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La radiothérapie stéréotaxique corporelle (SBRT) est une technique couramment employée pour le traitement de tumeurs aux poumons lorsque la chirurgie n’est pas possible ou refusée par le patient. Une complication de l’utilisation de cette méthode provient du mouvement de la tumeur causé par la respiration. Dans ce contexte, la radiothérapie asservie à la respiration (RGRT) peut être bénéfique. Toutefois, la RGRT augmente le temps de traitement en raison de la plus petite proportion de temps pour laquelle le faisceau est actif. En utilisant un faisceau de photons sans filtre égalisateur (FFF), ce problème peut être compensé par le débit de dose plus élevé d’un faisceau FFF. Ce mémoire traite de la faisabilité d’employer la technique de RGRT en combinaison avec l’utilisation un faisceau FFF sur un accélérateur Synergy S (Elekta, Stockholm, Suède) avec une ceinture pneumatique, le Bellows Belt (Philips, Amsterdam, Pays-Bas), comme dispositif de suivi du signal respiratoire. Un Synergy S a été modifié afin de pouvoir livrer un faisceau 6 MV FFF. Des mesures de profils de dose et de rendements en profondeur ont été acquises en cuve à eau pour différentes tailles de champs. Ces mesures ont été utilisées pour créer un modèle du faisceau 6 MV FFF dans le système de planification de traitement Pinnacle3 de Philips. Les mesures ont été comparées au modèle à l’aide de l’analyse gamma avec un critère de 2%, 2 mm. Par la suite, cinq plans SBRT avec thérapie en arc par modulation volumétrique (VMAT) ont été créés avec le modèle 6 MV du Synergy S, avec et sans filtre. Une comparaison des paramètres dosimétriques a été réalisée entre les plans avec et sans filtre pour évaluer la qualité des plans FFF. Les résultats révèlent qu’il est possible de créer des plans SBRT VMAT avec le faisceau 6 MV FFF du Synergy S qui sont cliniquement acceptables (les crières du Radiation Therapy Oncology Group 0618 sont respectés). Aussi, une interface physique de RGRT a été mise au point pour remplir deux fonctions : lire le signal numérique de la ceinture pneumatique Bellows Belt et envoyer une commande d’irradiation binaire au linac. L’activation/désactivation du faisceau du linac se fait par l’entremise d’un relais électromécanique. L’interface comprend un circuit électronique imprimé fait maison qui fonctionne en tandem avec un Raspberry Pi. Un logiciel de RGRT a été développé pour opérer sur le Raspberry Pi. Celui-ci affiche le signal numérique du Bellows Belt et donne l’option de choisir les limites supérieure et inférieure de la fenêtre d’irradiation, de sorte que lorsque le signal de la ceinture se trouve entre ces limites, le faisceau est actif, et inversement lorsque le signal est hors de ces limites. Le logiciel envoie donc une commande d’irradiation au linac de manière automatique en fonction de l’amplitude du signal respiratoire. Finalement, la comparaison entre la livraison d’un traitement standard sans RGRT avec filtre par rapport à un autre plan standard sans RGRT sans filtre démontre que le temps de traitement en mode FFF est réduit en moyenne de 54.1% pour un arc. De la même manière, la comparaison entre la livraison d’un traitement standard sans RGRT avec filtre par rapport à un plan de RGRT (fenêtre d’irradiation de 75%) sans filtre montre que le temps de traitement de RGRT en mode FFF est réduit en moyenne de 27.3% par arc. Toutefois, il n’a pas été possible de livrer des traitements de RGRT avec une fenêtre de moins de 75%. Le linac ne supporte pas une fréquence d’arrêts élevée. / Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is a technique commonly employed for treatment of lung tumors when surgery is not possible or not accepted by the patient. One complication arising from the use of this method comes from the movement of the tumor during respiration. In this context, respiratory gated radiation therapy (RGRT) can be beneficial. By using a flattening filter free (FFF) photon beam, the increase in treatment time caused by a reduced beam-on time of respiratory gated methods can be compensated by the inherent increased dose rate of FFF beams. This thesis reports on the feasibility of using the RGRT technique in combination with the use of a FFF photon beam on a Synergy S (Elekta, Stockholm, Sweden) linear accelerator with a pneumatic belt, the Bellows Belt (Philips, Amsterdam, Netherlands), to monitor the patient’s respiratory signal. A Synergy S has been modified to deliver a 6 MV FFF photon beam. Dose profile and percentage depth dose