Encompassing both practical applications and recent research developments, this book takes the reader from fundamental physics, through cutting-edge new designs of ejectors for refrigeration. The authors' unique vision marries successful design, system optimization, and operation experience with insights on the application of cutting-edge Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) models. This robust treatment leads the way forward in developing improved ejector technologies. The book covers ejectors used for heat powered refrigeration and for expansion work recovery in compression refrigerators, with special emphasis on two-phase flows of "natural" fluids within the ejector, i.e. steam and carbon dioxide. It features worked examples, detailed research results, and analysis tools.

This monograph presents a comprehensive treatment of analytical solutions to problems in the area of non-equilibrium evaporation and condensation processes. The book covers, among others, topics such as systems of conversation equations for molecular fluxes of mass, momentum and energy within the Knudsen layer, spherical growth of vapor bubbles in volumes of highly superheated liquid. The target audience primarily comprises research experts in the field of thermodynamics and fluid dynamics, but the book may also be beneficial for graduate students alike.

This book presents the latest findings on the subject of combustion optimization based on computational intelligence. It covers a broad range of topics, including the modeling of coal combustion characteristics based on artificial neural networks and support vector machines. It also describes the optimization of combustion parameters using genetic algorithms or ant colony algorithms, an online coal optimization system, etc. Accordingly, the book offers a unique guide for researchers in the areas of combustion optimization, NOx emission control, energy and power engineering, and chemical engineering.

This book provides a general formalism for the calculation of the spectral correlation function for the fluctuating electromagnetic field. The procedure is applied to the radiative heat transfer and the van der Waals friction using both the semi-classical theory of the fluctuating electromagnetic field and quantum field theory. Applications of the radiative heat transfer and non-contact friction to scanning probe spectroscopy are presented. The theory gives a tentative explanation for the experimental non-contact friction data. The book explains that radiative heat transfer and the van der Waals friction are largely enhanced at short separations between the bodies due to the evanescent electromagnetic waves. Particular strong enhancement occurs if the surfaces of the bodies can support localized surface modes like surface plasmons, surface polaritons or adsorbate vibrational modes. An electromagnetic field outside a moving body can also be created by static charges which are always present on the surface of the body due to inhomogeneities, or due to a bias voltage. This electromagnetic field produces electrostatic friction which can be significantly enhanced if on the surface of the body there is a 2D electron or hole system or an incommensurate adsorbed layer of ions exhibiting acoustic vibrations.

This book presents recent research in the field of nonconventional and renewable energy, and energy efficiency in the context of thermal power. It addresses energy-efficiency and environmental issues that are critical in the production of thermal power, and also examines various applications, especially air conditioning, internal combustion engines, and solar electric power plants.

This book presents the state-of-the-art in infrared thermography (IRT) applications with a focus on moisture assessment in buildings. It also offers practical discussions of several case studies, including comparisons of IRT with other surface temperature measurement techniques. In closing, it demonstrates how IRT can be used to assess capillary absorption, and addresses moisture in walls due to wind-driven rain infiltrations, and the drying process. The book equips readers with a deeper understanding of the ideal conditions for accurate IRT assessment and offers practical recommendations.

Modeling Multiphase Materials Processes: Gas-Liquid Systems describes the methodology and application of physical and mathematical modeling to multi-phase flow phenomena in materials processing. The book focuses on systems involving gas-liquid interaction, the most prevalent in current metallurgical processes. The performance characteristics of these processes are largely dependent on transport phenomena. This volume covers the inherent characteristics that complicate the modeling of transport phenomena in such systems, including complex multiphase structure, intense turbulence, opacity of fluid, high temperature, coupled heat and mass transfer, chemical reactions in some cases, and poor wettability of the reactor walls. Also discussed are: solutions based on experimental and numerical modeling of bubbling jet systems, recent advances in the modeling of nanoscale multi-phase phenomena and multiphase flows in micro-scale and nano-scale channels and reactors.

Modeling Multiphase Materials Processes: Gas-Liquid Systems will prove a valuable reference for researchers and engineers working in mathematical modeling and materials processing.

