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Article
Publication date: 2 January 2018

Reza Hadjiaghaie Vafaie

The on-chip high-throughput mixing process is one of the main challenges in the preparation process in clinical diagnostics. Because of high laminar flow in micro-channel, the…

Abstract

Purpose

The on-chip high-throughput mixing process is one of the main challenges in the preparation process in clinical diagnostics. Because of high laminar flow in micro-channel, the fluid should be disturbed by external force. This paper aims to study pulsed AC electrothermal flow and the multiphysic interaction between the fluid behavior, external electric field, temperature field and convection-diffusion field to generate perturbation effect inside the channel.

Design/methodology/approach

A set of numerical simulations were carried out by multiphysic interactions between the fluid behavior, external electric field, temperature field and convection-diffusion field to generate the pulsed AC electrothermal flow inside the channel. Behavior of electrode–electrolyte system is discussed using the electrical lumped circuit model.

Findings

Highly efficient temperature gradients are generated by applying pulsed electric potential over the electrodes; as a result, efficient secondary flows form inside the channel. The proposed method increases the interfacial contact area between the fluids and enhances the molecular diffusion transport phenomena. Maximum temperature rise of 4.1 K is observed in the gap between the electrodes for 0.08 S/m fluid medium, where the electric field is much stronger than elsewhere. Velocity field and concentration analysis reveal high performance perturbation effects for the mixing process. The periodic stretching and folding effects increase the interfacial contact area between the fluids by using pulsed AC electrothermal flow. Based on the results, 83 per cent mixing efficiency is achieved for 0.08 S/m fluid medium with a microchannel length of 400 µm. Both the mixing efficiency and generated temperature rise increase by increasing the fluid ionic strength.

Originality/value

The ability to generate low temperature rise is very important for AC electrothermally driven fluidic chips such as immunoassay chips. In the present research, a novel actuation mechanism has been proposed to generate AC electrothermal manipulation mechanism and enhance the mixing efficiency by using pulsed AC electrothermal flow.

Details

COMPEL - The international journal for computation and mathematics in electrical and electronic engineering, vol. 37 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0332-1649

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 December 2018

Reza Hadjiaghaie Vafaie, Hossein Dehganpour and Abolfazl Moradpour

Digital microfluidic devices have been demonstrated to have great potential for a wide range of applications. These devices need expensive photolithography process and clean room…

Abstract

Purpose

Digital microfluidic devices have been demonstrated to have great potential for a wide range of applications. These devices need expensive photolithography process and clean room facilities, while printed circuit board (PCB) technology provides high configurability and at low cost. This study aims to investigate the mechanism of electrowetting-on-a-dielectric (EWOD) on PCB by solving the multiphysics interaction between fluid droplet and electric field. The performance of system will be improved by inducing an efficient electric field inside the droplet.

Design/methodology/approach

To induce an electric field inside the droplet on a PCB and change the initial contact angle, the mechanism of EWOD is studied based on energy minimization method and a set of simulations are carried out by considering multiphysics interaction between the fluid droplet and external electric field. The performance of EWOD on a PCB system is investigated using different electrode structures.

Findings

Surface tension plays an efficient role in smaller sizes and can be used to move and control a fluid droplet on a surface by changing the interfacial surface tension. EWOD on a PCB system is studied. and it revealed that any change in electric field affects the droplet contact angle and as a result droplet deformation and movement. The electrode pattern is an important parameter which could change the electric potential distribution inside the droplet. Array of electrodes with square, zigzag interdigitated and crescent shapes are studied to enhance the EWOD force on a PCB substrate. Based on the results, the radial shape of the crescent electrodes keeps almost the same actuated contact line, applies uniform force on the droplet periphery and prevents the droplet from large deformation. A droplet velocity of 0.6 mm/s is achieved by exciting the crescent electrodes at 315 V. Furthermore, the behavior of system is characterized for process parameters such as actuation voltage, dielectric constant of insulator layer, fluidic material properties and the resultant velocity and contact angle. The study of contact angle distribution and droplet motion revealed that it is helpful to generate EWOD mechanism on a PCB which does not need more complicated fabrication processes.

Originality/value

The ability to handle and manipulate the droplets is very important for chemistry on-chip analysis such as immunoassay chips. Furthermore, a PCB-based electrowetting-on-dielectric device is of high interest because it does not need cleanroom facilities and avoids additional high-cost fabrication processes. In the present research, the EWOD mechanism is studied on a PCB by using different electrode patterns.

Details

COMPEL - The international journal for computation and mathematics in electrical and electronic engineering, vol. 38 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0332-1649

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 May 2010

Kaiçar Ammous, Elyes Haouas and Slim Abid

The purpose of this paper is to develop a simulation tool which permits reducing the cost of long time‐range simulation of complex converters and running at high frequency.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a simulation tool which permits reducing the cost of long time‐range simulation of complex converters and running at high frequency.

Design/methodology/approach

A different method is used to represent a simplified converter but the adopted technique uses the average representation of the cell converter.

Findings

The paper shows that the use of averaged representation of the pulse width modulation switch in multilevel converters is staying applied. The main advantage of the proposed averaged model is its simplified representation when only electrical behaviour is considered.

