Thermal Performance Analysis of Plaster Reinforced with Raffia Vinifera Particles for Use as Insulating Materials in Building

The present study focuses on the formulation of new composite consisting of plaster and raffia vinifera particle (RVP) with the purpose to reducing energy consumption. The aim of this study is to test this new compound as an insulating eco-material in building in a tropical climate. The composites samples were developed by mixing plaster with raffia vinifera particles (RVP) using three different sizes (1.6 mm, 2.5 mm and 4 mm). The effects of four different RVP incorporations rates (i.e., 0wt%, 5wt%;10wt%;15wt%) on physical, thermal, mechanicals properties of the composites were investigated. In addition, the use of the raffia vinifera particles and plaster based composite material as building envelopes thermal insulation material is studied by the habitable cell thermal behavior instrumentation. The results indicate that the incorporation of raffia vinifera particle leads to improve the new composite physical, mechanical and thermal properties. And the parametric analysis reveals that the sampling rate and the size of raffia vinifera particles are the most decisive factor to impact these properties, and to decreases in the thermal conductivity which leads to an improvement to the thermal resistance and energy savings. The best improvement of plaster composite was obtained at the raffia vinifera particles size between 2.5 and 4.0 mm loading of 5wt% (C95P5R) with a good ratio of thermo-physical-mechanical properties. Additionally, the habitable cell experimental thermal behavior, with the new raffia vinifera particles and plaster-based composite as thermal insulating material for building walls, gives an average damping of 4°C and 5.8°C in the insulated house interior environment respectively for cold and hot cases compared to the outside environment and the uninsulated house interior environment. The current study highlights that this mixture gives the new composite thermal insulation properties applicable in the eco-construction of habitats in tropical environments.

Thermal fatigue behaviors of SiC power module by Ag sinter joining under harsh thermal shock test

The excellent properties of SiC bring new challenges for the device packaging.In this study,the bonding strength,fracture behaviors and microstructural evolution of micron-porous Ag joint were elevated during thermal cycling(–50 ℃–250 ℃) in SiC/DBC(direct bonding copper) die attachment structure for different time.During harsh thermal shock test,the strength of sintered joint deceased gradually with the increase of cycling number,and the value just was half of the value of as-sintered after 1 000 cycles.Coarsening of Ag grains was observed in micron-porous joint with the structure inhomogeneity and defects increasing,which were the reasons of the strength decease.In addition,it was also found that the fracture behavior of sintered joints was changed from ductile deformation of Ag grain to brittle fracture of crack propagation after 1 000 cycles.This study will add the understanding in the mechanical properties of Ag sinter joining and its applications at high temperature.

Thermal performance analysis of borehole size effect on geothermal heat exchanger

Thermal performance was the most important factor in the development of borehole heat exchanger utilizing geothermal energy. The thermal performance was affected by many different design parameters, such as configuration type and borehole size of geothermal heat exchanger. These eventually determined the operation and cost efficiency of the geothermal heat exchanger system. The main purpose of this work was to assess the thermal performance of geother^nal heat exchanger with variation of borehole sizes and numbers of U-tubes inside a borehole. For this, a thermal response test rig was established with line-source theory. The thermal response test was performed with in-line variable input heat source. Effective thermal conductivity and thermal resistance were obtained from the measured data. From the measurement, the effective thermal conductivity is found to have similar values for two- pair type （4 U-tubes） and three-pair type （6 U-tubes） borehole heat exchanger systems indicating similar heat transfer ability. Meanwhile, the thermal resistance shows lower value for the three-pair type compared to the two-pair type. Measured data based resistance have lower value compared to computed result from design programs. Overall comparison finds better thermal performance for the three-pair type, however, fluctuating temperature variation indicates complex flow behavior inside the borehole and requires further study on flow characteristics.

