Flow machines are very important to industry, being widely used on various processes. Performance improvements are relevant factors and can be achieved by using optimization methods, such as topology optimization. Thus, this work aims to develop a method to design radial flow machine rotors operating on laminar regime, by implementing a topology optimization formulation based on density model. The design of a rotor involves firstly modelling the fluid flow by using the Navier-Stokes equations on a rotating reference frame and using the Finite Element Method for solving the differential equations. To determine the material distribution on the domain, a porous flow model based on the Darcy equation is employed by using an inverse permeability that interpolates between fluid and solid. In the optimization phase, it is defined a multi-objective function that aims to minimize the viscous energy dissipation, vorticity and power. The optimization problem is implemented using the FEniCS environment and the libraries dolfin-adjoint and pyIpopt. The optimized topologies are verified with the ANSYS software. The resulting topologies are post-processed and a CAD model is created. The rotors are manufactured by using a 3D printer, the complete prototype is built by coupling an electric brushless motor and an experimental characterization is performed by measuring fluid flow and pressure head given by the pumps. Experimental and computational results are compared and the improvement is verified. / Máquinas de fluxo são muito importantes para a indústria, sendo utilizadas em diversos processos. Assim, melhorias de desempenho são fatores relevantes e podem ser alcançadas com a utilização de métodos de otimização, como a otimização topológica. Este trabalho visa desenvolver uma metodologia para projetar rotores de máquinas de fluxo radiais que operam em escoamento laminar implementando-se a formulação de otimização topológica baseada no modelo de densidades. O projeto de rotores envolve, primeiramente, a modelagem do escoamento utilizando-se as equações de Navier-Stokes em um referencial rotativo e a utilização do Método de Elementos Finitos para a resolução das equações diferenciais. A distribuição de material no domínio é feita empregando-se um modelo de escoamento em meio poroso baseado nas equações de Darcy, utilizando-se a permeabilidade inversa que interpola o elemento entre sólido e fluido. Na fase de otimização é definida uma função multi-objetivo, que visa minimizar dissipação de energia viscosa, a vorticidade e a potência. O problema de otimização é implementado utilizando-se o ambiente FEniCS para a resolução do sistema de elementos finitos e as bibliotecas dolfin-adjoint e pyIpopt para o algorithmo de otimização. As topologias otimizadas são verificadas com o software ANSYS. As topologias resultantes são pós-processadas para a criação de um modelo CAD dos rotores. Os rotores são construídos utilizando-se a impressão 3D, o protótipo completo é montado acoplando-se um motor elétrico sem escovas e a caracterização experimental é feita medindo-se a vazão e o ganho de pressão dados pelas bombas. Por fim, os resultados experimentais e computacionais são comparados e uma melhoria de desempenho é observada.

Smart hydrogels are useful elements in microfluidic systems because they respond to environmental stimuli and are capable of storing reagents. We present here a concept of using hydrogels (poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)) as an interface between continuous and discontinuous microfluidics. Their swelling and shrinking capabilities allow them to act as storage elements for reagents absorbed in the swelling process. When the swollen hydrogel collapses in an oil-filled channel, the incorporated water and molecules are expelled from the hydrogel and form a water reservoir. Water-in-oil droplets can be released from the reservoir generating different sized droplets depending on the flow regime at various oil flow rates (dispensing functionality). Different hydrogel sizes and microfluidic structures are discussed in terms of their storage and droplet formation capabilities. The time behaviour of the hydrogel element is investigated by dynamic swelling experiments and computational fluid dynamics simulations. By precise temperature control, the device acts as an active droplet generator and converts continuous to discontinuous flows.

<p dir="ltr">The kinetic-based lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) is a specialized computational fluid dynamics (CFD) technique that resolves intricate flow phenomena at the mesoscale level. The LBM is particularly suited for large-scale parallel computing on Graphic Processing Units (GPU) and simulating multi-phase flows. By incorporating a volume fraction parameter, LBM becomes a volumetric lattice Boltzmann method (VLBM), leading to advantages such as easy handling of complex geometries with/without movement. These capabilities render VLBM an effective tool for modeling various complex flows. In this study, we investigated the computational modeling of complex flows using VLBM, focusing particularly on pulsatile flows, the transition to turbulent flows, and pore-scale porous media flows. Furthermore, a new discrete dynamical system (DDS) is derived and validated for potential integration into large eddy simulations (LES) aimed at enhancing modeling for turbulent and pulsatile flows. Pulsatile flows are prevalent in nature, engineering, and the human body. Understanding these flows is crucial in research areas such as biomedical engineering and cardiovascular studies. However, the characteristics of oscillatory, variability in Reynolds number (Re), and shear stress bring difficulties in the numerical modeling of pulsatile flows. To analyze and understand the shear stress variability in pulsatile flows, we first developed a unique computational method using VLBM to quantify four-dimensional (4-D) wall stresses in image-based pulsatile flows. The method is validated against analytical solutions and experimental data, showing good agreement. Additionally, an application study is presented for the non-invasive quantification of 4-D hemodynamics in human carotid and vertebral arteries. Secondly, the transition to turbulent flows is studied as it plays an important role in the understanding of pulsatile flows since the flow can shift from laminar to transient and then to turbulent within a single flow cycle. We conducted direct numerical simulations (DNS) using VLBM in a three-dimensional (3-D) pipe and investigated the flow at Re ranging from 226 to 14066 in the Lagrangian description. Results demonstrate good agreement with analytical solutions for laminar flows and with open data for turbulent flows. Key observations include the disappearance of parabolic velocity profiles when Re>2300, the fluctuation of turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) between laminar and turbulent states within the range 2300</p>

