Name: study of siphon breaker experiment and simulation for a research reactor
Uploaded: 2017-09-26T12:30:00
Description: Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Study of Siphon Breaker Experiment and Simulation for a Research Reactor at JoVE.com

This work was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) grant funded by the Korea government (MSIP: Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning) (No. NRF-2016M2B2A9911771).

1. Experimental Procedure4,5,6
<ol>
	<li>Preparation step
	<ol>
		<li>Check the experimental facility. Based on the test matrix, carefully check the test matrix test conditions, such as LOCA size, SBL size, siphon breaker types, and the presence of orifice, before the experiment. Also, test to confirm that the instrumentations and components of the facility work properly without data noise or malfunctions.</li>
		<li>Fill the ...

<ol>
	<li>McDonald, J., Marten, W. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=.">.</a> A Siphon Break as a Blocking Valve. , (1958).</li><li>. Siphon Breaker Design Requirements 12. Experimental and Analytical Study Available from: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.osti.gov/scitech/biblio/6623426">https://www.osti.gov/scitech/biblio/6623426</a> (1993)</li><li>Sakurai, F. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=JAERI-Research+99-016.">JAERI-Research 99-016.</a> Study for Improvements of Performance of the Test and Research Reactors. , (1999).</li><li>Kang, S. H., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=.">.</a> Final Report of Experimental Studies on Siphon Breaker. , (2011).</li><li>Kang, S. H., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=.">.</a> Experimental Study of Siphon breaker. , (2013).</li><li>Kang, S. H. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=.">.</a> Siphon Breaker Design on Research Reactor with Real-Scale Experiment. , (2015).</li><li>Fossa, M., Guglielmini, G. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Pressure+Drop+and+Void+Fraction+Profiles+during+Horizontal+Flow+through+Thin+and+Thick+Orifices.">Pressure Drop and Void Fraction Profiles during Horizontal Flow through Thin and Thick Orifices.</a> Exp. Thermal Fluid Sci. 26, 513-523 (2002).</li><li>Lee, K. Y., Kim, W. S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Development+of+siphon+breaker+simulation+program+for+investing+loss+of+coolant+accident+of+a+research+reactor.">Development of siphon breaker simulation program for investing loss of coolant accident of a research reactor.</a> Ann. Nucl. Energy. 101, 49-57 (2017).</li><li>Lee, K. Y., Kim, W. S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Theoretical+Study+on+Loss+of+Coolant+Accident+of+a+Research+Reactor.">Theoretical Study on Loss of Coolant Accident of a Research Reactor.</a> Nucl. Eng. Des. 309, 151-160 (2016).</li><li>Lee, K. Y., Seo, K. W., Chi, D. Y., Yoon, J. H., Kang, S. H., Kim, M. H. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Experimental+and+analytical+studies+on+the+siphon+breakers+in+research+reactor.">Experimental and analytical studies on the siphon breakers in research reactor.</a> European Research Reactor Conference. , 18-22 (2012).</li></ol>

A siphon breaker is a passively-operated safety device used to prevent the loss of coolant when a pipe rupture accident occurs. However, it is difficult to apply to contemporary research reactors because there is no experiment for the real-scale research reactors. For this reason, the real-scale experiment was conducted by POSTECH and KAERI. The purpose of the experiment was to confirm that the siphon breaking is feasible at the real-scale size, and to identify factors that affect siphon breaking. Experimental results sh...

