The Mechanism of Drag Reduction around Bodies of Revolution Using Bionic Non-Smooth Surfaces

Bionic non-smooth surfaces （BNSS） can reduce drag. Much attention has been paid to the mechanism of shear stress reduction by riblets. The mechanism of pressure force reduction by bionic non-smooth surfaces on bodies of revolution has not been well investigated. In this work CFD simulation has revealed the mechanism of drag reduction by BNSS, which may work in three ways. First, BNSS on bodies of revolution may lower the surface velocity of the medium, which prevents the sudden speed up of air on the cross section. So the bottom pressure of the model would not be disturbed sharply, resulting in less energy loss and drag reduction. Second, the magnitude of vorticity induced by the bionic model becomes smaller because, due to the sculpturing, the growth of tiny air bubbles is avoided. Thus the large moment of inertia induced by large air bubble is reduced. The reduction of the vorticity could reduce the dissipation of the eddy. So the pressure force could also be reduced. Third, the thickness of the momentum layer on the model becomes less which, according to the relationship between the drag coefficient and the momentum thickness, reduces drag.     

A Computational Model of Soil Adhesion and Resistance for a Non-smooth Bulldozing Plate

1IntroductionAdhesive forces exist between soil and the surfacesof soil-engaging components[1,2].Soil adhesion increasesthe running resistance and energy consumption,andaffects the operating quality.Soil adhesion also reducesthe working productivity of terrain machines,even worseit makes terrain machines fail to run.Reducing theadhesive force of the soil-engaging machines will have aprofound influence for cultivation.Through theinvestigation of soil animals,we have found that soilanimals poss…     

Computational Model of Soil Adhesion and Resistance for a Non-smooth Bulldozing Plate

Adhesive forces exist between soil and the surfaces of soil-engaging components; they increase working resistance and energy consumption. This paper tries to find an approach to reduce the adhesion and resistance of bulldozing plate. A simplified mechanical model of adhesion and resistance between soil and a non-smooth bulldozing plate is proposed. The interaction force between moist soil and a non-smooth bulldozing plate is analyzed. The pressure and friction distribution on the bulldozing plate are computed, and the anti-adhesive effect of a corrugated bulldozing plate is simulated numerically. Numerical results show that the wavy bulldozing plate achieves an effective drag reduction in moist soil. The optimal wavy shape of the corrugated bulldozing plate with the minimal resistance is designed. The basic principle of reducing soil adhesion of the non-smooth surface is discovered.     

Ontogenetic changes in size, allometry, and mechanical design of tropical rain forest trees

Size, allometry, and mechanical design were measured for trees of three canopy species in a tropical rain forest in French Guiana. Mechanical design was expressed as the safety factor, using the elastic-stability model, and the wind resistance factor, using the constant-stress model. Changes with ontogeny were described as regressions using stem diameter as the independent variable, and they were compared between species. Height, crown size, and the wind resistance factor increased with ontogeny. The safety factor decreased to a minimum and then increased continuously in thicker trees. The crown width/height ratio did not change with ontogeny. Interspecific differences in allometry and mechanical design were related to the adult stature of the species, and not to shade tolerance. The short stature species (Vouacapoua americana) was less slender (height:DBH [stem diameter at 1.3 m] ratio) and had a higher crown width/height ratio than the tall stature species (Goupia glabra and Dicorynia guianensis). Vouacapoua had a higher safety factor, but a similar wind resistance factor. The safety factors of our study species were lower than those of two temperate tree species because of a higher slenderness. Differences in safety factors between tropical and temperate trees may result from unrealistic assumptions of the elastic-stability model, and may also be related to lower light levels and-or wind rates in the tropics.     

