The rise of batteries in the industry, especially Li-ion, is increasing rapidly. Li-ion battery systems are traditionally composed of a particular type of cell chemistry fit to the system needs. Due to the significant differences between chemistries, different cells have different attributes. The thesis explores the potential of a heterogeneous solution to include different cells to find a suitable compromise between different attributes. An electrified passenger train using a homogenous solution was evaluated against a heterogeneous solution consisting of two cell types, NMC and LTO, which have significant differences in attributes.  Simulation with models covering the train kinematics, track characteristics, and battery behaviour generates the thesis results. Validation of simulation results includes comparing previous simulations and the new effects of the heterogeneous solution, which indicate a good fit. Verification of the results encompasses a small-scale experiment with a custom-made physical circuit to observe the proposed solution's actual behaviour and verify model validity, which implies the correctness of models and implementation. The results indicate that a heterogeneous solution is possible within the scope of electrified trains. Furthermore, several trade-offs exist between NMC and LTO cells, especially regarding rate capability, safety and capacity, which confirms the potential of heterogeneous battery systems.

Plasma pretreatments are environmentally benign and energy efficient processes for modifying the surface chemistry of materials. In an effort to improve the strength of the titanium alloy/FM-5 polyimide adhesive joint for aerospace applications, oxygen plasma pretreatments and novel thin plasma polymerized (PP) films were investigated as adhesion promoters. Plasma treatments were carried out using custom-built, low pressure, radio frequency, inductively coupled plasma reactors. Ti-6Al-4V coupons were plasma treated and used to prepare miniature single lap shear (SLS) joints. The effects of plasma pretreatments on surface chemistry were studied using x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Auger electron spectroscopy (AES), Fourier transform infrared analysis (FTIR), and contact angle measurements. Relationships between composition, mechanical properties, and adhesion of PP films on Ti-6Al-4V and silicon wafers were investigated. The nanomechanical properties (modulus, hardness and adhesion) were studied using atomic force microscopy (AFM) nanoindentation and nanoscratch testing. A design of experiments (DOE) three factorial model was used to optimize the parameters for oxygen plasma treatments. Oxygen plasma pretreatments enhanced joint strength by cleaning the titanium surface and creating an extended oxide layer. Nanoindentation of oxygen plasma treated substrates showed no change in the surface mechanical properties due to the oxygen plasma treatment. This suggested that the improved SLS strength of the oxygen plasma pretreated substrates was due to the cleaning of the substrate and the removal of carbonaceous contaminants, rather than any changes in the morphology of the oxide layer. PP acetylene films were predominantly carbon, with oxygen as the other main constituent (incorporated mostly as C-O and C=O). For all SLS specimens tested, the adhesion between PP acetylene and FM-5 adhesive was adequate. However, the strength of SLS joints was limited by the adhesion of the PP acetylene to the Ti-6Al-4V substrate. The effects of a large number of plasma parameters, such as substrate pretreatment, carrier gas, input power, flow rate and film thickness were investigated. All samples failed at the PP film/Ti-6Al-4V interface or within the PP acetylene film, and thicker PP films yielded lower SLS strengths. PP films deposited at lower power exhibited higher hardness and reduced modulus than films deposited at higher power. Overall, thinner films exhibited higher hardness and reduced Young's modulus than thicker films. PP films of higher hardness yielded higher critical loads at debond (thickness normalized) during the nanoscratch test. Thin films were developed via the vapor plasma polymerization of titanium(IV) isobutoxide (TiiB). XPS results suggested that titanium was incorporated into the film as TiO2 clusters dispersed in an organic matrix. No evidence for Ti-C was obtained from the XPS spectra. PP films of TiiB were much more compliant than PP acetylene films. This behavior was attributed to decreased fragmentation and lower crosslinking that occurred during PP TiiB film deposition. These PP films did not exhibit sol-gel-like qualities, and because of the way titanium was incorporated into the films, a more appropriate name for these films might be "titanium dioxide-doped plasma polymerized films." / Ph. D.

