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Efficient control of flow separation holds significant economic promise. This study investigates flow separation mitigation using an experimental platform featuring a combination of passive and active actuators arranged in a matrix configuration. The platform consists of 5 × 6 hybrid actuator units, each integrating a height-adjustable vortex generator and a micro-jet actuator. Inspired by the distributed pattern of V-shaped scales on shark skin, these actuator units are strategically deployed in a matrix configuration to reduce flow separation on a backward-facing ramp. Distributed pressure taps encircling the hybrid actuators monitor the flow state. Parametric analyses examine the effect of different control strategies. By adopting appropriate passive and active actuation patterns, effective pressure recovery on the ramp surface can be achieved. The most significant flow control outcome occurs when the actuators operate under combined active and passive excitation, harnessing the benefits of both control strategies. Particle image velocimetry (PIV) results confirm a notable reduction in flow separation under the best-controlled case. These findings suggest a promising future for flow control devices employing combined passive and active actuation in matrix-like configurations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cavitation and silt-erosion often co-exist, causing severe damage on fluid machinery. In this paper, the dynamic behavior of a cavitation bubble near a fixed spherical particle is numerically studied, with the focus on the influence of the stand-off distance γ on the bubble collapse morphology, micro-jet velocities and pressure on the particle. With the increase in the value of γ, the bubble profile in the collapse stage exhibits three distinct characteristics: Mushroom-shaped, pear-shaped and spherical-shaped, and the corresponding micro-jets are identified as contact jet, non-contact jet, and long-distance jet. All studied distances can be categorized into three ranges, and the typical cases in each range are demonstrated. The maximum jet velocity Vmax and the maximum pressure difference between the upper and the bottom of the particle Δpmax show the highest peak at γ = 0.9, with Vmax up to 180 m/s and Δpmax up to 10.8 MPa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efficient control of flow separation holds significant economic promise. This study investigates flow separation mitigation using an experimental platform featuring a combination of passive and active actuators arranged in a matrix configuration. The platform consists of 5 × 6 hybrid actuator units, each integrating a height-adjustable vortex generator and a micro-jet actuator. Inspired by the distributed pattern of V-shaped scales on shark skin, these actuator units are strategically deployed in a matrix configuration to reduce flow separation on a backward-facing ramp. Distributed pressure taps encircling the hybrid actuators monitor the flow state. Parametric analyses examine the effect of different control strategies. By adopting appropriate passive and active actuation patterns, effective pressure recovery on the ramp surface can be achieved. The most significant flow control outcome occurs when the actuators operate under combined active and passive excitation, harnessing the benefits of both control strategies. Particle image velocimetry (PIV) results confirm a notable reduction in flow separation under the best-controlled case. These findings suggest a promising future for flow control devices employing combined passive and active actuation in matrix-like configurations.

Marine flow-passing components are susceptible to cavitation erosion (CE), and researchers have worked to find ways to reduce its effects. Laser Shock Peening (LSP), a material strengthening method, has been widely used in aerospace and other cutting-edge fields. In recent years, LSP has been used in cavitation resistance research. However, the current LSP research does not realize a comprehensive predictive assessment of the material's CE resistance. This paper uses m stresses to develop a comprehensive set of strengthening effect prediction models from LSP to CE using finite element analysis (FEA). Results show that the LSP-1 sample (4 mm spot, 10 J energy) introduced a compressive residual stress value of 37.4 MPa, better than that of 16.6 MPa with the LSP-2 sample (6 mm spot, 10 J energy), which is generally consistent with the experimental findings; the model predicts a 16.35% improvement in the resistance of LSP-1 sample to water jet damage, which is comparable to the experimental result of 14.02%; additionally, interactions between micro-jets do not predominate the cavitation erosion process and the final CE effect of the material is mainly due to the accumulation of jet-material interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In industry, the phenomenon of cavitation erosion can reduce the lifetime of the components of hydraulic machines. In this article, we present a new numerical approach to predict the mechanical impact resulting from the implosion of a cloud of bubbles, based on an energy approach. The objective of this approach is to determine the main damage mechanisms and to estimate the intensity of the impact pressure near the surface. The large eddy simulation (LES) approach is coupled with a homogeneous cavitation model to assess the risk of erosion around the hydrofoil NACA0009. Indeed, three functions, namely the Pressure Intensity Function (PIF), the steam intensity function and the Erosive Power Function (EPF), are applied to assess the spatial distribution of eroded areas. The calculations show that the functions based on the pressure term are in good agreement with the experiments, namely: the PIF and EPF functions. On the other hand, we assume that the implosion of the cloud of bubbles produces a pressure wave, which in turn causes the implosion of small bubbles near the wall. Then the erosion will be the result of these secondary implosions and not of the cloud of bubbles. Therefore, we vary the degree of proximity of these micro-bubbles near the wall to choose either the shock wave or the micro-jet to extrapolate the pressure field. We can compare these estimates with the existing erosion measurements and we can conclude that the calculations respond more to the probability of the presence of a micro-jet than to the presence of a shock wave.

The results of an experimental study of micro-jets produced with a gas dynamic virtual nozzle (GDVN) under the influence of an electric field are provided and discussed for the first time. The experimental study is performed with a 50% volume mixture of water and ethanol, and nitrogen focusing gas. The liquid sample and gas Reynolds numbers range from 0.09–5.4 and 0–190, respectively. The external electrode was positioned 400–500 μm downstream of the nozzle tip and an effect of electric potential between the electrode and the sample liquid from 0–7 kV was investigated. The jetting parametric space is examined as a function of operating gas and liquid flow rates, outlet chamber pressure, and an external electric field. The experimentally observed jet diameter, length and velocity ranged from 1–25 μm, 50–500 μm and 0.5–10 m/s, respectively. The jetting shape snapshots were processed automatically using purposely developed computer vision software. The velocity of the jet was calculated from the measured jet diameter and the sample flow rate. It is found that micro-jets accelerate in the direction of the applied electric field in the downstream direction at a constant acceleration as opposed to the standard GDVNs. New jetting modes were observed, where either the focusing gas or the electric forces dominate, encouraging further theoretical and numerical studies towards optimized system design. The study shows the potential to unlock a new generation of low background sample delivery for serial diffraction measurements of weakly scattering objects.

