Numerical Simulation of a Capillary Pulsating Heat Pipe in Various Gravity Conditions

In the last two decades a new concept of capillary heat pipe without wick structures, commonly known as Pulsating Heat Pipe (PHP), entered the domain of the two-phase passive heat transfer devices. The thermal-hydraulic behavior of this mini-channel with alternate heating and cooling zones, evacuated and partially filled with a working fluid, mainly depends on the interplay between phase change phenomena, capillary and gravity, if present, which may assist or damp the fluid motion. Numerous are the attempts to simulate PHPs complex behavior, but only a few of them are capable of complete thermal-hydraulic simulations; in addition, none is able to predict the effects of various gravity levels. Nevertheless, validated numerical simulations can constitute useful tools to complete and support experimental studies, and to help the design of new and better performing PHPs. Thus, a novel lumped parameters numerical code for the transient thermo-hydraulic simulation of PHPs has been developed and validated. It consists of a two-phase separated flow model where capillary slug flow is assumed a priori. A complete set of balance differential equations accounts for homogeneous and heterogeneous phase-changes, as well as thermal and fluid-dynamic phenomena. This novel model shows a very good quantitative and qualitative prediction capability not only when computing the correct measured equivalent thermal resistance, but even when reproducing the experimental trend of temperature when transient conditions are applied. This paper presents the comparison between numerical and experimental data, for a copper PHP (I.D./O.D. 1.1mm/2.0mm) filled with FC-72 tested experimentally in micro-gravity (58th Parabolic Flight Campaign), and hyper-gravity conditions (ESA SYT!2013 Programme

Smart ECM-based electrospun biomaterials for skeletal muscle regeneration

The development of smart and intelligent regenerative biomaterials for skeletal muscle tissue engineering is an ongoing challenge, owing to the requirement of achieving biomimetic systems able to communicate biological signals and thus promote optimal tissue regeneration. Electrospinning is a well-known technique to produce fibers that mimic the three dimensional microstructural arrangements, down to nanoscale and the properties of the extracellular matrix fibers. Natural and synthetic polymers are used in the electrospinning process; moreover, a blend of them provides composite materials that have demonstrated the potential advantage of supporting cell function and adhesion. Recently, the decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM), which is the noncellular component of tissue that retains relevant biological cues for cells, has been evaluated as a starting biomaterial to realize composite electrospun constructs. The properties of the electrospun systems can be further improved with innovative procedures of functionalization with biomolecules. Among the various approaches, great attention is devoted to the “click” concept in constructing a bioactive system, due to the modularity, orthogonality, and simplicity features of the “click” reactions. In this paper, we first provide an overview of current approaches that can be used to obtain biofunctional composite electrospun biomaterials. Finally, we propose a design of composite electrospun biomaterials suitable for skeletal muscle tissue regeneration

Effects of variable accelerations on a PHP-based cooling system

A PHP is a passive, wickless heat transfer device consisting of a capillary loop, evacuated and partially filled with a working fluid, with alternated heating and cooling zones. The PHP light structure (4kg/m2), flexibility and moderately high heat transfer capability (30W/cm2) are interesting for automotive cooling applications. During their motion, vehicles withstand different speeding-up, which may influence the PHP behavior. The braking and the turning accelerations are the most critical reaching over ±1g for passenger cars, more for sport cars. Therefore, numerical simulations have been carried out to analyze the performances of a stand-alone PHP-based cooling system under transient accelerations

Comparison between circulation patterns associated to frost events in the humid pampa in climatic settings related with the experiments CMIP3 and CMIP5 of the GFDL model