On hydrodynamics of drag and lift of the human arm

The work presents results on drag and lift measurement conducted in a low speed wind tunnel on a replica of the entire human arm. The selected model positions were identical to those during purely rotational front crawl stroke in quasi-static conditions. A computational fluid dynamics model using Fluent showed close correspondence with the experimental results and confirmed the suitability of low speed wind tunnel for the drag and lift measurement in quasi-static conditions. The obtained profiles of the hydrodynamic forces were similar to the dynamic data presented in an earlier study suggesting that shape drag is a major contributing factor in propulsive force generation. The aim of this study was to underline the importance of the entire arm analysis, the elbow angle and a newly defined angle of attack representing the angle of shoulder rotation. It was found that both the maximum value of the drag force at 160 degrees elbow flexion angle and the momentum generated by it exceed the respective magnitudes for the fully extended arm. The latter is underlined by a prolonged plateau of near maximum drag that was obtained at shoulder angle range of 50-140 degrees suggesting that optimal arm configuration in terms of propulsive force generation requires elbow flexion. Furthermore it was found that drag trend is not consistent with the widely assumed and used sinus wave profile. A gap in the existing experimental research was filled as for the first time the entire arm lift and drag was measured across the entire stroke range.     

A rain tower and wind tunnel for studying the dispersal of plant pathogens by rain and wind

The rain tower/wind tunnel complex at Rothamsted consists of a rain tower (height 11 m, cross-section 1 m²) linked to the upwind end of a wind tunnel (length 12 m, cross-section 1 m²), which may be operated in either an open or a closed configuration. At the top of the rain tower, water drops with diameters of 2.5 to 5 mm are produced by a drop generator, which can be fitted with different nozzles. Simulated rain with a drop diameter of 1 to 3 mm is produced at a rate of 8 to 12 mm h^-1 by a rain generator with an area of 52 × 67 cm. The rain tower may be operated in conjunction with the wind tunnel in an open configuration. The windspeed can be decreased from a maximum of 8 m s^-1 by decreasing the speed of the fan. The wind tunnel has its own internal lighting. When the wind tunnel is in a closed configuration, temperature and humidity can be controlled in the range 12 ^oC (62–80% r.h.) to 35 ^oC (22–50% r.h.). Data presented illustrate the use of this rain tower/wind tunnel complex to study dispersal of plant pathogen spores by rain-splash or wind.     

Drag and Reconfiguration of Broad Leaves in High Winds

Drag was measured and changes of configuration noted as a varietyof leaves, leaflets, and clusters were subjected to turbulentwinds of 10 and 20 m s^–1. Leaves with acute bases andshort petioles had the highest surface-specific drag, flutterederratically and, most commonly, tore. Leaves with lobed basesand long petioles had lower drag, fluttered little and reconfiguredinto increasingly acute cones. Pinnately compound leaves hadthe lowest drag and formed cylinders with leaflets layered alternately.For all but individual white oak leaves, drag coefficients (basedon original surface area) decreased with increasing wind speed.Single leaves of white poplar were unstable at all speeds butresisted damage even at 30 m s^–1; clusters formed stablecones. These results are contrasted with the behaviour of flagsin wind and are related to wind-throw in trees. Key words: Leaves, drag, wind (or airflow)     

城市主城区立体模型的构建与风环境模拟——以广州主城区为例

以22 km×21 km的广州主城区为例,以40 m建筑间距作为风道宽度低限、用容积高度对建筑高度赋值和垂向拔高为建模特色,概括构建了城市尺度的立体模型。在此基础上,分别模拟了广州主城区中性流条件下,弱风（2 m/s）和强风（5 m/s）、近地面10、25、50 m三个高度的风环境。模拟表明：来流5 m/s下主城区存在不同风速等级、不同平面形态以及不同高度面的风道;白云山、珠江新城等面积较大的地形或建筑高地形成了减速明显的背风区条带,并相互组合形成了重要的风口和具有较高基面的强风道;在不同高度上主城区风速均由周边向城市中心降低;风道风速强烈地依赖于风道走向,风道风速与走向夹角呈三次函数递减,两者拟合优度R²为0.512。模拟结果很好地呈现了城市尺度宏观地形白云山和建筑密集区相互间的作用,反映了城市尺度模型构建与模拟的优势。     

Field measurements of wind speed and reconfiguration in Arundo donax (Poaceae) with estimates of drag forces

