The emission properties, structure and stability of ionic liquid menisci undergoing electrically assisted ion evaporation

The properties and structure of electrically stressed ionic liquid menisci experiencing ion evaporation are simulated using an electrohydrodynamic model with field-enhanced thermionic emission in steady state for an axially symmetric geometry. Solutions are explored as a function of the external background field, meniscus dimension, hydraulic impedance and liquid temperature. Statically stable solutions for emitting menisci are found to be constrained to a set of conditions: a minimum hydraulic impedance, a maximum current output and a narrow range of background fields that maximizes at menisci sizes of 0.5–3 ${\rm \mu}{\rm m}$ in radius. Static stability is lost when the electric field adjacent to the electrode that holds the meniscus corresponds to an electric pressure that exceeds twice the surface tension stress of a sphere of the same size as the meniscus. Preliminary investigations suggest this limit to be universal, therefore, independent of most ionic liquid properties, reservoir pressure, hydraulic impedance or temperature and could explain the experimentally observed bifurcation of a steady ion source into two or more emission sites. Ohmic heating near the emission region increases the liquid temperature, which is found to be important to accurately describe stability boundaries. Temperature increase does not affect the current output when the hydraulic impedance is constant. This phenomenon is thought to be due to an improved interface charge relaxation enhanced by the higher electrical conductivity. Dissipated ohmic energy is mostly conducted to the electrode wall. The higher thermal diffusivity of the wall versus the liquid, allows the ion source to run in steady state without heating.

Hydraulic Integrated Interconnected Regenerative Suspension: Modeling and Characteristics Analysis

A novel suspension system, the hydraulic integrated interconnected regenerative suspension (HIIRS), has been proposed recently. This paper demonstrates the vibration and energy harvesting characteristics of the HIIRS. The HIIRS model is established as a set of coupled, frequency-dependent equations with the hydraulic impedance method. The mechanical–fluid boundary condition in the double-acting cylinders is modelled as an external force on the mechanical system and a moving boundary on the fluid system. By integrating the HIIRS into a half car model, its free and forced vibration analyses are conducted and compared with an equivalent traditional off-road vehicle. Results show that the natural frequency and the damping ratio of the HIIRS-equipped vehicle are within a proper range of a normal off-road vehicle. The root mean square values of the bounce and roll acceleration of the HIIRS system are, respectively, 64.62 and 11.21% lower than that of a traditional suspension. The average energy harvesting power are 186.93, 417.40 and 655.90 W at the speeds of 36, 72 and 108 km/h for an off-road vehicle on a Class-C road. The results indicate that the HIIRS system can significantly enhance the vehicle dynamics and harvest the vibration energy simultaneously.

An RC filter for hydraulic switching control with a transmission line between valves and actuator

Hydraulic switching control with fast switching valves may excite unacceptable hydraulic and mechanical oscillations. Particularly if transmission lines are used, which have many oscillation modes, the avoidance of resonances by a proper timing of the switching pulses is hardly feasible. Then, passive filters may be a good solution. A simple RC filter applied to a cylinder drive with a transmission line to the switching valves is investigated by a transfer function analysis, numerical methods, and experiments. Properties of the dynamic behaviour are elucidated by approximate relations derived from the transfer function by asymptotic methods. A simple dimensioning rule recommends sizing the filter resistance close to the hydraulic impedance of the transmission line. The capacitance’s sizing is a trade off between a potential reduction of the resonance peak due to the cylinder natural frequency and a softness of the hydraulic drive system.

Hydraulic fracture diagnostics from Krauklis-wave resonance and tube-wave reflections

Fluid-filled fractures support guided waves known as Krauklis waves. The resonance of Krauklis waves within fractures occurs at specific frequencies; these frequencies, and the associated attenuation of the resonant modes, can be used to constrain the fracture geometry. We use numerical simulations of wave propagation along fluid-filled fractures to quantify fracture resonance. The simulations involve solution of an approximation to the compressible Navier-Stokes equation for the viscous fluid in the fracture coupled to the elastic-wave equation in the surrounding solid. Variable fracture aperture, narrow viscous boundary layers near the fracture walls, and additional attenuation from seismic radiation are accounted for in the simulations. We then determine how tube waves within a wellbore can be used to excite Krauklis waves within fractures that are hydraulically connected to the wellbore. The simulations provide the frequency-dependent hydraulic impedance of the fracture, which can then be used in a frequency-domain tube-wave code to model tube-wave reflection/transmission from fractures from a source in the wellbore or at the wellhead (e.g., water hammer from an abrupt shut-in). Tube waves at the resonance frequencies of the fracture can be selectively amplified by proper tuning of the length of a sealed section of the wellbore containing the fracture. The overall methodology presented here provides a framework for determining hydraulic fracture properties via interpretation of tube-wave data.

Computational Modelling of Blood Flow Development and Its Characteristics in Magnetic Environment

Of concern in this paper is an investigation of the entrance length behind singularities in cardiovascular hemodynamics under magnetic environment. In order to get better interpretation of scan MRI images, the characteristics of blood flow and electromagnetic field within the circulatory system have to be furthermore investigated. A 3D numerical model has been developed as an example of blood flowing through a straight circular tube. The governing coupled nonlinear differential equations of magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) fluid flow are reduced to a nondimensional form, which are then characterized by four dimensionless parameters. With an aim to validate our numerical approach, the computational results are compared with those of the analytical solution available in the developed region far from the singularity. The hydraulic impedance by unit length within the developed flow region increases with the magnetic field. The time average entrance length with a greater precision on the unsteady case decreases with increasing magnetic field strength. The overall voltage characteristics do not depend on the developed flow field within the entry region.

Hyperelastic Model of Collagen Fiber Orientation in the Fetal Growth Restricted Carotid Artery

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a common complication that is associated with hypertension in the developing fetal sheep [1]. Hypertension reduces arterial compliance, introducing health problems such as increased overall hydraulic impedance and cardiac workload [2, 3]. Both organ resistance and vascular compliance are critical factors in the progression of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) [3–5] with IUGR infants showing high incidence of CVD as adults [6]. Changes in circulation and the associated intrinsic hemodynamic forces during critical gestation influence the formation of the vessels, creating stiffer, less compliant arteries. While IUGR vessels are significantly stiffer than controls, the structural remodeling in response to hypertension is not biochemically quantitative and is believed to be due to fiber alignment [7].