abstract: Composite materials are now beginning to provide uses hitherto reserved for metals in structural systems such as airframes and engine containment systems, wraps for repair and rehabilitation, and ballistic/blast mitigation systems. These structural systems are often subjected to impact loads and there is a pressing need for accurate prediction of deformation, damage and failure. There are numerous material models that have been developed to analyze the dynamic impact response of polymer matrix composites. However, there are key features that are missing in those models that prevent them from providing accurate predictive capabilities. In this dissertation, a general purpose orthotropic elasto-plastic computational constitutive material model has been developed to predict the response of composites subjected to high velocity impacts. The constitutive model is divided into three components – deformation model, damage model and failure model, with failure to be added at a later date. The deformation model generalizes the Tsai-Wu failure criteria and extends it using a strain-hardening-based orthotropic yield function with a non-associative flow rule. A strain equivalent formulation is utilized in the damage model that permits plastic and damage calculations to be uncoupled and capture the nonlinear unloading and local softening of the stress-strain response. A diagonal damage tensor is defined to account for the directionally dependent variation of damage. However, in composites it has been found that loading in one direction can lead to damage in multiple coordinate directions. To account for this phenomena, the terms in the damage matrix are semi-coupled such that the damage in a particular coordinate direction is a function of the stresses and plastic strains in all of the coordinate directions. The overall framework is driven by experimental tabulated temperature and rate-dependent stress-strain data as well as data that characterizes the damage matrix and failure. The developed theory has been implemented in a commercial explicit finite element analysis code, LS-DYNA®, as MAT213. Several verification and validation tests using a commonly available carbon-fiber composite, Toyobo’s T800/F3900, have been carried and the results show that the theory and implementation are efficient, robust and accurate. / Dissertation/Thesis / Doctoral Dissertation Civil and Environmental Engineering 2016

abstract: In material science, microstructure plays a key role in determining properties, which further determine utility of the material. However, effectively measuring microstructure evolution in real time remains an challenge. To date, a wide range of advanced experimental techniques have been developed and applied to characterize material microstructure and structural evolution on different length and time scales. Most of these methods can only resolve 2D structural features within a narrow range of length scale and for a single or a series of snapshots. The currently available 3D microstructure characterization techniques are usually destructive and require slicing and polishing the samples each time a picture is taken. Simulation methods, on the other hand, are cheap, sample-free and versatile without the special necessity of taking care of the physical limitations, such as extreme temperature or pressure, which are prominent issues for experimental methods. Yet the majority of simulation methods are limited to specific circumstances, for example, first principle computation can only handle several thousands of atoms, molecular dynamics can only efficiently simulate a few seconds of evolution of a system with several millions particles, and finite element method can only be used in continuous medium, etc. Such limitations make these individual methods far from satisfaction to simulate macroscopic processes that a material sample undergoes up to experimental level accuracy. Therefore, it is highly desirable to develop a framework that integrate different simulation schemes from various scales to model complicated microstructure evolution and corresponding properties. Guided by such an objective, we have made our efforts towards incorporating a collection of simulation methods, including finite element method (FEM), cellular automata (CA), kinetic Monte Carlo (kMC), stochastic reconstruction method, Discrete Element Method (DEM), etc, to generate an integrated computational material engineering platform (ICMEP), which could enable us to effectively model microstructure evolution and use the simulated microstructure to do subsequent performance analysis. In this thesis, we will introduce some cases of building coupled modeling schemes and present the preliminary results in solid-state sintering. For example, we use coupled DEM and kinetic Monte Carlo method to simulate solid state sintering, and use coupled FEM and cellular automata method to model microstrucutre evolution during selective laser sintering of titanium alloy. Current results indicate that joining models from different length and time scales is fruitful in terms of understanding and describing microstructure evolution of a macroscopic physical process from various perspectives. / Dissertation/Thesis / Doctoral Dissertation Materials Science and Engineering 2018

The Wheel Hub of a rallycross car is analysed to reduce the unsprung mass of the car. The problem statement is to mainly focus on the unsprung mass related to the suspension, and more specifically on the Wheel Hub. One of the objectives of the suspension system of a car is to damping the movement of the car. This is an important area when designing a vehicle, and especially a race car due to the extreme conditions that may result in reduced traction and loose of confidence for the driver. A theoretical model is performed to demonstrate the importance of a low unsprung mass and to illustrate how it affects the vehicle-handling. A process to evaluate the current Wheel Hub and decision to re-design the Wheel Hub is performed, and the parts are analysed using the Finite Element Method to verify the design and material selection. Vehicle dynamics of the car is analysed to calculate the acting forces. Optimization of the design is performed by using Computer Aided Engineering. The re-designed Wheel Hub presented as the result of this project with a Brake Disk Adapter integrated in Hub. This design reduces the number of parts, and the unsprung mass up to 25% without any effects on suspension geometry or other parts of the car.

