Zhe Liu, Zexiong Yu, Leilei Wang, Li Chen, Haihang Cui and Bohua Sun
The purpose of this study is to use a weak light source with spatial distribution to realize light-driven fluid by adding high-absorbing nanoparticles to the droplets, thereby…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to use a weak light source with spatial distribution to realize light-driven fluid by adding high-absorbing nanoparticles to the droplets, thereby replacing a highly focused strong linear light source acting on pure droplets.
Design/methodology/approach
First, Fe3O4 nanoparticles with high light response characteristics were added to the droplets to prepare nanofluid droplets, and through the Gaussian light-driven flow experiment, the Marangoni effect inside a nanofluid droplet was studied, which can produce the surface tension gradient on the air/liquid interface and induce the vortex motion inside a droplet. Then, the numerical simulation method of multiphysics field coupling was used to study the effects of droplet height and Gaussian light distribution on the flow characteristics inside a droplet.
Findings
Nanoparticles can significantly enhance the light absorption, so that the Gaussian light is enough to drive the flow, and the formation of vortex can be regulated by light distribution. The multiphysics field coupling model can accurately describe this problem.
Originality/value
This study is helpful to understand the flow behavior and heat transfer phenomenon in optical microfluidic systems, and provides a feasible way to construct the rapid flow inside a tiny droplet by light.
Details
Keywords
Zhe Liu, Hao Wei, Li Chen, Haihang Cui and Bohua Sun
The purpose of this study is to establish an effective numerical simulation method to describe the flow pattern and optimize the strategy of noncontact mixing induced by…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to establish an effective numerical simulation method to describe the flow pattern and optimize the strategy of noncontact mixing induced by alternating Gaussian light inside a nanofluid droplet and analyzing the influencing factors and flow mechanism of fluid mixing inside a droplet.
Design/methodology/approach
First, the heat converted by the alternating incident Gaussian light acting on the nanoparticles was considered as the bulk heat source distribution, and the equilibrium equation between the surface tension and the viscous force at the upper boundary force was established; then, the numerical simulation methods for multiple-physical-field coupling was established, and the mixing index was used to quantify the mixing degree inside a droplet. The effects of the incident position of alternating Gaussian light and the height of the droplet on the mixing characteristics inside a droplet were studied. Finally, the nondimensional Marangoni number was used to reveal the flow mechanism of the internal mixing of the droplet.
Findings
Noncontact alternating Gaussian light can induce asymmetric vortex motion inside a nanofluid droplet. The incident position of alternating Gaussian light is a significant factor affecting the mixing degree in the droplet. In addition, the heat transfer caused by the surface tension gradient promotes the convection effect, which significantly enhances the mixing of the fluid in the droplet.
Originality/value
This study demonstrates the possibility of the chaotic mixing phenomenon induced by noncontact Gaussian light that occurs within a tiny droplet and provides a feasible method to achieve efficient mixing inside droplets at the microscale.
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Gang Wei, Zhiyuan Mu, Weihao Feng, Yongjie Qi and Binglai Guo
The aim of this study is to investigate the horizontal displacement effects of foundation pit excavation on adjacent metro stations and shield tunnel composite structures. It…
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this study is to investigate the horizontal displacement effects of foundation pit excavation on adjacent metro stations and shield tunnel composite structures. It seeks to develop a theoretical calculation method capable of accurately assessing these engineering impacts, aiming to provide practical assistance for engineering applications.
Design/methodology/approach
This study introduces a model for shield tunnel segments incorporating rotation and misalignment, considering the constraints of metro stations. It establishes a displacement model for tunnel-station combinations during foundation pit excavation, deriving a formula for calculating station-proximal tunnel horizontal displacements. The method's accuracy is validated against field data from three engineering cases. The research also explores variations in tunnel displacement, inter-ring shear force, misalignment and rotation angle under different spatial relationships between pits, tunnels and stations.
Findings
This study models uneven deformation between stations and tunnels due to bending stiffness and shear constraints. It enhances the misalignment model with station-induced shear effects and introduces coefficients for their mutual interaction. Results show varied responses based on pit-station-tunnel positioning: minimal displacement near pit edges (coefficients around 0.1) and significant effects near pit centers (coefficients from 0.4 to 0.5). “Whip effect” from station constraints affects tunnel displacement, shear force, misalignment and rotation, with fluctuations decreasing with distance from excavation areas.
Originality/value
This study demonstrates significant originality and value. It introduces a novel displacement model for tunnel-station combinations considering station constraints, addressing theoretical calculations of horizontal displacement effects from foundation pit excavation on metro stations and shield tunnel structures. Through validation with field data and parameter studies, the concept of influence coefficients is proposed, offering insights into variations in structural responses under different spatial relationships. This research provides crucial technical support and decision-making guidance for optimizing designs and facilitating practical construction in similar engineering projects.
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Zheng Shen, Derek S. Brown and Kang Yu
Off-farm employment is an important factor associated with fertility transition in many developing countries. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of female…
Abstract
Purpose
Off-farm employment is an important factor associated with fertility transition in many developing countries. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of female off-farm employment on their fertility desire in rural China.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on the data from the China Labor-force Dynamics Survey, the authors adopt an instrumental variable approach to address the endogeneity issue. Desired number of children and desire for a second child are used to measure fertility desire.
Findings
The results show that off-farm employment participation significantly reduces women's desired number of children and the likelihood of their desire for a second child. Moreover, off-farm employment reduces women's fertility desire mainly through pathways including the weakening of son preference and a decrease in job autonomy, rather than the changes in leisure hours. Further evidence suggests that social health insurance plays an important role in moderating the adverse relationship between off-farm employment and the desire for a second child. The fertility-reducing effects are more pronounced among younger women, among those participating in off-farm wage employment and among families with only wives' participation in the off-farm labor market.
Originality/value
This paper contributes to the existing research by investigating the causal impact of off-farm employment on fertility desire in a rural developing context and the possible underlying mechanisms responsible for this relationship. This study provides important insights on this topic in developing countries and may have important implications for theory and practice.