Optimization of micro milling electrical discharge machining of Inconel 718 by Grey-Taguchi method

The optimization of micro milling electrical discharge machining（EDM） process parameters of Inconel 718 alloy to achieve multiple performance characteristics such as low electrode wear,high material removal rate and low working gap was investigated by the Grey-Taguchi method.The influences of peak current,pulse on-time,pulse off-time and spark gap on electrode wear（EW）,material removal rate（MRR） and working gap（WG） in the micro milling electrical discharge machining of Inconel 718 were analyzed.The experimental results show that the electrode wear decreases from 5.6×10-9 to 5.2×10-9 mm3/min,the material removal rate increases from 0.47×10-8 to 1.68×10-8 mm3/min,and the working gap decreases from 1.27 to 1.19 μm under optimal micro milling electrical discharge machining process parameters.Hence,it is clearly shown that multiple performance characteristics can be improved by using the Grey-Taguchi method.

Using radium isotopes to evaluate the uncertainty of submarine groundwater discharge in the northeast and entirety of Daya Bay

Submarine groundwater discharge(SGD),which can be traced using naturally occurring radium isotopes,has been recognized as a significant nutrient source and land-ocean interaction passage for the coastal waters of the Daya Bay,China.However,uncertainties in assessing SGD fluxes must still be discussed in detail.In this study,we attempted to utilize the Monte Carlo method to evaluate the uncertainties of radium-derived SGD flux in the northeast and entirety of the Daya Bay.The results show that the uncertainties of the SGD estimate in the northeast bay are very sensitive to variations in excess radium inventories as well as radium inputs from bottom sediments,while the uncertainties of the SGD estimate for the entire bay are strongly affected by fluctuations in radium inputs from bottom sediments and radium end-members of SGD.This study will help to distinguish the key factors controlling the accuracy of SGD estimates in similar coastal waters.

EFFECTS OF POLYTROPIC EXPONENT ON DATA PROCESSING METHODS USED IN CONSTANT VOLUME DISCHARGE

In order to obtain the accurate sonic conductance of solenoid valves, the polytropic exponent is used in the data processing of the discharge method for measuring the flow rate characteristics of pneumatic components. Three data processing principles are first introduced, and then the discharge pressure data obtained from the measured solenoid valve are processed to obtain the sonic conductance with three methods： the partial polytropic exponent method, the complete polytropic exponent method and the adiabatic method. By comparison of the obtained results it indicates that the complete polytropic exponent method is the most accurate. However, the partial polytropic exponent method is of a high applicable value, because it is easy and simple to measure and the obtained results are relatively accurate.

Effect of Cooling Methods on Methane Conversion via Dielectric-Barrier Discharges

Effects of cooling methods on stability and methane conversion rate using dielectric-barrier discharges （DBD） were systematically investigated in this article. The results showed that the methane conversion rate was as high as 44.43% in a pure methane system at a flow rate of 100 mL·min^-1 and an input power of 234.2 W with air cooling. A dark greenish and soft film-like carbon was deposited on the outer surface of quartz tube when the outer electrode was watercooled, which decreased the methane conversion. With air cooling of inner electrode the selectivity of C2 hydrocarbons was higher than that with other cooling methods, while the C3 hydrocarbons had higher selectivity with flowing water cooling. Cooling the inner electrode could restrain the carbon deposition, but would decrease the methane conversion rate. The stability of both reaction and plasma operation can be improved through cooling the reactor. From thermodynamic analysis, it was found that the effective collisions frequency among the reactant molecules and free electrons （e^-） increased with temperature, which in turn led to a higher methane conversion rate and a change in the distribution of products.

