Enhancing Magnetic Micro- and Nanoparticle Separation with a Cost-Effective Microfluidic Device Fabricated by Laser Ablation of PMMA.

Superparamagnetic iron oxide micro- and nanoparticles have significant applications in biomedical and chemical engineering. This study presents the development and evaluation of a novel low-cost microfluidic device for the purification and hyperconcentration of these magnetic particles. The device, fabricated using laser ablation of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), leverages precise control over fluid dynamics to efficiently separate magnetic particles from non-magnetic ones. We assessed the device's performance through Multiphysics simulations and empirical tests, focusing on the separation of magnetite nanoparticles from blue carbon dots and magnetite microparticles from polystyrene microparticles at various total flow rates (TFRs). For nanoparticle separation, the device achieved a recall of up to 93.3 ± 4% and a precision of 95.9 ± 1.2% at an optimal TFR of 2 mL/h, significantly outperforming previous models, which only achieved a 50% recall. Microparticle separation demonstrated an accuracy of 98.1 ± 1% at a TFR of 2 mL/h in both simulations and experimental conditions. The Lagrangian model effectively captured the dynamics of magnetite microparticle separation from polystyrene microparticles, with close agreement between simulated and experimental results. Our findings underscore the device's robust capability in distinguishing between magnetic and non-magnetic particles at both micro- and nanoscales. This study highlights the potential of low-cost, non-cleanroom manufacturing techniques to produce high-performance microfluidic devices, thereby expanding their accessibility and applicability in various industrial and research settings. The integration of a continuous magnet, as opposed to segmented magnets in previous designs, was identified as a key factor in enhancing magnetic separation efficiency.

Analysis of the airflow features and ventilation efficiency of an Ultra-Clean-Air operating theatre by qDNS simulations and experimental validation.

Ultra-Clean-Air (UCA) operating theatres aim to minimise surgical instrument contamination and wound infection through high flow rates of ultra-clean air, reducing the presence of Microbe Carrying Particles (MCPs). This study investigates the airflow patterns and ventilation characteristics of a UCA operating theatre (OT) under standard ventilation system operating conditions, considering both empty and partially occupied scenarios. Utilising a precise computational model, quasi-Direct Numerical Simulations (qDNS) were conducted to delineate flow velocity profiles, energy spectra, distributions of turbulent kinetic energy, energy dissipation rate, local Kolmogorov scales, and pressure-based coherent structures. These results were also complemented by a tracer gas decay analysis following ASHRAE standard guidelines. Simulations showed that contrary to the intended laminar regime, the OT's geometry inherently fosters a predominantly turbulent airflow, sustained until evacuation through the exhaust vents, and facilitating recirculation zones irrespective of occupancy level. Notably, the occupied scenario demonstrated superior ventilation efficiency, a phenomenon attributed to enhanced kinetic energy induced by the additional obstructions. The findings underscore the critical role of UCA-OT design in mitigating MCP dissemination, highlighting the potential to augment the design to optimise airflow across a broader theatre spectrum, thereby diminishing recirculation zones and consequently reducing the propensity for Surgical Site Infections (SSIs). The study advocates for design refinements to harness the turbulent dynamics beneficially, steering towards a safer surgical environment.

Numerical analysis of aerodynamic performance of the Ram Air Turbine in an aircraft.

A rotor design of a Ram Air Turbine (RAT) for a commercial aircraft was created taking three sections with different airfoils along the blade; those sections were assessed to evaluate their performance at different critical velocities (41, 81 and 251 m/s) and choose the best profile configuration generating a new proposal to increase the glide ratio by reducing the drag, which is helpful in emergency cases. The Blade Element Momentum (BEM) theory and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) were used to analyze an initial design, then validating these results with the open software QBlade. For the BEM theory a program was created for the design and performance of the RAT adding the Viterna methodology for airfoil analysis. 16 designs were proposed by strategically interchanging wing profiles in different blade sections. These designs were analyzed by CFD, using the complete rotor and the S S T k - ω turbulence model. An optimal geometry was found, presenting a significant drag reduction of 25% generating an increase in the glide ratio and improving aircraft control in addition to maintaining the power generation above the desired values; therefore, it recommends using different airfoils for each section of a RAT's rotor blade.

Conceptual Design and Numerical Validation of a Carbon-Based Ink Injector.

