Effective Behavior Near Clogging in Upscaled Equations for Non-isothermal Reactive Porous Media Flow

For a non-isothermal reactive flow process, effective properties such as permeability and heat conductivity change as the underlying pore structure evolves. We investigate changes of the effective properties for a two-dimensional periodic porous medium as the grain geometry changes. We consider specific grain shapes and study the evolution by solving the cell problems numerically for an upscaled model derived in Bringedal et al. (Transp Porous Media 114(2):371–393, 2016. doi: 10.1007/s11242-015-0530-9). In particular, we focus on the limit behavior near clogging. The effective heat conductivities are compared to common porosity-weighted volume averaging approximations, and we find that geometric averages perform better than arithmetic and harmonic for isotropic media, while the optimal choice for anisotropic media depends on the degree and direction of the anisotropy. An approximate analytical expression is found to perform well for the isotropic effective heat conductivity. The permeability is compared to some commonly used approaches focusing on the limiting behavior near clogging, where a fitted power law is found to behave reasonably well. The resulting macroscale equations are tested on a case where the geochemical reactions cause pore clogging and a corresponding change in the flow and transport behavior at Darcy scale. As pores clog the flow paths shift away, while heat conduction increases in regions with lower porosity.     

Study of Hydraulic Properties of Uncoated Paper: Image Analysis and Pore-Scale Modeling

In this study, uncoated paper was characterized. Three-dimensional structure of the layer was reconstructed using imaging results of micro-CT scanning with a relatively high resolution \((0.9~\upmu \hbox {m})\). Image analysis provided the pore space of the layer, which was used to determine its porosity and pore size distribution. Representative elementary volume (REV) size was determined by calculating values of porosity and permeability values for varying domain sizes. We found that those values remained unchanged for domain sizes of \(400\times 400\times 150\,\upmu \hbox {m}^{3}\) and larger; this was chosen as the REV size. The determined REV size was verified by determining capillary pressure–saturation Open image in new window imbibition curves for various domain sizes. We studied the directional dependence of Open image in new window curves by simulating water penetration into the layer from various directions. We did not find any significant difference between Open image in new window curves in different directions. We studied the effect of compression of paper on Open image in new window curves. We found that up to 30% compression of the paper layer had very small effect on the Open image in new window curve. Relative permeability as a function of saturation was also calculated. Water penetration into paper was visualized using confocal laser scanning microscopy. Dynamic visualization of water flow in the paper showed that water moves along the fibers first and then fills the pores between them.     

An Alternative Approach to Predicting Reservoir Performance in a Coalbed Methane (CBM) Well Flowing Under Dominant Matrix Shrinkage Effect

Coalbed methane (CBM) reservoirs contain gas molecules in adsorbed state into the solid matrix of coal. The pressure depletion in CBM reservoir causes the matrix gas to desorb into the cleat system which leads to matrix shrinkage. The pore volume of the cleat network changes as coal matrix shrinks. Consequently, cleat porosity and permeability of reservoir change as reservoir pressure depletes. The change in cleat porosity and permeability due to shrinkage of coal matrix with depletion of reservoir pressure invalidates the underlying assumptions made in the derivation of diffusivity equation. Under the conditions of changing porosity and permeability, the utility of the standard method of inflow performance relationship (IPR), paired with \(\frac{P}{Z^{*}}\) method suggested by King (in: SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition, New Orleans, 1990), for performance prediction diminishes. In this paper, an effort has been made to predict reservoir performance of such CBM reservoirs with an alternative approach. The method suggested by Upadhyay and Laik (Transp Porous Media, 2017. doi: 10.1007/s11242-016-0816-6) has been leveraged to describe pseudo-steady-state flow in the form of a new equation that relates stress-dependent pseudo-pressure function with time. The analytical equation derived in this paper is useful in predicting reservoir pressure and flowing bottom hole pressure of a CBM well under the situation when coal matrix shrinks below desorption pressure. The paper aims to predict production performance of CBM reservoirs producing under the influence of matrix shrinkage effect with an approach alternative to conventional IPR approach paired with \(\frac{P}{Z^{*}}\) method. The results of this analytical solution have been validated with the help of numerical simulator CMG–GEM as well as in-field production data. The equations and workflow suggested in this paper can be easily implemented in spreadsheet applications like Microsoft Excel tools.     

