Les nouvelles avancées dans le domaine de la science des matériaux ont engendré l’apparition de nouvelles problématiques notamment concernant leurs perçages. Dans le cas des structures aéronautiques, l’opération de perçage des panneaux multi-matériaux CFRP/aluminium se situe juste avant l’assemblage final. Les pièces percées ont donc une forte valeur ajoutée. L’intérêt de pouvoir prédire le moment où la qualité du perçage s’approche des bornes des spécifications prend alors tout son sens. La mise en place d’un modèle expérimental multi-matériaux par les réseaux de neurones permet prédire la qualité du perçage réalisé pour une séquence d’empilement donnée. En utilisant une démarche similaire, un système de surveillance hors ligne du perçage multi-matériaux a été établi. Deux méthodes ont été développées : la méthode générale permettant de s’adapter à un grand nombre d’empilement et la méthode spécifique, plus précise, mais dont le domaine de validité se cantonne à une seul séquence. / New advances in the field of materials science have led to the emergence of new issues particularly concerning their holes. In the case of aeronautical structures, the drilling of multi-material panels CFRP / aluminum is just before final assembly. Pierced parts thus have a high added value. The interest can predict when the quality of the hole approaches the limits of the specifications takes a lot of sense. The establishment of an experimental model multi-materials by neural networks can predict the quality of the hole made for a given stacking sequence.Using a similar approach, a monitoring system offline drilling multi-materials has been established. Two methods have been developed: the general method to adapt to a large number of stacking and specific method, more accurate, but the range of validity is confined to a single sequence.

Complex systems can be divided into simpler substructures. Determining the properties of each subcomponent by experimental procedures is practical and can serve to verify or calibrate finite element models. In this work, an existing model of a wind turbine blade was improved by use of experimental data. Such a blade is a subpart of a complete wind turbine. For calibration purpose, several material tests were made in order to determine the stiffness and mass properties. Later on, vibration tests of the blades were conducted and compared with simulation results of the improved model. Geometry variability within sets of blades was also studied. The blade twist angles and the center of gravity positions were found to vary moderately, which accounts for differences in blades’ dynamic behavior. Correlations between experimental data and analytical model results were very high for the first eight modeshapes. That is, according to the Model Assurance Criterion the calibrated model achieves a high-quality representation of reality. However, torsional modes in the computer model occur at a higher frequency than the experimental ones. Substructuring of the turbine allows the blades to be modeled and validated independently of the other substructures and can later be incorporated into a complete model of the turbine.

The failed anchoring systems of mobile offshore drilling units from hurricanes occurring in 2004 and 2005 established a need to better understand the ultimate pullout capacity and trajectory of scaled model anchors under typical and out-of-plane loading conditions. The six degrees of freedom of small scale drag embedment anchors were studied in a laboratory testing environment with the intent that reasonable trends in anchor behavior will be found. Investigations within this experimental research program demonstrated the in-plane and out-of-plane loading behavior of conventional and prototype scaled model anchors embedded to predetermined depths in two different test beds of kaolinite clay with undrained shear strength profiles constant and increasing with depth. The anchors were loaded to failure in concentric, normal, concentric, shear, eccentric, normal, eccentric, shear, inclined, and drag embedment loading configurations. This series of pullout and drag embedment tests provided a suite of test results indicating behavioral trends of the varying holding capacities and anchor trajectories. Results were compared with similar research presented in the literature and an analytical model predicting out-of-plane loading behavior of similar anchors. It was concluded that increasing eccentricities from both concentric, normal and concentric, shear loading configurations resulted in decreasing bearing capacity factors, confirming the predicted trend from the analytical model for these loading configurations. Trajectories observed for the concentric, normal, concentric, shear, and eccentric, shear loading configurations showed that the anchors tracked straight out of the soil without deviation, but eccentric, normal loading found the anchor tending to track away from the initial loading location. For inclined loads, both anchors to track to whichever direction the anchor faced upon loading. Drag embedment trajectory was found to vary depending on the anchor, as the conventional anchor dove with an applied load and the prototype anchor rose towards the surface. / text

