This article looks at the effects of considering two-dimensional temperature distributions in analyzing different fin configurations (radial rectangular fins, planar rectangular fins) in contrast to the one-dimensional assumption commonly used in most design methodologies. The investigation of the temperature distributions along the length of the extended surfaces was performed both analytically and by using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software. The results obtained were then compared and the observed deviations reported. From these investigations, it was discovered that the one-dimensional approach does not always give good results for the heat fluxes and temperature distributions for plain and radial rectangular fins. This calls into question the validity of the one-dimensional assumption utilized in the design methodologies for heat exchange equipment incorporating plain and radial rectangular fins. Keywords: Fins, heat flux, heat transfer coefficient, Temperature distribution, One-dimensional analysis.

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The turbulent airflow in a circular duct with sudden expansion was investigated utilizing three turbulence models. The turbulence models chosen are: the k-epsilon model, the shear stress transport model and the Reynolds-stress model. The performance of the models was investigated with respect to the flow parameter-recirculation length. The turbulent kinetic energy and velocity predictions were compared between the turbulence models and with experimental data, then interpreted on the basis of the recirculation length. From the results, the shear stress transport model predictions of recirculation length had the closest agreement with the experimental result compared to the other model. Likewise, the convergence rate for the shear stress transport model was reasonable compared to that of the Reynolds model which has the slowest convergence rate. In light of these findings, the shear stress transport model was discovered to be the most appropriate for the investigation of turbulent air flow in a circular duct with sudden expansion. Keywords: Turbulence, recirculation length, sudden expansion, Turbulence models.

The role of interparticle friction on the micromechanical strength characteristics of granular assembly subjected to gradual shearing was analyzed. Three dimensional discrete element method (DEM) was applied in the simulation of quasi-static shearing of granular assemblies with varying interparticle frictional coefficients [µ= 0.10, 0.25, 0.50]. From the reported simulation results, analysis of the following was performed for varying interparticle frictional capacities.i. The normal and tangential stress contributions of weak and strong contacts to principal stress components.ii. Contribution of strong and weak contacts to principal and deviator stress.iii. Evolution of mechanical coordination number and fabric anisotropy of strong contact forces.From this analysis, it is safe to conclude that interparticle friction has a direct effect on the major and minor principal stress components in sheared granular assemblies. Consequently, increasing interparticle friction capacity enhances macroscopic shear strength in sheared granular assemblies. Likewise, at the peak shear strength of the sheared granular media, there exists a maximum fabric anisotropy of strong contact forces and this corresponds to a minimum value of mechanical coordination number (minimum possible number of load bearing contacts per particle).