The demand for high-strength steel welds, as observed in civil and transport engineering, is related to a mass reduction in vehicles. Container-type trucks are examples of this kind of transport means because their boxes are able to be produced using Hardox grade steels. Therefore, this study reflects on the properties of welds in the MAG welding of Hardox 450, obtained through an innovative micro-jet cooling process with helium. This joining technology aims to reduce the formation of defects and to obtain a joint with very good assumed mechanical properties. Structural components of grade steel require welds with acceptable mechanical parameters with respect to operational loading conditions. That is, this study focuses on selecting welding parameters for the Hardox 450 steel and determining the weld quality with respect to microstructural observations and mechanical tests, such as the Charpy, tensile and fatigue tests. Weld fracturing under increasing monotonic force was examined and was strongly related to both stress components, i.e., axial and shear. The joint response under fatigue was expressed through differences in the fracture zones, i.e., at a stress value lower than the proportional limit, and weld degradation occurred in the shear and axial stress components. The data indicate that the hourglass specimen, with the weld in the centre zone of the measurement section, can be directly used to determine a weld response under cyclic loading. The impact test results showed attractive behaviour in the tested joint, as represented by 47 J at −20 °C. The recommended MAG welding parameters for Hardox 450 steel are low-oxygen when using an Ar + 18% CO2 shielding mixture. The collected results can be directly used as a guide to weld thin-walled structures (6 mm) made of Hardox grade steel, while the data from mechanical tests can support the modelling, designing and manufacturing of components made from this kind of steel grade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The higher the natural frequency of the material is, the more resistant it is to deformation under impulse loading. To explore the influence of micro-abrasive and micro-jet impact on the natural frequency and resonance amplitude value of the material under ultrasonic cavitation, 18 sets of single-factor controlled variable ultrasonic cavitation experiments were carried out on a polished specimen of 6061 aluminum alloy (30 mm × 30 mm × 10 mm). With the increase of the abrasive content in the suspension, the natural frequency of the workpiece first increased, then decreased and remained stable. With the increase of the ultrasonic amplitude, the resonance amplitude value of the material increased, reaching the maximum at 0.1789 m·s−2 and then decreased. The effect of ultrasonic amplitude on the natural frequency of the material was greater than that of the abrasive content, and the effect of the abrasive content on the common amplitude value was greater than that of the ultrasonic amplitude. This research provides a certain reference significance for exploring the influence of power ultrasonic micro-cutting on material properties and avoiding the occurrence of resonance phenomenon of the workpiece under different working conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marine flow-passing components are susceptible to cavitation erosion (CE), and researchers have worked to find ways to reduce its effects. Laser Shock Peening (LSP), a material strengthening method, has been widely used in aerospace and other cutting-edge fields. In recent years, LSP has been used in cavitation resistance research. However, the current LSP research does not realize a comprehensive predictive assessment of the material’s CE resistance. This paper uses m stresses to develop a comprehensive set of strengthening effect prediction models from LSP to CE using finite element analysis (FEA). Results show that the LSP-1 sample (4 mm spot, 10 J energy) introduced a compressive residual stress value of 37.4 MPa, better than that of 16.6 MPa with the LSP-2 sample (6 mm spot, 10 J energy), which is generally consistent with the experimental findings; the model predicts a 16.35% improvement in the resistance of LSP-1 sample to water jet damage, which is comparable to the experimental result of 14.02%; additionally, interactions between micro-jets do not predominate the cavitation erosion process and the final CE effect of the material is mainly due to the accumulation of jet-material interaction.

The objective of this paper is to reveal the influence of different surface geometric conditions on the dynamic behavior characteristics of a laser-induced bubble collapse. A high-speed camera system was used to record the oscillation process of the laser-induced bubble on plane solid walls with different roughness and a wall containing reentrant cavities full of water or gas. The focus is on the quantitative analysis of the morphological characteristics of the cavitation bubble near the solid wall under different surface forms during the first two oscillation periods. The results show that the dimensionless ratio γ, defined as the distance from the center of the bubble to the wall divided by the maximum radius of the bubble, has a great influence on the change of the cavitation shape in the direction of the vertical wall. Different surface geometries without gas in our cases have no significant effect on the collapse time of cavitation bubbles. While for the surface containing gas, the direction of movement of the bubble accompanying the microjet will greatly change during the collapse of the cavitation bubble, and the collapse time seems to be independent of the dimensionless ratio γ. These achievements shed the light for engineering to avoid the damage of the microjet caused by designing suitable surface geometry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In industry, the phenomenon of cavitation erosion can reduce the lifetime of the components of hydraulic machines. In this article, we present a new numerical approach to predict the mechanical impact resulting from the implosion of a cloud of bubbles, based on an energy approach. The objective of this approach is to determine the main damage mechanisms and to estimate the intensity of the impact pressure near the surface. The large eddy simulation (LES) approach is coupled with a homogeneous cavitation model to assess the risk of erosion around the hydrofoil NACA0009. Indeed, three functions, namely the Pressure Intensity Function (PIF), the steam intensity function and the Erosive Power Function (EPF), are applied to assess the spatial distribution of eroded areas. The calculations show that the functions based on the pressure term are in good agreement with the experiments, namely: the PIF and EPF functions. On the other hand, we assume that the implosion of the cloud of bubbles produces a pressure wave, which in turn causes the implosion of small bubbles near the wall. Then the erosion will be the result of these secondary implosions and not of the cloud of bubbles. Therefore, we vary the degree of proximity of these micro-bubbles near the wall to choose either the shock wave or the micro-jet to extrapolate the pressure field. We can compare these estimates with the existing erosion measurements and we can conclude that the calculations respond more to the probability of the presence of a micro-jet than to the presence of a shock wave. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In ultrasonic-assisted machining, the synergistic effect of the cavitation effect and micro-abrasive particles plays a crucial role. Studies have focused on the investigation of the micro-abrasive particles, cavitation micro-jets, and cavitation shock waves either individually or in pairs. To investigate the synergy of shock waves and micro-jets generated by cavitation with micro-abrasive particles in ultrasonic-assisted machining, the continuous control equations of a cavitation bubble, shock wave, micro-jet, and micro-abrasive particle influenced by the dimensionless amount (R/R0), a particle size-velocity–pressure model of the micro-abrasive particle was established. The effects of ultrasonic frequency, sound pressure amplitude, and changes in particle size on micro-abrasive particle velocity and pressure were numerically simulated. At an ultrasonic frequency of 20 kHz and ultrasonic sound pressure of 0.1125 MPa, a smooth spherical SiO2 micro-abrasive particle (size = 5 µm) was obtained, with a maximum velocity of 190.3–209.4 m/s and pressure of 79.69–89.41 MPa. The results show that in the range of 5–50 μm, smaller particle sizes of the micro-abrasive particles led to greater velocity and pressure. The shock waves, micro-jets, and micro-abrasive particles were all positively affected by the dimensionless amount (R/R0) of cavitation bubble collapse, the larger the dimensionless quantity, the faster their velocity and the higher their pressure.

