Numerical Study on Aerodynamic Characteristics of Ducted Fan Aircraft

Based on investigations into the flow field of ducted fan aircrafts,structural parameters of duct are quantified.A three-dimensional model is established for numerical simulation,and adaptive Cartesian grid is used to mesh the model in order to improve calculation speed and solution accuracy.Three-dimensional Navier-Stokes equations are brought in to analyze different duct styles.Generalization of simulation results leads to several conclusions in duct aerodynamics to help design ducted fan aircrafts.

Modeling and Sliding Mode Control with Boundary Layer for Unmanned Coaxial Rotor Ducted Fan Helicopter

The structure and modeling of a novel unmanned coaxial rotor ducted fan helicopter(RDFH)are introduced,and then,based on the helicopter air dynamics and kinematics principles,a nonlinear model of the coaxial rotor ducted fan helicopter is developed and implemented on the basis of the wind tunnel experiment.After that,the helicopter′s stability and coupling characteristics of manipulation are analyzed through time-domain.Finally,a sliding mode controller(SMC)with boundary layers is developed on a hardware in the loop platform using digital signal processor(DSP)as the flight control computer.The results show that the RDFH′s tracking ability performs well under the use of proposed controller.

Using the surface panel method to predict the steady performance of ducted propellers

A new numerical method was developed for predicting the steady hydrodynamic performance of ducted propellers. A potential based surface panel method was applied both to the duct and the propeller, and the interaction between them was solved by an induced velocity potential iterative method. Compared with the induced velocity iterative method, the method presented can save programming and calculating time. Numerical results for a JD simplified ducted propeller series showed that the method presented is effective for predicting the steady hydrodynamic performance of ducted propellers.

Hydrodynamic Performance Analysis of the Ducted Propeller Based on the Combination of Multi-Block Hybrid Mesh and Reynolds Stress Model

In order to analyze the hydrodynamic performance of the ducted propeller with high precision, this paper proposes a new method which combines Multi-Block Hybrid Mesh and Reynolds Stress Model (MBHM & RSM). The calculation errors of MBHM & RSM and standard two-equation model (standard k-ε model) on the ducted propeller JD7704 +Ka4-55 are compared. The maximum error of the total thrust coefficient KT, the duct thrust coefficient KTN, the torque coefficient KQ and the open-water efficiency η0 of MBHM & RSM are 2.98%, 4.01%, 1.46%, and 0.89%, respectively, which are lower than those of standard k-ε model. Indeed, the pressure distribution on the propeller surfaces, the pressure and the velocity vector distribution of the flow field are also analyzed, which are consistent with the theory. It is demonstrated that MBHM & RSM on the thruster dynamics analysis are feasible. This paper provides reference in the thruster designing of underwater robot.

Numerical and Experimental Analysis of A Ducted Propeller Designed by A Fully Automated Optimization Process Under Open Water Condition

A fully automated optimization process is provided for the design of ducted propellers under open water conditions, including 3D geometry modeling, meshing, optimization algorithm and CFD analysis techniques. The developed process allows the direct integration of a RANSE solver in the design stage. A practical ducted propeller design case study is carried out for validation. Numerical simulations and open water tests are fulfilled and proved that the optimum ducted propeller improves hydrodynamic performance as predicted.

Global optimization for ducted coaxial-rotors aircraft based on Kriging model and improved particle swarm optimization algorithm

To improve the operational efficiency of global optimization in engineering, Kriging model was established to simplify the mathematical model for calculations. Ducted coaxial-rotors aircraft was taken as an example and Fluent software was applied to the virtual prototype simulations. Through simulation sample points, the total lift of the ducted coaxial-rotors aircraft was obtained. The Kriging model was then constructed, and the function was fitted. Improved particle swarm optimization(PSO) was also utilized for the global optimization of the Kriging model of the ducted coaxial-rotors aircraft for the determination of optimized global coordinates. Finally, the optimized results were simulated by Fluent. The results show that the Kriging model and the improved PSO algorithm significantly improve the lift performance of ducted coaxial-rotors aircraft and computer operational efficiency.