A thesis submitted to the faculty of Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg , in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. Johannesburg, November 1994 / Organ function is often characterised using imaging techniques. In particular a tracer is often used which does not react with tissue, is low in concentration, follows body fluid flows and is distinguishable from the observed system and thus measurable. These requirements ensure linear characteristics of the tracer. In this thesis, these linear characteristics are used to develop a generalised mathematical theory to determine organ function from imaged tracer experiments. The theory is based on anatomical and physiological information for single and multiple input organs. [Abbreviated Abstract. Open document to view full version] / MT2018

Formulamos um modelo simplificado para o estudo do processo de injeção de solvente em reservatórios de petróleo, onde o fluido injetado (um ácido) tem a capacidade de dissolver parcialmente a matriz sólida. Como hipóteses principais, consideramos que o solvente e o soluto (componente químico que constitui o meio poroso) são espécies totalmente miscíveis, a viscosidade da mistura solvente + soluto não varia com a concentração de soluto, há significativa transferência de massa entre as fases e a permeabilidade do meio poroso varia linearmente com a porosidade. O modelo é formado por duas Equações Diferenciais Parciais, uma do tipo Convecção-Difusão a outra é do tipo Convecção-Reação. Para resolução numérica, desenvolvemos uma metodologia que denominamos de EPEC (Explícita Porosidade e Explícita Concentração). Tal metodologia se baseia em um limitador de fluxo do tipo TVD e em diferenças finitas centradas de segunda ordem. Em adição, o EPEC emprega uma técnica de separação de operadores. Deste modo, em cada passo de tempo, realizamos inicialmente o cálculo explícito da porosidade seguido do cálculo explícito da concentração do solvente. Assim, obtemos um desacoplamento natural das equações que descrevem o problema. Resultados de simulações são apresentados para um meio poroso bidimensional, após sessenta dias de injeção de solvente. / We formulate a simplified Model to study the process of solvent injection in petroleum Reservoir, where the injected fluid (an acid) can partially dissolve a solid matrix. As prime hypotheses, we considered that solvent an soluble component are completely mixed, the viscosity of the fluid does not vary with the concentration of the soluble component, theres significant transfer of mass between the parts and, the permeability of media porous changes linearly with porosity. The model is formed by two Partial Differential Equation, one is convection-diffusion type and another is a convection-reaction type. The Numerical Resolution weve developed a method called EPEC (Explicit Porosity Explicit Concentration). Such methodology is based upon a Limiting of Flow of TVD type and, used Centered Finite Differences of second order. In addition, the EPEC use a operators separation technique. This way, every time, first we clearly calculate the porosity and then the concentration of solvent is calculated. Thus we obtain a natural decoupling of the equations that describe the problem. Simulation results are presented to a two dimensional media porous after sixty days of solvent injection.

Técnicas de injeção de traçadores são bastante utilizadas nos estudos de escoamentos em meios porosos heterogêneos, principalmente em problemas relacionados à simulação numérica de escoamentos miscíveis em reservatórios de petróleo e à dispersão de contaminantes em aqüíferos. Neste trabalho apresentamos novos algoritmos para a aproximação numérica do problema de injeção de traçadores. Apresentaremos desenvolvimentos recentes do método Forward Integral-Tube Tracking (FIT) que foi originalmente apresentado em Aquino et al. (2007a). O FIT é um método lagrangeano localmente conservativo utilizado na resolução de problemas de transporte linear. Este método não faz o uso de soluções de problemas de Riemann e baseia-se na construção dos tubos integrais introduzidas em Douglas Jr. et al. (2000b). Além disso, ele possui excelente eficiência computacional e é virtualmente livre de difusão numérica. Resultados numéricos são apresentados com o objetivo de comparar a precisão das soluções fornecidas por novas implementações do método FIT na resolução do problema do traçador em reservatórios de petróleo. / The injection of tracers are used in the investigation of flows in heterogeneous porous media, in studies related to the simulation of miscible dispacements in petroleum reservoirs and the dispersion of contaminants in aquifers. In this work we present new algorithms for the numerical approximation of tracer injection problems. We discuss recent developments of the Forward Integral-Tube Tracking (FIT) scheme which was introduced in Aquino et al. (2007a). The FIT is a locally conservative lagrangian scheme for the approximation of the linear transport problems. This scheme does not use analytic solutions of Riemann problems and is based on the construction of the integral tubes introduced in Douglas Jr. et al. (2000b). The FIT scheme is computationally very eficient and is virtually free of numerical diffusion. Numerical results are presented to compare the accuracy of the solutions provided by new implementation of the FIT scheme for the injection of tracers in petroleum reservoirs.

