Horizontal-axis tidal turbine blade loading for multi-frequency oscillatory motion

This paper presents results from an experimental study which analysed the hydrodynamic response of the out-of-plane blade root bending moment for a horizontal-axis turbine exposed to multi-frequency oscillatory motion. Estimates of the amplitude and phase agree well with those for single frequency oscillatory motion, which suggests that a model based on the principles of linear superposition is applicable. When minor flow separation is experienced, linear superposition is likely to offer conservative estimates. The findings are likely to be of interest to designers of turbines deployed in tidal streams, rivers or canals, and who are seeking low computational approaches for assessing the dynamic blade loads

Tidal turbine blade load experiments for oscillatory motion

This paper presents blade root bending moment measurements of a horizontal-axis tidal turbine for planar oscillatory motion, conducted in a stationary water towing tank. By comparing the measurements with quasi-steady reconstructions for both single and multiple frequency oscillatory motion, the bending moment was shown to be sensitive to both frequency and amplitude, as well as to the mean tip-speed ratio. The unsteady loads associated with the separation of the flow and dynamic stall are shown to be of considerably greater importance than those which are already present for attached flow, such as added mass and dynamic inflow. A linear model fit to the unsteady bending moment also indicates that the inertia contribution is relatively small. For cases where attached flow exists over the majority of the load cycle, these reconstruction methods are likely to be sufficient to obtain a reasonable prediction of the root out-of-plane bending moment. However, turbines whose blades are likely to operate near stall are likely to require more complex models for accurate load predictions to mitigate the risk of fatigue failure

The characterisation of the hydrodynamic loads on tidal turbines due to turbulence

An improved characterisation of the hydrodynamic blade loads due to onset turbulence is essential in order to mitigate premature failures, reduce excessive levels of conservativeness and ultimately ensure the commercial viability of tidal turbines. The literature focussing on the turbulence in fast flowing tidal streams and of the unsteady loads that are subsequently imparted to rotors has previously been very limited. However, increased activity in the tidal energy community has led to new investigations and insights which are reported in this paper. It has been found that through the use of acoustic Doppler-based sensors, the streamwise turbulence intensities generally tend to a value of approximately 6–8% at the mid-depth of proposed tidal energy sites. Evidence that the anisotropic structure and scales of the turbulence are more consistent with open-channel-based models than atmospheric-based correlations has also been found. Rapid distortion theory has been applied to estimate that the standard deviation of the streamwise turbulent velocity fluctuations in the onset free-stream flow may be amplified significantly by 15% due to the presence of a turbine. The turbulent fluctuations have also been predicted to remain well correlated over the outer span of the blades at the rotational frequency of the rotor. Recent model-scale experiments have enabled the unsteady hydrodynamic loading to be isolated from the steady-flow loading. For cases where the boundary layer remains primarily attached across the blades, this has enabled linear transfer functions to be developed and applied to model the response to a multi-frequency forcing. It has also been found that phenomena consistent with delayed separation and dynamic stall can result in a blade root bending moment that exceeds the steady value by 25%, and this needs to be taken into account in design to reduce the probability of failure

Novel Biomarkers and the Future Potential of Biomarkers in Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

There is increasing importance placed upon noninvasive assessment of gut inflammation. These tools are likely to be the key in differentiating intestinal inflammatory disease from functional disorders and in monitoring the response to intervention in individuals with known inflammatory conditions. Although various noninvasive markers are currently available, they have limitations and do not provide ideal utility. This review focuses on emerging markers of gut inflammation, highlighting the potential of specific markers

Blade loads on tidal turbines in planar oscillatory flow

Characterisation of the unsteady hydrodynamic loads is essential for accurate predictions of the fatigue life and ultimate loads of tidal turbine blades. This paper analyses a set of experimental tests of the hydrodynamic blade root out-of-plane bending moment response to planar oscillatory motion, chosen as an idealised representation of the unsteadiness imparted by waves and turbulence. Phenomena associated with dynamic stall are observed which are sensitive to the oscillatory frequency and velocity amplitude. Flow separation is shown to result in loads significantly greater in magnitude than that for steady flow. Following flow reattachment, the load cycles compare relatively well with Theodorsen’s theory for a two-dimensional foil oscillating in heave, suggesting that circulation due to the shed wake dominates the unsteadiness in phase with acceleration, over added mass effects. For attached flow, the effect of unsteadiness is comparatively much smaller. At low frequencies a phase lead over the velocity is observed, compared to a lag at higher frequencies. Multiple frequency oscillations are also briefly considered. Reconstruction of the multi-frequency response using both the steady flow measurements, and the single frequency measured response, is shown to offer a relatively good fit when the flow is attached, for lower frequency combination

