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The purpose of this paper is to establish a new two-phase Discrete Element Method (DEM) model to investigate the movement of fresh concrete which consists of mortar and aggregate. The established DEM model was adopted to simulate the mixing process of fresh concrete based on the commercial software package PFC3D. The trajectories of particles and particle clusters were recorded to analyze the mixing behavior from different scales. On one hand, the macro-scale movement was obtained to make the mixing process visualization. On the other hand, the relative micro movement of the single particle and particle clusters was also monitored to further study the mixing mechanism of the fresh concrete.

A new two-phase DEM model was designed to simulate the movement of fresh concrete which consists of mortar and aggregate. The linear-spring dashpot model was used to model all the contacts between particle and particle/wall to characterize the viscidity of fresh concrete. Moreover, two sets of parallel bond models were employed to characterize the contact between the mortar particles and mortar/coarse aggregate particles, namely the pbond1 and pbond2. The hybrid treatment enables the current DEM model to handle the yield behavior.

The mixing process of fresh concrete is mainly composed by the transportation in the x-direction and the overturn and fall off in the y- and z-directions. With these movements in different directions, the concrete particles can be fully mixed in the mixing drum.

A new two-phase DEM model was proposed and used to simulate the mixing process of fresh concrete. The outcomes of the simulation would be helpful for making the transporting truck visualization and the movement behavior of fresh concrete observable. The model can provide dynamic information of particles to reveal the interaction mechanism of fresh concrete in the truck mixer which is extremely difficult to obtain on-line in physical experiments or building site.

Turbulent mixing of two co‐axial jets having a low annular to core area ratio is enhanced by employing a chute mixer, directing part of the annular stream at 10° towards the core region. Aims to present results from measurements of time‐averaged and fluctuating components of velocity under cold flow conditions.

Experiments were conducted at a bypass ratio of 0.47 which is a typical value for low bypass turbofan engines. Contours of time‐averaged velocity and streamwise and transverse turbulence intensities were obtained by making detailed measurements close to the chutes. Distributions of time‐averaged velocity and turbulence intensity were obtained at different axial locations downstream of the chute mixer. Total and static pressure measurements were also performed.

The high velocity annular stream was found to quickly diffuse after entering through the chutes and mix with the core stream due to high turbulence generation. A strong transverse turbulence component enhanced the mixing of the streams. With the aid of the chute mixer, nearly complete mixing is achieved over a length of 5 duct radii. A higher total pressure loss of about 1.38 percent is the penalty paid for the enhanced mixing.

Provides results from experiments into the process of turbulent mixing of co‐axial jets.

The purpose of this paper is to present a computational fluid dynamic simulation for the investigation of the particles segregation phenomenon in the gas–solid fluidized beds.

These particles have the same size and different densities. The k–ε model and multiphase particle-in-cell method have been utilized for modeling the turbulent fluid flow and solid particles behaviors, respectively. The coupled equations of the velocity and pressure have been solved by using a combination of SIMPLE and PISO algorithms. After validating the simulation, different mixing indices, with different calculation bases, have been investigated, and it has been found that the Lacey mixing index, which was defined based on statistical concepts, is suitable to investigate the segregation/mixing phenomena of this bed in different conditions. Finally, the effects of parameters such as velocity, particle density ratio, jetsam concentration, and initial arrangement on the segregation/mixing behaviors of the bed have been studied.

The results show that the increase in the superficial gas velocity decreases the mixing index to a minimum value and then increases this index in the beds with mixed initial condition, unlike the beds with separated initial condition. Moreover, an increase in the particle density ratio increases the minimum fluidization velocity of the bed, and also the amount of segregation, and increase in the jetsam concentration increases the value of the mixing index.

A computational fluid dynamics simulation has been presented for the particles segregation phenomenon in the gas–solid fluidized beds.

