The entrainment rate of Ferrosilicone (FeSi) particles was measured in a 140 mm perspex column with air as the fluidising medium. Two different types of FeSi were used, namely atomised FeSi, which is mostly spherical in shape with smooth surfaces, and milled FeSi, which is irregular with rough surfaces. Both the FeSi mixtures had the same solid density and the similar average particle diameters ranging from 38 µm to 50 µm. The size and density of these particles put them on the border between Geldart A and Geldart B powders, similar to the high temperature Fischer-Tropsch catalyst. The atomised FeSi had a slightly higher concentration in fines (8.6% vs 1.8%), but except for the difference in particle shape, the two mixtures had otherwise very similar physical properties. A substantial difference in entrainment rate was measured between the atomised and milled FeSi, where the atomised had an entrainment rate of about six times higher than the milled FeSi throughout the range of superficial velocities tested. It was shown that the higher entrainment rate cannot be attributed only to the higher fines concentration, but that the difference in particle shape had a significant effect on the entrainment rate. Several two dimensional shape characterisation techniques were used in attempt to quantify the difference between the atomised and the milled FeSi. Of these the particle circularity managed to differentiate the best between the two particle mixtures. The circularities of the atomised and the milled FeSi were found to be 0.782 and 0.711 respectively. The measured circularity was used instead of a sphericity to adjust for the effect of particle shape on the terminal velocity of the particles. The adjusted terminal velocity was then used in the elutriation rate constant correlations to see which of the popular correlations in literature predicts the entrainment rate of the FeSi the best. All of the correlations gave a poor performance in predicting the measured entrainment rates. The two correlations that performed the best were that of Choi et al. (1999) (AARE = 72.6%) and Geldart et al. (1979) (AARE = 79%). It was concluded that single particle drag and single particle terminal velocities are not adequate to incorporate the effect of particle shape on entrainment rate. The method i by which shape affects entrainment rate therefore deserves further investigation. Further studies should also be done to develop a three dimensional shape descriptor that predicts bulk behaviour better. / Dissertation (MEng)--University of Pretoria, 2008. / Chemical Engineering / unrestricted

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This thesis presents two important contributions to the modeling of entrainment of air bubbles in water, with focus on ship hydrodynamics applications. The first contribution consists of a general framework for modeling turbulent air entrainment. The framework attempts to describe the evolution of bubbles from their formation at the free surface, size distribution changes due to breakup and coalescence, and rise due to buoyancy. This proposed framework describes the complex entrainment process as a series of simpler mechanisms which can be modeled independently. For each mechanism a simple but mechanistic model is developed to provide closure while leaving the door open for future improvements. These unique characteristics enable the entrainment model to be used in general problems while still producing results at least as good as the few other available models. The massive entrainment of air that takes place around a ship leads to very high void fractions and accumulation of bubbles against the hull, particularly underneath the flat regions of the hull and in low pressure regions near appendages. These processes also pose challenges for two phase solvers. As a second contribution in this thesis, numerical algorithms for two phase flows are developed to eliminate the numerical instabilities normally occurring at high void fractions or large void fraction gradients. A hybrid method to improve pressure-velocity coupling for collocated grids is introduced, which keeps advantages typical of staggered grids in mass conservation and face flux computations. A new two phase coupling strategy is developed to guarantee stability at high void fraction. The balanced force method is extended to general curvilinear grids to suppress spurious velocities. The overall methodology provides strong coupling among pressure, velocity and void fraction, while avoiding numerical instability, and works for free-surface flows on dynamic overset grids. The proposed numerical schemes are tested for 1D and 2D cases. It is shown that the two phase solver is stable and efficient, even under extreme cases. Good mass conservation properties for multigroup simulations are also demonstrated. The air entrainment model is tested for a 2D wave breaking case and compared with extensive experimental data. The results show good predictions for entrainment location and two-phase properties. Full scale simulations for Athena R/V are performed using the same modeling constants obtained for the 2D wave breaking case. A grid study is also carried out to evaluate grid convergence properties of the model. While the model can predict well experimental data at full scale for the ship, it also shows dramatic improvements respect to previous entrainment models by converging in grid and not needing to re-evaluate the model constants for each new application. The high-speed Kann boat is also simulated at full scale, showing encouraging results for a preliminary entrainment model for aeration due to impact. The proposed numerical schemes are proved stable and robust in high Reynolds number flows with complex relevant geometries. In addition, these full scale simulations also identify modeling and numerical issues for future improvements.