High-Temperature Corrosion of Protective Coatings for Boiler Tubes in Thermal Power Plants

High-temperature corrosion is a serious problem for the water-wall tubes of boilers used in thermal power plants. Oxidation, sulfidation and molten salt corrosion are main corrosion ways.Thereinto, the most severe corrosion occurs in molten salt corrosion environment. Materials rich in oxides formers, such as chromium and aluminum, are needed to resist corrosion in high-temperature and corrosive environment, but processability of such bulk alloys is very limited. High velocity electric arc spraying (HVAS) technology is adopted to produce coatings with high corrosion resistance. By comparison, NiCr (Ni-45Cr-4Ti) is recommended as a promising alloy coating for the water-wall tubes, which can even resist molten salt corrosion attack. In the study of corrosion mechanism, the modern material analysis methods, such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffractometry (XRD) and energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS), are used. It is found that the corrosion resistances of NiCr and FeCrAI coatings are much better than that of 20g steel, that the NiCr coatings have the best anti-corrosion properties, and that the NiCr coatings have slightly lower pores than FeCrAI coatings.It is testified that corrosion resistance of coatings is mainly determined by chromium content, and the microstructure of a coating is as important as the chemical composition of the material. In addition, the fracture mechanisms of coatings in the cycle of heating and cooling are put forward. The difference of the thermal physical properties between coatings and base metals results in the thermal stress inside the coatings. Consequently, the coatings spall from the base metal.

Numerical simulation based on two-directional freeze and thaw algorithm for thermal diffusion model

Freeze-thaw processes significantly modulate hydraulic and thermal char- acteristics of soil. The changes in the frost and thaw fronts （FTFs） affect the water and energy cycles between the land surface and the atmosphere. Thus, the frozen soil com- prising permafrost and seasonally frozen soil has important effects on the land surface hydrology in cold regions. In this study, a two-directional freeze and thaw algorithm is incorporated into a thermal diffusion equation for simulating FTFs. A local adaptive variable-grid method is used to discretize the model. Sensitivity tests demonstrate that the method is stable and FTFs can be tracked continuously. The FTFs and soil tempera- ture at the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau D66 site are simulated hourly from September 1, 1997 to September 22, 1998. The results show that the incorporated model performs much better in the soil temperature simulation than the original thermal diffusion equation, showing potential applications of the method in land-surface process modeling.

Thermal Response Test by Improved Test Rig with Heating or Cooling Soil

An improved test rig providing both the heat and cold source was used to perform thermal response test （TRT）, and the line source model was used for data analysis. The principle of determining the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet of test well can keep the heating or cooling rate constant, along with a reduced size of test rig. Among the influencial factors of the line source model, the temperature difference was determined as the most important, which agreed with the test results. When the gravel was taken as the backfill material, the soil thermal conductivities of heating and cooling at the test place were 1.883 W/（m＆#183;K） and 1.754 W/（m＆#183;K）, respectively, and the deviation of TRT between heating and cooling soil was 6.8%. In the case of fine sand, the thermal conductivities of heating and cooling were 1.541 W/（m＆#183;K） and 1.486 W/（m＆#183;K）, respectively, and the corresponding deviation was 6%. It was also concluded that different velocities of water had less influence on TRT than the temperature difference.

Characterization of Failure Mechanisms of Duplex and Graded Thermal Barrier Coatings Exposed to Thermal Shock Test

The beginning of failure of a (ZrO2-7%Y2O3)/(Ni-22%Co-17%Cr-12.5%Al-0.6%Y) duplex andgraded coating systems on lnconel 617 and IN738LC in burner rig tests has been characterized.The test conditions are 40 s heating up to 75O℃ substrate temperature followed by 80 s aircooling. Failure is considered at the appearance of the first bright spot during heating period.Stresses due to thermal expansion mismatch strains on cooling are the probable cause of life-limiting in this conditions of testing.

A Study of Estimating the Safe Storage Life, Self-accelerating Decomposition Temperature and Critical Temperature of Thermal Explosion of Double-base Propellant Using Isothermal and Non-isothermal Decomposition Behaviours

A method of estimating the safe storage life （τ）, self-accelerating decomposition temperature （TsADT） and critical temperature of thermal explosion （Tb） of double-base propellant using isothermal and non-isothermal decomposition behaviours is presented. For double-base propellant composed of 56±1wt% of nitrocellulose （NC）, 27±0.5wt% of nitroglycerine （NG）, 8.15±0.15wt% of dinitrotoluene （DNT）, 2.5±0.1wt% of methyl centralite, 5.0±0.15wt% of catalyst and 1.0±0.1wt% of other, the values of r of 49.4 years at 40℃, of TSAOT of 151.35℃ and of Tb of 163.01℃ were obtained.