measurements were taken in a water tank for different field sizes. Those measurements were used to create a model for the 6 MV FFF beam with the Pinnacle3 treatment planning system from Philips. Measurements were compared with the model using gamma index analysis with a 2%, 2 mm criterion. Then, five SBRT plans with volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) were created in Pinnacle3 with the 6 MV Synergy S model, with and without a flattening filter. A comparison of dosimetric parameters was made between plans with and without a flattening filter to estimate the quality of the FFF plans. Results reveal that it is possible to create SBRT VMAT plans with the 6 MV FFF model of the Synergy S that are clinically acceptable (criteria of the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group 0618 were respected). Also, a RGRT hardware interface was created to fulfill two main functions: read the digital signal from the Bellows Belt pneumatic belt and send an on/off irradiation command to the linac. The activation/deactivation of the beam is regulated by an electromechanical relay. The interface is composed of a homemade printed circuit board that functions with a Raspberry Pi. A RGRT software was also developed to operate on the Raspberry Pi. This software shows the Bellows Belt’s digital signal and gives the option of choosing the upper and lower limits of the gating window. When the respiratory signal of the belt is between those limits, the beam is active, and vice versa when the signal is outside those limits. The software thus effectively sends an on/off irradiation command automatically to the linac depending on the amplitude of the respiratory signal. Finally, a comparison between the delivery of a standard plan without RGRT, with filter, and another standard plan without RGRT, without filter, shows that the treatment time for plans using the FFF beam is reduced by 54.1% on average for one arc. Similarly, a comparison between the delivery of a standard plan without RGRT, with filter, and a gated plan (gating window of 75%), without filter, shows that the treatment time for the gated treatments is reduced by 27.3% on average for one arc. However, it was not possible to deliver RGRT treatments with a gating window smaller than 75%. The linac does not support such a high frequency of beam halting.

Examining methods for controlling the electricity demand in Kuwait was the main objective and motivation of this researchp roject. The extensiveu se of air-conditioning for indoor cooling in office and large commercial buildings in Kuwait and the Gulf States represents a major part of the power and electricity consumption in such countries. The rising electricity generation cost and growing rates of consumption continuously demand the construction new power plants. Devising and enforcing Demand-SideM anagemen(t DSM) in the form of energye fficient operations trategies was the response of this research project to provide a means to rectify this situation using the demand-side management technique known as demand levelling or load shifting. State of the art demand-sidem anagementte chniquesh ave been examined through the developmenot f a model basedp redictive control optimisations trategyf or an integrateda ndm odulara pproachto the provisiono f ice thermals torage. To evaluate the potential of ice-storage assisted air-conditioning systems in flattening the demand curve at peak times during the summer months in Kuwait, a model of a Heating, Ventilation, and Air-conditioning (HVAC) plant was developed in Matlab. The model engaged the use of model based predictive control (MPQ as an optimisation tool for the plant as a whole. The model with MPC was developed to chose and decide on which control strategy to operate the integrated ice-storage HVAC plant. The model succeeded in optimising the operation of the plant and introduced encouraging improvement of the performance of the system as a whole. The concept of the modular ice-storage system was introduced through a control zoning strategy based on zonal orientation. It is believed that such strategy could lead to the modularisation of ice-storage systems. Additionally, the model was examined and tested in relation to load flattening and demonstrated promising enhancement in the shape of the load curve and demonstrated flattened demand curves through the employed strategy. When compared with measured data from existing buildings, the model showed potential for the techniques utilised to improve the load factor for office buildings.

