Search

In the Earth's general circulation, polar jets act as baroclinic pumps of angular momentum and heat. Reanalysis datasets indicate that shear changes near jets induce upward displacements of the jet cores, suggesting a weakening thermodynamic pumping over the last 50 years. From secondary flow theory, a well‐established principle in fluid dynamics, an increased frequency of heatwaves and persistent winter storms is expected. The ageostrophic wind shear between 700 and 50 hPa indicates the strength of this secondary circulation. The weakening tendency during the reanalysis period also exists in multimodel simulations under the RCP8.5 emissions scenario for the 21st century. The reduction between the periods 2005–2025 and 2081–2100 reaches 18%, 5.3% and 19%, respectively, for the North America, Mid‐Europe and East Asia sectors of the Northern Hemisphere polar jet. Within this background, cold‐surge events are the result of synergic co‐working of several factors. The occurrence trend for transitional season winter extreme events also is examined. The winter extremes seemingly have larger temperature drops. However, in a warming climate, they emerge more rapidly from extreme cold states. The storm tracks, especially over North America, have equatorward extensions, indicating that winter storms can reach lower latitudes. Due to the temperature‐dependence of air viscosity, secondary flows decrease more slowly than the main zonal flow. This imposes an important adjustment to the traditional polar amplification effects on midlatitude winter extremes. During a warmer winter (the primary manifestation of a warmer climate), spatially uniform positive trends in cold extreme events are not expected. There are, however, regions experiencing more winter extremes. These regions show consistent patterns in both the reanalysis period and the remainder of the 21st century. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cochlea, situated within the inner ear, is a spiral-shaped, liquid-filled organ responsible for hearing. The physiological significance of its shape remains uncertain. Previous research has scarcely addressed the occurrence of transverse flow within the cochlea, particularly in relation to its unique shape. This study aims to investigate the impact of the geometric features of the cochlea on fluid dynamics by characterizing transverse flow induced by harmonically oscillating axial flow in square ducts with curvature and torsion resembling human cochlear anatomy. We examined four geometries to investigate curvature and torsion effects on axial and transverse flow components. Twelve frequencies from 0.125 Hz to 256 Hz were studied, covering infrasound and low-frequency hearing, with mean inlet velocity amplitudes representing levels expected for normal conversation or louder situations. Our simulations show that torsion contributes significantly to transverse flow in unsteady conditions, and that its contribution increases with increasing oscillation frequency. Curvature alone has a small effect on transverse flow strength, which decreases rapidly with increasing frequency. Strikingly, the combined effect of curvature and torsion on transverse flow is greater than expected from a simple superposition of the two effects, especially when the relative contribution of curvature alone becomes negligible. These findings may be relevant to understanding physiological processes in the cochlea, including metabolite transport and wall shear stress. Further studies are needed to investigate possible implications for cochlear mechanics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The flow field of a hydrocyclone was investigated using both computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and particle image velocimetry (PIV). A refractive index matching method was employed to improve the precision of the PIV measurements. The CFD results are in good agreement with PIV measurements. Detailed analysis reveals significant axial asymmetry in the velocity components, with the radial velocity component exhibiting notable disparities. This observation is supported by quantitative data comparing different sections of the hydrocyclone. It is further found that the asymmetry might be mainly attributed to the secondary vortexes with the single inlet of the hydrocyclone. And the secondary vortexes, superimposed on the primary flow rather than existing on its own, spiral downwards from near the inlet towards the underflow orifice. It is hypothesized that specific boundary effects and pressure gradients play a pivotal role in the formation of secondary flows. This assumption is grounded on both theoretical considerations and empirical observations, suggesting that these factors significantly influence the flow dynamics within the hydrocyclone. The insights gained from our measurement methodology and enhanced understanding of secondary flows within hydrocyclones are not only poised to serve as valuable references for fellow researchers but also have the potential to inform the design and operational optimization of hydrocyclones for improved efficiency and performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to solve the problems of uneven component diffusion, weak mass transfer capability