Oxide inclusions are among the most commonly reported defects in ferrous and non-ferrous castings. They affect the surface quality, machinability, and mechanical performance of a cast part. Air entrainment during mold filling is the main source of the oxygen that is consumed in inclusion formation. A quantitative understanding of the formation mechanisms or the prediction of final amounts and locations of oxide inclusions in metal castings is not available. Ductile iron experiments are conducted to study the formation of oxide inclusions during pouring. Oxide inclusions are measured by serial sectioning of the solidified castings. The effect of different gating systems, section thicknesses, and surface orientations on the inclusion formation and final distribution is studied. In addition, a computational model is developed for predicting the formation, motion and final location of oxide inclusions during pouring of metal castings, with the focus on the important mechanism of generation of oxide inclusions due to air entrainment during mold filling. The developed model calculates the local air entrainment rate as a function of the turbulent kinetic energy and the magnitude of the normal velocity gradient of the liquid metal at the liquid-air interface. The turbulent kinetic energy is estimated from the sum of the squares of the fluctuating velocity components relative to a spatially averaged mean velocity. The air entrainment model is implemented in a casting simulation software and validated by comparing its predictions to experimental air entrainment measurements for a circular water jet plunging into a quiescent pool. The liquid velocity, diameter and the turbulence intensity dependence is determined by a single entrainment coefficient. Oxide inclusions are then generated at the liquid-air interface, transported with the melt flow under the combined influences of drag and buoyancy, and captured by the solidifying casting surface. The developed model provides a powerful technique for predicting the oxide inclusion formation and final location.

京都大学 / 0048 / 新制・課程博士 / 博士(理学) / 甲第22032号 / 理博第4536号 / 新制||理||1651(附属図書館) / 京都大学大学院理学研究科地球惑星科学専攻 / (主査)准教授 成瀬 元, 教授 生形 貴男, 准教授 堤 昭人 / 学位規則第4条第1項該当 / Doctor of Science / Kyoto University / DFAM

L'écoulement autour d'un objet partiellement immergé comme une carène ou une pile de pont est une configuration fondamentale au regard de la dynamique de la surface libre. La caractérisation de cet écoulement est essentielle dans des applications environnementales, ou pour des systèmes d'énergies marines renouvelables. De telles structures sont soumises à des efforts de traînée et de portance provenant de l'interaction avec le courant, la houle, et la surface libre. Ce travail s'inscrit dans la compréhension des efforts s'exerçant sur des objets partiellement immergés. Notre problématique est simplifiée en considérant une géométrie cylindrique. Nous présentons des résultats expérimentaux obtenus en canal, où le cylindre est tracté ainsi que des résultats numériques obtenus à l'aide du code YALES2, basé sur la méthode des volumes finis. Le cylindre vertical est partiellement immergé et le sillage généré derrière le cylindre est caractérisé par une déformation de la surface libre. L'écoulement derrière le cylindre est gouverné par les nombres de Reynolds et de Froude, caractérisant l'importance des effets inertiels et gravitaires. Ces nombres sans dimension sont définis à l'aide du diamètre du cylindre. La gamme de vitesse balayée et les diamètres utilisés permettent d'atteindre des nombres de Reynolds jusqu'à 240 000, et des nombres de Froude jusqu'à 2.4 correspondant à un sillage turbulent. L'attention est portée sur les fortes déformations de surface libre allant jusqu'à sa rupture et l'entraînement d'air. En particulier, deux modes d'entrainement d'air ont été observés : (i) dans la cavité le long du cylindre et (ii) dans le sillage du cylindre. La vitesse critique à l'entraînement d'air dans la cavité a été mesurée et son évolution est comparée avec une loi d'échelle proposée par Benusiglio. Nous avons observé l'influence de cet entraînement d'air sur les efforts de traînée grâce à des mesures à l'aide de capteurs piézoélectriques. Nos résultats sont comparés avec des résultats expérimentaux à des Reynolds et Froude inférieurs et des résultats sans surface libre. Une comparaison avec des résultats numériques est également réalisée. La présence de la surface libre et de l'entraînement d'air dans la cavité entraîne une diminution des efforts de traînée par rapport au cas monophasique. Numériquement, le code utilise une méthode level-set pour la description de la surface libre et permet de reproduire les phénomènes d'entraînement d'air, la déformation de la surface libre et la dynamique de l'écoulement autour du cylindre. Ce travail étend la gamme de paramètres adimensionnels parcourus expérimentalement et numériquement, et met en évidence l'effet de l'entrainement d'air sur les efforts de traînée. / The flow past ships or an emerged body such as bridge pilar, is a fundamental, familiar and fascinating sight.Measurements and modelling of this simple flow can have relevance to offshore structures and renewable energy systems. The interaction of such structures with marine environment lead to drag, lift forces and free-surface effects.Our current problem is simplified by considering cylindrical geometry. This work presents experimental results, in which vertical cylinders are translated at constant speed through water initially at rest, and numerical results using YALES2 computing code based on finite volume method. The cylinders are partially immersed, then the motion induces turbulent wake and free-surface deformation. The flow is governed by the Reynolds and Froude numbers defined with cylinder diameter. The explored range of parameters are in the regime of turbulent wake with experiments carried out for Reynolds number up to 240 000, and Froude number up to 2.4. The focus here is on drag force measurements and strong free-surface deformation up to rupture and air-entrainment. Two modes of air-entraiment have been observed: (i) in the wake of the cylinder and (ii) in a cavity along the cylinder wall. Results are as follows. First, a scaling for the critical velocity for air-entrainment in the cavity proportional to D1/5 proposed by Benusiglio is recovered. Secondly, drag coefficients measured by piezoelectric sensors are smaller in two phase flow compared to monophasic case, and air-entrainment in the cavity enhances this decrease. Numerically, YALES2 uses level-set method for the descirption of the free-surface, and is able to reproduce air-entrainment phenomenon, free-surface deformations and flow dynamics around the cylinder. The present work expands the range of dimensionless parameters and highlights free-surface effects on drag forces.