Examining methods for controlling the electricity demand in Kuwait was the main objective and motivation of this researchp roject. The extensiveu se of air-conditioning for indoor cooling in office and large commercial buildings in Kuwait and the Gulf States represents a major part of the power and electricity consumption in such countries. The rising electricity generation cost and growing rates of consumption continuously demand the construction new power plants. Devising and enforcing Demand-SideM anagemen(t DSM) in the form of energye fficient operations trategies was the response of this research project to provide a means to rectify this situation using the demand-side management technique known as demand levelling or load shifting. State of the art demand-sidem anagementte chniquesh ave been examined through the developmenot f a model basedp redictive control optimisations trategyf or an integrateda ndm odulara pproachto the provisiono f ice thermals torage. To evaluate the potential of ice-storage assisted air-conditioning systems in flattening the demand curve at peak times during the summer months in Kuwait, a model of a Heating, Ventilation, and Air-conditioning (HVAC) plant was developed in Matlab. The model engaged the use of model based predictive control (MPQ) as an optimisation tool for the plant as a whole. The model with MPC was developed to chose and decide on which control strategy to operate the integrated ice-storage HVAC plant. The model succeeded in optimising the operation of the plant and introduced encouraging improvement of the performance of the system as a whole. The concept of the modular ice-storage system was introduced through a control zoning strategy based on zonal orientation. It is believed that such strategy could lead to the modularisation of ice-storage systems. Additionally, the model was examined and tested in relation to load flattening and demonstrated promising enhancement in the shape of the load curve and demonstrated flattened demand curves through the employed strategy. When compared with measured data from existing buildings, the model showed potential for the techniques utilised to improve the load factor for office buildings.

Submitted by Vasti Diniz (vastijpa@hotmail.com) on 2017-09-13T12:17:27Z No. of bitstreams: 1 arquivototal.pdf: 26917769 bytes, checksum: 9ff17103475ce4130305b157369d8448 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-09-13T12:17:27Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 arquivototal.pdf: 26917769 bytes, checksum: 9ff17103475ce4130305b157369d8448 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-03-06 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES / In the present work, we use first-principles calculations based on density functional theory, as implemented in the SIESTA code, to investigate the changes in the structural and electronic properties of the carbon, BN, and hybrid BxCyNz nanotubes produced by one or two of the following mechanisms: doping with carbon atoms, the application of external electric fields, by flattening of the cross section, the encapsulation of a carbon nanowire or the adsorption of hydrogen atoms (hydrogenation). We start with the study of double-walled boron nitride nanotubes (DWBNNTs), zig-zag and armchair, doped with carbon atoms, with chiral vectors (8,0)@(16,0) and (5,5)@(10,10), respectively. Two types of doping were considered: one C atom substituting a B atom on the inner wall (IW) and one C atom substituting a N atom on the outer wall (OW), which we call of CB[IW]@CN[OW], and the opposite situation results in CN[IW]@CB[OW]. In this sense, we generate a (type-p semiconductor)@(type-n semiconductor) and a (type-n semiconductor)@(type-p semiconductor), where the resulting DWBNNTs can be thought of as p-n junctions. At the same time, we apply an external electric field, with magnitude of 0,3 V/Å, in different directions, namely, perpendicular (Ey), parallel (Ex), and antiparallel (E􀀀x) to the line formed by the dopants. Thus, depending on the direction of the applied field, we observe an increase or decrease in the band gap energy between the defect levels (Eig), and such cases are related to the reverse and direct polarization of the p-n junction, respectively. Afterwards, we study the insertion of a carbon nanowire (CNW) inside a (10.0) zigzag carbon nanotube and inside a (10.0) zig-zag BN nanotube. Such systems were called CNW@SWCNT and CNW@SWBNNT, respectively. We produce the flattening of the nanotubes and verify the behavior of the atomic structure of the nanowire as the flattening of the nanotube increases. From the obtained results, it was possible to conclude that, for both CNW@SWCNT and CNW@SWBNNT, there is a critical distance dc (distance between the parallel planes of the flattened nanotubes (d)), with the value of 3.60 Å, so that we can summarize our findings as follows: in the case d > dc, the carbon nanowire does not undergo any deformation; and in the reverse case (d < dc), the carbon nanowire binds to the wall of the nanotube and undergoes deformations. Regarding the electronic properties, we verify that the encapsulation of the CNW inside the SWCNT and SWBNNT, produces a significant reduction of the band gap energy (Eg) of such systems. Moreover, we observe ABSTRACT viii the creation of Dirac points for some