With the collapse of cavitation bubbles near the wall, micro-jets and shock waves will be formed, to generate a high-pressure load and to cause the cavitation damage on the surface of the hydraulic machinery. Due to the rapid development of the cavitation bubble collapse process (in the time scale of hundred nanoseconds), the time resolution of the conventional high-speed cameras should reach more than one million frames per second, which will limit the spatial resolution, and obscure the details of the cavitation bubble shape near the cavitation bubble collapse moment. In this paper, with the help of the laser cavitation bubble photogrammetry system with nanosecond-micron space-time resolution, the experiment is carried out for the cavitation bubble collapse morphology evolution near the wall. The morphological characteristics of the cavitation bubble collapse at specific times are analyzed. With the help of the OpenFOAM code, the collapse process of the cavitation bubble near the solid wall is calculated. It is shown that the cavitation bubble near the wall collapses in an axial symmetric heart shape and the micro-jet directed to the wall will pull the cavitation bubble towards the wall. The counter-jet generated in the rebound stage will drive the cavitation bubble to move away from the wall. The numerical simulation of the cavitation bubble shape in the collapse period is well consistent with the experimental results, but the ability to capture the shock wavefront needs to be improved. Under the conditions studied in this paper, the cavitation bubble collapse micro-jet velocity can reach up to a hundred meters per second both in the experiment and the numerical simulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The micro-jet is the main mechanism of cavitation on materials. More and more ultrasonic cavitation assisted machining uses the micro-jet effect in the industrial field. In this paper, the micro-jet impact is considered the micro-cutting process. To deeply analyze the micro-cutting mechanism of micro-jet, the size effect of materials was considered, and the micro-cutting force model of micro-jet was established and solved based on the spherical indentation test theory and the strain gradient plasticity theory. The results showed that the micro-cutting force and impact pressure of micro-jet with size effect are larger than those without size effect and the micro-cutting force of single micro-jet is within 2.35 N. The micro-cutting force of micro-jet increases exponentially with the increase of pit radius, but only slightly increases with the increase of pit depth. When the size effect is considered or not, the impact pressure of micro-jet is 1616–2922 MPa or 1615–1980 MPa, respectively. The increased ratio of micro-cutting force with size effect is 1 + 2 m ¯ 2 a 2 G 2 b h a 2 + h 2 σ JC 2 - 1 × 100 % , which can directly reflect the strength of size effect. The size effect is more obvious when the pit size is smaller, and the maximum increased ratio is 47.54%. The increased ratio increases nonlinearly with the decrease of pit radius and the increase of pit depth. It has a strong correlation with pit radius and pit depth. This paper can provide a theoretical viewpoint and support for the quantitative description of cavitation effect in ultrasonic-assisted machining. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Micro-structure on metal surface can be created with high precision and good surface quality by ultrasonic-assisted electrochemical micromachining (USEMM). One of the prevalent material removal mechanisms in ultrasonic machining (UM) is cavitation erosion. However, the mechanism of material erosion is not clear and worth investigating. This study of the mechanical and chemical effects of the ultrasonic vibration on the 6061 aluminum alloy is targeted to reveal the material processing mechanism in USEMM. Based on the built model, the velocity of micro-jet produced near the workpiece surface by ultrasonic cavitation reaches up to 350 m/s when bubble collapses computed by software MATLAB. The impact of micro-jet produces plastic micro-pits on the metal surface and the convex peak around the edge of the pits, which is verified in ABAQUS software. The metallographic microscope and curves of the electrochemical polarization behavior results indicate a significant grain refinement and a marked increase of anodic dissolution current, as well as a weaker resistance than the original workpiece in NaNO3 electrolyte during UM. The current-time curve during machining demonstrates the passive layer forms on the metal surface and then breaks down at the time of less than 0.0066s in USEMM. Micrographs of scanning electron microscope (SEM) of the machined surface in different stages show that many uniform and flat pits are formed in USEMM, compared with the local uneven pits in EMM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cavitation damage is a micro, high-speed, multi-phase complex phenomenon caused by the near-wall bubble group collapse. The current numerical simulation method of cavitation mainly focuses on the collapse impact of a single cavitation bubble. The large-scale simulation of the cavitation bubble group collapse is difficult to perform and has not been studied, to the best of our knowledge. In this study, the equivalent model of impact loading of acoustic bubble collapse micro-jets is proposed to study the cavitation erosion damage of materials. Based on the theory of the micro-jet and the water hammer effect of the liquid–solid impact, an equivalent model of impact loading of a single acoustic bubble collapse micro-jet is established under the principle of deformation equivalence. Since the acoustic bubbles can be considered uniformly distributed in a small enough area, an equivalent model of impact loading of multiple acoustic bubble collapse micro-jets in a micro-segment can be derived based on the equivalent results of impact loading of a single acoustic bubble collapse micro-jet. In fact, the equivalent methods of cavitation damage loading for single and multiple near-wall acoustic bubble collapse micro-jets are formed. The verification results show the law of cavitation deformation of concrete using equivalent loading is consistent with that of a micro-jet simulation, and the average relative errors and the mean square errors are insignificant. The equivalent method of impact loading proposed in this paper has high accuracy and can greatly improve the calculation efficiency, which provides technical support for numerical simulation of concrete cavitation.