Characteristic analysis of bleeding effect on standing column well (SCW) type geothermal heat exchanger

Thermal performance is the most important factor in the development of a borehole heat exchanger utilizing geothermal energy.The thermal performance is affected by many different design parameters and different operating conditions such as bleeding.This eventually determines the operation and cost efficiency of the borehole heat exchanger system.The thermal performance of an open standing column well (SCW) type geothermal heat exchanger was assessed under the influence of bleeding.For this,a thermal response test rig was established with line-source theory.The test rig also had a bleeding function by releasing fluid while taking additional underground water through the heat exchanger.The thermal response test was performed with an additional constant input heat source.Effective thermal conductivity and thermal resistance were obtained from the measured data.From the measurement,the effective thermal conductivity is found to have 1.47 times higher value when bleeding is applied.The thermal resistance also increases by 1.58 times compared to a non-bleeding case.This trend indicates enhanced heat transfer in the SCW type heat exchanger with a bleeding function.Bleeding,therefore,could be an effective method of achieving a high heat transfer rate in the SCW type heat exchanger with sufficient underground water supply.

Experimental Verification to Estimate Ground Thermal Conductivity Using Spiral Coil Type Ground Heat Exchangers

This paper presents an experimental study on the evaluation of thermal response of a spiral coil type GHE （ground heat exchanger）. This GHE was installed on partially saturated landfill ground that was composed of silt and clay in the runway area of Incheon International airport. TRT （thermal response test） was conducted for more than 65 hours under continuous operation conditions. Ground thermal conductivity was derived based on line source theory, which has usually been found to be appropriate for line type GHEs such as U, W and 2U types. A reasonable method to derive ground thermal conductivity using the infinite line source theory for a spiral coil type GHE was introduced. Ground thermal conductivity from the TRT using spiral coil type GHE was compared with those from the analytical equivalent model of ground thermal conductivity.

Experimental Investigation of Loop Heat Pipe with Two Evaporators/Two Condensers under Thermal Vacuum Condition

Multiple loop heat pipe is a high-functional thermal transport device. This work was conducted to confirm the working performance of Multiple loop heat pipe under thermal vacuum ambience with the working fluid ammonia. Asmall multiple loop heat pipe with two evaporators and two ra- diators was designed and fabricated. Then thermal vacuum test was conducted. The heaters were fasten on both evaporators, both radiators, both compensation chambers. In the case that both evaporators were heated, the multiple loop heat pipe can transport 120/120 W for 1.5 m, in the case that only one evaporator was heated, evaporator 1 can transport 80 W for 1.5 m, while eva- porator 2 can transport 120 W for 1.5 m. Two flow regulators were installed near the confluence of liquid line to prevent uncondensed vapor penetrating into returning liquid when the tempera- ture difference exists between two radiators. In the case that the heat load at both evaporators were 40/40 W and one radiator was heated, the flow regulator1 can tolerate the 160 W of heat load which was supplied to radiator1 while the flow regulator2 can tolerate the 100 W of heat load which was supplied to radiator2. To demonstrate the multiple loop heat pipe’s startup behavior at lowheat load, each of the compensation chamber was preheated to change the initial distribution of liquid and vapor in the evaporator and compensation chamber, in the result, each evaporator can start up at 5W through preheating.

Virtual Thermal Test System Based on Simulink and Comsol Co-Simulation

A virtual thermal test system was built through the co-simulation using Simulink and Comsol to realize the complete virtualization of the thermal test.Using the co-simulation technology,comprehensive simulation analysis of the control system,electric field and thermal field was realized.The data state of each observation point could be directly observed at one time,including the output state information of the power amplifier,the output state information of the heater,and the thermal state information of the test unit.The virtual thermal test system has a predictive and guiding role for engineering thermal tests,and can realize thermal environment simulation beyond the existing thermal environment ground simulation capabilities,providing a basis for the development of future models.