Kinetic Energy Recovery from the Chimney Flue Gases Using Ducted Turbine System

An innovative idea of extracting kinetic energy from man-made wind resources using ducted turbine system for on-site power generation is introduced in this paper. A horizontal axis ducted turbine is attached to the top of the chimney to harness the kinetic energy of flue gases for producing electricity. The turbine system is positioned beyond the chimney outlet, to avoid any negative impact on the chimney performance. The convergentdivergent duct causes increase in the flue gas velocity and hence enhances the performance of the turbine. It also acts as a safety cover to the energy recovery system. The results from the CFD based simulation analysis indicate that sig- nificant power 34 kW can be harnessed from the chimney exhaust. The effect of airfoils NACA4412 and NACA4416 and the diffuser angle on the power extraction by the energy recovery system using a 6-bladed ducted turbine has been studied with the CFD simulation. It is observed that the average flue gas velocity in the duct section at the throat is approximately twice that of the inlet velocity, whereas maximum velocity achieved is 2.6 times the inlet velocity. The simulated results show that about power may be extracted from the chimney flue gases of 660 MW power plant. The system can be retrofitted to existing chimneys of thermal power plants, refineries and other industries.

Numerical Study on Influence of Key Parameters of Aerodynamic Characteristics of Shaftless Ducted Rotor

Shaftless ducted rotor(SDR)is a new type of ducted rotor system designed with ducted-rotor-motor integration,which is quite different from traditional ducted rotor(DR)in aerodynamic characteristics.The sliding mesh based on unstructured grid is used to simulate the aerodynamic characteristics of SDR and DR.Then,the effects of five key parameters,namely,the rotor disk height,the number of blades,the spread angle of the duct,the central hole radius and the ducted lip radius on the aerodynamic characteristics of the SDR are investigated.It is found that the same-sized SDR produces a larger total lift than the DR in hovering,but the lift proportion of its duct is reduced.In the forward flight,a large low-speed region is generated behind the SDR duct,and the reflux vortex in blade root above the advancing blade has the trend for inward diffusion.The rotor disk height has similar effects on SDR and DR.Increasing the number of blades can effectively increase the total lift of SDR,which also increases the lift proportion of duct.Increasing the spread angle of the duct will lead to the rotor lift coefficient decrease,reducing the central hole radius can increase the total lift,but the component lift coefficient decreases.Appropriately increasing the ducted lip radius can increase the total lift,which begins to decrease after reaching a certain value.

Numerical Analysis and Comparison of the Fan Ducted Discharge Equipment Acoustics

In order to cut down excessive experiments, acoustic response of the different fan ducted discharge (equipment) was studied based on numerical method. The sound pressure level(SPL) in each component of a duct-plenum-reverberant room model was drawn and SPL deviation was analyzed. The trends of the curves were explained by the diffracti on and end reflection at the duct discharge. Models with different room dimensions, duct lengths, duct cross sections, duct locations and duct elbow were constructed, and their response was analyzed and compared. The results show that the SPL curves are smooth in the duct discharge cross section, but seriously fluctuant in the reverberant room; SPL in the duct discharge is only sensitive to duct dimensions, while that of the reverberant room is regularly influenced by all the dimension and arrangement factors. Small room and short duct help to increase room SPL. Elbow has an indistinct influence on all the components’ sound field. Finally, suggestion to reduce the deviation of experiment results was proposed.

Removal of intrahepatic bile duct stone could reduce the risk of cholangiocarcinoma: A single-center retrospective study in South Korea

BACKGROUND Intrahepatic duct(IHD)stones are among the most important risk factors for cholangiocarcinoma(CCC).Approximately 10%of patients with IHD stones develop CCC;however,there are limited studies regarding the effect of IHD stone removal on CCC development.AIM To investigate the association between IHD stone removal and CCC development.METHODS We retrospectively analyzed 397 patients with IHD stones at a tertiary referral center between January 2011 and December 2020.RESULTS CCC occurred in 36 of the 397 enrolled patients.In univariate analysis,chronic hepatitis B infection(11.1%vs 3.0%,P=0.03),carbohydrate antigen 19-9(CA19-9,176.00 vs 11.96 II/mL,P=0.010),stone located in left or both lobes(86.1%vs 70.1%,P=0.042),focal atrophy(52.8%vs 26.9%,P=0.001),duct stricture(47.2%vs 24.9%,P=0.004),and removal status of IHD stone(33.3%vs 63.2%,P<0.001)were significantly different between IHD stone patients with and without CCC.In the multivariate analysis,CA19-9>upper normal limit,carcinoembryonic antigen>upper normal limit,stones located in the left or both lobes,focal atrophy,and complete removal of IHD stones without recurrence were independent factors influencing CCC development.However,the type of removal method was not associated with CCC risk.CONCLUSION Complete removal of IHD stones without recurrence could reduce CCC risk.

Percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopy-assisted biliary polypectomy for local palliative treatment of intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct

BACKGROUND Intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct(IPNB)is a premalignant biliarytype epithelial neoplasm with intraductal papillary or villous growth.Currently reported local palliative therapeutic modalities,including endoscopic nasobiliary drainage,stenting and biliary curettage,endoscopic biliary polypectomy,percutaneous biliary drainage,laser ablation,argon plasma coagulation,photodynamic therapy,and radiofrequency ablation to relieve mechanical obstruction are limited with weaknesses and disadvantages.We have applied percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopy(PTCS)-assisted biliary polypectomy(PTCS-BP)technique for the management of IPNB including mucin-hypersecreting cast-like and polypoid type tumors since 2010.AIM To assess the technical feasibility,efficacy,and safety of PTCS-BP for local palliative treatment of IPNB.METHODS Patients with mucin-hypersecreting cast-like or polypoid type IPNB and receiving PTCS-BP between September 2010 and December 2019 were included.PTCS-BP was performed by using a half-moon type snare with a soft stainless-steel wire,and the tumor was snared and resected with electrocautery.The primary outcome was its feasibility,indicated by technical success.The secondary outcomes were efficacy,including therapeutic success,curative resection,and clinical success,and safety.RESULTS Five patients(four with mucin-hypersecreting cast-like type and one with polypoid type IPNB)were included.Low-and high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia(HGIN)and recurrent IPNB with invasive carcinoma were observed in one,two,and two patients,respectively.Repeated cholangitis and/or obstructive jaundice were presented in all four patients with mucin-hypersecreting cast-like type IPNB.All five patients achieved technical success of PTCS-BP.Four patients(three with mucin-hypersecreting cast-like type and one with polypoid type IPNB)obtained therapeutic success;one with mucin-hypersecreting cast-like type tumors in the intrahepatic small bile duct and HGIN had residual tumors.All four patients with mucin-hypersecreting IPNB achieved clinical success.The patient with polypoid type IPNB achieved curative resection.There were no PTCS-BP-related serious adverse events.CONCLUSION PTCS-BP appears to be feasible,efficacious,and safe for local palliative treatment of both mucin-hypersecreting cast-like and polypoid type IPNB.

Influence of Wall Effect on Comprehensive Controllability for Ducted Fan Aircraft

A novel coaxial ducted fan structure aircraft is proposed to enable the aircraft near vertical walls at high altitudes.The state space equation of the system can be obtained by correlation deduction and identification of the whole prototype model.Based on the duct test bench experiment and computational fluid dynamics(CFD)simulation analysis,the expressions between the different distances dWE from the rotor center of the prototype to the wall and the thrust,reaction torque,and tilting moment of the system under hovering conditions are obtained.The influence of the wall effect of the prototype is incorporated into the system model to analyze the relationship between distance dWE and the comprehensive controllability of the system.The results show that the system comprehensive controllability vector of other channels changes little with the decrease of the distance dWE,and only the controllability vector of the rolling channel increases significantly.At the same time,the tilting moment also increases significantly,which strengthens the tendency of the prototype to tilt towards the wall.

Discussion of the Fluid Acceleration Quality of a Ducted Propulsion System on the Propulsive Performance

This paper focuses on the ducted propulsion with the accelerating nozzle,and discusses the influence of its fluid acceleration quality on its propulsive performances,including the hull efficiency,the relative rotative efficiency,the effective wake,and the thrust deduction factor.An actual ducted propulsion system is used as an example for computational analysis.The computational conditions are divided into four combinations,which are provided with different propeller pitches,cambers,and duct lengths.Themethod applied in this study is the Computational Fluid Dynamics(CFD)technology,and the contents of the calculation include the hull’s viscous resistance,the wave-making resistance,the propeller performance curve,and the self-propulsion simulation in order to obtain the ship’s effective wake,thrust deduction factor,hull efficiency,and relative rotative efficiency.The performance curve of the propeller and resistance estimation results are compared with the experimental values for determining the correctness of the self-propulsion simulation.According to the computational analysis,it is known that increasing the propeller pitch cannot effectively increase the hull efficiency.The duct acceleration quality can be reduced by shortening the duct length;hence,when the effective wake fraction and thrust deduction factor decrease,the hull efficiency is increased.In addition,the pressure inside the duct is relatively low if the acceleration quality of the duct is too high,which is unfavorable for controlling the propeller cavitation.Moreover,if the hull bottom in front of the propeller is tapered up from the front to the back at an overly steep angle,the thrust deduction factor will be too large and lead to a relatively low hull efficiency.

