{"title":"Thermal history-driven void formation in silicon crystals: A discrete model approach","authors":"Amir Reza Ansari Dezfoli","doi":"10.1016/j.csite.2025.106468","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.csite.2025.106468","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>As the growth rate rises to achieve more substantial production rates in silicon crystal growth through the Czochralski (CZ) process, vacancy agglomeration leading to void defect formation becomes particularly notable due to the elevated ratio of growth rate to thermal gradient (V/G). To explore this phenomenon, a computational platform was developed that integrates a fully transient three-dimensional finite-element (FE) model and a cellular automaton (CA) model to simulate void nucleation and growth. This study offers a new discrete model for simulating void formation during the CZ process. It delivers a thorough analysis of the thermal dynamics within the furnace, the morphology of the solid-liquid interface, and the spatial distribution of point defects, including vacancies and interstitials. The model accounts for transient phenomena such as the synchronized movement of the crystal and crucible, the thermal capacity of furnace components, the thermal inertia of the solidification interface, and the evolving suspect formations governed by time-dependent conditions. The CA model, combined with the FE framework, evaluates void formation based on point defect concentration, temperature distribution, and nucleation density criteria. Experimental validation was carried out using wafers extracted from silicon ingots at different growth stages (50 mm, 250 mm, and 600 mm). Wafer cleaning and etching procedures were employed to increase defect visibility, and defect detection was carried out using a laser-based particle counting system. The results confirmed the presence and spatial distribution of voids, which accord with the simulation predictions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9658,"journal":{"name":"Case Studies in Thermal Engineering","volume":"73 ","pages":"Article 106468"},"PeriodicalIF":6.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144243306","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Investigation of freshwater production and temperature changes of various components of a conventional and enhanced solar desalination ponds","authors":"Elnaz Kouh Zad , Farshad Farahbod , Omid Alizadeh","doi":"10.1016/j.csite.2025.106465","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.csite.2025.106465","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Solar desalination ponds are a simple yet efficient technology that utilizes solar energy to convert saline water into fresh water. This method is especially useful in arid and semi-arid regions with limited access to fresh water. The process comprises three stages: (a) evaporation, (b) condensation, and (c) collection of fresh water. In essence, solar ponds provide stable, large-scale heat storage, while parabolic collectors boost the heat intensity and expand the application range. When combined, they create a more versatile and efficient solar thermal energy system. In this study, three types of solar desalination ponds were investigated. The first type is a conventional pond. The second and third types of ponds are equipped with fixed and movable parabolic collectors. As shown in this study, the maximum radiation intensity occurs at 12:00 p.m. However, the maximum operating temperature for the solar desalination pond is observed at 1:00 p.m. Laboratory data indicate that the maximum radiation intensity at 12:00 p.m. is 1121.5 W/m<sup>2</sup>, while the minimum radiation intensity is observed at 6:00 p.m. and equals 170 W/m<sup>2</sup>. The results of this study show that the internal glass surface temperature is slightly higher than the external glass surface temperature. Results show that the range of internal and external glass surface temperature changes is between 39.5 °C to 54.6 °C and 39.1 °C–53.3 °C, respectively. This study shows that the maximum internal and external glass surface temperatures occur at 1:00 p.m., reaching 54.6 °C and 53.3 °C, respectively. This work shows that the minimum and maximum brine temperatures are 16.6 °C and 31.7 °C, occurring at 8:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., respectively. This study shows that the internal and external glass temperature variations range from 13.6 °C to 20.3 °C and 13 °C–20 °C. In addition, this research shows that the steam temperature varies between 19.1 °C and 40 °C.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9658,"journal":{"name":"Case Studies in Thermal Engineering","volume":"73 ","pages":"Article 106465"},"PeriodicalIF":6.