This paper shows the design of an injector, using carbon nanotubes as inkjet material, implemented in a 3D printer. According to the available literature, few injectors are capable of depositing material. Due to the lack of information, the central part of this research is to develop a suitable device for ink injection that is capable of applying the Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) method to print nanomaterial ink. The injector was designed using a CAD program based on an open-source desktop 3D printer, which allows it to be modified according to the needs of the injector. This prototype was manufactured in aluminum alloy 7075T6. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) were carried out to analyze the behavior of the fluid when it passes through the injector, obtaining parameters such as pressure, velocity, and vorticity. An experimental matrix of the injector operation was carried out to achieve an adequate printing speed. The results show that the optimum speed was 250 ms, considering that a temperature of 100 °C is needed in the heated bed to dry the ink so that it does not undergo expansion.

Influence of Blood Rheology and Turbulence Models in the Numerical Simulation of Aneurysms.

An aneurysm is a vascular malformation that can be classified according to its location (cerebral, aortic) or shape (saccular, fusiform, and mycotic). Recently, the study of blood flow interaction with aneurysms has gained attention from physicians and engineers. Shear stresses, oscillatory shear index (OSI), gradient oscillatory number (GON), and residence time have been used as variables to describe the hemodynamics as well as the origin and evolution of aneurysms. However, the causes and hemodynamic conditions that promote their growth are still under debate. The present work presents numerical simulations of three types of aneurysms: two aortic and one cerebral. Simulation results showed that the blood rheology is not relevant for aortic aneurysms. However, for the cerebral aneurysm case, blood rheology could play a relevant role in the hemodynamics. The evaluated turbulence models showed equivalent results in both cases. Lastly, a simulation considering the fluid-structure interaction (FSI) showed that this phenomenon is the dominant factor for aneurysm simulation.

Performance Comparison of Different Flat Plate Solar Collectors by Means of the Entropy Generation Rate Using Computational Fluid Dynamics.

In this work, a numerical analysis of three different flat plate solar collectors was conducted using their entropy generation rates. Specifically, the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) technique was used to compare the detailed performance of conventional and zigzag tube geometries of flat plate solar collectors (FPCs) in terms of their entropy generation rates. The effects of fluid viscosity, heat transfer, and heat loss of the flat plate solar collectors were considered for the local and global entropy generation rate analyses. Variations on the inlet volumetric flow rate of the FPCs from 1.0 to 9.0 L/min were simulated under the average solar radiation for one year in the state of Guanajuato, Mexico. The results illustrate and discuss the temperatures, pressures, and global entropy generation rates for volumetric flow variations. The velocity, temperature, and pressure distributions and the maps of the local entropy generation rates inside the collectors are presented and analyzed for the case with a flow rate of 3.0 L/min. These results demonstrate that the zigzag geometries achieved higher outlet temperatures and greater entropy generation rates than the conventional geometry for all the volumetric flow rates considered.

Modeling of Microneedle Arrays in Transdermal Drug Delivery Applications.

The use of computational tools for the development of technologies in fields such as medicine and engineering has facilitated the process of designing new components and devices for these areas. In this work, two proposals focused on a hollow microneedle array (MNA) for the administration of an analgesic drug are shown and evaluated by means of a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation distributed in three stages. In the first stage, the behavior of lidocaine through the MNA was evaluated as a workflow. Then, the possible entry of the drug into the organism, which was established as a porous aqueous medium, was modeled. Finally, a joint simulation was performed to understand the general behavior in the interaction between the outflow of an MNA and the body to which lidocaine is administered. The input parameters to the simulation were set at a velocity of 0.05 m∙s-1, at a pressure of 2000 Pa, the dominant behavior was defined as laminar flow, and a resistive pressure at the inlet of 400 Pa. Our results indicate that the vertical flow exhibits a better fluid distribution across the MNAs and favorable infiltration behavior, representing better delivery of the analgesic to the skin capillaries.

Air circulation study inside and outside of urban buses induced by the opening of windows.

In this work, the external and internal airflow analysis in an urban bus is carried out through computational fluid dynamics. The research addresses the study of the internal flow to estimate the air change rate caused by the opening of windows. Two cases are considered: fully opening and partially opening the windows, and three bus speeds of 20, 40, and 60 km/h are assessed. The quantification of the air flow rate through the windows clearly displays that air enters through the rear windows and exits the bus through the front windows. This effect is explained by the pressure distribution in the outer of the bus, which causes the suction of the indoor air. At low bus speeds, the incoming air flow rate increases linearly with the speed, but the improvement is lower for high speeds. The theoretical air change time at 20 km/h is around 25.7 s, which is 9 times lower than expected by using HVAC systems. On the other hand, the estimation of the real air renewal time by solving a concentration shows that 40 s are needed to exchange 85% of the internal air of the bus. The research also assesses the effect of different levels of occupation inside the bus. Results are conclusive to recommend the circulation with full or partial window opening configurations in order to reduce the risk of airborne disease transmission.

