Submitted by Rafael Santana (rafael.silvasantana@ufpe.br) on 2017-05-04T17:58:30Z No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 1232 bytes, checksum: 66e71c371cc565284e70f40736c94386 (MD5) tese_rubens_digital_biblioteca_08092016.pdf: 4506490 bytes, checksum: 251226257a6b659a6ae047e659147a8a (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-05-04T17:58:30Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 1232 bytes, checksum: 66e71c371cc565284e70f40736c94386 (MD5) tese_rubens_digital_biblioteca_08092016.pdf: 4506490 bytes, checksum: 251226257a6b659a6ae047e659147a8a (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-03-01 / CAPES / Cloud computing paradigm is able to reduce costs of acquisition and maintenance of computer systems, and enables the balanced management of resources according to the demand. Hierarchical and composite analytical models are suitable for describing performance and dependability of cloud computing systems in a concise manner, dealing with the huge number of components which constitute such kind of system. That approach uses distinct sub-models for each system level and the measures obtained in each sub-model are integrated to compute the measures for the whole system. Identification of bottlenecks in hierarchical models might be difficult yet, due to the large number of parameters and their distribution among distinct modeling levels and formalisms. This thesis proposes methods for evaluation and detection of bottlenecks of cloud computing systems. The methodology is based on hierarchical modeling and parametric sensitivity analysis techniques tailored for such a scenario. This research introduces methods to build unified sensitivity rankings when distinct modeling formalisms are combined. These methods are embedded in the Mercury software tool, providing an automated sensitivity analysis framework for supporting the process. Distinct case studies helped in testing the methodology, encompassing hardware and software aspects of cloud systems, from basic infrastructure level to applications that are hosted in private clouds. The case studies showed that the proposed approach is helpful for guiding cloud systems designers and administrators in the decision-making process, especially for tune-up and architectural improvements. It is possible to employ the methodology through an optimization algorithm proposed here, called Sensitive GRASP. This algorithm aims at optimizing performance and dependability of computing systems that cannot stand the exploration of all architectural and configuration possibilities to find the best quality of service. This is especially useful for cloud-hosted services and their complex underlying infrastructures. / O paradigma de computação em nuvem é capaz de reduzir os custos de aquisição e manutenção de sistemas computacionais e permitir uma gestão equilibrada dos recursos de acordo com a demanda. Modelos analíticos hierárquicos e compostos são adequados para descrever de forma concisa o desempenho e a confiabilidade de sistemas de computação em nuvem, lidando com o grande número de componentes que constituem esse tipo de sistema. Esta abordagem usa sub-modelos distintos para cada nível do sistema e as medidas obtidas em cada sub-modelo são usadas para calcular as métricas desejadas para o sistema como um todo. A identificação de gargalos em modelos hierárquicos pode ser difícil, no entanto, devido ao grande número de parâmetros e sua distribuição entre os distintos formalismos e níveis de modelagem. Esta tese propõe métodos para a avaliação e detecção de gargalos de sistemas de computação em nuvem. A abordagem baseia-se na modelagem hierárquica e técnicas de análise de sensibilidade paramétrica adaptadas para tal cenário. Esta pesquisa apresenta métodos para construir rankings unificados de sensibilidade quando formalismos de modelagem distintos são combinados. Estes métodos são incorporados no software Mercury, fornecendo uma estrutura automatizada de apoio ao processo. Uma metodologia de suporte a essa abordagem foi proposta e testada ao longo de estudos de casos distintos, abrangendo aspectos de hardware e software de sistemas IaaS (Infraestrutura como um serviço), desde o nível de infraestrutura básica até os aplicativos hospedados em nuvens privadas. Os estudos de caso mostraram que a abordagem proposta é útil para orientar os projetistas e administradores de infraestruturas de nuvem no processo de tomada de decisões, especialmente para ajustes eventuais e melhorias arquiteturais. A metodologia também pode ser aplicada por meio de um algoritmo de otimização proposto aqui, chamado Sensitive GRASP. Este algoritmo tem o objetivo de otimizar o desempenho e a confiabilidade de sistemas em cenários onde não é possível explorar todas as possibilidades arquiteturais e de configuração para encontrar a melhor qualidade de serviço. Isto é especialmente útil para os serviços hospedados na nuvem e suas complexas