The giant reed (Arundo donax) is well known as a species that can withstand high wind loads without mechanical damage. To examine wind impact, profiles of vertical wind speeds in the plant's natural habitat (southern France) were measured at the edge and within a stand in the main wind direction. Wind speed was recorded simultaneously at five heights. For 75 measurements of within-canopy wind speed profiles, the attenuation coefficient was 4.4 ± 0.5, a value typical for plant stands with very dense canopies. Video recordings proved that A. donax becomes streamlined with increasing wind speed, reducing the projected surface area of leaves and stem. The total projected surface area is a function of wind speed and can be characterized by a second-order polynomial regression curve. For small wind velocities up to 1 m/s, the calculated drag force is proportional to the square of the wind speed. However, when A. donax plants are subjected to higher wind speeds (1.5-10 m/s), the drag force becomes directly proportional to the wind speed. Streamlining is a potentially important adaptation for withstanding high wind loads, especially for individual plants and plants at the edge of stands, whereas in dense stands streamlining probably plays a minor role.     

A Numerical Study on Pressure Drop in Microchannel Flow with Different Bionic Micro-Grooved Surfaces

The studies of bionics reveal that some aquatic animals and winged insects have developed an unsmoothed surface possessing good characteristics of drag reduction.In this paper,four types of bionic surfaces,placoid-shaped,V-shaped,riblet-shaped,and ridge-shaped grooved surfaces,are employed as the microchannel surfaces for the purpose of reducing pressure loss.Lattice Boltzmann Method (LBM),a new numerical approach on mescoscopic level,is used to conduct the numerical investigations.The results show that the micro-grooved surfaces possess the drag reduction performance.The existence of the vortices formed within the grooves not only decrease the shear force between fluid and wall but also minimize the contact area between fluid and walls,which can lead to a reduction of pressure loss.The drag reduction coefficient (η) for these four types of　micro-structures could be generalized as follows:ηridge-shaped ＞ ηV-shaped ＞ ηplacoid-shaped ＞ ηriblet-shaped.Besides,the geometrical optimizations for the ridge-shaped grooves,which have the highest drag reduction performance,are performed as well.The results suggest that,for the purpose of drag reduction,the ridge-shaped grooves with smaller width to height ratio are recommended for the lower Reynolds number flow,while the ridge-shaped grooves with larger width to height ratio are be more suitable for the larger Reynolds number flow.     

沙蒿与油蒿灌丛的防风阻沙作用

沙蒿与油蒿广泛分布于我国沙漠地区,是沙地植被的重要建群种和优势种。在腾格里沙漠南缘半流动沙地,实测了两种典型固沙植物沙蒿与油蒿的防风阻沙作用,从灌丛空间构型对比分析了其防风阻沙机制。结果表明,沙蒿与油蒿灌丛均具有明显的降低风速作用,但油蒿灌丛较沙蒿灌丛具有更显著的防风作用,而且对灌丛后不同位置、近地面不同高度层风速的降低程度明显不同。在灌丛后6倍株高范围内,沙蒿灌丛对50cm高度风速降低程度显著大于20cm,而油蒿灌丛对近地面20cm高度层风速降低程度显著大于50cm。在相同风速下,油蒿灌丛后20cm高度平均风速是沙蒿灌丛的1/2,而50cm高度平均风速与沙蒿灌丛相近。同时,沙蒿灌丛阻沙作用弱,而油蒿灌丛具有明显的阻沙作用,单株积沙体积达到45.2±16.1dm3,积沙重量达到72.1±25.7kg,油蒿灌丛积沙量大小与灌丛结构间存在显著的正相关。研究表明,紧密型结构的油蒿灌丛是较松散型结构沙蒿灌丛更为理想的防风固沙植物,其灌丛分枝数多、分枝角度小、生物量大且多分布在近地面层是具有显著防风阻沙作用的根本原因,该结论可为干旱区防风固沙植被建设物种选择提供依据。     

Design Principles of the Non-smooth Surface of Bionic Plow Moldboard

1　IntroductionTransferringbiologyfunctiontoengineeringtech nology[1] isaprominentprogressintechnologicalfields ,whichenrichesthecontentofTRIZsystematicmethod .Thenon smoothsurfacesofthetypicalsoilan imalshavetheeffectsofreducingsoiladhesion ,whichhasbeenconvincedandgraduallyaccepted .Thebionicplowmoldboardisanappliedexampleofimitatingthecharacteristicsofsoilanimals’surfaceappearancesandpracticingtheBionicTheoryofNon SmoothSurface(TNSS) .ThebasisofTNSSisnon smoothsurfaceef fects[2 ,3] …     