On the Generalization of Reissner Plate Theory to Laminated Plates,Part II: Comparison with the Bending-Gradient Theory

In the first part of this two-part paper (Lebée and Sab in On the generalization of Reissner plate theory to laminated plates, Part I: theory, doi: 10.1007/s10659-016-9581-6, 2015), the original thick plate theory derived by Reissner (J. Math. Phys. 23:184–191, 1944) was rigorously extended to the case of laminated plates. This led to a new plate theory called Generalized-Reissner theory which involves the bending moment, its first and second gradients as static variables. In this second paper, the Bending-Gradient theory (Lebée and Sab in Int. J. Solids Struct. 48(20):2878–2888, 2011 and 2889–2901, 2011) is obtained from the Generalized-Reissner theory and several projections as a Reissner–Mindlin theory are introduced. A comparison with an exact solution for the cylindrical bending of laminated plates is presented. It is observed that the Generalized-Reissner theory converges faster than the Kirchhoff theory for thin plates in terms of deflection. The Bending-Gradient theory does not converge faster but improves considerably the error estimate.     

Spontaneous bending of pre-stretched bilayers

We discuss spontaneously bent configurations of pre-stretched bilayer sheets that can be obtained by tuning the pre-stretches in the two layers. The two-dimensional nonlinear plate model we use for this purpose is an adaptation of the one recently obtained for thin sheets of nematic elastomers, by means of a rigorous dimensional reduction argument based on the theory of Gamma-convergence (Agostiniani and DeSimone in Meccanica. doi: 10.1007/s11012-017-0630-4, 2017, Math Mech Solids. doi: 10.1177/1081286517699991, arXiv:1509.07003, 2017). We argue that pre-stretched bilayer sheets provide us with an interesting model system to study shape programming and morphing of surfaces in other, more complex systems, where spontaneous deformations are induced by swelling due to the absorption of a liquid, phase transformations, thermal or electro-magnetic stimuli. These include bio-mimetic structures inspired by biological systems from both the plant and the animal kingdoms.     

Controlling Chaos in Porous Media Convection by Using Feedback Control

A method of using feedback control to promote or suppress the transition to chaos in porous media convection is demonstrated in this article. A feedback control suggested by Mahmud and Hashim (Transp Porous Media, doi:10.1007/s11242-009-9511-1, 2010) is used in the present article to provide a comparison between an analytical expression for the transition point to chaos and numerical results. In addition, it is shown that such a feedback control can be applied as an excellent practical means for controlling (suppressing or promoting) chaos by using a transformation made by Magyari (Transp Porous Media, doi:10.1007/s11242-009-9511-1, 2010). The latter shows that Mahmud and Hashim (Transp Porous Media, doi:10.1007/s11242-009-9511-1, 2010) model can be transformed into Vadasz-Olek’s model (Transp Porous Media 37(1):69–91, 1999a) through a simple transformation of variables implying that the main effect the feedback control has on the solution is equivalent to altering the initial conditions. The theoretical and practical significance of such an equivalent alteration of the initial conditions is presented and discussed.     

Integrable $${\varvec{}}$$-dimensional systems with rational Lax pairs

The search for new integrable \((3+1)\)-dimensional partial differential systems is among the most important challenges in the modern integrability theory. It turns out that such a system can be associated with any pair of rational functions of one variable in general position, as established below using contact Lax pairs introduced in Sergyeyev (Lett Math Phys, 2017.  https://doi.org/10.1007/s11005-017-1013-4, arXiv:1401.2122).     