The main purpose of polymeric mixtures manufacturing is wish to eliminate or reduce drawbacks which polymers are characterised by and also to strive for reduction of the price of expensive polymers with particular very precious properties by mixing them with cheaper polymers but without significant deterioration of their properties. In the work some investigation results have been presented for PA6 which is miscible in viscoelastic state with polymer, with ability to create physical bounds with substances of inorganic as well as organic origins. For this purpose, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) has been used with law molecular weight (10 ± 2,5 thousand). The functionalactive material was prepared with sharp tuning sorption ability across physical modification polycapramide mixed from bipolar polyvinylpyrrolidone in batch – free state, which characterises high ability complex. In the paper, some results of chosen properties of PA with the addition of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) have been presented. In chance of mixing PA6 with PVP forms solution PVP in PA6, to which proper are large intermolecular influence, in this case hydrogen bond. It is possible to foresee that under the influences of large tangent stresses and intermolecular interaction colloidal solution PVP in PA forms with sure homogeneity, after cooling of it the inversion of winding phases is not noticeable In the mixtures on the basis of such polymers the intermolecular interactions occur, and they differently influence parameters of the modified materials. Conducted investigations have proved opportunity of physical modification of PA6 during mixing, in viscoelastic state, with polyvinylpyrrolidone. The modified polymer has dielectric properties and a reduced susceptibility to water absorption. It can be used as an insulation material, in all industrial sectors, including the energy sector.

For examinations, the following mixtures were made out: PA 99%/PVP 1%, PA 98%/PVP 2%, PA 90%/PVP 10%. Making mixtures out was begun with weighing elements out on numerical Sortorius AG GO TTINGEN scales and CAS MODEL: SW-1 (PA, PVP). Next elements of mixture were mixed with themselves mechanically. The process of drying was carried out in the ZELMET drier with the thermal kc-100/200 chamber in the temperature 80 °C for 12 h. The process of mixing up was carried out in the arrangement plasticising injections moulding machine of the voluted KRAUSS MAFFEI company KM 65-1600C1 (D screw = 30 mm and the L = 27D, the nozzle about d = 4 mm and the l = 2d) at the following parameters: is the nozzle temperature 230 °C, the speed of turnovers of the screw 210 obr/min. Granulated product of mixtures were get on the rotor grinder. Samples for examinations were made on the computer-operated injection moulding machine of type of KM 65-1600C1 of the KRAUSS MAFFEI company. The conditions which complement the homogeneity of a mixture – these include mixing processes with high shear stresses with the range of temperatures for viscoelastic state for the individual polymers. Such conditions are met by multiple mixing in the injection machine cylinder with extended perpetual screw length (L/D = 25 ÷ 42). Permanent conditions of injecting samples for the research on physical properties were the following: nozzle temperature – 230°C; worm area I temperature – 190°C; worm area II temperature – 210°C; worm area III temperature – 230-245°C, mould temperature 40°C, injection pressure – 60 MPa, clamping time – 5 s, cooling time – 30 s The research on chosen physical properties of getting polymer materials was carried out: hardnesses on hardness testing machine, impact resistance by Charpy’s method, mechanical properties while tension over the endurance machine the INSTON with tension speed of 90 mm/min, softening point by Vicat’s method was determined using testing machine type HAAKE N8, the investigation of DSC method and DMTA method using testing machine type Netzsch, water absorbing power test. The research on the structure was also carried out on the optical microscope type NIKON ECLIPSE E200.

In the paper, for the physical modification of PA 6, the polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) – amorphous polymer which is capable of ionisation and creation of complexes with the transition of the charge with many electrophilic compounds and also proton donors have been used. PVP does not change into the viscoelastic state but it is easily soluble in organic and inorganic solvents and the best in water. Its characteristic is high sorption capacity. As a result of ionisation changes PVP preserve the conformation changes. In case of mixing of polar PA6 polymers with PVP, a PVP solution is being created in PA, to whom big intermolecular interactions are proper for, in it hydrogen bonds. Reducing of polarity occurs of both polymers as a result of hydrogen bonds in created macromolecules. Macromolecule so they are interfering easily in fused condition creating the mixture about reliable homogeneity. An effect is applying to mixing with PA6 in case of dissolving PVP in the PA6 stop under the influence of big adjacent tensions in screw extruder what is calling changes of the supermolecular structure and properties of the material after chilling of stop in the form during injecting. The resultant homogeneous mixture is marked by one reflex narrowed in comparison with output PA6 of melting visible on DSC thermogram with moving to the page of higher tmmax temperatures. PA6/PVP mixtures are also providing effects of examinations about the homogeneity with DMTA method which shows results that the mixture is marked by one reflex of mechanical losses on the plot from (T_g) from the maximum at bigger than PA6 T_g (about 10 ÷ 15°C), and it is possible at the same time to reason that the mixture has not very thick frictional network as a result of the exchange of intermolecular bonds what is displayed itself in the increase in T_g intensity. The results of investigations show that PA with PVP additions create more stable material with visible homogeneity (due to strong intermolecular interactions) which is characterised by satisfactory mechanical properties which insignificantly differ from PA6 properties, but which shows higher deformability and sorptive power.

