Showing papers by "Christopher J. Elkins published in 2016"

Three-dimensional flow field around and downstream of a subscale model rotating vertical axis wind turbine

Abstract: Three-dimensional, three-component mean velocity fields have been measured around and downstream of a scale model vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) operated at tip speed ratios (TSRs) of 1.25 and 2.5, in addition to a non-rotating case. The five-bladed turbine model has an aspect ratio (height/diameter) of 1 and is operated in a water tunnel at a Reynolds number based on turbine diameter of 11,600. Velocity fields are acquired using magnetic resonance velocimetry (MRV) at an isotropic resolution of 1/50 of the turbine diameter. Mean flow reversal is observed immediately behind the turbine for cases with rotation. The turbine wake is highly three-dimensional and asymmetric throughout the investigated region, which extends up to 7 diameters downstream. A vortex pair, generated at the upwind-turning side of the turbine, plays a dominant role in wake dynamics by entraining faster fluid from the freestream and aiding in wake recovery. The higher TSR case shows a larger region of reverse flow and greater asymmetry in the near wake of the turbine, but faster wake recovery due to the increase in vortex pair strength with increasing TSR. The present measurement technique also provides detailed information about flow in the vicinity of the turbine blades and within the turbine rotor. The details of the flow field around VAWTs and in their wakes can inform the design of high-density VAWT wind farms, where wake interaction between turbines is a principal consideration.

Local Stent-Based Release of Transforming Growth Factor–β1 Limits Arterial In-Stent Restenosis

Abstract: The long-term success of intra-arterial stenting remains limited by in-stent restenosis (ISR). Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) can inhibit smooth muscle cell (SMC) proliferation and migration and convert SMCs into extracellular matrix (ECM)-synthesizing cells. Here, we evaluate the effects of stent-based delivery of TGF-β1 on ISR in a rabbit model. Channeled stents loaded with TGF-β1 or control microspheres were deployed in rabbit aortas. Stented aortas were harvested at 7 and 28 d and evaluated for Ki-67-positive cells, collagenous ECM production, and intima-to-media (I/M) ratio. At 7 d, the TGF-β1 group exhibited fewer Ki-67-positive cells were found for the TGF-β1 group (17.87 ± 2.18 cells per mm(2)) relative to control (25.07 ± 2.65 cells per mm(2), p = 0.04), but increased collagen content (31.4 ± 2.5 percentage area) compared with control (29.3 ± 1.2 percentage area, p = 0.019). The I/M ratio in the TGF-β1 group was reduced by 50% and 9.1% versus control at 7 d (0.13 ± 0.02 vs. 0.26 ± 0.02, p = 0.0001) and 28 d (1.80 ± 0.05 vs. 1.98 ± 0.08, p = 0.0038), respectively. Stent-based controlled release of TGF-β1 limits ISR and is associated with inhibition of SMC proliferation but an increase in ECM production.