flattening ratios of the nanotubes. Finally, we carry out a study on the adsorption of hydrogen atoms (hydrogenation) on the surface of double-walled boron nitride nanotubes (DWBNNTs) and hybrid nanotubes of boron nitride and carbon (DW(BN)xCyNTs). Due to the fact that the nanotubes have two walls, we consider the following cases: (i) coverages of 2H, 4H, 8H, 12H, and 16H on the inner wall, (ii) coverages of 2H, 4H, 8H, 16H, and 32H on the outer wall, and (iii) coverages of 2H, 4H, 8H, 16H, and 32H on both walls. Curiously, we find that for all hydrogen coverages considered, a strong deformation occurs in the hydrogen regions, causing the cross section of the nanotubes take different polygonal shapes: ellipsoidal, rectangular, hexagonal or octahedral. For coverages of 16H and 32H only on the outer wall, we observe that some hydrogens desorbed from the wall forming isolated H2 molecules without preferential orientation. We verify that, in some cases, the bond angles between the B, N and H or C and H atoms exhibit characteristics of the sp3 hybridization. Regarding the structural stability, we verify that the adsorption of H atoms in DWBNCNTs is more favorable than in DWBNNTs. Moreover, we conclude that is possible to control the band gap energy of the nanotubes through the hydrogen coverage. / No presente trabalho, usamos cálculos de primeiros princípios baseados na Teoria do Funcional da Densidade, como implementado no código SIESTA, para investigarmos as alterações nas propriedades estruturais e eletrônicas de nanotubos de carbono, de BN e híbridos BxCyNz, produzidas por um ou dois dos seguintes mecanismos: dopagem com átomos de carbono, aplicação de campos elétricos externos, pelo achatamento da secção transversal, encapsulamento de um nanofio de carbono ou pela adsorção de átomos de hidrogênio (hidrogenação). Iniciamos com o estudo de nanotubos de nitreto de boro de parede dupla (DWBNNTs), zig-zag e armchair, dopados com átomos de carbono, com vetores quirais (8,0)@(16,0) e (5,5)@(10,10), respectivamente. Duas situações de dopagem foram consideradas: um átomo de C substituindo um átomo de B na parede interna (IW) e um átomo de C substituindo um átomo de N na parede externa (OW) a qual chamamos de CB[IW]@CN[OW], e a situação oposta resulta em CN[IW]@CB[OW]. Neste sentido, construímos um (semicondutor do tipo-p)@(semicondutor do tipo-n) e um (semicondutor do tipo-n)@(semicondutor do tipo-p) onde os DWBNNTs resultantes podem ser pensados como junções p-n. Paralelamente, aplicamos um campo elétrico externo, com magnitude de 0,3 V/Å, em diferentes direções, a saber, perpendicular (Ey), paralelo (Ex) e anti-paralelo (E􀀀x) a linha formada pelos dopantes. Assim, dependendo da direção do campo aplicado, observamos um aumento ou diminuição do gap de energia entre os níveis de defeitos (Eig) e tais casos estão relacionados a polarização reversa e direta da junção p-n, respectivamente. Em seguida, estudamos a inserção de um nanofio de carbono (CNW) no interior de um nanotubo de carbono e de BN, ambos com vetor quiral (10.0). Tais sistemas foram chamados de CNW@SWCNT e CNW@SWBNNT, respectivamente. Nós produzimos o achatamento dos nanotubos e verificamos o comportamento da estrutura atômica do nanofio a medida que o achatamento do nanotubo aumenta. A partir dos resultados obtidos, foi possível concluir que para ambos os CNW@SWCNT e CNW@SWBNNT, existe uma distancia crítica dc (distância entre os planos paralelos dos nanotubos achatados (d)), com um valor de 3.60 Å, de tal forma que nós podemos resumir as nossas descobertas como: no caso de d > dc, o nanofio de carbono não sofre nenhuma deformação; e no caso reverso (d < dc), o nanofio de carbono liga-se a parede do nanotubo e sofre deformações. Em relação as propriedades eletrônicas, verificamos que o encapsulamento do CNW nos SWCNT e SWBNNT, produz uma significativa redução do gap de energia (Eg) de tais sisteRESUMO vi mas. Além disso, observamos a formação de pontos de Dirac para algumas taxas de achatamento dos nanotubos. Por último, nós realizamos um estudo da adsorção de átomos de hidrogênio (hidrogenação) sobre a superfície de um nanotubo de parede dupla de nitreto de boro (DWBNNTs) e um nanotubo híbrido de nitreto de boro e carbono (DW(BN)xCyNTs). Devido ao fato dos nanotubos possuírem duas paredes, consideramos os seguintes casos: (i) coberturas de 2H, 4H, 8H, 12H e 16H na parede interna, (ii) coberturas de 2H, 4H, 8H, 16H e 32H na parede externa e (iii) coberturas de 2H, 4H, 8H, 16H e 32H em ambas as paredes. Curiosamente, verificamos que em todas as coberturas de hidrogênio consideradas, uma forte deformação ocorre nos locais de hidrogênio, fazendo a secção transversal dos nanotubos se transformar em diferentes formas poligonais: elipsoidal, retangular, hexagonal ou octaedral. Para coberturas de 16H e 32H apenas na parede externa, observamos que alguns hidrogênios se dessorveram da parede formando moléculas de H2 isoladas sem orientação preferencial. Verificamos que em alguns casos, os ângulos de ligação entre os átomos de B, N e H ou C e H exibem características da hibridação sp3. Com relação a estabilidade estrutural, verificamos que a adsorção de átomos de H em DWBNCNTs é mais favorável do que em DWBNNTs. Ademais, concluímos que é possível controlar o gap de energia dos nanotubos através da cobertura de hidrogênio.