The results of investigations show that PA with PVP additions create more stable material with visible homogeneity (due to strong intermolecular interactions) which is characterised by satisfactory mechanical properties which insignificantly differ from PA6 properties, but which shows higher deformability and sorptive power. The modified polymer has dielectric properties and a reduced susceptibility to water absorption. It can be used as an insulation material, in all industrial sectors, including the energy sector.

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the outlet of a special glass melting system, which is used to control melt flow and modify flow pattern.

Numerical calculations in ANSYS and ANSYS CFX were used to study electromagnetic, thermal, hydrodynamic and chemical mixing processes, results are validated by comparison with experimental data.

Obtained results show that investigated approach can improve glass melt chemical homogeneity significantly – Lorentz force driven melt movement in conjunction with diffusion process ensures good mixing quality.

The mixing in glass melt is present only in azimuthal direction (in cylindrical coordinate system associated with outlet tube axis) but the radial homogenization is determined by diffusion only.

The experiments in JSJ GmbH with soda lime glass were successful and showed mixing effect in output material, thus providing additional method for glass production.

Although the electrical conductivity of glass is very low, the melt motion is generated by EM forces in this equipment, thus this approach is innovative in glass production technology where typical motion source is buoyancy or mechanical mixing.

The characteristics of fluid motions in micro-channel are strong fluid-wall surface interactions, high surface to volume ratio, extremely low Reynolds number laminar flow, surface roughness and wall surface or zeta potential. Due to zeta potential, an electrical double layer (EDL) is formed in the vicinity of the wall surface, namely, the stern layer (layer of immobile ions) and diffuse layer (layer of mobile ions). Hence, its competent designs demand more efficient micro-scale mixing mechanisms. This paper aims to therefore carry out numerical investigations of electro osmotic flow and mixing in a constricted microchannel by modifying the existing immersed boundary method.

The numerical solution of electro-osmotic flow is obtained by linking Navier–Stokes equation with Poisson and Nernst–Planck equation for electric field and transportation of ion, respectively. Fluids with different concentrations enter the microchannel and its mixing along its way is simulated by solving the governing equation specified for the concentration field. Both the electro-osmotic effects and channel constriction constitute a hybrid mixing technique, a combination of passive and active methods. In microchannels, the chief factors affecting the mixing efficiency were studied efficiently from results obtained numerically.

The results indicate that the mixing efficiency is influenced with a change in zeta potential (ζ), number of triangular obstacles, EDL thickness (λ). Mixing efficiency decreases with an increment in external electric field strength (Ex), Peclet number (Pe) and Reynolds number (Re). Mixing efficiency is increased from 28.2 to 50.2% with an increase in the number of triangular obstacles from 1 to 5. As the value of Re and Pe is decreased, the overall percentage increase in the mixing efficiency is 56.4% for the case of a mixing micro-channel constricted with five triangular obstacles. It is also vivid that as the EDL overlaps in the micro-channel, the mixing efficiency is 52.7% for the given zeta potential, Re and Pe values. The findings of this study may be useful in biomedical, biotechnological, drug delivery applications, cooling of microchips and deoxyribonucleic acid hybridization.

The process of mixing in microchannels is widely studied due to its application in various microfluidic devices like micro electromechanical systems and lab-on-a-chip devices. Hence, its competent designs demand more efficient micro-scale mixing mechanisms. The present study carries out numerical investigations by modifying the existing immersed boundary method, on pressure-driven electro osmotic flow and mixing in a constricted microchannel using the varied number of triangular obstacles by using a modified immersed boundary method. In microchannels, the theory of EDL combined with pressure-driven flow elucidates the electro-osmotic flow.

