Showing papers on "Nozzle published in 2014"

Mixed acoustic–entropy combustion instabilities in gas turbines

Abstract: A combustion instability in a combustor terminated by a nozzle is analysed and modelled based on a low-order Helmholtz solver. A large eddy simulation (LES) of the corresponding turbulent, compressible and reacting flow is first performed and analysed based on dynamic mode decomposition (DMD). The mode with the highest amplitude shares the same frequency of oscillation as the experiment (approximately 320 Hz) and shows the presence of large entropy spots generated within the combustion chamber and convected down to the exit nozzle. The lowest purely acoustic mode being in the range 700–750 Hz, it is postulated that the instability observed around 320 Hz stems from a mixed entropy–acoustic mode, where the acoustic generation associated with entropy spots being convected throughout the choked nozzle plays a key role. The DMD analysis allows one to extract from the LES results a low-order model that confirms that the mechanism of the low-frequency combustion instability indeed involves both acoustic and convected entropy waves. The delayed entropy coupled boundary condition (DECBC) (Motheau, Selle & Nicoud, J. Sound Vib., vol. 333, 2014, pp. 246–262) is implemented into a numerical Helmholtz solver where the baseline flow is assumed at rest. When fed with appropriate transfer functions to model the entropy generation and convection from the flame to the exit, the Helmholtz/DECBC solver predicts the presence of an unstable mode around 320 Hz, in agreement with both LES and experiments.

Ultra-high-speed 3D astigmatic particle tracking velocimetry: application to particle-laden supersonic impinging jets

Abstract: The paper demonstrates ultra-high-speed three-component, three-dimensional (3C3D) velocity measurements of micron-sized particles suspended in a supersonic impinging jet flow. Understanding the dynamics of individual particles in such flows is important for the design of particle impactors for drug delivery or cold gas dynamic spray processing. The underexpanded jet flow is produced via a converging nozzle, and micron-sized particles (d p = 110 μm) are introduced into the gas flow. The supersonic jet impinges onto a flat surface, and the particle impact velocity and particle impact angle are studied for a range of flow conditions and impingement distances. The imaging system consists of an ultra-high-speed digital camera (Shimadzu HPV-1) capable of recording rates of up to 1 Mfps. Astigmatism particle tracking velocimetry (APTV) is used to measure the 3D particle position (Cierpka et al., Meas Sci Technol 21(045401):13, 2010) by coding the particle depth location in the 2D images by adding a cylindrical lens to the high-speed imaging system. Based on the reconstructed 3D particle positions, the particle trajectories are obtained via a higher-order tracking scheme that takes advantage of the high temporal resolution to increase robustness and accuracy of the measurement. It is shown that the particle velocity and impingement angle are affected by the gas flow in a manner depending on the nozzle pressure ratio and stand-off distance where higher pressure ratios and stand-off distances lead to higher impact velocities and larger impact angles.

Welding training systems and devices

Abstract: A welding tool includes a first handle and a second handle. The welding tool also includes a torch nozzle holder configured to hold a nozzle of a welding torch therein, and to block the nozzle from extending therethrough. The welding tool includes a blade assembly positioned a predetermined distance from the torch nozzle holder. The blade assembly is configured to cut welding wire extending through the blade assembly to calibrate wire stickout from the welding torch to the predetermined distance.

Flame and Flow Topologies in an Annular Swirling Flow

Abstract: This article describes an investigation of flame shapes and flow configurations in a premixed, swirl-stabilized dump combustor. High swirl, annular nozzle flows of this nature enable a variety of different flame configurations and heat release distributions with their associated flow fields. These differences are significant, since each of these configurations, in turn, has different thermoacoustic sensitivities and influences on combustor emissions, nozzle lifetime, and liner heating. These different configurations arise because multiple flame stabilization locations are present, associated with the inner and outer shear layers of the annulus, and the stagnation point of the vortex breakdown region. We present results from high-speed luminosity imaging, particle image velocimetry (PIV), and OH-planar laser induced fluorescence (PLIF) to illustrate time-averaged and instantaneous flame shapes and flow fields associated with the different configuration “families.” Selected cases are compared with large edd...

An experimental investigation of a R-134a ejector refrigeration system

Abstract: The present study reports the results of an investigation of an ejector refrigeration system working with refrigerant R-134a, aiming at the enhancement of the pressure recovery. The critical condition has been determined for three mixing chambers of equal internal diameter but different profiles and for several stagnation conditions of primary and secondary fluid. The influence of both the nozzle longitudinal position and the vapor superheating of the primary and secondary fluid stagnation states on the mass ratio has also been reported. Experimental results have shown a negligible performance increment of the new mixing chamber designs, “B” and “C”, with respect to a standard design one, “A”, with the mixing chamber “C” underperforming the other two over all the performed tests. A new performance parameter has been introduced being defined as the ratio between experimental and a 2nd law based theoretical mass ratio.