and flow field flooding in the conventional flow field of proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC), and to improve the cell output power. In this paper, a novel folded porous cathode flow field is proposed. A numerical model of three-dimensional multiphase flow is established for comparative study, which reveals the relationship between the component flow characteristics and mass transfer performance of PEMFC. The folding rib structure of the novel flow field triggers gas vortices in the channel and generates secondary flow, improves the mass transfer capability of reactants between the channel and the GDL, and alleviates the drainage problem of the porous layer under the rib. The angle, length and number of folding at the rib of the flow field were mainly changed, and the mass fraction difference coefficient (CV Mi) was used to compare the uniformity of the distribution of the components of the flow field, and the optimal flow field structure was obtained as FP6-7, which increased the current density by 44.9% compared with the traditional linear flow field. For the first time, the secondary flow evaluation criterion absolute vortex flux number J ABS n was introduced to evaluate the mass transfer performance. The influence of fluid flow characteristics on the mass transfer performance is revealed. • The folded porous (FP) flow field improves the mass transfer capacity. • The current density of PEMFC based on FP6-7 flow field was increased by 44.9%. • The mass fraction difference coefficient (CV Mi) was used to evaluate the uniformity of water-air distribution in the flow field. • The absolute vortex flux (J ABS n ) is used for the first time to evaluate the mass transfer characteristics. • The relationship between the flow characteristics of components and the mass transfer capacity in the flow field is revealed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transition from concentric primary flow to non-tangential secondary flow of blood was investigated using experimental steady shear rheometry and numerical modelling. The aims were to: assess the difference in secondary flow in a Newtonian versus shear-thinning blood analogue; and measure the secondary flow in the blood. Both experiments and numerical modelling showed that the transition from primary to secondary flow was the same in a Newtonian fluid and a shear-thinning blood analogue. Experiments showed whole blood transitioned to secondary flow at lower modified Reynolds numbers than the Newtonian fluid; and transition was haematocrit dependent with higher RBC concentrations transitioning at lower modified Reynolds numbers. These results indicate that modelling blood as a purely shear-thinning fluid does not predict the correct secondary flow fields in whole blood; non-Newtonian effects beyond shear-thinning behaviour are influential, and incorporating effects such as multiphase contributions and viscoelasticity, yield stress and thixotropy is necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The flexibility of the FMHL+ pumped storage power plants can be improved by extending the hydraulic short-circuit operating mode. CFD simulations of the flow in three bifurcations are performed to calculate the head losses and to investigate the flow topology in the pipes. A specific attention is paid to the influence of the curvature correction that has been developed for two-equation RANS turbulence models. For the T-junction considered, the activation of the curvature correction influences the head losses whereas for the two Y-junctions computed, no effect is observed. By comparing with the Y-junctions, the T-junction leads to higher head losses and helicity in the pipes downstream of the bifurcation. Compared to the current the intragroup hydraulic short circuit operation permitted, the intergroup and interplant hydraulic short circuit mode should provide better performances with possible gains until of −55% in head losses and −94% in helicity upstream of the turbines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are various secondary flow types in turbodrill's blade cascades, and all kinds of secondary flow have a significant effect on flow loss. In this paper, the stator cascade of φ160 mm turbodrill is taken as the research object, and the CFD method is used to analyze the secondary flow and its evolution. The origin and evolution mechanism of secondary flow is explained from the flow mechanism. The results show that when the working rotary speed is lower than the design rotary speed, the secondary flows are composed of suction surface separation vortex, horseshoe vortex, and passage vortex coexisting. The intensity of secondary flows increases with the decrease of rotary speed. When the working rotary speed is near the design rotary speed, the secondary flows include horseshoe vortex, passage vortex, and corner vortex. When the working rotary speed is higher than the design rotary speed, the secondary flows consist of pressure surface separation vortex and suction surface trailing edge separation vortex. Regardless of rotary speed, secondary flow intensity in the shroud region is greater than the hub region, which has a greater influence on the mainstream. In addition, compared with high rotary