The revised edition of this important reference volume presents an expanded overview of the analytical and numerical approaches employed when exploring and developing modern laser materials processing techniques. The book shows how general principles can be used to obtain insight into laser processes, whether derived from fundamental physical theory or from direct observation of experimental results. The book gives readers an understanding of the strengths and limitations of simple numerical and analytical models that can then be used as the starting-point for more elaborate models of specific practical, theoretical or commercial value. Following an introduction to the mathematical formulation of some relevant classes of physical ideas, the core of the book consists of chapters addressing key applications in detail: cutting, keyhole welding, drilling, arc and hybrid laser-arc welding, hardening, cladding and forming. The second edition includes a new a chapter on glass cutting with lasers, as employed in the display industry. A further addition is a chapter on meta-modelling, whose purpose is to construct fast, simple and reliable models based on appropriate sources of information. It then makes it easy to explore data visually and is a convenient interactive tool for scientists to improve the quality of their models and for developers when designing their processes. As in the first edition, the book ends with an updated introduction to comprehensive numerical simulation. Although the book focuses on laser interactions with materials, many of the principles and methods explored can be applied to thermal modelling in a variety of different fields and at different power levels. It is aimed principally however at academic and industrial researchers and developers in the field of laser technology.

This revised text covers the fundamentals of thermodynamics required to understand electrical power generation systems and the application of these principles to nuclear reactor power plant systems. The book begins with fundamental definitions of units and dimensions, thermodynamic variables and the Laws of Thermodynamics progressing to sections on specific applications of the Brayton and Rankine cycles for power generation and projected reactor systems design issues. It is not a traditional general thermodynamics text, per se, but a practical thermodynamics volume intended to explain the fundamentals and apply them to the challenges facing actual nuclear power plants systems, where thermal hydraulics comes to play. There have been significant new findings for intercooled systems since the previous edition published and they will be included in this volume. New technology plans for using a Nuclear Air-Brayton as a storage system for a low carbon grid are presented along with updated component sizes and performance criteria for Small Modular Reactors. Written in a lucid, straight-forward style while retaining scientific rigor, the content is accessible to upper division undergraduate students and aimed at practicing engineers in nuclear power facilities and engineering scientists and technicians in industry, academic research groups, and national laboratories. The book is also a valuable resource for students and faculty in various engineering programs concerned with nuclear reactors.

This book provides thorough coverage of the most important building physics phenomena: heat transfer, moisture, sound/acoustics, and illumination. Since the book is primarily aimed at engineers, it addresses professional issues with due pragmatism, and by including many practical examples and related ISO standards. Nevertheless, in order to guarantee full comprehension, it also explains the underlying physical principles and relates them to practical aspects in a simple and clear way. This is achieved with the aid of more than 100 figures and consistent cross-referencing of formulas and ideas. In addition, interrelationships between the different building physics phenomena are elucidated in a way that will enable readers to develop performance specifications that inform the design process. The book will primarily appeal to students of civil engineering and architecture, as well as to all practitioners in these areas who wish to broaden their fundamental understanding of topics in building physics.

This book provides a concise but comprehensive introduction to the fundamentals and current state of the art in thermoelectrics. Addressing an audience of materials scientists and engineers, the book covers theory, materials selection, and applications, with a wide variety of case studies reflecting the most up-to-date research approaches from the past decade, from single crystal to polycrystalline form and from bulk to thin films to nano dimensions. The world is facing major challenges for finding alternate energy sources that can satisfy the increasing demand for energy consumption while preserving the environment. The field of thermoelectrics has long been recognized as a potential and ideal source of clean energy. However, the relatively low conversion efficiency of thermoelectric devices has prevented their utility on a large scale. While addressing the need for thermal management in materials, device components, and systems, thermoelectrics provides a fundamental solution to waste heat recovery and temperature control. This book summarizes the global efforts that have been made to enhance the figure of merit of various thermoelectric materials by choosing appropriate processes and their influence on properties and performance. Because of these advances, today, thermoelectric devices are found in mainstream applications such as automobiles and power generators, as opposed to just a few years ago when they could only be used in niche applications such as in aeronautics, infrared imaging, and space. However, the continued gap between fundamental theoretical results and actual experimental data of figure of merit and performance continues to challenge the commercial applications of thermoelectrics. This book presents both recent achievements and continuing challenges, and represents essential reading for researchers working in this area in universities, industry, and national labs.

