Molecular Simulations of Supercritical Fluid Permeation through Disordered Microporous Carbons

International audienceFluid transport through microporous carbon-based materials is inherent in numerous applications, ranging from gas separation by carbon molecular sieves to natural gas production from coal seams and gas shales. The present study investigates the steady-state permeation of supercritical methane in response to a constant cross-membrane pressure drop. We performed dual control volume grand canonical molecular dynamics (DCV-GCMD) simulations to mimic the conditions of actual permeation experiments. To overcome arbitrary assumptions regarding the investigated porous structures, the membranes were modeled after the CS1000a and CS1000 molecular models, which are representative of real microporous carbon materials. When adsorption-induced molecular trapping (AIMT) mechanisms are negligible, we show that the permeability of the microporous material, although not significantly sensitive to the pressure gradient, monotonically decreases with temperature and reservoir pressures, consistent with diffusion theory. However, when AIMT occurs, the permeability increases with temperature in agreement with experimental data found in the literature

Solving Non-Stationary Bandit Problems by Random Sampling from Sibling Kalman Filters

The multi-armed bandit problem is a classical optimization problem where an agent sequentially pulls one of multiple arms attached to a gambling machine, with each pull resulting in a random reward. The reward distributions are unknown, and thus, one must balance between exploiting existing knowledge about the arms, and obtaining new information. Dynamically changing (non-stationary) bandit problems are particularly challenging because each change of the reward distributions may progressively degrade the performance of any fixed strategy. Although computationally intractable in many cases, Bayesian methods provide a standard for optimal decision making. This paper proposes a novel solution scheme for bandit problems with non-stationary normally distributed rewards. The scheme is inherently Bayesian in nature, yet avoids computational intractability by relying simply on updating the hyper parameters of sibling Kalman Filters, and on random sampling from these posteriors. Furthermore, it is able to track the better actions, thus supporting non-stationary bandit problems. Extensive experiments demonstrate that our scheme outperforms recently proposed bandit playing algorithms, not only in non-stationary environments, but in stationary environments also. Furthermore, our scheme is robust to inexact parameter settings. We thus believe that our methodology opens avenues for obtaining improved novel solutions

Understanding the unsteady pressure field inside combustion chambers of compression-ignited engines using a computational fluid dynamics approach

