Papers by Author: Kazuyuki Hokamoto

Abstract: In this study, we have established a novel pretreatment system that improves the juice extraction volume and nutritional value of plant material using underwater shockwaves. The optimum treatment conditions for plant materials were obtained by conducting batch experiments using simple-structured underwater shockwave treatment equipment. From these results, a continuous underwater shockwave processing device was designed. Moreover, we have been demonstrated the applicability and reliability of underwater shockwave pretreatment in improving the yield of functional ingredients and fruit juice from plants. The instantaneous high-pressure dynamic control using underwater shockwaves is applicable to a wide range of extraction processes such as extraction of juices or ingredients from other naturally occurring foods and medicinal plants.

Abstract: The mechanism of damage on the structure of an explosion pit which belongs to the Institute of Pulsed Power Science, Kumamoto University is investigated. Investigated is the mechanism of damage on the structure of an explosion pit which belongs to the Institute of Pulsed Power Science, Kumamoto University. Here, three-dimensional model with square opening (door) is used to simulate by numerical simulation. The numerical result with the actual egg-type model implies that firstly the cracks occurred at the corners of the door and grew larger. In addition, the numerically simulated results with a spherical form model are also demonstrated to study on optimizing the design of an explosion pit.

Abstract: In recent years, a method of food processing using underwater shock wave has been investigated. The underwater shock wave is generated by high voltage and large current gap discharge in water, and it is used for food processing in the present investigation. When the underwater shock wave is loaded on the food, the food cells are momentarily broken. Therefore, the food becomes soft, and possible to squeeze water easily. Also, seasonings can be penetrated inside of the food. The improvement of absorbing seasonings for the shock processed foods mainly on Japanese radish is reported in this paper.

Abstract: It is known to be able to expect the improvement of the harvest if the cropping time can be made early in a cold region such as Russia, Norway, Sweden and Hokkaido in Japan. Therefore, for the purpose of making cropping time early as much as possible, we researched the destruction of the frozen soil by the explosive. In the simple experiment, as compared with the experiment which placed the explosive directly on top of the frozen soil, it broke greatly in the experiment which poured out water 20 mm in height after placing an explosive directly on top of the frozen soil. Furthermore, it was found that the thawing time of residual frozen soil in the experiment using water is shorter than without water. In this research, in order to investigate the effect of the covered water in thawing frozen soil by explosive load, the numerical simulation was performed. The result of the numerical simulation was well in agreement with the experimental result, and it was clarified that destruction effect is increased by covering with water.

Abstract: Carbon fiber is employed to induce underwater shock wave by the high-voltage electric discharge. By the release of an energy 10 kJ stored in a high-capacity condenser bank, carbon fiber was exploded showing the evidence inducing underwater shock wave effectively to a thin plate to be formed.

Abstract: We propose a new method for the efficient decompression of frozen food under high dynamic pressure. Two experiments are conducted on an ice block containing peeled shrimp: wire explosion and underwater shock wave. In these experiments, the ice is finely crushed, while the frozen peeled shrimps retain their original shape and can be efficiently extracted. Since ice crushing is performed momentarily, the defrosting time is significantly shorter than that in traditional thawing techniques, such as melting in running water or cold-water soaking. This new method could increase the efficiency of food production processes.

Abstract: This study attempts to clarify underwater shock waves using a food container designed for food processing. The underwater shock wave is driven by a spark or wire explosion from a high-capacity condenser bank. Since the applied pressure must be known to control the experimental conditions, a numerical simulation was conducted and the results were compared with measurements using an elastic bar placed in the water.

Abstract: The aim of study is to confirm a new technique that can crush the frozen soil and/or ice block using underwater shock wave generated by the underwater explosion of explosive. This technique can lead to the earlier sowing, which can have the larger harvest because the duration of sunshine increases. Especially, in Hokkaido prefecture, Japan, if the sowing is carried out in April, we can expect to have 150% of harvest in the ordinary season. This technique is effective against the cold regions, for example, Russia, Norway, and Sweden, etc. In order to check about that influence we tried to give an actual frozen soil a shock wave. We could get a result that existence of water layer serves an important role in promotion of thawing by the shock loading to the frozen soil. That role was confirmed from the result of numerical simulation.

Abstract: The metal jet that is flowed out by the oblique collision between a metal flier plate and a metal block becomes a high velocity. We have been developing the device that makes a material extremely high pressure by using the metal jet. The flier plate of the previous device had been accelerated by using a high explosive. There were several problems in the collection and analysis of the material that had been made the high pressure. Therefore we thought up the new device of which the flier plate was accelerated by a powder gun. The collision process was examined by a numerical simulation because the collision process of the flier plate of this device differs from that of the previous device. LS-DYNA was used for a numerical simulation and the difference of the collision process was clarified.

Abstract: The wide use of clad joints in practical application has been inhibited due to the difficulty in welding certain combinations such as tungsten/-copper, molybdenum/-copper and magnesium with aluminum, titanium and stainless steel. These material combinations are generally classified as difficult to weld by conventional material joining techniques due to the vast difference in material properties and the degradation of mechanical properties of the joints. Explosive welding is here a viable alternative technique. Explosive welding is a solid-phase welding process that uses the energy of a detonating explosive to create a strong metallurgical bond. This technique has achieved impressive success in the joining of metallurgically incompatible combinations that are otherwise impossible to join by conventional welding techniques. Though the technique is suitable for joining only thin plates, it is efficient in joining some difficult to join combinations like magnesium with aluminum, titanium and stainless steel. In this paper, the result of welding titanium and magnesium was reported.