Improved three-dimensional color-gradient lattice Boltzmann model for immiscible multiphase flows

In this paper, an improved three-dimensional color-gradient lattice Boltzmann (LB) model is proposed for simulating immiscible multiphase flows. Compared with the previous three-dimensional color-gradient LB models, which suffer from the lack of Galilean invariance and considerable numerical errors in many cases owing to the error terms in the recovered macroscopic equations, the present model eliminates the error terms and therefore improves the numerical accuracy and enhances the Galilean invariance. To validate the proposed model, numerical simulation are performed. First, the test of a moving droplet in a uniform flow field is employed to verify the Galilean invariance of the improved model. Subsequently, numerical simulations are carried out for the layered two-phase flow and three-dimensional Rayleigh-Taylor instability. It is shown that, using the improved model, the numerical accuracy can be significantly improved in comparison with the color-gradient LB model without the improvements. Finally, the capability of the improved color-gradient LB model for simulating dynamic multiphase flows at a relatively large density ratio is demonstrated via the simulation of droplet impact on a solid surface.Comment: 9 Figure

Fluid Flow Modeling of a Gas-induced Pulsating Flow Bubble Column

A three-dimensional (3D) Euler-Euler gas-liquid two-phase mathematical model was developed for simulating the local transient fluid flow in a gas-induced pulsating flow bubble column using computational fluid dynamic (CFD) method, with multiple size group (MUSIG) model implemented to predict the bubble size distribution. Model simulated results such as local transient axial liquid velocities and time-averaged liquid turbulent kinetic energy distributions were validated successfully by corresponding experimental measurements under varied operating conditions, i.e. pulsating amplitudes and frequencies. It was found that the liquid turbulent kinetic energy increased with the increase in pulsating amplitude and frequency, and a maximum value appeared at an axial position of Z = 0.4 m, centerline of the column. Furthermore, local transient fluid flow characters such as the gas holdups, gas velocity fields and liquid velocity fields, as well as bubble size distributions were predicted reasonably by the proposed model

Co-doped Ceria: Tendency towards ferromagnetism driven by oxygen vacancies

We perform an electronic structure study for cerium oxide homogeneously-doped with cobalt impurities, focusing on the role played by oxygen vacancies and structural relaxation. By means of full-potential ab-initio methods, we explore the possibility of ferromagnetism as observed in recent experiments. Our results indicate that oxygen vacancies seem to be crucial for the appearance of a ferromagnetic alignment among Co impurities, obtaining an increasing tendency towards ferromagnetism with growing vacancy concentration. The estimated couplings cannot explain though, the experimentally observed room-temperature ferromagnetism. In this systematic study, we draw relevant conclusions regarding the location of the oxygen vacancies and the magnetic couplings involved. In particular, we find that oxygen vacancies tend to nucleate in the neighborhood of Co impurities and we get a remarkably strong ferromagnetic coupling between Co atoms and the Ce^{3+} neighboring ions. The calculated magnetic moments per cell depend on the degree of reduction which could explain the wide spread in the magnetization values observed in the experiments

Differences in thermal-acoustic perception in various office behaviors

Thermal-acoustic interaction has vital research value in the development of soundscape prediction models. Previous studies on thermal-acoustic interaction have been focused mainly on perceptual changes. However, the differences in office behaviors warrant attention. We conducted an experimental study to explore the effects of various office behaviors (such as resting, reading, writing, and typing) on the thermal-acoustic interactive perception. The results showed that (at near thermal neutral temperature) (1) sound types affected thermal evaluation, acoustic evaluation, and overall evaluation. The sound of water significantly reduced the score for thermal sensation. (2) Behavior types affected thermal sensation, acoustic comfort, and overall comfort. Reading contributed to significantly lower scores than other behaviors for the three indicators. This indicated that when reading, people are more demanding of the environment. (3) The interaction of sound types and behavior types affected overall annoyance. Therefore, we recommend adjusting the office environment effectively and establishing more effective soundscape prediction models

A new 111 type iron pnictide superconductor LiFeP

A new iron pnictide LiFeP superconductor was found. The compound crystallizes into a Cu2Sb structure containing an FeP layer showing superconductivity with maximum Tc of 6K. This is the first 111 type iron pnictide superconductor containing no arsenic. The new superconductor is featured with itinerant behavior at normal state that could helpful to understand the novel superconducting mechanism of iron pnictide compounds.Comment: 3 figures + 1 tabl