Acoustic cavitation is a very important hydrodynamic phenomenon, and is often implicated in a myriad of industrial, medical, and daily living applications. In these applications, the effect mechanism of liquid surface tension on improving the efficiency of acoustic cavitation is a crucial concern for researchers. In this study, the effects of liquid surface tension on the dynamics of an ultrasonic driven bubble near a rigid wall, which could be the main mechanism of efficiency improvement in the applications of acoustic cavitation, were investigated at the microscale level. A synchronous high-speed microscopic imaging method was used to clearly record the temporary evolution of single acoustic cavitation bubble in the liquids with different surface tension. Meanwhile, the bubble dynamic characteristics, such as the position and time of bubble collapse, the size and stability of the bubbles, the speed of bubble boundaries and the micro-jets, were analyzed and compared. In the case of the single bubbles near a rigid wall, it was found that low surface tension reduces the stability of the bubbles in the liquid medium. Meanwhile, the bubbles collapse earlier and farther from the rigid wall in the liquids with lower surface tension. In addition, the surface tension has no significant influence on the speed of the first micro-jet, but it can substantially increase the speed of second and the third micro-jets after the first collapse of the bubble. These effects of liquid surface tension on the bubble dynamics can explain the mechanism of surfactants in numerous fields of acoustic cavitation for facilitating its optimization and application.

The removal of the adsorbed oil droplet is critical to deoiling treatment of oil-bearing solid waste. Ultrasonic cavitation is regarded as an extremely useful method to assist the oil droplets desorption in the deoiling treatment. In this paper, the effects of cavitation micro-jets on the oil droplets desorption were studied. The adsorbed states of oil droplets in the oil-contaminated sand were investigated using a microscope. Three representative absorbed states of the oil droplets can be summarized as: (1) the individual oil droplet adsorbed on the particle surface (2) the clustered oil droplets adsorbed on the particle surface; (3) the oil droplet adsorbed in a gap between particles. The micro-jet generation during the bubble collapse near a rigid wall under different acoustic pressure amplitudes at an ultrasonic frequency of 20 kHz was investigated numerically. The desorption processes of the oil droplets at the three representative absorbed states under micro-jets were also simulated subsequently. The results showed that the acoustic pressure has a great influence on the velocity of micro-jet, and the initial diameter of cavitation bubbles is significant for the cross-sectional area of micro-jets. The wall jet caused by a micro-jet impacting on the solid wall is the most important factor for the removal of the absorbed oil droplets. The oil droplet is broken by the jet impinging, and then it breaks away from the solid wall due to the shear force generated by the wall jet. In addition to a higher sound pressure, the cavitation bubble at a larger initial diameter is more important for the desorption of the clustered oil droplets. Conversely, the micro-jet generated by the cavitation bubble at a smaller initial diameter (0.1 mm) is more appropriate for the desorption of the oil droplet in a narrow or sharp-angled gap.

The demand for high-strength steel welds, as observed in civil and transport engineering, is related to a mass reduction in vehicles. Container-type trucks are examples of this kind of transport means because their boxes are able to be produced using Hardox grade steels. Therefore, this study reflects on the properties of welds in the MAG welding of Hardox 450, obtained through an innovative micro-jet cooling process with helium. This joining technology aims to reduce the formation of defects and to obtain a joint with very good assumed mechanical properties. Structural components of grade steel require welds with acceptable mechanical parameters with respect to operational loading conditions. That is, this study focuses on selecting welding parameters for the Hardox 450 steel and determining the weld quality with respect to microstructural observations and mechanical tests, such as the Charpy, tensile and fatigue tests. Weld fracturing under increasing monotonic force was examined and was strongly related to both stress components, i.e., axial and shear. The joint response under fatigue was expressed through differences in the fracture zones, i.e., at a stress value lower than the proportional limit, and weld degradation occurred in the shear and axial stress components. The data indicate that the hourglass specimen, with the weld in the centre zone of the measurement section, can be directly used to determine a weld response under cyclic loading. The impact test results showed attractive behaviour in the tested joint, as represented by 47 J at −20 °C. The recommended MAG welding parameters for Hardox 450 steel are low-oxygen when using an Ar + 18% CO2 shielding mixture. The collected results can be directly used as a guide to weld thin-walled structures (6 mm) made of Hardox grade steel, while the data from mechanical tests can support the modelling, designing and manufacturing of components made from this kind of steel grade.

The higher the natural frequency of the material is, the more resistant it is to deformation under impulse loading. To explore the influence of micro-abrasive and micro-jet impact on the natural frequency and resonance amplitude value of the material under ultrasonic cavitation, 18 sets of single-factor controlled variable ultrasonic cavitation experiments were carried out on a polished specimen of 6061 aluminum alloy (30 mm × 30 mm × 10 mm). With the increase of the abrasive content in the suspension, the natural frequency of the workpiece first increased, then decreased and remained stable. With the increase of the ultrasonic amplitude, the resonance amplitude value of the material increased, reaching the maximum at 0.1789 m·s−2 and then decreased. The effect of ultrasonic amplitude on the natural frequency of the material was greater than that of the abrasive content, and the effect of the abrasive content on the common amplitude value was greater than that of the ultrasonic amplitude. This research provides a certain reference significance for exploring the influence of power ultrasonic micro-cutting on material properties and avoiding the occurrence of resonance phenomenon of the workpiece under different working conditions.