This book studies the collision, coalescence and deposition of nanoparticles in stagnation flames. With the help of synthesis experiments, in-situ laser diagnostics and molecular dynamics simulations, it investigates the growth of nanoparticles in flames and their deposition in boundary layers at a macroscopic flow field scale, as well as particle and molecular scale issues such as the interaction force between particles, how the collision rate is enhanced by attractive forces, and how the nano-scale coalescence process is influenced by the high surface curvature - all of which are crucial to understanding nanoparticle transport phenomena at high temperatures. The book also reports on a novel in-situ laser diagnostics phenomenon called phase-selective laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy and related applications for tracing gas-to-particle transitions and measuring local particle volume fractions in nano-aerosols.

This textbook is the result of the enhancement of several courses on non-equilibrium statistics, stochastic processes, stochastic differential equations, anomalous diffusion and disorder. The target audience includes students of physics, mathematics, biology, chemistry, and engineering at undergraduate and graduate level with a grasp of the basic elements of mathematics and physics of the fourth year of a typical undergraduate course. The little-known physical and mathematical concepts are described in sections and specific exercises throughout the text, as well as in appendices. Physical-mathematical motivation is the main driving force for the development of this text. It presents the academic topics of probability theory and stochastic processes as well as new educational aspects in the presentation of non-equilibrium statistical theory and stochastic differential equations.. In particular it discusses the problem of irreversibility in that context and the dynamics of Fokker-Planck. An introduction on fluctuations around metastable and unstable points are given. It also describes relaxation theory of non-stationary Markov periodic in time systems. The theory of finite and infinite transport in disordered networks, with a discussion of the issue of anomalous diffusion is introduced. Further, it provides the basis for establishing the relationship between quantum aspects of the theory of linear response and the calculation of diffusion coefficients in amorphous systems.

This monograph comprehensively describes phenomena of heat flow during phase change as well as the dynamics of liquid solidification, i.e. the development of a solidified layer. The book provides the reader with basic knowledge for practical designs, as well as with equations which describe processes of energy transformation. The target audience primarily comprises researchers and experts in the field of heat flow, but the book may also be beneficial for both practicing engineers and graduate students.

This book focuses on the application of classical combustion theory to ignition and flame propagation in solid-solid and gas-solid systems. It presents experimental investigations in the areas of local ignition, filtration combustion, self-propagating high temperature synthesis and nanopowders protection. The authors highlight analytical formulas used in different areas of combustion in solids and propose an approach based on classical combustion theory. The book attempts to analyze the basic approaches to understanding of solid-solid and solid - gas combustion presented in contemporary literature in a unified approach based on classical combustion theory.

This book covers the principles and practices behind the Magnetic Confinement Fusion (MCF) approach to driven new source of energy. All possible technical methods, including well established theoretical research, as well as findings tested in an experimental tokamak reactor, are examined in order to determine how to best achieve breakeven via this pathway to plasma-driven fusion. The author undertakes a life cycle analysis to compare and contrast the efficiency, environmental impacts, and operating costs of plasma-driven MCF fusion against other forms of energy generation currently in widespread use. The associated computer code and numerical analysis are included in the book. No prior knowledge of MCF and no more than basic background in plasma physics is required.

This is the physical chemistry textbook for students with an affinity for computers! It offers basic and advanced knowledge for students in the second year of chemistry masters studies and beyond. In seven chapters, the book presents thermodynamics, chemical kinetics, quantum mechanics and molecular structure (including an introduction to quantum chemical calculations), molecular symmetry and crystals. The application of physical-chemical knowledge and problem solving is demonstrated in a chapter on water, treating both the water molecule as well as water in condensed phases. Instead of a traditional textbook top-down approach, this book presents the subjects on the basis of examples, exploring and running computer programs (Mathematica (R)), discussing the results of molecular orbital calculations (performed using Gaussian) on small molecules and turning to suitable reference works to obtain thermodynamic data. Selected Mathematica (R) codes are explained at the end of each chapter and cross-referenced with the text, enabling students to plot functions, solve equations, fit data, normalize probability functions, manipulate matrices and test physical models. In addition, the book presents clear and step-by-step explanations and provides detailed and complete answers to all exercises. In this way, it creates an active learning environment that can prepare students for pursuing their own research projects further down the road. Students who are not yet familiar with Mathematica (R) or Gaussian will find a valuable introduction to computer-based problem solving in the molecular sciences. Other computer applications can alternatively be used. For every chapter learning goals are clearly listed in the beginning, so that readers can easily spot the highlights, and a glossary in the end of the chapter offers a quick look-up of important terms.

