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At least 91 records · Page 5

Recent Development of Multigrid Algorithms for Mixed and Noncomforming Methods for Second Order Elliptical Problems

Multigrid algorithms for nonconforming and mixed finite element methods for second order elliptic problems on triangular and rectangular finite elements are considered. The construction of several coarse-to-fine intergrid transfer operators for nonconforming multigrid algorithms is discussed. The equivalence between the nonconforming and mixed finite element methods with and without projection of the coefficient of the differential problems into finite element spaces is described.

Chen, Zhangxin↗

Mixed time integration methods for transient thermal analysis of structures, appendix 5

Mixed time integration methods for transient thermal analysis of structures are studied. An efficient solution procedure for predicting the thermal behavior of aerospace vehicle structures was developed. A 2D finite element computer program incorporating these methodologies is being implemented. The performance of these mixed time finite element algorithms can then be evaluated employing the proposed example problem.

Liu, W. K.↗

SRPPF Aqueous Recovery System Sorbent Testing

This study details preliminary testing of 7 inorganic sorbents for the solidification of the surrogate SRPPF aqueous recovery system liquid excess material of 4M sodium nitrate. Sorbents were subject to various mixing methods to incorporate sodium nitrate solution including static, rotating, and in situ paddle mixing. Paddle mixing was found to be the most effective mixing technique, while simple static tests were also successful, though only for some of the sorbents. Setting tests were performed to ensure that the sorbent sequestered the liquid without release through a conical paint filter. Recommended set times ranged from near immediate to 7 days. The set mixtures were investigated further using ultra-centrifugal liquid release testing, thermogravimetric analysis, and visual microscopy to understand the mechanism by which the sorbent sequestered the liquid. Most sorbents seem to incorporate liquid by sorbing it onto and into the sorbent particles, while Drierite ® , anhydrous calcium sulfate, created a crystal structure that bound the surrogate liquid. Overall, four sorbents are recommended for continued testing: Aquaset II, Aquaset IIG, Drierite ® , and Spill-X-A.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

The mixed-mode bending method for delamination testing

A mixed-mode bending (MMB) test procedure is presented which combines double cantilever beam mode-I loading and end-notch flexure mode II loading on a split, unidirectional laminate. The MMB test has been analyzed by FEM and by beam theory in order to ascertain the mode I and mode II components' respective strain energy release rates, G(I) and G(II); these analyses indicate that a wide range of G(I)/G(II) ratios can be generated by varying the applied load's position on the loading lever. The MMB specimen analysis and test procedures are demonstrated for the case of AS4/PEEK unidirectional laminates.

Reeder, James R.↗

Study on Characterization of Colloidal Silica Grout for Rock Excavation Under Saline Groundwater - 19332

A rock excavation grouting technology has been recently studied as significant technology for reducing the ingress of water into the deep repository. However, it has not been studied for applying to the coastal region, where it is discussed to be a more suitable region for the geological disposal in Japan. The latest material called colloidal silica grout (CSG) is good for sealing narrow fractures but is known to be sensitive to the salinity of groundwater because of its gelling property with salt accelerator. Although the gelling of CSG can be controlled by adding an acidic pH adjuster, the methodology for delivering the appropriate grout is not well established for such conditions of saline groundwater. Therefore, this research project was established to enhance the existing rock grouting technology for deep repositories. Initially, a grouting workshop was held with Nordic authorities in order to understand the state of the art and identify the most significant challenges to developing a generic mixing method for injecting CSG under seawater. Based on laboratory tests, we developed a feasible mixing methodology that prevents the rapid reaction with the salty water, which shows that CSG is not negatively impacted by salty mixing water or submerged by saline water. Combining the latest grouting techniques from Japan and the Nordic countries creates an optimal grouting methodology for use under seawater. Using this hybrid approach, the CSG can find wide-scale use as an agent for grouting narrow rock fractures filled with saline or fossil water in order to decrease the ingress of water in the disposal facilities. The reduction of the water ingress will enhance the safety of the repository, reduce water discharge, and diminish the long-term cost of water treatment. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Analysis of Combustion Systems

