Plenary Lecture

Numerical and Parametrical Optimisation for the Simulation of a Turbulent Combustion Phenomenon in a Well-Stirred Reactor in Steady State Conditions

Prof. Vincenzo Niola
Department of Mechanical Engineering for Energetic
University of Naples “Federico II”
ITALY
E-mail: vincenzo.niola@unina.it

Abstract: Actually, the aggregated energy demand is growing up very quickly. To solve the global energetic problem, we have to rationalise all sources not only optimising processes, but also trying to use all possible renewal combustibles. Adjective renewal means available, not necessarily abundant, however capable of burning with low pollutant emissions. In this work we focused our attention to find a way to optimise a particular combustion process with liquid fuel; therefore, an hypothetical success would give a considerable contribute about disposing of waste. Preliminarily, we predispose an analysis CFD kind, using it like a powerful support to experimental techniques to investigate and to improve combustion efficiency (especially for turbulence combustion) and to explore some possible applications. In particular, we prepare a code to model the whole process, try to solve the mixing process of reactants for given inlet conditions settings, introducing some peculiar tools to represent the diffusion phenomena in a correct way. So interactions between combustible and air will be simulated and analyzed to make it repeatable successively also in an experimental context; logical purpose is to find out the best relationship of fluid dynamic parameters, such as inlet injection velocity, air exceed, temperature, pressure. A special attention will be paid to numerical stability to define the measure of quality level of combustive process. Initially, simulation will be managed according to a RANS approach, therefore the results will be used to examine carefully the problem with a LES one. This second way is more complex and, as well known, it’s more computational expansive, but, on the other side, it assures more reliability to results. This research aims to investigate the way to dispose of exhaust oils at a low price, according to environmental requirements, recovering energy. Otherwise this could be useful in the same way. In fact, disposing of exhaust oils is a problem, so burning them could become alternative way to rid of exhaust oils respecting environmental prescription. Last, in a context of energetic crisis it could be necessary to use exhaust oils (and equally other renewal sources) to recovery energy.

Brief Biography of the Speaker:
Vincenzo NIOLA is professor of Applied Mechanics at Naples University Federico II from 31 march 1987.
After he got an University Degree in Mechanical Engineering in 28 October 1977, he started in January 1978 didactics activity as helper at course of Applied Mechanics and Machines et as member of their committee of examination.
From September 1979 he carried on that collaboration as owner of a scholarship from C.N.R. (National Research Council).
From December 1981 to march 1987 he was a researcher carrying on the practice course for Applied Mechanics, taking a part at examination meeting and working as proposer in many degree thesis.
From 1981 to 1984 he carried on his didactics activity as university teacher for Bioengineering course of locomotive apparatus at Orthopaedy and Traumathology specialization school of 2th Department of Medicine and Surgery of Naples University.
From 31 march 1987 is professor of Applied Mechanics at Naples University Federico II, and from A.A. 86/87 to A.A. 92/93 he carried on the Applied Mechanics and Machines course for electronic engineers, and from A.A. 93/94 to today carry on the Applied Mechanics course for computer science engineers.
From A.A. 88/89 to 89/90 he carried on as supply teacher the Applied Mechanics course for building engineers at Salerno Engineering University.
From A.A. 94/95 to A.A. 97/98 he carried on as supply teacher Tribology course at Naples University Federico II.
From A.A. 2001/2002 he holds the chair of Applied Mechanics for University Degree of “Orthopaedic Technician” at 2th Department of Medicine and Surgery of Naples University. During this years Prof. Vincenzo Niola has been the chairman of his courses examination meetings, and was proposer of many degree thesis..
During his activity Prof. Vincenzo Niola was owner of financings from MURST and (in past and present) cooperate scientifically with research corporation and national industries (MERISINTER, MONTEFLUOS, INDESIT, ALENIA, C.I.R.A.).
He's scientific member of Naples research unit for PRIN 2003.
He's fellow of Italian Association of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics (AIMETA).
He's member of IFToMM Linkages on cams committee. He’s scientific coordinator of 12 projects of applied research. He belongs to the International Scientific Committee of the "World Scientific and Engineering Academy and Society (WSEAS). He is President of the WSEAS Italy Chapter on the Analysis of the Mechanical Systems. He was been Chairman and "invited author" in some session of International Conferences. He’s member of Scientific Committee of 2d Int. Conf. on Mechanical Engineering $ Mechanics, in Wuxi, P.R.Cina.
He's author of about 120 national and international papers.
In the past he focused his research activity on Applied Mechanics .
The main research fields are:
-Analysis of tribologic behavior of porous ball bearing
-Determination of lubricant film motion through pattern recognition techniques
-Remark, determination and classification of defects on metallic materials
-Linear and non-linear dynamics of mechanic systems
-Determination of functional characteristics of mechanic elements through ultrasoniche techniques
-Mechanic systems diagnosis through Wavelet transform
-Robotics