Nowadays, components made of metallic materials are increasingly being replaced by components made of plastics or composites with a polymer matrix. This is associated with the issue of production processes such as pressing or welding, i.e. the influence of process parameters on the output properties of the product. The presented thesis deals with the issue of the combination of pressing and welding of a composite part, specifically the influence of the pressing overlap on the strength and tightness of the welded joint. The first part is focused on a search of available literature related to the problem. The second part deals with solving the problem using experimental modeling. Part of this chapter is inclusion of computational modeling in the design of experiment, detailed measurement of essential dimensions, microtome analysis and statistical processing and evaluation. The third part focuses on the creation of a method for evaluating the strength of the weld based on the pressing overlap using computational modeling. Essential part is also validation of the computational model based on previous experimental measurements. Finally, two methods for evaluation of the weld strength are presented. The first works on the basis of computational modeling and the second on the basis of experimental modeling. At the same time, the presumptions of usage of the created methods and their drawbacks are pointed out. Furthermore, the possibilities of their implementation in the initial design of the welded joint and the proposal for the next procedure are described.

Those who frequent the coastline may be accustomed to seeing driftwood washed onshore, some of it having seemingly found a home there for many years, others having been freshly deposited during the last set of storms; However, if a passerby were to take a closer look at the driftwood on the coastline, they may notice that some of these logs – also known as Large Woody Debris (LWD) – are anchored in place, a practice which is generally used for the purpose of stabilizing the shoreline or reducing wave-induced flooding. Records of existing anchored LWD project sites date back to 1997 and anecdotal evidence suggests that the technique has been used since the mid-1900’s in coastal British Columbia (BC), Canada, and Washington State, USA. Now, with an increased demand for natural and nature-based solutions, the technique is again gaining popularity. Despite this, the design of anchored LWD has largely been based on anecdotal observations and experience, as well as a continuity of design practices from the river engineering field. To date, there is no known peer-reviewed literature on the design or efficacy of LWD protection systems in a coastal environment. In 2019, the “Efficacy and Design of Coastal Protection using Large Woody Debris” research project was initiated to determine if LWD are effective at stabilizing the shoreline under wave action, if they are effective at reducing wave run-up, and if they are durable enough to meet engineering requirements for shore protection. In addition, the project aimed to determine the optimum configuration of LWD for design purposes. To meet these objectives, this study included the following work: (1) field studies of existing LWD installations, (2) experimental modeling of beach morphology with and without LWD structures, (3) experimental modeling of wave run-up with and without LWD structures, and (4) development of preliminary design guidance. The first phase of the project included field investigations at 15 existing anchored LWD sites in coastal BC and Washington State. Site characteristics, design techniques, and durability indicators were examined and correlated to a new design life parameter: ‘Effective Life’. Six primary installation techniques were observed: Single, Multiple, Benched, Stacked, Matrix, and Groyne. Observed durability and/or performance issues included: missing LWD, erosion, arson, wood decay, and anchor corrosion/damage. The Effective Life of anchored LWD was found to be strongly correlated to the tidal range and the upper beach slope for all installation types, and the LWD placement elevation relative to the beach crest elevation for single, shore-parallel structures. The many noted durability issues and ineffectiveness as mitigating erosion indicates that existing design methods for anchored LWD have not generally been effective at providing coastal protection and meeting engineering design life requirements. A comprehensive set of over 60 experimental tests were completed as part of the overall research program. Thirty-two (32) tests were analyzed as part of this study relating to the morphological response of a gravel beach with and without various LWD configurations. The tests were conducted within a wave flume at the National Research Council’s Ocean, Coastal and River Engineering Research Centre (NRC-OCRE), at a large scale (5:1) based on site characteristics and LWD design characteristics made during the previous field investigations. Tests were also conducted to assess experiment repeatability, sensitivity to test duration, sensitivity to wave height, wave period, and relative water level, influence of regular waves, and influence of log roughness. The position of the most seaward LWD (whether considering distance or elevation) was found to be strongly linked to morphological response. A theoretical relationship was developed between LWD elevation and sediment volume change. Configurations which included LWD placement below the still water level, such as the Benched configuration, were found to be most effective at stabilizing the beach profile. As part of the experimental modeling program, 24 tests were also conducted for the purpose of estimating the effect of LWD design configuration on wave run-up. In total, six different beach and LWD configurations were tested under a base set of four regular wave conditions. The study findings indicated that anchored LWD may increase wave run-up relative to a gravel beach with no structures. In particular, configurations with more logs tended to result in higher wave run-up. However, additional research is needed on the effect of LWD on wave run-up to confirm and expand these findings. There are a number of potential engineering, ecological, social, and economic benefits associated with anchored LWD installations if designed, installed, and monitored appropriately for the site conditions and user needs. To realize these potential benefits, significant additional research is needed on the topic. One of the most significant barriers to usage is a lack of information on how to effectively anchor LWD structures. However, this research project provides a baseline for future comprehensive studies on the effect and design of coastal protection using LWD. The project provides preliminary design considerations for the usage of LWD as coastal protection and contributes to the growing body of literature on nature-based solutions.

