FEDSM2006-98021 A MEAN-FIELD FREE-ENERGY LATTICE BOLTZMANN MODEL FOR LIQUID-VAPOR INTERFACES

ABSTRACT A nonlocal pressure equation is proposed for liquid-vapor interfaces based on mean-field theory. The new nonlocal pressure equation is shown to be a generalized form of the nonlocal pressure equation of the van der Waals theory or the "squaregradient theory". The proposed nonlocal pressure is implemented in the mean-field free-energy lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) proposed b

Passive Energy Recapture in Jellyfish Contributes to Propulsive Advantage over other Metazoans

Gelatinous zooplankton populations are well known for their ability to take over perturbed ecosystems. The ability of these animals to outcompete and functionally replace fish that exhibit an effective visual predatory mode is counterintuitive because jellyfish are described as inefficient swimmers that must rely on direct contact with prey to feed. We show that jellyfish exhibit a unique mechanism of passive energy recapture, which is exploited to allow them to travel 30% further each swimming cycle, thereby reducing metabolic energy demand by swimming muscles. By accounting for large interspecific differences in net metabolic rates, we demonstrate, contrary to prevailing views, that the jellyfish (Aurelia aurita) is one of the most energetically efficient propulsors on the planet, exhibiting a cost of transport (joules per kilogram per meter) lower than other metazoans. We estimate that reduced metabolic demand by passive energy recapture improves the cost of transport by 48%, allowing jellyfish to achieve the large sizes required for sufficient prey encounters. Pressure calculations, using both computational fluid dynamics and a newly developed method from empirical velocity field measurements, demonstrate that this extra thrust results from positive pressure created by a vortex ring underneath the bell during the refilling phase of swimming. These results demonstrate a physical basis for the ecological success of medusan swimmers despite their simple body plan. Results from this study also have implications for bioinspired design, where low-energy propulsion is required

HT2008-56155 EFFECTS OF SYNGAS ASH PARTICLE SIZE ON DEPOSITION AND EROSION OF A FILM COOLED LEADING EDGE

Abstract The paper investigates the deposition and erosion caused by Syngas ash particles in a film cooled leading edge region of a representative turbine vane. The carrier phase is predicted using Large Eddy Simulation for three blowing ratios of 0.4, 0.8 and 1.2. Three ash particle sizes of 1, 5, and 10 microns are investigated using Lagrangian dynamics. The 1 micron particles with momentum Stokes number St = 0.03 (based on approach velocity and cylinder diameter), follow the flow streamlines around the leading edge and few particles reach the blade surface. The 10 micron particles, on the other hand with a high momentum Stokes number, St = 3, directly impinge on the surface, with blowing ratio having a minimal effect. The 5 micron particles with St = 0.8, show the largest receptivity to coolant flow and blowing ratio. On a number basis, 85-90% of the 10 micron particles, 40-50% of 5 micron particles and less than 1% of 1 micron particles deposit on the surface. Overall there is a slight decrease in percentage of particles deposited with increase in blowing ratio. On the other hand, the potential for erosive wear is highest in the coolant hole and is mostly attributed to 5 micron particles. It is only at B.R.=1.2 that 10 micron particles contribute to erosive wear in the coolant hole

Experimental and Numerical Investigation of Convective Heat Transfer in a Gas Turbine Can Combustor

ABSTRACT Experiments and numerical computations are performed to investigate the convective heat transfer characteristics of a gas turbine can combustor under cold flow conditions in a Reynolds number range between 50,000 and 500,000 with a characteristic swirl number of 0.7. It is observed that the flow field in the combustor is characterized by an expanding swirling flow which impinges on the liner wall close to the inlet of the combustor. The impinging shear layer is responsible for the peak location of heat transfer augmentation. It is observed that as Reynolds number increases from 50,000 to 500,000, the peak heat transfer augmentation ratio (compared to fully-developed pipe flow) reduces from 10.5 to 2.75. This is attributed to the reduction in normalized turbulent kinetic energy in the impinging shear layer which is strongly dependent on the swirl number that remains constant at 0.7 with Reynolds number. Additionally, the peak location does not change with Reynolds number since the flow structure in the combustor is also a function of the swirl number. The size of the corner recirculation zone near the combustor liner remains the same for all Reynolds numbers and hence the location of shear layer impingement and peak augmentation does not change