As part of the NASA High-Speed Research Program, low emission combustors are being studied and demonstrated. One combustor concept that is currently being studied and evaluated is the Rich burn-Quick mix-Lean burn (RQL) combustor. The quick-mix zone of the RQL combustor is extremely important in reducing NO(x) emissions; rapid mixing of the bypass airflow with rich-born effluent is essential. The basic challenge can be described as rapid jet-in-crossflow mixing. Although jet-in-crossflow mixing is not new, this RQL application is unique in that the jet-to-mainstream mass-flow ratios are higher than studied previously (approx. 3 in RQL applications versus approx. 0.5 in dilution zone studies), plus the emphasis is on reducing NO(x) emissions (i.e. good mixing might not necessarily produce low emissions). This five-years project focused on identifying quick-mix method that would reduce NO(x) emissions in RQL combustor. The work included study of mixing concepts, and the development of design methodology. Three dimension CFD analysis was the primary tool used in assessing concept and developing design methodology for low emission. Isothermal and reacting CFD calculations were performed on cylindrical, rectangular, and annular generic geometries. Systematic parameters studies were performed to isolate key design parameters and their influence on mixing and emissions.

Daniel B. Bain↗

Synthesis and characterization of polylactic acid microspheres via emulsion-based processing

Polylactic acid (PLA) microspheres are primarily used in drug delivery applications and rarely manufactured commercially. In encapsulation, the drug encapsulation and microsphere synthesis process happen simultaneously. Simultaneous synthesis necessitates conditions that ensure the drugs to be encapsulated remain viable in the synthesis process. Here, in the present work, solid pure PLA microspheres are prepared using a repeatable centrifugal mixing method to create a single emulsion system. A planetary thinky mixer is used to achieve centrifugal mixing. PLA acts as the dispersed phase of the emulsion, whereas Polyvinyl alcohol (emulsifier) dissolved in deionized water serves as the bulk phase. The emulsions are stirred for about 4 min at 2000 rpm. Microspheres prepared by mechanical mixing are compared with microspheres prepared by centrifugal mixing. The microspheres prepared by centrifugal mixing proved to be narrower and closer to a normal distribution with a mean size (D x 50) of 30 microns. The size distribution of planetary mixed microspheres did not change from one batch to another.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

On conforming mixed finite element methods for incompressible viscous flow problems

The application of conforming mixed finite element methods to obtain approximate solutions of linearized Navier-Stokes equations is examined. Attention is given to the convergence rates of various finite element approximations of the pressure and the velocity field. The optimality of the convergence rates are addressed in terms of comparisons of the approximation convergence to a smooth solution in relation to the best approximation available for the finite element space used. Consideration is also devoted to techniques for efficient use of a Gaussian elimination algorithm to obtain a solution to a system of linear algebraic equations derived by finite element discretizations of linear partial differential equations.

Gunzburger, M. D↗

A least-squares finite element method for incompressible Navier-Stokes problems

A least-squares finite element method, based on the velocity-pressure-vorticity formulation, is developed for solving steady incompressible Navier-Stokes problems. This method leads to a minimization problem rather than to a saddle-point problem by the classic mixed method, and can thus accommodate equal-order interpolations. This method has no parameter to tune. The associated algebraic system is symmetric, and positive definite. Numerical results for the cavity flow at Reynolds number up to 10,000 and the backward-facing step flow at Reynolds number up to 900 are presented.

Jiang, Bo-Nan↗

A least-squares finite element method for incompressible Navier-Stokes problems

A least-squares finite element method, based on the velocity-pressure-vorticity formulation, is developed for solving steady incompressible Navier-Stokes problems. This method leads to a minimization problem rather than to a saddle-point problem by the classic mixed method and can thus accommodate equal-order interpolations. This method has no parameter to tune. The associated algebraic system is symmetric, and positive definite. Numerical results for the cavity flow at Reynolds number up to 10,000 and the backward-facing step flow at Reynolds number up to 900 are presented.