Blow-Up Rate Estimates and Liouville Type Theorems for a Semilinear Heat Equation with Weighted Source

We study the Liouville-type theorem for the semilinear parabolic equation \(u_t-\Delta u =|x|^a u^p\) with \(p>1\) and \(a\in {\mathbb R}\). Relying on the recent result of Quittner (Math Ann, doi: 10.1007/s00208-015-1219-7, 2015), we establish the optimal Liouville-type theorem in dimension \(N=2\), in the class of nonnegative bounded solutions. We also provide a partial result in dimension \(N\ge 3\). As applications of Liouville-type theorems, we derive the blow-up rate estimates for the corresponding Cauchy problem.     

Finite gradient elasticity and plasticity: a constitutive thermodynamical framework

In Bertram (Continuum Mech Thermodyn. doi: 10.1007/s00161-014-0387-0, 2015), a mechanical framework for finite gradient elasticity and plasticity has been given. In the present paper, this is extended to thermodynamics. The mechanical theory is only briefly repeated here. A format for a rather general constitutive theory including all thermodynamic fields is given in a Euclidian invariant setting. The plasticity theory is rate-independent and unconstrained. The Clausius–Duhem inequality is exploited to find necessary and sufficient conditions for thermodynamic consistency. The residual dissipation inequality restricts the flow and hardening rules in combination with the yield criterion.     

Full-order optimal compensators for flow control: the multiple inputs case

Flow control has been the subject of numerous experimental and theoretical works. We analyze full-order, optimal controllers for large dynamical systems in the presence of multiple actuators and sensors. The full-order controllers do not require any preliminary model reduction or low-order approximation: this feature allows us to assess the optimal performance of an actuated flow without relying on any estimation process or further hypothesis on the disturbances. We start from the original technique proposed by Bewley et al. (Meccanica 51(12):2997–3014, 2016.  https://doi.org/10.1007/s11012-016-0547-3), the adjoint of the direct-adjoint (ADA) algorithm. The algorithm is iterative and allows bypassing the solution of the algebraic Riccati equation associated with the optimal control problem, typically infeasible for large systems. In this numerical work, we extend the ADA iteration into a more general framework that includes the design of controllers with multiple, coupled inputs and robust controllers (\(\mathcal {H}_{\infty }\) methods). First, we demonstrate our results by showing the analytical equivalence between the full Riccati solutions and the ADA approximations in the multiple inputs case. In the second part of the article, we analyze the performance of the algorithm in terms of convergence of the solution, by comparing it with analogous techniques. We find an excellent scalability with the number of inputs (actuators), making the method a viable way for full-order control design in complex settings. Finally, the applicability of the algorithm to fluid mechanics problems is shown using the linearized Kuramoto–Sivashinsky equation and the Kármán vortex street past a two-dimensional cylinder.     

On the Darboux transformation of a generalized inhomogeneous higher-order nonlinear Schrödinger equation

Recently, a paper about the Nth-order rogue waves for an inhomogeneous higher-order nonlinear Schrödinger equation using the generalized Darboux transformation is published. Song et al. (Nonlinear Dyn 82(1):489–500. doi: 10.1007/s11071-015-2170-6, 2015). However, the inhomogeneous equation which admits a nonisospectral linear eigenvalue problem is mistaken for having a constant spectral parameter by the authors. This basic error causes the results to be wrong, especially regarding the Darboux transformation (DT) in Sect. 2 when the inhomogeneous terms are dependent of spatial variable x. In fact, the DT for inhomogeneous equation has an essential difference from the isospectral case, and their results are correct only in the absence of inhomogeneity which was already discussed in detail before. Consequently, we firstly modify the DT based on corresponding nonisospectral linear eigenvalue problem. Then, the nonautonomous solitons are obtained from zero seed solutions. Properties of these solutions in the inhomogeneous media are discussed graphically to illustrate the influences of the variable coefficients. Finally, the failure of finding breather and rogue wave solutions from this modified DT is also discussed.     