Dissertation summarizes the results of computational and experimental modeling in the field of biomechanics engineering. Analyses are focused on selected variables that complement or can supplement existing methods of prediction of bone fractures. In terms of computational modeling the variables are based on stress strain analysis. The greater part of the work has been aimed on experimental modeling which is used for monitoring the two dominant components of bone tissue, which are minerals and collagen fibers. The current most widely used variable for the description of bone loss (osteopenia, osteoporosis) is areal bone mineral density (BMD). This variable does not however provide any information about the change in total volume consequently change of mineral and collagen. Proposed mechanical values follow the loss of the two components during simulation of minerals loss (demineralization) and simulation of collagen loss (deproteinization) in vitro for long turkey bones

Ces travaux de thèse s’inscrivent dans le cadre du projet ANR HUMIBATex « Comment prédire les désordres causés par l’humidité ? Quelles solutions techniques pour rénover le bâti existant ? » (2012-2016). Elle traite de la modélisation numérique et expérimentale des transferts couplés hydro-thermo-aérauliques à différentes échelles : matériau, paroi et ambiance de bâtiment. Sur le plan théorique, un modèle phénoménologique des transferts couplés de chaleur, d’air et d’humidité à travers les enveloppes de bâtiments (HAM) a été élaboré. Après la phase de validation (confrontation avec des solutions analytiques et des résultats expérimentaux), ce modèle a été implémenté avec confiance dans un code de simulation thermique dynamique du bâtiment (BES). Ceci a permis, ainsi, de développer une plateforme de co-simulation HAM-BES. Grâce à l’outil mis en œuvre, les comportements hygrothermiques de la paroi et de l’ambiance habitable des bâtiments ont été prédits finement. Deux cas d’études ont été entrepris. Le premier avait pour but de mettre en évidence l’impact des transferts hygrothermiques sur la prédiction des consommations énergétiques. Le deuxième cas d’étude a été dédié à l’étude de l’efficacité de différentes stratégies de ventilation (extraction ou insufflation) sur le contrôle et la diminution des risques d’apparition de désordres liés à l’humidité au niveau des bâtiments résidentiels. Sur le plan expérimental, une campagne de caractérisation des propriétés physiques, hydriques et thermophysiques des matériaux de construction a été effectuée. Cette campagne expérimentale s’est focalisée sur l’analyse de l’impact de l’état thermique et hydrique du matériau sur les valeurs des propriétés hygrothermiques. Dans un autre travail expérimental, des dispositifs expérimentaux, à petite échelle mais également à l’échelle de la paroi, ont été conçus au laboratoire dans le but d’étudier la réponse hygrothermique des enveloppes de bâtiment ainsi que valider la plateforme de co-simulation dynamique HAM-BES. La confrontation des résultats a montré une bonne concordance entre la résolution numérique et les mesures expérimentales. Les résultats obtenus dans le cadre de ce travail de thèse ont mis en exergue l’influence d’une modélisation fine des transferts couplés de chaleur, d’air et d’humidité, à la fois sur la prédiction du comportement hygrothermique des ambiances habitables mais aussi sur le calcul des besoins énergétiques des bâtiments. / The present PhD thesis work is conducted in the framework of the National Program ANR HUMIBATex Project « How to predict the disorders caused by moisture? What technical solutions to renovate the existing buildings? ». It deals with the numerical and experimental modeling of a coupled heat, air and moisture transfers at different scales: material, envelope and building ambience. In the theoretical part, based on expression of heat and moisture (vapor, liquid and air) balances equations, a phenomenological model describing the coupled heat, air and moisture transfer (HAM) through the wall has been developed. After validation stage (comparison with experimental results and analytical solution), the model has been implemented with confidence in a building energy simulation code (BES). Using this HAM-BES dynamic co-simulation tool, the hygrothermal behavior of the wall and indoor air of buildings were predicted finely. Two cases studies have been undertaken. The aim of the first one was to highlight the impact of hydrothermal transfers on the prediction of building energy consumption. However, the second case study was devoted to study efficiency of different ventilation strategies (extracting or insufflation) on the control and reduction of disorders caused by moisture in residential buildings. In the experimental part, a characterization campaign of physical, hydric and thermophysical properties of construction materials has been carried out. This experimental campaign has been focused on analyzing of the impact of thermal and hydric state of the construction material on the hygrothermal properties values. In another work, several experimental devices, at small-scale and wall scale, were designed in the laboratory to study the hygrothermal response of different building envelopes configuration and validate the developed HAM-BES dynamic co-simulation platform. Results of confrontation have showed good agreement between the numerical solution and experimental measurements.The obtained results in the framework of this PhD thesis have highlighted the influence of a detailed modeling of coupled heat air and moisture transfer through the wall on the hygrothermal behavior prediction of the indoor air, on assessment of pathology indicators and on the evaluation of the buildings energy loads.