The effect of increasing lip thickness (LT) and Mach number on subsonic co-flowing Jet (CFJ) decay at subsonic and correctly expanded sonic Mach numbers has been analysed experimentally and numerically in this study. This study aims to a critical LT below which mixing enhances and above which mixing inhibits.

LT is the distance, separating the primary nozzle and the secondary duct, present in the co-flowing nozzle. The CFJ with LT ranging from 2 mm to 150 mm at jet exit Mach numbers of 0.6, 0.8 and 1.0 were studied in detail. The CFJ with 2 mm LT is used for comparison. Centreline total pressure decay, centreline static pressure decay and near field flow behaviour were analysed.

The result shows that the mixing enhances until a critical limit and a further increase in the LT does not show any variation in the jet mixing. Beyond this critical limit, the secondary jet has a detrimental effect on the primary jet, which deteriorates the process of mixing. The CFJ within the critical limit experiences a significantly higher mixing. The effect of the increase in the Mach number has marginal variation in the total pressure and significant variation in static pressure along the jet axis.

In this study, the velocity ratio (VR) is maintained constant and the bypass ratio (BR) was varied from low value to very high values for subsonic and correctly expanded sonic. Presently, commercial aircraft engine operates under these Mach numbers and low to ultra-high BR. Hence, the present study becomes essential.

This is the first effort to find the critical value of LT for a constant VR for a Mach number range of 0.6 to 1.0, compressible CFJ. The CFJs with constant VR of unity and varying LT, in these Mach number range, have not been studied in the past.

This paper aims to investigate the performance and working fluids screening for an ejector refrigeration cycle (ERC) activated by solar energy. Several common and new hydrofluorocarbons, hydrocarbons, hydrofluoroolefins and hydrofluoroethers are proposed as refrigerants for the ERC to determine the most appropriate one.

The ejector performance is characterized by the ejector area ratio (EAR) and entrainment ratio (ω), while the cycle performance is described by the coefficient of performance (COP). The influences of many working parameters like the evaporator, condenser and generator temperatures on the ejector and cycle performances are investigated for all candidates as well.

The results indicate that the best ejector and cycle performances are attained with the highest critical temperature dry refrigerant, i.e. R601 under all studied working conditions. From the perspective of energy efficiency and environmental issues, R601 can be considered the most appropriate working fluid amongst all candidates. However, extra attention should be considered against its flammability. The maximum COP, the corresponding ω and the necessary EAR using R601 are 0.743, 1.02 and 15.5, respectively, with 25 ºC condenser temperature and the typical values for the rest operating conditions.

Many common and new hydrofluorocarbons, hydrocarbons, hydrofluoroolefins and hydrofluoroethers are suggested as working fluids for the ERC to determine the most appropriate one. The mixing process inside the ejector constant-area section is assumed constant-pressure process.

The purpose of this paper is to show how particle scale simulation of industrial particle flows using DEM (discrete element method) offers the opportunity for better understanding of the flow dynamics leading to improvements in equipment design and operation.

The paper explores the breadth of industrial applications that are now possible with a series of case studies.

The paper finds that the inclusion of cohesion, coupling to other physics such fluids, and its use in bubbly and reacting flows are becoming increasingly viable. Challenges remain in developing models that balance the depth of the physics with the computational expense that is affordable and in the development of measurement and characterization processes to provide this expanding array of input data required. Steadily increasing computer power has seen model sizes grow from thousands of particles to many millions over the last decade, which steadily increases the range of applications that can be modelled and the complexity of the physics that can be well represented.

The paper shows how better understanding of the flow dynamics leading to improvements in equipment design and operation can potentially lead to large increases in equipment and process efficiency, throughput and/or product quality. Industrial applications can be characterised as large, involving complex particulate behaviour in typically complex geometries. The critical importance of particle shape on the behaviour of granular systems is demonstrated. Shape needs to be adequately represented in order to obtain quantitative predictive accuracy for these systems.

Of direct interest to readers of this journal, is a vibrational processing unit for laboratories which lends itself to scaling‐up. Basically, the unit is centred on the Megapact vibrational ball mill, which consists of two tubular, stainless steel chambers, oscillated at 2,800 cycles/min. Product to be processed is pumped through the oscillating chambers, to be subjected to hundreds of thousands of impacts, taken into a receiving tank and re‐circulated until such time as required to achieve the end‐product quality.