Due to the high-speed flow in a chute spillway, cavitation damages often occur. This undesired phenomenon threatens the safety of the structure. For the purpose of eliminating the damages, an aerator is often installed in the spillway. To understand its characteristics, physical model tests are a popular method. To complement the model tests, computation fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations are used to study aerator flows. To represent the two-phase flows, multiphase models should be employed. This thesis examines two of them, namely, the Volume-Of-Fluid model (VOF) and Two-Fluid model. Based on the background of the Bergeforsen dam, the aerator flow is modelled by means of the VOF model. The simulated spillway discharge capacity is in accordance with the experimental data. Compared with the results, empirical formulas fail to evaluate the air supply capacity of aerator as it is wider than the conventional width. A hypothetical vent modification is proposed. For the original and proposed layouts, the study illustrates the difference in the air-flow conditions. The results show that a larger vent area is, for a large-width aerator, preferable in the middle of the chute. To study the flip bucket-shaped aerators in the Gallejaur dam, physical model tests and prototype observations are conducted. The results lead to contradicting conclusions in terms of jet breakup and air entrainment. A CFD model is, as an option, employed to explain the reason of the discrepancy. The numerical results coincide with the prototype observations. The jet breakup and air entrainment are evaluated from air cavity profiles; the air-pressure drops are small in the cavity. The discrepancy is due to overestimation of the surface-tension effect in the physical model tests. Based on the experimental data of an aerator rig at the Laboratory of Hydraulics, Hydrology and Glaciology (VAW), ETH Zurich, the Two-Fluid model is used to predict air concentration distributions in the aerated flow. The model includes relevant forces governing the motion of bubbles and considers the effects of air bubble size. The numerical results are conformable to the experiments in the air cavity zone. Downstream of the cavity, the air concentration near the chute bottom is higher, which is presumably caused by the fact that the interfacial forces in the Two-Fluid model are underestimated. / <p>QC 20170224</p>

This thesis describes research carried out to investigate techniques for (i) rapidly assessing the reactivity of fly ash; and (ii) evaluating its interaction with air-entraining admixtures (AEAs), both with regard to use in concrete. The materials considered for the project included, 54 fly ashes from 8 UK sources, and an additional three materials from Bangladesh, covering a range of fineness, loss-on-ignition (LOI) and production conditions (run-of-station, carbon removed, air-classified, co-combustion, oxy-fuel technology); Portland Cements (PCs) from five UK sources with various properties (strength classes 32.5 R, 42.5 N and 52.5 N); laboratory grade hydrated and quick limes; and three commercial AEAs and a standard laboratory grade reagent (surfactant). The research examining fly ash reactivity considered activity index tests to BS EN 450 (BSI, 2005c) as the reference and investigated tests covering fly ash properties/providing measures of fly ash behaviour to rapidly assess this. These included (i) fly ash fineness (45 µm sieve residue, or LASER particle size distribution (PSD) parameters), LOI and flow properties; (ii) accelerated curing of PC and lime-based mortars (iii) lime consumption by fly ash when combined with PC in paste or suspension (Frattini) or from a saturated lime solution; (iv) various measures of fly ash chemical composition (based on oxide/mineralogical analysis); and (v) a quicklime slaking test. The test results were validated by strength tests with 100 mm concrete cube. Results of the above indicated good correlations between fly ash fineness, mortar flow/water requirement and (pozzolanic) activity index (standard or accelerated curing). However, fly ash reactivity and fresh properties appeared to be influenced by the properties of the test PC (e.g. chemical composition and fineness) and there is a need to take this into account during assessment. Generally, finer fly ashes gave better flow; however, there is an optimum fineness (d90 ~40 µm) for best performance, and which is similar to the fineness of the test PC. Strong correlations between the accelerated and standard cured PC-based mortar indicate the latter can be used to estimate the former taking account of the fly ash properties. In view of eliminating the effect of PC properties on reactivity, mortar tests with laboratory grade hydrated lime suggested potential for this. However, for better assessment, this approach requires further work to address issues relating to slower rates of strength gain and increased time requirements, although high temperature conditions were used for curing. Measuring Ca(OH)2 consumption from fly ash/PC paste or suspension agreed with the behaviour in mortar, but needs special instruments (e.g. TGA or XRF). A similar approach with saturated lime did not work well, despite several measures being taken to try and improve this. The oxide and mineralogical analysis results of fly ash did not give good correlations with activity index, but improved when a factor combining them with fineness was considered. The test results were validated in concrete and with air-classified fly ashes from single sources which gave clear trend/behaviour. The lime slaking test was found to be ineffective for identifying fly ash reactivity. The reactivity assessment results were validated by carrying out concrete strength tests. In general, more consistent trends were obtained for fly ash from single source as noted with mortar earlier. Methods adopted/developed to assess the interaction of fly ash with AEA included (i) the foam index test; (ii) acid blue 80 (AB80) dye adsorption test (spectroscopic method); and (iii) methylene blue test. High variability in foam index test results between different operators were noted, which reflected differences in the degree of shaking applied and difficulties in identification of the test end point. Adoption of an automatic shaker and determination of suitable test conditions reduced this by more than 50%. Reliable test procedures were also established for the AB80 dye adsorption method. The results obtained from these tests gave very good correlations with fly ash specific surface area and the AEA dose required (both with commercial AEAs and standard reagent) for achieving target air contents in mortar and concrete. The methylene blue dye test also gave good correlations with these parameters, but was less effective for low LOI fly ashes. Between laboratory tests were carried out at three UKQAA members and considered, LOI, fineness (45 µm sieve and LASER PSD), and activity index. The results gave good agreement with those obtained at the Concrete Technology Unit for this work and again emphasized the role of fly ash fineness on its reactivity. Overall, fly ash fineness was found to be the best means of rapidly assessing its reactivity. Some of the other methods considered gave promising behaviour but require further refinements. Therefore, it is suggested that in addition to 45 µm sieve residue, other types of fineness measurement (e.g. sub 10 µm quantities, d50 and d90) can be considered suitable alternatives to activity index. Similarly, foam index tests with the automatic shaker or the AB80 test method could both be used as fly ash physical requirement tests, or in production control for air-entrained concrete.