A Ducted Fan MAV Anti-torque Control System

The UAVs （unmanned aerial vehicles） exist in various sizes. One of the most interesting niches concerns the UAVs of moderate size （〈 1 m）, also called MAVs （micro air vehicles）. An aerodynamic study of the ULB （Universite Libre de Bruxelles） developed a ducted rotor MAV using the results of full-scale wind tunnel tests that allowed the determination of the platform speed envelope, the power requirements and the endurance characteristics for ISA sea level conditions. Although the ULB MAV appears similar to other ducted-rotor concepts, it fundamentally differs from them as it uses the downwash of a single rotor to compensate the electric motor main rotor torque and to achieve full control around the roll, pitch and yaw axes. This paper explains in detail the components layout of the MAV and the aerodynamic characteristics of the anti-torque blades.

Structural optimization and stability analysis of the ducted fan unmanned aerial vehicles

This article investigates the improvement of dynamics stability of the ducted fan unmanned aerial vehicles(UAVs) by optimizing its mechanical-structure parameters. The instability phenomenon of the ducted fan unmanned aerial vehicles takes place frequently that easily leads to vibration and even out of control, due to complicated airflow. The dynamics equations mirror its dynamics characteristics, which is primarily influenced by the mechanical-structure parameters of the whole system. Based on this, the optimization of mechanical-structure parameters will improve the dynamics stability of the whole system. Therefore, this paper uses the concept of Lyapunov exponents to build the quantification relationship between system's mechanical-structure parameters and its motion stability to enhance its stability. The simulation experimental results indicate that compared with the direct Lyapunov method, the most important advantage of the proposed method is its constructivity, so it is an effective tool for analysis of the motion stability of other non-linear systems such as robots.

Undifferentiated high-grade pleomorphic sarcoma of the common bile duct:A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma(UPS)is a rare malignant mesenchymal tumor with a poor prognosis.It mainly occurs in the extremities,trunk,head and neck,and retroperitoneum regions.Owing to the lack of specific clinical manifestations and imaging features,UPS diagnosis mainly depends on pathological and immunohistochemical examinations for exclusive diagnosis.Here we report an extremely rare case of high-grade UPS in the common bile duct(CBD).There are limited available data on such cases.CASE SUMMARY A 70-year-old woman was admitted to our department with yellow eyes and urine accompanied by upper abdominal distending pain for 2 wk.Her laboratory data suggested significantly elevated hepatorenal function levels.The imaging data revealed calculous cholecystitis,intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile duct dilation with extrahepatic bile duct calculi,and a space-occupying lesion at the distal CBD.After endoscopic biliary stenting and symptomatic support therapy,CBD exploration and biopsy were performed.The frozen section indicated malignant spindle cell tumor of the CBD mass,and further radical pancreaticoduodenectomy was performed.Finally,the neoplasm was diagnosed as a high-grade UPS combined with the light-microscopic morphology and immunohistochemical results.CONCLUSION This extremely rare case highlighted the need for increasing physicians'vigilance,reducing the odds of misdiagnosis,and providing appropriate treatment strategies.

Is there a place for endoscopic management in postcholecystectomy iatrogenic bile duct injuries?

In this editorial we comment on the article by Emara et al published in the recent issue of the World Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery.Previously,surgery was the primary treatment for bile duct injuries(BDI).The treatment of BDI has advanced due to technological breakthroughs and minimally invasive procedures.Endoscopic and percutaneous treatments have largely supplanted surgery as the primary treatment for most instances in recent years.Patient management,including the specific technique,is typically impacted by local knowledge and the kind and severity of the injury.Endoscopic therapy is a highly successful treatment for postoperative benign bile duct stenosis and offers superior long-term outcomes compared to surgical correction.Based on the damage features of BDI,therapeutic options include endoscopic duodenal papillary sphincterotomy,endoscopic nasobiliary drainage,and endoscopic biliary stent implantation.