The main objective of this study was to investigate and quantify the impact of extreme hydrodynamic forces, similar to those generated by tsunami-induced inundation, on structural elements. As part of a comprehensive experimental program and analytical study, pressures, base shear forces, and base overturning moments generated by hydraulic bores on structural models of various shapes were studied. In addition, the impact force induced by waterborne wooden debris of different shapes and masses on the structural models was also investigated. Two structural models, one with circular and the other with square cross-section, were installed individually downstream of a dam-break wave in a high-discharge flume. Three impounding water heights (550, 850 and 1150 mm) were used to produce dam-break waves, which have been shown to be analogous to tsunami-induced coastal inundation in the form of highly turbulent hydraulic bores. Time-history responses of the structural models were recorded, including: pressures, base shear forces, base overturning moments, lateral displacements, and accelerations. In addition, the flow depth-time histories were recorded at various locations along the length of the flume. Regular and high-speed video cameras were used to monitor the bore-structure interaction. The effect of initial flume bed condition (“wet” or “dry” bed) on the forces and pressures exerted on the structural models were also investigated. Moreover, the vertical distribution of pressure around the models was captured. Simple low-height walls with various geometries were installed upstream from the structural models to investigate their efficiency as tsunami mitigation measures. The experimentally recorded data were compared with those estimated from currently available formulations. The results and analysis of the simulated tsunami-induced bore presented in this study will be of significant use to better estimate forces exerted on structures by tsunami-induced turbulent bores. It is expected that this work will contribute to the new ASCE7 Chapter 6 - Tsunami Loads and Effects in which two of this author’s academic supervisors, Drs. Ioan Nistor and Dan Palermo, are members.

[pt] Sistemas pneumáticos são equipamentos leves, baratos, limpos e de baixo risco, sendo apropriados para aplicações que necessitem de força e rapidez de resposta. Por outro lado, esse tipo de sistema apresenta restrições devido à principal característica do ar: sua compressibilidade confere efeitos não lineares ao sistema, desde um escoamento turbulento pelas válvulas de controle até sua atuação dentro do cilindro – a qual inclui alta sensibilidade ao atrito e volumes inativos durante o curso do pistão. Essas características particulares dificultam seu controle e posicionamento preciso e limitam sua aplicação, principalmente considerando seu emprego em um mecanismo tipo Plataforma de Stewart em escala reduzida. No presente trabalho apresenta-se a modelagem, simulação computacional e análise experimental do comportamento dinâmico de um sistema de atuação pneumático que inclui uma válvula de controle de vazão não convencional, composta de quatro válvulas proporcionais, e um atuador com haste simples de dupla ação. O objetivo deste trabalho é, baseado nos resultados experimentais, determinar as características desses componentes para desenvolver estratégias de controle em tempo real capazes de minimizar os efeitos das não linearidades típicas, visando sua utilização no mecanismo anteriormente mencionado. / [en] Pneumatic equipment is lightweight, cheap, clean and low-risk, being suitable for applications that require strength and high responsiveness. Nevertheless, this type of system has some limitations due to the air main feature: its compressibility results in nonlinear effects in the system, from the turbulent flow control valves to its performance inside the cylinder - which includes high sensitivity to friction and dead volumes during the stroke piston. These particular characteristics make its control and precise positioning difficult, limiting its application, especially when considered its use in a mechanism such as a Stewart Platform in a reduced scale. The present paper presents the modeling, computational simulation and experimental analysis of the dynamic behavior of a pneumatic actuation system that includes an unconventional flow control valve, consisting of four proportional valves, and a double acting single rod actuator. The final goal of this work is to, based on experimental results, determine the characteristics of these components in order to develop real-time control strategies which can minimize the effects of those typical nonlinearities for their use in the mechanism mentioned above.