Numerical Simulation of Rheological Models for Complex Fluids Using Hierarchical Grids.

In this work, we implement models that are able to describe complex rheological behaviour (such as shear-banding and elastoviscoplasticity) in the HiGTree/HiGFlow system, which is a recently developed Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software that can simulate Newtonian, Generalised-Newtonian and viscoelastic flows using finite differences in hierarchical grids. The system uses a moving least squares (MLS) meshless interpolation technique, allowing for more complex mesh configurations while still keeping the overall order of accuracy. The selected models are the Vasquez-Cook-McKinley (VCM) model for shear-banding micellar solutions and the Saramito model for viscoelastic fluids with yield stress. Development of solvers and numerical simulations of inertial flows of these models in 2D channels and planar-contraction 4:1 are carried out in the HiGTree/HiGFlow system. Our results are compared with those predicted by two other methodologies: the OpenFOAM-based software RheoTool that uses the Finite-Volume-Method and an in-house code that uses the Vorticity-Velocity-Formulation (VVF). We found an excellent agreement between the numerical results obtained by these three different methods. A mesh convergence analysis using uniform and refined meshes is also carried out, where we show that great convergence results in tree-based grids are obtained thanks to the finite difference method and the meshless interpolation scheme used by the HiGFlow software. More importantly, we show that our methodology implemented in the HiGTreee/HiGFlow system can successfully reproduce rheological behaviour of high interest by the rheology community, such as non-monotonic flow curves of micellar solutions and plug-flow velocity profiles of yield-stress viscoelastic fluids.

A detailed analysis in thoracic aorta by means of the entropy generation rate: Prediction of the atherosclerotic lesion.

A detailed numerical analysis is carried out in a real human thoracic aorta by means of the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) for the prediction of the atherosclerosis lesion. Common hemodynamics parameters, such as, the oscillatory shear index (OSI) and the time average wall shear stress (TAWSS) are used for the prediction of the atherosclerosis lesion. Furthermore, the entropy generation rate is considered to obtain the main irreversibilities that occurs inside the thoracic aorta for the prediction of the atherosclerosis lesion. The model considers the blood flow inside the thoracic aorta in an unsteady state. The results show contours of velocity, streams lines, velocity profiles and the comparison of the hemodynamics parameters OSI versus TAWSS. Moreover, contours of the entropy generation rate are showed inside the aorta. The time averaged entropy generation rate (TAEGR) is obtained as a result of the entropy generation analysis. Finally, TAEGR index is compared and discussed with the common hemodynamics parameters, OSI and TAWSS. The accuracy to detect prone locations to atherosclerotic development in the real aorta using the TAEGR in comparison to the OSI and the TAWSS is in good agreement.

CFD Study of a Tunnel-Ventilated Compost-Bedded Pack Barn Integrating an Evaporative Pad Cooling System.

Evaporative cooling is one of the most efficient techniques to reduce heat stress in cows in agricultural facilities. Additionally, compost-bedded pack barn has been shown to improve the welfare and production of cows. Two techniques were combined and analysed by developing a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model of a tunnel-ventilated compost-bedded packed barn that integrated the heat and airflow dynamics of an evaporative pad cooling system. This allowed us to study the distribution of dry-bulb temperature, relative humidity and airflow velocity inside the barn based on the external environmental conditions, thickness of the pad, water temperature and specific manufacturer characteristics of the pad, providing optimal cooling pad location, size and operating conditions in the barn. Employing experimental data the CFD model was validated showing good agreement. The Equivalent Temperature Index for dairy Cattle (ETIC) was used to determine the level of stress of the cows considering the airflow velocity. It was found a moderate stress due to high relative humidity and low airflow velocity. From the predicted results, it was recommended to increase the airflow velocity above 3 m s-1 when simultaneously the external dry-bulb temperature and relative humidity exceed 30 °C and 55%, respectively, simultaneously. Additionally, installation of baffles at the pad outlet to drive the airflow to the floor was suggested to improve the drying of the compost-bedded closed to the pads, where a low airflow velocity region was established.

Capsule-Based dry powder inhaler evaluation using CFD-DEM simulations and next generation impactor data.