Surgical strategies for challenging common bile duct stones in the endoscopic era: A comprehensive review of current evidence

While endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP)remains the primary treatment modality for common bile duct stones(CBDS)or choledocho-lithiasis due to advancements in instruments,surgical intervention,known as common bile duct exploration(CBDE),is still necessary in cases of difficult CBDS,failed endoscopic treatment,or altered anatomy.Recent evidence also supports CBDE in patients requesting single-step cholecystectomy and bile duct stone removal with comparable outcomes.This review elucidates relevant clinical anatomy,selection indications,and outcomes to enhance surgical understanding.The selection between trans-cystic(TC)vs trans-choledochal(TD)approaches is described,along with stone removal techniques and ductal closure.Detailed surgical techniques and strategies for both the TC and TD approaches,including instrument selection,is also provided.Additionally,this review comprehensively addresses operation-specific complications such as bile leakage,stricture,and entrapment,and focuses on preventive measures and treatment strategies.This review aims to optimize the management of CBDS through laparoscopic CBDE,with the goal of improving patient outcomes and minimizing risks.

Results of Surgical Management of Malignant Obstruction of the Common Bile Duct in Yaoundé

Introduction: In Cameroon, surgery remains the only approach in malignant obstructions of the common bile duct (MOCBD) even in palliative situations. The aim of this work was to describe the modalities of surgical treatment of MOCBD, evaluate the results and detect the factors associated with postoperative morbidity and mortality. Patients and Methods: We conducted an analytical observational study, with retrospective data collection from the files of patients operated upon for MOCBD. This was done in four referral hospitals in the city of Yaoundé for a 42-month period spanning from January 1, 2020 to June 30, 2023. Demographic data, clinical presentation, surgical data, and 30-day postoperative outcomes were collected. Results: We collected 71 files. The sex ratio was 1.4 and the mean age was 56 ± 11 years. Fifty-three (53) patients (74.6%) were overweight or obese and 10 patients (14.1%) were hypertensive. A clinical cholestasis syndrome was present in 69 patients (97.2%). Fifty-five (55) patients (77.5%) had a cancer of the head of the pancreas, 8 patients (11.3%) had an extra-hepatic cholangiocarcinoma and 8 patients (11.3%) had an ampullary adenocarcinoma. Eight (8) resections (11.3%) with curative intent had been carried out and in 63 cases (88.7%), surgery was palliative. Postoperative morbidity was 55.7%, influenced by advanced WHO stage (p = 0.02). Postoperative mortality was 25.7%, associated with a high ASA score (p = 0.01). Conclusion: Pancreatic head cancer is the main etiology of malignant obstructions of the common bile duct in Cameroon. Surgical treatment is most often palliative. Postoperative morbidity and mortality are high, influenced by high WHO and ASA scores.

Current Status and Perspectives of External Versus Internal Pancreatic Duct Drainage during the Learning Curve of Laparoscopic Pancreaticoduodenectomy

Objectives: To summarize the current status and outlook of pancreatic duct drainage in the learning curve period of laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (LPD). Methods: By searching the literature related to the efficacy analysis of internal versus external pancreatic duct drainage in pancreaticoduodenectomy (OPD) and the learning curve period of laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy in recent years at home and abroad and making a review. Results: Because of the complexity of the LPD surgical procedure, the high technical requirements and the high complication rate, it is necessary for the operator and his/her team to carry out a certain number of cases to pass through the learning curve in order to have a basic mastery of the procedure. In recent years, more and more pancreatic surgeons have begun to promote and use pancreatic duct drains. However, no consensus conclusion has been reached on whether to choose internal or external drainage for pancreatic duct placement and drainage in LPD. Conclusions: Intraoperative application of pancreatic duct drainage reduces the incidence of pancreatic fistula during the learning curve of laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy. However, external pancreatic duct drainage and internal pancreatic duct drainage have both advantages and disadvantages, so when choosing the drainage method, one should choose the appropriate drainage method in conjunction with one’s own conditions, so as to reduce the incidence of complications.