Scale dimensionless groups

Electrochemical Systems - Scaling, Dimensionless Groups, Fig. 1 Concentration and potential distiibntion within the electrolyte undergoing an electrochemical... 

Electrochemical Systems Scaling, Dimensionless Groups, Table 1 Boundary conditions corresponding to Eqs. 1 and 2... 

Three basic approaches have been used to solve the equations of motion. For relatively simple configurations, direct solution is possible. For complex configurations, numerical methods can be employed. For many practical situations, particularly three-dimensional or one-of-a-kind configurations, scale modeling is employed and the results are interpreted in terms of dimensionless groups. This section outlines the procedures employed and the limitations of these approaches (see Computer-aided engineering (CAE)). 

Dimensional Analysis. Dimensional analysis can be helpful in analyzing reactor performance and developing scale-up criteria. Seven dimensionless groups used in generalized rate equations for continuous flow reaction systems are Hsted in Table 4. Other dimensionless groups apply in specific situations (58—61). Compromising assumptions are often necessary, and their vaHdation must be estabHshed experimentally or by analogy to previously studied systems. 

For purposes of data correlation, model studies, and scale-up, it is useful to arrange variables into dimensionless groups. Table 6-7 lists many of the dimensionless groups commonly founa in fluid mechanics problems, along with their physical interpretations and areas of application. More extensive tabulations may oe found in Catchpole and Fulford (Ind. Eng. Chem., 58[3], 46-60 [1966]) and Fulford and Catchpole (Ind. Eng. Chem., 60[3], 71-78 [1968]). 

Turbomachines can be compared with each other by dimensional analysis. This analysis produces various types of geometrically similar parameters. Dimensional analysis is a procedure where variables representing a physical situation are reduced into groups, which are dimensionless. These dimensionless groups can then be used to compare performance of various types of machines with each other. Dimensional analysis as used in turbomachines can be employed to (1) compare data from various types of machines—it is a useful technique in the development of blade passages and blade profiles, (2) select various types of units based on maximum efficiency and pressure head required, and (3) predict a prototype s performance from tests conducted on a smaller scale model or at lower speeds. 

The objectives are not realized when physical modeling are applied to complex processes. However, consideration of the appropriate differential equations at steady state for the conservation of mass, momentum, and thermal energy has resulted in various dimensionless groups. These groups must be equal for both the model and the prototype for complete similarity to exist on scale-up. 

In 1953, Rushton proposed a dimensionless number that is used for scale-up calculation. The dimensionless group is proportional to NRe as shown by the following equation 2,3... 

Of the possible sets of scaling laws containing only the dimensionless group of properties pjpv, set 4, which includes A, pL, pv, y, C L, and kL, appears closest to consistency with the available experimental evidence for burn-out in uniformly heated round tubes. 

Thus, the ratios of the various forces occurring in mixing vessels can be expressed as the above dimensionless groups which, in turn, serve as similarity parameters for scale-up of mixing equipment. It can be shown that the existence of geometric and dynamic similarities also ensures kinematic similarity. 

Equations (3.11) and (3.12) show that the friction factor of a rectangular micro-channel is determined by two dimensionless groups (1) the Reynolds number that is defined by channel depth, and (2) the channel aspect ratio. It is essential that the introduction of a hydraulic diameter as the characteristic length scale does not allow for the reduction of the number of dimensionless groups to one. We obtain... 

A current example of a problem that can be simplified through segregation of its components by physical scale is the deposition of on-chip interconnects onto a wafer. Takahashi and Gross have analyzed the scaling properties of interconnect fabrication problems and identified the relevant control parameters for the different levels of pattern scale [135], They define several dimensionless groups which determine the type of problem that must be solved at each level. 

On the submicron scale, the current distribution is determined by the diffusive transport of metal ion and additives under the influence of local conditions at the interface. Transport of additives in solution may be non-locally controlled if they are consumed at a mass-transfer limited rate at the deposit surface. The diffusion of additives in solution must then be solved simultaneously with the flux of reactive ion. Diffusive transport of inhibitors forms the basis for leveling [144-147] where a diffusion-limited inhibitor reduces the current density on protrusions. West has treated the theory of filling based on leveling alone [148], In his model, the controlling dimensionless groups are equivalent to and D divided by the trench aspect ratio. They determine the ranges of concentration within which filling can be achieved. 

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