Numerical investigation of the thermal stratification in cryogenic tanks subjected to wall heat flux

The flow pattern and thermal stratification of a cryogenic cylindrical tank are numerically studied. The tank sidewall is subjected to either a uniform heat-flux or two discrete levels of uniform heat-flux at the upper and lower halves of the tank wall. The tank bottom is kept at a constant temperature controlled by the heat exchanger of a thermodynamic vent system. The tank pressure is also assumed constant resulting in a constant saturation temperature at the interface which is higher than the tank bottom temperature. The effects of vapor motion and vapor superheat on the mass and heat transfer processes at the interface are assumed negligible such that the calculations of liquid region can be decoupled from the vapor region. Dimensionless steady-state conservation equations are solved by a finite-difference method. The effects of modified Rayleigh number, Prandtl number, tank aspect ratio, wall heat-flux parameter, and wall heat-flux distribution on the liquid velocity and temperature fields are investigated. Also, their effects on the rate of heat transfer through the interface and the tank bottom are examined

Vapor condensation on liquid surface due to laminar jet-induced mixing: The effects of system parameters

The effects of system parameters on the interface condensation rate in a laminar jet induced mixing tank are numerically studied. The physical system consists of a partially filled cylindrical tank with a slightly subcooled jet discharged from the center of the tank bottom toward the liquid-vapor interface which is at a saturation temperature corresponding to the constant tank pressure. Liquid is also withdrawn from the outer part of the tank bottom to maintain the constant liquid level. The jet velocity is selected to be low enough such that the free surface is approximately flat. The effect of vapor superheat is assumed to be negligible. Therefore, the interface condensation rate can be determined from the resulting temperature field in the liquid region alone. The nondimensional form of the steady state conservation equations are solved by a finite difference method for various system parameters including liquid height to tank diameter ratio, tank to jet diameter ratio, liquid inflow to outflow area ratio, and a heat leak parameter which characterizes the uniform wall heat flux. Detailed analyses based on the numerical solutions are performed and simplified equations are suggested for the prediction of condensation rate

Buoyancy effects on the vapor condensation rate on a horizontal liquid surface

The results are presented of a numerical study of the effects of buoyancy on the direct condensation of saturated or nearly saturated vapor on a horizontal liquid surface in a cylindrical tank. The liquid motion beneath the liquid-vapor interface is induced by an axisymmetric laminar jet of subcooled liquid. Analysis and numerical results show that the dominant parameter which determines the influence of buoyancy on the condensation rate is the Richardson number. However, the effect of buoyancy on the condensation rate cannot be quantified in terms of the Richardson number alone. The critical value of the Richardson number below which the condensation rate is not significantly reduced depends on the Reynolds number as well as the Prandtl number

Prism coupling measurement of benzocyclobutene (BCB 4024-40) polymer for optical devices application

Prism coupling method is employed in the characterization process of BenzoCyclobutene (BCB 4024-40) polymer slab structure. This method is used to characterize the polymer refractive index, variation of film thickness with spin coating speed and average value of polymer loss. The information obtained is appreciably useful, particularly in the actual design of optical waveguides and devices based on BCB 4024-40 polymer material

Axisymmetric confined turbulent jet directed towards the liquid surface from below

A numerical simulation is presented of an axisymmetric turbulent jet discharging axially from below into a cylindrical tank and directed towards the liquid vapor interface. The liquid vapor interface is assumed to be flat and shear free. The k-epsilon turbulence model is used to calculate the eddy viscosity. The turbulence intensity distribution and the length scale associated with the k-epsilon model are calculated as functions of jet flow rates and systems parameters. Numerical results are compared with appropriate experimental data. The problems associated with the free surface boundary conditions for the turbulent quantities are discussed

Degradation of cellulose by Aspergillus sp Trichoderma koninggii, and Myriococcum sp.

Culture filtrates obtained from Aspergillus sp, Trichoderma koningii and Myriococcum sp were shown to be active in degrading cotton wool and filter paper. The optimum temperature for growth for Aspergillus sp and T. Koningii occurred at 37° while that of Myriococcum at 45°-50°C. Optimum temperature for activity was recorded as 45° C for T. koningii and 40° C for Aspergillus sp and Myriococcum sp; the pH optima occurred at pH 5.0, 4.0 and 7.0 respectively. The action of these organisms on various cellulosic wastes was tested and pineapple waste was the most amenable to degradation. Synergistical studies using crude enzyme extracts indicated only a small increase in enzyme activity (40%)

Survival Analyses for Bridge Decks in Northern United States

The use of deicing salts in northern regions of the United States is a major contributor to the long-term deterioration of bridge decks. In this study, the 2008 U.S. National Bridge Inventory (NBI) records were used to develop survival models for non-reconstructed bridge decks in six northern states of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York. The hypertabastic accelerated failure model was used to develop survival (reliability) and hazard (failure rate) functions for all six states. The NBI parameters included were the deck rating, type of superstructure (concrete or steel), deck surface area, age, and average daily traffic (ADT). A recorded NBI deck rating of 5 was considered to be the end of service life. Results show that ADT and deck surface area are both important factors affecting reliability and failure rates in all six states studied. In general, deck reliability and failure rates correspond reasonably well with qualitative measure of the harshness of each state’s winters. The type of superstructure has a varied influence in different states. It is recommended that deck area and ADT be considered as important factors when planning maintenance operations