Heating zone dynamics in in situ combustion

The integrodifferential equation of the quasisteady regime of a moving in situ combustion front is obtained and its exact solution is constructed in a particular case; the possibility of the heat generated at the combustion front being projected into the region ahead of the front is analyzed and the heating zone dynamics in the reservoir and the surrounding rock are investigated. In a number of studies of in situ combustion it is assumed that an increase in the water-air factor or, what amounts to the same thing, an increase in convection velocity in the reservoir leads to the total transfer of the heat into the region ahead of the combustion front [1–3]. In [3] the area of the heating zone ahead of the combustion front was calculated in accordance with the Marx-Longenheim model [4]. Below, on the basis of exact solutions of model problems it is shown that in the case of quasisteady Newtonian heat transfer between the surrounding medium, when the latter is assumed to be a thermal reservoir, i.e., maintain a constant temperature, this projection of heat is possible if the convection velocity exceeds the velocity of the combustion front. In the case of unsteady heat transfer in accordance with the Leverrier model there is no total projection of heat into the region in question; in the steady-state regime a limited heating zone, proportional in depth to the square of the difference of the convection and combustion front velocities, is formed ahead of the front.Translated from Izvestiya Akademii Nauk SSSR, Mekhanika Zhidkosti i Gaza, No. 4, pp. 166–172, July–August, 1987.The author wishes to thank V. M. Entov for his valuable advice and useful discussions.     

Genetic disorders in haematological practice in India

Haemoglobinopathies represent a significant national health burden in India. The distribution of specific disorders varies geographically and by community. Heterozygote frequencies of beta-thalassaemia range from 1 to 15%, resulting in an estimated 20 million carriers. HbS is mainly present in tribal and non-caste communities, with carrier prevalences of up to 40%. By comparison, alpha-thalassaemia carriers are found in both the caste and tribal communities, and can reach a frequency of >90% in the latter case. Community control of haemoglobinopathies relies mainly on out-reach education programmes and genetic counselling, with antenatal diagnosis offered in specific major centres. Only partial data are available on the prevalence of haemophilia, but it has been estimated that there are some 50,000 affected individuals nationwide, with an additional 1,500 new cases born each year. RFLP-based techniques have been established to detect mutations in the factor VIII and IX genes, enabling the limited introduction of carrier detection and antenatal diagnosis.     

Some recent developments in elastic waves in solids

Three topics on recent developments in elastic waves which are of special interest to researchers in experimental mechanics are discussed. They are: (1) the elastic waves in anisotropic media with particular reference to waves in fiber-reinforced composite materials; (2) the coupled thermoelastic waves in isotropic or anisotropic media; and (3) the interaction of elastic waves with magnetic fields in nonferrous metals, polycrystalline ferromagnetic alloys and saturated ferrimagnetic crystals.     

Ultrasonic field modeling in plates immersed in fluid

Distributed Point Source Method (DPSM) is a semi-analytical technique that can be used to calculate the ultrasonic field (pressure, velocity and displacement fields in a fluid, or stress and displacement fields in a solid) generated by ultrasonic transducers. So far the technique has been used to model ultrasonic fields in homogeneous and multilayered fluid structures, and near a fluid–solid interface when a solid half-space is immersed in a fluid. In this paper, the method is extended to model the ultrasonic field generated in a homogeneous isotropic solid plate immersed in a fluid. The objective of this study is to model the generation of guided waves in a solid plate when ultrasonic beams from transducers of finite dimension strike the plate at different critical angles. DPSM results for a solid half-space problem are compared with the finite element predictions to show the superiority of the DPSM technique. The predicted results are also compared with the experimental visualization of the mode patterns of Lamb waves propagating in a glass plate obtained from stroboscopic photoelastic method. Experimental and theoretical results show good qualitative agreement. The DPSM technique is then applied to study the mode patterns in aluminum plates immersed in water.     

