The main aim of 3D Object recognition is to recognize objects under translation and rotation. Geometric Hashing is one of the methods which represents a rotation and translation invariant approach and provides indexing of structural features of the objects in an efficient way. In this thesis, Geometric Hashing is used to store the geometric relationship between discriminative surface properties which are based on surface curvature. In this thesis surface is represented by shape index and splash where shape index defines particular shaped surfaces and splash introduces topological information. The method is tested on 3D object databases and compared with other methods in the literature.

People are becoming more aware of the relationships between the built environment and their physical and psychological well-being. This has encouraged numerous studies in the field of environment and behavior, and effects of architecture, urban design and architectural form on human response. In the realm of architectural form, some professionals, from "signature" architects to environmental and organic designers, are strong advocates of free-flowing curvilinear forms. They assume that the use of curvilinear forms is sympathetic to the body, mind and spirit, although there is little empirical research to confirm this claim. There is also little research on the topic of signature / star architects and their design methods. The purpose of this multi-method study was to investigate the emotional effects of curvilinear forms in interior architectural settings. The research involved qualitative and quantitative methodologies. In the qualitative phase, twelve signature architects, known for their use of curvilinear forms, were interviewed to examine the reasons and processes by which they applied curvature in their work. They were also asked to talk about their design process. In the quantitative phase, two modified interior residential views were ranked on their emotional load by 230 non-architect and 75 architect students in card-sorting tasks. In each view, architectural forms gradually changed from fully rectilinear to fully curvilinear. The data from both phases of the research was analyzed. The dissertation concludes by discussing (a) factors that separate signature architects from others (b) how signature architects design (c) how and why designers utilize curvature in the built environment, and (d) different emotional responses of designers and non-designers in response to curvature in architectural settings. In general, quantitative data indicates that non-architects show significant positive response to curvilinear architectural forms. Nonarchitects found curvilinear forms to be pleasant, elevating and reducing stress. The strongest relationship was recorded between curvature and feminine qualities of architectural space, which was shared by both architects and non-architects.

Nanoscale surfaces were examined in order to determine the influence of surface curvature on polymer behavior at polymer-ceramic interfaces, as well as the influence of nanoparticles in cellulosic media. Poly(methyl methacrylate) and block copolymers thereof were adsorbed onto porous alumina substrates of various pore sizes in order to determine how polymer and copolymer adsorption behavior at nanoscale surfaces differs from adsorption onto flat surfaces. It was determined that chain density on concave surfaces dramatically decreases as curvature increases in much the same way that it does on convex surfaces (e.g. on the surface of nanoparticles), and physical models are provided to explain this similarity. Diblock copolymer adsorption is observed to vary dramatically with solvent quality and block asymmetry and can be correlated with the surface curvature very similarly to the adsorptive behavior of homopolymers on those same surfaces. The addition of nanoparticles to cellulosic media was investigated as a means to significantly modify the properties of cellulosic composites with minimal additions of nanoparticles. Although cellulose is among the most abundant polymers on earth, its primary uses are limited to bulk commodity goods, such as paper and textiles. This work demonstrates a simple means to control cellulosic fluid viscosity, thereby increasing the versatility of these biopolymers in additional applications with higher value-added potential. The formation of iron-cellulosic nanocomposites by the in-situ thermolysis of metal carbonyls to form metallic nanoparticles was performed and was analyzed by viscometry among other techniques. It was determined that the nanocomposites that were formed exhibited significantly increased viscosity, up to the point of gelation. Additionally, an introduction to the expansive field of nanocomposites is provided, including how and why composite properties change abruptly as filler size approaches the nanoscale. An extensive background on this diverse field as it relates to the current work is provided with an emphasis on cellulosic nanocomposites and the dependence of curvature on polymer-surface interactions. A detailed account of the experimental work relevant to this work is provided, including materials and characterization methods. Future work is proposed for both cellulosic nanocomposites as well as for curvature-dependent polymer adsorption. Finally, conclusions are drawn from the entire work and its implications to the greater field of nanocomposites.

This thesis provides an analytical and two numerical methods for solving a parabolic equation of two-dimensional mean curvature flow with some applications. In analytical method, this equation is solved by Lie group analysis method, and in numerical method, two algorithms are implemented in MATLAB for solving this equation. A geometric algorithm and a step-wise algorithm; both are based on a deterministic game theoretic representation for parabolic partial differential equations, originally proposed in the genial work of Kohn-Serfaty [1]. / +46-767165881

Two sets of experiments were performed on a simulated turbine nozzle guide vane. First, adiabatic and overall effectiveness measurements were taken in the showerhead region of the vane using adiabatic and matched Biot vane models, respectively. Measurements of overall effectiveness in the showerhead region are not found in the literature, and are a useful baseline for validating the results of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. Overall effectiveness is useful because it shows the results of combining film cooling, internal convection, and surface conduction to provide a more complete picture of vane cooling than adiabatic effectiveness. An impingement plate was utilized to generate internal jet cooling. Momentum flux ratios were matched between the models and ranged from I*SH = 0.76 to 6.70, based on showerhead upstream approach velocity. The second set of experiments used a different model to examine the effects of surface curvature on adiabatic effectiveness. Results in open literature are found by varying the radius of curvature of a fixed setup, so the current approach was novel in that it looked at adiabatic effectiveness at locations of various curvature around the same vane. Blowing ratios from M = 0.4 to M = 1.6 were tested at a density ratio of DR = 1.20 for two locations on the suction side of the vane. Results were presented in terms of laterally averaged adiabatic effectiveness and contour plots of adiabatic effectiveness, and were compared to literature. / text