Fluidization of cohesive pharmaceutical powders is difficult to achieve and typically requires the introduction of external forces. This study investigates the fluidization of the fine inhalation grade of lactose powders (size range from 0.1‐20 μm) that are specifically developed for dry powder inhalation (DPI) applications. The fluidization behaviour of fine lactose powders was evaluated under six conditions: without fluidization aids, with only vertical vibration (VFA), with only a downward‐pointing micro‐jet (MFA), with both vibration and pre‐mixing with coarse particles (VCFA), with both vibration and micro‐jet (VMFA), and with the combined assistance of vibration, micro‐jet, and addition of coarse particles (VMCFA). The enhancement of fluidization due to the use of different assistance methods is reflected by the increase of bed expansion and the decrease in both the minimum fluidization velocity and agglomerate formation. However, applying micro‐jet results in considerable powder losses due to the high fraction of fine particles stuck to the wall. Combining any two assisting methods leads to better fluidization than using a single approach. In particular, the combination of vibration and micro‐jet shows the best performance in improving fluidization. Further addition of coarse particles does not play a significant influence on promoting fluidization. Finally, the analysis of the forces acting on the lactose agglomerates shows the enhancement of separation forces by introducing the fluidization assistance, which leads to a decrease in agglomerate size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microfluidic devices which integrate both rapid mixing and liquid jetting for sample delivery are an emerging solution for studying molecular dynamics via X-ray diffraction. Here we use finite element modelling to investigate the efficiency and time-resolution achievable using microfluidic mixers within the parameter range required for producing stable liquid jets. Three-dimensional simulations, validated by experimental data, are used to determine the velocity and concentration distribution within these devices. The results show that by adopting a serpentine geometry, it is possible to induce chaotic mixing, which effectively reduces the time required to achieve a homogeneous mixture for sample delivery. Further, we investigate the effect of flow rate and the mixer microchannel size on the mixing efficiency and minimum time required for complete mixing of the two solutions whilst maintaining a stable jet. In general, we find that the smaller the cross-sectional area of the mixer microchannel, the shorter the time needed to achieve homogeneous mixing for a given flow rate. The results of these simulations will form the basis for optimised designs enabling the study of molecular dynamics occurring on millisecond timescales using integrated mix-and-inject microfluidic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The thermal management issue of high electronic chips with heat flux is one of the most challenge during the development of electronic devices. In this work, the design of micro pin fin arrays (MPFA) of micro-jet heat sink was proposed to achieve effective cooling of electronic chips. The MPFA with different cross-sectional shapes were used to improve the thermal performance of the heat sink. The results show that heat sink design with MPFA exhibit excellent cooling performance while consuming approximately the same amount of power as smooth surface. In addition, the hexagonal cross-section has better thermal performance, the temperature uniformity of the heating surface can be improved by up to 70 % and the average temperature can be reduced by 7–20K. Moreover, the manufacturing cost and cooling performance per unit cost were investigated and the results show that the square cross-section is the most commercially viable. Based on this, the square cross-section was parametrically studied, including the length to height ratio and fins number. It was founded that the heat sink exhibits better thermal performance for a length-to-height ratio of 1.4 and a number of fins of 169. Finally, the ultimate heat flux of the electronic chip can be withstood was also tested, and the optimal heat sink design can handle heat flux of 400W/cm2. Therefore, the heat sink with MPFA design can significantly improve the thermal performance without consuming the pump power, which can be used to cooling the high electronic chips with high heat flux in the future. • Micro pin fin arrays greatly improve the thermal performance of the heat sink. • Enhanced heat transfer without additional power consumption of heat sink. • Manufacturing costs and cooling benefits of heat sinks were analyzed. • Optimal heat sink design can handle up to 400W/cm2 on the chip surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of slug flow on local corrosion of pipeline was studied, and the protection measures for slug flow corrosion were well done to improve the safety of oil-gas-water-humidity mixed pipeline. An indoor loop test was designed to simulate the slug flow in real undulating pipelines. The surface microstructures of X70 hanging pieces were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) under slug flow conditions at different test stages. At the beginning of the test, there was much pitting corrosion on the surface of the hanging pieces, but at the end of the test, only some pitting or pitting spots developed into serious local corrosion. The flow corrosion of slug in pipe had obvious characteristics of cavitation corrosion. Its occurrence was the result of synergistic action of various mechanisms. The strong impact force, high impact velocity and mechanical action of multi-frequency micro-jet produced by cavitation annihilation significantly affected the development process and characteristics of electrochemical corrosion, which resulted in that the cavitation corrosion was mostly pitting corrosion. The damage of corrosion product film caused by high-speed micro-jet impact caused by cavitation cracking was local, and the pitting tendency increased at the local damage of corrosion product film. However, with the formation of electrochemical corrosion products, the destroyed corrosion product film was repaired continuously, but did not develop into local corrosion. Local corrosion occurred only when the high-speed micro-jet with cavitation breakdown repeatedly impacted a point of pitting tendency, but this probability was smaller than that of pitting tendency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The degradation process of 316L stainless steel caused by cavitation was investigated by means of finite element analysis. The damage characteristics of metal specimens subjected to the cavitation bubble collapse process were recreated by simulation with a micro-jet water hammer. The simulation results were compared with the cavitation pits created in the experimental tests. In the experiment, different inlet and outlet pressures in a test chamber with a system of barricade exciters differentiated the erosion process results. Hydrodynamic cavitation caused uneven distribution of the erosion over the specimens’ surface, which has been validated by roughness measurements, enabling localisation and identification of the shape and topography of the impact pits. The erosion rate of the steel specimens was high at the beginning of the test and decreased over time, indicating the phase transformation and/or the strain-hardening of the surface layer. A numerical simulation showed that the impact of the water micro-jet with a velocity of 100 m/s exceeds the tensile strength of 316L steel, and produces an impact pit. The subsequent micro-jet impact on the same zone deepens the pit depth only to a certain extent due to elastoplastic surface hardening. The correlation between post-impact pit geometry and impact velocity was investigated.

