Performance of a small air-lift pump

Pumping of liquids using two-phase flow has been examined experimentally in small air-lift pumps with 12—19 mm bore plexiglass tubes. An air injection system was devised to create and maintain ‘perfect’ slug flow in the vertical riser tube. An equation has been derived, based on momentum conservation considerations, which correlates well with the measurements obtained. Slip variation, or liuid holdup, between the two phases and the formation of the ‘entrance’ section part of the pump (suction pipe) were taken into consideration. Unlike its predecessors, this equation predicts the reversal in the pump performance curve observed experimentally.     

Computational fluid dynamics analysis of diffuser performance in gas-powered jet pumps

Jet pump diffuser performance is analyzed, both in terms of past experimental work dealing with the high inlet flow distortions involved and in the sense that this problem is amenable to predictive investigation by computational fluid dynamics techniques. In these highly nonuniform flow conditions, diffusers are seen to justify their inclusion in a jet pump design, for regaining static pressure downstream of the vacuum chamber, even though their performance in effectiveness terms is lowered by about two thirds at high inlet glow distortion levels. A satisfactory correlation has been found between outlet and inlet conditions and diffuser area ratio, extending well beyond past experimental published results for diffuser geometry and distorted inlet flows.     

A proposed through-flow inverse method for the design of mixed-flow pumps

A through-flow (hub-to-shroud) truly inverse method is proposed and described in this paper. It uses as a initial design specification, an imposition of mean swirl, i.e. radius times mean tangential velocity, given throughout the meridional section of the turbomachine. In the present implementation, it is assumed that the fluid is invsicid, incompressible and irrotational at inlet and the blades are supposed to have zero thickness. Only blade rows that impart to the fluid a constant work along the span will be considered. An application of this procedure to design the rotor of a mixed-flow pump will be described in detail. The strategy used to find a suitable mean swirl distribution and the other design inputs is also described. The final blade shape and pressure distributions on the blade surface are presented, showing that it is possible to obtain feasible designs using this technique. Another advantage of this technique is the fact that it does not require large amounts of CPU time.     

Head-flow and npsh performance of an axial piston pump working with organic fluids at different temperatures

A modified version of the standard axial piston pump, normally used with fuels, has been tested with organic fluids R11 and R113. Head-flow characteristics, volumetric and global efficiency, and npsh curves, have been determined at different speeds and fluid temperatures and the results compared with those obtained with kerosene. Pump efficiencies remain satisfactory with high density, very low viscosity and high vapour pressure fluids. In the absence of cavitation, pump performance seems to be a function of kinematic viscosity, while the npsh curves appear to be a complex function of density, viscosity and vapour pressure     

Effect of local pipe bends on pump performance of a small air-lift system in transporting solid particles

The pump performance of a small air-lift system in transporting solid particles is investigated experimentally. Three types of riser pipe were used to examine the effect of local bends of riser pipes on the flow characteristics of a three-phase air–water–solid particles mixture. Two of them were locally S-shaped either below or above a gas injector. The other was vertically straight. Alumina particles of 3 or 5 mm diameter were used as solid particles. It is indicated that the pump performance is appreciably reduced when the pipe bend is above the gas injector. The critical condition under which solid particles are vertically lifted is discussed from a practical viewpoint. In addition, the particle motion in the region of a pipe bend is investigated by photographic observations.     

Prediction of drawbar test performance

Standard tests of agricultural tractors include measurement of drawbar performance on a concrete or tarmacadam surface. Because these tests are time-consuming and expensive, the possibility of replacing them with axle dynamometer tests is under consideration. To maintain comparability with conventional drawbar tests it would be desirable to estimate drawbar performance on a hard surface from results of axle dynamometer tests. This requires a method for predicting slip-pull relationships on a hard surface. Ninety-nine drawbar tests carried out in France, Germany, U.K. and U.S.A. have been analysed and equations of varying complexity derived to predict performance. It was found that, whereas drawbar pull at maximum drawbar power could be predicted fairly accurately, the corresponding slip and consequently maximum drawbar power could not be predicted with sufficient accuracy to enable valid comparisons to be made with drawbar tests. It is suggested that the reason for the kack of accuracy is the presence of unquantifiable variables such as differences in rubber compound, tread pattern or track condition. It is suggested that these throw doubt on the validity of the drawbar tests themselves as a means of comparison and suggestions are made of ways in which the test could be modified to make it more suitable for comparing different drawbar tests and for comparing drawbar tests with axle dynamometer tests.     