The number of reactors using plate-type fuel, such as the Jordan Research and Training Reactor (JRTR) and KiJang Research Reactor (KJRR), has increased recently. In order to connect the plate-type fuel easily, the research reactor requires a core downward flow. Since research reactors require net positive suction head of the primary cooling system, some cooling system components could potentially be installed below the reactor. However, if pipe rupture occurs in the primary cooling system below the reactor, the siphon effect causes continuous drainage of coolant that could result in the exposure of the reactor to the air. This means that the residual heat cannot be removed, which could lead to a serious accident. Therefore, in the event of a loss of coolant accident (LOCA), a safety device that can prevent a serious accident is necessary. A siphon breaker is such a safety device. It can effectively prevent water drainage by using an inrush of air. The entire system is called the siphon breaking system.
Several studies for the improvement of research reactor safety have been conducted. McDonald and Marten1 carried out an experiment in order to confirm the performance of a siphon breaking valve as an actively-operating breaker. Neill and Stephens2 performed an experiment using a siphon breaker as a passively operated device in a small-sized pipe. Sakurai3 proposed an analytical model to analyze the siphon breaking where a fully separate air-water flow model was applied.
Siphon breaking is extremely complex because there are many parameters that need to be considered. Furthermore, because the experiments for real-scale research reactors have not been performed, it is difficult to apply previous studies to contemporary research reactors. Therefore, previous studies have not presented a satisfactory theoretical model for siphon breaking. For this reason, a real-scale experiment was conducted to establish a theoretical model.
To investigate the effect of the siphon breaker on a research reactor, real-scale verification experiments were performed by Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) and Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI)4,5,6. Figure 1 is the actual facility for the siphon breaker experiment. Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of the facility and it includes the facility mark.
<img alt="Figure 1" class="xfigimg" src="/files/ftp_upload/55972/55972fig1.jpg" /> 
Figure 1. Facility for the siphon breaking demonstration experiment. The main pipe size is 16 in and an acrylic window is installed for observation. The orifice is a device prepared to describe the pressure drop. Therefore, there is an orifice assembly part at the bottom of the upper tank. <a href="//cloudflare.jove.com/files/ftp_upload/55972/55972fig1large.jpg" target="_blank">Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.</a>
<img alt="Figure 2" class="xfigimg" src="/files/ftp_upload/55972/55972fig2.jpg" /> 
Figure 2. Schematic diagram of the experimental facility. The location of measurement points is presented. The numbers indicate these relevant locations; point 0 signifies the entrance of the siphon breaker, point 1 signifies the water level, point 2 signifies the connected part of the siphon breaker and the main pipe, and point 3 signifies the LOCA position. <a href="//cloudflare.jove.com/files/ftp_upload/55972/55972fig2large.jpg" target="_blank">Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.</a>
The siphon breaker experimental facility consists of an upper tank, a lower tank, a piping system, and a return pump. The capacity of the upper tank is 57.6 m3. The bottom area and the depth are 14.4 m2 (4 m x 3.6 m) and 4 m, respectively. The lower tank and LOCA position are located 8.3 m below the upper tank. The capacity of the lower tank is 70 m3. The lower tank is used to store the water during the experiment. The lower tank is connected to the return pump. The water in the lower tank is pumped into the upper tank. The main pipe size of the piping system is 16 in. The end of the Siphon Breaker Line (SBL) is located 11.6 m high above the lower pipe rupture point. In addition, acrylic windows are installed on the pipe for visualization, as shown in Figure 1.
Several devices were installed to measure the physical signals. Two absolute pressure transducers (APTs) and three differential pressure transducers (DPTs) were used. To measure the water mass flow rate, an ultrasonic flow meter was used. A data acquisition system was used to get all measurement data at 250 ms time intervals. In addition to the equipment for the measurement, cameras were installed for observation and a ruler was attached on the inner wall of the upper tank to check the water level.
Various LOCA and siphon breaker (SB) sizes, siphon breaker types (Line/Hole), and the presence of orifice regarding reactor fuel and the pipe rupture point were considered in the experiment. In order to verify the effect of LOCA and SBL size, various sizes of LOCA and SBL were used. The LOCA sizes ranged from 6 in to 16 in and the SBL sizes ranged from 2 in to 6 in. In the experiment, line and hole type of siphon breakers were used, but the following content of this study only considers the SBL type used in the JRTR and KJRR. As an example of experimental results, Figure 3 is a graph that includes the pressure and water flow rate data. The experiment was conducted on October 4, 2013 and the experimental data sample is LN23 (Line type SB, No orifice, 12 in LOCA, 2.5 in SBL).