Letter to the Editor: Comments on the Paper “Inertia Effects in High-Rate Flow Through Heterogeneous Porous Media” by M. Fourar, R. Lenormand, M. Karimi-Fard, and R. Horne, Transport in Porous Media, DOI 10.1007/s11242-004-6800-6, 2005

In a recent article, Fourar et al. (Transp Porous Med, 2005, doi:10.1007/s11242-004-6800-6) analyzed the effect of heterogeneity in the permeability distribution on Forchheimer flow in porous media. They derived expressions to calculate the effective inertial coefficient in serial layers, parallel layers, and two-dimensional correlated media. Here, we highlight an inconsistency in their first-order expression for serial layers and extend their findings by providing closed-form expressions for the effective inertial coefficient in the case of a lognormal permeability distribution.     

The peculiar elongational viscosity of concentrated solutions of monodisperse PMMA in oligomeric MMA

Concentrated solutions of nearly monodisperse poly(methyl methacrylate), PMMA-270k and PMMA-86k, in oligo(methyl methacrylate), MMA o-4k and MMA o-2k, investigated by Wingstrand et al. (Phys Rev Lett 115:078302, 2015) and Wingstrand (2015) do not follow the linear-viscoelastic scaling relations of monodisperse polystyrenes (PS) dissolved in oligomeric styrene (Wagner in Rheol Acta 53:765–777, 2014a, in Non-Newtonian Fluid Mech 222:121–131, 2014b; Wagner et al. in J Rheol 59:1113–1130, 2015). Rather, PMMA-270k shows an attractive interaction with MMA, in contrast to the interaction of PMMA-86k and MMA. This different behavior can be traced back to different tacticities of the two polymers. The attractive interaction of PMMA-270k with o-4k creates pseudo entanglements, which increase the interchain tube pressure, and therefore, the solution PMMA-270k/o-4k shows, as reported by Wingstrand et al. (Phys Rev Lett 115:078302, 2015), qualitatively a similar scaling of the elongational viscosity with \( {\left(\dot{\varepsilon}{\tau}_R\right)}^{-1/2} \) as observed for polystyrene melts. For the solution PMMA-270/o-2k, this effect is only seen at the highest elongation rates investigated. The elongational viscosity of PMMA-86k dissolved in oligomeric MMA is determined by the Rouse time of the melt, as in the case of polystyrene solutions.

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Computational study of a supersonic free jet rotating perpendicular to the streamwise direction

We study the flow structure of supersonic jets rotating perpendicular to the streamwise direction using RANS simulations, and we assess the performance of different turbulence model rotation corrections. The Coriolis and centrifugal terms were added to the equations of motion to perform calculations in this non-inertial (rotating) frame of reference. An explicit, cell-centred, finite-volume numerical method, coupled to a k?ε turbulence model, was used for the computations. The turbulence model rotation corrections of Howard et al. (1980), Park and Chung (1999), and Cazalbou et al. (2005) were attempted. In the absence of experimental data for jets rotating perpendicular to the streamwise direction, the rotation corrections were examined against the available measurements of a swirling jet; the comparison of the numerical and experimental data indicates that the Cazalbou et al. (2005 Cazalbou, J.B. 2005. Two-equation modeling of turbulent rotating flows. Physics of Fluids, 17(5): 1–14. [Crossref], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]) and Park and Chung (1999 Park, J.Y. and Chung, M.K. 1999. A model for the decay of rotating homogeneous turbulence. Physics of Fluids, 11(6): 1544–1549. [Crossref], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]) corrections improve the performace of the turbulence model. Simulations were then run of a supersonic jet rotating perpendicular to the stream direction at 0, 50, 100 and 150 rad/s, using no turbulence model rotation correction, and using the three rotation corrections. The results indicate that the Cazalbou et al. (2005 Cazalbou, J.B. 2005. Two-equation modeling of turbulent rotating flows. Physics of Fluids, 17(5): 1–14. [Crossref], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]) correction is more physical than the other two, as it yields results that are qualitatively consistent with the known effects of rotation: that turbulence is enhanced and suppressed on the concave and convex sides of a rotating jet centreline, respectively, and that the effect of rotation saturates as the rotation rate increases. The findings are in qualitative agreement with the available literature.     