Transition process in a fluid layer in a rotating paraboloid in response to a sudden change in its angular velocity

The process of establishment of the rigid-body rotation state in a liquid layer in a rotating paraboloid upon a sudden increase in its angular velocity is studied theoretically and experimentally. The theoretical study is performed within the framework of linear shallow-water theory with account for the bottom Ekman friction. Analytical solutions describing the transition process are obtained and the dependence of the establishment time on the liquid depth and the radius of curvature of the paraboloid is investigated. It is shown that the effect of free surface deformation may lead to a significant increase in the establishment time. Good agreement with the results of special laboratory experiments is found.     

Gas-Dynamic Processes in Two-Phase Flows in MHD Generators

A plane problem of a two-phase monodisperse flow of combustion products of plasma-forming composite solid propellants in the duct of a Faraday's MHD generator with continuous electrodes, including an accelerating nozzle, MHD channel, and diffuser, is considered. An algorithm based on the pseudo-transient method is developed to solve the system of equations describing the two-phase flow. Gas-dynamic processes in the channels of the Pamir-1 setup are numerically studied. It is shown that shock-free deceleration of a supersonic flow to velocities close to the equilibrium velocity of sound in a two-phase mixture and significantly lower than the velocity of sound in the gas is possible in two-phase flows.     

Self-sustained global oscillations in a jet in crossflow

A jet in crossflow with an inflow ratio of 3, based on the maximum velocity of the parabolic jet profile, is studied numerically. The jet is modeled as an inhomogeneous boundary condition at the crossflow wall. We find two fundamental frequencies, pertaining to self-sustained oscillations in the flow, using full nonlinear direct numerical simulation (DNS) as well as a modal decomposition into global linear eigenmodes and proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) modes; a high frequency which is characteristic for the shear-layer vortices and the upright vortices in the jet wake, and a low frequency which is dominant in the region downstream of the jet orifice. Both frequencies can be related to a region of reversed flow downstream of the jet orifice. This region is observed to oscillate predominantly in the wall-normal direction with the high frequency, and in the spanwise direction with the low frequency. Moreover, the steady-state solution of the governing Navier?CStokes equations clearly shows the horseshoe vortices and the corresponding wall vortices further downstream, and the emergence of a distinct counter-rotating vortex pair high in the free stream. It is thus found that neither the inclusion of the jet pipe nor unsteadiness is necessary to generate the characteristic counter-rotating vortex pair.     

Mean stress in a granular medium in dynamics

In this paper we propose to construct a mean stress tensor for a granular medium, valid in static and in dynamics, which takes into account the contact reactions and the body forces acting at the grain level. A simple analytical example shows that taking account of inertia forces is essential to insure the symmetry of the mean stress tensor in dynamics. Finally, numerical simulations illustrating this definition of the mean stress tensor are presented for a granular medium ensiled.     

Mixing in Circular and Non-circular Jets in Crossflow

Coherent structures and mixing in the flow field of a jet in crossflow have been studied using computational (large eddy simulation) and experimental (particle image velocimetry and laser-induced fluorescence) techniques. The mean scalar fields and turbulence statistics as determined by both are compared for circular, elliptic, and square nozzles. For the latter configurations, effects of orientation are considered. The computations reveal that the distribution of a passive scalar in a cross-sectional plane can be single- or double-peaked, depending on the nozzle shape and orientation. A proper orthogonal decomposition of the transverse velocity indicates that coherent structures may be responsible for this phenomenon. Nozzles which have a single-peaked distribution have stronger modes in transverse direction. The global mixing performance is superior for these nozzle types. This is the case for the blunt square nozzle and for the elliptic nozzle with high aspect ratio. It is further demonstrated that the flow field contains large regions in which a passive scalar is transported up the mean gradient (counter-gradient transport) which implies failure of the gradient diffusion hypothesis.     

Calculation of two-dimensional dispersion in a gas in unsteady flow in a porous medium

A two-dimensional problem of the flow of a gas containing an impurity through a porous medium is considered. At the initial time, the gas containing a uniformly distributed impurity is at a high pressure in a spherical cavity in a porous medium at a certain distance from a flat surface. It is assumed that for t > the motion of the carrier gas is described by the system of equations for flow in a porous medium and the dispersion of the impurity is described by the equations of convective diffusion and nonequilibrium adsorption. A numerical method for solving the problem is discussed. Some results of calculations are given. The influence of the flat surface on the flow of the gas and the dispersion of the impurity is analyzed.Translated from Izvestiya Akademii Nauk SSSR, Mekhanika Zhidkosti i Gaza, No. 5, pp. 61–67, September–October, 1982.We thank V. N. Nikolaevskii for comments which permitted a significant improvement in the paper.     