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144243442","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A guideline study for optimal machine learning approaches to predict the off-design performance of sCO2-PCHEs","authors":"Xin Sui , Wenqi Wang , Chunyang Liu , Peixin Dong","doi":"10.1016/j.csite.2025.106471","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.csite.2025.106471","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>As research increasingly focuses on predicting the off-design performance of PCHEs using machine learning (ML) approaches, there is a clear need to identify the most cost-effective method that offers optimal accuracy and generalization across a wide range of operating conditions in sCO<sub>2</sub> power cycles. In response, this study establishes highly accurate machine learning proxies, including XGBoost, SVMs, BPNNs, and FCDNs for comparison, aiming to rank and identify the one with the best accuracy and generalization for different operating conditions of PCHEs. First, multiple datasets concerning the geometric parameters and working conditions of PCHEs are consolidated. Two data-driven techniques are introduced to correlate both inputs and outputs, identifying the most pertinent parameter. Then, the sensitivity of ML models to hyperparameter, split ratio, and data distribution is evaluated. Finally, a mutual assessment is conducted to rank their accuracy and generalization when predicting the heat transfer coefficient across three real-world operating scenarios. This study concludes that: 1) BPNN and XGBoost emerge as the best performers with the highest accuracy, achieving a MAPE of 2.938 % and 3.074 %, respectively, among eleven approaches with four ML models and seven <em>Nu</em> correlation-based models included; 2) BPNN and XGBoost exhibit strong generalization ability, demonstrating accuracy losses of less than 0.057 and 0.244, respectively, against unseen data; 3) unlike FCDN, which requires substantial computational time, or SVM, which produces significant errors, BPNN and XGBoost are more reliable and efficient in forecasting sCO<sub>2</sub>-PCHEs’ performance for future power cycle control studies that involve vast operating conditions and numerous rounds of optimization search.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9658,"journal":{"name":"Case Studies in Thermal Engineering","volume":"73 ","pages":"Article 106471"},"PeriodicalIF":6.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144243445","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jing Zhao , Xiongxiong He , Xiaoyu Zhang , Zhiqin Kang , Runxu Zhang
{"title":"Insight into pore-fracture structure and permeability of oil shale: Significance of water vapor temperature","authors":"Jing Zhao , Xiongxiong He , Xiaoyu Zhang , Zhiqin Kang , Runxu Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.csite.2025.106475","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.csite.2025.106475","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In-situ oil shale mining technology faces critical challenges in optimizing heat transfer efficiency and seepage channels. This study conducts high-temperature water vapor pyrolysis experiments on oil shale, integrating permeability tests, mercury intrusion porosimetry, and micro-CT techniques to systematically investigate the evolution of permeability, pore structures, and fracture networks under different water vapor temperatures. In the low-temperature stage (room temperature to 350 °C), permeability follows a trend of \"gradual increase—slight decline,\" reaching a low-temperature peak at 300 °C. In the high-temperature stage (350°C-600 °C), under the high-temperature pyrolysis conditions used in this study, the permeability can increase by up to five orders of magnitude. With rising temperature, the bulk porosity of oil shale surges from 2.94 % to 22.22 %, while the pore size distribution shifts from a \"micropore-macropore dominated\" (inverse S-shape) pattern to a \"mesopore-dominated\" (S-shape) pattern, leading to a significant enhancement in pore connectivity. For the multi-scale fracture structure, the low-temperature stage (<350 °C) is dominated by the accumulation of micro-fractures, which tend to close due to effective stress and thermal mismatch coupling effects. In the high-temperature stage (>350 °C), macro-fractures expand and may form partially connected networks. Approximately 350 °C serves as the transition temperature for pore and fracture structure evolution in tested samples, while the 450°C-600 °C range represents the high-efficiency pyrolysis zone. The study reveals the temperature-regulated mechanism governing permeability evolution during heat injection pyrolysis of oil shale.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9658,"journal":{"name":"Case Studies in Thermal Engineering","volume":"73 ","pages":"Article 106475"},"PeriodicalIF":6.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144272389","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Photovoltaic-supported hybrid atmospheric water harvesting systems: comparative performance analysis of different configurations","authors":"Kamil Neyfel Çerçi","doi":"10.1016/j.csite.2025.106470","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.csite.2025.106470","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study presents a first-time comparative performance analysis of eight photovoltaic-supported hybrid atmospheric water harvesting (AWH) configurations that integrate desiccant wheels, heat exchangers, and vapor-compression refrigeration (VCR) units, using low-GWP refrigerants. The novel hybrid design combines desiccant-assisted dehumidification, internal heat recovery, and renewable energy to enhance water yield while minimizing electricity demand. Key performance metrics, such as coefficient of performance (COP<sub>r</sub>), second-law efficiency (η<sub>2,c</sub>), water harvesting efficiency (WHE), and required PV panel area, were evaluated under varying regeneration temperatures, airflow rates, and climate zones. Among all setups, Configuration 8, featuring two-stage desiccant wheels, a heat exchanger, and waste heat utilization, consistently delivered the best performance with the lowest energy consumption and highest WHE. Under typical summer conditions in Mersin, this configuration yielded approximately 17 L/day of water. Furthermore, it performed best in the Warm and Moderately Humid (W&MH) climate zone, offering an optimal balance between water recovery and energy efficiency. The main advantage of the method lies in its energy-efficient operation and adaptability to different climatic conditions. Additionally, utilizing condenser waste heat reduced electricity demand by up to 67 %. This hybrid system offers a practical and sustainable solution for decentralized water production in water-scarce regions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9658,"journal":{"name":"Case Studies in Thermal Engineering","volume":"73 ","pages":"Article 106470"},"PeriodicalIF":6.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144243250","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Maryam Johari , Hossein Ali Hoshyar , Davood Domiri Ganji