Les travaux de cette thèse portent sur la méthodologie de conception des Machines Synchrones à Aimants Permanents (MSAP) avec pour application le véhicule électrique. Dans une première partie, nous avons abordé du contexte de l'étude et de la problématique du dimensionnement. A l'occasion, nous avons montré qu'il est nécessaire d'adopter une méthodologie de design appropriée en fonction de l'avancement de chaque projet dans le cadre du processus de conception. Nous avons alors proposé différents niveaux de modélisation afin de repérer la machine optimale face au cahier des charges pour ensuite la caractériser plus finement et l'optimiser. La seconde partie du rapport traite donc de la modélisation et de l'optimisation de la MSAP. En premier lieu, un modèle analytique permet d'évaluer les performances globales des centaines de machines très rapidement. Ce premier calcul permet de sélectionner les meilleures machines à l'application pour ensuite les optimiser. Puis, le second niveau de modélisation se base sur les réseaux de réluctances. Ce niveau plus fin permet d'une part de retrouver les performances affinées des MSAP et également de procéder à l'optimisation. Enfin, la dernière partie du rapport est consacrée à l'optimisation de la MSAP en vue d'améliorer grandement les performances et de satisfaire au mieux au cahier des charges. / The works of this thesis concern the design methodology of Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machine (PMSM) for an electric vehicle application. The first part of this report introduces the context of the study and the problem of design. Then, we have shown that it is necessary to adopt an appropriate design methodology based on the progress of each project in the design process. Thus, we proposed different levels of modeling to identify the optimal machine against the specifications, and then characterize it more finely and optimize. The second part of the report deals with the modeling and optimization of the PMSM. First, an analytical model is employed to evaluate the overall performance of hundreds of machines very quickly. The first calculation is used to select the best machine for the application and then optimize them. Then, the second level of modeling is based on reluctance networks. This model allows finer resolution of the PMSM and also permits to perform optimization. The last part of the report is devoted to the optimization of the PMSM in order to greatly improve performances and meet the specifications.

<p>We are in the midst of a technological revolution (popularly known as Industrie 4.0 or 4th Industrial Revolution) where our cars are being equipped with hundreds of sensors that make them safer, homes are becoming smarter, industry yields are at an all-time high, and internet-of-things is a reality. This was largely possible due to the developments in communication, electronics, motor controls, robotics, cyber security, software, efficient power distribution, etc. One of the major propellants of the 4th Industrial revolution is the ever-expanding applications of power electronics devices. All electrical energy will be provided, handled, and consumed through power electronics devices in the near future. Therefore, the reliability of power electronics devices will be instrumental in driving future technological advances. </p> <p> </p> <p><br></p><p>A myriad of devices is categorized as power electronics devices, and in the heart of those devices are the transistors. Although Silicon-based transistors still dominate the power electronics market, a paradigm shift towards wide bandgap semiconductors, such as silicon carbide (SiC), gallium nitride (GaN), beta-gallium oxide etc., is underway. However, realizing the full potential of these devices demands unconventional design, layout, and reliability. </p> <p> </p> <p>In this thesis, we try to establish a generalized model of reliability for power and logic transistors. We start by defining a comprehensive, substrate-, self-heating-, and reliability-aware safe operating area (SOA) that analytically establishes the optimum and self-consistent trade-off among breakdown voltage, power consumption, operating frequency, heat dissipation, and reliability before actual device fabrication. Then we take a deeper look into the reliability of individual transistors (a beta-gallium oxide transistor and a Silicon-based LDMOS), to test the predictions by the safe operating area, using both experiments and simulations. In the beta-gallium oxide transistor, we studied its implementation in a DC-DC voltage converter and concluded that the self-heating is a performance bottleneck and suggested approaches to alleviate it. For the LDMOS transistor, we investigated the hot carrier degradation (HCD) using experiments and simulations. We established that the HCD degradation kinetics is universal, and physics is the same as a classical transistor, despite a complicated geometry. Finally, we studied the correlation between HCD and radiation in LDMOS used in space shuttles, airplanes, etc., to determine its lifetime. </p><p><br></p> <p> </p> <p>We have holistically analyzed the reliability of power transistors by extending the theories of logic transistors in this thesis. Therefore, this thesis takes us a step closer to a generalized reliability model for power transistors by developing a comprehensive and predictive model for the safe operating area, encompassing all sources of stresses (e.g., electrical, thermal, and radiation) it experiences during operation.</p>

In this paper, we look at the shear-out failure of carbon fiber reinforced plastics connections in the automotive industry. Contrary to the aircraft industry, the boundary conditions of automotive applications favor this failure mode strongly. Moreover, the use of other joining technologies than that used in the aircraft industry, such as joining by forming, leads to new challenges. The different influences, typical for joining by forming, on ultimate shear-out strength were first investigated separately and then transferred and validated on connections related to praxis by an analytical model. Special attention was given to effects that resulted from oversized pre-holes, acting clamping forces, and the reduced quality of the laminates in the immediate vicinity of the joint due to the joining process.

