Extension of the low diffusion particle method for near-continuum two-phase flow simulations

The low diffusion （LD） particle method, proposed by Burt and Boyd, is modified for the near-continuum two-phase flow simulations. The LD method has the advantages of easily coupling with the direct simulation Monte Carlo （DSMC） method for multi-scale flow simulations and dramatically reducing the numerical diffusion error and statistical scatter of the equilibrium particle methods. Liquidor solid-phase particles are introduced in the LD method. Their velocity and temperature updating are respectively, calculated from the motion equation and the temperature equation according to the local gas properties. Coupling effects from condensed phase to gas phase are modeled as momentum and energy sources, which are respectively, equal to the negative values of the total momentum and energy increase in liquid or solid phase. The modified method is compared with theoretical results for unsteady flows, and good agreements are obtained to indicate the reliability of the one-way gas-to-particle coupling models. Hybrid LD-DSMC algorithm is implemented and performed for nozzle discharging gas-liquid flow to show the prospect of the LD-DSMC scheme for multi-scale two-phase flow simulations.

Classification of Intervertebral Disc Degeneration in Low Back Pain Using Diffusional Kurtosis Imaging

Degenerative disc disease is the most common cause of low back pain. Intervertebral disc abnormalities are commonly evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and Pfirrmann’s system involves the use of T2-weighted images (T2WI) to classify disc degeneration. However, as this classification is based on visual evaluation, it is not possible to quantify degeneration using this method. The present study was performed to establish an MRI-based intervertebral disc classification system using diffusional kurtosis imaging (DKI), to quantify intervertebral disc water content according to the Pfirrmann classification. Sagittal mean diffusional kurtosis (MK) mapping was performed for the L3/4, L4/5, and L5/S1 intervertebral discs in 32 patients (15 female, 17 male;age range, 24 - 82 years;mean age, 57.7 years). The degree of disc degeneration was assessed in the midsagittal section on T2WI according to the Pfirrmann classification (grade I - V). The relationships between MK values, which are correlated with intervertebral disc composition changes, and grade of degeneration determined using the Pfirrmann classification were analyzed. The MK values tended to decrease with increasing grade of degeneration, and differed significantly between grades I and IV, but not between grade IV and V (P < 0.05, Mann-Whitney U test). DKI is an effective means of detecting the early stages of disc degeneration. Therefore, DKI may be a useful diagnostic tool for quantitative assessment of intervertebral disc degeneration.

In Situ Reaction Fabrication of a Mixed-Ion/Electron-Conducting Skeleton Toward Stable Lithium Metal Anodes

Lithium metal batteries are emerging as a strong candidate in the future energy storage market due to its extremely high energy density.However,the uncontrollable lithium dendrites and volume change of lithium metal anodes severely hinder its application.In this work,the porous Cu skeleton modified with Cu_(6)Sn_(5)layer is prepared via dealloying brass foil following a facile electroless process.The porous Cu skeleton with large specific surface area and high electronic conductivity effectively reduces the local current density.The Cu_(6)Sn_(5)can react with lithium during the discharge process to form lithiophilic Li_(7)Sn_(2)in situ to promote Li-ions transport and reduce the nucleation energy barrier of lithium to guide the uniform lithium deposition.Therefore,more than 300 cycles at 1 mA cm^(−2)are achieved in the half-cell with an average Coulombic efficiency of 97.5%.The symmetric cell shows a superior cycle life of more than 1000 h at 1 mA cm^(−2)with a small average hysteresis voltage of 16 mV.When coupled with LiFePO_(4)cathode,the full cell also maintains excellent cycling and rate performance.

含油气盆地异常低压成因研究现状

从不同地质因素入手,分析了含油气盆地异常低压的形成机理,认为各种机理在形成异常低压时的作用范围和程度明显不同:由地壳垂向抬升作用引起的地层抬升和上覆地层的剥蚀及其导致的地层温度降低是低压形成的重要区域因素,尤其是在垂向构造活动较为频繁的盆地;轻烃扩散对油气藏内压力的降低具有一定作用;流体密度差产生的低压与区域性地层倾斜有关,是深盆气藏压力降低的原因之一;低水位承压面主要在浅部流体压力系统起作用,对深部流体压力系统的作用微弱;渗吸、储层物性差异与地层水化学作用对实际异常低压的形成意义不大;地下流体采出出现于油气藏开采之后的阶段,不是原始地层异常低压的原因。指出在对不同含油气盆地的异常低压进行解释时,应具体问题具体分析。

Properties of Solutions of Kolmogorov-Fisher Type Biological Population Task with Variable Density

In this paper, we discussed population model of two competing populations with non-linear double diffusion and variable density which described by nonlinear system of competing individuals. We identify new properties, such as finite speed of propagation, and localization of the outbreaks in a specific area.

HYDRODYNAMIC OPTIMIZATION DESIGN OF LOW SOLIDITY VANED DIFFUSER FOR A CENTRIFUGAL PUMP USING GENETIC ALGORITHMS

This paper presents a hydrodynamic redesign of the conventional vaneddiffuser into the low solidity varied diffuser for the maximum static pressure recovery in acentrifugal pump. A Bezier curve representation for profile description was coupled with ablade-to-blade flow calculation and a real-coded genetic algorithm. A low solidity vaned diffuser of0.89 in solidity was obtained through the present optimum design. Numerical analysis andexperimental test were made to evaluate the hydrodynamic performance of the centrifugal pump withthe designed low solidity vaned diffuser and original vaned diffuser. The obtained resultsdemonstrate that the centrifugal pump with the optimized vaned diffuser has compact size comparedwith the original one while the performance requirements have been met.

Numerical Investigation of the Centrifugal Compressor Stability Improvement by Half Vaned Low Solidity Diffusers

Centrifugal compressors for the fuel cell vehicles often operate near the surge line compared with the turbocharger compressors.Low solidity and half vaned diffusers are recognized as good ways to improve the stability of the centrifugal compressor.The presented work investigated four diffuser configurations (i.e.,the vaneless diffuser (VLD),full-height low solidity vaned diffuser (LSVD),hub-side half vaned diffuser (HVD) and shroud-side half vaned diffuser (SVD)) through steady-state and unsteady numerical simulations.The results show that the best performance is achieved by the LSVD,HVD and SVD at the design,surge and choke conditions.The flow rate at the surge operating point of the HVD has decreased by 15.53% compared with the LSVD,and 9.21% compared with the VLD.At near surge operating point,a longitudinal suction side passage vortex is formed on the hub of the LSVD and rotates as circumferential stall cells.A hairpin vortex is formed along the leading edge and is dragged by the main flow along the suction side as a local vortex shedding.The mechanism of the stability improvement by half vaned diffusers is that the tip leakage vortex migrates from the clearance side to the vane mounting side and replenishes the low-momentum zone on the mounting side.The best position where the half vaned diffuser should be mounted is based on the impeller outlet flow conditions,namely,the location of the wake region,where the meridional velocity and relative stagnation pressure is low.