A botanical inventory of Doe Mountain Recreation Area (DMRA) in northeastern Tennessee was conducted to help guide conservation-based management. A total of 484 species were found in DMRA, comprising 94 families, and 285 genera, 10 species listed in the state rare plant list, and 76 exotic species. Two species, Liatris virgata and Lycopodiella inundata, were new state records. Water in the Lycopodiella seep was an order of magnitude more acid than at other sites. An analysis of the wildland-urban interface showed that only 13% of the area was classified as uninhabited. The inventory-invasion index, introduced to quantify the relative degree of botanical uniqueness, was indicative of an under-explored or unique area but less so compared to some other botanically-rich regional sites. Management should aim to protect acid seeps, arid roadside slopes, curtail mowing a roadside that supports a state endangered species, and avoid herbicides in the biodiverse power line corridor.

This thesis covers the process of automating the design of coolant nozzles used for cylindrical grinding. Coolant nozzles are used to supply coolant, an oil and water mixture used to cool the metal workpiece and lubricate the grinding wheel. In the automotive industry, grinding is used to reduce the surface roughness of the workpiece. However, a large amount of heat is generated, risking the heat treatment of the steel to be compromised, for this, coolant is supplied to minimize the heat caused by friction. A nozzle is used, aiming a jet to the zone that generates heat. Commonly used nozzles are adjustable, leading to variation in cooling performance if misaligned. The design of fixed nozzles is developed in this thesis to reduce variation and automatise the design for multiple applications. The automatically designed nozzles are fused deposition modeled and tested. The design automation tool is tested repeatedly and improved successively in the span of the thesis. This lead to a great extent of implementation of design automation. Which lead to a facilitation in reaching of the work zone and avoid obstacles. Also, the tool managed to create nozzle tubes for a multitude of machines. The tool is able to generate, aim, orient, and individually dimension multi-nozzle tubes. Design of Experiment methodology is implemented to find nozzle designs with improved velocity and flow rate and minimize the air mixture with the coolant. Several nozzle designs are tested and fitted into a surrogate model that is, in turn, optimized. The results of the tests led to a greater understanding of how the nozzle geometry restricts the flow rate when attempts of reaching higher velocities of the coolant jet are made. The surrogate models created, also made it possible to find the range of designs which best suits different applications, whereby a Pareto front was able to be populated with a range of different designs alternating in flow rate, velocity and coherency ratio.

No description available.

This report documents a thesis conducted at Scania CV AB in Södertälje, Sweden. The main purpose of the thesis has been to examine and improve upon current practices of parametric CAD-modeling at Scania, with the ultimate goal of increased design automation and simulation-driven design. The thesis was initiated with a literature study, mainly covering the fields of parametric CAD-modeling, design automation and knowledge-based engineering. Furthermore, a questionnaire and multiple interviews were conducted to assess the awareness and mind-set of the employees. Finally, a case-study was carried out to follow current methodologies, and address any deficiencies found. Some of the most important findings were that while parametric modeling has considerable potential in enabling design automation, it is crucial, and most beneficial in terms of automation efficiency, to start with the fundamentals, namely achieving a uniform modeling practice. With these findings, a new proposed methodology has been introduced, as well as a recommended plan for a widespread implementation of parametric modeling at Scania. Such implementation would allow for shorter lead-times, faster adaptation to changing conditions, and reduced development expenditures.

