Search Results (45)

In this numerical and experimental study, the effects of the width, length, and height parameters of a mirror arm on the drag coefficients of two side-view mirror models were investigated. The analyses were performed according to fractional factorial Taguchi L9 experiment plans. In the wind tunnel, a constant-temperature hot-wire anemometer and a pressure scanner system were used to measure velocity and static pressures, respectively. A realizable k-ε turbulence model with a scalable wall function was applied in the simulations, and the velocity was kept constant at 30 m/s. Means of the drag coefficient, signal/noise values, and analysis of variance were used to evaluate the parameters’ effects. The results showed that the drag coefficients increased with arm height. The increase in arm width decreased the drag coefficient to a limited extent, while the aspect ratio (width/height) showed a strong negative correlation with the drag coefficient. The high aspect ratios resulted in streamlined geometries around the mirror arm and delayed flow separations. The numerical analysis results showed good agreement with the experimental values for both mirror models. Full article

The peregrine falcon, known as the fastest bird in the world, has been studied for its ability to stabilize during high-speed dives, a capability attributed to the configuration of its dorsal feathers. These feathers have inspired the design of vortex generators devices that promote controlled turbulence to delay boundary layer separation on aircraft wings and turbine blades. This study presents an experimental wind tunnel investigation of a bio-inspired peregrine falcon prototype, equipped with movable artificial feathers, a hot-wire anemometer, and a 3D accelerometer. Wake velocity profiles measured behind the prototype revealed fluctuations associated with feather motion. Spectral analysis of the velocity signals, recorded with oscillating feathers at a wind tunnel speed of 10 m/s, showed attenuation of specific frequency components, suggesting that feather dynamics may help mitigate wake fluctuations induced by structural vibrations. Three-dimensional acceleration measurements indicated that prototype vibrations remained below 1 g, with peak differences along the X and Z axes ranging from −0.06 g to 0.06 g, demonstrating the sensitivity of the vibration sensing system. Root Mean Square (RMS) values of velocity signals increased with wind tunnel speed but decreased as the feather inclination angle rose. When the mean value was subtracted from the signal, higher RMS variability was observed, reflecting increased flow disturbance from feather movement. Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) analysis revealed that, for fixed feather angles, spectral magnitudes increased uniformly with wind speed. In contrast, dynamic feather oscillation produced distinctive frequency peaks, highlighting the feather’s influence on the wake structure in the frequency domain. To complement the experimental findings, 3D CFD simulations were conducted on two HAWT-type wind turbines—one with bio-inspired vortex generators and one without. The simulations showed a significant reduction in turbulent kinetic energy contours in the wake of the modified turbine, particularly in the Y-Z plane, compared to the baseline configuration. Full article

Originally introduced in the 1960s by DISA Elektronik as a calibration tunnel for hot-wire anemometers, the Type 55D41 has now been reengineered into a versatile and modern aerodynamic test platform. While retaining key legacy components, such as the converging nozzle and the 55D42 power unit, the upgraded system features a redesigned modular test section with optical-grade quartz windows. This enhancement enables compatibility with advanced flow diagnostics and visualization methods, including PTV, DIC, and schlieren imaging. The modernized facility maintains the precision and flow stability that made the original design widely respected, while expanding its functionality to meet the demands of contemporary experimental research. Its architecture supports the aerodynamic characterization of micro-scale static pressure probes used in aerospace, propulsion, and micro gas turbine applications. Special attention is given to assessing the influence of probe tip geometry (e.g., conical, ogive), port positioning, and stem interference on measurement accuracy. Full article

Optimizing aerodynamic efficiency is crucial in competitive cycling, where aerodynamic resistance significantly limits performance. Devices like Notio have emerged to calculate the coefficient of drag area (C_DA) considering dynamic pressure data calculated by an integrated Pitot-static tube. This study aimed to evaluate the validity and reliability of Pitot-static tube calculations through wind speed (WS) data against a hot-wire anemometer (HWA). Sixty recordings were made, lasting 30 s each, in a closed-circuit wind tunnel at four different WS (≈30 to ≈60 km/h), and at five different yaw angles (0° to 20°). Initially, Notio showed WS 6.44% higher than HWA. The calibration process recommended by the Notio manufacturer reduced the differences to a non-significant 0.76%. Comparison of the WS of Notio calibrated and HWA only showed significant differences in the WS group of ≈60 km/h. There were no significant differences in the comparison of yaw angles groups. The reliability of Notio was worse than that of the HWA. In conclusion, Notio calibrated at a speed close to its use allows for reliable and accurate calculation of WS over a wide range of yaw angles under controlled wind tunnel conditions without the presence of a cyclist and bicycle. However, due to the influence of WS on aerodynamic drag, small errors in WS could translate into considerable values of C_DA for cycling performance. Full article

