CURRENT ISSUE – HIDRAULICA Magazine No. 3/2025
Experimental Study and Visualizations of Flow with Taylor Vortices
Authors: Sanda BUDEA, Ștefan-Mugur SIMIONESCU, Ion JITESCU
Taylor vortex flow has multiple applications, primarily in the field of turbomachinery, in flows through labyrinths or sealing elements, but also in the protection of sliding bearings, ensuring their proper lubrication. Other applications of vortex flow can also be found in the pharmaceutical industry, in mixing different fluids, but also in cooling systems, in avoiding fluid crystallization, in nano fluidics, etc. The present paper presents theoretical aspects, visualizations and experiments related to the appearance of Taylor vortices, carried out on a laboratory installation with rotating cylinders. The Reynolds and Taylor numbers are essential indicators in … (read more)
Small-Scale Hydraulic Excavation System for Educational Purposes
Author: Ionel Laurențiu ALBOTEANU
The paper presents the development of a scaled-down excavation installation model, designed to highlight the operation of the hydraulic system and the electromechanical actuation system. The project aims to replicate the fundamental principles of force transmission through miniaturized hydraulic cylinders, as well as their interaction with the mechanical structure to ensure the characteristic movements of the excavation process. Furthermore, the electromechanical subsystem integrates motors, sensors, and control elements, providing both the actual actuation of the system and … (read more)
Hydraulic Systems Security: Addressing Cyber Threats with DNA-Based Cryptography in Cloud-Integrated Control
Author: Ștefan ŢĂLU
Hydraulic control systems, widely used in industrial automation, aerospace, and energy sectors, are increasingly integrated with cloud platforms and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies to enhance monitoring, predictive maintenance, and operational efficiency. However, this digital integration exposes hydraulic infrastructures to a wide range of cyberattacks, including denial-of-service (DoS), ransomware, and advanced persistent threats (APT). Existing cybersecurity solutions for industrial control systems (ICS) rely on … (read more)
Solar Drying in Controlled Environments: Sustainable Solution for Preserving Vegetable Products
Authors: Alina – Iolanda POPESCU, Gheorghe ȘOVĂIALĂ, Gabriela MATACHE
The paper analyzes the drying process of vegetable products using solar systems, as an efficient and sustainable solution for reducing food losses. The fundamental differences between natural drying and dehydration are presented, as well as the technological classification of solar dryers (direct, indirect, mixed), depending on the operating mode (passive vs. active). The heat transfer principles involved (convection, radiation) are highlighted and the contribution of the constructive elements to … (read more)
The Volumetric Efficiency of Water Ram
Authors: Osvaldo Antonio PACHECO BUSQUET, Celestino Santos ORO ORTIZ, Ángel Arsenio PACHECO MONTEAGUT
In the present work the research problem related to the low and limited efficiency of hydraulic rams is addressed, for whose solution the behavior physical process of the volumetric efficiency of the multi-pulsor hydraulic ram was taken as an object of investigation, and as a field of action: The mathematical process to determine … (read more)
Artificial Intelligence Use for Forecasting Precipitation and Assessing Groundwater Depletion: A Study Case in Chihuahua City, Mexico
Authors: Margarita PRECIADO, Maritza ARGANIS, Jorge CASADOS, Rodrigo ROBLERO-HIDALGO
This study presents an integrated methodology for assessing water resource vulnerability in Chihuahua City, Mexico, by combining satellite-based hydrological data and advanced time-series modeling. Using Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) neural networks, the research forecasts monthly precipitation trends and identifies critical drought periods, notably between 2029 and 2032. Concurrently, GRACE satellite data reveal … (read more)
Aspects Regarding Methods for Hydraulic Cylinders Synchronization
Authors: Ionela Mihaela POPESCU, Victor CONSTANTIN, Daniel NANCA
To address the issue of synchronization of the hydraulic cylinders, that can lead to safety hazards for the operators, this study develops a hydraulic circuit intended for vehicles service lifting. The study covered two variants that were compared through Fluid SIM design and simulation while monitoring important parameters, demonstrating … (read more)
Mapping Convective Precipitation Susceptibility in the Peñitas Watershed: A Novel Convectivity Index and Geostatistical Interpolation Framework
Authors: Maritza ARGANIS, Margarita PRECIADO, Faustino DE LUNA, Cristian LÓPEZ, Edgar DE DIOS SEVILLA, Omar CABRERA, Rodrigo ROBLERO-HIDALGO