Prediction of cooling-coil performance under condensing conditions

The possibility of predicting chilled-water cooling-coil performance under condensing conditions using dry-surface heat transfer correlations is examined. Experimentally determined wet-surface Nusselt number data are presented and compared with dry-surface data obtained from the same cooling coils. The wet-surface Nusselt numbers show considerable scatter; some of the results are higher than the corresponding dry-surface correlations, while others are lower. A sensitivity analysis is presented to illustrate that the wet-surface Nusselt numbers are very sensitive to the uncertainties in the measured inlet dew-point temperature and the measured heat transfer rate. It is demonstrated that the use of dry-surface Nusselt number correlations in a coil model result in wet-surface heat transfer predictions that are generally within 5 percent of the experimentally determined value.     

Prediction of the tractive performance of a flexible tracked vehicle

In this study, we describe a mathematical model designed to allow for the determination of the mechanical relationship existing between soil characteristics and the primary design factors of a tracked vehicle, and to predict the tractive performance of this tracked vehicle on soft terrain. On the basis of the mathematical model, a computer simulation program (Tractive Performance Prediction Model for Tracked Vehicles; TPPMTV) was developed in this study. This model took into account the characteristics of the terrain, including the pressure-sinkage, the shearing characteristics, and the response to the repetitive loading, as well as the primary design parameters of the tracked vehicle. The efficacy of the developed model was then confirmed via comparison of the drawbar pulls of tracked vehicles predicted using the simulation program TPPMTV, with those determined as the result of traction tests. The results indicated that the predicted drawbar pulls, with the change in slip, were quite consistent with the ones measured in the traction test, for the changes in the weight of the vehicle, the initial track tension, and the number of roadwheels within the entire slip range. Thus, we concluded that the simulation program developed in this study, named TPPMTV, proved useful in the prediction of the tractive performance of a tracked vehicle, and that this system might be applicable to the design of a vehicle, possibly enabling a significant improvement in its functions.     

外啮合齿轮泵随机内泄漏模型的研究

为了获得更加精确的外啮合齿轮泵内泄漏数学模型,将不确定性理论引入齿轮泵传统内泄漏模型中进行研究。将齿轮泵的轴向间隙、径向间隙、液压油温度、工作压力和输入转速作为随机变量,运用随机因子法和代数综合法建立齿轮泵随机内泄漏模型,进而获得在不确定性下的齿轮泵容积效率。将随机内泄漏模型研究结果和传统模型的计算结果分别与实验结果进行比较,证明随机内泄漏模型的正确性和优越性。     

Prediction of wheel-soil interaction and performance using the finite element method

In this experimental-analytical study of wheel-soil interaction, a technique based on the finite element method is used for predicting continuous wheel performance and subsoil response behaviour. The evaluation of wheel-soil interaction performance at any degree of slip is performed using energy principles. The analytical technique utilizes experimentally determined wheel-soil particle path as displacement input for load simulation to predict the soil response beneath the wheel.

An incremental loading approach is adopted to satisfy as closely as possible the soil loading path. The solution requires initial conditions which establish the soil at zero energy level (no stress history) and proceeds to stationary wheel positions with wheel-soil penetration equal to its dynamic sinkage. The method of analysis then proceeds to the steady-state wheel travel mode. The predicted drawbar pulls and subsoil behaviour results are presented and shown to compare well with the experimentally measured values.     