El propósito de este estudio es investigar los cambios en la circulación atmosférica asociados a eventos de heladas en la Pampa Húmeda (PH) en el clima futuro para los escenarios más críticos proyectados por el modelo acoplado oceano-atmósfera GFDL. Se emplea el modelo GFDL en sus dos versiones (GFDL-CM2 para el CMIP3 y GFDL-CM3 para el CMIP5). Se analiza la capacidad del modelo para simular los cinco eventos extremos más fríos en el clima presente (1961-1990), respecto de los obtenidos en el reanálisis del NCEP/NCAR. Luego se comparan las simulaciones del clima futuro (2081-2100) con las del presente. En el experimento CMIP3 del clima presente el modelo muestra una mayor penetración de la isoterma de 0°C en 850 hPa, con anomalías de temperatura negativas más intensas que las del NCEP. El anticiclón pos frontal se observa más extendido meridionalmente sobre el continente, con valores de anomalías similares principalmente en la Pampa Húmeda. El gradiente de presión entre la alta y la baja corriente abajo, provoca un flujo de aire frio del sur más intenso en 850 hPa que en el reanálisis, propiciando heladas del tipo advectivas en la región de estudio. En el clima futuro el modelo proyecta una menor incursión de la isoterma de 0°C y con anomalías negativas de temperatura más pequeñas. El máximo del anticiclón en el futuro se localiza más al norte que en el presente, propiciando heladas del tipo radiativas. En el campo de altura, el jet subtropical se presenta más zonal y con intensidades ligeramente mayores que en las simulaciones del clima presente. Para el experimento CMIP5 en el clima presente el modelo logra simular la incursión de la isoterma de 0°C, pero la anomalía de temperatura es mayor que en el reanálisis. El campo de presión presenta similares características que en el experimento de CMIP3, pero con anomalías más intensas al sur del continente. En el escenario futuro el modelo proyecta la incursión de la isoterma de 0°C, así como la anomalía negativa de temperatura, similares al presente. El anticiclón pos frontal se localiza más al norte, sobrestimando tanto su valor así como su anomalía en la PH. El campo de viento no muestra diferencias respecto del presente. En suma, comparando los dos experimentos, el de CMIP3 en el futuro muestra importantes cambios respecto al presente, lo que no ocurre en el CMIP5. Esos cambios se ven principalmente en el campo de presión, donde para el CMIP3 (CMIP5) las heladas tipo radiativas (advectivas) serían las favorecidas en la Pampa Húmeda debido a la posición del anticiclón.The purpose of this study is to investigate the change in the atmospheric circulation associated with frost events in the Wet Pampa (WP) in the future climate for the most critical scenarios projected by the GFDL ocean-atmosphere coupled model. Two versions of the GFDL model are used, the GFDL-CM2 for CMIP3 and GFDL-CM3 for CMIP5. We analyze the model capability to simulate the five most extreme cold events in the present climate (1961-1990), with respect to those obtained with the NCEP/NCAR Reanalysis. Then, we compare the future climate simulations (2081-2100) with the model simulation for the present climate. For the present climate the CMIP3 experiment presents more penetration of the 0°C isotherm in 850 hPa, intensifying the negative temperature anomalies in comparison to the reanalysis. The postfrontal anticyclone is more meridionally extended over the continent, with similar anomalies to those of the reanalysis, mainly over WP. The gradient between the high pressure and the low pressure downwind creates a more intense southerly cold airflow at 850 hPa than the reanalysis, giving place to advective frosts in the studied region. For the future climate, the model projects less penetration of the 0°C isotherm and less intense negative temperature anomalies. The anticyclone maximum is located further north than in the present climate, propitiating radiative frosts. In the upper levels, the subtropical jet shows a more zonally layout and slightly higher intensity than in the present climate simulations. For the present climate the CMIP5 experiment simulates well the incursion of the 0°C isotherm, although with a more intense temperature anomaly in comparison to the reanalysis. The pressure field presents similar characteristics to those shown in the CMIP3 experiment, but with larger anomalies in the southern part of the continent. For the future scenario, the model projects the 0°C isotherm incursion as well as the negative temperature anomalies similar to the present. The post frontal anticyclone is located further north, overestimating its value and the anomaly over WP. The wind field is similar to the present simulation. Summarizing the results of both experiments, the future projections with CMIP3 show significant changes with respect to the present, which is not the case with the CMIP5 experiment. These changes are mainly reflected in the pressure field, in which the position of the anticyclone in CMIP3 (CMIP5) would favor radiative (advective) frosts over WP.Asociación Argentina de Geofísicos y Geodesta

Sensitivity Analysis of a Capillary Pulsating Heat Pipe: Influence of the Tube Characteristics