Some exact analytical solutions in structural optimization

In this article, the isoperimetric inequalities arising in exactly solvable structural optimization problems of stability are discussed. The purpose of this article is to review some types of inequalities that may be regarded as “isoperimetric.” This type of inequalities is long known in geometry and physics; see, e.g., Polya and Szegö (1951 Polya, G., Szegö, G. (1951). Isoperimetric Inequalities in Mathematical Physics. Princeton: Princeton University Press.[Crossref] [Google Scholar]), Banichuk (1977 Banichuk, N. V. (1977). Optimality conditions in the problem of elastic stress concentration. Journal of Applied Mathematics and Mechanics 41:920–925.[Crossref], [Web of Science ®] [Google Scholar]), Bandle (1980 Bandle, C. (1980). Isoperimetric Inequalities and Applications. Boston: Pitman. [Google Scholar]), and Chavel (2001 Chavel, I. (2001). Isoperimetric Inequalities Differential Geometric and Analytic Perspectives. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. [Google Scholar]). The variational method is a powerful way to prove inequalities for systems described by ordinary differential equations. The proof of isoperimetric inequalities exploits the variational method and the Hölder inequality. The applications of this method for stability problems are illustrated in this article. The inequalities for Euler's column with boundary conditions of mixed type, for a twisted rod with periodic simple supports, and for a ring acted upon by a uniformly distributed, compressive hydrostatic load are rigorously verified.     

The R-γ transition prediction model

The R_t turbulence closure (Goldberg 2003 Goldberg, U. 2003. “Turbulence Closure with a Topography-parameter-free Single Equation Model.” IJCFD 17 (1): 27–38.[Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]) is coupled with an intermittency transport equation, γ, to enable prediction of laminar-to-turbulent flow by-pass transition. The model is not correlation-based and is completely topography-parameter-free, thus ready for use in parallelized Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) solvers based on unstructured book-keeping. Several examples compare the R-γ model's performance with experimental data and with predictions by the Langtry–Menter γ-Re_θ transition closure (2009) Langtry, R.B., and F.R. Menter. 2009. “Correlation-Based Transition Modeling for Unstructured Parallelized Computational Fluid Dynamics Codes.” AIAA J 47 (12): 2894–2906.[Crossref] , [Google Scholar]. Like the latter, the R-γ model is very sensitive to freestream turbulence levels, limiting its utility for engineering purposes.     

Direct numerical simulation of free falling sphere in creeping flow

In the present study, direct numerical simulations (DNS) are performed on single and a swarm of particles settling under the action of gravity. The simulations have been carried out in the creeping flow range of Reynolds number from 0.01 to 1 for understanding the hindrance effect, of the other particles, on the settling velocity and drag coefficient. The DNS code is a non-Lagrange multiplier-based fictitious-domain method, which has been developed and validated by Jin et al. (2008 Jin, S. A parallel algorithm for the direct numerical simulation of 3D inertial particle sedimentation. Conference proceedings of the 16th annual conference of the CFD Society of Canada. Edited by: Bergstrom, D. J. and Spiteri, R. 9–11, June. Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, , Canada [Google Scholar]; A parallel algorithm for the direct numerical simulation of 3D inertial particle sedimentation. In: Conference proceedings of the 16th annual conference of the CFD Society of Canada). It has been observed that the time averaged settling velocity of the particle in the presence of other particles, decreases with an increase in the number of particles surrounding it (from 9 particles to 245 particles). The effect of the particle volume fraction on the drag coefficient has also been studied and it has been observed that the computed values of drag coefficients are in good agreement with the correlations proposed by Richardson and Zaki (1954 Richardson, J. F. and Zaki, W. N. 1954. Sedimentation and fluidization: part I. Transactions of the Institution of Chemical Engineers, 32: 35–53.  [Google Scholar]; Sedimentation and fluidization: part I. Transactions of the Institution of Chemical Engineers, 32, 35–53) and Pandit and Joshi (1998 Pandit, A. B. and Joshi, J. B. 1998. Pressure drop in packed, expanded and fluidized beds, packed columns and static mixers – a unified approach. Reviews in Chemical Engineering, 14: 321–371. [Crossref], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]; Pressure drop in packed, expanded and fluidised beds, packed columns and static mixers – a unified approach. Reviews in Chemical Engineering, 14, 321–371). The suspension viscosity-based model of Frankel and Acrivos (1967 Frankel, N. A. and Acrivos, A. 1967. On the viscosity of a concentrated suspension of solid spheres. Chemical Engineering Science, 22: 847–853. [Crossref], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]; On the viscosity of a concentrated suspension of solid spheres. Chemical Engineering Science, 22, 847–853) shows good agreement with the DNS results.     