Concrete which is manufactured in a mixing plant to be delivered to construction site in unhardened and plastic stage is called ready-mixed concrete. Because of technical and economical reasons, many mineral and chemical admixtures are used in ready-mixed concrete production. As a result of extra mixing and delayed placing of ready-mixed concrete (especially at hot weather conditions), there can be many problems about concrete, like slump loss. Addition of water for retempering concrete is the usual procedure, but addition of water without proper adjustment in mixture proportions, adversely affects compressive strength. During this study, effects of prolonged mixing and retempering with superplasticizer on properties of fresh and hardened concrete at hot weather conditions are observed. Some of the properties of concrete inspected are compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, slump and air content. All mixes contain air entrainer and water reducer at a standard amount. The difference between mixes comes from kind and amount of mineral admixture which cement is replaced by. During the study, fly ash, blast furnace slag, ground clay brick and natural pozzolan are used at amounts, 25% and 50% of cement. Also, a mixture of pure cement is prepared as control concrete. 15 cm initial slump is planned in the experimental work. After five minutes and at the end of first, second, third and fourth hours of mixing process, if needed retempering process is proceeded with superplasticizer and samples are taken. As a result of retempering with superplasticizer, the aimed slump values are obtained. The effects are than, observed. As a result of this study, it has been observed that replacing Portland cement with certain mineral admixtures, especially fly ash at certain amounts, can be a solution for slump loss problem, by retarding the slump loss effect of prolonged mixing. Also it has been seen that ground clay brick causes better performance for slump values at lateral stages of mixing with respect to pure Portland cement. Another important observation has been about the increase in the amount of air caused by air entraining admixtures in fresh concrete based on prolonged mixing at hot weather conditions.

The purpose of this study is to summarize theoretical and practical knowledge of frost resistance of concrete. It suggests, that there are numerous factors affecting the freeze-thaw resistence of concrete. These are especially raw materials, production technology, time and method of curing. The influence of addition, air entrainment and air void structure is complied and evaluated experimentally. The testing method is crucial for the evaluation of durability of concrete. Hence, this thesis includes a research of methods used around the world and practical comparison of some of them. This thesis is valuable because of implementation of the requirement in the standard ČSN EN 206 (2014) for the frost resistence of concrete in exposure classes XF1 and XF3.

Possible areas of improving the efficiencies of the Lincoln University flame weeder are identified and investigated. The Hoffmann burner initially used in the Lincoln University flame weeder was found not to entrain sufficient air to allow complete combustion of the LPG used. A new burner, the Modified Lincoln University burner, was designed to improve the entrainment of air. Results show that the new design entrained sufficient air to theoretically allow complete combustion of the LPG, and this resulted in a 22.7% increase in heat output per Kg of LPG used over the Hoffmann burner. Temperature x time exposure constants required to kill weeds 0 - 15, 15 - 30, and 30 - 45 mm in size, were found to be respectively 750, 882, and 989 degrees Celsius.Seconds. These constants can be used to calculate the maximum speed of travel an operator can use a flame weeder at, once the temperature profile underneath its shields are established at various travel speeds, and therefore ensure that the flame weeder is used at its maximum efficiency. The constants can also be used to establish the cost efficiency of any flame weeder (in $/Ha), depending on the size of the weeds to be treated. The materials and methods used in establishing the temperature x time exposure constants can be used to establish the temperature x time exposure constant of any weed species at any size.