[EN] In this article, a numerical methodology for assessing combustion noise in compression ignition engines is described with the specific purpose of analysing the unsteady pressure field inside the combustion chamber. The numerical results show consistent agreement with experimental measurements in both the time and frequency domains. Nonetheless, an exhaustive analysis of the calculation convergence is needed to guarantee an independent solution. These results contribute to the understanding of in-cylinder unsteady processes, especially of those related to combustion chamber resonances, and their effects on the radiated noise levels. The method was applied to different combustion system configurations by modifying the spray angle of the injector, evidencing that controlling the ignition location through this design parameter, it is possible to decrease the combustion noise by minimizing the resonance contribution. Important efficiency losses were, however, observed due to the injector/bowl matching worsening which compromises the performance and emissions levels.The authors want to express their gratitude to CONVERGENT SCIENCE Inc. and Convergent Science GmbH for their kind support for performing the CFD calculations using CONVERGE software.Torregrosa, AJ.; Broatch, A.; Margot, X.; Gómez-Soriano, J. (2018). Understanding the unsteady pressure field inside combustion chambers of compression-ignited engines using a computational fluid dynamics approach. International Journal of Engine Research. 1-13. https://doi.org/10.1177/1468087418803030S113Benajes, J., Novella, R., De Lima, D., & Tribotté, P. (2014). Analysis of combustion concepts in a newly designed two-stroke high-speed direct injection compression ignition engine. International Journal of Engine Research, 16(1), 52-67. doi:10.1177/1468087414562867Costa, M., Bianchi, G. M., Forte, C., & Cazzoli, G. (2014). A Numerical Methodology for the Multi-objective Optimization of the DI Diesel Engine Combustion. Energy Procedia, 45, 711-720. doi:10.1016/j.egypro.2014.01.076Navid, A., Khalilarya, S., & Taghavifar, H. (2016). Comparing multi-objective non-evolutionary NLPQL and evolutionary genetic algorithm optimization of a DI diesel engine: DoE estimation and creating surrogate model. Energy Conversion and Management, 126, 385-399. doi:10.1016/j.enconman.2016.08.014Benajes, J., García, A., Pastor, J. M., & Monsalve-Serrano, J. (2016). Effects of piston bowl geometry on Reactivity Controlled Compression Ignition heat transfer and combustion losses at different engine loads. Energy, 98, 64-77. doi:10.1016/j.energy.2016.01.014Masterton, B., Heffner, H., & Ravizza, R. (1969). The Evolution of Human Hearing. The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, 45(4), 966-985. doi:10.1121/1.1911574Strahle, W. C. (1978). Combustion noise. Progress in Energy and Combustion Science, 4(3), 157-176. doi:10.1016/0360-1285(78)90002-3Flemming, F., Sadiki, A., & Janicka, J. (2007). Investigation of combustion noise using a LES/CAA hybrid approach. Proceedings of the Combustion Institute, 31(2), 3189-3196. doi:10.1016/j.proci.2006.07.060Klos, D., & Kokjohn, S. L. (2014). Investigation of the sources of combustion instability in low-temperature combustion engines using response surface models. International Journal of Engine Research, 16(3), 419-440. doi:10.1177/1468087414556135Cyclic dispersion in engine combustion—Introduction by the special issue editors. (2015). International Journal of Engine Research, 16(3), 255-259. doi:10.1177/1468087415572740Hickling, R., Feldmaier, D. A., & Sung, S. H. (1979). Knock‐induced cavity resonances in open chamber diesel engines. The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, 65(6), 1474-1479. doi:10.1121/1.382910Torregrosa, A. J., Broatch, A., Margot, X., Marant, V., & Beauge, Y. (2004). Combustion chamber resonances in direct injection automotive diesel engines: A numerical approach. International Journal of Engine Research, 5(1), 83-91. doi:10.1243/146808704772914264Broatch, A., Margot, X., Gil, A., & Christian Donayre, (José). (2007). Computational study of the sensitivity to ignition characteristics of the resonance in DI diesel engine combustion chambers. Engineering Computations, 24(1), 77-96. doi:10.1108/02644400710718583Eriksson, L. J. (1980). Higher order mode effects in circular ducts and expansion chambers. The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, 68(2), 545-550. doi:10.1121/1.384768Broatch, A., Margot, X., Novella, R., & Gomez-Soriano, J. (2017). Impact of the injector design on the combustion noise of gasoline partially premixed combustion in a 2-stroke engine. Applied Thermal Engineering, 119, 530-540. doi:10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2017.03.081Tutak, W., & Jamrozik, A. (2016). Validation and optimization of the thermal cycle for a diesel engine by computational fluid dynamics modeling. Applied Mathematical Modelling, 40(13-14), 6293-6309. doi:10.1016/j.apm.2016.02.021Payri, F., Benajes, J., Margot, X., & Gil, A. (2004). CFD modeling of the in-cylinder flow in direct-injection Diesel engines. Computers & Fluids, 33(8), 995-1021. doi:10.1016/j.compfluid.2003.09.003Benajes, J., Novella, R., De Lima, D., & Thein, K. (2017). Impact of injection settings operating with the gasoline Partially Premixed Combustion concept in a 2-stroke HSDI compression ignition engine. Applied Energy, 193, 515-530. doi:10.1016/j.apenergy.2017.02.044Lesieur, M., Métais, O., & Comte, P. (2005). Large-Eddy Simulations of Turbulence. doi:10.1017/cbo9780511755507Pope, S. B. (2004). Ten questions concerning the large-eddy simulation of turbulent flows. New Journal of Physics, 6, 35-35. doi:10.1088/1367-2630/6/1/035Silva, C. F., Leyko, M., Nicoud, F., & Moreau, S. (2013). Assessment of combustion noise in a premixed swirled combustor via Large-Eddy Simulation. Computers & Fluids, 78, 1-9. doi:10.1016/j.compfluid.2010.09.034Jamrozik, A., Tutak, W., Kociszewski, A., & Sosnowski, M. (2013). Numerical simulation of two-stage combustion in SI engine with prechamber. Applied Mathematical Modelling, 37(5), 2961-2982. doi:10.1016/j.apm.2012.07.040Qin, W., Xie, M., Jia, M., Wang, T., & Liu, D. (2014). Large eddy simulation of in-cylinder turbulent flows in a DISI gasoline engine. Applied Mathematical Modelling, 38(24), 5967-5985. doi:10.1016/j.apm.2014.05.004Broatch, A., Margot, X., Novella, R., & Gomez-Soriano, J. (2016). Combustion noise analysis of partially premixed combustion concept using gasoline fuel in a 2-stroke engine. Energy, 107, 612-624. doi:10.1016/j.energy.2016.04.045Torregrosa, A. J., Broatch, A., Martín, J., & Monelletta, L. (2007). Combustion noise level assessment in direct injection Diesel engines by means of in-cylinder pressure components. Measurement Science and Technology, 18(7), 2131-2142. doi:10.1088/0957-0233/18/7/045Payri, F., Broatch, A., Margot, X., & Monelletta, L. (2008). Sound quality assessment of Diesel combustion noise using in-cylinder pressure components. Measurement Science and Technology, 20(1), 015107. doi:10.1088/0957-0233/20/1/015107Ihlenburg, F. (2003). The Medium-Frequency Range in Computational Acoustics: Practical and Numerical Aspects. Journal of Computational Acoustics, 11(02), 175-193. doi:10.1142/s0218396x03001900Lapuerta, M., Armas, O., & Hernández, J. J. (1999). Diagnosis of DI Diesel combustion from in-cylinder pressure signal by estimation of mean thermodynamic properties of the gas. Applied Thermal Engineering, 19(5), 513-529. doi:10.1016/s1359-4311(98)00075-1Payri, F., Olmeda, P., Martín, J., & García, A. (2011). A complete 0D thermodynamic predictive model for direct injection diesel engines. Applied Energy, 88(12), 4632-4641. doi:10.1016/j.apenergy.2011.06.005Payri, F., Broatch, A., Tormos, B., & Marant, V. (2005). New methodology for in-cylinder pressure analysis in direct injection diesel engines—application to combustion noise. Measurement Science and Technology, 16(2), 540-547. doi:10.1088/0957-0233/16/2/029Shahlari, A. J., Hocking, C., Kurtz, E., & Ghandhi, J. (2013). Comparison of Compression Ignition Engine Noise Metrics in Low-Temperature Combustion Regimes. SAE International Journal of Engines, 6(1), 541-552. doi:10.4271/2013-01-1659Yakhot, V., & Orszag, S. A. (1986). Renormalization group analysis of turbulence. I. Basic theory. Journal of Scientific Computing, 1(1), 3-51. doi:10.1007/bf01061452Redlich, O., & Kwong, J. N. S. (1949). On the Thermodynamics of Solutions. V. An Equation of State. Fugacities of Gaseous Solutions. 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Assessment of flamelet versus multi-zone combustion modeling approaches for stratified-charge compression ignition engines. International Journal of Engine Research, 17(3), 280-290. doi:10.1177/1468087415571006Torregrosa, A. J., Broatch, A., Gil, A., & Gomez-Soriano, J. (2018). Numerical approach for assessing combustion noise in compression-ignited Diesel engines. Applied Acoustics, 135, 91-100. doi:10.1016/j.apacoust.2018.02.006Torregrosa, A., Olmeda, P., Degraeuwe, B., & Reyes, M. (2006). A concise wall temperature model for DI Diesel engines. Applied Thermal Engineering, 26(11-12), 1320-1327. doi:10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2005.10.021Broatch, A., Javier Lopez, J., García-Tíscar, J., & Gomez-Soriano, J. (2018). Experimental Analysis of Cyclical Dispersion in Compression-Ignited Versus Spark-Ignited Engines and Its Significance for Combustion Noise Numerical Modeling. Journal of Engineering for Gas Turbines and Power, 140(10). doi:10.1115/1.4040287Molina, S., García, A., Pastor, J. 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Influence du froid, du vent et de la pluie sur les dépenses énergétiques et la thermorégulation de sept types génétiques de brebis

