Application of agent model in the optimal design of AIG for SCR-DeNOx system

2019 ◽  
Vol 36 (9) ◽  
pp. 3016-3028
Author(s):  
Na Li ◽  
Han Wang ◽  
Hui Xu ◽  
Mingfeng Miao

Purpose Ammonia injection grid (AIG) is used as an input device for ammonia which reacts with NOx in the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) reactor. However, non-uniform concentration distribution of ammonia could produce partially poisoning or deposits of the catalyst. In this work, for making ammonia widely distributed throughout the flue gas and fully mixed, an optimization method of AIG is proposed. Design/methodology/approach Depending on the complexity of fluid flow, the relation between the concentration distributions of ammonia and the geometric parameters of AIG is nonlinear. Based on a certain amount of AIG samples, the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations are applied to propose the agent model which describes the functional relation of the deviation of ammonia concentration and the geometric parameters of AIG. The optimization model of AIG based on the agent model is established. The optimized AIG based on the agent model can be used to produce uniform concentration distributions of ammonia, especially in the case that velocity distribution of flue gas is non-uniform. Findings For qualitatively confirming this optimization method, the three-dimensional CFD simulation of the optimized AIG is carried out. The results reveal that the diffusion process of ammonia gas is consistent with the development of the local vortices, which have a certain relation with the velocity distribution of the flue gas. The unequal ammonia injection designed by the optimization based on the agent model promotes a better mixing of ammonia and flue gas. Originality/value In this work, first, the method for optimizing AIG based on the agent model is proposed. Second, the three-dimensional CFD modeling and simulation of the optimized AIG is carried out, and the mixing effects of ammonia and flue gas are presented.

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (9) ◽  
pp. 1482-1492
Author(s):  
Tong Wu ◽  
Andres Tovar

Purpose This paper aims to establish a multiscale topology optimization method for the optimal design of non-periodic, self-supporting cellular structures subjected to thermo-mechanical loads. The result is a hierarchically complex design that is thermally efficient, mechanically stable and suitable for additive manufacturing (AM). Design/methodology/approach The proposed method seeks to maximize thermo-mechanical performance at the macroscale in a conceptual design while obtaining maximum shear modulus for each unit cell at the mesoscale. Then, the macroscale performance is re-estimated, and the mesoscale design is updated until the macroscale performance is satisfied. Findings A two-dimensional Messerschmitt Bolkow Bolhm (MBB) beam withstanding thermo-mechanical load is presented to illustrate the proposed design method. Furthermore, the method is implemented to optimize a three-dimensional injection mold, which is successfully prototyped using 420 stainless steel infiltrated with bronze. Originality/value By developing a computationally efficient and manufacturing friendly inverse homogenization approach, the novel multiscale design could generate porous molds which can save up to 30 per cent material compared to their solid counterpart without decreasing thermo-mechanical performance. Practical implications This study is a useful tool for the designer in molding industries to reduce the cost of the injection mold and take full advantage of AM.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maziar Dehghan ◽  
Zahra Azari Nesaz ◽  
Abolfazl Pourrajabian ◽  
Saman Rashidi

Purpose Aiming at finding the velocity distribution profile and other flow characteristic parameters such as the Poiseuille (Po) number, this study aims to focus on the three-dimensional forced convective flow inside rectangular ducts filled with porous media commonly used in air-based solar thermal collectors to enhance the thermal performance. The most general model for the fluid flow (i.e. the non-linear Darcy–Brinkman–Forchheimer partial differential equation subjected to slip and no-slip boundary conditions) is considered. Design/methodology/approach The general governing equations are solved analytically based on the perturbation technique and the results are validated against numerical simulation study based on a finite-difference solution over a non-uniform but structured grid. Findings The analytical velocity distribution profile based on exponential functions for the above-mentioned general case is obtained, and accordingly, expressions for the Po are introduced. It is found that the velocity distribution tends to be uniform by increasing the aspect ratio of the duct. Moreover, a criterion for considering/neglecting the nonlinear drag term in the momentum equation (i.e. the Forchheimer term) is proposed. According to the sensitivity analysis, results show that the nonlinear drag term effects on the Nusselt number are important only in porous media with high Darcy numbers. Originality/value A general analytic solution for three-dimensional forced convection flows through rectangular ducts filled with porous media for the general model of Darcy–Brinkman–Forchheimer and the general boundary condition including both no-slip and slip-flow regimes is obtained. An analytic expression to calculate Po number is obtained which can be practical for engineering estimations and a basis for validation of numerical simulations. A criterion for considering/neglecting the nonlinear drag term in the momentum equation is also introduced.