Os elementos ópticos difrativos representam um mercado em franco crescimento, da ordem de bilhões de dólares. Seu uso ostensivo está nos microeletrônicos, sistemas de iluminação, telecomunicações, equipamentos de segurança e outros. Por isso, esta tese teve como objetivo realizar investigação pública profunda no assunto. Insertos de cobre eletrolítico foram usados por proporcionar excelente acabamento superficial quando usinados com ferramenta de diamante monocristalino obtendo valores de Ra = 10,2 nm, Rq = 13,56 e Rt = 363,06 µm e para o aço inoxidável polido os resultados foram de Ra = 7,02 nm, Rq = 9,05 nm e Rt = 225,19 nm. As réplicas foram construídas em PMMA - DH ECL P com transmitância da luz avaliada em aproximadamente 90% em todo o espectro visível e infravermelho. Foram produzidos sete tipos de microelementos ópticos difrativos, baseados na geometria de Fresnel e nos arranjos de microlentes esféricas. Foi necessário desenvolver o código computacional denominado LF2010 para auxiliar a construção do projeto das microlentes anesféricas de Fresnel e calcular sua modulação de fase. Quatro processos determinísticos na fabricação dos µEODs foram usados: torneamento de ultraprecisão com ferramenta de diamante, microforjamento, microfresamento e a combinação dos dois últimos. O método estocástico de polimento foi usado para gerar acabamento óptico e compará-lo ao torneamento com SPDT. As análises metrológicas qualitativas e dimensionais foram conduzidas com o uso do MEV e da perfilometria óptica. No torneamento de ultraprecisão com ferramenta de diamante foi comprovada a presença do fenômeno conhecido como \"stick slip\" nos degraus da zona de Fresnel, corrigidos alterando-se o projeto. Para os arranjos de empacotamento completo os valores da rugosidade foram mais elevados em função da interatividade das lentes adjacentes do conjunto com \'fi\' = 100%, chegando até mesmo a causar microfraturas na estrutura das microlentes. Após sucessivos processos de calibragem, foram manufaturadas as réplicas pelas técnicas de termomoldagem e moldagem por injeção. Os resultados de replicação das microlentes mostraram que a razão de aspecto e a relação superfície/volume influenciaram significativamente na fidelidade de replicação das microlentes, sendo constatado que as lentes de Fresnel com altura variável possuem maior volume em relação às de altura constante e, consequentemente, melhor fidelidade na replicação. Na termomoldagem, as variações nas dimensões das cristas foram de nanômetros e a fidelidade no processo foi de aproximadamente 100% para todas as zonas de Fresnel. Nesta técnica, porém, os tempos de ciclos são até 40 vezes maiores que os da moldagem por injeção. As investigações paraxiais de FTM para a microlente de Fresnel com altura variável convexa foram de 85,2 % para 25 lp/mm, 67,5% para 50 lp/mm e 71,2% para 75 lp/mm. A simulação por elementos finitos foi usada para auxiliar nos estudos conferindo a sensibilidade do método de cálculo numérico do simulador nas escalas macroscópicas e microscópicas. No final, investigado o desgaste da aresta de corte da ferramenta, verificou-se o desgaste de flanco e a formação da APC, constituída de partículas do cavaco de cobre com formação lamelar. Conclui-se que é possível reproduzir diversos tipos de µEODs com métodos de produção em massa da moldagem por