The integration of the Gas Dynamic Virtual Nozzle (GDVN) and microfluidic technologies has proven to be a promising sample delivery solution for biomolecular imaging studies and has the potential to be transformative for a range of applications in physics, biology, and chemistry. Here, we review the recent advances in the emerging field of microfluidic mix-and-jet sample delivery devices for the study of biomolecular reaction dynamics. First, we introduce the key parameters and dimensionless numbers involved in their design and characterisation. Then we critically review the techniques used to fabricate these integrated devices and discuss their advantages and disadvantages. We then summarise the most common experimental methods used for the characterisation of both the mixing and jetting components. Finally, we discuss future perspectives on the emerging field of microfluidic mix-and-jet sample delivery devices. In summary, this review aims to introduce this exciting new topic to the wider microfluidics community and to help guide future research in the field.

The paper is focused on testing the weld of the S960MC steel produced at the micro-jet cooling under static and fatigue loading at critical parameters. This kind of material was in the form of a sheet with a thickness equal to 2 mm. The joint was obtained using three different types of welding wires: EDFK 1000, Union NiMoCr and Union X96 at the same parameters of the process. The joints were examined using non-destructive and destructive tests. The results from non-destructive experiments enable us to assess the quality of the welds directly before the joining process. In contrast, the destructive one allows following welds behavior under different loading conditions with their critical parameters. The bending experiments confirmed the good plastic properties of the weld, expressed by no cracks in the region tested in many variants of the joint manufactured. The results from static tests indicated a significant reduction of mechanical parameters of the weld in comparison to the base metal, expressed by 50% differences. Fatigue data have enabled us to follow the welding behavior at the increasing amplitude of axial stress up to fracture at constant amplitude value covering the following values of stress 650 MPa–100 MPa. Variations of total energy are presented at different values of several cycles up to fracture. Fracture regions are collected for analysis of the joint region features under cyclic loading. They have indicated differences in weld cracking depended on the stress level. Finally, the Wöhler S-N curve of the weld was determined, indicating the value of the fatigue limit of the weld tested, i.e., 100 MPa. The weld at the Union NiMoCr welding wire was indicated as the joint having the highest resistance on static and fatigue loadings.

Microfluidic devices which integrate both rapid mixing and liquid jetting for sample delivery are an emerging solution for studying molecular dynamics via X-ray diffraction. Here we use finite element modelling to investigate the efficiency and time-resolution achievable using microfluidic mixers within the parameter range required for producing stable liquid jets. Three-dimensional simulations, validated by experimental data, are used to determine the velocity and concentration distribution within these devices. The results show that by adopting a serpentine geometry, it is possible to induce chaotic mixing, which effectively reduces the time required to achieve a homogeneous mixture for sample delivery. Further, we investigate the effect of flow rate and the mixer microchannel size on the mixing efficiency and minimum time required for complete mixing of the two solutions whilst maintaining a stable jet. In general, we find that the smaller the cross-sectional area of the mixer microchannel, the shorter the time needed to achieve homogeneous mixing for a given flow rate. The results of these simulations will form the basis for optimised designs enabling the study of molecular dynamics occurring on millisecond timescales using integrated mix-and-inject microfluidic devices.

The material selected for this investigation was low alloy weld metal deposit after TIG welding with various amount of oxygen in weld metal deposit (WMD). After TIG process it is difficult to get proper amount of oxygen in WMD on the level much lower than 350 ppm. The highest impact toughness of low alloy WMD corresponds with the amount of oxygen in WMD above 350 ppm. In the paper focuses on low alloy steel after innovate welding method with micro-jet cooling that could be treated as a chance on rising amount of oxygen in weld. Weld metal deposit (WMD) was carried out for TIG welding with micro-jet cooling with various amount of oxygen in WMD. In that paper various gas mixtures (gas mixtures Ar-O2 and Ar-CO2) were tested for micro-jet cooling after TIG welding. An important role in the interpretation of the results can give methods of artificial intelligence.

The paper focuses on low alloy steel after innovate welding method with micro-jet cooling. Weld metal deposit (WMD) was carried out for welding and for MIG and MAG welding with micro-jet cooling. This method is very promising mainly due to the high amount of AF (acicular ferrite) and low amount of MAC (self-tempered martensite, retained austenite, carbide) phases in WMD. That structure corresponds with very good mechanical properties, ie. high impact toughness of welds at low temperature. Micro-jet cooling after welding can find serious application in automotive industry very soon. Until that moment only argon, helium and nitrogen were tested as micro-jet gases. In that paper first time various gas mixtures (gas mixtures Ar-CO2) were tested for micro-jet cooling after welding.

Liquid micro-jets are crucial for sample delivery of protein crystals and other macromolecular samples in serial femtosecond crystallography. When combined with MHz repetition rate sources, such as the European X-ray free-electron laser (EuXFEL) facility, it is important that the diffraction patterns are collected before the samples are damaged. This requires extremely thin and very fast jets. In this paper we first explore numerically the influence of different nozzle orifice designs on jet parameters and finally compare our simulations with the experimental data obtained for one particular design. A gas dynamic virtual nozzle (GDVN) model, based on a mixture formulation of Newtonian, compressible, two-phase flow, is numerically solved with the finite volume method and volume of fluid approach to deal with the moving boundary between the gas and liquid phases. The goal is to maximize the jet velocity and its length while minimizing the jet thickness. The design studies incorporate differently shaped nozzle orifices, including an elongated orifice with a constant diameter and an orifice with a diverging angle. These are extensions of the nozzle geometry we investigated in our previous studies. Based on these simulations it is concluded that the extension of the constant diameter channel makes a negligible contribution to the jet’s length and its velocity. A change in the angle of the nozzle outlet orifice, however, has a significant effect on jet parameters. We find these kinds of simulation extremely useful for testing and optimizing novel nozzle designs.