A simple method of depressing numerical dissipation effects during wave simulation within the Euler model

Numerical wave tanks are widely-acknowledged tools in studying waves and wave-structure interactions. They can generate waves under realistic scales and offers more information on the fluid field. However, most numerical wave tanks suffer from issues known as the numerical dissipation and numerical dispersion. The former causes wave energy to be slowly dissipated and the latter shifts wave frequencies during wave propagation. This paper proposes a simple method of depressing numerical dissipation effects on the basis of solving Euler equations using the finite difference method(FDM). The wave propagation solutions are solved analytically taking into account the influence of the damping terms. The main idea of the method is to append a source term to the momentum equation, whose strength is determined by how strong the numerical damping effect is. The method is verified by successfully depressing numerical effects during the simulation of regular linear waves, Stokes waves and irregular waves. By applying the method, wave energy is able to be close to its initial value after long distance of travel.

Scale Effects and a Method for Similarity Evaluation in Micro Electrical Discharge Machining

Electrical discharge machining（EDM） is a promising non-traditional micro machining technology that offers a vast array of applications in the manufacturing industry. However, scale effects occur when machining at the micro-scale, which can make it difficult to predict and optimize the machining performances of micro EDM. A new concept of ＂scale effects＂ in micro EDM is proposed, the scale effects can reveal the difference in machining performances between micro EDM and conventional macro EDM. Similarity theory is presented to evaluate the scale effects in micro EDM. Single factor experiments are conducted and the experimental results are analyzed by discussing the similarity difference and similarity precision. The results show that the output results of scale effects in micro EDM do not change linearly with discharge parameters. The values of similarity precision of machining time significantly increase when scaling-down the capacitance or open-circuit voltage. It is indicated that the lower the scale of the discharge parameter, the greater the deviation of non-geometrical similarity degree over geometrical similarity degree, which means that the micro EDM system with lower discharge energy experiences more scale effects. The largest similarity difference is 5.34 while the largest similarity precision can be as high as 114.03. It is suggested that the similarity precision is more effective in reflecting the scale effects and their fluctuation than similarity difference. Consequently, similarity theory is suitable for evaluating the scale effects in micro EDM. This proposed research offers engineering values for optimizing the machining parameters and improving the machining performances of micro EDM.

Improvement of circuit oscillation generated by underwater high voltage pulse discharges based on pulse power thyristor

High voltage fracturing technology was widely used in the field of reservoir reconstruction due to its advantages of being clean, pollution-free, and high-efficiency. However, high-frequency circuit oscillation occurs during the underwater high voltage pulse discharge process, which brings security risks to the stability of the pulse fracturing system. In order to solve this problem, an underwater pulse power discharge system was established, the circuit oscillation generation conditions were analyzed and the circuit oscillation suppression method was proposed. Firstly, the system structure was introduced and the charging model of the energy storage capacitor was established by the state space average method. Next, the electrode high-voltage breakdown model was established through COMSOL software, the electrode breakdown process was analyzed according to the electron density distribution image, and the plasma channel impedance was estimated based on the conductivity simulation results. Then the underwater pulse power discharge process and the circuit oscillation generation condition were analyzed, and the circuit oscillation suppression strategy of using the thyristor to replace the gas spark switch was proposed. Finally, laboratory experiments were carried out to verify the precision of the theoretical model and the suppression effect of circuit oscillation. The experimental results show that the voltage variation of the energy storage capacitor, the impedance change of the pulse power discharge process, and the equivalent circuit in each discharge stage were consistent with the theoretical model. The proposed oscillation suppression strategy cannot only prevent the damage caused by circuit oscillation but also reduce the damping oscillation time by77.1%, which can greatly improve the stability of the system. This research has potential application value in the field of underwater pulse power discharge for reservoir reconstruction.

THE STUDY ON MEASURING TECHNIQUE OF PARTIAL DISCHARGE IN GAS INSULATED SWITCHGEAR USING ULTRA HIGH FREQUENCY METHOD WITH EXTERNAL SENSORS