From the experiment data, the theoretical model which can predict the siphon breaking phenomenon was established. The theoretical model begins with the Bernoulli equation. The velocity of fluid is obtained from the Bernoulli equation and the volumetric flow rate can be obtained by multiplying the velocity of fluid by the pipe area. In addition, the water level can be obtained using the volumetric flow rate. The basic concept of the theoretical model is as above. However, since the siphon breaking phenomenon is a two-phase flow, there are additional points to be considered. To consider a two-phase flow analysis model, an accuracy verification test was performed. Since the Chisholm model was more accurate than a homogenous model, the Chisholm model is used to analyze the phenomenon. According to the Chisholm model, the two-phase multiplier formula is expressed as Equation 17. In this equation, &#1092; represents the two-phase multiplier, &#961; represents density, and X represents quality.
<img alt="Equation 1" src="/files/ftp_upload/55972/55972eq1.jpg" /> (1)
In the Chisholm model, a coefficient B that varies with mass flow was included. Ultimately, the derivation of a correlation formula between Chisholm coefficient B and reactor design conditions is a significant point of the theoretical model. In other words, another purpose of the experiment was to obtain data to establish the relationship between the design conditions and Chisholm coefficient B. From the test results, a correlation formula between the design conditions and Chisholm coefficient B was established. The resulting theoretical model was developed to predict the siphon breaking phenomenon well.
Furthermore, a simulation program with a Graphic User Interface (GUI) was developed. By the transition of absolute pressure data in Figure 3, the phenomenon can be divided into three stages: the Loss of coolant (Single-phase flow), Siphon breaking (Two-phase flow), and Steady state. Therefore, the main calculation process of the algorithm includes a three-step process corresponding to the three stages of the real phenomenon. Including the calculation process, the entire algorithm to describe the simulation process is shown in Figure 48.
Using the software (see Supplemental Video 1) to begin the simulation, the user enters the input parameters corresponding to the design conditions and the input parameters are stored as fixed values. If the user proceeds with the simulation after entering the parameters, the program performs the first step calculation. The first step is the single-phase calculation, which is the calculation for loss of coolant due to the siphon effect after the pipe rupture. The variables are calculated automatically by the theoretical model (as in Bernoulli&#39;s equation, mass flow preservation, etc.), and the calculation proceeds from the parameters input by the user. The calculation results are sequentially stored in the computer memory according to the time unit designated by the user.
If the water level drops below position 0, it means that the single-phase flow ends, because air starts to rush into the SBL at this moment. Therefore, the first step for single phase flow proceeds until the water level reaches position 0. When the water level is at position 0, this means that the undershooting height is zero. The undershooting height is the height difference between the entrance of the SBL and the upper tank water level after the siphon breaking. In other words, undershooting height indicates how much the water level decreased during the siphon breaking. Therefore, the undershooting height is an important parameter, because it would allow the direct determination of the quantity of coolant loss. Consequently, the program determines the end of the first-step calculation according to the undershooting height.
If the undershooting height is greater than zero, the program performs a second step calculation which can simulate two-phase flow. Because both water and air flow are present in the siphon breaking stage, the physical properties of both fluids must be considered. Therefore, the values of two-phase multiplier, quality, and void fraction are considered in this calculation step. Specially, the void fraction value is used as ending criterion of the second step calculation. The void fraction can be expressed as the ratio of air flow to the sum of air and water flows. The second step calculation proceeds until the void fraction (&#945;) value is over 0.9. When &#945; is over 0.9, the third step calculation proceeds which describes steady state. Theoretically, the ending criterion for siphon breaking is &#945; = 1 since only air exists in the pipe at this time. However, in this program, the end criteria for siphon breaking is &#945; = 0.9 to avoid any error in the calculation process. Therefore, a partial loss of results is inevitable, but this error can be negligible.
Steady state calculation proceeds during the time set by the user. Because there is no further change, the steady state is characterized in that the calculation result values are always constant. If siphon breaking is successful, the final level of the water in the upper tank will remain at a specific value, not zero. However, if the siphon breaking is not performed successfully, the coolant will be almost lost, and the final level of the water approaches zero value. Therefore, if the water level value equals zero in steady state, it indicates that the given design conditions are not adequate to complete siphon breaking.
After the calculation, the user can confirm the results in various ways. The results show the status of siphon breaking, siphon breaking progress, and singularity. The simulation program can predict and analyze the phenomenon realistically and assist in the design of the siphon breaker system. In this paper, the experiment protocol, results of the experiment, and application of the simulation program are presented.