The gas phase flow field inside a cyclone separator is crucial to the particle separation process. Previous studies have paid attention to the steady-state characteristics of the gas phase flow field, while research on its dynamic characteristics remains insufficient. Meanwhile, cyclone separators often adopt different structural forms according to the process requirements, the evolution laws of the dynamic characteristics flow field within them are still not well understood. Therefore, in this study, a hot-wire anemometer (HWA) was employed to measure the instantaneous tangential velocity of the gas phase flow fields within different structural cyclone separators (cylinder type, cylinder–cone (no hopper), and cylinder–cone (with hopper)). Comparative analyses and discussions were conducted regarding the dynamic characteristic distribution rules of the flow field in the time domain and the frequency domain. The results revealed that the dimensionless tangential velocity distributions of different types of cyclone separators all conformed to the Rankine vortex structure. The instantaneous tangential velocity fluctuated with low frequency and high amplitude, and the low-frequency velocity fluctuation exhibited a transfer behavior along the radial direction. Compared with the cylinder–cone-type cyclone separator, the tangential velocity in the cylinder-type cyclone separator fluctuated more greatly, and its quasi-periodic behavior was also more obvious. The time-averaged tangential velocity, the tangential velocity fluctuation intensity (S_d), and the dominant fluctuation frequency all had obvious attenuation along the axial direction in the cylinder-type cyclone separator, while the above-mentioned parameters had no attenuation along the axial direction in cylinder–cone-type cyclone separators. Additionally, the backflow from the hopper of the cylinder–cone-type cyclone separator (with hopper) led to an increase in the instantaneous tangential velocity fluctuation intensity of the local flow field near the dust outlet, as well as the occurrence of the “double dominant frequencies” phenomenon. Full article

In this study, a disk-type bluff body was installed at the upper part of a nozzle exit, and the circular jet inside the nozzle was controlled using a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma actuator (DBD-PA). The effects of the changes in the excitation frequency of the jet induced by the DBD-PA on the jet diffusion were elucidated. The experiments included visualization of the jet cross-section, particle image velocimetry analysis, and velocity measurements using an I-type hot-wire anemometer. When the DBD-PA was driven at a specific burst frequency (900–1400 Hz), a lock-in phenomenon occurred, in which the frequency of vortices generated in the initial jet coincided with the burst frequency. This lock-in phenomenon suppressed the merging of vortices by generating vortices at regular intervals. When vortex merging was suppressed, the jet was less likely to be entrained into the recirculation flow generated by the bluff body, thereby increasing the downstream jet width and average flow rate. Full article

The gas–phase flow field within a cyclone plays a critical role in the particle separation process. While previous research has primarily focused on the steady–state, time–averaged characteristics of this flow field, there has been limited investigation into its dynamic instability. This study seeks to address this gap by examining the dynamic instability of gas swirling flows in cyclones, offering new insights into their spatial and temporal dimensions. Numerical simulations were performed via large eddy simulation (LES) for the gas swirling flow in a reverse cyclone and tangential velocity was measured with a hot–wire anemometer (HWA). The model’s accuracy was validated against experimental data. The results demonstrate that the distributions of instantaneous tangential velocity and pressure exhibit spatial asymmetry and temporal instability across different sections of the cyclone. The dynamic instability of the gas swirling flow in the cyclone is the superposition of the spatial asymmetry and the temporal instability. These instabilities are more pronounced in the internal regions than the outer regions. Dynamic instability arises from the combined effects of rotational dynamics and wall curvature, leading to an eccentric rotation of the swirling center, particularly evident in the lower sections of the cyclone cone. This instability increases fluctuations in the instantaneous parameters, enhancing turbulence intensity and fine particle diffusion, and ultimately impairing both separation efficiency and particle size efficiency. Full article

Wet scrubbers are traditionally used as dedusting systems in waste incineration plants for wet flue gas treatment. Although these devices are not particularly performant at capturing submicron particles, which are associated with health and environmental hazards, their collection efficiency can be improved by optimizing operating conditions. This study presents the design methodology of a downscaled wet scrubber, constructed and implemented at a municipal waste incineration plant to be fed with real fumes, and to study its efficiency towards the removal of submicronic particles. The downscaled scrubber was designed to operate with flue gas at 200 °C, high humidity (1% RH), and an average total particle concentration of 200 mg/Nm³. A criterion of geometric, aerodynamic, and residence time similarities to an existing industrial scrubber was targeted. The height of the device was selected by matching the theoretical fractional particle collection efficiencies of the industrial and downscaled scrubbers. Featuring a cylindrical shape, the downscaled scrubber has a diameter of 0.3 m and a height of 2.5 m. It operates in co-current with water injected through four spray levels. Computational fluid dynamics simulations were conducted to analyze the gas flow structure within the device, and the results were validated by hot wire anemometer velocity measurements. Full article

