A Capsule Summary of Current Research Projects of Professor Arun ...

obviously. The parameters such as melting/freezing time could affect theperformance of the 2-PCM slabs. Future experimental and simulationstudies are under way to examine multiple PCMs and effects of geometry ofthe container.Another project was conducted on fractal-like micro-channel networks. Inthis project, conjugated fluid flow and heat transfer through fractal-likebranching micro-channel networks which is embedded in a disc-shape heatsink is investigated using a three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics(CFD) approach. Results show the advantages of such networks comparedwith the conventional parallel channel networks compared with theconventional parallel channel networks. Their advantages include: low flowresistance, temperature uniformity and low danger of blockage. Variousoptimized designs are of the networks with parameters such as number ofbranches, number of branching levels and number of ducts that reach thecenter of the disc.3. Pulse Combustion and its Applications to DryingWu zhonghuaThis project addresses the fundamental understanding of the pulsecombustion process and pulse combustion drying with focus on the designof a new small scale-pulse combustion system and heat/mass transfers inselected pulse combustion drying processes. A modified CFD model basedon commercial software is being developed to minimize expensive pilotexperimentation and laboratory tests. Some research works in this area arelisted below.a. To develop and validate computational fluid dynamics (CFD) combustionmodel to predict pressure oscillations, frequency and overall performance ofa “Helmhotz” type pulse combustor. The influences of operating parametersand different layouts on the running of a pulse combustor will be studied.b. A natural micro-pulse combustion (actually reaction) phenomenon, whichhappens in a kind of tiny creature –Bombardier Beetles, will be investigatedthrough a CFD combustion model. The idea is to see if we can learnsomething new from nature.c. To design a small-scale pulse combustor- limited several millimeters(micro PC)d. To investigate pulse combustion spray drying process numerically andexperimentally. An experimental pulse combustion spray dying rig in ChinaAgricultural University (CAU), Beijing, may be used to obtain necessarydata via collaborative research agreement.e. To carry out experiments to verify above simulated results and to widenthe knowledge of pulse combustion drying. Part of this work will be done in6