Modeling heat exchangers with an open source DEM-based code for granular flows

Solar Energy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 228 ◽  
pp. 374-386
Author(s):  
Evan F. Johnson ◽  
İlker Tarı ◽  
Derek Baker
2012 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 187-200 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Mergili ◽  
K. Schratz ◽  
A. Ostermann ◽  
W. Fellin

Abstract. Computer models, in combination with Geographic Information Sciences (GIS), play an important role in up-to-date studies of travel distance, impact area, velocity or energy of granular flows (e.g. snow or rock avalanches, flows of debris or mud). Simple empirical-statistical relationships or mass point models are frequently applied in GIS-based modelling environments. However, they are only appropriate for rough overviews at the regional scale. In detail, granular flows are highly complex processes and physically-based, distributed models are required for detailed studies of travel distance, velocity, and energy of such phenomena. One of the most advanced theories for understanding and modelling granular flows is the Savage-Hutter type model, a system of differential equations based on the conservation of mass and momentum. The equations have been solved for a number of idealized topographies, but only few attempts to find a solution for arbitrary topography or to integrate the model with GIS are known up to now. The work presented is understood as an initiative to integrate a fully physically-based model for the motion of granular flows, based on the extended Savage-Hutter theory, with GRASS, an Open Source GIS software package. The potentials of the model are highlighted, employing the Val Pola Rock Avalanche (Northern Italy, 1987) as the test event, and the limitations as well as the most urging needs for further research are discussed.


Author(s):  
Alon Katz ◽  
Devesh Ranjan

Abstract Printed circuit heat exchangers (PCHEs) are used in a number of novel nuclear reactor designs. In order to use a PCHE as a primary coolant confinement unit in the United States, the stress and strain must be modeled under realistic service loads, and shown to remain within limits imposed by ASME standards. Due to the complex geometry and multi-length scale features, direct simulation of the stress and strain in a utility scale PCHE is not practical because of the large number of degrees of freedom. This work presents an algorithm to model damage to the core region of a PCHE using planar 2D formulation and realistic service loads. We compare how closely the results from three different planar formulations match the results of a corresponding 3D model. We also explore other ways of reducing the size of the numerical model required to accurately simulate the stress and strain in the core region of a PCHE. Finally, we perform strain-limits evaluation on a core region of a PCHE using fully temperature coupled, elastic perfectly plastic material properties, and realistic service loads, obtained from plant dynamics code of sodium cooled fast reactor coupled with a supercritical CO2 Brayton cycle. For our analyses, we used CSIMSOFT Trelis: a commercial meshing software, Multi Object Oriented Solver Environment (MOOSE): an open source finite elements solver, and Paraview: an open source post processing tool. Our methodology is presented and discussed in sufficient detail so that the work can be reproduced by others.


Author(s):  
C. H. Carter ◽  
J. E. Lane ◽  
J. Bentley ◽  
R. F. Davis

Silicon carbide (SiC) is the generic name for a material which is produced and fabricated by a number of processing routes. One of the three SiC materials investigated at NCSU is Norton Company's NC-430, which is produced by reaction-bonding of Si vapor with a porous SiC host which also contains free C. The Si combines with the free C to form additional SiC and a second phase of free Si. Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of CH3SiCI3 onto a graphite substrate was employed to produce the second SiC investigated. This process yielded a theoretically dense polycrystalline material with highly oriented grains. The third SiC was a pressureless sintered material (SOHIO Hexoloy) which contains B and excess C as sintering additives. These materials are candidates for applications such as components for gas turbine, adiabatic diesel and sterling engines, recouperators and heat exchangers.


Author(s):  
Fadi P. Deek ◽  
James A. M. McHugh
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