Spatially localized states in Marangoni convection in binary mixtures

Two-dimensional Marangoni convection in binary mixtures is studied in periodic domains with large spatial period in the horizontal. For negative Soret coefficients convection may set in via growing oscillations which evolve into standing waves. With increasing amplitude these waves undergo a transition to traveling waves, and then to more complex waveforms. Out of this state emerge stable stationary spatially localized structures embedded in a background of small amplitude standing waves. The relation of these states to the time-independent spatially localized states that characterize the so-called pinning region is investigated by exploring the stability properties of the latter, and the associated instabilities are studied using direct numerical simulation in time.     

Dissipative-convergent intermittency in dynamics of tidal waves in estuaries

The effect of dissipative-convergent intermittency in dynamics of tidal waves in estuaries is described. The effect manifests itself in spatial modulation of the tide amplitude. The effects of convergent channel and turbulent friction are competitive in dynamics of tidal waves in bays, gulfs, and estuaries. This manifests itself in the alternating excess of the action of one effect over another as the tidal wave penetrates deep the estuary. The effect of dissipative-convergent intermittency is manifested most completely in “strange” bays in which the mean water depth is commensurable with the Stokes layer thickness. It is shown that the spatial distribution of the tidal wave amplitude has a minimum in the convergent channel. If the minimum point lies beyond the estuary, then the effect of convergent channel predominates and the wave height increases to the vertex. If the minimum point lies in the neighborhood of the estuary vertex then the effect of turbulent friction predominates along the entire bay length and the wave height decreases to the bay vertex. Finally, if the minimum point finds itself in the middle part of the estuary, then the case of the “strange” bays arises, namely, in such bays the wave height decreases to crossing the minimum point and begins increases again after its passage. The local increase in the tidal wave amplitude can be manifested further in the mouth of the inflowing river.     

Turbulent transport in an inclined jet in crossflow

The present study experimentally investigates a turbulent jet in crossflow relevant to film cooling applications. The jet is inclined at 30°, and its mean velocity is the same as the crossflow. Magnetic resonance imaging is used to obtain the full three-dimensional velocity and concentration fields, whereas Reynolds stresses are obtained along selected planes by Particle Image Velocimetry. The critical role of the counter-rotating vortex pair in the mixing process is apparent from both velocity and concentration fields. The jet entrainment is not significantly higher than in an axisymmetric jet without crossflow, because the proximity of the wall inhibits the turbulent transport. Reynolds shear stresses correlate with velocity and concentration gradients, consistent with the fundamental assumptions of simple turbulence models. However the eddy viscosity is strongly anisotropic and non-homogeneous, being especially low along the leeward side of the jet close to injection. Turbulent diffusion acts to decouple mean velocity and concentration fields, as demonstrated by the drop in concentration flux within the streamtube issued from the hole. Volume-averaged turbulent diffusivity is calculated using a mass–flux balance across the streamtube emanating from the jet hole, and it is found to vary slowly in the streamwise direction. The data are compared with Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes simulations with standard k − ε closure and an optimal turbulent Schmidt number. The computations underestimate the strength of the counter-rotating vortex pair, due to an overestimated eddy viscosity. On the other hand the entrainment is increasingly underpredicted downstream of injection. To capture the correct macroscopic trends, eddy viscosity and eddy diffusivity should vary spatially in different ways. Therefore a constant turbulent Schmidt number formulation is inadequate for this flow.     

Strain-rate and strain-rate-history effects in several metals in torsion

A machine for testing thin-walled tubes in torsion at shear-strain rates up to 25/sec is described. Results of constant and variable-strain-rate tests are presented for 1100-0 aluminum, AISI 1020 steel, and 50-A titanium. Results indicate that 1100-0 aluminum is very slightly strain-rate sensitive, but steel and titanium are noticeably sensitive to both strain rate and strain-rate history. Variable-rate tests show that subsequent dynamic loading on a statically prestrained specimen causes an increase in the flow stress in steel and a decrease in the flow stress in titanium.     