<table>
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>Absolute pressure transducer</td>
			<td>Sensor Technics</td>
			<td>CTE9000</td>
			<td>0.05% full-scale error</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Differential pressure transducer</td>
			<td>Setra</td>
			<td>C230</td>
			<td>0.25% full-scale error</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Ultrasonic flow meter</td>
			<td>Tokyo Keiki</td>
			<td>UFP-20</td>
			<td>Resolution 0.01m^3/h</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Visual Studio 2012</td>
			<td>Microsoft</td>
			<td>Windows 8</td>
			<td>Microsoft Foundation Class</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>E.R.W. steel pipe</td>
			<td>Hyundai Hysco</td>
			<td>KS D 3507(SPP)</td>
			<td>400A(out dia.) x 7.9mm(thickness)</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

study of siphon breaker experiment and simulation for a research reactor

Under the design conditions of a research reactor, the siphon phenomenon induced by pipe rupture can cause continuous outward flow of water. To prevent this outflow, a control device is required. A siphon breaker is a type of safety device that can be utilized to control the loss of coolant water effectively.
To analyze the characteristics of siphon breaking, a real-scale experiment was conducted. From the results of the experiment, it was found that there are several design factors that affect the siphon breaking phenomenon. Therefore, there is a need to develop a theoretical model capable of predicting and analyzing the siphon breaking phenomenon under various design conditions. Using the experimental data, it was possible to formulate a theoretical model that accurately predicts the progress and the result of the siphon breaking phenomenon. The established theoretical model is based on fluid mechanics and incorporates the Chisholm model to analyze two-phase flow. From Bernoulli&#39;s equation, the velocity, quantity, undershooting height, water level, pressure, friction coefficient, and factors related to the two-phase flow could be obtained or calculated. Moreover, to utilize the model established in this study, a siphon breaker analysis and design program was developed. The simulation program operates on the theoretical model basis and returns the result as a graph. The user can confirm the possibility of the siphon breaking by checking the shape of the graph. Furthermore, saving the entire simulation result is possible and it can be used as a resource for analyzing the real siphon breaking system.
In conclusion, the user can confirm the status of the siphon breaking and design the siphon breaker system using the program developed in this study.

The entire process of siphon breaking consists of three stages. The first stage is the outflow of coolant due to the siphon effect. The second stage is the process of starting the inflow of air through the SBL to block the loss of coolant, called siphon breaking. The siphon breaking phenomenon can be seen as a sharp increase of absolute pressure in Figure 3. After the absolute pressure rapidly increases, it is gradually reduced because of the water level decr...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Study of Siphon Breaker Experiment and Simulation for a Research Reactor at JoVE.com

Study of Siphon Breaker Experiment and Simulation for a Research Reactor

The siphon breaking phenomenon was investigated experimentally and a theoretical model was proposed. A simulation program based on the theoretical model was developed and the results of the simulation program were compared with experimental results. It was concluded that the results of the simulation program matched the experimental results well.

Under the design conditions of a research reactor, the siphon phenomenon induced by pipe rupture can cause continuous outward flow of water. To prevent ...