风对黄花蒿水力学性状和生长的影响

吹风会影响到植物的水力学结构、光合作用、生物量分配以及植物的力学性状,研究风对植物的综合影响有助于深入了解植物应对风胁迫的响应机制。以黄花蒿为研究对象,每天吹风4h,风速为5m/s,吹风处理60d,测定了风吹条件下黄花蒿的水力学特征、光合作用、生物量分配和茎干力学特性。结果表明:在风吹条件下,黄花蒿正午水势显著低于对照,茎干导水损失率(PLC)增加了16%,最大光合速率仅为对照的62%,气孔导度为对照的55%。在试验结束时风吹植株株高仅为对照的68%,但基茎显著高于对照,同时风吹显著降低了黄花蒿的总生物量,但根冠比显著高于对照,风吹显著减小了茎导管直径和导管密度,风吹植物导管直径和导管密度分别为对照的77%和55%,同时,风吹植物茎干导水率显著低于对照,但茎干的抗弯刚度显著高于对照。以上结果表明风吹抑制了植物的水分输导能力,导致叶片水分匮缺,限制了植物的光合作用。风吹增加了茎干的力学稳定性,但同时降低了茎干的水分输导能力,这是植物茎在力学性状和水分输导之间的权衡。这种改变有利于在有风条件下维持植物的力学稳定性,但同时降低了水分输导能力。     

Optimal design of scalable photo-bioreactor for phototropic culturing of Haematococcus pluvialis

The unicellular green microalgae, Haematococcus pluvialis, has been examined as a microbial source for the production of astaxanthin, which has been suggested as a food supplement for humans and is also prescribed as an ingredient in eye drops because of its powerful anti-oxidant properties. In this study, we estimated the effects of the slope of a V-shaped bottom design, the volumetric flow rate of air, height/diameter (H/D) ratio, and diameter of an air sparger on the performance of a photo-bioreactor. These parameters were selected because they are recognized as important factors effecting the mixing that produces increased cell density in the reactor. The mixing effect can be measured by changes in optical density in the bioreactor over a period of time. A 6 L indoor photo-bioreactor was prepared in a short time period of 24 h for the performance study. A bioreactor designed with a V-shaped bottom with a slope of 60° showed an optical density change of 0.052 at 680 nm, which was sixfold less than the change in a photo-bioreactor designed with a flat bottom. Studies exploring the effects of bioreactor configuration and a porous metal sparger with a 10 μm pore size showed the best performance at an H/D ratio of 6:1 and a sparger diameter of 1.3 cm, respectively. The optimal rate of air flow was 0.2 vvm. The indoor culture of microalgae in the photo-bioreactor was subsequently carried for an application study using the optimal values established for the important factors. The indoor culture system was composed of a light source controlled according to cell phase, a carbon dioxide feeder, a bag-type reactor with an H/D ratio of 6:1, and a temperature controller. Results demonstrated the efficient production of microalgal cells and astaxanthin in the amounts of 2.62 g/L and 78.37 mg/L, respectively, when using adequate hydrodynamic mixing. Furthermore, the optimal design of a photo-bioreactor can be applied for the phototropic culturing of other microalgae for mass production.     

Which factors have stronger explanatory power for primary wind dispersal distance of winged diaspores: the case of Zygophyllum xanthoxylon (Zygophyllaceae)?