Generalized magneto-thermoelastic half-space with diffusion under initial stress using three-phase-lag model

The present paper is aimed at studying the effect of initial stress and the magnetic field on thermoelastic interactions in an isotropic, thermally and electrically conducting half-space whose surface is subjected to mechanical and thermal loads. The formulation is applied under the thermoelasticity theory with three-phase-lag, proposed by Choudhuri (2007 Choudhuri, S. K. R. (2007). On a thermoelastic three-phase-lag model. Journal of Thermal Stresses 30:231–238. doi:10.1080/01495730601130919[Taylor & Francis Online], [Web of Science ®] [Google Scholar]). The normal mode analysis is used to obtain the expressions for the variables considered. Numerical and computations are performed for a specific material and the results obtained are represented graphically. Comparisons are made with the results predicted by different theories Lord–Shulman theory (L–S), the theory of thermoelasticity type III (G-N III) and the three-phase-lag model (3PHL) in the absence and presence of the initial stress and magnetic field.     

Topological Synthesis of Compliant Mechanisms Using Linear Beam Elements*

The design of compliant mechanisms poses certain unique challenges because such mechanisms should have adequate flexibility to undergo desired deformations under the action of applied forces and adequate stiffness to withstand external loading. The focus here is to generate the topology of a compliant mechanism starting from input/output force/displacement functional requirements and design constraints. Previous studies [[1] Ananthasuresh, G. K., Kota, S. and Gianchandani, Y. 1993. Systematic Synthesis of Microcompliant Mechanisms—Preliminary Results. Proc. 3d Natl. Conf. on Applied Mechanisms and Robotics. November1993, Cincinnati. Vol. 2,  [Google Scholar] [2] Ananthasuresh, G. K., Kota, S. and Gianchandani, Y. June 1994. “A Methodical Approach to the Synthesis of Micro Compliant Mechanisms”. In Technical Digest, Solid-State Sensor and Actuator Workshop 189–192. Island, S. C.: Hilton Head.  [Google Scholar] [3] Ananthasuresh, G. K., Kota, S. and Kikuchi, N. Strategies for Systematic Synthesis of Compliant MEMS, DSC. ASME Winter Annual Meeting. Nov.1994, Chicago. Vol. 55-2,  [Google Scholar]] and [[4] Frecker, M. I., Ananthasuresh, G. K., Nishiwaki, S., Kikuchi, N. and Kota, S. 1997. Topological Synthesis of Compliant Mechanisms Using Multi-Criteria Optimization. J. Mech. Design, 119(2): 238–245. [Crossref], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]] employed a multi-criteria objective function comprised of mutual potential energy (MPE) and strain energy (SE) to full ground truss structures. Here an improved and robust objective function and its implementation for a network of linear beam elements is presented. Also discussed is the influence of various geometric and material variables on the objective function. Additionally, the objective function is interpreted in terms of physical design parameters such as mechanical advantage and geometric advantage.