The overall goal of this experiment and simulation is to investigate the siphon breaking phenomenon in order to improve the design and analysis of the siphon breaker of a research reactor. This episode can help answer a few questions in our research reactor safety feat, such as how to prevent a recurrent accident. The main advantage with this technique is that the siphon breaking phenomenon can be easily and accurately analyzed.The data for this experiment were collected at the two-phase flow lab of the Pohang University of Science and Technology. This schematic provides an overview of its features and the equipment used to monitor it. There is an upper tank with a 57.6 cubic meter capacity.It includes an optional orifice assembly. The lower tank is 8.3 meters below the upper tank and has a capacity 70 cubic meters. Any water deposited there can be reused via a return pump.The piping system has a 16 inch pipe. There are both lower and upper rupture points referred to as Loss of Coolant Accident, or LOCA, sites. The siphon breaker line ends in the upper tank, 11.6 meters above the lower pipe rupture point.Two absolute pressure transducers and three differential pressure transducers monitor the system. There is also an ultrasonic flow meter. Four cameras record regions of the experiment through observation windows.The experiments investigated the effects of varying LOCA size, siphon breaker line size, siphon breaker types, and presence of the orifice. This apparatus at the Handong Global University is a 1/8 scale model of the facility that will be used to demonstrate the experimental protocol. Compare its schematic with that of the original facility.All of the relevant features are in place, but on a manageable scale. Prepare for the experiment by ensuring that all monitoring instrumentation is in place and ready to operate. Next, consider the range of experimental conditions to be studied.This demonstration will use 1/2 inch and 1/4 inch siphon breaker lines. In addition, the LOCA site will have a one inch or two inch opening, created by attaching appropriate pipes. This apparatus has its experimental conditions set.A 1/2 inch siphon breaker line is in position and connected to the pipe leading from the tank to the LOCA. The first experiment will use the lower LOCA at the end of this pipe. The experiment starts with a LOCA size of one inch.When all preparations have been made, fill the upper tank with water. Check the initial water level before proceeding. With the instruments recording, return to the lower LOCA site.There, open the valve to start water flow and begin the test. Collect data until the water flow into the lower tank has stopped. Close the lower LOCA valve before continuing.After saving the collected data, prepare for the next test condition. This requires removing the pipe that sets the LOCA size. Replace the pipe with the next pipe diameter for the planned tests.In this case, one with a two inch opening. When the upper tank is filled again, open the lower LOCA site to collect data in this configuration. The third test requires changing the siphon breaker line.Remove the 1/2 inch line from its position. Replace it with the 1/4 inch siphon breaker line, which is the next diameter line for these tests. Once again, fill the upper tank and perform the test.If necessary, continue conducting tests for all configurations, including changes in LOCA position. The next step is to study the experiments by computer simulation. This is the initial screen of Siphon Breaker Simulation Program.To check parameters, click on the Show Parameters button. The new screen shows the parameters used for the simulation. After changing the input as necessary, click OK to return to the initial screen.Next, click the Run button. When prompted, enter the time interval the simulation will cover. Click OK to be taken to a water level graph.In the graph, the water level is shown as a function of time over the chosen time interval. Analyze the graph to determine if siphon breaking occurs with the given parameters. To check other outputs, select the appropriate check box below the plot.For the pressure plot, click on the p2 box. Click on the waterlevel box to remove the original plot. To show the flow rate, click on the q12 box.Remove the pressure plot by clicking on p2 again. When done, click Save the data button to create the data text file. Confirm the action in the pop-up dialogue box.Click OK to return to the home screen. Then, click Exit to leave the program. The data file will be in the same directory as the simulation program.Its contents allow detailed study of the numerical simulation results. These are data from a full scale experiment at the two-phase flow lab of the Pohang University of Science and Technology. The black circles represent Differential Pressure data.The gray triangles represent Absolute Pressure data. Both sets refer to the left vertical axis. The red crosses are Water Flow rate data, which use the right vertical axis.There are three stages of the experiment. First is the Loss of coolant. Second is Siphon breaking.Third is the Steady State. This plot allows comparison of experimental results for water flow rate with output from the software simulation. The blue squares are data for a 12 inch LOCA opening, and the blue line is for the associated simulation.Data for a 16 inch LOCA opening are shown with red circles, and the red line is the simulation results. Here is another test of the model. The horizontal position of a black circle is the experimentally measured Undershooting height.The vertical position is the Undershooting height from a simulation. The blue line corresponds to the case of the values from experiment and simulation being equal. The plot suggests the model can be used for analysis of siphon breaking.The implications of this technique extend toward diagnostics of the safety of a research reactor because the program can predict entire siphon breaking demonstration in case there was a recurrent accident by pipe rupture. Once mastered, each simulation can be done in five minutes if performed properly. It is important to remember that the input parameters for simulation should be entered in of the siphon breaker design conditions.At this development, this technique paved the way for researchers in the field of siphon breaker design to explore safety in research reactor. After watching this video, you should have a good understanding of how to design and analyze the siphon breaker of a research reactor.

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Engineering

Simulation, Fabrication and Characterization of THz Metamaterial Absorbers

Metamaterials (MM), artificial materials engineered to have properties that may not be found in nature, have been widely explored since the first theoretical1 and experimental demonstration2 of their unique properties. MMs can provide a highly controllable electromagnetic response, and to date have been demonstrated in every technologically relevant spectral range including the optical3, near IR4, mid IR5 , THz6 , mm-wave7 , microwave8 and radio9 bands. Applications include perfect lenses10, sensors11, telecommunications12, invisibility cloaks13 and filters14,15. We have recently developed single band16, dual band17 and broadband18 THz metamaterial absorber devices capable of greater than 80% absorption at the resonance peak. The concept of a MM absorber is especially important at THz frequencies where it is difficult to find strong frequency selective THz absorbers19. In our MM absorber the THz radiation is absorbed in a thickness of ~ &lambda;/20, overcoming the thickness limitation of traditional quarter wavelength absorbers. MM absorbers naturally lend themselves to THz detection applications, such as thermal sensors, and if integrated with suitable THz sources (e.g. QCLs), could lead to compact, highly sensitive, low cost, real time THz imaging systems.

This protocol outlines the simulation, fabrication and characterization of THz metamaterial absorbers. Such absorbers, when coupled with an appropriate sensor, have applications in THz imaging and spectroscopy.

Metamaterials (MM),  artificial materials engineered to have properties that may not be found in  nature, have been widely explored since the first ...