Jiang, Bo-Nan↗

Higher order multipoint flux mixed finite element methods on quadrilaterals and hexahedra

We develop higher order multipoint flux mixed finite element (MFMFE) methods for solving elliptic problems on quadrilateral and hexahedral grids that reduce to cell-based pressure systems. The methods are based on a new family of mixed finite elements, which are enhanced Raviart–Thomas spaces with bubbles that are curls of specially chosen polynomials. The velocity degrees of freedom of the new spaces can be associated with the points of tensor-product Gauss–Lobatto quadrature rules, which allows for local velocity elimination and leads to a symmetric and positive definite cell-based system for the pressures. We prove optimal [Formula: see text]th order convergence for the velocity and pressure in their natural norms, as well as [Formula: see text]st order superconvergence for the pressure at the Gauss points. Moreover, local postprocessing gives a pressure that is superconvergent of order [Formula: see text] in the full [Formula: see text]-norm. Numerical results illustrating the validity of our theoretical results are included.

Mathematics↗

Mixed time integration methods for transient thermal analysis of structures

The computational methods used to predict and optimize the thermal structural behavior of aerospace vehicle structures are reviewed. In general, two classes of algorithms, implicit and explicit, are used in transient thermal analysis of structures. Each of these two methods has its own merits. Due to the different time scales of the mechanical and thermal responses, the selection of a time integration method can be a different yet critical factor in the efficient solution of such problems. Therefore mixed time integration methods for transient thermal analysis of structures are being developed. The computer implementation aspects and numerical evaluation of these mixed time implicit-explicit algorithms in thermal analysis of structures are presented. A computationally useful method of estimating the critical time step for linear quadrilateral element is also given. Numerical tests confirm the stability criterion and accuracy characteristics of the methods. The superiority of these mixed time methods to the fully implicit method or the fully explicit method is also demonstrated.

Liu, W. K.↗

Mixed time integration methods for transient thermal analysis of structures

The computational methods used to predict and optimize the thermal-structural behavior of aerospace vehicle structures are reviewed. In general, two classes of algorithms, implicit and explicit, are used in transient thermal analysis of structures. Each of these two methods has its own merits. Due to the different time scales of the mechanical and thermal responses, the selection of a time integration method can be a difficult yet critical factor in the efficient solution of such problems. Therefore mixed time integration methods for transient thermal analysis of structures are being developed. The computer implementation aspects and numerical evaluation of these mixed time implicit-explicit algorithms in thermal analysis of structures are presented. A computationally-useful method of estimating the critical time step for linear quadrilateral element is also given. Numerical tests confirm the stability criterion and accuracy characteristics of the methods. The superiority of these mixed time methods to the fully implicit method or the fully explicit method is also demonstrated.

Liu, W. K.↗

Finite elements and finite differences for transonic flow calculations

The paper reviews the chief finite difference and finite element techniques used for numerical solution of nonlinear mixed elliptic-hyperbolic equations governing transonic flow. The forms of the governing equations for unsteady two-dimensional transonic flow considered are the Euler equation, the full potential equation in both conservative and nonconservative form, the transonic small-disturbance equation in both conservative and nonconservative form, and the hodograph equations for the small-disturbance case and the full-potential case. Finite difference methods considered include time-dependent methods, relaxation methods, semidirect methods, and hybrid methods. Finite element methods include finite element Lax-Wendroff schemes, implicit Galerkin method, mixed variational principles, dual iterative procedures, optimal control methods and least squares.

Hafez, M. M.↗

Elucidating lipid nanoparticle properties and structure through biophysical analyses

Designing lipid nanoparticle (LNP) delivery systems with specific targeting, potency and minimal side effects is crucial for their clinical use. However, traditional characterization methods, such as dynamic light scattering, cannot accurately quantify physicochemical properties of LNPs and how these are influenced by the lipid composition and mixing method. Here, we structurally characterize polydisperse LNP formulations by applying emerging solution-based biophysical methods that have higher resolution and provide biophysical data beyond size and polydispersity. These techniques include sedimentation velocity analytical ultracentrifugation, field-flow fractionation followed by multiangle light scattering and size-exclusion chromatography in line with synchrotron small-angle X-ray scattering. Here, we show that LNPs have intrinsic polydispersity in size, RNA loading and shape, which depend on both the formulation technique and the lipid composition. Lastly, we predict LNP transfection in vitro and in vivo by examining the relationship between mRNA translation and physicochemical characteristics. Solution-based biophysical methods will be essential for determining LNP structure–function relationships, facilitating the creation of new design rules for LNPs.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Model's sparse representation based on reduced mixed GMsFE basis methods