Although mask-wearing is now widespread, the knowledge of how to quantify or improve their performance remains surprisingly limited and is largely based on empirical evidence. The objective of this study was to visualize the expiratory airflows from facemasks and evaluate aerosol transmission between two persons. Different visualization methods were explored, including the Schlieren optical system, laser/LED-particle imaging system, thermal camera, and vapor–SarGel system. The leakage flows and escaped aerosols were quantified using a hotwire anemometer and a particle counter, respectively. The results show that mask-wearing reduces the exhaled flow velocity from 2~4 m/s (with no facemask) to around 0.1 m/s, thus decreasing droplet transmission speeds. Cloth, surgical, and KN95 masks showed varying leakage flows at the nose top, sides, and chin. The leakage rate also differed between inhalation and exhalation. The neck gaiter has low filtration efficiency and high leakage fractions, providing low protection efficiency. There was considerable deposition in the mouth–nose area, as well as the neck, chin, and jaw, which heightened the risk of self-inoculation through spontaneous face-touching. A face shield plus surgical mask greatly reduced droplets on the head, neck, and face, indicating that double face coverings can be highly effective when a single mask is insufficient. The vapor–SarGel system provided a practical approach to study interpersonal transmission under varying close contact scenarios or with different face coverings. Full article

Background: Nasal airway obstruction (NAO) is characterised by high resistance in the nasal cavity with a collapsible and narrowed upper airway and is an integral part of OSA pathophysiology. The literature demonstrates that the identification of high-risk OSA in the young adult population leads to the prevention of later health consequences. A nasoorospirometer is a prototype device that measures nasal capacity during inspiration. The basis for measurement is a Wheatstone bridge and a thermal anemometer. The parameters are recorded via hot wire anemometry (HTA) with velocity measurements in the airflow field. Therefore, this pilot study aimed to test the feasibility of the device by examining a young adult sample. The secondary aim was to determine whether subjective NAO correlates with nasal capacity and whether NAO corresponds with anthropometric parameters and individual risk of OSA. Methods: A group of 31 participants (mean age 24.9 years) underwent a thorough laryngological examination. The nasoorospirometer was used to measure objective NAO (nasal capacity), the NOSE scale was used to gain subjective NAO evaluation, and the Berlin Questionnaire for the risk of OSA. Results: A correlation analysis confirmed no significant associations between the subjective and objective measures (p > 0.05). Higher BMI and neck circumference are associated with lower NAO and higher nasal patency in the population of young adults (r: 0.32–0.45; p < 0.05). The risk of OSA showed no statistically significant association (p > 0.05). Conclusions: We presented three methods of NAO assessment: subjective participant evaluation, objective nasoosopirometry, and objective laryngological assessment. However, the use of a nasoorospirometer with anthropometric measures in young adults needs to be verified in future studies. Full article

The flow field characteristic is crucial for the separation process of cyclones, which includes time–mean and dynamic characteristics. The structural parameters of the cyclone have an important influence on the internal flow field characteristics, among which the cylinder diameter and vortex finder diameter are important structural parameters. This experimental study aimed to assess the effects of diameter parameters on the flow field characteristics of cyclones, especially the dynamic characteristics, which have received less attention in the literature. A hot wire anemometer (HWA) was employed in measuring the instantaneous tangential velocities in cyclones with different cylinder and vortex finder diameters. Time and frequency domain analyses of the measured data revealed that the diameter parameters of cyclones affected not only the distributions of the time–mean and instantaneous tangent velocities but also the intensity and dominant frequency of the instantaneous tangential velocity fluctuations. First, the maximum tangential velocity in the cyclone increased slightly when the cylinder diameter was increased and decreased significantly when the vortex finder diameter was increased. Second, the tangential velocity fluctuation intensity characterized by the standard deviation (S_d) increased on the same dimensionless axial section when the cylinder diameter was increased and the vortex finder diameter was decreased. It was also found that the increases in cylinder diameter and vortex finder diameter led to the dominant frequencies in the cyclone being reduced. Based on the results of this study, the dominant frequency calculation model for cyclones was improved. The conclusions presented in this study may provide valuable insights into the dynamic characteristics of flow fields in cyclones for future improvements to separation performance. Full article