2019 ◽  
Vol 36 (5) ◽  
pp. 1430-1448
Author(s):  
L.C. Ruspini ◽  
E. Dari ◽  
C. Padra ◽  
G.H. Paissan ◽  
N.N. Salva

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present applications of the topological optimization method dealing with fluid dynamic problems in two- and three dimensions. The main goal is to develop a tool package able to optimize topology in realistic devices (e.g. inlet manifolds) considering the non-linear terms on Navier–Stokes equations. Design/methodology/approach Using an in-house Fortran code, a Galerkin stabilized finite element is implemented method to solve the three equation systems necessary for the topological optimization method: the direct problem, adjoint problem and topological derivative. The authors address the non-linearity in the equations using an iterative method. Different techniques to create holes into a two-dimensional discrete domain are analyzed. Findings One technique to create holes produces more accurate and robust results. The authors present several examples of applications in two- and three-dimensional components, which highlight the potential of this method in the optimization of fluid components. Research limitations/implications The authors contribute to the methodology and design in engineering. Practical implications Engineering fluid flow systems are used in many different industrial applications, e.g. oil flow in pipes; air flow around an airplane wing; sailing submarines; blood flow in synthetic arteries; and thermal and fissure spreading problems. The aim of this work is to create an effective design tool for obtaining efficient engineering structures and devices. Originality/value The authors contribute by creating an application of the method to design a tridimensional realistic device, which can be essayed experimentally. Particularly, the authors apply the design tool to an inlet manifold.


Sensor Review ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 35 (2) ◽  
pp. 219-228 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kun Li ◽  
Bo Pan ◽  
Juncheng Zhan ◽  
Wenpeng Gao ◽  
Yili Fu ◽  
...  

Purpose – This paper aims to develop a novel miniature 3-axis force sensor which can detect the interaction forces during tissue palpation in MIS (minimally invasive surgery). MIS offers many significant merits compared with traditional open surgery, the wound to the patients and the postoperative pains are alleviated and reduced dramatically. However, the inherent drawback due to lack of force feedback still exists while conducting some operation procedures. For example, tissue palpation performed easily during open surgery could not be realized in an MIS manner. Design/methodology/approach – The force sensor is based on the resistive-based sensing method that utilizes strain gauges to measure the strain when the external loads are acting on the tip of the sensor. A novel flexible tripod structure with bending and compression deformations is designed to discriminate the magnitudes and directions of the three orthogonal force components. A linear characteristic matrix is derived to disclose the relationship between the sensitivity and the geometric parameters of the structure, and a straightforward geometric parameterized optimization method considering the sensitivity isotropy is proposed to provide the sensor structure with high sensitivity and adequate stiffness. Findings – The sensor prototype can perform force measurement with sensing ranges of ± 3.0 N in axial direction and ± 1.5 N in radial direction, and the resolutions are 5 per cent and 1 per cent, respectively. It is concluded that this force sensor is compatible with MIS instruments and the ex-vivo experiment shows that the sensor can be used to perform tissue palpation during MIS procedures. Originality/value – This paper is intended to address the significant role of force sensing and force feedback during MIS operations, and presents a new application of the resistive-based sensing method in MIS. A tripod structure is designed and a straightforward optimization method considering the sensitivity isotropy of the sensor is proposed to determine geometric parameters suited for the given external loads.