Capsule-based, single-dose dry powder inhalers (DPIs) are commonly-used devices to deliver medications to the lungs. This work evaluates the effect of the drug/excipient adhesive bonding and the DPI resistances on the aerosol performance using a combination of empirical multi-stage impactor data and a fully-coupled computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and discrete element method (DEM) model. Model-predicted quantities show that the primary modes of powder dispersion are a function of the device resistance. Lowering the device resistance increases its capacity to transport a wider range of particle size classes toward the outlet and generate more intense turbulence upstream therein. On the other hand, a higher device resistance increases the velocity of the tangential airflow along the device walls, which in turn increases the intensity of particle/device impaction. Correlating model data and experimental results shows that these differing powder dispersion mechanisms affect different formulations differently, with finer aerosols tending to result when pairing a lower resistance device with formulations that exhibit low API/excipient adhesion, or when pairing a high resistance device with more cohesive formulations.

Copper Mineral Leaching Mathematical Models-A Review.

Mineral leaching is the key unit operation in metallurgical processes and corresponds to the dissolution of metals. The study of leaching is carried out in many areas, such as geology, agriculture and metallurgy. This paper provides an introduction to the theoretical background regarding the mathematical modelling of the leaching process of copper minerals, establishing an overall picture of the scientific literature on technological developments and the generation of representative mathematical and theoretical models, and indicating the challenges and potential contributions of comprehensive models representing the dynamics of copper mineral leaching.

Computational Study of Thermal Comfort and Reduction of CO2 Levels inside a Classroom.

Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, guaranteeing thermal comfort and low CO2 levels in classrooms through efficient ventilation has become vitally important. This study presents three-dimensional simulations based on computational fluid dynamics of airflow inside an air-conditioned classroom located in Veracruz, Mexico. The analysis included various positions of an air extractor, Reynolds numbers up to 3.5 × 104, four different concentrations of pollutant sources, and three different times of the day. The simulations produced velocity, air temperature, and CO2 concentrations fields, and we calculated average air temperatures, average CO2 concentrations, and overall ventilation effectiveness. Our results revealed an optimal extractor position and Reynolds number conducive to thermal comfort and low CO2 levels due to an adequate ventilation configuration. At high pollutant concentrations, it is necessary to reduce the number of students in the classroom to achieve safe CO2 levels.

Computational Characterization of Mechanical, Hemodynamic, and Surface Interaction Conditions: Role of Protein Adsorption on the Regenerative Response of TEVGs.

Currently available small diameter vascular grafts (<6 mm) present several long-term limitations, which has prevented their full clinical implementation. Computational modeling and simulation emerge as tools to study and optimize the rational design of small diameter tissue engineered vascular grafts (TEVG). This study aims to model the correlation between mechanical-hemodynamic-biochemical variables on protein adsorption over TEVG and their regenerative potential. To understand mechanical-hemodynamic variables, two-way Fluid-Structure Interaction (FSI) computational models of novel TEVGs were developed in ANSYS Fluent 2019R3® and ANSYS Transient Structural® software. Experimental pulsatile pressure was included as an UDF into the models. TEVG mechanical properties were obtained from tensile strength tests, under the ISO7198:2016, for novel TEVGs. Subsequently, a kinetic model, linked to previously obtained velocity profiles, of the protein-surface interaction between albumin and fibrinogen, and the intima layer of the TEVGs, was implemented in COMSOL Multiphysics 5.3®. TEVG wall properties appear critical to understand flow and protein adsorption under hemodynamic stimuli. In addition, the kinetic model under flow conditions revealed that size and concentration are the main parameters to trigger protein adsorption on TEVGs. The computational models provide a robust platform to study multiparametrically the performance of TEVGs in terms of protein adsorption and their regenerative potential.

The feasibility of masks and face shields designed by 3D printing makers; some considerations of their use against the COVID-19.

The use of mask and face shield has been established as one of the main preventive measures for the control of COVID 19 spread. In Mexico, as well as in other regions of the world, 3D printing has been employed for the design and production of masks and face shields as personal protective equipment (PPE). These models have been fabricated mainly by the makers, industries, and university communities; therefore, it is necessary to analyze the feasibility of the 3D printed PPE to understand its advantages and limitations. In this work, some characteristics of masks and face shields fabricated by additive manufacturing were studied to explore their viability as protection against flow fluids similar to human sneeze. In the present paper, the PPE was designed, and 3D printed utilizing three types of polylactic acid (PLA) as base material. The morphology and the surface elemental analyses of sectioned samples were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersion x-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Showing spacing between printed layers, porous areas, and dispersed copper particles. On the other hand, a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation was carried out, the results demonstrated the importance of using PPE for protection of a possible exposure to a "contaminated" aerosol and human sneeze. Based on the abovementioned results, it is possible to consider the commercial PLA as suitable material for the manufacturing of PPE due to its capability to be disinfected employing isopropanol, ethanol, or commercial disinfectants.