speeds, secondary flow intensity is greater at low rotary speeds, resulting in greater flow losses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the vibration characteristics induced by single-phase flow at low velocities within helical coiled tube, encompassing laminar and turbulent flow transition regimes. Modal experiments were conducted to ascertain the natural frequencies in the radial and vertical directions within the helical coiled tube. The influence of fluid mass in tube on vibration was considered, revealing the fluid mass has a greater influence on the vibration frequency in the vertical direction. When the coil was filled with water, the radial natural frequency decreased by 0.1 Hz, while the vertical natural frequency decreased by 0.8 Hz. By simplifying the spiral coil into a spring system, the intrinsic causes of the influence of mass on the natural frequency are studied and verified with the experimental data. The results show that the radial natural frequency is only related to the local mass change of the pipe, while the vertical natural frequency is related to the static deformation of the system under the influence of gravity. By conducting single-phase flow induced vibration experiments inside the pipeline, the radial and vertical vibration response characteristics were obtained, and the modal experimental results were analyzed. Findings indicated larger vibration displacements when laminar flow prevailed within the tube, with radial RMS (Root Mean Square) at 10.1 μm and vertical RMS at 14.5 μm. After the transition to turbulent flow, significant reductions in vibration displacements were observed, reducing the radial RMS to 2.3 μm and vertical RMS to 5.5 μm. Based on statistical and frequency-domain analysis methods, the influence mechanism of secondary flow on the vibration of helical coils at low flow rates was revealed, and the importance of friction coupling was clarified. Moreover, this study considered the impact of fluid viscosity on vibration response and experimentally validated the critical role of friction coupling in exciting secondary flows. • Analyzing the natural frequency of helical coiled tube through theory. • Clarify the influence mechanism of secondary flow on helical coiled tube vibration. • Uncovering the effect of fluid viscosity on helical coiled tube vibration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Secondary flow path is one of the crucial aspects during the design of centrifugal blood pumps. Small clearance size increases stress level and blood damage, while large clearance size can improve blood washout and reduce stress level. Nonetheless, large clearance also leads to strong secondary flows, causing further blood damage. Maglev blood pumps rely on magnetic force to achieve rotor suspension and allow more design freedom of clearance size. This study aims to characterize turbulent flow field and secondary flow as well as its effects on the primary flow and pump performance, in two representative commercial maglev blood pumps of CH-VAD and HeartMate III, which feature distinct designs of secondary flow path. The narrow and long secondary flow path of CH-VAD resulted in low secondary flow rates and low disturbance to the primary flow. The flow loss and blood damage potential of the CH-VAD mainly occurred at the secondary flow path, as well as the blade clearances. By contrast, the wide clearances in HeartMate III induced significant disturbance to the primary flow, resulting in large incidence angle, strong secondary flows and high flow loss. At higher flow rates, the incidence angle was even larger, causing larger separation, leading to a significant decrease of efficiency and steeper performance curve compared with CH-VAD. This study shows that maglev bearings do not guarantee good blood compatibility, and more attention should be paid to the influence of secondary flows on pump performance when designing centrifugal blood pumps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A model of DO transport applicable to the confluence was constructed. • The mechanism of secondary flow merger and decay at confluence was obtained. • The relationship between DO mixing and hydrodynamics at confluence was found. • The interaction of secondary flow and DO at confluence may affect the habitat there. In the natural river network, the confluences play an important role as control nodes. It is of great scientific value to study the transport and mixing process of water quality at the confluence of the mainstream and tributaries to improve the health of the river environment. In this study, dissolved oxygen (DO, the essential survival conditions for aquatic organisms) was used as a water quality index, and a 3D transport model of DO considering atmospheric reoxygenation and biodegradation oxygen consumption was constructed. The hydrodynamic mechanism of DO transport, mixing and reoxygenation at confluence under different flow ratios, junction angles and water temperature conditions was studied. The results show that the secondary flow is the main driving force of the transversal mixing at confluence, and there is a high coupling relationship between the evolution of the secondary flow and the mixing process of water quality at confluence. With the increase of flow ratio and junction angle, the intensity of secondary flow at confluence shows an exponential increase, which in turn promotes the transversal mixing efficiency of DO at confluence. The water quality of the polluted confluence under different water temperature conditions showed a trend of gradual recovery, but the higher the water temperature, the weaker the recovery rate. This study can provide theoretical support to deal with the threat to aquatic organisms caused by pollution accumulation at confluence, and provide scientific basis for the improvement of the water environment and water ecology protection in the river confluence and downstream. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The promotion of renewables improves energy security but degrades the electricity quality and grid stability. This paradox can be resolved by enlarging the capacity of pumped hydro storage. Although high-head hydropower resources have been exhausted, untapped low-head resources are ideal alternatives and are utilized for micro-pumped hydro storage. Instead of the miniaturized pump-turbine or pump as turbine, we apply a low-head reversible mixed-flow pump (RMFP), which can efficiently fulfil both storage and generation requirements in microgrids without complicated guide vanes. To enhance the efficiency of the RMFP in two reverse directions simultaneously, high-hydraulic dissipation zones associated with deformed flows and unreasonable structural parameters must be investigated. This study introduces entropy production theory into computational fluid dynamics numerical simulation to evaluate hydraulic dissipation under the rated discharge in both pump and turbine modes of the RMFP. Refined mesh and validation from the energy characteristics experiment demonstrate the accuracy of the numerical scheme. The head loss assessed by the entropy Production method is compared with the predictions of the pressure drop method, and its precision exceeds 7%. In pump mode, entropy production in the volute constitutes the largest proportion (43%), followed by that in the runner (35%). However, in turbine mode, the largest proportion of the total entropy is generated in the runner (45%), followed by that in the draft tube (33%). The dissipation in the runner is bound up with the secondary flows over the blades. Backflow occurs on the suction surface near the leading edge; however, across different spans, flow separation occurs on the suction surface near the trailing edge. The requests for blade modification are opposite in pump and turbine modes. Significantly, hydraulic dissipation of the draft tube concentrates within its 0.5 D 2 segment upstream. The dissipation there is bound up with the transport of two types of vortex ropes. The originality lies in evaluating hydraulic dissipation and explaining the high-dissipation zone with the specific unsteady secondary flows in pump and turbine modes of an RMFP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The regenerative cooling channels generally consists of straight channel sections and curved sections for the scramjet engines. In this study, pyrolysis and heat transfer of supercritical hydrocarbon aviation fuel HF-1 in a U-bend tube (UBT) were numerically simulated. Discussion was held regarding how the secondary flow and secondary reactions affected the temperature distribution, heat transfer and pyrolysis. Results indicated that the secondary reactions have obvious effects on temperature distribution and pyrolysis at high pyrolysis conversion rate. Besides, the temperature stratification in the UBT is obvious. The existence of secondary flow inside the bending section of the UBT increases non-uniformity of HF-1 mass fraction distribution inside the cross sections. Compared with a straight tube (ST), the radial distribution of DamkÖhler number (Da) inside the cross-section of the UBT is asymmetrical, while Da near the inner side of the UBT is larger. When the r increases from −1 to 0, Da in the ST decreases from 24.4 to 0.3 while Da in the UBT decreases from 102.4 to 0.46. Therefore, the flow of HF-1 has a diminishing effect on the pyrolysis from the main flow area to the inner side wall to a larger extent. • Pyrolysis and heat transfer of aviation kerosene HF-1 in a U-bend tube was simulated. • Secondary reactions have obvious effects on temperature distribution and pyrolysis of fuel. • Secondary flow increases non-uniformity of HF-1 mass fraction distribution. • Da change from inner side wall to mainstream area is drastic along radial direction. • Flow has diminishing effect on pyrolysis from main flow area to inner side wall. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Numerical simulation of steam-liquid two-phase flow with swirling flow in different twisted tubes is carried out. • The volume fraction, velocity and temperature distribution are studied under the influence of swirling flow. • Un-uniform of the circumferential heat transfer coefficient is studied. • The absolute vorticity flux and secondary flow intensity of twisted tubes are quantitatively analyzed. • Comparison between two-fluid three flow field with the droplet model and EE+GENTOP concept is carried out. The Eulerian-Eulerian (EE) simulation approach + GENeralized TwO Phase (GENTOP) concept and two-fluid three-flow field with droplet were used to simulate the heat and mass transfer. Analysis encompassed the examination of steam and liquid phase distributions, as well as flow pattern transitions. Heat transfer enhancements were quantified using a comprehensive heat transfer factor. The disturbance intensity of the secondary flow was characterized by the absolute vortex flux. Results revealed a correlation between the intensity of the secondary flow and axial length, indicative of progressive fluid disturbance enhancement. Additionally, the maximal motion of the steam phase vortex was observed both near the wall and channel center. The EE+GENTOP concept exhibited superior capability in reproducing multi-scale flow including small-scale dispersed bubbles and large-scale continuous steam (coalescence and break-up). For investigations into the entrainment and deposition of liquid droplets in annular flow, the selection of a two-fluid three-flow field with the droplet model is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A chaotic flow channel with orthogonal corrugation is adopted for the design of a planar SOFC stack. • SOFC obtains 25.16% performance enhancement with the chaotic structure. • The influence of different wave parameters in a chaotic flow channel is analyzed. • EMTC and EEC is used to evaluate the comprehensive performance of SOFC. • The chaotic structure improves the uniformity of oxygen and temperature. The flow channel design is crucial for the heat and mass transfer of reactants in a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC), which ultimately affects the overall performance of the cell. To improve the gas transport characteristics and temperature uniformity, a chaotic flow channel with orthogonal corrugation is adopted for the design of a planar SOFC stack, and the influence of different wave parameters is evaluated. The results show that the chaotic flow channel induces secondary flow through the superposition of orthogonal waves, which reduces the low-oxygen region and enhances the local electrochemical reaction. The output power is improved in the chaotic flow channel by increasing the amplitude or decreasing the wavelength. The output power density with amplitude of 0.3 mm and wavelength of 1.2 mm at 0.5 V is increased by about 25.16 %. Meanwhile, the effective mass transfer coefficient and mass transfer efficiency is enhanced by 148 % and 378 %, respectively. Additionally, the chaotic structure improves the uniformity of oxygen and temperature. This study helps to improve the understanding of the gas transport processes within the flow channel and provides a basis for the design and optimization of SOFC flow channels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate turbulent duct flows with a square cross section using well-resolved large-eddy simulations (LES). A physically consistent subgrid-scale turbulence model based on the Adaptive Local Deconvolution Method (ALDM) for implicit LES is used. The wall shear stress is artificially modified at one of the four walls to analyse the influence on the secondary flow. A direct numerical simulation (DNS) of a symmetrical duct flow is used as reference to assess the influence of a modified wall shear stress. The modification results in an asymmetrical distribution of the secondary flow source terms, affecting the momentum distribution. Further, the anisotropy of the Reynolds stress tensor, which induces the secondary flow vortices is considerably affected by the wall shear stress modulation. • Well-resolved LES of turbulent duct flows. • Simple method to modify the wall shear stress for an isothermal and no slip wall. • Several wall shear stress modifications are investigated. • Wall shear stress modification results in an asymmetrical distribution of the secondary flow source terms, affecting the momentum distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To further improve the thermal efficiency of gas turbine, the turbine inlet temperature (TIT) increases up to 2000 K, leading to an extremely high heat load on the first-stage vane. Taking into consideration that there are complex endwall secondary flow and the passage vortices which have significant effect on the flow field and thermal behavior near the endwall, it is essential to study the aero-thermal characteristics of endwall and develop efficient endwall cooling approach. In this work, two novel upstream slot structures, referred to as the vane-type slot and cascade-type slot, are proposed, and a comprehensive numerical analysis is conducted to reveal their mechanism and superiority in improving the film cooling and aerodynamic performance of first-stage vane compared with the conventional slot structure. The results indicate that compared with the conventional rectangular straight slot, the coolant jets from two novel slots have a more significant inhibition effect on the development of the endwall secondary flow due to their lower outflow angle and thus higher momentum in streamwise direction, which contributes to reducing the strength of the endwall secondary flow. This is beneficial to provide a lower cascade aerodynamic loss and a higher film cooling effectiveness of the endwall near the suction side leading edge and the higher film cooling effectiveness along the trajectory of the horseshoe vortex on the more downstream region. Moreover, the vane-type slot provides the largest coolant coverage and cooling effectiveness of endwall and the lowest total pressure loss within slot and cascade aerodynamic loss, followed by the cascade-type slot and conventional slot. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we study the flow an elasto-visco-plastic fluid whose deviatoric stress is made up by a "seemingly" visco-plastic part (regularized Bingham fluid) and a viscoelastic part (Rivlin–Ericksen fluid) in a "slightly" eccentric annulus. The flow is driven by an applied horizontal pressure gradient and by the motion of the inner cylinder. Using the eccentricity as perturbation parameter we show that secondary flows appear at the first order approximation. We investigate the various flow patterns depending on the different non-dimensional groups appearing in the governing equations. In particular we observe the occurrence of rotating and counter-rotating vortices depending on the material and geometrical parameters of the system. • We study the flow of an elasto-visco-plastic fluid in a "slightly" eccentric annulus. • The flow is of Couette–Poiseuille type. • We perform an asymptotic expansion around the eccentricity parameter. • We solve the zero and first order problem numerically via Spectral methods. • We show that secondary flows appear at the first order. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Secondary flow was introduced to improve the performance of serpentine channel BTMS. • A grid + elliptical groove serpentine channel plate is proposed in this paper. • Pump power is reduced by 92.6 % and cooling efficiency coefficient is increased by 11.097 times. • Clear the coolant flow trajectory and eddies distribution. • Sensitivity analysis to further clarify the mechanism of cooling. To improve the thermal and economic performance of liquid cooling plate for lithium battery module in the distributed energy storage systems, on the basis of the traditional serpentine liquid cooling plate, the unidirectional secondary channels and grooves are added, combined to three kinds of serpentine cold plates for the battery module. By contrast, the cold plate with both elliptical groove and secondary channel has the best comprehensive performance. Though the thermal performance is slightly reduced, the consumption of pump power is reduced by 92.6 % and the cooling efficiency coefficient is improved by 12.32 times compared to the original cold plate. The cooling temperature targets of the battery pack are that T max less than 40℃ and Δ T avg less than 3 K. In order to achieving the best performance of the cold plate, the influence of the structural parameters and hydrodynamic parameters on the performance index is analyzed, and the sensitivity analysis is carried out which clear the operational mechanism and key design parameters of the cold plate. The results show that different design parameters would generate the change of eddy current which is influential to the cooling performance. Besides, v and D have a significant effect on the performance of the cold plate, followed by d and n, and a has almost no effect on the cooling performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Estimating the discharge and velocity in Yangtze rivers based on Entropy approach. • The roles of secondary flow on entropic function and velocity dip are discussed. • An optimized method is proposed to estimate the hydrodynamics at the confluence. The entropy model has been successfully used to calculate the flow velocity profile of rivers according to the measured surface-flow velocity. However, it has limitations in the large river where the obvious secondary flow and flow dip (i.e., the location of maximum flow velocity moves down from the surface) occur. The confluence of rivers is usually characterized by strong secondary circulations, posing great challenges for the accurate flow velocity and discharge estimation. This paper aims to assess the effectiveness of the previous entropy-based approach in velocity estimation of a large confluence and then propose an optimized method. The flow velocity data of the large confluence between the Yangtze River and the Poyang Lake under different discharge ratios were used. The performance of the previous entropy model got worse for the stronger secondary circulation survey. To better estimate the confluence hydrodynamics, a moving average method was introduced with its advantage of smoothing data and integrated into the framework of the entropic method for the better assessment of dip parameter, and hence the better estimation of flow velocity profiles. Furthermore, the maximum velocity was found to locate at one third of the total depth below the water surface. The range of entropic function 0.48 ∼ 0.68 could provide a basis for the determination under various flow conditions in rivers. The value of entropic function and the dip parameter got larger as the discharge ratio decreased. This research has expanded the application for estimating hydrodynamics in large rivers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]