Structural frames have been established in many technical applications and typically consist of interconnected profiles. The profiles are commonly joined with node elements. For lightweight structures, the use of composite node elements is expedient. Due to the anisotropic mechanical properties of the fibers, high demands are placed on the orientation of the fibers in the textile reinforcement structure. A continuous fiber course around the circumference and at the junctions is necessary for an excellent force transmission. A special binding and forming process was developed based on the weaving technology. It allows the production of near-net-shaped node elements with branches in any spatial direction, which meet the requirements of load-adjusted fiber orientation. The principles by which these three-dimensional (3D) node elements are converted into a suitable geometry for weaving as a net shape multilayer fabric are reported. The intersections of the branches are described mathematically and flattened to a plane. This is the basis for the weave pattern development. Forming simulations on the macro- and meso-scales complement the analyses. A macro-scale model based on the finite element method (FEM) is used to verify the general formability and the accuracy of the flattenings. Since yarns are pulled through the textile structure in the novel forming process, the required tensile forces and the pulling lengths of the individual yarns are analyzed with a meso-scale FEM model. The flattening for two different node structures is realized successfully, and the simulation proves formability. Furthermore, the necessary forming forces are determined. Finally, the developed method for flattening the 3D geometry is suitable for the design of a variety of spatial node structures and the simulation supports the design of automated forming processes.

The main purpose of this project is to investigate different tool steels in terms of their ability to withstand material transfer buildup, so-called galling, occurring in SMF (sheet metal forming) operations. The ability to withstand galling is vital to optimize cost-effectiveness and increase the work tool’s effective operational time. This investigation studies four different tool steels, including a TiN-coating, with the intention of evaluating the microstructures, chemical composition and hardness effect on galling resistance in dry conditions using a slider-on-flatsurface (SOFS) tribo-tester which measures the coefficient of friction during sliding. An OP (optical profilometer) was used to measure the size and geometry of lump growth on the tool and damage on the work sheet. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to identify the interacting tribological mechanisms exhibited at different stages during the slide. The SEM figures confirmed three different types of characteristic patterns exhibited in the tracks after tribo- testing which were categorized as mild adhesive, abrasive and severe adhesive damage. A SEM figure that illustrates a ragged contact surface and an obvious change in the sheet materials plastic behavior is in this report regarded as a sign of severe adhesive contact, the characteristics could possibly be explained by local high temperature and high pressure followed by a sudden pressure drop and creation of hardened welds or solders between the two surfaces which increase the frictional input needed for further advancement. Friction coefficients observed in the initial 100% mild adhesive stage were, μ=0,22-0,26 succeeded by abrasive SEM characteristics often in association with mild adhesive contact and friction values between μ=0,25-0,4 which where sometimes followed by severe adhesive SEM characteristics in 100% of the contact zone with friction values between μ=0,34- 0,9 respectively. The tool material that performed best according to the friction detection criteria was Sv21 closely followed by Sleipner (TiN coated) and Va40 (HRC 63.3). Unfortunately was the friction criteria, a significant raise in friction for defining a sliding length to galling, not adequate for dry conditions due to immediate material transfer succeeded by cyclic changes between partial or 100% abrasive+mild adhesive and severe adhesive contact. The mechanism that change abrasive wear in association with mild adhesive contact, (moderate friction input), to sever adhesive wear, (higher friction input), is dependent on lump shape (lump geometry) and can appear at comparably low speeds 0,04-0,08 [m/s] and low friction energy input (μ=0,34), the magnitude of the change in friction is therefore not always significant