{"title":"Advanced thermal management in radiology equipment: Numerical and semi-analytical analysis of flat heat pipes","authors":"Maryam Johari , Hossein Ali Hoshyar , Davood Domiri Ganji","doi":"10.1016/j.csite.2025.106429","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.csite.2025.106429","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The integration of flat heat pipes (FHPs) into radiology devices presents a promising solution to the persistent thermal management challenges in high-performance imaging systems, such as X-ray machines and computed tomography (CT) scanners. Effective heat dissipation is essential to ensure reliable operation, maintain image quality, and prolong component lifespan. This study is motivated by the need to better understand vapor and liquid flow behavior in asymmetrical flat plate heat pipes used in such systems. Advanced techniques—specifically the Least Squares Method (LSM) and the fourth-order Runge-Kutta-Fehlberg (RKF) algorithm, are employed to conduct a comprehensive analytical investigation of heat pipe performance. The significance of this research lies in its focus on key parameters, namely the condenser-to-evaporator length ratio (<em>β</em>) and Reynolds number (<em>Re</em>), and their impact on dimensionless velocity and pressure profiles. The model demonstrates strong agreement with numerical results, validating its accuracy and practical relevance. Findings show that increasing β shifts the peak velocity upward in the evaporator, while higher Re values slightly reduce pressure drop in the evaporator and significantly increase pressure in the condenser. These insights offer valuable guidance for optimizing heat pipe design and integration, supporting more efficient and reliable thermal management in radiological equipment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9658,"journal":{"name":"Case Studies in Thermal Engineering","volume":"73 ","pages":"Article 106429"},"PeriodicalIF":6.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144243438","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
T. Sathish , Jayant Giri , Moaz Al-lehaibi , Ahmad O. Hourani , A. Anderson
{"title":"Performance enhancement of heat pipe-based solar tube collectors using graphene nanofluids: Experimental analysis and thermal optimization","authors":"T. Sathish , Jayant Giri , Moaz Al-lehaibi , Ahmad O. Hourani , A. Anderson","doi":"10.1016/j.csite.2025.106460","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.csite.2025.106460","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study uses graphene nanofluids to improve heat pipe-based solar tube collector thermal performance. The use of graphene nanofluids in varying quantities and flow rates to improve heat pipe-based solar tube collectors is novel in this study. This study uses graphene nanoparticles distributed in deionized water to improve solar tube collector thermal performance, unlike previous studies that focused on metallic or oxide-based nanofluids. The study introduces graphene nanoparticles into deionized water at volumetric concentrations of 0.1 %, 0.2 %, and 0.3 % at flow rates of 1.5–4.5 L/min to overcome the constraints of conventional heat transfer fluids. SEM and X-ray Diffraction were used to study graphene's structural and morphological properties, while Zeta potential studies confirmed the nanofluids' stability, showing no sedimentation for 30 days. Experimental results show that graphene improves STC system thermal conductivity and heat absorption. At a flow rate of 1.5 L/min with 0.3 % volumetric concentration, the maximum temperature differential was 9.2 °C. At 4.5 L/min, the highest temperature gain of 52.94 % and thermal performance increase of 41.3 % were obtained. However, the collector using only deionized water performed only 25 % under similar conditions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9658,"journal":{"name":"Case Studies in Thermal Engineering","volume":"73 ","pages":"Article 106460"},"PeriodicalIF":6.