• Collapsing dynamics of a cavitation bubble between a particle and wall is experimentally investigated with high-speed camera. • Depending on the directions of micro-jets, bubble collapsing behavior could be categorized into three cases. • Four different kinds of transitions among three cases are demonstrated. In the present paper, the collapsing dynamics of a laser-induced cavitation bubble between a spherical particle and a solid wall is fully revealed using a high-speed camera based cavitation experimental system. For the purpose of comparisons, experiments of cases without the presence of the particle are also conducted and demonstrated. Influences of several paramount parameters (including the bubble radius, the particle radius, and the relative positions among the bubble, the particle and wall) on the bubble collapsing dynamics, the motions of bubble boundaries and the positions of the bubble centroid are all investigated. Based on the directions of the micro-jets during the bubble collapse, the bubble collapsing behavior could be categorized into three cases with their primary characteristics revealed. Furthermore, the transitions among three different cases are clearly demonstrated using several examples in terms of high-speed photography. Based on a large amount of experimental data, quantitative discussions on the parameter zone of the identified three typical cases are given in terms of the three non-dimensional parameters. Generally speaking, the particle scale does not show significant influences on the bubble dynamics behavior except some special positions of the bubble. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In a disaster response situation, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) can be an effective medium for the assessment of damages/needs of affected regions through the collection of situational information in the form of texts, audio-visuals, images etc. Through field deployment in disaster response situations, it is challenging to determine the navigation route for a UAV to cover the appropriate shelter points within its allocated flight time due to the energy constraints. Besides, it is a very arduous task to predict the favorable weather conditions and data-rate through the actual deployment of UAVs in post-disaster situations. In this paper, a novel navigation technique for micro-jet has been designed based on the spatial data. The navigation technique has been thought of as a spatial decision problem which has further been solved systematically by means of Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) technique. A Multi-Criteria Evaluation Technique has been adopted for effective transformation of spatial and calibration parameters into meaningful decisions. The navigation path has been obtained dynamically based on the solution of the spatial decision problem. This decision problem utilizes the parameters likes wind speed, wind direction, remaining flight time, the distance between the neighboring Shelter Points, the volume of data to be transferred etc. From the simulations, it has been analyzed that the newly proposed navigation technique can significantly improve the flight time of micro-jet by consuming less energy. The proposed approach has a prolonged flight duration and consumes less energy compared to the previously proposed techniques i.e. MIN_ROUTE and ROUTE_PRIORITY for different variations of wind speed and wind direction. Two field trials at different venues have been conducted using a customized micro-jet (equipped with a Single Board Computer with 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi connectivity) to analyze, (a) optimal altitude for navigation route at which data transfer rate would be maximum, (b) performance in terms of flight path calibration parameters of micro-jet, data transfer rate and the volume of data transfer while implementing the navigation route generated during simulation at the optimal altitude for a particular wind speed and wind direction. It has been observed that (1) in the initial deployment, at an altitude of 55 meters, for the wind speed 3 m/s and wind direction towards south the highest data rate of 154.51 KBps has been achieved, (2) in the subsequent field trial, during navigation the highest data rate of 942.08 KBps, at 50–55 meters altitude at wind speed of 1.66 m/s and with the wind direction towards north-east, has been achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present paper, the interactions between a cavitation bubble and a spherical particle are experimentally investigated with the aid of high-speed camera. The cavitation bubble is generated by a focused laser beam with the bubble size adjusted through energy dissipater. A series of experimental work is conducted with variations of the bubble sizes, the particle sizes and the distance between the bubble and the particle. Based on the collapsing process of cavitation bubble near the particle, three cases (mushroom-shaped, pear-shaped and spherical-shaped collapses) are quantitatively identified and the criterions for separating three cases are also given in terms of non-dimensional parameters. Furthermore, transitions between the aforementioned cases during parameter variations are also shown together with several examples. Finally, some special cases (e.g. collapse of two bubbles near the particle) are also discussed with typical collapsing process shown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents results of experimental research concerning the impact of an innovative method of micro-jet cooling on the padding weld performed with MIG welding. Micro-jet cooling is a novel method patented in 2011. It enables to steer the parameters of weld cooling in a precise manner. In addition, various elements which may e.g. enhance hardness or alter tribological properties can be entered into its top surface, depending on the applied cooling gas. The material under study was steel 20MnCr5, which was subject to the welding process with micro-jet cooling and without cooling. Nitrogen was used as a cooling gas. The main parameter of weld assessment was wear intensity. The tests were conducted in a tribological pin-on-disc type position. The following results exhibit growth at approximately 5% in wear resistance of padding welds with micro-jet cooling.

The material selected for this investigation was low alloy steel weld metal deposit (WMD) after MIG welding with micro-jet cooling. The present investigation was aimed as the following tasks: obtained WMD with various amount of acicular ferrite and further analyze impact toughness of WMD in terms of acicular ferrite amount in it. Weld metal deposit (WMD) was first time carried out for MIG welding with micro-jet cooling of compressed air and gas mixture of argon and air. Until that moment only argon, helium and nitrogen were tested as micro-jet gases for MIG/MAG processes. An important role in the interpretation of the results can give methods of artificial intelligence.

The material selected for this investigation was low alloy steel weld metal deposit (WMD) after MAG welding with micro-jet cooling. The present investigation was aimed as the following tasks: analyze impact toughness of WMD in terms of micro-jet cooling parameters. Weld metal deposit (WMD) was first time carried out for MAG welding with micro-jet cooling of compressed air and gas mixture of argon and air. Until that moment only argon, helium and nitrogen and its gas mixture were tested for micro-jet cooling.