Research and Development of High-performance Explosives

Developmental testing of high explosives for military applications involves small-scale formulation, safety testing, and finally detonation performance tests to verify theoretical calculations. For newly developed formulations, the process begins with small-scale mixes, thermal testing, and impact and friction sensitivity. Only then do subsequent larger scale formulations proceed to detonation testing, which will be covered in this paper. Recent advances in characterization techniques have led to unparalleled precision in the characterization of early-time evolution of detonations. The new technique of Photonic Doppler Velocimetry (PDV) for the measurement of detonation pressure will be shared and compared with traditional fiber-optic detonation velocity and plate-dent calculation of detonation pressure. In particular, the role of aluminum in explosive formulations will be discussed. Recent developments led to the development of explosive formulations that result in reaction of aluminum very early in the detonation product expansion. This enhanced reaction leads to changes in the detonation velocity and pressure due to reaction of the aluminum with oxygen in the expanding gas products.

Developmental testing of high explosives for military applications involves small-scale formulation, safety testing, and finally detonation performance tests to verify theoretical calculations. This paper will share typical development tests associated with the measurement of detonation velocity and detonation pressure.

Developmental testing of high explosives for military applications involves small-scale formulation, safety testing, and finally detonation performance ...

Detection and Recovery of Palladium, Gold and Cobalt Metals from the Urban Mine Using Novel Sensors/Adsorbents Designated with Nanoscale Wagon-wheel-shaped Pores

Developing low-cost, efficient processes for recovering and recycling palladium, gold and cobalt metals from urban mine remains a significant challenge in industrialized countries. Here, the development of optical mesosensors/adsorbents (MSAs) for efficient recognition and selective recovery of Pd(II), Au(III), and Co(II) from urban mine was achieved. A simple, general method for preparing MSAs based on using high-order mesoporous monolithic scaffolds was described. Hierarchical cubic Ia3d wagon-wheel-shaped MSAs were fabricated by anchoring chelating agents (colorants) into three-dimensional pores and micrometric particle surfaces of the mesoporous monolithic scaffolds. Findings show, for the first time, evidence of controlled optical recognition of Pd(II), Au(III), and Co(II) ions and a highly selective system for recovery of Pd(II) ions (up to ~95%) in ores and industrial wastes. Furthermore, the controlled assessment processes described herein involve evaluation of intrinsic properties (e.g., visual signal change, long-term stability, adsorption efficiency, extraordinary sensitivity, selectivity, and reusability); thus, expensive, sophisticated instruments are not required. Results show evidence that MSAs will attract worldwide attention as a promising technological means of recovering and recycling palladium, gold and cobalt metals.

Because of the importance and extensive use of palladium, gold and cobalt metals in high-technology equipment, their recovery and recycling constitute an important industrial challenge. The metal recovery system described herein is a simple, low-cost means for the effective detection, removal, and recovery of these metals from the urban mine.

Developing low-cost, efficient processes for recovering and recycling palladium, gold and cobalt metals from urban mine remains a significant challenge in ...

Visualizing Hyporheic Flow Through Bedforms Using Dye Experiments and Simulation

Advective exchange between the pore space of sediments and the overlying water column, called hyporheic exchange in fluvial environments, drives solute transport in rivers and many important biogeochemical processes. To improve understanding of these processes through visual demonstration, we created a hyporheic flow simulation in the multi-agent computer modeling platform NetLogo. The simulation shows virtual tracer flowing through a streambed covered with two-dimensional bedforms. Sediment, flow, and bedform characteristics are used as input variables for the model. We illustrate how these simulations match experimental observations from laboratory flume experiments based on measured input parameters. Dye is injected into the flume sediments to visualize the porewater flow. For comparison virtual tracer particles are placed at the same locations in the simulation. This coupled simulation and lab experiment has been used successfully in undergraduate and graduate laboratories to directly visualize river-porewater interactions and show how physically-based flow simulations can reproduce environmental phenomena. Students took photographs of the bed through the transparent flume walls and compared them to shapes of the dye at the same times in the simulation. This resulted in very similar trends, which allowed the students to better understand both the flow patterns and the mathematical model. The simulations also allow the user to quickly visualize the impact of each input parameter by running multiple simulations. This process can also be used in research applications to illustrate basic processes, relate interfacial fluxes and porewater transport, and support quantitative process-based modeling.

This manuscript describes how to create regular bedforms in a flume, visualize flow through the bedforms, and use computer simulations to simulate the hyporheic flow. The computer simulations compare well with the experimental observations. This coupled simulation and experiment is well-suited for both research and educational purposes.

Advective exchange between the pore space of sediments and the overlying water column, called hyporheic exchange in fluvial environments, drives solute ...