In order to adapt to changing external conditions, organisms developed the endogenous biological clock for predicting daily alterations. This so-called circadian system drives functions and processes in the whole body with an approximately 24h period. The central oscillator, located in hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN), is synchronized by light and subsequently sends the information about the time of the day to the rest of the body. Even in the ontogenesis, the functional SCN clock is crucial for proper development as well as health later in life. Since the maturation of embryonic SCN is not completed before birth, maternal signals seem to play a fundamental role in setting and synchronizing the fetal clock. During my PhD studies, we focused on elucidating the nature of maternal signals and their diverse impact on fetal SCN of rat and mouse models. We have revealed that developing SCN is able to sense distinct signals related to various maternal behavioral regimes. Importantly, we have discovered eminent role of glucocorticoids in synchronizing the fetal SCN, along with their ability to accelerate SCN development. These observations point out the importance of regular daily routine and noxious effect of stress during pregnancy. Since the mother communicates with the fetus through placenta...

Abstract. The circadian locomotor (walking) rhythms of forager honeybees (Apis mellifera ligustica L.) were entrained to eight different 24 h light‐dark cycles. The phases of activity onset, peak activity, and offset were correlated with the lights‐off transition, suggesting lights‐off as the primary zeitgeber for the rhythm. Further support for this hypothesis was provided by LD 1:23 experiments, in which entrainment occurred when the light pulse was situated at the end, but not at the beginning, of the subjective photophase. Steady‐state entrainment of the locomotor rhythm was achieved with square‐wave temperature cycles of 10oC amplitude under constant dark: most of the activity occurred within the early thermophase. Smaller amplitude temperature cycles yielded relative coordination of the rhythm. Interactions of temperature and light‐dark cycles resulted in entrainment patterns different from those elicited in response to either cycle alone or those formed by a simple combination of the two separate responses. Furthermore, temperature cycles having amplitudes insufficient for entrainment of the rhythm nevertheless modified the pattern of entrainment to light ‐ dark cycles, suggesting a synergism of light and temperature effects on the underlying circadian clock system.

In many animal species, circadian rhythms of behavior are not constant throughout the lifetime of the individual but rather exhibit at least some degree of plasticity. In the present study, we have examined the potential influences of gender, age, and nutrition (presence or absence of liver) on the expression of circadian locomotor activity rhythms in the flesh fly Sarcophaga crassipalpis. We found no significant differences in endogenous circadian period under constant dark conditions with respect to gender, nutrition, or age for the duration of our experiments. On the other hand, both male and female flesh flies, as expected, were predominantly diurnal under light-dark cycles, but the pattern of entrainment differed between the sexes. Females also displayed higher activity levels than males. Also, in contrast with males, female activity levels increased with age. Moreover, females exhibited an extraordinary, but transient (one to three days), departure from diurnality which we characterize as “extended dark activity” (EDA). This phenomenon appeared as a continuous bout of locomotor activity that extended at least three hours into the early half of the dark phase at levels at least twice the median of the overall locomotor activity for the individual fly. EDA occurred as an age-dependent response to liver consumption, never appearing prior to day 4 post-eclosion but, thereafter, transpiring within one or two days after a 48-h exposure to liver. These results suggest a linkage between physiological events associated with egg provisioning and locomotor activity in the anautogenous flesh fly. Furthermore, our findings identify the existence of multiple influences on the expression of circadian clock-regulated behavior.

Circadian rhythms are endogenous cycles that control physiological and behavioral changes that can be affected by environmental factors which allow most eukaryotic organisms to synchronize their daily activities with the 24-hour day. Parasteatoda tepidariorum,the common house spider, demonstrates a short-period circadian clock averaging 21.6 hours when left in constant darkness, yet they are able to entrain to a 24-hour light cycle. We tested whether these spiders were able to use non-photic Zeitgebers to entrain to the 24-hour day. Periodic presentation of food and disturbance were not found to be effective cues for the spiders’ entrainment. A few individuals were clearly able to entrain to an 8 oC amplitude temperature cycle, while most did not.