Development of a dynamometric vehicle to assess the drawbar performance of high-powered agricultural tractors

Agricultural tractors are machines originally designed to mechanize agricultural tasks, especially tillage and pulling. A large part of research activities have been interested in optimizing tractor efficiency, in particular in terms of emissions and energy. In this frame, the OECD Tractor Code 2 sets out a drawbar test in specific controlled conditions with the aim of evaluating the power of the tractor available at the drawbar. The principal measurement chain relies on dynamometric vehicles (DV) that are instrumented vehicles specifically engineered to develop horizontal force at the drawbar of agricultural tractors. The CREA Laboratory of Treviglio, Italy, engineered a new dynamometric vehicle to test tractors with up to 200 kW at the drawbar (245 kW at the engine flywheel) and a maximum of 118 kN drawbar force. The chosen basis is a FIAT 6605 N truck (TM 69 6 × 6) which has been transformed into a hydrostatic vehicle driven by a hydraulic system and an auxiliary gearbox. The maximum drawbar force was verified up to 122 kN. The drawbar power verification (200 kW) was successfully carried. The final verification confirmed that the project is valid for the investigation and optimization of the parameters regarding the traction efficiency of agricultural tractors.     

A study of thermal nonequilibrium effects in low-pressure wet-steam turbines using a blade-to-blade time-marching technique

A theoretical analysis of the wet-steam flow in the low pressure cylinder of a 500 MW steam turbine using a blade-to-blade time-marching computer program is described. The calculating method can compute most types of wet-steam flow found in LP turbines, including those involving both primary and secondary nucleations in transonic and supersonic blading with shock waves. In particular, condensing flows in highly staggered rotor tip sections can be computed without difficulty. Extensive results are presented showing the effect of departures from thermal equilibrium on the blade surface pressure and velocity distributions, the blade outlet relative flow angle, the mass flow coefficient and the thermodynamic loss coefficient. On the basis of the analysis, recommendations are made concerning the application of nonequilibrium wet-steam theory to steam turbine design.     

Actuation of the Kagome Double-Layer Grid. Part 1: Prediction of performance of the perfect structure

The Kagome Double-Layer Grid (KDLG) is a sandwich-like structure, based on the planar Kagome pattern, which has properties that make it attractive for application as a morphing material. In order to understand the passive and active properties of the KDLG with rigid joints, an analysis is made of the determinacy of the pin-jointed version. The number of internal mechanisms and states of self-stress of the finite pin-jointed structure are calculated as a function of the size of the structure. A statically and kinematically determinate version is obtained by relocating the internal nodes and by prescribing a set of patch bars around the periphery. The actuation performance of the rigid-jointed version is then explored theoretically by replacing a single bar in the structure by an actuator. The resistance to actuation is determined in terms of the stiffness and the allowable actuation strain as dictated by yield and buckling. The paper concludes with the optimal design of a double-layer grid to maximise actuation performance.     

Prediction of hydrodynamic performance of an FLNG system in side-by-side offloading operation

Floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) is a type of liquefied natural gas (LNG) production system that shows prospects in exploitation of stranded offshore gas fields. The dynamic performance of an FLNG system in side-by-side configuration with a LNG carrier under the combined actions of wave, current and wind can be quite complex. This paper presents a comprehensive study on the hydrodynamics of an FLNG system with a focus on the nonlinear coupling effects of vessels and connection systems based on the concept FLNG prototype recently designed for South China Sea. In this study, the hydrodynamic characteristics of the two floating vessels connected through hawsers and fenders are investigated using a state-of-the-art time-domain simulation code SIMO, considering their mechanical and hydrodynamic coupling effects. The simulation model consisting of FLNG and LNG carrier is developed and calibrated by a series of model tests including a tuned damping and viscous levels. The hydrodynamic performances of the two floating vessels under an extreme sea state during side-by-side offloading operation are obtained, and their relative motions and the force responses of the connection hawsers and fenders are analyzed. Sensitivity studies are conducted to clarify contributions from the pretension and the stiffness of the connection hawsers. The effects on the hydrodynamic performance of the vessels and on the loads of the connection system are also investigated.     