Formulamos um modelo simplificado para o estudo do processo de injeção de solvente em reservatórios de petróleo, onde o fluido injetado (um ácido) tem a capacidade de dissolver parcialmente a matriz sólida. Como hipóteses principais, consideramos que o solvente e o soluto (componente químico que constitui o meio poroso) são espécies totalmente miscíveis, a viscosidade da mistura solvente + soluto não varia com a concentração de soluto, há significativa transferência de massa entre as fases e a permeabilidade do meio poroso varia linearmente com a porosidade. O modelo é formado por duas Equações Diferenciais Parciais, uma do tipo Convecção-Difusão a outra é do tipo Convecção-Reação. Para resolução numérica, desenvolvemos uma metodologia que denominamos de EPEC (Explícita Porosidade e Explícita Concentração). Tal metodologia se baseia em um limitador de fluxo do tipo TVD e em diferenças finitas centradas de segunda ordem. Em adição, o EPEC emprega uma técnica de separação de operadores. Deste modo, em cada passo de tempo, realizamos inicialmente o cálculo explícito da porosidade seguido do cálculo explícito da concentração do solvente. Assim, obtemos um desacoplamento natural das equações que descrevem o problema. Resultados de simulações são apresentados para um meio poroso bidimensional, após sessenta dias de injeção de solvente. / We formulate a simplified Model to study the process of solvent injection in petroleum Reservoir, where the injected fluid (an acid) can partially dissolve a solid matrix. As prime hypotheses, we considered that solvent an soluble component are completely mixed, the viscosity of the fluid does not vary with the concentration of the soluble component, theres significant transfer of mass between the parts and, the permeability of media porous changes linearly with porosity. The model is formed by two Partial Differential Equation, one is convection-diffusion type and another is a convection-reaction type. The Numerical Resolution weve developed a method called EPEC (Explicit Porosity Explicit Concentration). Such methodology is based upon a Limiting of Flow of TVD type and, used Centered Finite Differences of second order. In addition, the EPEC use a operators separation technique. This way, every time, first we clearly calculate the porosity and then the concentration of solvent is calculated. Thus we obtain a natural decoupling of the equations that describe the problem. Simulation results are presented to a two dimensional media porous after sixty days of solvent injection.

Técnicas de injeção de traçadores são bastante utilizadas nos estudos de escoamentos em meios porosos heterogêneos, principalmente em problemas relacionados à simulação numérica de escoamentos miscíveis em reservatórios de petróleo e à dispersão de contaminantes em aqüíferos. Neste trabalho apresentamos novos algoritmos para a aproximação numérica do problema de injeção de traçadores. Apresentaremos desenvolvimentos recentes do método Forward Integral-Tube Tracking (FIT) que foi originalmente apresentado em Aquino et al. (2007a). O FIT é um método lagrangeano localmente conservativo utilizado na resolução de problemas de transporte linear. Este método não faz o uso de soluções de problemas de Riemann e baseia-se na construção dos tubos integrais introduzidas em Douglas Jr. et al. (2000b). Além disso, ele possui excelente eficiência computacional e é virtualmente livre de difusão numérica. Resultados numéricos são apresentados com o objetivo de comparar a precisão das soluções fornecidas por novas implementações do método FIT na resolução do problema do traçador em reservatórios de petróleo. / The injection of tracers are used in the investigation of flows in heterogeneous porous media, in studies related to the simulation of miscible dispacements in petroleum reservoirs and the dispersion of contaminants in aquifers. In this work we present new algorithms for the numerical approximation of tracer injection problems. We discuss recent developments of the Forward Integral-Tube Tracking (FIT) scheme which was introduced in Aquino et al. (2007a). The FIT is a locally conservative lagrangian scheme for the approximation of the linear transport problems. This scheme does not use analytic solutions of Riemann problems and is based on the construction of the integral tubes introduced in Douglas Jr. et al. (2000b). The FIT scheme is computationally very eficient and is virtually free of numerical diffusion. Numerical results are presented to compare the accuracy of the solutions provided by new implementation of the FIT scheme for the injection of tracers in petroleum reservoirs.

