A Shape Memory Alloy-Based Morphing Axial Fan Blade—Part I: Blade Structure Design and Functional Characterization

2015 ◽  
Vol 138 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Annalisa Fortini ◽  
Alessio Suman ◽  
Nicola Aldi ◽  
Mattia Merlin ◽  
Michele Pinelli
Keyword(s):  
Shape Memory ◽  
Solid Phase ◽  
Functional Characterization ◽  
Structure Design ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Surface Pattern ◽  
Fluid Temperature ◽  
Axial Fan ◽  
Polymeric Matrices ◽  
Air Stream

The possibility to realize adaptive structures is of great interest in turbomachinery design, owing to the benefits related to enhanced performance and efficiency. To accomplish this, a challenging approach is the employment of shape memory alloys (SMAs), which can recover seemingly permanent strains by solid phase transformations whereby the so-called shape memory effect (SME) takes place. This paper presents the development of a heavy-duty automotive cooling axial fan with morphing blades activated by SMA strips that works as actuator elements in the polymeric blade structure. Concerning the fan performance, this new concept differs from a conventional viscous fan clutch solution especially during the nonstationary operating conditions. The blade design was performed in order to achieve the thermal activation of the strips by means of air stream flow. Two polymeric matrices were chosen to be tested in conjunction with a commercially available NiTi binary alloy, whose phase transformation temperatures (TTRs) were experimentally evaluated by imposing the actual operating thermal gradient. The SMA strips were then thermomechanically treated to memorize a bent shape and embedded in the polymeric blade. In a specifically designed wind tunnel, the different polymeric matrices equipped with the SMA strips were tested to assess the fluid temperature and surface pattern behavior of the blade. Upon heating, they tend to recover the memorized shape and the blade is forced to bend, leading to a camber variation and a trailing edge displacement. The recovery behavior of each composite structure (polymeric matrix with the SMA strips) was evaluated through digital image analysis techniques. The differences between the blade shape at the initial condition and at the maximum bending deformation were considered. According to these results, the best coupling of SMA strips and polymeric structure is assessed and its timewise behavior is compared to the traditional timewise behavior of a viscous fan clutch.

A Shape Memory Alloy-Based Morphing Axial Fan Blade: Part I — Blade Structure Design and Functional Characterization

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Annalisa Fortini ◽  
Alessio Suman ◽  
Nicola Aldi ◽  
Mattia Merlin ◽  
Michele Pinelli
Keyword(s):  
Shape Memory ◽  
Solid Phase ◽  
Functional Characterization ◽  
Structure Design ◽  
Surface Pattern ◽  
Fluid Temperature ◽  
Axial Fan ◽  
Polymeric Matrices ◽  
Air Stream ◽  
Fan Blade

The possibility to realize adaptive structures is of great interest in turbomachinery design, owing to the benefits related to enhanced performance and efficiency. To accomplish this, a challenging approach is the employment of Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs), which can recover seemingly permanent strains by solid phase transformations whereby the so-called Shape Memory Effect (SME) takes place. This paper presents the development of a heavy-duty automotive cooling axial fan with morphing blades activated by SMA strips that works as actuator elements in the polymeric blade structure. Concerning the fan performance, this new concept differs from a conventional viscous fan clutch solution especially during the non-stationary operating condition. The blade design was performed in order to achieve the thermal activation of the strips by means of air stream flow. Two polymeric matrices were chosen to be tested in conjunction with a commercially available NiTi binary alloy, whose phase transformation temperatures were experimentally evaluated by imposing the actual operating thermal gradient. The SMA strips were then thermo-mechanically treated to memorize a bent shape and embedded in the polymeric blade. In a specifically designed wind tunnel, the different polymeric matrices equipped with the SMA strips were tested to assess the fluid temperature and surface pattern behavior of the blade. Upon heating they tend to recover the memorized shape and the blade is forced to bend, leading to a camber variation and a trailing edge displacement. The recovery behavior of each composite structure (polymeric matrix with SMA strips) was evaluated through digital image analysis techniques. The differences between the blade shape at the initial condition and at the maximum bending deformation were considered. According to these results, the best coupling of SMA strips and polymeric structure is assessed and its time-wise behavior is compared to the traditional time-wise behavior of a viscous fan clutch.