Research limitations/implications

The analytical algorithm of the averaged model can be introduced in different simulator as it has a description language, enabling study of the Compatibilité Electromagnétique and electrothermal phenomena.

Originality/value

This paper presents an averaged model of the multilevel converter which can be implemented in any simulator as it has a description language.

Details

COMPEL - The international journal for computation and mathematics in electrical and electronic engineering, vol. 29 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0332-1649

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 November 2012

Hendrik Kolbe, Annette Muetze and Kay Hameyer

The purpose of this paper is to contribute toward the modelling of the microscopic interaction between high‐frequency discharge bearing currents and rolling element bearings in…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to contribute toward the modelling of the microscopic interaction between high‐frequency discharge bearing currents and rolling element bearings in the contact zone. It also aims to develop a reduced model that can serve as a starting point for further developments.

Design/methodology/approach

The complexity of an ideal comprehensive model is identified and analysed. Based thereon, a reduced model is developed.

Findings

The true system is highly complex and cannot be solved in a single‐step approach. The proposed reduced model allows the explanation of the melting of the bearing surfaces under the influence of the high‐frequency currents. It also provides a starting point for the development of an extended model.

Research limitations/implications

The model excludes the dynamic rolling movement of the bearing. The development of the frosting and fluting observed on the bearing running surfaces can only be explained in parts.

Practical implications

The melting of the bearing race surface can be modelled and thereby explained. The proposed model forms a good basis for further work toward an extended model to explain the high‐frequency bearing current bearing damage mechanism.

Originality/value

The paper offers a method to model the microscopic interaction between high‐frequency discharge bearing currents and rolling element bearings in the contact zone. This phenomenon has not yet been modelled to this extent. Such a model – and the understanding brought forth from it – allows the reduction in the cost for safe operation of modern variable speed drive systems.

Details

COMPEL - The international journal for computation and mathematics in electrical and electronic engineering, vol. 31 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0332-1649

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 August 2015

Krzysztof Górecki and Przemysław Ptak

– The purpose of this paper is to present an electrothermal model of the module containing power light emitting diodes (LEDs) situated on a common base.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present an electrothermal model of the module containing power light emitting diodes (LEDs) situated on a common base.

Design/methodology/approach

The electrothermal model of this device, which takes into account both self-heating and mutual thermal coupling between the diodes situated in this module, is described.

Findings

The correctness of the presented model is verified experimentally, and a good agreement of the calculated and measured optical and thermal characteristics of the considered module is obtained.

Research limitations/implications

The presented model can be used for different structures of the LED module, but electrical inertia in the diodes is omitted.

Practical implications

The presented model was used to calculate electrical, thermal and optical waveforms of the module OSPR3XW1 containing three power LED situated on the common base.

Originality/value

The presented model takes into account thermal inertia in the considered LED module and its cooling systems with mutual thermal coupling between all the diodes situated in the same module.

Details

Microelectronics International, vol. 32 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1356-5362

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 July 2020

Abdoulaye Ba, Huu Kien Bui, Gérard Berthiau, Didier Trichet and Guillaume Wasselynck

This paper aims to present a lightened 3D finite element model (FEM) for coupled electromagnetic thermal simulation of the induction thermography non-destructive testing (NDT…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to present a lightened 3D finite element model (FEM) for coupled electromagnetic thermal simulation of the induction thermography non-destructive testing (NDT) technique to reduce the computation time.

Design/methodology/approach

The time harmonic electromagnetic problem is expressed in Aϕ formulation and lightened by using the surface impedance boundary condition (SIBC) applied to both the massive induction coil surface and the surface of conductor workpiece including open cracks. The external circuit is taken into account by using the impressed voltage or the impressed current formulation. The thermal diffusion in the workpiece is solved by using surface electromagnetic power density as thermal source.

Findings

The accuracy and the usefulness of the method for the design of the induction thermography NDT technique have been shown with acceptable deviation compared with a full FEM model. It is also observed that at high frequency, when the ratio between the local radius of the conductor and the skin depth is high, a very good accuracy can be obtained with the SIBC methods. At lower frequency, the effect of the curvature of the surface becomes significant. In this case, the use of the Mitzner’s impedance can help to correct the error.

Originality/value

The SIBC can be used for both massive coil and workpieces with open cracks to alleviate 3D FEMs of the coupled electrothermal model. The implementation in matrix form of the coupled electrothermal formulation is given in details. The comparisons with reference analytical solution and full 3D FEM show the accuracy and performance of the method. In the test case presented, the computation time is 6.6 times lower than the classical model.

Details

COMPEL - The international journal for computation and mathematics in electrical and electronic engineering , vol. 39 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0332-1649

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 November 2017

Sora Shin, Hae-Hyun Choi, Yung Bin Kim, Byung-Hee Hong and Joo-Young Lee

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the effects of intermittent and continuous heating protocols using graphene-heated clothing and identify more effective body region for…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the effects of intermittent and continuous heating protocols using graphene-heated clothing and identify more effective body region for heating in a cold environment.