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EFFECT OF HABITAT AND FORAGING HEIGHT ON BAT ACTIVITY IN THE COASTAL PLAIN OF SOUTH CAROLINA

Double-crested cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus) populations on the Great Lakes expanded greatly during the past 2 decades. On Lake Erie, the number of breeding cormorants increased from 174 birds (87 nests) in 1979 to 26,542 (13,271 nests) in 2000. In 2000, 81% of the breeding population was on 2 western-basin islands (East Sister and Middle Islands). The plant communities on these islands represent some of the last remnants of Carolinian vegetation in Canada. Our study is the first to quantitatively assess the relationship between the distribution of nesting cormorants and forest health. On East Sister Island, 2 measures of forest cover were obtained using infrared aerial photographs and ground-based measurements of leaf area index. These measures of forest cover were correlated (rs = 0.70, P < 0.001), which validated the use of remotely sensed data to assess forest cover. Cormorant nest density was negatively correlated with tree cover on both East Sister and Middle Islands. Temporal comparisons of Middle Island data indicated a reduction in tree cover from 1995 to 2001, and these reductions coincided with a large increase in the island's cormorant population. Although correlational in nature, our results suggest that cormorants may be detrimentally affecting island forests

Limitations of Water Resources Infrastructure for Reducing Community Vulnerabilities to Extremes and Uncertainty of Flood and Drought

Debate and deliberation surrounding climate change has shifted from mitigation toward adaptation, with much of the adaptation focus centered on adaptive practices, and infrastructure development. However, there is little research assessing expected impacts, potential benefits, and design challenges that exist for reducing vulnerability to expected climate impacts. The uncertainty of design requirements and associated government policies, and social structures that reflect observed and projected changes in the intensity, duration, and frequency of water-related climate events leaves communities vulnerable to the negative impacts of potential flood and drought. The results of international research into how agricultural infrastructure features in current and planned adaptive capacity of rural communities in Argentina, Canada, and Colombia indicate that extreme hydroclimatic events, as well as climate variability and unpredictability are important for understanding and responding to community vulnerability. The research outcomes clearly identify the need to deliberately plan, coordinate, and implement infrastructures that support community resiliency.Fil: McMartin, Dena W.. University of Regina; CanadáFil: Hernani Merino, Bruno H.. University of Regina; CanadáFil: Bonsal, Barrie. Environment Canada; CanadáFil: Hurlbert, Margot. University of Regina; CanadáFil: Villalba, Ricardo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Regional de Investigaciones Cientifícas y Tecnológicas; ArgentinaFil: Ocampo, Olga L.. Universidad Autónoma de Manizales; ColombiaFil: Upegui, Jorge Julián Vélez. Universidad Nacional de Colombia; ColombiaFil: Poveda, Germán. Universidad Nacional de Colombia; ColombiaFil: Sauchyn, David J.. University of Regina; Canad

Infection of Semen-Producing Organs by SIV during the Acute and Chronic Stages of the Disease

International audienceBACKGROUND: Although indirect evidence suggests the male genital tract as a possible source of persistent HIV shedding in semen during antiretroviral therapy, this phenomenon is poorly understood due to the difficulty of sampling semen-producing organs in HIV+ asymptomatic individuals. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Using a range of molecular and cell biological techniques, this study investigates SIV infection within reproductive organs of macaques during the acute and chronic stages of the disease. We demonstrate for the first time the presence of SIV in the testes, epididymides, prostate and seminal vesicles as early as 14 days post-inoculation. This infection persists throughout the chronic stage and positively correlates with blood viremia. The prostate and seminal vesicles appear to be the most efficiently infected reproductive organs, followed by the epididymides and testes. Within the male genital tract, mostly T lymphocytes and a small number of germ cells harbour SIV antigens and RNA. In contrast to the other organs studied, the testis does not display an immune response to the infection. Testosteronemia is transiently increased during the early phase of the infection but spermatogenesis remains unaffected. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: The present study reveals that SIV infection of the macaque male genital tract is an early event and that semen-producing organs display differential infection levels and immune responses. These results help elucidate the origin of HIV in semen and constitute an essential base to improving the design of antiretroviral therapies to eradicate virus from semen