A Shape Memory Alloy-Based Morphing Axial Fan Blade: Part II — Blade Shape and CFD Analyses

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alessio Suman ◽  
Annalisa Fortini ◽  
Nicola Aldi ◽  
Mattia Merlin ◽  
Michele Pinelli
Keyword(s):  
Wind Tunnel ◽  
Shape Memory Alloy ◽  
Shape Memory ◽  
Fluid Dynamic ◽  
Rotational Velocity ◽  
Strong Relationship ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Automotive Application ◽  
Axial Fan ◽  
Fan Performance

The ability of a morphing blade to change its geometry according to the different operating conditions represents a challenging approach for the optimization of turbomachinery performance. In this paper experimental and CFD numerical analyses on a morphing blade for a heavy-duty automotive cooling axial fan are proposed. Starting from the experimental results proposed in the first part of this work, a morphing blade, made of Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) strips embedded in a polymeric structure, was thoroughly tested. In order to assess the ability of the strips to reach a progressive and smooth shape changing evolution, several experiments were performed in a purpose-built wind tunnel. The morphing blade changed its shape as the strips were thermally activated by means of air stream flow. The bending deformation evolution with the increasing number of thermal cycles was evaluated by digital image analysis techniques. After the analyses in the wind tunnel CFD numerical simulations of a partially shrouded fan composed of five morphing blades were performed in order to highlight the evolution of the fan performance according to air temperature conditions. In particular, the capability of the blade activation was evaluated by the comparison between the fan performance with non-activated blades and with activated blades. The results show a progressive stabilization of the shape memory behavior after the first cycle. The blade deformation led to a significant improvement in fan performance at a constant rotational velocity. The CFD numerical simulation points out the differences in the overall performance and of three-dimensional fluid dynamic behavior of the fan. This innovative concept is aimed at realizing a sensorless smart fan control, permitting (i) an energy saving that leads to fuel saving in the automotive application fields and (ii) an increase in engine life thanks to a strong relationship between the engine thermal request and the cooling fan performance.

A Shape Memory Alloy-Based Morphing Axial Fan Blade—Part II: Blade Shape and Computational Fluid Dynamics Analyses

2015 ◽  
Vol 138 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alessio Suman ◽  
Annalisa Fortini ◽  
Nicola Aldi ◽  
Mattia Merlin ◽  
Michele Pinelli
Keyword(s):  
Fluid Dynamics ◽  
Computational Fluid Dynamics ◽  
Wind Tunnel ◽  
Shape Memory Alloy ◽  
Shape Memory ◽  
Fluid Dynamic ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Automotive Application ◽  
Axial Fan ◽  
Fan Performance

The ability of a morphing blade to change its geometry according to the different operating conditions represents a challenging approach for the optimization of turbomachinery performance. In this paper, experimental and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) numerical analyses on a morphing blade for a heavy-duty automotive cooling axial fan are proposed. Starting from the experimental results proposed in the first part of this work, a morphing blade, made of shape memory alloy (SMA) strips embedded in a polymeric structure, was thoroughly tested. In order to assess the ability of the strips to reach a progressive and smooth shape changing evolution, several experiments were performed in a purpose-built wind tunnel. The morphing blade changed its shape as the strips were thermally activated by means of air stream flow. The bending deformation evolution with the increasing number of thermal cycles was evaluated by digital image analysis techniques. After the analyses in the wind tunnel, CFD numerical simulations of a partially shrouded fan composed of five morphing blades were performed in order to highlight the evolution of the fan performance according to air temperature conditions. In particular, the capability of the blade activation was evaluated by the comparison between the fan performance with nonactivated blades and with activated blades. The results show a progressive stabilization of the shape memory behavior after the first cycle. The blade deformation led to a significant improvement in the fan performance at a constant rotational velocity. The CFD numerical simulation points out the differences in the overall performance and of three-dimensional fluid dynamic behavior of the fan. This innovative concept is aimed at realizing a sensorless smart fan control, permitting (i) an energy saving that leads to fuel saving in the automotive application fields and (ii) an increase in engine life, thanks to a strong relationship between the engine thermal request and the cooling fan performance.

scholarly journals Scalable Output Linear Actuators, a Novel Design Concept Using Shape Memory Alloy Wires Driven by Fluid Temperature

Machines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 14
Author(s):  
Andres Osorio Salazar ◽  
Yusuke Sugahara ◽  
Daisuke Matsuura ◽  
Yukio Takeda
Keyword(s):  
Shape Memory Alloy ◽  
Shape Memory ◽  
Angular Position ◽  
Scale Factor ◽  
Design Concept ◽  
Fluid Temperature ◽  
Step Size ◽  
Simple Method ◽  
Output Characteristics ◽  
Novel Design