Cette thèse porte sur la simulation des jets de gouttes générés par des pulvérisateurs essence haute pression, pulvérisateurs qui sont un point clef des systèmes de combustion automobile de la présente et future génération devant diminuer les émissions de CO2 et de polluants. Dans un premier temps les jets de gouttes (« sprays ») sont simulés par simulation moyennée. Les résultats de simulation d’un jet donnant des résultats en moyenne satisfaisant, l'interaction de jets en injecteurs multi-trous est alors simulée. Les résultats sont cohérents par rapport aux mesures d'entraînement d’air. La simulation permettant d'avoir accès au champ complet 3D, le mécanisme d'interaction jet à jet et de développement instationnaire du spray est décrit en détail. La formation d’un mouvement descendant au centre du spray et celle d'un point d'arrêt central sont trouvés. Finalement, Ces résultats sont étendus au cas surchauffé, cas où la pression dans la chambre est inférieure à la pression de vapeur saturante. Un modèle simple semi-empirique est proposé pour tenir compte de la modification des conditions proches de la buse d’injection. Le modèle prédit correctement les tendances des variations de paramètres et capture la forme générale du spray qui se referme sur lui-même. La seconde grande partie est consacrée au développement d’un modèle de spray par l’approche des grandes échelles (SGE), limité ici aux cas non évaporant. Il comprend la modélisation de sous-maille de la dispersion turbulente, des collisions-coalescence et des termes d’échange de quantité de mouvement de sous-maille. L'effet du choix du modèle de sous-maille pour la viscosité turbulente de sous-maille est montré, le choix retenu étant le modèle de Smagorinski dynamique. Afin d'améliorer la représentativité cruciale des conditions d’injections, un couplage faible est réalisé à partir de résultats de simulations existantes de l'écoulement interne aux buses. Les fonctions densité de probabilité simple et jointes extraits des résultats de simulations sont validés par rapport aux mesures PDA en situation pseudo-stationnaire et la pénétration liquide et la forme du spray est comparée aux visualisations par ombroscopie. Enfin, différentes zones caractéristiques sont identifiées et des longueurs sont notées pour les cas d'injection à 100 et 200bar. / Over the years numerical modelling and simulation techniques have constantly been improved with the increase in their use. While keeping the computational resources in mind, numerical simulations are usually adapted to the required degree of accuracy and quality of results. The conventional Reynolds Average Navier Stokes (RANS) is a robust, cheap but less accurate approach. Large Eddy Simulation (LES) provides very detailed and accurate results to the some of the most complex turbulence cases but at higher computational cost. On the other hand, Direct Numerical Simulation (DNS) is although the most accurate of the three approaches but at the same time it is computationally very expensive which makes it very difficult to be applied to the most of the complex industrial problems. The current work is aimed to develop a deeper understanding of multi-hole Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) sprays which pose many complexities such as; air entrainment in the multi-hole spray cone, Jet-to-Jet interactions, and changes in the spray dynamics due to the internal flow of the injector. RANS approach is used to study multi-hole injector under cold, hot and superheated conditions. Whereas, LES is utilized to investigate the changes in the dynamics of the single spray plume due to the internal flow of the GDI injector. To reduce computational cost of the simulations, dynamic mesh refinement has been incorporated for both LES and RANS simulation. A thorough investigation of air entrainment in three and six hole GDI injectors has been carried out using RANS approach under non superheated and superheated conditions. The inter plume interactions caused by the air entrainment effects have been analysed and compared to the experimental results. Moreover, the tendencies of semi collapse and full collapse of multi-hole sprays under non superheated and superheated conditions have been investigated in detail as well. A methodology of LES has been established using different injection strategies along with various subgrid scale models for a single spray plume. In GDI multi-hole sprays, the internal flow of the injector plays a very crucial role in the outcome the spray plume. A separate already available internal flow LES simulation of the injector has been coupled with the external spray simulation in order to include the effect of nozzle geometry and the cavitation phenomenon which completely change the dynamics of the spray.