2000 ◽  
Vol 93 (supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 90-92 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark E. Linskey

✓ By definition, the term “radiosurgery” refers to the delivery of a therapeutic radiation dose in a single fraction, not simply the use of stereotaxy. Multiple-fraction delivery is better termed “stereotactic radiotherapy.” There are compelling radiobiological principles supporting the biological superiority of single-fraction radiation for achieving an optimal therapeutic response for the slowly proliferating, late-responding, tissue of a schwannoma. It is axiomatic that complication avoidance requires precise three-dimensional conformality between treatment and tumor volumes. This degree of conformality can only be achieved through complex multiisocenter planning. Alternative radiosurgery devices are generally limited to delivering one to four isocenters in a single treatment session. Although they can reproduce dose plans similar in conformality to early gamma knife dose plans by using a similar number of isocenters, they cannot reproduce the conformality of modern gamma knife plans based on magnetic resonance image—targeted localization and five to 30 isocenters. A disturbing trend is developing in which institutions without nongamma knife radiosurgery (GKS) centers are championing and/or shifting to hypofractionated stereotactic radiotherapy for vestibular schwannomas. This trend appears to be driven by a desire to reduce complication rates to compete with modern GKS results by using complex multiisocenter planning. Aggressive advertising and marketing from some of these centers even paradoxically suggests biological superiority of hypofractionation approaches over single-dose radiosurgery for vestibular schwannomas. At the same time these centers continue to use the term radiosurgery to describe their hypofractionated radiotherapy approach in an apparent effort to benefit from a GKS “halo effect.” It must be reemphasized that as neurosurgeons our primary duty is to achieve permanent tumor control for our patients and not to eliminate complications at the expense of potential late recurrence. The answer to minimizing complications while maintaining maximum tumor control is improved conformality of radiosurgery dose planning and not resorting to homeopathic radiosurgery doses or hypofractionation radiotherapy schemes.


Energies ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 49
Author(s):  
Zheng Yuan ◽  
Jin Jiang ◽  
Jun Zang ◽  
Qihu Sheng ◽  
Ke Sun ◽  
...  

In the array design of the vertical axis wind turbines (VAWT), the wake effect of the upstream VAWT on the downstream VAWT needs to be considered. In order to simulate the velocity distribution of a VAWT wake rapidly, a new two-dimensional numerical method is proposed, which can make the array design easier and faster. In this new approach, the finite vortex method and vortex particle method are combined to simulate the generation and evolution of the vortex, respectively, the fast multipole method (FMM) is used to accelerate the calculation. Based on a characteristic of the VAWT wake, that is, the velocity distribution can be fitted into a power-law function, a new correction model is introduced to correct the three-dimensional effect of the VAWT wake. Finally, the simulation results can be approximated to the published experimental results in the first-order. As a new numerical method to simulate the complex VAWT wake, this paper proves the feasibility of the method and makes a preliminary validation. This method is not used to simulate the complex three-dimensional turbulent evolution but to simulate the velocity distribution quickly and relatively accurately, which meets the requirement for rapid simulation in the preliminary array design.


mSphere ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily G. Sweeney ◽  
Andrew Nishida ◽  
Alexandra Weston ◽  
Maria S. Bañuelos ◽  
Kristin Potter ◽  
...  

ABSTRACTBacteria are often found living in aggregated multicellular communities known as biofilms. Biofilms are three-dimensional structures that confer distinct physical and biological properties to the collective of cells living within them. We used agent-based modeling to explore whether local cellular interactions were sufficient to give rise to global structural features of biofilms. Specifically, we asked whether chemorepulsion from a self-produced quorum-sensing molecule, autoinducer-2 (AI-2), was sufficient to recapitulate biofilm growth and cellular organization observed for biofilms ofHelicobacter pylori, a common bacterial resident of human stomachs. To carry out this modeling, we modified an existing platform, Individual-based Dynamics of Microbial Communities Simulator (iDynoMiCS), to incorporate three-dimensional chemotaxis, planktonic cells that could join or leave the biofilm structure, and cellular production of AI-2. We simulated biofilm growth of previously characterizedH. pyloristrains with various AI-2 production and sensing capacities. Using biologically plausible parameters, we were able to recapitulate both the variation in biofilm mass and cellular distributions observed with these strains. Specifically, the strains that were competent to chemotax away from AI-2 produced smaller and more heterogeneously spaced biofilms, whereas the AI-2 chemotaxis-defective strains produced larger and more homogeneously spaced biofilms. The model also provided new insights into the cellular demographics contributing to the biofilm patterning of each strain. Our analysis supports the idea that cellular interactions at small spatial and temporal scales are sufficient to give rise to larger-scale emergent properties of biofilms.IMPORTANCEMost bacteria exist in aggregated, three-dimensional structures called biofilms. Although biofilms play important ecological roles in natural and engineered settings, they can also pose societal problems, for example, when they grow in plumbing systems or on medical implants. Understanding the processes that promote the growth and disassembly of biofilms could lead to better strategies to manage these structures. We had previously shown thatHelicobacter pyloribacteria are repulsed by high concentrations of a self-produced molecule, AI-2, and thatH. pylorimutants deficient in AI-2 sensing form larger and more homogeneously spaced biofilms. Here, we used computer simulations of biofilm formation to show that localH. pyloribehavior of repulsion from high AI-2 could explain the overall architecture ofH. pyloribiofilms. Our findings demonstrate that it is possible to change global biofilm organization by manipulating local cell behaviors, which suggests that simple strategies targeting cells at local scales could be useful for controlling biofilms in industrial and medical settings.


