Evaluation of thickened liquid viscoelasticity for a swallowing process using an inclined flow channel instrument

An inclined flow channel instrument that can be developed to be a structurally simple and easy-to-use rheometer was applied to control the thickness, specifically the viscosity and elasticity, of liquids thickened to support swallowing in nursing-care practice. Aqueous solutions containing salt or acid, which might be used as ingredients in drinks, were thickened with a commercial thickener. The thickener efficacy decreased because of the salt or acid in liquid phase. Analysis of the flows in the instrument by experimentation yielded a dimensionless relation representing changes of the Deborah number in the flow process, as indicated by the relative flow length, considering the shear rate in oral processing. One unique methodology to evaluate the viscoelasticities of thickened liquids during the swallowing process was presented utilizing the measurements such as elapsed time and velocity in the instrument.

Experimental study of pressure flushing of non-cohesive sediment through slotted pipe bottom outlet

ABSTRACT Among several techniques for prevention and mitigation of reservoir sedimentation, bottom outlets arise as a means of removing sediment deposited close to the dam. Given the reduced sediment removal provided by traditional bottom outlets under pressure flushing conditions, this article proposes a new type of structure that aims to increase sediment removal in the direction parallel to the dam axis. An experimental installation was employed to evaluate its operation as a function of the variation of its diameter and flow and sediment characteristics. Through analysis of the bathymetry generated by the structure, a dimensionless relation for predicting the scour pit length was obtained, presenting good fitness to the experimental data.

Evaluation of non-Newtonian Viscosities of Liquid Foods in Swallowing Process Using Inclined Flow Channel Instrument

To evaluate the non-Newtonian viscosities of liquid foods thickened for assistance of swallowing in nursing-care practice, an inclined flow channel instrument was investigated for development into a structurally simple and easy-to-use viscometer. Experimental analysis of the flows of Newtonian and non-Newtonian test liquids in the instrument derived a dimensionless relation expressing changes of the friction coefficient in the flow process which was indicated by the relative flow length, considering the shear rate level in the swallowing process. A methodology to evaluate uniquely the viscosities of liquid foods undergoing the swallowing process was presented using the measurements such as the flow length and velocity in the instrument.

Effect of Gravel Size and Weir Height on Flow Properties of Gabions

The variation between flow depth generated in front of gabion barrier and flow rate has been studied in open laboratory flume. Flow profiles have been observed for each of "Transition Flow" and "Overflow" regimes. Effects of gabion height and material coarseness on the upstream flow depth are studied by testing four different gabion heights and four different medium aggregate sizes. The analysis of experimental results showed that the relative decrease in flow depth varies between 38% and 17% for "Through Flow" type when material coarseness and discharge increase. In "Transition Flow" regime, increasing material coarseness and discharge causes an average decreases in relative flow depth of 7.6% and 4.4% for gabion heights 15cm and 30cm, respectively. Gabion begins to operate as an overflow weir when the average water depth to the gabion height (H/P) is 1.19. While the overall average increase in discharge relative to solid weir is 15%. Prediction relationships for flow depth upstream the gabion for each of the three flow regimes is suggested. Also, dimensionless relation to predict discharge coefficient are proposed with good accuracy.

Selection of the Optimal Distribution for the Upper Bound Theorem in Indentation Processes

It has been established, in previous studies, the best adaptation and solution for the implementation of the modular model, being the current choice based on the minimization of the p/2k dimensionless relation obtained for each one of the model, analyzed under the same boundary conditions and efforts. Among the different cases covered, this paper shows the study for the optimal choice of the geometric distribution of zones. The Upper Bound Theorem (UBT) by its Triangular Rigid Zones (TRZ) consideration, under modular distribution, is applied to indentation processes. To extend the application of the model, cases of different thicknesses are considered