Orientador: Marco Antonio Bottino / C0-orientador : Alvaro Della Bona / Banca: Luiz Felipe Valandro / Banca: Renata Marques de Melo Marinho / Banca: Ricardo Marins de Carvalho / Banca : Dolores Ribeiro Ricci Lazar / Resumo: Neste estudo avaliou-se a influência da espessura oclusal do cimento e de sua união à cerâmica na resistência à fratura de coroas CAD/CAM. O software COMSOL Multiphysics® foi utilizado para análise de elementos finitos (AEF) em modelos axi-simétricos bidimensionais de coroas de cerâmica vítrea estilizadas, com espessura oclusal de 1,5 mm, cimentadas à troqueis de material análogo à dentina quanto ao módulo elástico e potencial de união à resina composta (NEMA G-10 International Paper, USA). Variou-se as espessuras oclusais de cimento resinoso de 50 a 500 μm. Uma carga de 500 N foi aplicada com um pistão de extremidade circular plana (2 mm de diâmetro) sobre as coroas. A contração de polimerização do cimento foi simulada através de contração térmica. O contato entre cimento e cerâmica foi configurado para "união" e "ausência de união". O contato cimento-troquel foi sempre do tipo "união". As tensões dadas pela AEF foram utilizadas para o cálculo de cargas para fratura, levando-se em conta os efeitos deletérios da usinagem e do condicionamento ácido relatados na literatura. As coroas (Mark II, Vita Zhanfabrik, Germany) foram usinadas (CEREC InLab, Sirona, Germany), condicionadas e cimentadas (Multilink Automix, Ivoclar, Lietchstein) à troqueis de NEMA G-10 (n=6). Para a produção de corpos-de-prova na condição "ausência de união", aplicou-se uma fina película de poli(dimetilsiloxano) 30,000 cSt na superfície interna das coroas. As coroas foram submetidas à carregamento de 5N/s, com pistão de NEMA G-10, de extremidade plana e 2 mm de diâmetro. As fraturas radiais foram detectadas por sensor acústico. A magnitude das tensões resultantes da contração de polimerização dependeram da condição de união à cerâmica e da espessura oclusal de cimento. As cargas médias para fratura (N) de coroas com "união" ao cimento foram... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: In this study the influence of the occlusal cement thickness and its bonding to ceramic on the stresses and failure-loads of CAD/CAM crowns were evaluated. The software used for finite element analysis (FEA) was COMSOL Multiphysics®. Bi-dimensional axially symmetric models simulated stylized feldspathic crowns (1.5 mm occlusal thickness) with resin cement layers of 50 μm, 100 μm, 300 μm and 500 μm on dentin analog (NEMA G-10, International Paper, USA) under 500 N loading (2 mm diameter piston). Polymerization shrinkage of the cement layer was simulated as thermal contraction. Ceramic-cement interface was either bonded or not; cement-dentin was always bonded. Stress data were used for load-to-fracture predictions, using literature strengths accounting for milling and acid etching. Mark II® (Vita Zahnfabrik) crowns were milled (Cerec InLab®, Sirona), etched and cemented (Multilink Automix®, Ivoclar) to dentin analogs (NEMA G-10) (n=6). Non-bonding was achieved by applying a thin layer of 30,000 cSt poly(dimethylsiloxane) on the internal surface of the crowns. Crowns were loaded (5N/s) beneath a 2mm flat G-10 piston and radial cracks were detected acoustically. Stress magnitude resulting after cement shrinkage and loading depended on the bonding condition and on the cement thickness. Average failure loads (N) of bonded crowns were: 673.5 N for 50μm-cement thickness and 300.6 N for 500 μm. For non-bonded crowns, failure loads were 308,3 N, for 50 μm cement thickness and 233,3 N, for 500 μm. Bonded crowns presented failure loads at least two times higher than non-bonded, for 50 μm cement thickness, both experimentally and by FEA-based predictions. The benefit of bonding was lost when the cement was thicker than 500 μm. The resistance to fracture decreased with the cement thickness. Calculated loads based on FEA stresses and experimental data were comparable for the evaluate... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Doutor