injeção tomando-se cuidado com as variáveis do processo, geometria da peça e propriedades físicas e químicas do material a ser replicado. / Diffractive optical elements represent a fast growing market, in order of billions dollars. Its use is employed in microelectronics, illumination systems, telecommunications, security devices, and others. For this reason, this thesis aimed to make depth public research in the subject. Electrolytic copper inserts were used for providing excellent surface finish when machined with monocrystalline diamond tool getting values of Ra = 10,2 nm, Rq = 13,56 e Rt = 363,06 µm, for the polished stainless steel the results were Ra = 7,02 nm, Rq = 9,05 nm e Rt = 225,19 nm. The replicas were built in PMMA - DH ECL P with light transmittance approximately 90% for visible and infrared spectrum. Seven types of diffractive optical microelements were produced, based in Fresnel geometry and spherical microlens array. For this, it was necessary to develop the computer code called LF2010 to support the construction design of aspheric Fresnel microlenses and calculate its phase transformation function. Four deterministic manufacturing processes of µDOEs were used: ultraprecision diamond turning, microforging, micromilling and the combination of the two last. Stochastic method of polishing was used to obtain mirror surface roughness and compare to SPDT. The qualitative analysis and dimensional metrology were conducted using MEV and optical profiling system respectively. In ultraprecision diamond turning has proved the presence of the phenomenon known as stick slip on the steps of Fresnel zone that was corrected by changing the design. For complete packaging arrays the roughness values were higher due the interaction of adjacent lenses of set with \'fi\' = 100% have even cause microfractures in the structure of microlenses. After successive calibration procedures in the manufacture of copper inserts, replicas were fabricated by techniques of hot emboss and injection molding. The results of microlenses replication showed that the aspect ratio and surface/volume ratio affected the fidelity replication of microlenses, and had been noted that the Fresnel lenses with variable height have higher volume in relation to constant height and consequently better fidelity in replication. Hot emboss process show little variations in the dimensions of the crests, in order of few nanometers, resulting a fidelity approximately 100% for all zones of Fresnel, however the cycle\'s technique are up to 40 times higher than injection molding. The paraxial FTM analysis shows 85,2% for 25 lp/mm, 67,5% for 50 lp/mm and 71,2% for 75 lp/mm to convex Fresnel microlens with variable height. Finite element analysis was used to aid in the studies giving the sensitivity of numerical method adopted in terms of macroscale and microscale. In the end, the wear of edge cutting tool was investigated and found wear flank and formation of built up edge that was made up of chip particles of copper, witch were formed continuously with segmented structure lamellar. Hence, after numerous studies and analysis we can conclude that it is possible to construct µDOEs by means of mass production methods of injection molding taking care of process variables, part geometry and physical and chemical properties of material being replicated.