and hardly detectable on the friction graph. This was quite unexpected but could be explained by concentration of friction energy rater than the absolute amount. The problem with using friction graphs for galling evaluation was increased even further when a very small lump size and low corresponding rate of material transfer to the tool surface caused a sustainable high raise in friction (μ≈0,3→0,6) on a TiN-coated tool steel called Sleipner. A hardly detectable or similar friction raise for Sv21 and Va40 showed much larger corresponding lump size and rate of material transfer. This means that friction graphs demonstrate a clear problem with quantifying lump size [m3] and rate of  material transfer [m3/s]. Another phenomenon called stick slip behavior, material transfer and lump growth followed by a sudden decrease in lump size and transfer of material back to the work sheet, is also not possible to detect on a friction graph. Because a drop in friction can easily be a change in contact temperature and lump attack angle due to a growing lump and not a decreasing lump.   The conclusion, a friction graph is not suited for galling evaluation and ranking in dry SOFS conditions. A ranking should primarily be based on dimensional OP measurements of the cross section of formed tracks and scratches or preferably by repeated OP measurements of the tool surface during a single test, the last revel the exact lump growth history and true lump growth even in the sliding direction. / civilingenjörsexamen

L’objectif principal de cette thèse était d’examiner dans quelle mesure il est possible d’étendre l’approche de la courbe maîtresse à des composants complexes afin de déterminer des conditions de déverminage et de réaliser une prédiction de durée de vie en fonction de ces conditions de déverminage. Nous avons considéré la stabilité d’un réseau dit élémentaire (réseau carré, à pas constant et droit) puis le problème de la stabilité (selon des critères spécifiques) des composants complexes: les CDC et les monofiltres GFF. Cette thèse a permis de décrire de façon rigoureuse, puis d'utiliser le cadre de travail VAREPA pour résoudre des problèmes issus de l'industrie de télécoms. A cet effet, des séries d’études de vieillissement accéléré sur des réseaux simples et complexes ont été menées. Un protocole de mesure permettant de déterminer les incertitudes de mesure a été mis au point afin de déterminer de façon fiable des intervalles de confiance sur les prédictions de durée de vie.Nous avons étudié les cinétiques de croissance des réseaux inscrits dans une fibre dédiée à l’inscription des CDC (Coreactive). Cette étude nous a permis de montrer que la réaction prédominante à l’origine des changements d’indice de réfraction est activée par une absorption à 1 photon. D’autre part, nous avons étendu le cadre de travail utilisé pour prédire l’effacement des réseaux (VAREPA) afin de rendre compte de leurs cinétiques d’inscription. Puis nous avons cherché à déterminer les conditions de passivation et à prédire la durée de vie des réseaux déverminés en présence d’hydrogène résiduelle (procédé industriel actuel). Pour cela, nous avons établi la courbe maîtresse de réseaux photoinscrits non déverminés puis nous avons validé les conditions de déverminage et les prédictions de durée de vie en construisant une nouvelle courbe maîtresse sur des réseaux déverminés.Nous avons étudié la stabilité thermique des réseaux inscrits dans une fibre hydrogénée dédiée aux futurs monofiltres GFF dans des conditions d’inscription similaires à celles de ces composants. Nous avons utilisé les courbes maîtresses établies à partir des réseaux élémentaires (mais apodisés) simplement dégazés « à froid » (ici 2jours à 50°C puis 2 jours à 110°C). Puis, nous avons fait vieillir le profil d’indice (cœur et gaine) d’un monofiltre GFF. Puis, nous avons recalculé la réponse spectrale de ce filtre vieilli (e.g. 30jours à 200°C) et nous l’avons comparé à des mesures expérimentales. Cette approche reste générale et permet de changer les conditions de déverminage au besoin. Cette étude nous a permis de mettre en évidence que la stabilité des variations d’indice photo-induites dans le cœur dépend peu de l’amplitude initiale de la modulation pour des valeurs comprises entre quelques 10-5 et 10-3. Du fait de la présence d’une gaine optique fortement photosensible (car fortement dopée en Ge), nous avons établi les courbes maîtresses des variations d’indice photo-inscrites dans le cœur et la gaine optique pour des valeurs allant jusque 10-3 dans le cœur et 3.10-3 dans la gaine. Nous avons ainsi obtenu des courbes maîtresses