Taylor-Galerkin algorithms for viscoelastic flow: Application to a model problem

Coupled and decoupled Taylor-Galerkin algorithms are considered for viscoelastic flow and a model problem—transient startup Poiseuille flow in a channel under a fixed pressure gradient. All algorithms reproduce the steady-state solutions and are stable at high elasticity numbers (E). For a fixed mesh, the coupled and decoupled versions (TGC and TGD) give exceptional time-accuracy at low elasticity numbers [to within O(1%) at E = 1] and reasonable accuracy at high elasticity numbers [to within O(10%) at E = 10, 100]. By definition, the decoupled false-transient scheme (TGF), which uses different time scales for velocity and stress time stepping, provides a poor transient history. Where the main requirement is to compute a steady-state algorithm efficiency is crucial. The TGF scheme attains a steady state between six to eight times faster than does the TGC scheme, and the latter is over twice as fast as the TGD form. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

X-ray evidence for the absence of 90°-domains in polycrystalline PbTiO3 thin films with grains below a critical size

3 thin films is systematically studied by using X-ray diffraction (XRD). The PbTiO₃ thin films with different average grain sizes were prepared on various substrates by a sol-gel process. The films on NaCl and fused glass are randomly grain-oriented, while those on (111)Pt/Ti/SiO₂/Si are highly {100} cubic index grain-oriented . It is found from the XRD patterns of the films on NaCl that with decreasing average grain size from 230 to 80 nm, the intensities of high h index (h>l) peaks (hkl), such as (100), (110), (200), (201), (210), (211), etc., decrease rapidly and ultimately disappear, whereas another set of peaks (lkh), including (001), (002), (102), (112), etc., are still intense. This interesting result suggests that at grain size below a certain critical size an increasing number of grains no longer show 90°-domains, which is confirmed by TEM observations. Meanwhile, X-ray evidence of such a grain-size-related absence of 90°-domains is also found for PbTiO₃ films on Pt(111) and fused-glass substrates. The volume fractions of single-domain grains (without 90°-domains) in the films are estimated from their XRD patterns. By combining SEM and TEM investigations, the critical grain size for the formation of 90°-domains is further determined to be near 200 nm. Received: 19 December 1996/Accepted: 24 March 1997     

AUTOMATED WIND TUNNEL MEASUREMENTS

It is common practice in power transmission to use bundled overhead electrical conductors because the lower rate of corona discharge, compared with single conductors, makes the bundle attractive for high voltages. However, secondary problems may arise from the vibrations induced by the aerodynamic forces which act on the leeward conductors as a result of their immersion in the wake of a windward conductor. Thus, in addition to possible aeolian and galloping oscillations observed for a single conductor, bundle conductors may also be subjected to wake-induced oscillations. ^1,2 Although extensive research has been done on the aeroelastic behavior of single and bundled conductors which are bare, little is known about the galloping or wake oscillation characteristics of given bundle conductors which, depending upon the environmental conditions during the formation of ice, may have five or so representative shaped cross-sections. One important task involves the aerodynamic quasi-static force and moment measurements in a wind tunnel using full scale conductor cross-sections each of which must be rotated through many angles at different spacings. Such measurements are repetitive as well as tediously time consuming and, hence, are beneficially automated. A reliable, accurate and inexpensive automated apparatus is described in this paper which permits the aerodynamic measurements to be performed efficiently and without intervention. Most importantly, it relieves the operator of the usual responsibility for manually controlling the separation and orientation of the sections as well as the need to manually compensate fluctuations in the free stream air speed. For simplicity, the apparatus is detailed in the context of a twin bundle conductor.     

Oblique impingement of a circular jet in a cross flow

The distributions of temperature and dye concentration produced by a cross flow jet impinging on a flat surface are examined experimentally. Measurements show that for sufficiently high jet injection speeds, a ground vortex region upstream of the jet develops. The dimensionless gross geometrical features of this recirculating region are related by a simple linear law and are independent of the jet — surface spacing or the injection speed ratio.