Les travaux présentés dans cette thèse portent sur la modélisation et l’optimisation de machines électriques pour des applications à entraînement direct. Ils s’inscrivent dans un contexte de réduction de l’utilisation des aimants en terres rares et d’amélioration du rendement énergétique. Un état de l’art des machines électriques est réalisé et l’accent est mis sur les machines à flux radial et axial pour les applications à fort couple et basse vitesse. Une classification est établie visant à identifier les structures intéressantes et innovantes. L’étude de la machine radiale est d’abord réalisée. Une étude comparative de différentes machines issues de l’étude bibliographique est effectuée. Cette étude a permis de choisir une structure originale à bobinage concentré sur dents et aimants en multi-V. Dans le but de calculer les performances du moteur avec un temps de calcul réduit, une modélisation analytique multi-physique de la structure est réalisée. Un premier dimensionnement de la machine a conduit à la définition d’un prototype qui a servi à la validation expérimentale du modèle multi-physique. Une approche de conception par optimisation multi-objectifs est adoptée pour obtenir les machines optimales répondant à un cahier des charges industriel. La suite de l’étude concerne une machine à flux axial à structure innovante. Il s’agit d’une machine à double rotor et simple stator avec plusieurs barrières de flux par pôle. Une étude par éléments finis est d’abord réalisée afin de valider le passage d’un modèle tridimensionnel à modèle bidimensionnel. L’analyse des pertes fer a permis de choisir les matériaux utilisés au stator et aux rotors. L’étape suivante consiste à établir un modèle analytique multiphysique de la machine à flux axial et de l’optimiser selon le même cahier des charges que celui de la machine radiale. Finalement, une comparaison entre les deux structures radiale et axiale est effectuée pour évaluer les avantages en termes de densité de couple. / The work presented in this thesis deals with the modeling and optimization of electrical machines for direct drive applications. The objective is to reduce the use of rare earth permanent magnets along with the improvement of the motor’s efficiency. A state of the art of electrical machines is realized. It focused on radial and axial flow structures for high torque and low speed applications. A classification is established to identify interesting and innovative structures. Firstly, the radial machine is studied. The choice of the structure is made after a finite element comparison of different machines resulting from the literature. This led to an original structure with concentrated winding and multi-V shape barriers. Then, a multi-physics analytical modeling of the structure is detailed in order to calculate the performances with a reduced calculation time. A preliminary design led to the definition of a prototype which was used to experimentally validate the multi-physics model. An optimization design approach is adopted to obtain optimal machines meeting industrial specifications. Secondly, a novel axial flux structure is studied. It is a machine with double rotor and single stator with several barriers per pole. A finite element study is carried out in order to validate the transition from a three dimensional to a two-dimensional model. The analysis of iron losses made it possible to choose the materials used in the stator and the rotors. Then, the development of a multi-physics analytical model for the axial machine is proposed. It is used to optimize the structure according to the same specifications defined for the radial machine. Finally, a comparison between the radial and axial structures is performed in order to evaluate the advantages in terms of torque density.

No description available.

Die vorliegende Arbeit beschäftigt sich mit der analytischen Modellierung und Optimierung synthetischer Jet-Aktuatoren, welche zur aktiven Strömungsbeeinflussung genutzt werden können. Ein in der Literatur bekanntes eindimensionales Modell wird ausführlich hergeleitet und an gemessene Geschwindigkeitsspektren verschiedener Jet-Aktuatoren angepasst. Der Einfluss jedes Modellparameters wird separat untersucht. Außerdem wird ein empirischer Zusammenhang zwischen Membranresonanzfrequenz und Luftkammervolumen angegeben, mit dessen Hilfe synthetische Jet-Aktuatoren mit größtmöglichen Strömungsgeschwindigkeiten durch die Düse konstruiert werden können.