The semicircular canals detect head rotations and trigger compensatory movements that stabilize gaze and help maintain visual fixation. Mammals with large eyes and high visual acuity presumably require more precise gaze stabilization mechanisms because they experience degradation of spatial resolution at a lower threshold of uncompensated motion. Because semicircular canal radius of curvature is a primary determinant of canal sensitivity, species with large canal radii are expected to be capable of more precise gaze stabilization than species with small canal radii. Here the relationship between semicircular canal radius of curvature, eye size, and visual acuity is examined in a large sample of therian mammals. These results demonstrate that eye size and visual acuity both explain a significant proportion of the variance in mean canal radius of curvature after statistically controlling for the effects of body mass and phylogeny. These findings suggest that interspecific variation in semicircular canal radius of curvature is partly the result of selection for improved gaze stabilization in species with large eyes and acute vision. / text

Continual scaling of devices and on-chip wiring has brought significant challenges for materials and processes beyond the 32-nm technology node in microelectronics. Recently, three-dimensional (3-D) integration with through-silicon vias (TSVs) has emerged as an effective solution to meet the future interconnect requirements. Among others, thermo-mechanical reliability is a key concern for the development of TSV structures used in die stacking as 3-D interconnects. In this dissertation, thermal stresses and interfacial reliability of TSV structures are analyzed by combining analytical and numerical models with experimental measurements. First, three-dimensional near-surface stress distribution is analyzed for a simplified TSV structure consisting of a single via embedded in a silicon (Si) wafer. A semi-analytic solution is developed and compared with finite element analysis (FEA). For further study, the effects of anisotropic elasticity in Si and metal plasticity in the via on the stress distribution and deformation are investigated. Next, by micro-Raman spectroscopy and bending beam technique, experimental measurements of the thermal stresses in TSV structures are conducted. The micro-Raman measurements characterize the local distribution of the near-surface stresses in Si around TSVs. On the other hand, the bending beam technique measures the average stress and viii deformation in the TSV structures. To understand the elastic and plastic behavior of TSVs, the microstructural evolution of the Cu vias is analyzed using focused ion beam (FIB) and electron backscattering diffraction (EBSD) techniques. To study the impacts of the thermal stresses on interfacial reliability of TSV structures, an analytical solution is developed for the steady-state energy release rate as the upper bound of the driving force for interfacial delamination. The effect of crack length and wafer thickness on the energy release rate is studied by FEA. Furthermore, to model interfacial crack nucleation, an analytical approach is developed by combining a shear lag model with a cohesive interface model. Finally, the effects of structural designs and the variation of the constituent materials on TSV reliability are investigated. The steady state solutions for the energy release rate are developed for various TSV designs and via materials (Al, Cu, Ni, and W) to evaluate the interfacial reliability. The parameters for TSV design optimization are discussed from the perspectives of interfacial reliability. / text

The evolution of landscapes and seascapes in time is the result of the constant interaction between flows and topography. Flows change topography, which in turn change the flow. This feedback causes evolution processes to be highly non-linear and complex. When full analytical derivations of the co-evolution of topography and flow are not possible without oversimplifications, as is the case in river bends, recent large topographical datasets and modern computers allow for correlations between horizontal (planview) and cross-sectional geometry of channels. Numerical analysis in the Mississippi and Trinity rivers indicate that the type of correlation between river radius of curvature and bankfull channel width depends on the migration behavior of the river. In other cases, channel topography may only have a second-order effect on its own evolution, as is the case for fully depositional turbidity currents, and the evolution of aeolian field topography may only be a function of this topography. I show that in these situations, changes in topography may be decoupled from details of the flow field and modeled very easily with a good accuracy. / text

In many previous physiological and psychoacoustic studies, Schroeder-phase masking (using Schroeder harmonic complexes to mask other sounds) has proven useful in understanding different aspects of cochlear function, particularly the phase curvature of the cochlea and cochlear nonlinearity. The common method of measuring Schroeder-phase masking functions uses a very time consuming three-alternative forced choice (3AFC) process, which limits its research and clinical usefulness. This thesis describes a fast method for measuring Schroeder-phase masking functions that we developed to address this problem. By adapting the Békésy tracking technique, we demonstrate how the measurement time can be reliably shortened by almost 80% in comparison to the commonly-used method. Using the fast method, we have demonstrated that the difference in masking effectiveness produced by different phases of Schroeder maskers (known as the ‘phase effect’) is reduced in conditions where cochlear non-linearity is expected to be reduced (i.e. at low intensity levels and in sensorineural hearing loss subjects) – findings which are consistent with previous studies. The possible involvement of other mechanisms in producing the Schroeder phase effect (particularly the medial olivocochlear (MOC) reflex) is discussed. Given the shorter testing time and higher resolution data it can give, the fast method can be a useful tool in estimating cochlear phase curvature. The reduction in testing time in particular may significantly aid the investigation of different aspects of cochlear function which might have been limited by the long testing time given by the commonly-used method.