In this paper, the concept of scalability for actuators is introduced and explored, which is the capability to freely change the output characteristics on demand: displacement and force for a linear actuator, angular position and torque for a rotational actuator. This change can either be used to obtain power improvement (with a constant scale factor), or to improve the usability of a robotic system according to variable conditions (with a variable scale factor). Some advantages of a scalable design include the ability to adapt to changing environments, variable resolution of step size, ability to produce designs that are adequate for restricted spaces or that require strict energy efficiency, and intrinsically safe systems. Current approaches for scalability in actuators have shortcomings: the method to achieve scalability is complex, so obtaining a variable scaling factor is challenging, or they cannot scale both output characteristics simultaneously. Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) wire-based actuators can overcome these limitations, because its two output characteristics, displacement and force, are physically independent from each other. In this paper we present a novel design concept for linear scalable actuators that overcome SMA design and scalability limitations by using a variable number of SMA wires mechanically in parallel, immersed in a liquid that transmits heat from a separate heat source (wet activation). In this concept, more wires increase the maximum attainable force, and longer wires increase the maximum displacement. Prototypes with different number of SMA wires were constructed and tested in isometric experiments to determine force vs. temperature behavior and time response. The heat-transmitting liquid was either static or flowing using pumps. Scalability was achieved with a simple method in all tested prototypes with a linear correlation of maximum force to number of SMA wires. Flowing heat transmission achieved higher actuation bandwidth.

scholarly journals Designs of InGaN Micro-LED Structure for Improving Quantum Efficiency at Low Current Density

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shiqiang Lu ◽  
Jinchai Li ◽  
Kai Huang ◽  
Guozhen Liu ◽  
Yinghui Zhou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quantum Efficiency ◽  
Current Density ◽  
Carrier Transport ◽  
Defect Density ◽  
Numerical Study ◽  
Structure Design ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Hole Injection ◽  
Electron Blocking Layer ◽  
Recombination Processes

AbstractHere we report a comprehensive numerical study for the operating behavior and physical mechanism of nitride micro-light-emitting-diode (micro-LED) at low current density. Analysis for the polarization effect shows that micro-LED suffers a severer quantum-confined Stark effect at low current density, which poses challenges for improving efficiency and realizing stable full-color emission. Carrier transport and matching are analyzed to determine the best operating conditions and optimize the structure design of micro-LED at low current density. It is shown that less quantum well number in the active region enhances carrier matching and radiative recombination rate, leading to higher quantum efficiency and output power. Effectiveness of the electron blocking layer (EBL) for micro-LED is discussed. By removing the EBL, the electron confinement and hole injection are found to be improved simultaneously, hence the emission of micro-LED is enhanced significantly at low current density. The recombination processes regarding Auger and Shockley–Read–Hall are investigated, and the sensitivity to defect is highlighted for micro-LED at low current density.Synopsis: The polarization-induced QCSE, the carrier transport and matching, and recombination processes of InGaN micro-LEDs operating at low current density are numerically investigated. Based on the understanding of these device behaviors and mechanisms, specifically designed epitaxial structures including two QWs, highly doped or without EBL and p-GaN with high hole concentration for the efficient micro-LED emissive display are proposed. The sensitivity to defect density is also highlighted for micro-LED.

Effects of Air Temperature on Combustion Characteristics of LPG Diffusion Flame

2020 ◽  
Vol 1008 ◽  
pp. 128-138
Author(s):  
Ahmed M. Salman ◽  
Ibrahim A. Ibrahim ◽  
Hamada M. Gad ◽  
Tharwat M. Farag
Keyword(s):  
Air Temperature ◽  
Diffusion Flame ◽  
Nitrogen Addition ◽  
Flame Length ◽  
Combustion Characteristics ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Low Oxygen ◽  
Air Temperatures ◽  
Air Stream ◽  
Wide Range

In the present study, the combustion characteristics of LPG gaseous fuel diffusion flame at elevated air temperatures were experimentally investigated. An experimental test rig was manufactured to examine a wide range of operating conditions. The investigated parameters are the air temperatures of 300, 350, 400, 450, and 500 K with constant percentage of nitrogen addition in combustion air stream of 5 % to give low oxygen concentration of 18.3 % by mass at constant air swirl number, air to fuel mass ratio, and thermal load of 1.5, 30, and 23 kW, respectively. The gaseous combustion characteristics were represented as axial and radial temperatures distributions, temperatures gradient, visible flame length and species concentrations. The results indicated that as the air temperature increased, the chemical reaction rate increased and flame volume decreased, the combustion time reduced leading to a reduction in flame length. The NO concentration reaches its maximum values near the location of the maximum centerline axial temperature. Increasing the combustion air temperature by 200 K, the NO consequently O2 concentrations are increased by about % 355 and 20 % respectively, while CO2 and CO concentrations are decreased by about % 21 and 99 % respectively, at the combustor end.