[pt] Simuladores de movimentos são sistemas mecatrônicos que reproduzem as principais atitudes e movimentos de um veículo. Neste estudo serão analisados simuladores baseados em mecanismos com 3 e 6 graus de liberdade. No segundo caso, o mecanismo é capaz de reproduzir todos os ângulos de atitude (rolagem, arfagem e guinada) e todos os deslocamentos lineares (lateral, vertical e longitudinal) com limitações, porém com amplitude suficiente de modo a possibilitar os principais movimentos associados ao veículo. O uso de transdutores de deslocamento linear nestes mecanismos articulados introduzem elevados efeitos de inércia, além de aumentar a massa dos mesmos, diminuindo sua relação carga/peso e sua eficiência. Atualmente, o grande desenvolvimento de sensores do tipo unidade de medição inercial (IMU) aumentou a disponibilidade destes no mercado e reduziu muito seu custo. Como se trata de acelerômetros triaxiais em conjunto com girômetros também triaxiais, sensores como este podem ser usados para determinar a posição e a orientação no espaço de mecanismos com seis graus de liberdade, como a Plataforma Stewart. Neste trabalho será desenvolvida uma metodologia para modelagem da cinemática de mecanismos paralelos baseada nos derivativos de suas matrizes jacobianas. Esta metodologia é avaliada em um mecanismo paralelo plano de três graus de liberdade e em uma Plataforma Stewart. Com a metodologia de modelagem validada, é implementada uma estratégia de controle baseada no uso de um sensor tipo central inercial para o controle de posição, velocidade e aceleração destes mecanismos. Os resultados das simulações indicam a possibilidade do uso destes sensores nestes tipos de equipamentos e apontam para a necessidade de avaliar esta metodologia em testes experimentais. / [en] Movement simulators are mechatronic systems that reproduce the main attitudes and movements of a vehicle. In this study are examined simulators based on 3 and 6 degrees of freedom mechanisms. In the second case, the mechanism is able to reproduce all the attitude angles (roll, pitch and yaw) and all the linear displacements (sway, heave and surge) with limitations, but with sufficient amplitude to enable the main movements associated with the vehicle. The use of linear displacement transducers in these articulated mechanisms introduce high inertia effects and increase the mass, decreasing the load/weight ratio and efficiency. Currently, the great development of the inertial central type sensors (IMU – Inertial measurement unit) increased the availability of these transducers on market and greatly reduced cost. Since this is a conjunct of triaxial accelerometers with triaxial gyrometers, sensors such as these ones can be used to determine the position and orientation in space of mechanisms with six degrees of freedom, such as the Stewart Platform. In this work it will be developed a methodology for modeling the kinematics of parallel mechanisms based on derivatives of their jacobian matrices. This methodology is evaluated in a planar parallel mechanism of three degrees of freedom and on a Stewart Platform. With the modeling methodology validated, a control strategy based on the use of an inertial unit type sensor for controlling the position, velocity and acceleration of these mechanisms is implemented. The simulations results indicate the possibility of using these sensors in these types of equipment and point to the need to evaluate this methodology in experimental tests.

L’interface entre le silicium amorphe (a-Si:H) et le silicium cristallin (c-Si) est un constituent clés de cellules solaires à haut rendement reposant sur des procédés à basse température. Trois propriétés de l’interface déterminent le rendement des cellules solaires à hétérojonction de silicium: les décalages de bandes entre a-Si:H et c-Si, les défauts d’interface et la courbure de bande dans c-Si. Ces trois aspects sont traités dans ces travaux de thèse.Dans un premier un temps, un calcul analytique de la courbure de bande dans c-Si est développé. Il repose sur l’approximation d’une densité d’état (DE) constante dans la bande interdite de a-Si:H. L’influence des principaux paramètres de la structure sur la courbure de bande est étudiée : décalage de bande, densité d’état dans a-Si:H, défaut d’interface, etc. La présence d’un effet de confinement quantique est discutée. Grâce à une comparaison entre ces calculs et des mesures de conductance planaire en fonction de la température sur des structures (p)a-Si:H/(n)c-Si et (n)a-Si:H/(p)c-Si, les décalages de bande de valence et de conduction ont pu être estimés à 0.36 eV et 0.15 eV respectivement. En outre, il est montré que le décalage de la bande de valence est indépendant de la température, alors que le décalage de la bande de conduction suit les évolutions des bandes interdites de c-Si et a-Si:H. Ces mesures tendent à prouver que le ‘branch point’ dans a-Si:H est indépendant du dopage.Ensuite, les calculs analytiques sont approfondis pour prendre en compte différents aspects de la structure complète incorporée dans les cellules : contact avec un oxyde transparent conducteur, présence d’une couche de a-Si:H non-dopée à l’interface. A l’aide de simulations numériques et à la lumière de mesures de conductance planaire conjuguées à des mesures de la