Objective In order to find early latent faults and prevent catastrophic failures, diagnosis of insulation condition by measuring technique of partial discharge(PD) in gas insulated switchgear (GIS) is applied in this paper, which is one of the most basic ways for diagnosis of insulation condition. Methods Ultra high frequency(UHF) PD detection method by using internal sensors has been proved efficient, because it may avoid the disturbance of corona, but the sensor installation of this method will be limited by the structure and operation condition of GIS. There are some of electromagnetic (E-M) waves leak from the place of insulation spacer, therefore, the external sensors UHF measuring PD technique is applied, which isn't limited by the operation condition of GIS. Results This paper analyzes propagated electromagnetic (E-M) waves of partial discharge pulse excited by using the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method. The signal collected at the outer point is more complex than that of the inner point, and the signals' amplitude of outer is about half of the inner, because it propagates through spacer and insulation slot. Set up UHF PD measuring system. The typical PD in 252kV GIS bus bar was measured using PD detection UHF technique with external sensors. Finally, compare the results of UHF measuring technique using external sensors with the results of FDTD method simulation and the traditional IEC60270 method detection. Conclusion The results of experiment shows that the UHF technique can realize the diagnosis of insulation condition, the results of FDTD method simulation and the result UHF method detection can demonstrate each other, which gives references to further researches and application for UHF PD measuring technique.

A two-step unconditionally stable explicit method with controllable numerical dissipations

A family of unconditionally stable direct integration algorithm with controllable numerical dissipations is proposed. The numerical properties of the new algorithms are controlled by three parameters α, β and γ. By the consistent and stability analysis, the proposed algorithms achieve the second-order accuracy and are unconditionally stable under the condition that α≥-0.5, β≤ 0.5 and γ≥-(1+α)/2. Compared with other unconditionally stable algorithms, such as Chang's algorithms and CR algorithm, the proposed algorithms are found to be superior in terms of the controllable numerical damping ratios. The unconditional stability and numerical damping ratios of the proposed algorithms are examined by three numerical examples. The results demonstrate that the proposed algorithms have a superior performance and can be used expediently in solving linear elastic dynamics problems.

A flexible multiscale algorithm based on an improved smoothed particle hydrodynamics method for complex viscoelastic flows

Viscoelastic flows play an important role in numerous engineering fields,and the multiscale algorithms for simulating viscoelastic flows have received significant attention in order to deepen our understanding of the nonlinear dynamic behaviors of viscoelastic fluids.However,traditional grid-based multiscale methods are confined to simple viscoelastic flows with short relaxation time,and there is a lack of uniform multiscale scheme available for coupling different solvers in the simulations of viscoelastic fluids.In this paper,a universal multiscale method coupling an improved smoothed particle hydrodynamics(SPH)and multiscale universal interface(MUI)library is presented for viscoelastic flows.The proposed multiscale method builds on an improved SPH method and leverages the MUI library to facilitate the exchange of information among different solvers in the overlapping domain.We test the capability and flexibility of the presented multiscale method to deal with complex viscoelastic flows by solving different multiscale problems of viscoelastic flows.In the first example,the simulation of a viscoelastic Poiseuille flow is carried out by two coupled improved SPH methods with different spatial resolutions.The effects of exchanging different physical quantities on the numerical results in both the upper and lower domains are also investigated as well as the absolute errors in the overlapping domain.In the second example,the complex Wannier flow with different Weissenberg numbers is further simulated by two improved SPH methods and coupling the improved SPH method and the dissipative particle dynamics(DPD)method.The numerical results show that the physical quantities for viscoelastic flows obtained by the presented multiscale method are in consistence with those obtained by a single solver in the overlapping domain.Moreover,transferring different physical quantities has an important effect on the numerical results.

Multidimensional Numerical Simulation of Glow Discharge by Using the N-BEE-Time Splitting Method

In this work, a new numerical technique is proposed for the resolution of a fluid model based on three Boltzmann moments. The main purpose of this technique is to calculate electric and physical properties in the non-equilibrium electric discharge at low pressure. The transport and Poisson＇s equations form a self-consistent model. This equation system is written in cylindrical coordinates following the geometric shape of a plasma reactor. Our transport equation system is discretized using the finite volume approach and resolved by the N-BEE explicit scheme coupled to the time splitting method. This programming structure reduces computation time considerably. The 2D code is carried out and tested by comparing our results with those found in literature.