Orientador: Renato Sussumu Nishioka / Banca: Alexandre Luiz Souto Borges / Banca: Francisley Ávila Souza / Resumo: Este trabalho buscou estudar as microdeformações geradas ao redor de implantes de hexágono externo durante carregamentos axiais e não axiais, variando-se a angulação dos implantes, utilizando a análise por elementos finitos e a extensometria linear como ferramentas. Inicialmente modelos 3D de diferentes próteses fixas foram construídos a fim de se permitir uma correlação dos resultados encontrados no modelo simplificado com o modelo anatômico e assim validar a geometria da prótese utilizada no estudo. Após a confirmação dos resultados de tensão similar entre as próteses na região dos implantes e do bloco, o modelo da prótese simplificada foi definida como válida. Em seguida, um modelo de bloco de poliuretano foi criado e duplicado. Implantes com conexão de hexágono externo (HE) foram modelados e em um bloco representados perpendiculares à superfície enquanto que em outro bloco foram colocados com inclinação de 17°. Foram modelados também intermediários do tipo mini pilar cônico retos e angulados conforme a inclinação dos implantes. Por último, foi utilizado o modelo de supraestrutura previamente validada para ambos os grupos, na qual a carga foi incidida. Todos os constituintes foram considerados perfeitamente simétricos, sólidos, isotrópicos. Os modelos receberam cargas de 300 N/cm em pontos axiais e não axiais através do software de análise por elementos finitos para se verificar a tensão máxima principal e as microdeformações. Em seguida, através da análise experimental de... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract:This Work aimed to study the microstrains generated around external hexagon implants during axial and non-axial loads, varying the angulation of the implants, using finite element analysis and linear strain gauge as tools. Initially 3D models of different fixed prostheses were constructed in order to allow a correlation of the results found in the simplified model with the anatomical model and thus validate the geometry of the prosthesis used in the study. After confirming the results of similar stress between the prostheses in the implants and the block region, the simplified prosthesis was defined as valid. After, a polyurethane block model was created and duplicated. Implants with external hexagon connection (HE) were modeled and inserted perpendiculary into one block while in another block, were placed with the inclination of 17 °. Straight and angled mini conical abutments were also modeled according to the inclination of the implants. Finally, the supra-structure previously validated for both groups was used, through which the load was affected. All constituents were considered perfectly symmetrical, solid, and isotropic. The models received a load of 300 N / cm in axial and non-axial points through the finite element analysis software, to verify the maximum principal stress and microstrains. Then, through the experimental analysis of strain-gauge, two polyurethane blocks were prepared and received three HE implants each, as well as respective mini tapered pillars according to the inclination of the installed implants. Then, a metallic superstructure, identical to the computational model, was cast in Ni-Cr and screwed onto the implants with torque of 10 N / cm. The load of 300 N / cm was applied for 10 seconds at axial and non-axial points. To measure the microstrains, four extensometers were glued on the surface of....(Resumo completo, clicar a acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Mestre

Orientador: José Roberto Cury Saad / Banca: Pedro Yoshito Noritomi / Banca: Edson Alves de Campos / Resumo: O Método de Elementos Finitos (MEF) constitui-se de uma ferramenta de amplo uso que permite, em computador, simular condições específicas em um material e determinar sua resposta para essas condições. O MEF pode ser utilizado em diversas áreas das ciências e, devido à sua grande aplicabilidade e eficiência, trabalhos com esta metodologia têm sido realizados nas diversas especialidades odontológicas, quando se deseja analisar comportamento mecânico. O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar a resistência à flexão de resinas compostas "in vitro", suas propriedades mecânicas e comprovar a aplicabilidade do Método dos Elementos Finitos nas mesmas. As resinas compostas selecionadas para esse trabalho foram: Nano-híbrida (Tetric NCeram - Ivoclar Vivadent), Nanoparticulada (Filtek Z350 - 3M Espe) e Microparticulada (Heliomolar - Ivoclar Vivadent). A primeira etapa do trabalho foi a execução do ensaio de resistêcia à flexão segundo a norma ISO no 4049:1988 no qual os corpos de prova foram confeccionados usando uma matriz metálica. O material restaurador foi inserido e acomodado na cavidade da matriz até o preenchimento com mínimo excesso. Após o preenchimento da matriz, a resina composta foi fotoativada. Após a fotopolimerização, o corpo de prova permaneceu em repouso, para em seguida, ser cuidadosamente separado da matriz e imerso em água destilada e em seguida polido. Posteriormente, foram armazenados em água destilada, à temperatura de 37oC, por 24 horas. Os espécimes foram retirados da água, secos, e suas dimensões verificadas e inseridas na fórmula para o cálculo da resistência à flexão. Então, o teste de resistência à flexão foi executado. A segunda etapa do trabalho consistiu em determinar as propriedades mecânicas: coeficiente de Poisson e módulo de Young (módulo de elasticidade) dessas resinas compostas segundo a norma... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: The Finite Element Method (FEM) consists of a tool of ample use that allows, in computer, to simulate specific conditions in a material and to determine their behavior for these conditions. The FEM can be used in various fields of sciences and, because of its wide applicability and efficiency, works with this methodology have been conducted in various dental specialties, when we want to analyze mechanical behavior. The aim of this study was to determine the flexural strength of composite resins in vitro, their mechanical properties and prove the applicability of the Finite Element Method in them. The composite resins were selected for this work were: Nano-hybrid (Tetric N-Ceram - Ivoclar Vivadent), nanoparticulated (Filtek Z350 - 3M Espe) and microparticulated (Heliomolar - Ivoclar Vivadent). The first stage of this work was the flexural strenght test according to ISO 4049:1988 where the specimens were prepared using a metal matrix. The restorative material was inserted and accommodated in the cavity of the matrix filling it with minimal excess. After filling the matrix, the composite was light cured. After curing, the specimen remained at rest, to then be carefully separated from the matrix and immersed in distilled water and then polished. Were subsequently stored in distilled water at a temperature of 37oC for 24 hours. The specimens were removed from water, dried, and its dimensions recorded and entered into the formula for calculating the flexural strength. Then, the test was performed. The second stage of the study was to determine the mechanical properties: Poisson's Ratio and Young's Modulus (Modulus of Elasticity) of these composites according to ASTM D638 - 01, where the specimens were prepared using a matrix and the material cured subjected to the test in a tensile testing machine. The third stage of this work was to generate a CAD model with the mechanical properties:... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Mestre

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:24:08Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2010-08-04Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T20:31:08Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 piccioni_marv_me_arafo.pdf: 3029989 bytes, checksum: fefc5b2c8df5ca74c8c18b8ed92b7132 (MD5) / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) / O Método de Elementos Finitos (MEF) constitui-se de uma ferramenta de amplo uso que permite, em computador, simular condições específicas em um material e determinar sua resposta para essas condições. O MEF pode ser utilizado em diversas áreas das ciências e, devido à sua grande aplicabilidade e eficiência, trabalhos com esta metodologia têm sido realizados nas diversas especialidades odontológicas, quando se deseja analisar comportamento mecânico. O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar a resistência à flexão de resinas compostas “in vitro”, suas propriedades mecânicas e comprovar a aplicabilidade do Método dos Elementos Finitos nas mesmas. As resinas compostas selecionadas para esse trabalho foram: Nano-híbrida (Tetric NCeram - Ivoclar Vivadent), Nanoparticulada (Filtek Z350 – 3M Espe) e Microparticulada (Heliomolar – Ivoclar Vivadent). A primeira etapa do trabalho foi a execução do ensaio de resistêcia à flexão segundo a norma ISO no 4049:1988 no qual os corpos de prova foram confeccionados usando uma matriz metálica. O material restaurador foi inserido e acomodado na cavidade da matriz até o preenchimento com mínimo excesso. Após o preenchimento da matriz, a resina composta foi fotoativada. Após a fotopolimerização, o corpo de prova permaneceu em repouso, para em seguida, ser cuidadosamente separado da matriz e imerso em água destilada e em seguida polido. Posteriormente, foram armazenados em água destilada, à temperatura de 37oC, por 24 horas. Os espécimes foram retirados da água, secos, e suas dimensões verificadas e inseridas na fórmula para o cálculo da resistência à flexão. Então, o teste de resistência à flexão foi executado. A segunda etapa do trabalho consistiu em determinar as propriedades mecânicas: coeficiente de Poisson e módulo de Young (módulo de elasticidade) dessas resinas compostas segundo a norma... / The Finite Element Method (FEM) consists of a tool of ample use that allows, in computer, to simulate specific conditions in a material and to determine their behavior for these conditions. The FEM can be used in various fields of sciences and, because of its wide