With the constant diversification of cropping systems and the constant increase in farm size, new trends are observed for agricultural machinery. The increase in size of the machinery and the increasing number of contractors has opened the market to selfpropelled forage harvesters equipped with headers that can harvest row crops in any direction, at any spacing. High-capacity pull-type forage harvesters are also in demand but no commercial model offers non-row sensitive corn headers. The objectives of this research were to collect data and develop models of specific energy requirements for a prototype non-row sensitive corn header. The ability to better understand the processes involved during the harvesting and the modeling of these allowed the formulation of recommendations to reduce the loads on the harvester and propelling tractor. Three sets of experiments were performed. The first experiment consisted of measuring specific energy requirements of a non-row sensitive header, in field conditions, and to compare them with a conventional header. The prototype tested was found to require approximately twice the power than a conventional header of the same width, mostly due to high no-load power. Some properties of corn stalk required for the modeling of the energy needs, that were not available in literature, were measured in the laboratory. Those include the cutting energy with a specific knife configuration used on the prototype header and the crushing resistance of corn stalk. Two knife designs were compared for required cutting energy and found not to be significantly different with values of 0.054 J/mm2 of stalk cross-section area and 0.063 J/mm2. An average crushing resistance of 6.5 N per percent of relative deformation was measured. Three mathematical models were developed and validated with experimental data to predict and understand the specific energy needs of the non-row sensitive header. An analytical model was developed based on the analysis of the processes involved in the harvesting. A regression model was developed based on throughput and header speed and a general model suggested in literature was also validated with the data. All three models were fitted with coefficient of correlation between 0.88 to 0.90.

An analytical transport/reaction model was developed to simulate the catalytic performance of ZnO nanowires as a catalyst support. ZnO nanowires were chosen because they have easily characterized, controllable features and a spatially uniform morphology. The analytical model couples convection in the catalyst flow channel with reaction and diffusion in the porous substrate material; it was developed to show that a simple analytical model with physics-based mass transport and empirical kinetics can be used to capture the essential physics involved in catalytic conversion of hydrocarbons. The model was effective at predicting species conversion efficiency over a range of temperature and flow rate. The model clarifies the relationship between advection, bulk diffusion, pore diffusion, and kinetics. The model was used to optimize the geometry of the experimental catalyst for which it predicted that maximum species conversion density for fixed catalyst surface occurred at a channel height of 520 [mu]m. A modeling study of thermoelectric (TE) vehicle waste heat recovery was conducted based on abundant and inexpensive Mg₂ Si[subscript 0.5] Sn[subscript 0.5] and MnSi[subscript 1.75] TE materials with consideration of performance at the system and TE device levels. The modeling study identified a critical TE design space of fill fraction, leg length, n-/p-type leg area ratio, and current; these parameters needed to be optimized simultaneously for positive TE power output. The TE power output was sensitive to this design space, and the optimal design point was sensitive to engine operating conditions. The maximum net TE power for a 29.5 L strip fin heat exchanger with an 800 K exhaust flow at 7.9 kg/min was 2.25 kW. This work also includes two generations of TE waste heat recovery systems that were built and tested in the exhaust system of a Cummins 6.7 L turbo Diesel engine. The first generation was a small scale heat exchanger intended for concept validation, and the second generation was a full scale heat exchanger that used the entire exhaust flow at high speed and torque. The second generation heat exchanger showed that the model could accurately predict heat transfer, and the maximum experimental heat transfer rate was 15.3 kW for exhaust flow at 7.0 kg/min and 740 K. / text