Modeling the sulfamethoxazole degradation by active chlorine in a flow electrochemical reactor.

The aim of this study is to propose a continuous physicochemical model accounting for the active chlorine production used to degrade recalcitrant sulfamethoxazole (SMX) in an electrochemical flow reactor. The computational model describes the fluid mechanics and mass transfer occurring in the re/actor, along with the electrode kinetics of hydrogen evolution reaction arising on a stainless steel cathode, and the chloride oxidation on a DSA. Specifically, the anodic contributions assume the heterogeneous nature of the adsorbed chlorine species formed on this surface, which are a model requirement to correctly define the experimental reactor performance and degradation efficiency of the contaminant. The experimental validation conducted at different applied current densities, volumetric flows, and chloride concentrations is adequately explained by the model, thus evidencing some of the phenomena controlling the electrocatalytic chlorine production for environmental applications. The best conditions to eliminate the SMX are proposed based on the theoretical analysis of the current efficiency calculated with the model, and experimentally confirmed. The use of the Ti/RuO2-ZrO2-Sb2O3 anode at the bench scale improves the SMX removal by using electro-generated chlorine species adsorbed on its surface, which remarkably increases the oxidation potential of the system along with chlorine desorbed from the electrode. This is a technological innovation concerning other mediated oxidation methods entirely using oxidants in solution.

Simple mid-depth transverse baffles to improve bacterial disinfection in a shallow maturation pond - performance evaluation and CFD simulation.

Sunlight-mediated disinfection in wastewater treatment ponds is widely recognised as the main role for disinfection, but pathogen removal can be limited by poor light penetration in the water column. The aim of this research is to evaluate a different and simple type of intervention for improving bacterial disinfection, by placing mid-depth transverse baffles perpendicular to the theoretical flow in an existing shallow maturation pond, aiming at increasing the opportunity for bacteria to receive radiation at the upper layers of the pond. In order to understand the hydrodynamic mechanisms and evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed intervention, a 3D Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) model was applied, including the transverse baffles and a particle-tracking model. This was complemented by monitoring E. coli in the pond, in the phase before and after inclusion of the transversal baffles. Overall, the transverse baffles increased disinfection efficiency by moulding/re-routing the hydrodynamic flow and increasing microorganism exposure to the sunlight.

CFD analysis of a H2O2/UVC water treatment process in the annular FluHelik reactor.

This study deals with the photochemical degradation of the model compound tetracycline, an aqueous pollutant derived from the degradation of the bactericide oxytetracycline (OTC), in the innovative photoreactor FluHelik, designed to promote pollutant abatement in liquid phase through H2O2/UVC and UVC processes. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations were performed to predict the behavior of the photoreactor in the laboratory scale. The simulations revealed a well-defined helicoidal flow pattern around the UVC lamp in the photoreactor, and the effect of different operational conditions (e.g., flow rate and light intensity) on the reactor's performance was evaluated, allowing to optimize the equipment.

Hydrodynamic and Performance Evaluation of a Porous Ceramic Membrane Module Used on the Water-Oil Separation Process: An Investigation by CFD.

Wastewater from the oil industry can be considered a dangerous contaminant for the environment and needs to be treated before disposal or re-use. Currently, membrane separation is one of the most used technologies for the treatment of produced water. Therefore, the present work aims to study the process of separating oily water in a module equipped with a ceramic membrane, based on the Eulerian-Eulerian approach and the Shear-Stress Transport (SST k-ω) turbulence model, using the Ansys Fluent® 15.0. The hydrodynamic behavior of the water/oil mixture in the filtration module was evaluated under different conditions of the mass flow rate of the fluid mixture and oil concentration at the entrance, the diameter of the oil particles, and membrane permeability and porosity. It was found that an increase in the feed mass flow rate from 0.5 to 1.5 kg/s significantly influenced transmembrane pressure, that varied from 33.00 to 221.32 kPa. Besides, it was observed that the particle diameter and porosity of the membranes did not influence the performance of the filtration module; it was also verified that increasing the permeability of the membranes, from 3 × 10-15 to 3 × 10-13 m2, caused transmembrane pressure reduction of 22.77%. The greater the average oil concentration at the permeate (from 0.021 to 0.037 kg/m3) and concentrate (from 1.00 to 1.154 kg/m3) outlets, the higher the average flow rate of oil at the permeate outlets. These results showed that the filter separator has good potential for water/oil separation.