Os elementos ópticos difrativos representam um mercado em franco crescimento, da ordem de bilhões de dólares. Seu uso ostensivo está nos microeletrônicos, sistemas de iluminação, telecomunicações, equipamentos de segurança e outros. Por isso, esta tese teve como objetivo realizar investigação pública profunda no assunto. Insertos de cobre eletrolítico foram usados por proporcionar excelente acabamento superficial quando usinados com ferramenta de diamante monocristalino obtendo valores de Ra = 10,2 nm, Rq = 13,56 e Rt = 363,06 µm e para o aço inoxidável polido os resultados foram de Ra = 7,02 nm, Rq = 9,05 nm e Rt = 225,19 nm. As réplicas foram construídas em PMMA - DH ECL P com transmitância da luz avaliada em aproximadamente 90% em todo o espectro visível e infravermelho. Foram produzidos sete tipos de microelementos ópticos difrativos, baseados na geometria de Fresnel e nos arranjos de microlentes esféricas. Foi necessário desenvolver o código computacional denominado LF2010 para auxiliar a construção do projeto das microlentes anesféricas de Fresnel e calcular sua modulação de fase. Quatro processos determinísticos na fabricação dos µEODs foram usados: torneamento de ultraprecisão com ferramenta de diamante, microforjamento, microfresamento e a combinação dos dois últimos. O método estocástico de polimento foi usado para gerar acabamento óptico e compará-lo ao torneamento com SPDT. As análises metrológicas qualitativas e dimensionais foram conduzidas com o uso do MEV e da perfilometria óptica. No torneamento de ultraprecisão com ferramenta de diamante foi comprovada a presença do fenômeno conhecido como \"stick slip\" nos degraus da zona de Fresnel, corrigidos alterando-se o projeto. Para os arranjos de empacotamento completo os valores da rugosidade foram mais elevados em função da interatividade das lentes adjacentes do conjunto com \'fi\' = 100%, chegando até mesmo a causar microfraturas na estrutura das microlentes. Após sucessivos processos de calibragem, foram manufaturadas as réplicas pelas técnicas de termomoldagem e moldagem por injeção. Os resultados de replicação das microlentes mostraram que a razão de aspecto e a relação superfície/volume influenciaram significativamente na fidelidade de replicação das microlentes, sendo constatado que as lentes de Fresnel com altura variável possuem maior volume em relação às de altura constante e, consequentemente, melhor fidelidade na replicação. Na termomoldagem, as variações nas dimensões das cristas foram de nanômetros e a fidelidade no processo foi de aproximadamente 100% para todas as zonas de Fresnel. Nesta técnica, porém, os tempos de ciclos são até 40 vezes maiores que os da moldagem por injeção. As investigações paraxiais de FTM para a microlente de Fresnel com altura variável convexa foram de 85,2 % para 25 lp/mm, 67,5% para 50 lp/mm e 71,2% para 75 lp/mm. A simulação por elementos finitos foi usada para auxiliar nos estudos conferindo a sensibilidade do método de cálculo numérico do simulador nas escalas macroscópicas e microscópicas. No final, investigado o desgaste da aresta de corte da ferramenta, verificou-se o desgaste de flanco e a formação da APC, constituída de partículas do cavaco de cobre com formação lamelar. Conclui-se que é possível reproduzir diversos tipos de µEODs com métodos de produção em massa da moldagem por injeção tomando-se cuidado com as variáveis do processo, geometria da peça e propriedades físicas e químicas do material a ser replicado. / Diffractive optical elements represent a fast growing market, in order of billions dollars. Its use is employed in microelectronics, illumination systems, telecommunications, security devices, and others. For this reason, this thesis aimed to make depth public research in the subject. Electrolytic copper inserts were used for providing excellent surface finish when machined with monocrystalline diamond tool getting values of Ra = 10,2 nm, Rq = 13,56 e Rt = 363,06 µm, for the polished stainless steel the results were Ra = 7,02 nm, Rq = 9,05 nm e Rt = 225,19 nm. The replicas were built in PMMA - DH ECL P with light transmittance approximately 90% for visible and infrared spectrum. Seven types of diffractive optical microelements were produced, based in Fresnel geometry and spherical microlens array. For this, it was necessary to develop the computer code called LF2010 to support the construction design of aspheric Fresnel microlenses and calculate its phase transformation function. Four deterministic manufacturing processes of µDOEs were used: ultraprecision diamond turning, microforging, micromilling and the combination of the two last. Stochastic method of polishing was used to obtain mirror surface roughness and compare to SPDT. The qualitative analysis and dimensional metrology were conducted using MEV and optical profiling system respectively. In ultraprecision diamond turning has proved the presence of the phenomenon known as stick slip on the steps of Fresnel zone that was corrected by changing the design. For complete packaging arrays the roughness values were higher due the interaction of adjacent lenses of set with \'fi\' = 100% have even cause microfractures in the structure of microlenses. After successive calibration procedures in the manufacture of copper inserts, replicas were fabricated by techniques of hot emboss and injection molding. The results of microlenses replication showed that the aspect ratio and surface/volume ratio affected the fidelity replication of microlenses, and had been noted that the Fresnel lenses with variable height have higher volume in relation to constant height and consequently better fidelity in replication. Hot emboss process show little variations in the dimensions of the crests, in order of few nanometers, resulting a fidelity approximately 100% for all zones of Fresnel, however the cycle\'s technique are up to 40 times higher than injection molding. The paraxial FTM analysis shows 85,2% for 25 lp/mm, 67,5% for 50 lp/mm and 71,2% for 75 lp/mm to convex Fresnel microlens with variable height. Finite element analysis was used to aid in the studies giving the sensitivity of numerical method adopted in terms of macroscale and microscale. In the end, the wear of edge cutting tool was investigated and found wear flank and formation of built up edge that was made up of chip particles of copper, witch were formed continuously with segmented structure lamellar. Hence, after numerous studies and analysis we can conclude that it is possible to construct µDOEs by means of mass production methods of injection molding taking care of process variables, part geometry and physical and chemical properties of material being replicated.