présentant le même k0 (fréquence d'essai, i.e facteur pré exponentiel) mais dont la forme est légèrement différente. La stabilité des variations d’indice est meilleure dans le cœur (moins dopé en Ge) que dans la gaine photosensible. Dans un second temps, nous avons cherché à déterminer les conditions de passivation et à prédire la durée de vie des réseaux déverminés à partir des réseaux de Bragg qualifiés d’élémentaires. Pour la première fois à notre connaissance, nous avons validé de façon fiable les conditions de passivation et les prédictions de durée de vie en construisant une nouvelle courbe maîtresse sur des monofiltres GFF préalablement déverminés. Conformément à la théorie, cette courbe maîtresse présente le même k0 et une forme similaire à celle établie au moyen de réseaux non déverminés, ce qui valide la fiabilité de nos prédictions. / The main objective of this thesis was to investigate how it is possible to extend the master curveapproach to complex components, in order to calculate annealing conditions and giving a life timeprediction according those annealing conditions. We studied the stability of a simple Bragg grating (noapodisation, constant pitch, no tilt). Then, we have been able to study the problem of the stability(according to specific criteria) of complex components: CDC and GFF monofilters. This thesis allowed toshow precisely what is the VAREPA framework and how to apply it to optical telecommunicationsproblems. To give an answer to the question of the possibility of extending the master curve approach tocomplex components, series of accelerate aging studies have been carried out. For this purpose, ameasurement protocol including the determination of the measurement uncertainty was developed. Thisprotocol allow, to determine confidence intervals on the life time prediction.We studied the kinetics of photo induced index growth in the optical fiber dedicated forfabrication of CDC (Coreactive). This study allowed us to demonstrate that the predominant reaction atthe origin of changes in refractive index is activated by a one photon absorption. On the other hand wehave extended the VEREPA framework used to predict the Bragg gratings erasure to take into account thegrowing kinetics. In a second step we tried to calculate annealing conditions in the presence of residualmolecular hydrogen and associated Bragg grating life time prediction. For that purpose we established themaster curve of photo-induced Bragg gratings without annealing, then we validated the annealingconditions and lifetime predictions by building a new master curve from aging of annealed Bragg gratings(in presence of residual hydrogen).We studied the thermal stability of hydrogenated fiber Bragg gratings dedicated to futuremonofiltres GFF in similar conditions to those components. We used master curves from basic Bragggratings (ie no apodisation, constant pitch, no tilt) simply out-gazed at "cold" temperature (here 2 days at50 ° C and 2 days at 110 ° C). Then the aging of the index profile of a GFF monofilter have beensimulated (index profile of the core and of the cladding, each of them having a different master curve).For that purpose the profile have been separated into 35 "basic" filters. Then the spectral response of thisaged monofilter (e.g. 30 days at 200°C) have been calculated and compared with experimentalmeasurements. The advantage of this approach is that it is general and allow to change the annealingconditions if needed. Firstly, this study allowed to highlight that the stability of photo-induced indexchanges in the core depend little on the initial amplitude modulation for values between several 10-5 and10-3. Secondly, due to the presence of a highly sensitive optical cladding (and therefore highly Ge doped),Master curves, of photo-induced index change in the core and the cladding have been established forvalues ranging up to 10-3 in the core and 3.10-3 in the cladding. Master Curves with the same k0 havebeen obtained but the elbow and the slopes are different. Stability of index variations in the core is better(less Ge doped) than in the photosensitive cladding. In a second step, from the basic Bragg gratings, theannealing conditions and the lifetime have been determined. For the first time to our knowledge, thereliably of the annealing conditions and the life time predictions have been validated by building a newmaster curve on annealed GFF monofilters. According to the theory, this master curve show the same k0as the one determined using non-annealed gratings. More beyond the elbow, the two curves are same,which validates the reliability of our predictions.