Challenges in Rheological Characterization of Highly Concentrated Suspensions &#8212; A Case Study for Screen-printing Silver Pastes

A comprehensive rheological characterization of highly concentrated suspensions or pastes is mandatory for a targeted product development meeting the manifold requirements during processing and application of such complex fluids. In this investigation, measuring protocols for a conclusive assessment of different process relevant rheological parameters have been evaluated. This includes the determination of yield stress, viscosity, wall slip velocity, structural recovery after large deformation and elongation at break as well as tensile force during filament stretching.
The importance of concomitant video recordings during parallel-plate rotational rheometry for a significant determination of rheological quantities is demonstrated. The deformation profile and flow field at the sample edge can be determined using appropriate markers. Thus, measurement parameter settings and plate roughness values can be identified for which yield stress and viscosity measurements are possible. Slip velocity can be measured directly and measuring conditions at which plug flow, shear banding or sample spillover occur can be identified clearly. 
Video recordings further confirm that the change in shear moduli observed during three stage oscillatory shear tests with small deformation amplitude in stage I and III but large oscillation amplitude in stage II can be directly attributed to structural break down and recovery. For the pastes investigated here, the degree of irreversible, shear-induced structural change increases with increasing deformation amplitude in stage II until a saturation is reached at deformations corresponding to the crossover of G' and G'', but the irreversible damage is independent of the duration of large amplitude shear. 
A capillary breakup elongational rheometer and a tensile tester have been used to characterize deformation and breakup behavior of highly filled pastes in uniaxial elongation. Significant differences were observed in all experiments described above for two commercial screen-printing silver pastes used for front side metallization of Si-solar cells.

Challenges in Rheological Characterization of Highly Concentrated Suspensions &amp;#8212; A Case Study for Screen-printing Silver Pastes

A protocol for a robust and application relevant rheological characterization of highly concentrated suspensions is presented. Silver pastes used for screen-printing application in solar cell production are employed as model systems.

A comprehensive rheological characterization of highly concentrated suspensions or pastes is mandatory for a targeted product development meeting the ...

3D Printing of Biomolecular Models for Research and Pedagogy

The construction of physical three-dimensional (3D) models of biomolecules can uniquely contribute to the study of the structure-function relationship. 3D structures are most often perceived using the two-dimensional and exclusively visual medium of the computer screen. Converting digital 3D molecular data into real objects enables information to be perceived through an expanded range of human senses, including direct stereoscopic vision, touch, and interaction. Such tangible models facilitate new insights, enable hypothesis testing, and serve as psychological or sensory anchors for conceptual information about the functions of biomolecules. Recent advances in consumer 3D printing technology enable, for the first time, the cost-effective fabrication of high-quality and scientifically accurate models of biomolecules in a variety of molecular representations. However, the optimization of the virtual model and its printing parameters is difficult and time consuming without detailed guidance. Here, we provide a guide on the digital design and physical fabrication of biomolecule models for research and pedagogy using open source or low-cost software and low-cost 3D printers that use fused filament fabrication technology.

Physical models of biomolecules can facilitate an understanding of their structure-function for the researcher, aid in communication between researchers, and serve as an educational tool in pedagogical endeavors. Here, we provide detailed guidance for the 3D printing of accurate models of biomolecules using fused filament fabrication desktop 3D printers.

The construction of physical three-dimensional (3D) models of biomolecules can uniquely contribute to the study of the structure-function relationship. 3D ...

Processing of Bulk Nanocrystalline Metals at the US Army Research Laboratory

Given their potential for significant property improvements relative to their large grained counterparts, much work has been devoted to the continued development of nanocrystalline metals. Despite these efforts, the transition of these materials from the lab bench to actual applications has been blocked by the inability to produce large scale parts that retain the desired nanocrystalline microstructures. Following the development of a method proven to stabilize the nanosized grain structure to temperatures approaching that of the melting point for the given metal, the US Army Research Laboratory (ARL) has progressed to the next stage in the development of these materials - namely the production of large scale parts suitable for testing and evaluation in a range of relevant test environments. This report provides a broad overview of the ongoing efforts in the processing, characterization, and consolidation of these materials at ARL. In particular, focus is placed on the methodology used for producing the nanocrystalline metal powders, in both small and large-scale amounts, that are at the center of ongoing research efforts.

This paper provides a brief overview of the ongoing efforts at the Army Research Laboratory on the processing of bulk nanocrystalline metals with an emphasis on the methodologies used for the production of the novel metal powders.

Given their potential for significant property improvements relative to their large grained counterparts, much work has been devoted to the continued ...