Aims How seed dispersal distance is related to various factors is a major challenge for seed ecologists. However, there are different answers as to which factor is most important in determining wind dispersal distance. This study is to quantitatively describe the relationship between various factors and primary wind dispersal distance of winged diaspores.Methods The dispersal distances of five morphologies of winged diaspores in Zygophyllum xanthoxylum (Zygophyllaceae) were measured under controlled conditions in a wind tunnel. The explanatory power of environmental factor (i.e. wind speed), plant trait (i.e. release height) and diaspore attributes (i.e. wing loading (the ratio of diaspore mass to projected area), settlement-velocity, shape index (the variance of diaspore length, width and thickness)) to the variation in dispersal distance was assessed by releasing diaspores at varying wind speeds and release heights.Important findings Wind speed and seed release height were the strongest explanatory factors to dispersal distance, contributing 41.1% and 24.8% (P < 0.01) to total variation in dispersal distance, respectively. Wind speed accounted more for relatively light disc-shaped seeds than for relatively heavy spherical seeds. Wing loading, shape index and settlement-velocity explained 9.0% (P < 0.01), 1.4% (P < 0.01) and 0.9% (not significant) of the variation in dispersal distance, respectively. From disc-shaped to four-winged diaspores, relative contributions of wing loading and shape index decreased but contribution of settlement-velocity increased. The relative contributions of various factors to wind seed dispersal distance may change with the change in seed morphology.     

Skin-friction drag analysis from the forced convection modeling in simplified underwater swimming

This study deals with skin-friction drag analysis in underwater swimming. Although lower than profile drag, skin-friction drag remains significant and is the second and only other contribution to total drag in the case of underwater swimming. The question arises whether varying the thermal gradient between the underwater swimmer and the pool water may modify the surface shear stress distribution and the resulting skin-friction drag acting on a swimmer's body. As far as the authors are aware, such a question has not previously been addressed. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to quantify the effect of this thermal gradient by using the integral formalism applied to the forced convection theory. From a simplified model in a range of pool temperatures (20-30 degrees C) it was demonstrated that, whatever the swimming speeds, a 5.3% reduction in the skin-friction drag would occur with increasing average boundary-layer temperature provided that the flow remained laminar. However, as the majority of the flow is actually turbulent, a turbulent flow analysis leads to the major conclusion that friction drag is a function of underwater speed, leading to a possible 1.5% reduction for fast swimming speeds above 1m/s. Furthermore, simple correlations between the surface shear stress and resulting skin-friction drag are derived in terms of the boundary-layer temperature, which may be readily used in underwater swimming situations.     

Aneurysm Characteristics Associated with the Rupture Risk of Intracranial Aneurysms: A Self-Controlled Study

This study analyzed the rupture risk of intracranial aneurysms (IAs) according to aneurysm characteristics by comparing the differences between two aneurysms in different locations within the same patient. We utilized this self-controlled model to exclude potential interference from all demographic factors to study the risk factors related to IA rupture. A total of 103 patients were diagnosed with IAs between January 2011 and April 2015 and were enrolled in this study. All enrolled patients had two IAs. One IA (the case) was ruptured, and the other (the control) was unruptured. Aneurysm characteristics, including the presence of a daughter sac, the aneurysm neck, the parent artery diameter, the maximum aneurysm height, the maximum aneurysm width, the location, the aspect ratio (AR, maximum perpendicular height/average neck diameter), the size ratio (SR, maximum aneurysm height/average parent diameter) and the width/height ratio (WH ratio, maximum aneurysm width/maximum aneurysm height), were collected and analyzed to evaluate the rupture risks of the two IAs within each patient and to identify the independent risk factors associated with IA rupture. Multivariate, conditional, backward, stepwise logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the independent risk factors associated with IA rupture. The multivariate analysis identified the presence of a daughter sac (odds ratio [OR], 13.80; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.65–115.87), a maximum aneurysm height ≥7 mm (OR, 4.80; 95% CI, 1.21–18.98), location on the posterior communicating artery (PCOM) or anterior communicating artery (ACOM; OR, 3.09; 95% CI, 1.34–7.11) and SR (OR, 2.13; 95% CI, 1.16–3.91) as factors that were significantly associated with IA rupture. The presence of a daughter sac, the maximum aneurysm height, PCOM or ACOM locations and SR (>1.5±0.7) of unruptured IAs were significantly associated with IA rupture.     