Second Law Analysis of Solid Desiccant Rotary Dehumidifiers

1988 ◽  
Vol 110 (1) ◽  
pp. 2-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Van den Bulck ◽  
S. A. Klein ◽  
J. W. Mitchell
Keyword(s):  
Local Maximum ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Second Law ◽  
Transfer Coefficients ◽  
Adiabatic Flow ◽  
Transfer Processes ◽  
Air Stream ◽  
Second Law Analysis ◽  
Pass Through ◽  
Air Streams

This paper presents a second law analysis of solid desiccant rotary dehumidifiers. The equations for entropy generation for adiabatic flow of humid air over a solid desiccant are developed. The generation of entropy during operation of a rotary dehumidifier with infinite transfer coefficients is investigated and the various sources of irreversibility are identified and quantified. As they pass through the dehumidifier, both the process and regeneration air streams acquire nonuniform outlet states, and mixing both of these air streams to deliver homogeneous outlet streams is irreversible. Transfer of mass and energy between the regeneration air stream and the desiccant matrix occurs across finite differences in vapor pressure and temperature and these transfer processes generate entropy. The second law efficiency of the dehumidifier is given as a function of operating conditions and the effect of finite transfer coefficients for an actual dehumidifier is discussed. It is shown that operating the rotary dehumidifier at conditions that minimize regeneration energy also yields a local maximum for the second law efficiency.

Moving Brick Receiver–Reactor: A Solar Thermochemical Reactor and Process Design With a Solid–Solid Heat Exchanger and On-Demand Production of Hydrogen and/or Carbon Monoxide

2019 ◽  
Vol 141 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Silvan Siegrist ◽  
Henrik von Storch ◽  
Martin Roeb ◽  
Christian Sattler
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Monoxide ◽  
Heat Exchanger ◽  
Solid Phase ◽  
Chemical Conversion ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
On Demand ◽  
Commercial Plant ◽  
Production Of Hydrogen ◽  
Solar Thermochemical ◽  
Oxidation Reactor

Three crucial aspects still to be overcome to achieve commercial competitiveness of the solar thermochemical production of hydrogen and carbon monoxide are recuperating the heat from the solid phase, achieving continuous or on-demand production beyond the hours of sunshine, and scaling to commercial plant sizes. To tackle all three aspects, we propose a moving brick receiver–reactor (MBR2) design with a solid–solid heat exchanger. The MBR2 consists of porous bricks that are reversibly mounted on a high temperature transport mechanism, a receiver–reactor where the bricks are reduced by passing through the concentrated solar radiation, a solid–solid heat exchanger under partial vacuum in which the reduced bricks transfer heat to the oxidized bricks, a first storage for the reduced bricks, an oxidation reactor, and a second storage for the oxidized bricks. The bricks may be made of any nonvolatile redox material suitable for a thermochemical two-step (TS) water splitting (WS) or carbon dioxide splitting (CDS) cycle. A first thermodynamic analysis shows that the MBR2 may be able to achieve solar-to-chemical conversion efficiencies of approximately 0.25. Additionally, we identify the desired operating conditions and show that the heat exchanger efficiency has to be higher than the fraction of recombination in order to increase the conversion efficiency.

Experiments on an Axial Fan Stage: Time-Resolved Analysis of Rotating Instability Modes

2015 ◽  
Vol 137 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin Pardowitz ◽  
Ulf Tapken ◽  
Lars Neuhaus ◽  
Lars Enghardt
Keyword(s):  
Leading Edge ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Tip Clearance ◽  
Axial Fan ◽  
Time Resolved ◽  
Instability Waves ◽  
Instability Modes ◽  
Mode Decomposition ◽  
Rotating Instability ◽  
Annular Cascade

Rotating instability (RI) occurs at off-design conditions in axial compressors, predominantly in rotor configurations with large tip clearances. Characteristic spectral signatures with side-by-side peaks below the blade passing frequency (BPF) are typically referred to RI located in the clearance region next to the leading edge (LE). Each peak can be assigned to a dominant circumferential mode. RI is the source of the clearance noise (CN) and an indicator for critical operating conditions. Earlier studies at an annular cascade pointed out that RI modes of different circumferential orders occur stochastically distributed in time and independently from each other, which is contradictory to existing explanations of RI. Purpose of the present study is to verify this generally with regard to axial rotor configurations. Experiments were conducted on a laboratory axial fan stage mainly using unsteady pressure measurements in a sensor ring near the rotor LE. A mode decomposition based on cross spectral matrices was used to analyze the spectral and modal RI patterns upstream of the rotor. Additionally, a time-resolved analysis based on a spatial discrete-Fourier-transform (DFT) was applied to clarify the temporal characteristics of the RI modes and their potential interrelations. The results and a comparison with the previous findings on the annular cascade corroborate a new hypothesis about the basic RI mechanism. This hypothesis implies that instability waves of different wavelengths are generated stochastically in a shear layer resulting from a backflow in the tip clearance region.

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