International audienc

A combined numerical and experimental study of the 3D tumble structure and piston boundary layer development during the intake stroke of a gasoline engine

Due to its positive effect on flame propagation in the case of a well-defined breakdown, the formation of a large-scale tumble motion is an important goal in engine development. Cycle-to-cycle variations (CCV) in the tumble position and strength however lead to a fluctuating tumble breakdown in space and time and therefore to combustion variations, indicated by CCV of the peak pressure. This work aims at a detailed investigation of the large-scale tumble motion and its interaction with the piston boundary layer during the intake stroke in a state-of-the-art gasoline engine. To allow the validation of the flow near the piston surface obtained by simulation, a new measurement technique called “Flying PIV” is applied. A detailed comparison between experimental and simulation results is carried out as well as an analysis of the obtained flow field. The large-scale tumble motion is investigated based on numerical data of multiple highly resolved intake strokes obtained using scale-resolving simulations. A method to detect the tumble center position within a 3D flow field, as an extension of previously developed 2D and 3D algorithms, is presented and applied. It is then used to investigate the phase-averaged tumble structure, its characteristics in terms of angular velocity and the CCV between the individual intake strokes. Finally, an analysis is presented of the piston boundary layer and how it is influenced by the tumble motion during the final phase of the intake stroke

Vivienne Westwood and the ethics of consuming fashion

Our paper examines ethical consumption using the case study of Vivienne Westwood, the fashion designer, and her eponymous firm, and shows how consumers of fashion might be considered ethical. The fashion industry has figured prominently in ethical debates, notably its role in encouraging overconsumption of resources and promoting an idealised lifestyle that is often neither materially nor psychically sustainable for consumers (Buchholz, 1998). We acknowledge this, yet suggest the purchase and use of clothing carries with it the potential to be ethical insofar as customers find themselves personally implicated with and caring for a designers' work

European Space Agency experiments on thermodiffusion of fluid mixtures in space

Abstract.: This paper describes the European Space Agency (ESA) experiments devoted to study thermodiffusion of fluid mixtures in microgravity environment, where sedimentation and convection do not affect the mass flow induced by the Soret effect. First, the experiments performed on binary mixtures in the IVIDIL and GRADFLEX experiments are described. Then, further experiments on ternary mixtures and complex fluids performed in DCMIX and planned to be performed in the context of the NEUF-DIX project are presented. Finally, multi-component mixtures studied in the SCCO project are detailed