A paper presents the possibility of laser welding using micro-jet cooling. The effect of micro-jet cooling on microstructure and mechanical properties of the weld metal deposit was carried out. New welding process was analyzed for use in the automotive industry. Studies have confirmed the positive effect of cooling micro-jet cooling both for the MIG welding and laser welding.

In this paper, the lattice Boltzmann pseudo-potential model coupled the Carnahan–Starling (C-S) equation of state and Li’s force scheme are used to study the collapse process of cavitation bubbles near the concave wall. It mainly includes the collapse process of the single and double cavitation bubbles in the near-wall region. Studies have shown that the collapse velocity of a single cavitation bubble becomes slower as the additional pressure reduces, and the velocity of the micro-jet also decreases accordingly. Moreover, the second collapse of the cavitation bubble cannot be found if the additional pressure reduces further. When the cavitation bubble is located in different angles with vertical direction, its collapse direction is always perpendicular to the wall. If the double cavitation bubbles are arranged vertically, the collapse process of the upper bubble will be quicker, as the relative distance increases. When the relative distance between the bubbles is large enough, no second collapse can be found for the upper bubble. On the other hand, when two cavitation bubbles are in the horizontal arrangement, the suppression effect between cavitation bubbles decreases as the relative distance between the bubbles increases and the collapse position of cavitation bubbles moves from the lower part to the upper part.

In this paper we present a numerical study investigating the effects of nozzle geometry on stability, shape and flow characteristics of micron-sized liquid jets, produced by injection molded gas dynamic virtual nozzles (GDVNs) operating in vacuum. The jet characteristics are described as a function of (i) capillary-to-orifice distance, (ii) nozzle outlet orifice diameter, and (iii) liquid feeding capillary angle. An experimentally verified numerical model of GDVN with laminar two-phase Newtonian compressible flow, based on finite volume method and volume of fluid interface tracking, is used to assess the changes. The study is performed for two sets of liquid flow rates while keeping the gas flow rate constant. It is observed that for each value of capillary-to-orifice distance and nozzle outlet diameter there is a minimum liquid flow rate below which the jet is unstable. We find that the nozzle outlet diameter has the biggest influence on the jet diameter, length and velocity, while liquid capillary angle has no observable effect on jet characteristic. Varying capillary-to-orifice distance does not affect the flow field around micro-jet. It is found that the liquid and the gas interaction near the meniscus primarily affect the jet stability and shape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper offers mathematical equations of the influence of micro-jet cooling on structure and impact toughness properties of metal weld deposit. Weld metal deposit (WMD) was carried out for standard MIG welding and for MIG welding with micro-jet cooling. This new method is very promising mainly due to the high amount of AF (acicular ferrite) and low amount of MAC (selftempered martensite, retained austenite, carbide) phases in WMD. That structure corresponds with very good mechanical properties ie. good impact toughness of welds at low temperature. Micro-jet cooling after welding can find serious application in automotive industry very soon. Until that moment only argon, helium, nitrogen and gas mixtures of argon were tested for micro-jet cooling after welding. The best results of mechanical properties of WMD in presented welding method correspond with micro-jet argon cooling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We measure the minimum liquid flow rate Q min to produce steady jetting in gaseous flow focusing with orifices of diameters down to 30 μ m. We compare the results obtained for different diameters and liquids. Using dimensional analysis, we determine the influence of the gas viscosity on this stability limit. For low and moderately low-viscosity liquids, there is an optimum value of the gas viscosity for which Q min reaches its lowest value. This optimum value leads to the minimum jet diameter in front of the discharge orifice. • The stability limit of steady jetting in gaseous flow focusing was measured. • We use the orifice-plate configuration with diameters down to 30 micras. • We use dimensional analysis to study the gas viscosity effect without changing it. • There is an optimum gas viscosity for moderately low viscosity liquids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cavitation as a hydrodynamic phenomenon exists widely in water conservancy, shipbuilding, chemical and many other industries. Previous cavitation bubble dynamic studies mainly focused on single cavitation bubbles and their interaction with the wall. This paper studies the interaction between two cavitation bubbles under conditions with or without a wall. The results show that if the inception of two cavitation bubbles is not synchronized, the cavitation bubble of early inception collapse backwards the cavitation bubble of later inception; if the inception of two cavitation bubbles is synchronized, the two bubbles collapse towards each other; if a wall exists nearby, no matter whether the line connecting the centers of the two cavitation bubbles is vertical or parallel to the wall, the two cavitation bubbles collapse towards each other and then gradually merge, and the merged collapse body quickly moves to the wall. It is suggested that, as the number of cavitation bubbles increases, the cavitation erosion effect is not simply increased proportionally. Instead, mutual inhibitory effect may be demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a hydrodynamic phenomenon, cavitation is a main concern in many industries such as water conservancy, the chemical industry and medical care. There are many studies on the generation, development and collapse of cavitation bubbles, but there are few studies on the variation of the cyclic impact strength on walls from the collapse of cavitation bubbles. In this paper, a high-speed dynamic acquisition and analysis system and a pressure measuring system are combined to study the impact of a cavitation bubble generated near a wall for various distances between the cavitation bubble and the wall. The results show that (1) with the discriminating criteria of the impact pressure borne by the wall, the critical conditions for the generation of a micro-jet in the collapse process of the cavitation bubbles are obtained, and therefore collapses of cavitation bubbles near the wall are mainly divided into primary impact area collapses, secondary impact area collapses and slow release area collapses; (2) it can be seen from the impact strength of the cavitation bubble collapse on the wall surface that the impact of cavitation bubbles on the wall surface during the first collapse decreases as γ (the dimensionless distance between the cavitation bubble and the wall) increases, but the impact of the second collapse on the wall surface increases first and then decreases sharply. When γ is less than 1.33, the impact on the wall surface is mainly from the first collapse. When γ is between 1.33 and 2.37, the impact on the wall surface is mainly from the second collapse. These conclusions have potential theoretical value for the utilization or prevention and control technologies for cavitation erosion.