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144297906","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell performance Revolutionized: Artificial intelligence-validated asymmetric flow channels enhance mass transport via hybrid analytical-numerical frameworks","authors":"Nima Ahmadi , Ghader Rezazadeh","doi":"10.1016/j.csite.2025.106445","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.csite.2025.106445","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The enhancement of the flow channel design of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) is imperative for the improvement of mass transport and overall performance. This study introduces novel asymmetric gas channel cross-sectional profiles, validated through a tripartite approach encompassing analytical modeling, numerical simulations, and experimental testing. The proposed profiles are subjected to analytical examination through the implementation of a combination of the regular perturbation method and the Galerkin approach to efficiently solve nonlinear governing equations. Four innovative designs (c1 to c4) are evaluated, and the results consistently demonstrate that the c3 configuration with a cross-section parameter ε = 0.5 achieves superior performance by optimizing species transport and reducing concentration losses. Experimental validation confirms a current density improvement of up to 5.6 % over conventional designs, while Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven optimization via a hybrid Convolutional Neural Network and Genetic Algorithm independently identifies the same optimal configuration. The preponderance of evidence from analytical, numerical, experimental, and AI-driven methods corroborates the efficacy of the proposed design as a resilient and expandable solution for enhancing PEMFC efficiency.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9658,"journal":{"name":"Case Studies in Thermal Engineering","volume":"73 ","pages":"Article 106445"},"PeriodicalIF":6.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144243435","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Enhanced thermal stability, flame retardancy, and thermal conductivity of self-healing natural rubber composites reinforced surface treated halloysite clay nanotubes","authors":"Abdul Rehman , Raa Khimi Shuib","doi":"10.1016/j.csite.2025.106473","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.csite.2025.106473","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study introduces acrylic acid treated halloysite clay nanotubes (m-HNTs) as an innovative nanofiller for self-healing natural rubber (SHNR) nanocomposites. The m-HNTs were synthesized using acrylic acid (AA), effectively increasing its compatibility with non-polar natural rubber, also generates massive Zn<sup>2+</sup> salt bonding between zinc thiolate and carboxylic groups of m-HNTs which enable electrostatic interaction and allows additional reversible ionic networks. The effects of the m-HNTs obtained on the thermal stability, flame retardancy, and thermal conductivity of SHNR was investigated using thermogravimetric analysis, thermal constants analyzer, differential scanning calorimetry, flammability test, and limiting oxygen index (LOI) measurements. The incorporation of m-HNTs into the self-healing natural rubber nanocomposites enhanced 17.5 % of their thermal conductivity, 19 % of thermal stability, 27.7 % of LOI, and 29 % reduction in burn rate compared to the unfilled SHNR nanocomposite. A two-phase Lewis–Nielsen model was also utilized to simulate efficiency of the thermal conductivity of SHNR containing functionalized halloysite nanotubes. The experimental data was accurately fitted by two-phase model with a confidence level of >95 %. The utilization of m-HNTs as a reinforcement in SHNR is promising for rubber products that experience high temperature environments especially for automotive hoses, seals and belts.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9658,"journal":{"name":"Case Studies in Thermal Engineering","volume":"73 ","pages":"Article 106473"},"PeriodicalIF":6.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144280648","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Lu Chen , Shuaifeng Yin , En Wang , Hao Qi , Yanchao Hou , Xuhao Kang
{"title":"Coupled infrared radiation temperature and acoustic monitoring of damage characteristics on saturated red sandstone under uniaxial compression loading","authors":"Lu Chen , Shuaifeng Yin , En Wang , Hao Qi , Yanchao Hou , Xuhao Kang","doi":"10.1016/j.csite.2025.106472","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.csite.2025.106472","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Deep geotechnical engineering construction is influenced by groundwater. To explore the damage evolution mechanism and multi-physical response characteristics of rock with different water content, the infrared thermography and acoustic emission technology were used to monitor the red sandstone under uniaxial compression loading. The acoustic emission cumulative ringing count, damage variables, and infrared radiation temperature field data were synchronously acquired. A systematic analysis of the acoustic and infrared characteristics of water-saturated red sandstone during progressive failure was conducted. Additionally, based on Grubbs criteria, the GIRT and GIRTS indices were introduced to elucidate the temporal and spatial evolution of damage in different water-saturated rock samples. Furthermore, by integrating the acoustic emission damage and the infrared damage index using a random forest model, a comprehensive acoustic-thermal model was established to identify the mechanical response characteristics of water-saturated red sandstone. The R<sup>2</sup> coefficients exceed 0.95 for all samples, indicating high accuracy and reliability of the prediction model. This research uncovers multiple precursory indicators of red sandstone failure under water-rock coupling conditions, providing a foundation for rock stability monitoring and disaster warning through acoustic-infrared fusion technology.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9658,"journal":{"name":"Case Studies in Thermal Engineering","volume":"73 ","pages":"Article 106472"},"PeriodicalIF":6.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144243248","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}