arXiv subjects

Dongfang Liang

Publications and source records attributed to Dongfang Liang.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2024

Universal Murray's law for optimised fluid transport in synthetic structures

Materials following Murray's law are of significant interest due to their unique porous structure and optimal mass transfer ability. However, it is challenging to construct such biomimetic hierarchical channels with perfectly cylindrical pores in synthetic systems following the existing theory. Achieving superior mass transport capacity revealed by Murray's law in nanostructured materials has thus far remained out of reach. We propose a Universal Murray's law applicable to a wide range of hierarchical structures, shapes and generalised transfer processes. We experimentally demonstrate optimal flow of various fluids in hierarchically planar and tubular graphene aerogel structures to validate the proposed law. By adjusting the macroscopic pores in such aerogel-based gas sensors, we also show a significantly improved sensor response dynamic. Our work provides a solid framework for designing synthetic Murray materials with arbitrarily shaped channels for superior mass transfer capabilities, with future implications in catalysis, sensing and energy applications.

physics.app-ph↗

arXiv2023

In-phase schooling hinders linear acceleration in wavy hydrofoils paired in parallel across various wavelengths

This study examines the impact of in-phase schooling on the hydrodynamic efficiency during linear acceleration in a simplified model using two undulating NACA0012 hydrofoils arranged in phalanx formation as a minimal representation of a fish school. The research focuses on key parameters, namely Strouhal (0.2-0.7) and Reynolds (1000-2000) numbers, and explores the effect of varying fish-body wavelengths (0.5-2), reflecting natural changes during actual fish linear acceleration. Contrary to expectations, in-phase schooling did not enhance acceleration performance. Both propulsive efficiency and net thrust were found to be lower compared to solitary swimming and anti-phase schooling conditions. The study also identifies and categorizes five distinct flow structure patterns within the parameters investigated, providing insight into the fluid dynamics of schooling fish during acceleration.

physics.flu-dyn↗

arXiv2023

How wavelength affects the hydrodynamic performance of two accelerating mirror-symmetric slender swimmers

Fish schools are capable of simultaneous linear acceleration. To reveal the underlying hydrodynamic mechanism, we numerically investigate how Reynolds number $ Re = 1000 - 2000 $, Strouhal number $ St = 0.2 - 0.7 $ and wavelength $ λ= 0.5 - 2 $ affect the mean net thrust and net propulsive efficiency of two side-by-side hydrofoils undulating in anti-phase. In total, $ 550 $ cases are simulated using immersed boundary method. The thrust increases significantly with wavelength and Strouhal number, yet only slightly with the Reynolds number. We apply a symbolic regression algorithm to formulate this relationship. Furthermore, we find that mirror-symmetric schooling can achieve a \textit{net} thrust more than ten times that of a single swimmer, especially at low Reynolds numbers. The highest efficiency is obtained at $ St = 0.5 $ and $ λ= 1.2 $, where $ St $ is consistent with that observed in the linear-accelerating natural swimmers, \eg Crevalle jack. Six distinct flow structures are identified. The highest thrust corresponds to an asymmetric flow pattern, whereas the highest efficiency occurs when the flow is symmetric with converging vortex streets.

physics.flu-dyn↗

arXiv2022

How swimming style affects schooling of two fish-like wavy hydrofoils

Fish swimming style and schooling behaviour are two important aspects of underwater locomotion. How swimming style affects fish schooling is investigated by a representative problem setup consisting of two tethered NACA0012 hydrofoils undulating in a free stream flow at various wavelengths $ λ^* = 0.8 - 8 $, front-back distance $ D = 0,\ 0.25,\ 0.5,\ 0.75 $, phase difference $ ϕ/π= 0,\ 0.5,\ 1,\ 1.5 $, and lateral gap distance $ G = 0.25,\ 0.3,\ 0.35 $ with fixed Reynolds number $ Re = 5000 $, Strouhal number $ St = 0.4 $, and maximum amplitude $ A_{max} = 0.1 $. In total, 336 cases were simulated by open-source software IBAMR based on immersed boundary method. The increase in wavelength generally leads to higher thrust and lateral force, consistent with a previous study regarding a single swimmer. The highest Froude efficiency is obtained at intermediate wavelength $ λ^* = 2 $ for either individual or two foils as a group. At side-by-side arrangement $ D = 0 $, the thrust force upon the two foils can be equivalent, indicating a stable formation. At staggered arrangement, $ D > 0 $, the follower can take significant advantage of the leader in locomotion performance by tuning phase difference. The follower's benefit decreases with relative distance. Various combinations of wavelength and relative distance can lead to distinct flow structures, indicating a tunable stealth capacity of the schooling swimmers.

physics.flu-dyn↗