Chang'e 5 Undergoing Thermal Test

Chang’e 5 probe has entered its critical phase of AIT.Units,except the lander,are undergoing thermal test.The flight model of Chang’e 5 is composed of an orbiter,a return capsule,a lander and an ascent unit.The thermal tests on the ascent unit,the lander-as-

Nondestructive testing and assessment of consolidation effects of earthen sites

Earthen sites are widely distributed throughout China, and most of them belong to archaeological sites with significant values, which not only directly witness the origin, formation and development of Chinese civilization, but also possess important values for conservation and exhibition. Many researches and practices on their conservation and consolidation have been carried out; however, the consolidation effect is mainly judged by visual observation and expert evaluation. Scientific assessment of conservation and consolidation effects is a challenging issue. Many instruments in other fields cannot be directly applied to the conservation of cultural relics due to their peculiarity. In order to assess the effects of field conservation experiments, this paper tries to understand the consolidation effects at Liangzhu site using nondestructive or micro-damage methods, including thermo-physical parameters testing, infrared thermal imaging, high-density microelectrode resistivity testing, portable microscope observation, and hydrophilic and hydrophobic testing, and thereby explores the practicable methods for evaluating the properties of consolidation materials for earthen sites treatment.

DAMAGE OF A HIGH-ENERGY SOLID PROPELLANT AND ITS EFFECTS ON COMBUSTION

In order to improve the safety of high-energy solid propellants, a study is carried out for the effects of damage on the combustion of the NEPE (Nitrate Ester Plasticized Polyether) propellant. The study includes: (1) to introduce damage into the propellants by means of a large-scale drop-weight apparatus; (2) to observe microstructural variations of the propellant with a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and then to characterize the damage with density measurements; (3) to investigate thermal decomposition; (4) to carry out closed-bomb tests. The NEPE propellant can be considered as a viscoelastic material. The matrices of damaged samples axe severely degraded, but the particles are not. The results of the thermal decomposition and closed-bomb tests show that the microstructural damage in the propellant affects its decomposition and burn rate.

Temperature-controlled triaxial compression/creep test device for thermodynamic properties of soft sedimentary rock and corresponding theoretical prediction

In deep geological disposal of high-level nuclear waste,one of the most important subjects is to estimate long-term stability and strength of host rock under high temperature conditions caused by radioactive decay of the waste.In this paper,some experimental researches on the thermo-mechanical characteristics of soft sedimentary rock have been presented.For this reason,a new temperature-controlled triaxial compression and creep test device,operated automatically by a computer-controlled system,whose control software has been developed by the authors,was developed to conduct the thermo-mechanical tests in different thermal loading paths,including an isothermal path.The new device is proved to be able to conduct typical thermo-mechanical element tests for soft rock.The test device and the related testing method were introduced in detail.Finally,some test results have been simulated with a thermo-elasto-viscoplastic model that was also developed by the authors.

Shape-stablized EP/Paraffin Composite for Latent Heat Storage

620# and 56# paraffin mixtures were impregnated into expanded perlite （EP） by vacuuming method. Effects of impregnation with/without vacuum, vacuuming time, and thermal cycles were discussed. The appropriate mass fraction of paraffin mixture in the composite and vacuuming time were found respectively to be 80% and 20 min. Fourier transform infrared spectrometer （FT-IR） analysis shows that it has a good compatibility between paraffin mixture and EP. From differential scanning calorimetry （DSC） analysis, the latent heat of EP/Paraffin mixture composite is almost linearly related with the mass fraction of paraffin mixture in the composite. After 100 thermal cycles, the deviation of phase change temperatures is acceptable, but more deviation of latent heat appears. The calcium stearate dispersing granule coated by epoxy resin can effectively lower leakage during thermal cycles.

BRAKE TEST OF SiCp/A356 BRAKE DISK AND INTERPRETATION OF EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS

Material properties are obvious different between aluminum matrix composites and iron and steel materials. After the brake disk braked at the same speed, the average temperature of the aluminum brake disk is 1.5 times as high as one of iron and steel brake disk, the thermal expansion value of the aluminum brake disk is 2 times as big as one of iron and steel brake disk. Mechanical property of the material decreases with the temperature increasing generally during braking, on the other hand, the big thermal stress in the brake disk happens because the material expansion is constrained. Firstly, the reasons of the thermal stress generation and the fracture failure of brake disks during braking are analyzed qualitatively by virtue of three-bar stress frame and sandwich deformation principles in physic, and then the five constraints which cause the thermal stress are summarized. On the base of the experimental results on the 1：1 emergency brake test, the thermal stress and temperature fields are simulated; The behavior of the fracture failure is interpreted semi-quantitatively by finite element analysis, There is the coincident forecast for the fraction position in term of the two methods. In the end, in the light of the analysis and calculation results, it is the general principles observed by the structure design and assembly of the brake disk that are summarized.