University of Windsor

About: University of Windsor is a education organization based out in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Argumentation theory. The organization has 10654 authors who have published 22307 publications receiving 435906 citations. The organization is also known as: UWindsor & Assumption University of Windsor.

A review on microchannel heat exchangers and potential applications

Abstract: Energy conversion and utilization are continuous but ever increasing processes for sustainability and economic development. Environmental concerns, such as thermal and air pollution, have dictated the practices of energy conservation and recovery, as well as the implementation of clean energy sources. Heat exchangers are an important component for processes where energy conservation is achieved through enhanced heat transfer. Such issues as increased energy demands, space limitations, and materials savings have highlighted the necessity for miniaturized light-weight heat exchangers, which provide high heat transfer for a given heat duty. However, while traditional heat exchangers employ conventional tubes (⩾6 mm) with various cross-sections, orientations, and even the enhanced surface textures, the technology is nearing its limits. Microchannels (broadly ⩽1 mm) represent the next step in heat exchanger development. They are a particular target of research due to their higher heat transfer and reduced weight as well as their space, energy, and materials savings potential over regular tube counterparts. In contrast to traditional tube heat exchangers, the heat transfer and fluid flow correlations, and the systematic design procedures are not yet well established for microchannels. It remains to be established whether the classical fluid flow and heat transfer theories and correlations are valid for microchannels. Numerous investigations are underway with researchers consolidating evidence on both sides of this question. This paper surveys the published literature on the status and potential of microchannels, and it identifies research needs, and defines the scope for long-term research. Based on results from the review, an air-to-liquid crossflow experimental infrastructure has been developed and commissioned. It will be used to investigate the heat transfer and fluid flow for a variety of working fluids in different microchannel test specimens. Further information and the heat balance status of the developed test facility are also presented. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Influence of process parameters on electrolytic plasma discharging behaviour and aluminum oxide coating microstructure

Abstract: In this study, a plasma electrolytic oxidation process (PEO) was used to produce oxide coatings on commercially pure aluminum (Al 1100) at two different current modes, pulsed unipolar and bipolar modes. Optical emission spectroscopy (OES) in the visible and near ultraviolet (NUV) band (285 nm–800 nm) was employed to investigate the PEO plasma. The emission spectra were recorded and plasma temperature profile versus processing time was constructed using line intensity ratios method. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive x-ray analysis (EDS) was used to study the coating microstructure and coating cross section. It was found that the plasma discharge behavior significantly influenced the microstructure and the morphology of the oxide coatings. The main effect came from the strongest discharges which were initiated at the interface between the substrate and the coating. Through manipulation of process parameters to control or reduce the strongest discharge, the density and quality of the coating layers could be modified. This work demonstrated that by adjusting the ratio of the positive to negative pulse currents as well as their timing in order to eliminate the strongest discharges, the quality of the coatings was considerably improved.

Efficacy of Emotion Focused Therapy for Adult Survivors of Child Abuse: A Preliminary Study

Abstract: This study examined the effectiveness of Emotion Focused Therapy with 32 adult survivors (EFT-AS) of childhood abuse (emotional, physical, and sexual). EFT-AS is a 20-week individual psychotherapy based on current emotion theory and experiential therapy theory and research. The study employed a quasi-experimental design in which participants, who met screening criteria, were assigned to therapy or a variably delayed therapy condition. Clients receiving EFT-AS achieved significant improvements in multiple domains of disturbance. Clients in the delayed treatment condition showed minimal improvements over the wait interval but after EFT-AS showed significant improvements comparable to the immediate therapy group. These effects were maintained at 9 months (on average) follow-up.

Development of a Cohesion Questionnaire for Youth: The Youth Sport Environment Questionnaire

Abstract: The purpose of the current study was to initiate the development of a psychometrically sound measure of cohesion for youth sport groups. A series of projects were undertaken in a four-phase research program. The initial phase was designed to garner an understanding of how youth sport group members perceived the concept of cohesion through focus groups (n = 56), open-ended questionnaires (n = 280), and a literature review. In Phase 2, information from the initial projects was used in the development of 142 potential items and content validity was assessed. In Phase 3, 227 participants completed a revised 87-item questionnaire. Principal components analyses further reduced the number of items to 17 and suggested a two-factor structure (i.e., task and social cohesion dimensions). Finally, support for the factorial validity of the resultant questionnaire was provided through confirmatory factor analyses with an independent sample (n = 352) in Phase 4. The final version of the questionnaire contains 16 items that assess task and social cohesion in addition to 2 negatively worded spurious items. Specific issues related to assessing youth perceptions of cohesion are discussed and future research directions are suggested.