Erosion in conical diffusers in particulate-laden cavitating flow

This paper highlights the serious damage that can occur in diffusing sections of pipework in which a cavitating particulate-laden fluid is flowing. The combined effects of particle erosion and cavitation are shown to remove considerably more material than would be expected from summing the effects of the individual mechanisms. It is demonstrated that, to be sure of avoiding this accelerated surface erosion, the transition from a smaller flow section to a larger one needs to be an abrupt expansion. If pressure recovery is important, a possible design solution is proposed. In the case of swirling flow, the expansion again needs to be abrupt. Evidence was also obtained which showed that, by allowing air to be entrained into the low pressure region in the flow, the cavitation and the erosion can be substantially reduced.     

Transport of radionuclides in isolated fractures in crystalline rocks

This paper presents a generalization of a computational method for the prediction of solute dispersion in fractured porous media. This method is specially useful for the prediction of subsurface flows in crystalline rocks. The model now includes a linear kinetics mechanism to represent the effects of sorption of radionuclides in the rock matrix. The method is improved in its accuracy and provides results useful for the assessment of radionuclide migration in high-level, radioactive waste repositories. Results including verification (analytical) and physical test simulations are given. These results provide a partial validation of the numerical model.     

Recent research activities in experimental mechanics in China

A brief review is presented of the recent activities in the field of experimental mechanics in the People's Republic of China. The current research work covers the following subjects: (1) photoelastic phenomena, such as the classical three-dimensional photoelasticity, the scattered-light technique, birefringent coatings, birefringent materials; (2) holography, holographic interferometry, speckle interferometry and their applications; (3) moiré method; (4) strain-gage techniques and strain indicators.     

Age-related changes in longitudinal prestress in human abdominal aorta

Studies on the influence of aging on the longitudinal mechanical response of elastic arteries are rare, though longitudinal behavior may have a significant effect on pressure pulse transmission. Our study was designed to elucidate how aging is reflected in changes of the longitudinal prestress, prestretch, and pretension force. The study involved ten human samples (six female and four male) of the abdominal aorta with longitudinal prestretch determined in autopsy. Cylindrical samples underwent a longitudinal elongation test in order to estimate the force necessary to attain the in situ length and to determine the corresponding axial prestress. The elastic modulus was estimated employing hyperelastic limiting chain extensibility model. It was found that pretension force, longitudinal prestress, and prestretch are negatively correlated with age. The decreased longitudinal force necessary to obtain the in situ length suggested that the decrease in the prestress occurs not only due to the age-related increase in the cross-section area. Since elastin is the main constituent responsible for bearing the prestretch, this suggests that the observed decrease in the longitudinal prestress and prestretch reflects aging-induced damage to the elastin. Finally, constitutive modeling showed that limiting chain extensibility is a concept that is suitable for describing the aging effect.     

Entropy generation in laser heating in relation to machining

Entropy generation during laser evaporative heating of solid substrate in relation to machining is considered and entropy generation rate due to different pulse intensities is computed. Energy method is used when simulating the phase change process and mushy zone formation across solid–liquid and liquid–vapor interfaces are accommodated. Since the heating duration is greater than the electron relaxation time, the Fourier heating model based on the equilibrium transport is employed in the simulations. Entropy generation in the substrate material is formulated during laser heating pulse. It is found that entropy generation rate in the surface region of the substrate material attains high values. Increasing power intensity ratio enhances the total entropy generation rate in a non-linear fashion.     

Mixing in Stokes flow in an annular wedge cavity

The paper addresses a new approach for investigating and evaluating the basic properties of distributive laminar mixing in two-dimensional creeping flows by analysing a periodic Stokes flow in an annular wedge cavity. Flow is induced by the repetitive motion of the curved top and bottom walls, with prescribed velocities. An analytical solution for the velocity field in the cavity is presented, along with the algorithm for line tracking, which conserves the topological properties of any closed contour. A technique for finding all periodic points in the flow, and quantitative measures for the estimation of the mixing quality at any instant, are derived and applied to the flow in the wedge cavity.