<p>The main purpose of this project is to investigate different tool steels in terms of their ability to withstand material transfer buildup, so-called galling, occurring in SMF (sheet metal forming) operations. The ability to withstand galling is vital to optimize cost-effectiveness and increase the work tool’s effective operational time. This investigation studies four different tool steels, including a TiN-coating, with the intention of evaluating the microstructures, chemical composition and hardness effect on galling resistance in dry conditions using a slider-on-flatsurface (SOFS) tribo-tester which measures the coefficient of friction during sliding.</p><p>An OP (optical profilometer) was used to measure the size and geometry of lump growth on the tool and damage on the work sheet. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to identify the interacting tribological mechanisms exhibited at different stages during the slide. The SEM figures confirmed three different types of characteristic patterns exhibited in the tracks after tribo- testing which were categorized as mild adhesive, abrasive and severe adhesive damage.</p><p>A SEM figure that illustrates a ragged contact surface and an obvious change in the sheet materials plastic behavior is in this report regarded as a sign of severe adhesive contact, the characteristics could possibly be explained by local high temperature and high pressure followed by a sudden pressure drop and creation of hardened welds or solders between the two surfaces which increase the frictional input needed for further advancement. Friction coefficients observed in the initial 100% mild adhesive stage were, μ=0,22-0,26 succeeded by abrasive SEM characteristics often in association with mild adhesive contact and friction values between μ=0,25-0,4 which where sometimes followed by severe adhesive SEM characteristics in 100% of the contact zone with friction values between μ=0,34- 0,9 respectively. The tool material that performed best according to the friction detection criteria was Sv21 closely followed by Sleipner (TiN coated) and Va40 (HRC 63.3). Unfortunately was the friction criteria, a significant raise in friction for defining a sliding length to galling, not adequate for dry conditions due to immediate material transfer succeeded by cyclic changes between partial or 100% abrasive+mild adhesive and severe adhesive contact. The mechanism that change abrasive wear in association with mild adhesive contact, (moderate friction input), to sever adhesive wear, (higher friction input), is dependent on lump shape (lump geometry) and can appear at comparably low speeds 0,04-0,08 [m/s] and low friction energy input (μ=0,34), the magnitude of the change in friction is therefore not always significant and hardly detectable on the friction graph. This was quite unexpected but could be explained by concentration of friction energy rater than the absolute amount. The problem with using friction graphs for galling evaluation was increased even further when a very small lump size and low corresponding rate of material transfer to the tool surface caused a sustainable high raise in friction (μ≈0,3→0,6) on a TiN-coated tool steel called Sleipner.</p><p>A hardly detectable or similar friction raise for Sv21 and Va40 showed much larger corresponding lump size and rate of material transfer. This means that friction graphs demonstrate a clear problem with quantifying lump size [m3] and rate of  material transfer [m3/s]. Another phenomenon called stick slip behavior, material transfer and lump growth followed by a sudden decrease in lump size and transfer of material back to the work sheet, is also not possible to detect on a friction graph. Because a drop in friction can easily be a change in contact temperature and lump attack angle due to a growing lump and not a decreasing lump.</p><p> </p><p>The conclusion, a friction graph is not suited for galling evaluation and ranking in dry SOFS conditions. A ranking should primarily be based on dimensional OP measurements of the cross section of formed tracks and scratches or preferably by repeated OP measurements of the tool surface during a single test, the last revel the exact lump growth history and true lump growth even in the sliding direction.</p><p> </p> / civilingenjörsexamen

We present a variational method for unfolding of the cortex based on a user-chosen point of view as an alternative to more traditional global flattening methods, which incur more distortion around the region of interest. Our approach involves three novel contributions. The first is an energy function and its corresponding gradient flow to measure the average visibility of a region of interest of a surface from a given viewpoint. The second is an additional energy function and flow designed to preserve the 3D topology of the evolving surface. This latter contribution receives significant focus in this thesis as it is crucial to obtain the desired unfolding effect derived from the first energy functional and flow. Without it, the resulting topology changes render the unconstrained evolution uninteresting for the purpose of cortical visualization, exploration, and inspection. The third is a method that dramatically improves the computational speed of the 3D topology-preservation approach by creating a tree structure of the triangulated surface and using a recursion technique.