Aimed at addressing the difficult problems existing in extremely low speed calibration facilities for hot-wire anemometers, where calibration accuracy is often insufficient and vulnerable to the contamination from temperature and humidity discrepancies between the calibration environment and the application environment, a calibration rig with a velocity range from 0.10 m/s to 1.0 m/s, an air temperature range of ambient temperature to 60 °C, and a humidity range from 20%RH to 80%RH was designed, developed, and constructed. The overall layout arrangement and the mechanical structure of the facility are illustrated. The master control system, the motion control system, the temperature and humidity control system are designed, tested and adjusted. The adjustment results are demonstrated and discussed. The analysis of the results reveals that the maximum velocity control error is 0.000989 m/s, satisfying the design target of 0.003 m/s; the corresponding maximum relative error is 0.241%, which is less than the design target of 0.4%; the maximum temperature control error is 0.9 °C, meeting the design target accuracy of 1 °C; the maximum humidity control error is 2.9%RH, which is below the design target of 4%RH. When the facility is applied to the calibration of a hot-wire anemometer, the maximum error of the fitting curves in modified King’s law is 0.02236 m/s, while that in Van der Hegge Zijnen’s formula is 0.023217 m/s, both of which satisfy the design target accuracy of 0.03 m/s. The maximum relative errors of fitting curves using the two formulas are 5.214% and 8.527%, respectively. Analysis of calibration data reveals that the discrepancy in temperature and humidity between application site and calibration site may bring errors that can reach up to 1.2676% per unit relative humidity discrepancy, and 5.672% per degree Celsius of temperature deviation, respectively. Full article

A detailed study of the gas-dynamic behaviour of both liquid and gas flows is urgently required for a variety of technical and process design applications. This article provides an overview of the application and an improvement to thermal anemometry methods and tools. The principle and advantages of a hot-wire anemometer operating according to the constant-temperature method are described. An original electronic circuit for a constant-temperature hot-wire anemometer with a filament protection unit is proposed for measuring the instantaneous velocity values of both stationary and pulsating gas flows in pipelines. The filament protection unit increases the measuring system’s reliability. The designs of the hot-wire anemometer and filament sensor are described. Based on development tests, the correct functioning of the measuring system was confirmed, and the main technical specifications (the time constant and calibration curve) were determined. A measuring system for determining instantaneous gas flow velocity values with a time constant from 0.5 to 3.0 ms and a relative uncertainty of 5.1% is proposed. Based on pilot studies of stationary and pulsating gas flows in different gas-dynamic systems (a straight pipeline, a curved channel, a system with a poppet valve or a damper, and the external influence on the flow), the applications of the hot-wire anemometer and sensor are identified. Full article

The paper focuses on the investigation of unsteady effects in shock wave/boundary layer interaction. The study was carried out using a flat plate model subjected to a free stream Mach number of 1.43 and a unit Reynolds number (Re₁) of 11.5 × 10⁶ 1/m. To generate two-dimensional disturbances in the laminar boundary layer upstream of the separation region, a dielectric barrier discharge was employed. The disturbances were generated within the frequency range of 500 to 1700 Hz. The Strouhal numbers based on the length of the separation bubble ranged from 0.04 to 0.13. The measurements were carried out using a hot-wire anemometer. Analysis of the data shows that disturbances in this frequency range mostly decay. The maximum amplitudes of perturbations were observed at frequencies of 1250 Hz and 1700 Hz. Full article

We demonstrated a new optical fiber modal interferometer (MI) for airflow sensing; the novelty of the proposed structure is that an MI is fabricated based on a piece of HAF, which makes the sensitive MI itself also a hotwire. The interferometer is made by applying arc-discharge tapering and then flame tapering on a 10 mm length high attenuation fiber (HAF, 2 dB/cm) with both ends spliced to a normal single mode fiber. When the diameter of the fiber in the processing region is reduced to about 2 μm, the near-infrared dispersion turning point (DTP) can be observed in the interferometer’s transmission spectrum. Due to the absorption of the HAF, the interferometer will have a large temperature increase under the action of a pump laser. At the same time, the spectrum of the interferometer with a DTP is very sensitive to the change in ambient temperature. Since airflow will significantly affect the temperature around the fiber, this thermosensitive interferometer with an integrated heat source is suitable for airflow sensing. Such an airflow sensor sample with a 31.2 mm length was made and pumped by a 980 nm laser with power up to 200 mW. In the comparative experiment with an electrical anemometer, this sensor exhibits a very high air-flow sensitivity of −2.69 nm/(m/s) at a flowrate of about 1.0 m/s. The sensitivity can be further improved by enlarging the waist length, increasing the pump power, etc. The optical anemometer with an extremely high sensitivity and a compact size has the potential to measure a low flowrate in constrained microfluidic channels. Full article