PRECISE - pregabalin in addition to usual care for sciatica: Study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

Background: Sciatica is a type of neuropathic pain that is characterised by pain radiating into the leg. It is often accompanied by low back pain and neurological deficits in the lower limb. While this condition may cause significant suffering for the individual, the lack of evidence supporting effective treatments for sciatica makes clinical management difficult. Our objectives are to determine the efficacy of pregabalin on reducing leg pain intensity and its cost-effectiveness in patients with sciatica.Methods/Design: PRECISE is a prospectively registered, double-blind, randomised placebo-controlled trial of pregabalin compared to placebo, in addition to usual care. Inclusion criteria include moderate to severe leg pain below the knee with evidence of nerve root/spinal nerve involvement. Participants will be randomised to receive either pregabalin with usual care (n = 102) or placebo with usual care (n = 102) for 8 weeks. The medicine dosage will be titrated up to the participant's optimal dose, to a maximum 600 mg per day. Follow up consultations will monitor individual progress, tolerability and adverse events. Usual care, if deemed appropriate by the study doctor, may include a referral for physical or manual therapy and/or prescription of analgesic medication. Participants, doctors and researchers collecting participant data will be blinded to treatment allocation. Participants will be assessed at baseline and at weeks 2, 4, 8, 12, 26 and 52. The primary outcome will determine the efficacy of pregabalin in reducing leg pain intensity. Secondary outcomes will include back pain intensity, disability and quality of life. Data analysis will be blinded and by intention-to-treat. A parallel economic evaluation will be conducted from health sector and societal perspectives.Discussion: This study will establish the efficacy of pregabalin in reducing leg pain intensity in patients with sciatica and provide important information regarding the effect of pregabalin treatment on disability and quality of life. The impact of this research may allow the future development of a cost-effective conservative treatment strategy for patients with sciatica.Trial registration: ClinicalTrial.gov, ACTRN 12613000530729

Lifetime distributions in the methods of non-equilibrium statistical operator and superstatistics

A family of non-equilibrium statistical operators is introduced which differ by the system age distribution over which the quasi-equilibrium (relevant) distribution is averaged. To describe the nonequilibrium states of a system we introduce a new thermodynamic parameter - the lifetime of a system. Superstatistics, introduced in works of Beck and Cohen [Physica A \textbf{322}, (2003), 267] as fluctuating quantities of intensive thermodynamical parameters, are obtained from the statistical distribution of lifetime (random time to the system degeneracy) considered as a thermodynamical parameter. It is suggested to set the mixing distribution of the fluctuating parameter in the superstatistics theory in the form of the piecewise continuous functions. The distribution of lifetime in such systems has different form on the different stages of evolution of the system. The account of the past stages of the evolution of a system can have a substantial impact on the non-equilibrium behaviour of the system in a present time moment.Comment: 18 page

Refining and regaining skills in fixation/diversification stage performers: The Five-A Model

Technical change is one of many factors underpinning success in elite, fixation/diversification stage performers. Surprisingly, however, there is a dearth of research pertaining to this process or the most efficacious methods used to bring about such a change. In this paper we highlight the emergent processes, yet also the lack in mechanistic comprehension surrounding technical change, addressing issues within the motor control, sport psychology, coaching and choking literature. More importantly, we seek an understanding of how these changes can be made more secure to competitive pressure, and how this can be embedded within the process of technical change. Following this review, we propose The Five-A Model based on successful coaching techniques, psychosocial concomitants, the avoidance of choking and principles of effective behaviour change. Specific mechanisms for each stage are discussed, with a focus on the use of holistic rhythm-based cues as a possible way of internalising changes. Finally, we suggest the need for further research to examine these five stages, to aid a more comprehensive construction of the content and delivery of such a programme within the applied setting