Convective precipitation poses significant hydrometeorological risks in the Peñitas River Basin, where short-duration, high-intensity rainfall events often trigger flash floods and landslides. This study introduces a novel empirical index—the Convectivity Factor (CF)—to spatially characterize convective susceptibility using high-frequency precipitation data from CFE’s automated weather stations and topographic inputs from INEGI’s Digital Elevation Model. The CF, defined as the ratio of maximum 1-hour to 24-hour precipitation, was calculated using annual historical maxima and mapped via … (read more)
Design of a Positioning System for Cylindrical Parts
Authors: Daniel NANCA, Viorel GHEORGHE, Victor CONSTANTIN, Ionela Mihaela POPESCU
This paper presents the design, development and testing of a semi-automatic inspection machine for cylindrical parts dedicated to the automotive industry. The system integrates an optical micrometre and multiple smart cameras within a linear rail positioning mechanism. The paper attacks the industrial challenges and motivations, the evolutions of quality control machines, from conveyor and rotary based solutions to … (read more)
The Evolution of Energy Consumption in Electric Mobility in Bucharest in 2024: Between Efficiency and the Potential of Renewable Sources
Authors: Anca-Florentina POPESCU, Alexandra BĂDICEANU, Ecaterina MATEI, Georgiana-Miana ANDRICIUC, Andra-Mihaela PREDESCU
Globalisation has led to serious air pollution challenges, with significant consequences for the environment, human health, and climate, prompting a continuous worldwide search for emission reduction solutions. The transition to sustainable public transport represents one of the major priorities for European cities in the context of the current climate emergency and decarbonization targets. In Bucharest, the electrification of urban public transport has experienced progressive expansion, particularly through … (read more)
Pedagogical Valences of Computer-Assisted Instruction in the Professional Training of Soil Remediation Specialists
Authors: Ioana-Elisabeta CIORUȚA, Bogdan V. CIORUȚA, Mirela-Ana COMAN, Alexandru L. POP
The accelerated degradation of soil resources represents one of the most pressing global challenges of the 21st century, requiring a rapid and well-founded response from society. In this context, the professional training of specialists capable of efficiently and innovatively addressing complex problems related to soil pollution becomes a strategic priority. As such, the present research aims to analyze and argue the implications and valences of Computer-Assisted Instruction (CAI) as a modern and indispensable pedagogical solution in the training of these specialists. The motivation for this scientific approach stems from the need to … (read more)
Numerical Investigation of Energy Dissipation Efficiency in Stepped Spillway Designs under Flow Conditions
Author: Fănel Dorel ȘCHEAUA
Stepped spillways are widely applied in dam engineering due to their ability to dissipate water flow energy and mitigate cavitation risk. However, the efficiency of energy dissipation depends strongly on step geometry, slope and flow conditions. This study presents a comprehensive numerical analysis of novel stepped spillway configurations, including rectangular, trapezoidal and curved step profiles, under a range of discharges corresponding to skimming and transition flow regimes. Three-dimensional Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations were carried out using … (read more)
Pneumatically Driven Generator for Use with Small-Scale Compressed Air Energy Storage System
Authors: Radu-Iulian RĂDOI, Bogdan-Alexandru TUDOR-ROTILĂ, Robert BLEJAN, Ștefan-Mihai ȘEFU
To cover the peak load in the energy systems, energy storage facilities are needed during periods when energy production is in excess. During sunny days, photovoltaic energy production can reach a level that exceeds the demand in the power grid. During these periods, battery storage systems, pumped storage hydroelectric plants or compressed air energy storage (CAES) can be used. CAES systems use compressors to store compressed air and air turbines coupled with generators to produce electricity. They can be large-scale with storage in caverns or … (read more)
Pedagogical Implications of Computer-Assisted Instruction in Reconfiguring Contents for General and Applied Ecology
Authors: Bogdan V. CIORUȚA, Ioana-Elisabeta CIORUȚA, Mirela-Ana COMAN, Alexandru L. POP
The present research explores the pedagogical implications of Computer-Assisted Instruction (CAI) in reconfiguring educational content for General and Applied Ecology (EGA). The article demonstrates that CAI fundamentally transforms the learning process, moving it from a theoretical, passive approach to a practical and interactive one, essential for future specialists in the field. Through dynamic simulations and massive data analysis, students become active participants, able to explore complex ecological phenomena, such as … (read more)