applicability and efficiency, works with this methodology have been conducted in various dental specialties, when we want to analyze mechanical behavior. The aim of this study was to determine the flexural strength of composite resins in vitro, their mechanical properties and prove the applicability of the Finite Element Method in them. The composite resins were selected for this work were: Nano-hybrid (Tetric N-Ceram - Ivoclar Vivadent), nanoparticulated (Filtek Z350 - 3M Espe) and microparticulated (Heliomolar - Ivoclar Vivadent). The first stage of this work was the flexural strenght test according to ISO 4049:1988 where the specimens were prepared using a metal matrix. The restorative material was inserted and accommodated in the cavity of the matrix filling it with minimal excess. After filling the matrix, the composite was light cured. After curing, the specimen remained at rest, to then be carefully separated from the matrix and immersed in distilled water and then polished. Were subsequently stored in distilled water at a temperature of 37oC for 24 hours. The specimens were removed from water, dried, and its dimensions recorded and entered into the formula for calculating the flexural strength. Then, the test was performed. The second stage of the study was to determine the mechanical properties: Poisson's Ratio and Young's Modulus (Modulus of Elasticity) of these composites according to ASTM D638 - 01, where the specimens were prepared using a matrix and the material cured subjected to the test in a tensile testing machine. The third stage of this work was to generate a CAD model with the mechanical properties:... (Complete abstract click electronic access below)

Resumo: Introdução: Embora os sistemas adesivos autocondicionantes se caracterizem por desmineralizar e infiltrar a dentina simultaneamente, a presença de dentina alterada abaixo da camada híbrida tem sido reportada, sugerindo comportamento mecânico distinto. Proposição: Avaliar por meio do método dos elementos finitos tridimensional a influência da espessura da dentina parcialmente alterada no comportamento micromecânico de dois sistemas adesivos autocondicionantes. Materiais e Métodos: Foram elaborados 5 micro-modelos (M) simulando a interface dentina/adesivo (d/a) (82x41x41 μm), sendo: M1-representação da interface d/a baseada em sistema adesivo convencional de 2 passos; M2-representação de um sistema adesivo autocondicionante de 2 passos. Nos M3, M4 e M5 representação de um sistema adesivo autocondicionante de 1 passo, variando a espessura da camada de dentina parcialmente alterada em 0, 1,5 e 3 μm, respectivamente. Os modelos foram considerados isotrópicos, homogêneos e linearmente elásticos. A base de todos os modelos foi fixada nos eixos x, y e z, sendo aplicado um carregamento em tração (90º; 0,03 N) na face superior da resina composta. A análise numérica foi realizada para a obtenção da tensão principal máxima ( max). Resultados: o pico da max (MPa) foi encontrada no M5 (79,5), seguido do M4 (78,0) e do M3 (70). O topo dos tags foi o local mais solicitado em todos os modelos. Conclusão: O aumento da espessura da dentina parcialmente alterada aumentou a tensão na interface d/a; a ausência desta camada contribuiu para a menor concentração de tensão; o topo dos tags foi o local mais exigido na interface d/a. / Abstract: Introduction: Although the self-etching adhesives are characterized by etching and infiltrating simultaneously the dentin, the presence of an altered dentin layer has been showed by literature, which might show specific mechanical behavior. Proposition: To evaluate through 3-D finite element analysis the influence of the partially altered dentin thickness on the micromechanical behavior of the self-etch adhesives. Materials and Methods: 5 micro-models (M) were developed for simulating the dentin/adhesive (d/a) interface (82x41x41 μm): M1-representation of the d/a interface based on 2 steps conventional adhesive system; M2-d/a interface based on 2 steps self-etch adhesive system M3, M4 and M5 - d/a interface based on all-in-one adhesive system, varying the thickness of the partially altered dentin (0, 1.5 and 3 μm, respectively). All the models were considered isotropic, homogeneous and lineally elastic. The bottom of all the models were constrained in the axes x, y and z. A tensile load (90o; 0.03N) was applied on the top of the composite resin. The numeric analysis was accomplished, being obtained the maximum principal stress ( max). Results: The pick of max (MPa) was found in M5 (79.5), followed by M4 (78.0) and M3 (70). The top of the resin tags was the most requested place in all models. Conclusion: The increase of the partially altered dentin thickness raised the max in the d/a interface; the absence of this layer contributed to the smallest tension concentration; the top of the tags showed higher stress concentration. / Orientador: Eduardo Passos Rocha / Coorientador: Renato Herman Sundfeld / Banca: Paulo Henrique dos Santos / Banca: André Figueiredo Reis / Mestre