qualité de passivation de l’interface, des pistes pour optimiser les cellules à hétérojonction sont commentées. En particulier, il est montré qu’un optimum doit être trouvé entre une bonne passivation et une courbure de bande suffisante. Ceci peut être accompli par un réglage fin des propriétés de la couche tampon (épaisseur, dopage), du contact (travail de sortie élevé) et de l’émetteur (p)a-Si:H (densité de défauts et épaisseur). En particulier, un émetteur avec une DE importante conduit paradoxalement à de meilleures performances.Enfin, un nouveau type d’interface a été développé. La surface de c-Si a été oxydée volontairement dans de l’eau pure dé-ionisée à 80 °C avant le dépôt de (p)a-Si:H afin d’obtenir une structure (p)a-Si:H/SiO2/(n)c-Si. A l’aide d’un modèle de courant par effet tunnel implémenté dans le logiciel de simulation numérique AFORS-HET, l’effet d’une couche à grande bande interdite (comme c’est le cas pour SiO2) sur les performances de cellules est étudié : le facteur de forme et le courant de court-circuit sont extrêmement réduits. En revanche, une couche de SiO2 n’a que peu d’impact sur les propriétés optiques de la structure. Expérimentalement, les échantillons réalisés montrent une qualité de passivation à mi-chemin entre le cas sans couche tampon et le cas avec (i)a-Si:H : ceci est expliqué par la présence d’une charge fixe négative dans l’oxyde. La courbure de bande dans c-Si est moins affectée par la présence d’une couche d’oxyde que d’une couche de (i)a-Si:H. Les cellules solaires réalisées démontrent que le concept a le potentiel d’aboutir à de hauts rendements : sur des structures non-optimisées, une tension de court-circuit supérieure à 650 mV a été démontrée, alors que l’oxyde ne semble pas limiter le transport de charge. / The interface between amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) and crystalline silicon (c-Si) is the building block of high efficiency solar cells based on low temperature fabrication processes. Three properties of the interface determine the performance of silicon heterojunction solar cells: band offsets between a-Si:H and c-Si, interface defects and band bending in c-Si. These three points are addressed in this thesis.First, an analytical model for the calculation of the band bending in c-Si is developed. It assumes a constant density of states (DOS) in the a-Si:H band gap. The influence of most parameters of the structure on the band bending is studied: band offsets, DOS in a-Si:H, interface defects, etc. The presence of quantum confinement at the interface is discussed. Analytical calculations and temperature dependent planar conductance measurements are compared such that the band offsets on both (p)a-Si:H/(n)c-Si and (n)a-Si:H/(p)c-Si can be estimated: the valence band offset amounts 0.36 eV while the conduction band offset is 0.15 eV. In addition, it is shown that the valence band offset is independent of temperature whereas the conduction band offset follows the evolutions of c-Si and a-Si:H band gaps with temperature. A discussion of these results in the frame of the branch point theory for band line-up leads to the conclusion that the branch point in a-Si:H is independent of the doping.Then, analytical calculations are developed further to take into account the real solar cell structure where the a-Si:H/c-Si structure is in contact with a transparent conductive oxide and an undoped buffer layer is present at the interface. Measurements of the planar conductance and of the interface passivation quality are interpreted in the light of analytical calculations and numerical simulations to open a way towards a method for the optimization of silicon heterojunction solar cells. It is particularly shown that a trade-off has to be found between a good passivation quality and a significant band bending. This can be realized by tuning the buffer layer properties (thickness, doping), the TCO-contact (high work function) and the emitter (defect density and thickness). Interestingly, an emitter with a high DOS leads to better cell performances.Finally, a new type of interface has been developed, that was not applied to heterojunction solar cells so far. The c-Si surface has been oxidized in deionized water at 80 °C before the (p)a-Si:H emitter deposition such that (p)a-Si:H/SiO2/(n)c-Si structures were obtained. A tunneling current model has been developed, implemented in the 1D numerical device simulator AFORS-HET and used to study the effect of a wide band gap interfacial layer (as it is the case for SiO2) on cell performance: the fill-factor and the short-circuit current are dramatically reduced for thick and high barriers. However, a SiO2 layer has only little impact on optical properties. Fabricated samples show a passivation quality halfway between samples with no buffer layer and with an (i)a-Si:H buffer layer: this is explained by the presence of a negative fixed charge in the oxide. The band bending in (n)c-Si is higher with an oxide layer than with an (i)a-Si:H buffer layer. Solar cells demonstrate that this new concept has the potential to achieve high power conversion efficiencies: for non-optimized structures, an open-circuit voltage higher than 650 mV has been demonstrated, while the oxide does not seem to create a barrier to charge transport.