Optimal barn characteristics for high-yielding Holstein cows as derived by a new heat-stress model

Meticulous planning is required to minimize heat-stress conditions in barns. The objective of this study was to determine optimum barn characteristics for high-yielding dairy cows under Israeli (Mediterranean) summer ambient conditions, by using a new stress model that takes ambient temperature, relative humidity and wind velocity into account. During the summers of 2004 and 2005, three meteorological stations were alternately installed in 39 barns: two stations inside the barn at the prevailing downwind direction, and a third station outside the upwind end of the barn. Ambient temperature, relative humidity, wind speed and direction were measured and recorded every 10 min for 3 to 5 consecutive days at each barn in turn. The data were collected at different geographical and climatic conditions. Therefore, the data collected by an outside station were used as covariates. A heat-stress model was used to determine the threshold temperature (THRT) at which a cow begins to increase its respiratory rate; THRT was the response variable in the statistical model. The THRT model takes in account assumed values of a cow's physiological characteristics: daily milk yield of 45 kg, containing 3.5% fat, and 3 mm fur depth. The independent variables were: orientation, barn type, roof slope, roof ridge, marginal height, roof type (fixed or sliding) and barn width. Results showed that the optimal barn for high-yielding cows is the loose-housing type, oriented with its long axis perpendicular to the prevailing wind direction. Advantageous to the design would be an open ridge or pagoda with marginal height of over 4.7 m for north-south orientation and over 5 m for east-west orientation, roof slope over 11%, and barn width between 43 and 51 m for north-south orientation but lower than 42 m for east-west orientation. A sliding roof was also found to be an excellent solution when outside yards are banned by environmental regulations.     

天山南麓中段戈壁区膜果麻黄种群空间分异特征

在天山南麓中段戈壁区洪积扇顶部、中部和底部区域设置样地,以植株高度和冠幅为指标,采用地统计学方法,研究戈壁区膜果麻黄种群的空间分异特征,旨在掌握区域膜果麻黄种群空间分异规律,为戈壁区植被保护和生态修复提供科学依据。结果表明: 在洪积扇顶部,膜果麻黄种群呈斑块状分布;在洪积扇中部和底部,种群呈带状分布,中部带状宽度大于底部。从洪积扇顶部到底部,膜果麻黄植株高度和冠幅均呈先减少后增加的趋势,洪积扇顶部、中部和底部植株高度分别为40.34、21.07、36.96 cm,植株冠幅分别为1.09、0.80、1.43 m²。在洪积扇顶部、中部和底部,膜果麻黄植株高度的最佳拟合模型分别为指数模型、指数模型和线性模型,而冠幅的最佳拟合模型分别为指数模型、球状模型和线性模型。从洪积扇顶部到底部,植株高度和冠幅分形维数在1.909～1.989,表明膜果麻黄种群空间格局简单,同质度高。从洪积扇顶部到底部,膜果麻黄植株高度和冠幅各向异性出现的空间距离逐渐变短,在顶部、中部和底部,植株高度和冠幅表现出各向异性的空间距离分别为>60、42～46和23～27 m。     

解淀粉芽胞杆菌PC2产抑菌物质培养基及发酵条件优化

【目的】优化解淀粉芽胞杆菌PC2产抑菌活性物质发酵培养基及发酵条件。【方法】以马铃薯葡萄糖液体培养基为基础,依据发酵液对金黄色葡萄球菌抑菌圈的单因素试验结果,采用Box-Behnken响应面法优化发酵培养基,二次通用旋转组合设计,频率分析法优化发酵条件。【结果】影响发酵液抑菌活性的培养基主要组分为马铃薯、蔗糖和L-谷氨酸钠,最优发酵培养基配方为:马铃薯188.0 g/L,蔗糖22.0 g/L,L-谷氨酸钠1.80 g/L,培养基成本为0.81元/L;最佳发酵条件为:接种量6%、发酵温度30°C、装液量40 mL/250 mL、摇床转速185 r/min、发酵时间24 h、初始pH 7.0。优化后发酵液对金黄色葡萄球菌抑菌圈直径为30.82 mm,较优化前的18.22 mm增加了12.60 mm。【结论】优化后的培养基和发酵条件提高了解淀粉芽胞杆菌PC2发酵液的抑菌活性,为该菌株的工业化生产应用提供了依据。