Author(s):  
Rahid Zaman ◽  
Yujiang Xiang ◽  
Jazmin Cruz ◽  
James Yang

In this study, the three-dimensional (3D) asymmetric maximum weight lifting is predicted using an inverse-dynamics-based optimization method considering dynamic joint torque limits. The dynamic joint torque limits are functions of joint angles and angular velocities, and imposed on the hip, knee, ankle, wrist, elbow, shoulder, and lumbar spine joints. The 3D model has 40 degrees of freedom (DOFs) including 34 physical revolute joints and 6 global joints. A multi-objective optimization (MOO) problem is solved by simultaneously maximizing box weight and minimizing the sum of joint torque squares. A total of 12 male subjects were recruited to conduct maximum weight box lifting using squat-lifting strategy. Finally, the predicted lifting motion, ground reaction forces, and maximum lifting weight are validated with the experimental data. The prediction results agree well with the experimental data and the model’s predictive capability is demonstrated. This is the first study that uses MOO to predict maximum lifting weight and 3D asymmetric lifting motion while considering dynamic joint torque limits. The proposed method has the potential to prevent individuals’ risk of injury for lifting.


Sensor Review ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 37 (3) ◽  
pp. 312-321 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yixiang Bian ◽  
Can He ◽  
Kaixuan Sun ◽  
Longchao Dai ◽  
Hui Shen ◽  
...  

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to design and fabricate a three-dimensional (3D) bionic airflow sensing array made of two multi-electrode piezoelectric metal-core fibers (MPMFs), inspired by the structure of a cricket’s highly sensitive airflow receptor (consisting of two cerci). Design/methodology/approach A metal core was positioned at the center of an MPMF and surrounded by a hollow piezoceramic cylinder. Four thin metal films were spray-coated symmetrically on the surface of the fiber that could be used as two pairs of sensor electrodes. Findings In 3D space, four output signals of the two MPMFs arrays can form three “8”-shaped spheres. Similarly, the sensing signals for the same airflow are located on a spherical surface. Originality/value Two MPMF arrays are sufficient to detect the speed and direction of airflow in all three dimensions.


2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 543-549
Author(s):  
Haydar Kepekci ◽  
Ergin Kosa ◽  
Cüneyt Ezgi ◽  
Ahmet Cihan

Abstract The brake system of an automobile is composed of disc brake and pad which are co-working components in braking and accelerating. In the braking period, due to friction between the surface of the disc and pad, the thermal heat is generated. It should be avoided to reach elevated temperatures in disc and pad. It is focused on different disc materials that are gray cast iron and carbon ceramics, whereas pad is made up of a composite material. In this study, the CFD model of the brake system is analyzed to get a realistic approach in the amount of transferred heat. The amount of produced heat can be affected by some parameters such as velocity and friction coefficient. The results show that surface temperature for carbon-ceramic disc material can change between 290 and 650 K according to the friction coefficient and velocity in transient mode. Also, if the disc material gray cast iron is selected, it can change between 295 and 500 K. It is claimed that the amount of dissipated heat depends on the different heat transfer coefficient of gray cast iron and carbon ceramics.


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