Design/methodology/approach

Eight males participated in five experimental conditions at an air temperature of 0.6°C with 40 percent relative humidity: no heating, continuous heating the chest, continuous heating the back, intermittent heating the chest, and intermittent heating the back.

Findings

The results showed that the electric power consumption of the intermittent heating protocol (2.49 W) was conserved by 71 percent compared to the continuous protocol (8.58 W). Rectal temperature, cardiovascular and respiratory responses showed no significant differences among the four heating conditions, while heating the back showed more beneficial effects on skin temperatures than heating the chest.

Originality/value

First of all, this study was the first report to evaluate cold protective clothing with graphene heaters. Second, the authors provided effective intermittent heating protocols in terms of reducing power consumption, which was able to be evaluated with the characteristics of fast-responsive graphene heaters. Third, an intermittent heating protocol on the back was recommended to keep a balance between saving electric power and minimizing thermal discomfort in cold environments.

Details

International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology, vol. 29 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0955-6222

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 June 2000

P.Di Barba

Introduces papers from this area of expertise from the ISEF 1999 Proceedings. States the goal herein is one of identifying devices or systems able to provide prescribed…

Abstract

Introduces papers from this area of expertise from the ISEF 1999 Proceedings. States the goal herein is one of identifying devices or systems able to provide prescribed performance. Notes that 18 papers from the Symposium are grouped in the area of automated optimal design. Describes the main challenges that condition computational electromagnetism’s future development. Concludes by itemizing the range of applications from small activators to optimization of induction heating systems in this third chapter.

Details

COMPEL - The international journal for computation and mathematics in electrical and electronic engineering, vol. 19 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0332-1649

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 August 2019

Lei Guo, Lien Zhu, Lei Ma, Jian Zhang, QiuYu Meng, Zheng Jin, Meihua Liu and Kai Zhao

The purpose of this paper is to prepare a spherical modifier-modified activated carbon fiber of high specific capacitance intended for electrode materials of supercapacitor.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to prepare a spherical modifier-modified activated carbon fiber of high specific capacitance intended for electrode materials of supercapacitor.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, phenolic-based microspheres are taken as modifiers to prepare PAN-based fiber composites by electrospinning, pre-oxidation and carbonization. Pearl-chain structures appear in RFC/ACF composites, and pure polyacrylonitrile fibers show a dense network. The shape and cross-linking degree are large. After the addition of the phenolic-based microspheres, the composite material exhibits a layered pearlite chain structure with a large porosity, and the RFC/ACF composite material is derived because of the existence of a large number of bead chain structures in the composite material. The density increases, the volume declines and the mass after being assembled into a supercapacitor as a positive electrode material decreases. The specific surface area of RFC/ACF composites is increased as compared to pure fibers. The increase in specific surface area could facilitate the diffusion of electrolyte ions in the material. Owing to the large number of bead chains, plenty of pore channels are provided for the diffusion of electrolyte ions, which is conducive to enhancing the electrochemical performance of the composite and improving the RFC/ACF composite and the specific capacitance of the material. The methods of electrochemical testing on symmetric supercapacitors (as positive electrodes) are three-electrode cyclic voltammetry, alternating current impedance and cycle stability.

Findings

The specific capacitance value of the composite material was found to be 389.2 F/g, and the specific capacitance of the electrode operating at a higher current density of 20 mA/cm2 was 11.87 F/g (the amount of the microsphere modifier added was 0.3 g). Using this material as a positive electrode to assemble into asymmetrical supercapacitor, after 2,000 cycles, the specific capacitance retention rate was 87.46 per cent, indicating excellent cycle stability performance. This result can be attributed to the fact that the modifier embedded in the fiber changes the porosity between the fibers, while improving the utilization of the carbon fibers and making it easier for electrolyte ions to enter the interior of the composites, thereby increasing the capacitance of the composites.

Originality/value

The modified PAN-based activated carbon fibers in the study had high specific surface area and significantly high specific capacitance, which makes it applicable as an efficient and environment-friendly absorbent, as well as an advanced electrode material for supercapacitor.

Article
Publication date: 18 September 2007

Wenjun Liu and Bozhi Yang

The goal of this review paper is to provide information on several commonly used thermography techniques in semiconductor and micro‐device industry and research today.

1710

Abstract

Purpose

The goal of this review paper is to provide information on several commonly used thermography techniques in semiconductor and micro‐device industry and research today.

Design/methodology/approach

The temperature imaging or mapping techniques include thin coating methods such as liquid crystal thermography and fluorescence microthermography, contact mechanical methods such as scanning thermal microscopy, and optical techniques such as infrared microscopy and thermoreflectance. Their principles, characteristics and applications are discussed.

Findings

Thermal issues play an important part in optimizing the performance and reliability of high‐frequency and high‐packing density electronic circuits. To improve the performance and reliability of microelectronic devices and also to validate thermal models, accurate knowledge of local temperatures and thermal properties is required.

Originality/value

The paper provides readers, especially technical engineers in industry, a general knowledge of several commonly used thermography techniques in the semiconductor and micro‐device industries.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 27 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

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