The Resuming Insulation Discharge Failure and Conductor Overheating Failure Judgment Method of SF6 Electrical Equipment

Through the long time track examination and disintegration to SF6 circuit breaker, we obtain the massive monitor data and massive pictures. The criteria of resuming insulation discharge failure conforming to CSO2/CH2S>7, is quite broad to SO2 and the H2S concentration permission. Even if it reaches 100μL/L, it will not be in danger immediately to the safe operation of equipment. We may plan, arrange, and overhaul calmly. When obtaining the bare conductor overheating failure, it has not involved the resuming insulation. We may use the resuming insulation discharge failure criterion.

High velocity flow simulation using lattice Boltzmann method with no-free-parameter dissipation scheme

A finite difference lattice Boltzmann method of second-order accuracy in time is developed based on non-oscillatory scheme with no-free-parameter dissipation （NND） difference scheme in this paper. The NND lattice Boltzmann method is used to simulate high-speed flows by constructing a new equilibrium distribution function of the lattice Boltzmann method. Compared with a variation of lattice Boltzmann method developed by Qu, et al., the present method can capture shock waves and handle oscillations of high velocity flows accurately in larger time steps and in shorter computing time. Numerical results indicate the correctness and capability of simulating shock wave interactions of the NND lattice Boltzmann method.

Numerical Simulation of Thermal Discharge Based on FVM Method

A two-dimensional numerical model is proposed to simulate the thermal discharge from a power plant in Jiangsu Province. The equations in the model consist of two-dimensional non-steady shallow water equations and thermal waste transport equations. Finite volume method （FVM） is used to discretize the shallow water equations, and flux difference splitting （FDS） scheme is applied. The calculated area with the same temperature increment shows the effect of thermal discharge on sea water. A comparison between simulated results and the experimental data shows good agreement. It indicates that this method can give high precision in the heat transfer simulation in coastal areas.

Study on Detection of Negative Corona Discharge Generated in Rod-Plane Air Gap by Using External Electrode Method

A detective method of a negative corona discharge by means of an external electrode is presented. The relationship between an area of the external electrode and a detected voltage waveform is examined experimentally. This experimental study is carried out with the use of a rod-plane air gap. The results obtained will be applicable to problems associated with silos, ducts, and high-voltage equipment.

Multi-domain Boundary Element Method with Dissipation

The wave diffraction and radiation around a floating body is considered within the framework of the linear potential theory in a fairly perfect fluid. The fluid domain extended infinitely in the horizontal directions but is limited by the sea bed, the body hull, and the part of the free surface excluding the body waterplane, and is subdivided into two subdomains according to the body geometry. The two subdomains are connected by a control surface in fluid. In each subdomain, the velocity potential is described by using the usual boundary integral representation involving Green functions. The boundary integral equations are then established by satisfying the boundary conditions and the continuous condition of the potential and the normal derivation across the control surface. This multi-domain boundary element method （MDBEM） is particularly interesting for bodies with a hull form including moonpools to which the usual BEM presents singularities and slow convergence of numerical results. The application of the MDBEM to study the resonant motion of a water column in moonpools shows that the MDBEM provides an efficient and reliable prediction method.

A General Method to Compute the Electric Flux Lines between Two Magnet Wires in Close Contact and Its Application for the Evaluation of Partial Discharge Risks in the Slots of Electric Machines Embedded in Future Transportation Systems

The sizing of the Electrical Insulation System (EIS) is an important challenge in electric motors of higher specific power driven by faster inverters. That keeps increasing the electric stress which the winding is submitted in the stator slot. Consequently, Partial Discharges (PD) are more likely to occur. Nowadays, the Paschen’s criterion is widely used to evaluate the risk of partial discharge. It requires the knowledge of electric field lines. This paper presents a method to precisely compute the electric field lines in a two-dimensional (2D) electrostatic problem. The field of study is composed of two magnet wires in close contact. Such configuration is representative of the turn-to-turn interaction in an electric motor slot. The problem is solved using the scalar potential formulation only. The notion of flux tubes is used for the post process of the electric field lines in a developed numerical code on Matlab. The developed method is compared to a ballistic method already included on Matlab. The work presented here is included in an automatic tool to suppress or reduce the partial discharge risk in a stator slot of high power density motor destined for future transportation systems.