A temperatura do solo influencia a maioria dos processos físicos, químicos e biológicos que ocorrem no solo. O modelo analítico exponencial-senoidal em uma dimensão descreve razoavelmente bem a temperatura no solo, T (oC), como função do tempo, t (s), e da profundidade, z (m), 0 &#8804; z < &#8734;. A temperatura da superfície pode ser representada pela soma de duas senóides, uma relacionada com variações de temperatura anuais, outra com variações diárias, cada uma tendo uma amplitude constante. Uma correção para a variação temporal de amplitude diária é aqui introduzida. A equação do calor é resolvida analiticamente, com pouco aumento em complexidade em relação à solução tradicional. Predições de temperatura obtidas pela nova solução analítica foram comparadas com predições obtidas da solução usual, que trata a amplitude diária como constante. Para comparar as predições, foram necessários valores experimentais de certos parâmetros que aparecem nestas equações; foi suficiente usar valores típicos, obtidos na literatura. Predições são comparadas utilizando quatro conceitos: (i) profundidade de amortecimento, D; (ii) profundidade de penetração, zM; (iii) erro quadrático médio (EQM); e (iv) erro quadrático médio na forma de uma integral (EQMI). O conceito de zM foi aqui introduzido, acompanhado por uma equação simples que permite calcular qual é a profundidade zm tal que, se temperatura T(zM,t) for aproximada como Ta (valor médio da temperatura ao longo do ano, em zM), o erro em tal aproximação será igual ou menor um certo valor previamente definido, por exemplo, de 0,1 oC. O conceito de EQMI, também introduzido nesta tese, substitui o somatório que aparece no EQM por uma integral definida, e serve para comparar dois modelos analíticos, o que era o caso desta tese. Valores de D e zM mostram que a correção é desprezível para z > 0,6 m. Valores de EQM mostram que a correção é considerável para z = 0,1 m. Nesta profundidade, o valor máximo foi EQM = 0.30 oC para dias inteiros, e EQM = 0.29 oC para meses inteiros. Valores de EQMI foram praticamente iguais aos valores de EQM. Para qualquer profundidade a correção introduzida, ainda que considerável, é pequena. Entretanto, a única informação adicional requerida para aplicar a equação nova é a informação de variação temporal da amplitude diária. Desta forma, pode-se sugerir que a nova equação seja preferida, quando esta informação esteja facilmente disponível a partir de dados experimentais. / Soil temperature influences many physical, chemical and biological processes that occur in soil. The exponential-sinusoidal one-dimensional analytical model reasonably describes soil temperature, T (oC), as a function of time, t (s), and depth, z (m), 0 &#8804; z < &#8734;. Surface temperature may be represented by the sum of two sinusoids, one related to annual and the other to daily temperature variations, each one having constant amplitude. A correction for the temporal variation of daily amplitude is introduced here. The heat equation is solved analytically, with minimal increase in complexity compared to the traditional solution. Temperature predictions obtained from the novel analytical solution are compared with predictions from the usual solution that treats the daily amplitude as a constant. Comparisons demanded experimental parameters, which were obtained from scientific literature. Predictions are compared using four concepts: (i) damping depth, D; (ii) penetration depth, zM; (iii) root mean squared error (RMSE); and (iv) root mean squared error defined by a definite integral (RMSEI). The concept of zM was introduced here, through a simple equation, which allows calculation of the depth zm, at which T(zM,t) can be approximated to Ta (average annual value of soil temperature at zM). The concept of RMSEI was also introduced here, and replaces a sum by a definite integral. The RMSEI can be used to compare analytical models, as it was the case here. Values of D and zM show that the correction is negligible for z > 0,6 m. Values of RMSE show that the correction is considerable for z = 0,1 m. For individual days, at a depth z = 0,1 m, the maximum value was RMSE = 0.30 oC; for whole months, the maximum value was RMSE = 0.29 oC. RMSEI values were practically the same as RMSE values. The correction introduced here was small at all depths. However, the only additional information required to apply the novel equation is information on temporal variation of daily amplitude, so this equation should be preferred when such data are readily available.

The purpose of this work was to find a suitable calculation method for predicting the function of distribution systems in the design calculations of process and energy equipment. In particular, it aimed at describing the distribution of the working fluid flow in a dividing distribution system and a combined Z-type distribution system (with nozzles located parallel to opposite sides of the system). Analytical and CFD calculation tools validated by data from the performed physical experiments were used in this work. In the CFD method, the prediction of the dividing flow was performed for full 3D and simplified 2D geometry of Z-type distribution systems. The carried-out analyzes show that the prediction of the distribution system function obtained by both analytical and numerical approaches is accurate enough. The relative difference between the experimental and computational relative standard deviations did not exceed 9 %. The main disadvantage of 3D CFD analysis, especially concerning the purpose of the intended application, i.e., the inclusion of a distribution model in a complex modeling system for the initial design of heat transfer equipment, was the extremely long computational time. Analytical models appear to be a reasonable compromise between the accuracy of the flow distribution prediction and the computational times.

No description available.

I propose compact models of single-gate (SG) and double-gate (DG) JFETs predicting the current-voltage characteristics for both long and short channel devices. In order to make the current equation continuous through all operating conditions from subthreshold to well-above threshold, without non-physical fitting parameters, mobile carriers in depletion region are considered. For describing the short channel behavior, relevant parameters extracted from the two-dimensional analytical solution of Poisson's equation are used for modifying long channel equations. Comparisons of models with the numerical simulation showing close agreement are presented. Based on models, merits of DG JFET over SG JFET and SG MOSFET are discussed by examining the schematic circuit diagram describing the relation between gate and channel potentials for each device. / text

No description available.