<p>Subcutaneous administration has become a common approach for drug delivery of biotherapeutics, such as monoclonal antibodies, which is achieved mainly by absorption through the lymphatic system. This dissertation focuses on the computational modeling of the fluid flow and solute transport in the skin tissue and the quantitative investigation of lymphatic uptake. First, the various mechanisms governing drug transport and lymphatic uptake of biotherapeutics through subcutaneous injection are investigated quantitatively through high-fidelity numerical simulations, including lymphatic drainage, blood perfusion, binding, and metabolism. The tissue is modeled as a homogeneous porous medium using both a single-layered domain and a multi-layered domain, which includes the epidermis, dermis, hypodermis (subcutaneous tissue), and muscle layers. A systematic parameter study is conducted to understand the roles of different properties of the tissue in terms of permeability, porosity, and vascular permeability. The role of binding and metabolism on drug absorption is studied by varying the binding parameters for different macromolecules after coupling the transport equation with a pharmacokinetic equation. The interstitial pressure plays an essential role in regulating the absorption of unbound drug proteins during the injection, while the binding and metabolism of drug molecules reduce the total free drugs. </p> <p>  </p> <p>The lymphatic vessel network is essential to achieve the functions of the lymphatic system. Thus, the drug transport and lymphatic uptake through a three-dimensional hybrid discrete-continuum vessel network in the skin tissue are investigated through high-fidelity numerical simulations. The explicit heterogeneous vessel network is embedded into the continuum model to investigate the role of explicit heterogeneous vessel network in drug transport and absorption. The solute transport across the vessel wall is investigated under various transport conditions. The diffusion of the drug solutes through the explicit vessel wall affects the drug absorption after the injection, while the convection under large interstitial pressure dominates the drug absorption during the injection. The effect of diffusion cannot be captured by the previously developed continuum model. Furthermore, the effects of injection volume and depth on the lymphatic uptake are investigated in a multi-layered domain. The injection volume significantly affects lymphatic uptake through the heterogeneous vessel network, while the injection depth has little influence. At last, the binding and metabolism of drug molecules are studied to bridge the simulation to the experimentally measured drug clearance. </p> <p><br></p> <p>Convective transport of drug solutes in biological tissues is regulated by the interstitial fluid pressure, which plays a crucial role in drug absorption into the lymphatic system through the subcutaneous (SC) injection.  An approximate continuum poroelasticity model is developed to simulate the pressure evolution in the soft porous tissue during an SC injection. This poroelastic model mimics the deformation of the tissue by introducing the time variation of the interstitial fluid pressure. The advantage of this method lies in its computational time efficiency and simplicity, and it can accurately model the relaxation of pressure. The interstitial fluid pressure obtained using the proposed model is validated against both the analytical and the numerical solution of the poroelastic tissue model. The decreasing elasticity elongates the relaxation time of pressure, and the sensitivity of pressure relaxation to elasticity decreases with the hydraulic permeability, while the increasing porosity and permeability due to deformation alleviate the high pressure. </p> <p><br></p> <p>At last, an improved Kedem-Katchalsky model is developed to study solute transport across the lymphatic vessel network, including convection and diffusion in the multi-layered poroelastic tissue with a hybrid discrete-continuum vessel network embedded inside. The effect of different drug solutes with different Stokes radii and different structures of the lymphatic vessel network, such as fractal trees and Voronoi structure, on the lymphatic uptake is investigated. The drug solute with a small size has a larger partition coefficient and diffusivity across the openings of the lymphatic vessel wall, which favors drug absorption. The Voronoi structure is found to be more efficient in lymphatic uptake. </p> <p><br></p> <p>The systematic and quantitative investigation of subcutaneous absorption based on high-fidelity numerical simulations can provide guidance on the optimization of drug delivery systems and is valuable for the translation of bioavailability from the pre-clinical species to humans. We provide a novel approach to studying the diffusion and convection of drug molecules into the lymphatic system by developing the hybrid discrete-continuum vessel network. The study of the solute transport across the discrete lymphatic vessel walls further improves our understanding of lymphatic uptake. The novel and time-efficient computational model for solute transport across the lymphatic vasculature connects the microscopic properties of the lymphatic vessel membrane to macroscopic drug absorption. The comprehensive hybrid vessel network model developed here can be further used to improve our understanding of the diseases caused by the disturbed lymphatic system, such as lymphedema, and provide insights into the treatment of diseases caused by the malfunction of lymphatics.</p>