Transient Asymmetric Flow and Bubble Transport Inside a Slab Continuous-Casting Mold

Abstract: A one third scale water model experiment was conducted to observe the asymmetric flow and vortexing flow inside a slab continuous-casting mold. Dye-injection experiment was used to show the evolution of the transient flow pattern in the liquid pool without and with gas injection. The spread of the dye was not symmetric about the central plane. The flow pattern inside the mold was not stationary. The black sesames were injected into water to visualize the vortexing flow pattern on the top surface. The changes of shape and location of single vortex and two vortices with time had been observed during experiments. Plant ultrasonic testing (UT) of slabs was used to analyze the slab defects distribution, which indicated that the defects are intermittent and asymmetric. A mathematical model has been developed to analyze the time-dependent flow using the realistic geometries, which includes the submerged entry nozzle (SEN), actual mold, and part of the secondary cooling zone. The transient turbulent flow of molten steel inside the mold has been simulated using the large eddy simulation computational approach. Simulation results agree acceptably well with the water model experimentally observed and plant UT results. The oscillating motions of jet and the turbulence naturally promote the asymmetric flow even without the effects of slide gate nozzle or the existence of clogs inside the SEN. The periodic behavior of transient fluid flow in the mold is identified and characterized. The vortexing flow is resulted from asymmetric flow in the liquid pool. The vortices are located at the low-velocity side adjacent to the SEN, and the positions and sizes are different. Finally, the model is applied to investigate the influence of bubble size and casting speed on the time-dependent bubble distribution and removal fraction from the top surface inside the mold.

Numerical and experimental investigation on nozzle parameters for R410A ejector air conditioning system

Abstract: The experimental and numerical study on R410A air conditioning system with two-phase ejector were presented in this paper. An adjustable liquid–gas ejector based on a two-phase flow simulation model was designed and manufactured for experiment in the R410A air conditioning system. Both throat diameter ( D nt ) and position ( D nm ) of nozzle were studied under the given conditions. The experimental results showed that D nt of 1 mm and D nm of 4 mm yielded the best ejector efficiency and system EER. Nozzles with different D nt and the adjustable ejector were also studied under different conditions. The experimental results showed that the ejector with adjustable nozzle can meet the requirements of different operation conditions. It was very useful for the future application of ejector in the air conditioning system.

Experimental results with a variable geometry ejector using R600a as working fluid

Abstract: Experimental results with the first laboratory scale variable geometry ejector (VGE) using isobutane (R600a) are presented. Two geometrical factors, the area ratio and the nozzle exit position, can be actively controlled. The control of the area ratio is achieved by a movable spindle installed in the primary nozzle. The influence of the spindle position (SP) and condenser pressure on ejector performance are studied. The results indicate very good ejector performance for a generator and evaporator temperature of 83 °C and 9 °C, respectively. COP varied between 0.4 and 0.8, depending on operating conditions. The existence of an optimal SP, depending on the back pressure, is identified. A comparison of the benefit of applying the variable geometry design over a fixed geometry configuration is assessed. For example, for a condenser pressure of 3 bar, an 80% increase in the COP was obtained when compared to the performance of a fixed geometry ejector.

Pinch-off of non-axisymmetric vortex rings

Abstract: The formation and pinch-off of non-axisymmetric vortex rings is considered experimentally. Vortex rings are generated using a non-circular piston–cylinder arrangement, and the resulting velocity fields are measured using digital particle image velocimetry. Three different nozzle geometries are considered: an elliptical nozzle with an aspect ratio of two, an elliptical nozzle with an aspect ratio of four and an oval nozzle constructed from tangent circular arcs. The formation of vortices from the three nozzles is analysed by means of the vorticity and circulation, as well as by investigation of the Lagrangian coherent structures in the flow. The results indicate that, in all three nozzles, the maximum circulation the vortex can attain is determined by the equivalent diameter of the nozzle: the diameter of a circular nozzle of identical cross-sectional area. In addition, the time at which the vortex rings pinch off is found to be constant along the nozzle contours, and independent of relative variations in the local curvature. A formation number for this class of vortex rings is defined based on the equivalent diameter of the nozzle, and the formation number for vortex rings of the three geometries considered is found to lie in the range of 3–4. The implications of the relative shape and local curvature independence of the formation number on the study and modelling of naturally occurring vortex rings such as those that appear in biological flows is discussed.

Comparison of Mixture and Multifluid Models for In-Nozzle Cavitation Prediction

Abstract: Fuel injectors often feature cavitation because of large pressure gradients, which in some regions lead to extremely low pressures. The main objective of this work is to compare the prediction capabilities of two multiphase flow approaches for modeling cavitation in small nozzles, like those used in high-pressure diesel or gasoline fuel injectors. Numerical results are assessed against quantitative high resolution experimental data collected at Argonne National Laboratory using synchrotron X-ray radiography of a model nozzle. One numerical approach uses a homogeneous mixture model with the volume of fluid (VOF) method, in which phase change is modeled via the homogeneous relaxation model (HRM). The second approach is based on the multifluid nonhomogeneous model and uses the Rayleigh bubble-dynamics model to account for cavitation. Both models include three components, i.e., liquid, vapor, and air, and the flow is compressible. Quantitatively, the amount of void predicted by the multifluid model is in good agreement with measurements, while the mixture model overpredicts the values. Qualitatively, void regions look similar and compare well with the experimental measurements. Grid converged results have been achieved for the prediction of mass flow rate while grid-convergence for void fraction is still an open point. Simulation results indicate that most of the vapor is produced at the nozzle entrance. In addition, downstream along the centerline, void due to expansion of noncondensable gases has been identified. The paper also includes a discussion about the effect of turbulent pressure fluctuations on cavitation inception.

Fluid-dispensing head for a 3D printer

Abstract: A head assembly for an extrusion-based 3D printer includes: a fluid-dispensing head having a manifold and at least two fluid-dispensing nozzles, of different sizes, which are mounted in communication with a melt chamber in a manifold. Outlets of each nozzle are closed by respective valve members. A rocker serves both to pivot the nozzles to their lowermost nozzle-operating position and to actuate the valve members, for ready switching between the valves, such that the smaller nozzle can be used for high resolution work, and the larger nozzle can be used for bulk infill.