La thèse se base sur la recherche des possibilités de caractérisation du son aérien de sources sonores arbitraires. A cette fin, une approche particulière est étudiée à l’endroit où la caractérisation de la source est faite via une surface d’interface qui enveloppe totalement ou partiellement la source physique. Deux descripteurs qui dépendent de la fréquence sont definis au travers d’une telle surface: la pression sonore bloquée et l’impédance de la source. Le précédent représente la pression sonore créée par le système d’exploitation source qui agit sur la surface enveloppante quand elle est rendue immobile. Cette dernière représente le rapport des amplitudes de réponse de pression et les amplitudes de vitesse d’excitation normales au travers de la surface. La surface enveloppante définit un volume d’air qui contient la source physique appelée l’espace source. Les deux descripteurs définis sur l’espace source, la pression bloquée et l’impédance de la source sont montrés comme étant intrinsèques à la source, c’est-à-dire indépendants de l’espace acoustique environnant. Une fois définis, ces descripteurs permettent de trouver la pression sonore et la vitesse particulaire normale à la surface de l’interface quand l’espace source est couplé à un espace récepteur arbitraire, c’est-à-dire une pièce. Cela permet alors la prédiction du son dans l’espace récepteur. Les conditions de couplage nécessitent que l’espace récepteur soit caractérisé en utilisant la même surface enveloppante telle que l’espace source. En acceptant de garder à l’esprit la simplicité de la mesure, la surface enveloppante a été conçue vu qu’elle comporte une ou plusieurs surfaces rectangulaires planes. Le défi de la recherche était alors d’obtenir une impédance significative de la surface au travers de la surface plane rectangulaire (continue) ainsi que celle de la pression bloquée compatible avec la formulation de l’impédance. Cela a conduit à une décomposition dans l’espace de la pression sonore et de la vitesse des particules au sein du nombre fini des composants, chacun défini par une amplitude complexe et une distribution dans l’espace particulière. De cette façon, la pression bloquée se réduit à un vecteur d’amplitude de pression complexe, tandis que l’impédance devient une matrice de pression et des rapports d’amplitudes complexes de la vitesse de défauts de de décompositions ont été recherchés dans le détail: la méthode harmonique de surface et la méthode du patch. Le premier se rapproche de la pression de surface et de la vitesse normale par des combinaisons de fonctions de surface trigonométriques en 2D tandis que ce dernier partage la surface en petites parcelles et intervient sur chaque parcelle de façon discrète en utilisant les valeurs moyennes du patch. / The thesis investigates possibilities of air-borne sound characterisation of arbitrary sound sources. To this end a particular approach is studied where the source characterisation is done via an interface surface which fully or partially envelopes the physical source. Two frequency dependent descriptors are defined across such a surface: the blocked sound pressure and the source impedance. The former represents the sound pressure created by the operating source which acts on the enveloping surface when this is made immobile. The latter represents the ratio of pressure response amplitudes and normal velocity excitation amplitudes across the surface. The enveloping surface defines an air volume containing the physical source, called the source space. The two source descriptors defined on the source space, the blocked pressure and the source impedance, are shown to be intrinsic to the source, i.e. independent of the surrounding acoustical space. Once defined, these descriptors allow one to find the sound pressure and normal particle velocity at the interface surface when the source space is coupled to an arbitrary receiver space, i.e. a room. This in turn allows for sound prediction in the receiver space. The coupling conditions require that the receiver space is characterised using the same enveloping surface as the source space. Bearing the measurement simplicity in mind, the enveloping surface has been conceived as consisting of one or several rectangular plane surfaces. The research challenge was then to obtain meaningful surface impedance across a (continuous) rectangular plane surface as well as the blocked pressure compatible with impedance formulation. This has led to a spatial decomposition of sound pressure and particle velocity into finite number of components, each defined by a complex amplitude and a particular spatial distribution. In this way the blocked pressure reduces to a vector of complex pressure amplitudes while the impedance becomes a matrix of pressure and velocity complex amplitude ratios. Two decomposition methods have been investigated in detail: the surface harmonic method and the patch method. The former approximates the surface pressure and normal velocity by combinations of 2D trigonometric surface functions while the latter splits the surface into small patches and treats each patch in a discrete way, using patch-averaged values.