基于可靠度和功能的框架—剪力墙结构抗震优化设计

作为结构抗震设计的发展方向,近年来基于功能的结构抗震设计思想引起了地震工程界的广泛重视,并取得了迅速发展,其基本思想就是在充分考虑结构抗震设计中的不确定性的情况下,采用基于“投资－效益”准则和强调结构“个性”的设计,本文讨论了基于可靠度和功能的结构抗震优化设计思想,建立了钢筋混凝土呆－剪力墙结构 抗震优化设计模型,给出了结构可靠度的近似计算方法,最后计算了钢筋混凝土框架－剪力墙的算例。     

A new method for calculating the Busemann head coefficients for radial impellers

Charts of the Busemann head coefficients which are widely used in the design of centrifugal pumps and compressors contain substantial errors. This paper presents a simplified method for evaluating these coefficients which is capable of giving results of high accuracy for impellers with two or more blades having blade angles from 10°–90°, covering most designs of practical interest. It is also shown that significant error may result from the conventional assumption that head coefficients are independent of radius ratio for values of the solidity greater than 1.0; a simple method of checking the magnitude of this error is given     

Prediction of wheel performance by analysis of normal and tengential stress distributions under the wheel-soil interface

Prediction of wheel performance by analysis of normal stress distribution under the wheel-soil interface was reported by one of our research members. In this study analysis of both normal and tangential stress distributions are included for the prediction of wheel performance. A visco-elastic soil model based on a three-element Maxwell model is used to evaluate normal stress distribution under a wheel running on soft ground. The values of the parameters characterizing the visco-elastic behavior of the soil can be derived from plate penetration tests. A rigid wheel-soil interface model is used to evaluate the tangential stress distribution under the wheel-soil interface. Shear deformation modulus, cohesion and angle of internal shearing resistance of the soil are derived from shear-displacement tests. Test results indicate that both maximum normal and shear stress occur in front of the wheel axle, and the location of peak normal stress shifts backwards towards the wheel axle while that of tangential stress shifts forwards when slippage is increased from a low value. Increasing slippage also causes a decrease in normal stress and an increase in tangential stress. Coefficients of traction and tractive efficiency are low at low slippage, increase with an increase in slippage, and level off at higher slippage.     

Prediction of temperature performance of a two-phase closed thermosyphon using Artificial Neural Network

Here, the temperature performance of a two-phase closed thermosyphon (TPCT) was investigated using two synthesized nanofluids, including carbon nano-tube (CNT)/water and CNT-Ag/water. In order to determine the temperature performance of a TPCT, the experiments were performed for various values of weight fraction and input power. To predict the other experimental conditions, a reliable and accurate tool should be applied. Therefore Artificial Neural Network (ANN) was applied to predict the process performance. Using ANN, the operating parameters, including distribution of wall temperature (T) and the temperature difference between the input and the output water streams of condenser section (?T) were determined. To achieve this goal, the multi-layer perceptron network was employed. The Levenberg–Marquardt algorithm was chosen as learning algorithm of this network. The results of simulation showed an excellent agreement with the data resulted from the experiments. Therefore it is possible to say that ANN is a powerful tool to predict the performance of different processes.     

Development of a vehicle to study the tractive performance of integrated steering-drive systems

This paper describes a test-bed vehicle for studying the integration of the steering system of a wheeled vehicle with the drive system. The vehicle was produced in order to determine whether such an integrated system is practical; to investigate tractive performance compared to other steering-drive systems; and to determine under which conditions such a system has better performance. The integrated steering-drive system of the test-bed vehicle uses a computer to co-ordinate the independently driven wheel speeds of the drive system (which is also the primary steering system) with the steer angles of the non-driven steerable wheels to produce a beneficial secondary steering effect. The secondary steering system assists the primary steering system when side forces act on the vehicle, while producing minimal conflict. This concept can be applied to agricultural vehicles such as tractors, harvesters, mowers, sprayers and self-propelled windrowers. The test-bed vehicle is able to be configured for the following steering-drive systems types: open differential drive with steerable wheels, independent drive wheels with castors, locked differential drive with steerable wheels and a computer integrated steering-drive system. The capacity of the test-bed vehicle to be configured as described is a significant advantage when measuring tractive performance, as the results obtained will be more valid due to the vehicle parameters being the same.