In this paper, we propose a model's sparse representation based on reduced mixed generalized multiscale finite element (GMsFE) basis methods for elliptic PDEs with random inputs. A typical application for the elliptic PDEs is the flow in heterogeneous random porous media. Mixed generalized multiscale finite element method (GMsFEM) is one of the accurate and efficient approaches to solve the flow problem in a coarse grid and obtain the velocity with local mass conservation. When the inputs of the PDEs are parameterized by the random variables, the GMsFE basis functions usually depend on the random parameters. This leads to a large number degree of freedoms for the mixed GMsFEM and substantially impacts on the computation efficiency. In order to overcome the difficulty, we develop reduced mixed GMsFE basis methods such that the multiscale basis functions are independent of the random parameters and span a low-dimensional space. To this end, a greedy algorithm is used to find a set of optimal samples from a training set scattered in the parameter space. Reduced mixed GMsFE basis functions are constructed based on the optimal samples using two optimal sampling strategies: basis-oriented cross-validation and proper orthogonal decomposition. Although the dimension of the space spanned by the reduced mixed GMsFE basis functions is much smaller than the dimension of the original full order model, the online computation still depends on the number of coarse degree of freedoms. To significantly improve the online computation, we integrate the reduced mixed GMsFE basis methods with sparse tensor approximation and obtain a sparse representation for the model's outputs. The sparse representation is very efficient for evaluating the model's outputs for many instances of parameters. To illustrate the efficacy of the proposed methods, we present a few numerical examples for elliptic PDEs with multiscale and random inputs. In particular, a two-phase flow model in random porous media is simulated by the proposed sparse representation method.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Extending the Reach of Pediatric Emergency Preparedness: A Virtual Tabletop Exercise Targeting Children’s Needs

Objectives: Virtual tabletop exercises (VTTXs) simulate disaster scenarios to help participants improve their emergency-planning capacity. The objectives of our study were to (1) evaluate the effectiveness of a VTTX in improving preparedness capabilities specific to children’s needs among pediatricians and public health practitioners, (2) document follow-up actions, and (3) identify exercise strengths and weaknesses. Methods: In February 2017, we conducted and evaluated a VTTX facilitated via videoconferencing among 26 pediatricians and public health practitioners from 4 states. Using a mixed-methods design, we assessed participants’ knowledge and confidence to fulfill targeted federal preparedness capabilities immediately before and after the exercise. We also evaluated the degree to which participants made progress on actions through surveys 1 month (n = 14) and 6 months (n = 14) after the exercise. Results: Participants reported a greater ability to identify their state’s pediatric emergency preparedness strengths and weaknesses after the exercise (16 of 18) compared with before the exercise (10 of 18). We also observed increases in (1) knowledge of and confidence in performing most pediatric emergency preparedness capabilities and (2) most dimensions of interprofessional collaboration. From 1 month to 6 months after the exercise, participants (n = 14) self-reported making progress in increasing awareness for potential preparedness partners and in conducting similar pediatric exercises (from 4-7 for both). Conclusions: Participants viewed the VTTX positively and indicated increased pediatric emergency preparedness knowledge and confidence. Addressing barriers to improving local pediatric emergency preparedness—particularly long term—is an important target for future tabletop exercises.

So, Marvin↗

Simulation of the Quality Criterion of a Mixture in a Drum-Belt Apparatus

A method is proposed for calculating the inhomogeneity coefficient in the workspace of a drum-belt mixer of bulk components with brush elements in a three-stage batch mixing method with non-uniform proportioning. The method is based on a stochastic model of the motion of rarefied particle flows following interaction with flexible elements fixed along a helical line on the surface of the mixer drums. The principal coefficients affecting the quality of a bulk mixture are analyzed in the form of combined structural and regime complexes of parameters of the mixer and the characteristics of the physical and mechanical state of the mixed media are analyzed. The results obtained can be used to develop an engineering technique for calculating the parameters of a new drum-belt mixer of friable components.

42 ENGINEERING↗