Studies on women principals and leadership have been conducted in both developed and developing countries. Not much research on women leadership has been undertaken in Sekhukhune region in rural Limpopo, South Africa. The study’s interests were in the representation of women in leadership in this region. It sought to explore leadership experiences of women principals working in secondary schools in rural areas. In addition, the study sought to understand what led to their appointment, particularly in a deeply traditional and patriarchal society such as Sekhukhune region, considering both barriers as well as enhancers and how they impacted on their progress to principalship. Data were collected by means of qualitative methods; semi-structured interviews were held with six women principals from public schools only. Structured observation was also conducted during school visits, as well during interviews wherein field notes were also taken. School documents such as SGB and minute books, some policy documents, noticeboard documents, time-books, attendance registers were analysed. Existing literature on women and leadership was reviewed. Data collected was transcribed, analysed, interpreted, and findings were presented. Women principals spoke of their everyday work experiences within the context of sharing challenges and strengths in their careers. The study found out that women are their own motivators, which serves as a strong enhancer. However, women still face organisational barriers particularly in the selection procedures where gender discrimination is evident. Findings revealed that women principals continue to face myriad administrative and personal challenges when caring out their managerial duties. These include resistance from communities and staff often displayed by stereotypical attitudes and discrimination. In order to cope with some of the challenges, participants in this study innovatively employed various leadership styles such as care and nurturing, collaboration, androgyneity and spirituality. Stereotyping still exists as leadership is viewed from a male perspective. In conclusion, this study discovered that women principals displayed some values of liberal feminism in their leadership experiences; they demonstrated that they can do great things by taking part in the public sphere. / Educational Leadership and Management / M. Ed. (Educational Leadership and Management)

Philosophiae Doctor - PhD / Black South Africans have been exposed to an unequal and divided education system. It has been expected that the basis for an equitable education system would be laid in the post apartheid period. In this thesis I have provided an analysis of education policy development in South Africa between May 1994 and mid-1997. My main aim has been to understand the policy vision that the post apartheid state has enacted as the basis for educational reconstruction. The conceptual framework of this thesis is located in the academic fields of Education and Development and Policy Sociology. I have focused on the interaction between the broad delimitations set by the structural, economic and political dimensions in society on the one hand, and the political and policy dynamics that have given education policy its specific meaning on the other hand. The role of the government in enacting a specific policy vision has been at the centre of my analysis. The government has effected a conservative vision with the adoption of the Growth, Employment and Redistribution (GEAR) macroeconomic strategy. GEAR has targeted the development of an export-based global economy along post fordist lines. Predicated upon an emphasis on fiscal discipline, the dominant policy orientation has supported equity but without an emphasis on redress. This approach has not provided the necessary basis for education reconstruction. The National Qualifications Framework (NQF)and Outcomes-based education (OBE) embody a definite vision in terms of which education policy would be aligned with economic development. This vision is based on the false assumption that education should playa fundamental role in producing the sophisticated labour demands of a globally competitive economy. The logic of both GEAR and the NQF is internally inconsistent and the relationship between these two policy frameworks is unsustainable. By mid-1997 a definitive narrow and conservative education policy vision had been established which would impede the development of an equitable education system. Education policy 'narrowing' has not been achieved easily, nor has its outcome been inevitable. The specificity of the political context and policy processes has shaped the policy outcomes. A moderate constitutional dispensation has impeded the possibility of developing a radical policy vision. The semi-federal powers awarded to the provinces have led to inconqruence between national and provincial policy. Court challenges aimed at protecting historically acquired educational privileges, have been brought by conservative groups against national education legislation. The apartheid-era bureaucrats, whose jobs were protected by the negotiated constitution, have impeded the development of progressive policy. They brought the conservative policy reformism of the apartheid state into the new policy processes. The NQF has been developed on the basis of a policy consensus between labour and capital in support of skills training and upgrading of workers. Participation in policy processes has been determined 0[1 the basis of identified stakeholders This has given rise to a technicist policy approach that bas excluded many interest groups, academics and professional experts. Most teachers felt alienated by the curriculum policy process. Policy has been developed in a reconstituted civil society. The progressive education movement has been demobilised, and its place has been taken by a constellation of conservative forces who have used the moderate political climate to advance conservative policy interests. The government has had to make policy within a constrained political and policy environment. With regard to the main conceptual underpinning of this thesis, i.e. the relationship between equality and (economic) development, it is clear that the government has favoured the development dimension in pursuit of an education framework that would aid the generation of a globally competitive economy. Social equality has thus been sideline. I have advanced the view that where the government has reneged on the delivery of the social welfare and educational demands of an expectant polity, education policy has manifested as, means of compensatory legitimation at the symbolic level to 'signal', rather than give effect to real change. In my analysis of school access and school curriculum policy, I have suggested that policy has been limited to 'signalling' a commitment to a reconstructed and equitable education system. This has masked the conservative framework that has come to underpin education policy by mid-1997.