A Method of Using a Carbon Fiber Spiral-Contact Electrode to Achieve Atmospheric Pressure Glow Discharge in Air

During discharge, appropriately changing the development paths of electron avalanches and increasing the number of initial electrons can effectively inhibit the formation of filamentary discharge. Based on the aforementioned phenomenon, we propose a method of using microdischarge electrodes to produce a macroscopic discharge phenomenon. In the form of an asymmetric structure composed of a carbon fiber electrode, an electrode structure of carbon fiber spiral-contact type is designed to achieve an atmospheric pressure glow discharge in air, which is characterized by low discharge voltage, low energy consumption, good diffusion and less ozone generation.

Use of Non-uniform Rational B-splines for Discharge Calculation in the Velocity Area Method

The velocity area method belongs to the group of primary methods for discharge measurement in hydropower plants. The measurements require an appropriate application of measuring devices and carrying out correctly the process of data analyzing including integration technique. The authors present their own experiences gathered during many years of utilizing the current meter method for discharge measurement in many hydropower plants. They have developed the special integration techniques using the progressive numerical algorithms. The techniques differ from the recommendations contained in the relevant international standards. The authors＇ own software for calculating the discharge from the measured local velocity distribution （obtained using current meters） adopts advanced spline functions, the so-called NURBS （non-uniform rational B-splines）. Nowadays, this kind of splines is commonly used in modeling of the complex geometrical shapes because of their smoothness. It is assessed that it represents much better quality of interpolation than the classic spline functions （classic cubic spline technique）. Particularly, the better properties of the NURBS splines can be observed for velocity profile area characterized by very strong velocity gradients where boundary layers meet the core regions of the flow （mainstream）. In the developed software the boundary layer thickness and exponent of von Karman function is calculated in accordance with the ISO 3354 standard. The software has been successfully used during many performance tests of the hydraulic turbines in Poland for several years. Paper presents the results of flow rate measurements for two different flow systems of Kaplan turbines. First case concerns the application of the current meters in a long circular penstock whereas the second one in short rectangular turbine intake. A comparative analysis of three flow calculation procedures applied for these two cases is presented in the paper-（1） the integration procedure according to the ISO 3354 standard; （2） the integration procedure based on the NS （natural splines）; and （3） the integration procedure based on the NURBS. The results obtained using these three procedures for the first case （intake via long circular penstock） were compared with the results of discharge measurements conducted using the pressure-time method.

Research on the cuttings discharge in air cushion chamber of slurry shield based on CFD-DEM coupling method Author links open overlay panel

The rapid discharge of cuttings from the air cushion chamber is crucial for the construction safety and excavation efficiency of the slurry shield.Previous studies have mainly focused on the transport characteristics of cuttings in the slurry discharge pipe,while the complete process of cuttings entering the slurry discharge pipe from the air cushion chamber until they are discharged was often overlooked.Based on the CFD-DEM coupling method and combined with actual engineering,this paper established a numerical model that can more completely reflect the cuttings discharge process during slurry shield tunneling,and the effects of the slurry velocity at slurry gate and scouring pipes,inclination angle of slurry discharge pipe,cuttings diameter and shape coefficient were investigated by analyzing the variation in the mass flow rate,mass of discharged cuttings,and discharged ratio.The results revealed that increasing the slurry velocity can promote the discharge of cuttings.To keep the discharged rate at a high level,it is recommended that the slurry velocity at the slurry gate should be greater than 0.15 m/s.Reducing the inclination angle of the discharge pipe is conducive to the rapid discharge of cuttings.Cuttings with large diameter or small shape coefficient are more prone to accumulate in the air cushion chamber and cause clogging risk.The research results not only help to improve engineers'understanding of cuttings discharge in slurry shield,but also provide practical guidance for formulating relevant construction measures.