This book details aluminum alloys with special focus on the aluminum silicon (Al-Si) systems - that are the most abundant alloys second only to steel. The authors include a description of the manufacturing principles, thermodynamics, and other main characteristics of Al-Si alloys. Principles of processing, testing, and in particular applications in the Automotive, Aeronautical and Aerospace fields are addressed.

This book provides a comprehensive overview of the main electrical technologies for process heating, which tend to be treated separately in specialized books. Individual chapters focus on heat transfer, electromagnetic fields in electro-technologies, arc furnaces, resistance furnaces, direct resistance heating, induction heating, and high-frequency and microwave heating. The author highlights those topics of greatest relevance to a wide-ranging teaching program, and at the same time offer a detailed review of the main applications of the various technologies. The content represents a synthesis of the extensive knowledge and experience that the author has accumulated while researching and teaching at the University of Padua's Engineering Faculty. This text on industrial electroheating technologies is a valuable resource not only for students of industrial, electrical, chemical, and material science engineering, but also for engineers, technicians and others involved in the application of electroheating and energy-efficient industrial processes.

This book provides a detailed yet comprehensive presentation of the theory of periodic conjugate heat transfer. It contains an analytical approach to the effects of thermophysical and geometrical properties of a solid body on the experimentally determined heat transfer coefficient. The main objective of the book is a simplified description of the interaction between a solid body and a fluid as a boundary value problem of the heat conduction equation.This third and extended edition covers Wall's thermal effect on Landau stability, gas bubbles pulsations in fluids, and also the interplay between periodic conjugate heat transfer and non-Fourier heat conduction. The target audience primarily comprises research experts in the field of thermodynamics and fluid dynamics, but the book may also be beneficial for graduate students in engineering.

This book covers the basic principles of both fusion and plasma physics, examining their combined application for driving controlled thermonuclear energy. The author begins by explaining the underlying scientific theory, and then goes on to explore the nuances of deployment within thermonuclear reactors. The potential for these technologies to help shape the new generation of clean energy is examined in-depth, encompassing perspectives both highlighting benefits, and warning of challenges associated with the nuclear fusion pathway. The associated computer code and numerical analysis are included in the book. No prior knowledge of plasma physics or fusion is required.

This book addresses the evaluation and optimization of key elements in concentrating solar thermal (CST) technologies, such as solar receivers and working fluids, using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling. It discusses both general and specific aspects, explaining the methodology used to analyze and evaluate the influence of different parameters on the facility performance. This information provides the basis for optimizing design and operating conditions in CST systems.

This book summarizes the main advances in the mechanisms of combustion processes. It focuses on the analysis of kinetic mechanisms of gas combustion processes and experimental investigation into the interrelation of kinetics and gas dynamics in gas combustion. The book is complimentary to the one previously published, The Modes of Gaseous Combustion.

This book describes in great detail the semi-solid processing of aluminum alloys. The authors examine the fundamentals of semi-solid metal processing, provide guidelines for research, illustrate the tools that are employed, and explain the measured parameters for semi-solid processing characterization.

This book describes an effective method for modeling advanced materials like polymers, composite materials and biomaterials, which are, as a rule, inhomogeneous. The thermoelastic theory with internal variables presented here provides a general framework for predicting a material's reaction to external loading. The basic physical principles provide the primary theoretical information, including the evolution equations of the internal variables. The cornerstones of this framework are the material representation of continuum mechanics, a weak nonlocality, a non-zero extra entropy flux, and a consecutive employment of the dissipation inequality. Examples of thermoelastic phenomena are provided, accompanied by detailed procedures demonstrating how to simulate them.