The interaction between the driver, the car and the road is essential for the road safety. This case study focuses on the road condition and its effect regarding road safety issues. By studying and isolating the road condition aspect and its contributing role to the accident occurrence, the aim is to explore their relationship, as well as highlight the road parameters that are commonly associated with accident occurrence. This result will be used to develop and increase awareness of the impact of poor road alignment and poor road surface conditions on traffic safety, in order to prevent these accidents from occurring. The road parameters chosen for this study include side friction, cross slope and rut bottom cross slope, road texture, curvature, drainage gradient and rutting. The case study was limited to lv 360 in Västerbotten, where all accidents with an unclear cause of the accident were studied, between 2003 and 2012 were carefully studied and assessed based on the condition of the road at the time of the accident. The study was based on accident data from Transportstyrelsens accident database STRADA and road data was obtained from Vecturas Profilograf. Analysis of the various road parameters and their respective safety limits, identified many hazardous sections on lv 360. Low side friction values, insufficient drainage gradient and incorrect cross slopes are some of the shortcomings that were found. The results show that 70% of all accidents occurred on curves where the vehicle either skidded or went off the road. Furthermore, the results show that the side friction demand in 65% of the accidents far exceeded the designed side friction supply according to VGU. Insufficient side friction associated with curves shows an evident relation with the accident occurrence. The analysis shows that 80% of the accidents had deficiencies in two or more road parameters. Improperly designed cross slopes in curves – where the slope instead of resisting the lateral force, contributed to it – was found to create dangerous circumstances for the traffic. These were also found at lv 360, why the cross slope design according to the results, directly affects the accident rate – particularly at curves. Improper cross slope in sections where the gradient is low often result in insufficient drainage gradient, and consequently a high skid risk. These were common on entry and exit points of curves, where the cross slope shifts between straight sections and curves and thus passes zero. The results show that the drainage gradient in 70 % of the accidents was too low and in many cases fell below VGU's requirement of 0.5 % before and after the curve. / Samarbetet mellan föraren, bilen och vägen är essentiellt för trafiksäkerheten. Denna fallstudie fokuserar på vägens tillstånd och dess roll inom trafiksäkerhetsarbetet. Genom att studera och isolera vägaspekten och dess bidragande roll till olycksförekomsten, är målet att tydliggöra relationen mellan dessa, samt belysa de vägparametrar som vanligen associeras med trafikolyckor. Detta för att utveckla och utöka medvetenheten kring effekten av dålig linjeföring och bristfälliga vägytegenskaper, för att i framtiden kunna förebygga dessa olyckor. De parametrar som studerades är bland annat sidofriktionen, tvärfallet och spårbottentvärfallet, texturen, kurvaturen, snedlutningen och spårdjupet. Arbetet avgränsades till länsväg (lv) 360 i Västerbotten, där alla olyckor med en oklar olycksorsak mellan åren 2003 och 2012 studerades, och bedömdes efter vägens tillstånd vid olyckan. Studien baserades på olycksuppgifter från Transportstyrelsens olycksdatabas STRADA och vägmätningar utförda av Vecturas Profilograf. Vid analys av de olika väg parametrarna och deras respektive gränsvärden, identifierades många brister på länsväg 360. Låga sidofriktionsvärden, otillräcklig snedlutningar och felaktiga tvärfall vid kurvor är några av de brister som påhittades. Resultatet visar att 70 % av alla olyckor inträffade i kurvor där fordonet antingen fått sladd eller åkt av vägen. Vidare visar resultatet att sidofriktionsbehovet i 65 % av olyckorna långt översteg den dimensionerande sidofriktionen enligt regelverket Vägar och Gators Utformning (VGU). För liten sidofriktion i samband med kurvor visar en tydlig koppling till olycksförekomsten. Analysen visar dessutom att 80 % av olyckorna hade brister i två eller fler vägparametrar. Felaktigt utformat tvärfall vid kurvor – där lutningen istället för att motverka sidokraften bidrar till den – skapar livsfarliga förutsättningar för trafiken. Även dessa påträffades på länsväg 360, varför tvärfallets utformning enligt resultatet direkt påverkar på olyckstalet, i synnerhet vid kurvor. För litet tvärfall i de sektioner där även längslutningen är låg innebär dessutom otillräcklig snedlutning (resultanten av tvärfallet och längslutningen) och medför stora risker för halka. Dessa är vanliga vid in- och utfarter av kurvor, där tvärfallet övergår mellan raksträcka och kurva och passerar noll. Resultatet visar att 70 % av olyckorna hade för låg snedlutning samt att flera sträckor i många fall underskred VGU:s krav på 0,5 % före och efter kurvan. Som lösning föreslås hastighetssänkning och varningsskyltar vid skarpa kurvor samt att stor kraft bör läggas på korrekt utförda tvärfall som tar hänsyn till sidokraften.