A Computational Model of Maxwell’s Distribution for Undergraduates

In this paper we employ a numerical approach to perform simulations of Maxwell distribution for several dimensionalities, based on the Central Limit Theorem. We show that by increasing the number of molecules of the gas N, the simulated distributions tend toward the respective theoretical distributions. Also, we observed that by increasing the model temperature n, the distribution shifted toward higher speeds, in agreement with theoretical results. The numerical simulations provide a physical definition of the concept of temperature. The codes used to perform the simulations are quite easy to construct and implement, while the results strikingly satisfy theoretical expectations. Furthermore, the actual approach makes it possible to skip the mathematical details and explain the distribution by just following the algorithm of simulations. We recommend such approach as a demonstrative tool that can be shown in a lecture class thus enriching the teaching quality and improving students’ understanding.

CFD Modelling of the Thermal Performance of Fruit Packaging Boxes—Influence of Vent-Holes Design

The shelf life of perishable products depends mainly on the conservation of air temperature. Packaging boxes are usually used to accommodate food products during cold storage and transport and/or display. The design of the vent-holes of the packaging box must promote cold airflow and remove the field heat of the produce after harvest at a short time. This study describes the influence of the vent-holes design and its performance during cold storage. The cooling performance of the different packaging boxes is evaluated experimentally and numerically using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). Three new packaging box configurations with the same size but different vent-holes design (size, shape and position) and a reference box are modelled. The transient three-dimensional CFD model predicts the airflow pattern and temperature distribution within the different packaging boxes. The best thermal performance packaging achieved a fruit model temperature 1.5 K to 5 K lower than the other configurations at the end of 8 h of cooling. These predictions allow the development of new packaging box designs that promote the shelf-life extension of perishable products.

Enhancement of heat transfer for boiling in nanofluid

The paper considers heat transfer during boiling of subcooled water with suspended nanoparticles Al2O3 using a suspension from 0.32% to 4%. On a spherical model, the local heat flux per unit area was measured by the method of gradient heatmetry for model temperature of 464 °C and water temperature of 64 °C. The results are compared with the data obtained at the same temperature conditions for pure water. Enchancement of heat transfer was revealed in the entire concentration range - with a maximum at a particle concentration close to 1%.

Dynamic Thermal Properties Estimation Using Sensitivity Coefficients for Rapid Heating Process

Thermal conductivity determination of food at temperatures >100 °C still remains a challenge. The objective of this study was to determine the temperature-dependent thermal conductivity of food using rapid heating (TPCell). The experiments were designed based on scaled sensitivity coefficient (SSC), and the estimated thermal conductivity of potato puree was compared between the constant temperature heating at 121.10 °C (R12B10T1) and the rapid heating (R22B10T1). Temperature-dependent thermal conductivity models along with a constant conductivity were used for estimation. R22B10T1 experiment using the k model provided reliable measurements as compared to R12B10T1 with thermal conductivity values from 0.463 ± 0.011 W m−1 K−1 to 0.450 ± 0.016 W m−1 K−1 for 25–140 °C and root mean squares error (RMSE) of 1.441. In the R12B10T1 experiment, the analysis showed the correlation of residuals, which made the estimation less reliable. The thermal conductivity values were in the range of 0.444 ± 0.012 W m−1 K−1 to 0.510 ± 0.034 W m−1 K−1 for 20–120 °C estimated using the k model. Temperature-dependent models (linear and k models) provided a better estimate than the single parameter thermal conductivity determination with low RMSE for both types of experiments. SSC can provide insight in designing dynamic experiments for the determination of thermal conductivity coefficient.

Energy Saving and Charging Discharging Characteristics of Multiple PCMs Subjected to Internal Air Flow

One essential utilization of phase change materials as energy storage materials is energy saving and temperature control in air conditioning and indirect solar air drying systems. This study presents an experimental investigation evaluating the characteristics and energy savings of multiple phase change materials subjected to internal flow in an air heating system during charging and discharging cycles. The experimental tests were conducted using a test rig consisting of two main parts, an air supply duct and a room model equipped with phase change materials (PCMs) placed in rectangular aluminum panels. Analysis of the results was based on three test cases: PCM1 (Paraffin wax) placed in the air duct was used alone in the first case; PCM2 (RT–42) placed in the room model was used alone in the second case; and in the third case, the two PCMs (PCM1 and PCM2) were used at the same time. The results revealed a significant improvement in the energy savings and room model temperature control for the air heating system incorporated with multiple PCMs compared with that of a single PCM. Complete melting during the charging cycle occurred at temperatures in the range of 57–60 °C for PCM1 and 38–43 °C for PCM2, respectively, thereby validating the reported PCMs’ melting–solidification results. Multiple PCMs maintained the room air temperature at the desired range of 35–45.2 °C in the air heating applications by minimizing the air temperature fluctuations. The augmentation in discharging time and improvement in the room model temperature using multiple PCMs were about 28.4% higher than those without the use of PCMs. The total energy saving using two PCMs was higher by about 29.5% and 46.7% compared with the use of PCM1 and PCM2, respectively. It can be concluded that multiple PCMs have revealed higher energy savings and thermal stability for the air heating system considered in the current study.

3D Natural State Modeling of Mount Iyang-Argopuro Geothermal Area, East Java, Indonesia

Mount Iyang-Argopuro is one of the geothermal working areas in the East Java. Mount Iyang-Argopuro has the potential of 185 MWe of reserves and 110 MWe of resources. It is estimated to have a liquid dominated reservoir with temperature up to 250-275 oC. An early 3D natural state numerical model of Mount Iyang-Argopuro Field is created using TOUGH2 simulator in order to identify the undisturbed condition of reservoir and resource assessment. Since Mount Iyang-Argopuro geothermal area is still in the exploration stage, the model created based on based on geological, geophysical, and geochemical data. The model has an area 14 km x 8.2 km and 9180 m in thickness. The model consists of 7410 of rectangular cell blocks with the roughest cell size is 1000 m x 1000 m and the finest is 200 m x 500 m. The model is verified by matching the model temperature and pressure profiles to the calculated geothermometer temperature and pressure, which shows good match enough.

Melting Layer Detection and Observation with the NCAR Airborne W-Band Radar

A melting layer detection algorithm is developed for the NCAR 94 GHz airborne cloud radar (HIAPER CloudRadar, HCR). The detection method is based on maxima in the linear depolarization ratio and a discontinuity in the radial velocity field. A melting layer field is added to the radar data, which provides detected, interpolated, and estimated altitudes of the melting layer and the altitude of the 0 °C isotherm detected in model temperature data. The icing level is defined as the lowest melting layer, and the cloud data are flagged as either above (cold) or below (warm) the icing level. Analysis of the detected melting layer shows that the offset between the 0 °C isotherm and the actual melting layer varies with cloud type: in heavy convection sampled in the tropics, the melting layer is found up to 500 m below the 0 °C isotherm, while in shallow clouds, the offset is much smaller or sometimes vanishes completely. A relationship between the offset and the particle fall speed both above and below the melting layer is established. Special phenomena, such as a lowering of the melting layer towards the center of storms or split melting layers, were observed.