A 100 KW Class Applied-field Magnetoplasmadynamic Thruster

Applied-field magnetoplasmadynamic thrusters (AF-MPD thrusters) are hybrid accelerators in which electromagnetic and gas dynamic processes accelerate plasma to high speed; they have considerable potential for future space applications with the significant advantages of high specific impulse and thrust density. In this paper, we present a series of protocols for designing and manufacturing a 100 kW class of AF-MPD thruster with water-cooling structures, a 130 V maximum discharge voltage, a 800 A maximum discharge current, and a 0.25 T maximum strength of magnetic field. A hollow tantalum tungsten cathode acts as the only propellant inlet to inhibit the radial discharge, and it is positioned axially at the rear of the anode in order to relieve anode starvation. A cylindrical divergent copper anode is employed to decrease anode power deposition, where the length has been reduced to decrease the wall-plasma connecting area. Experiments utilized a vacuum system that can achieve a working vacuum of 0.01 Pa for a total propellant mass flow rate lower than 40 mg/s and a target thrust stand. The thruster tests were carried out to measure the effects of the working parameters such as propellant flow rates, the discharge current, and the strength of applied magnetic field on the performance and to allow appropriate analysis. The thruster could be operated continuously for significant periods of time with little erosion on the hollow cathode surface. The maximum power of the thruster is 100 kW, and the performance of this water-cooled configuration is comparable with that of thrusters reported in the literature.

The goal of this protocol is to introduce the design of a 100 kW class applied-field magnetoplasmadynamic thruster and relevant experimental methods.

Applied-field magnetoplasmadynamic thrusters (AF-MPD thrusters) are hybrid accelerators in which electromagnetic and gas dynamic processes accelerate ...

Thermocapillary Convection Space Experiment on the SJ-10 Recoverable Satellite

Thermocapillary convection is an important research subject in microgravity fluid physics. The experimental study on surface waves of thermocapillary convection in an annular liquid pool is one of the 19 scientific experimental projects on the SJ-10 recoverable satellite. Presented is a design for a payload for space experimental study on thermocapillary convection that includes the experimental model, measurement system, and control system. The specifics for the construction of an experimental model of an annular liquid pool with variable volume ratios is provided. The fluid temperatures are recorded by six thermocouples with a high sensitivity of 0.05 &#176;C at different points. The temperature distributions on the liquid free surface are captured by means of an infrared thermal camera. The free surface deformation is detected by a displacement sensor with a high accuracy of 1 &#181;m. The experimental process is fully automated. The research is focused on thermocapillary oscillation phenomena on the liquid-free surface and convective pattern transitions through analyses of experimental data and images. This research will be helpful to understand the mechanism of thermocapillary convection and will offer further insights into the nonlinear characteristics, flow instability, and bifurcation transitions of thermocapillary convection.

A protocol for the space payload design, the space experiment on thermocapillary convection, and analyses of experimental data and images are presented in this paper.

Thermocapillary convection is an important research subject in microgravity fluid physics. The experimental study on surface waves of thermocapillary ...

Optimized Sealing Process and Real-Time Monitoring of Glass-to-Metal Seal Structures

Residual stress is an essential factor to keeping the hermeticity and robustness of a glass-to-metal seal structure. The purpose of this report is to demonstrate a novel protocol to characterize and measure residual stress in a glass-to-metal seal structure without destroying the insulation and hermeticity of sealing materials. In this research, a femto-laser inscribed fiber Bragg grating sensor is used. The glass-to-metal seal structure that is measured consists of a metal shell, sealing glass, and Kovar conductor. To make the measurements worthwhile, the specific heat treatment of metal-to-glass seal (MTGS) structure is explored to obtain the model with best hermeticity. Then, the FBG sensor is embedded into the path of sealing glass and becomes well-fused with the glass as the temperature cools to RT. The Bragg wavelength of FBG shifts with the residual stress generated in sealing the glass. To calculate the residual stress, the relationship between Bragg wavelength shift and strain is applied, and the finite element method is also used to make the results reliable. The online monitoring experiments of residual stress in sealing glass are carried out at different loads, such as high temperature and high pressure, to broaden functions of this protocol in harsh environments.

Key procedures to optimize the sealing process and achieve real-time monitoring of the metal-to-glass seal (MTGS) structure are described in detail. The embedded fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensor is designed to achieve online monitoring of temperature and high-level residual stress in the MTGS with simultaneous environmental pressure monitoring.

Residual stress is an essential factor to keeping the hermeticity and robustness of a glass-to-metal seal structure. The purpose of this report is to ...