The permanent magnet synchronous machines have been attracting more and more attention due to the advantages of high torque density, outstanding efficiency and maturing technologies. Under the urges of mandatory energy efficiency requirements, they are considered as the most potential candidates to replace the comparatively low-efficient induction machines which dominate the industrial market. However, most of the high performance permanent magnet machines are based on high cost rare-earth materials. Thus, there will be huge demands for low-cost high-performance permanent magnet machines. Ferrite magnet is inexpensive and abundant in supply, and is considered as the most promising alternative to achieve the goal of low cost and high performance. In consideration of the low magnetic energy, this thesis explored the recent developments and possible ideas of ferrite machines, and proposed a novel multi-layer spoke-type interior permanent magnet configuration combining the advantages of flux focusing technique and multi-layer structure. With comparable material cost to induction machines, the proposed ferrite magnet design could deliver 27% higher power with 2-4% higher efficiency with exactly the same frame size. Based on the data base of International Energy Agency (IEA), electricity consumed by electric machines reached 7.1PWh in 2006 [1]. Considering that induction machines take up 90% of the overall industrial installation, the potential energy savings is enormous. This thesis contributes in five key aspects towards the investigation and design of low-cost high-performance ferrite permanent magnet machines. Firstly, accurate analytical models for the multi-layer configurations were developed with the consideration of spatial harmonics, and provided effective yet simple way for preliminary design. Secondly, the influence of key design parameters on performance of the multi-layer ferrite machines were comprehensively investigated, and optimal design could be carried out based on the insightful knowledge revealed. Thirdly, systematic investigation of the demagnetization mechanism was carried out, focusing on the three key factors: armature MMF, intrinsic coercivity and working temperature. Anti-demagnetization designs were presented accordingly to reduce the risk of performance degradation and guarantee the safe operation under various loading conditions. Then, comparative study was carried out with a commercial induction machine for verification of the superior performance of the proposed ferrite machine. Without loss of generality, the two machines had identical stator cores, same rotor diameter and stacking length. Under the operating condition of same stator copper loss, the results confirmed the superior performance of the ferrite machine in terms of torque density, power factor and efficiency. Lastly, mechanical design was discussed to reduce the cost of mass production, and the experimental effort on the prototype machine validates the advantageous performance as well as the analytical and FEA predictions.

Les travaux présentés dans cette thèse se focalisent sur des machines électriques fonctionnant sur le principe de la commutation du flux. Nous étudions des topologies excitées par des aimants permanents, des bobinages DC ou encore hybride (structure à double excitation). Dans une première partie, nous répondrons de manière directe à une problématique industrielle visant à réaliser une application « Alternateur DC » à faible coût. Une modélisation numérique de topologies à double excitation innovantes est tout d’abord proposée. Le modèle est ensuite couplé à un algorithme génétique afin de tendre vers un dimensionnement optimal de ces structures. La seconde partie de ce manuscrit est dédiée à la modélisation analytique de structures excitées par des aimants. Des modèles analytiques du champ d’entrefer suivant différentes approches sont proposés - soit par la théorie des fonctions de perméance, soit par la résolution formelle des équations de Maxwell. Par la suite, un modèle analytique du champ dans les parties ferromagnétiques est proposé. Il permet de déterminer le champ avec précision en tenant compte du caractère bidirectionnel des loci d’induction dans les culasses de ces structures. Ce modèle permet à posteriori d’évaluer les pertes fer dans ces structures. Nous proposons finalement une étude des performances optimales de ces structures en couplant le modèle avec un algorithme stochastique d’optimisation. L’influence du nombre de dents rotoriques ou encore des pertes fer sur les performances électromagnétiques sont mises en évidence. Finalement, la troisième et dernière partie de ce manuscrit détaille une approche originale d’exploration topologique. Après avoir présenté une extension du modèle analytique formel aux structures aimantées, nous exposons l’approche d’exploration topologique pour des structures à excitation statique avec des aimants permanents. / The work presented in this thesis focus on electrical machines based on flux-switching principle. We were studying topologies with permanent magnets, DC field coils or hybrid-excited (combining both PMs and DC coils) structures. In the first part of this manuscript, we are meeting industrial needs being set by our partner Leroy Somer. The aim is to design in an optimal way a low cost “DC Generator”. Numerical simulations of unconventional hybrid-excited structures are firstly proposed. Then, to carry out a global optimization of those topologies, the numerical model is coupled with a genetic algorithm. The second part of this work is dedicated to an analytical model to predict the airgap field in conventional and unconventional switched-flux machines with DC coils. Two approaches are proposed, either using the Magnetomotive force- Permeance theory or directly solving the field governing equations in the doubly-slotted airgap of those structures. After, an analytical model to determine the magnetic field in ferromagnetic parts is proposed. This model can account for bidirectional field in stator and rotor yokes. This model can be used a popsteriori to assess iron losses in the core. Finally, influences of the number of rotor teeth, or iron losses, on optimal electromagnetic performances are investigated using a stochastic algorithm. In the third and last part of this thesis, we detailed an original approach named topological exploration. We first derivate an analytical model capable to predict the airgap field in PM excited structure. Then, the topological exploration approach was applied to static PM excited machines.

<p>In both the chemical and mechanical pulping process, the logs are cut into wood chips by a disc chipper before fibre separation. To make the wood chipping process more efficient, one have to investigate in detail the coupling between theprocess parameters and the quality of the chips. The objective of this thesis is to obtain an understanding of the fundamental mechanisms behind the creation of wood chips. Both experimental and analytical/numerical approaches have been taken inthis work. The experimental investigations were performed with an in‐house developed equipment and a digital speckle photography equipment. The results from the experimental investigation showed that the friction between the log and chipping tool is probably one crucal factor for the chip formation. Further more it was found that the indentation process is approximately self‐similar, and that the stress field over the entire crack‐plane is critical for chip creation. The developed analytical model predicts the normal and shear strain distribution. The analytical distributions are in reasonable agreement with the corresponding distributions obtained from a finite element analysis.</p>