Enhancement of Bioelectrocatalytic Processes by the Rotation of Mediator‐Functionalized Magnetic Particles on Electrode Surfaces: Comparison with a Rotating Disk Electrode

The rotation of redox‐functionalized magnetic particles (MPs) by means of an external magnet is a common practice for enhancing bioelectrocatalytic processes and for the amplification of biosensing events. The current densities generated by rotating redox‐functionalized MPs in two bioelectrocatalytic systems are compared to the current densities generated by rotating disc electrodes (RDE) functionalized with similar redox functionalities. The bioelectrocatalytic systems consist of pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ)‐functionalized MPs that oxidize NADH, and ferrocene‐functionalized MPs that mediate the bioelectrocatalyzed oxidation of glucose in the presence of glucose oxidase. The results reveal that only ca. 1% of the area of the redox‐functionalized MPs are electrically contacted with the electrode. Also, the current densities generated by the rotating MPs at high rotation speeds are lower than theoretically expected, presumably due to lose of electrical contact between the MPs and the electrode, and incoherent rotation of the particles on the electrode, due to insufficient magnetization. The comparison of the current densities in the bioelectrocatalytic systems in the presence of the rotating redox‐functionalized MPs to the analogous RDE systems allows us to elucidate the kinetics of electron transfer at the redox‐active MPs.     

High Reynolds number turbulent flow past a rotating cylinder

High Reynolds-number flow over a rotating cylinder is investigated by two-dimensional numerical computations. The Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equations are solved via the finite-volume method and they are closed by a modified k-ε turbulence model. The spin ratio a is defined as the ratio between the cylinder’s circumferential speed velocity to the free-stream varies from 2 to 8. The flow is examined at Reynolds numbers from 5 × 10⁵ to 5 × 10⁶, which is considered to be an interesting range for industrial flows. Available experimental and numerical data were used to verify the validity of the implemented procedure.The results revealed stabilization of the acting forces at high spin rates, thus indicating a flowfield with suppressed vortex-shedding activity, as it is expected, in accordance with theoretical considerations in previous studies. Load coefficients were found to be inversely proportional to the Reynolds number for most of the examined rotational rates.     

Flow field analysis inside a gas turbine trailing edge cooling channel under static and rotating conditions: Effect of ribs

The present work is part of a wider research program which concerns the aero-thermal characterization of cooling channels for the trailing edge of gas turbine blades. The selected passage model is characterized by a trapezoidal cross-section of high aspect-ratio and coolant discharge at the blade tip and along the wedge-shaped trailing edge, where seven elongated pedestals are also installed. In this contribution, a new channel configuration provided with inclined ribs installed inside the radial development region is analyzed, extending the previous results and completing the already available data base, thus providing an overall review of the aero-thermal performance of the considered passage. The velocity field inside the channel was measured by means of 2D and Stereo-PIV techniques in multiple flow planes under static and rotating conditions. The tests were performed under engine similar conditions with respect to both Reynolds (Re = 20,000) and Rotation (Ro = 0, 0.23) numbers. Time averaged flow fields and velocity fluctuation data inside the stationary and rotating channels are analyzed and also critically compared with the data acquired without ribs. In this way the effects on the flow field induced by both rotation and ribs are clearly described. In particular, the ribs modify substantially both the flow field on the channel walls where they are installed and the 3D separation structures that surround the pedestals. If also rotation is taken into account, the relative flow field is characterized by a considerable guiding effect of the ribs coupled with a stronger flow separation on the obstacles that further enhances the heat transfer performances. This behavior was confirmed exploiting the wide thermal data base already available, obtaining a direct link between the observed flow features and the heat transfer performances.     

Analytic solution for MHD Transient rotating flow of a second grade fluid in a porous space

This article looks into the unsteady rotating magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) flow of an incompressible second grade fluid in a porous half space. The flow is induced by a suddenly moved plate in its own plane. Both the fluid and plate rotate in unison with the same angular velocity. Analytic solution of the governing flow problem is obtained by using Fourier sine transform. Based on the modified Darcy's law, expression for velocity is obtained. The influence of pertinent parameters on the flow is delineated and appropriate conclusions are drawn. Several existing solutions of Newtonian fluid have been also deduced as limiting cases.     

Creeping flow of a second grade fluid in a corner

A variant of Taylor’s (1962) [23] scraper problem, in which, the lower plate rotates is considered. The non-linear partial differential equations governing the flow of a second grade fluid are modeled and solved by using the domain perturbation technique considering the angular velocity of the rotating plate as a small parameter. Also the rheology of the second grade fluid is examined by depicting the profiles of the velocity, stream function, pressure and stress fields.     

Flow field analysis inside a gas turbine trailing edge cooling channel under static and rotating conditions

The flow field inside a modern internal cooling channel specifically designed for the trailing edge of gas turbine blades has been experimentally investigated under static and rotating conditions. The passage is characterized by a trapezoidal cross-section of high aspect-ratio and coolant discharge at the blade tip and along the wedge-shaped trailing edge, where seven elongated pedestals are also installed. The tests were performed under engine similar conditions with respect to both Reynolds (Re = 20,000) and Rotation (Ro = 0, 0.23) numbers, while particular care was put in the implementation of proper pressure conditions at the channel exits to allow the comparison between data under static and rotating conditions. The flow velocity was measured by means of 2D and Stereo-PIV techniques applied in the absolute frame of reference. The relative velocity fields were obtained through a pre-processing procedure of the PIV images developed on purpose.Time averaged flow fields inside the stationary and rotating channels are analyzed and compared.A substantial modification of the whole flow behavior due to rotational effects is commented, nevertheless no trace of rotation induced secondary Coriolis vortices has been found because of the progressive flow discharge along the trailing edge. For Ro = 0.23, at the channel inlet the high aspect-ratio of the cross section enhances inviscid flow effects which determine a mass flow redistribution towards the leading edge side. At the trailing edge exits, the distortion of the flow path observed in the channel central portion causes a strong reduction in the dimensions of the 3D separation structures that surround the pedestals.     

Shaft angular misalignment detection using acoustic emission

Shaft angular misalignment (SAM) is a common and crucial problem in rotating machinery. Misalignment can produce several shortcomings such as premature bearing failure, increase in energy consumption, excessive seal lubricant leakage and coupling failure. Vibration analysis has been traditionally used to detect SAM; however, it presents some drawbacks i.e. high influence of machine operational conditions and strong impact of the coupling type and stiffness on vibration spectra. This paper presents an extensive experimental investigation in order to evaluate the possibility of detecting SAM, using acoustic emission (AE) technique. The test rig was operated at under different operational conditions of load and speed in order to evaluate the impact on the AE and vibration signature under normal operating conditions. To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first attempt to use AE for the detection of SAM under varying operational conditions. A comparative study of vibration and AE was carried out to demonstrate the potentially better performance of AE. The experimental results show that AE technique can be used as a reliable technique for SAM detection, providing enhancements over vibration analysis.     

Jet Dynamics in Black Hole Physics: Acceleration During Subparsec Collimation

We study the processes of particle acceleration which take place in the field of a rotating black hole as part of a mechanism of formation of galactic jets within the first parsec from the central source, where gravitation is supposed to be dominant. We find the Lorentz factor that a stream of particles acquires as function of distance, when the orbital parameters vary slightly due to a local electromagnetic field or a pressure gradient.