O projeto estrutural de túneis envolve o conhecimento da variável convergência (fechamento radial) para definição da pressão atuante sobre o revestimento e do nível de descompressão do solo circundante (maciço). A adoção de modelos contínuos em elementos finitos consegue discretizar de forma mais adequada o modelo mecânico estrutural considerando a interação com o solo. Dessa forma, esta dissertação recai sobre a variação da razão de cobertura (profundidade) de um túnel, a fim de determinar a profundidade limite que o modelo numérico segue o padrão de tensões geostáticas crescentes com a profundidade versus um padrão geostático uniforme profundo. A validação do modelo numérico ocorre junto a soluções analíticas desenvolvidas por Park (2004) e Kirsch (1898) para túneis em maciços elásticos superficiais e profundos respectivamente. Nos exemplos analisados, quando a profundidade do eixo do túnel é dez vezes maior que seu diâmetro as convergências se aproximam daquelas dadas pelo GEOMEC 91 (Bernaud, 1991) e o túnel pode ser considerado profundo. A curva de assentamentos (recalques) foi considerada consequência importante a ser notada em túneis superficiais que mostraram um recalque máximo até duas vezes maior quando se reduz a profundidade Para esse estudo foram desenvolvidos scripts com profundidade variável adicionando a superfície de plasticidade de Drucker-Prager (utilizada em solos friccionais). O modelo numérico desenvolvido para túneis superficiais é validado junto a túneis reais instrumentados que tenham sido avaliados a partir de algum outro modelo contínuo, são eles: Heathrow Express, Green Park, Metrôs de Barcelona, Brasília e São Paulo com resultados variando entre 1,20% e 6,78%. Eventualmente, uma breve análise do desenvolvimento de tensões no revestimento para túneis circulares, elípticos e ferradura é realizada a fim de encontrar zonas de tração. Enquanto túneis em seção ferradura desenvolveram tração para qualquer profundidade devido ao formato retilíneo, túneis circulares precisaram se encontrar com baixa profundidade a fim de desenvolver zonas descomprimidas decorrentes da ovalização de túneis rasos. / The structural design of tunnels involves the knowledge of the variable convergence (radial closure) for the definition of the acting pressure upon the lining and for the decompression level of the involving soil (rockmass). The adoption of continuous models using finite element analysis (FEA) is able to assess the structural mechanical model accurately, concerning the soil interaction. This way, this work studies the covering ratio (depth) of tunnels, in a way to determine the threshold point which divides the geostatic growing stresses versus the deep uniform stresses pattern. The validation of the numerical model under an elastic rockmass is done by comparison with analytical solutions developed by Park (2004) and Kirsch (1898) for shallow and deep tunnels respectively. Regarding the analyzed examples, when the depth of the tunnel axis is ten times greater than its diameter; the convergences approach to the ones given by GEOMEC 91 (Bernaud, 1991) and the tunnel may be considered deep. The settlement through (ground movement) is considered an important consequence to be noticed upon shallow tunnels; these tunnels have led to a maximum settlement twice deeper when the covering ratio is shallow (H/D = 1). For this study, several scripts have been developed concerning the variable depth and adding the Drucker-Prager plasticity criterion for frictional soils. The numerical model developed for shallow tunnels is validated with other continuous models relied on real instrumentation of subway network tunnels, such as: Heathrow Express, Green Park, Barcelona, Brasília and São Paulo with the solutions ranging between 1,20% and 6,78%. Eventually, a brief analysis of the stress development in the lining for circular, ellipsoid and horseshoe tunnels is done in search of tension zones. In one hand, horseshoe tunnels develop tension for any depth due to its straight walls; in the other hand, circular tunnels need to have a small covering ratio in order to develop decompression zones caused by the shallow tunnels ovalization.

abstract: Dwindling energy resources and associated environmental costs have resulted in a serious need to design and construct energy efficient buildings. One of the strategies to develop energy efficient structural materials is through the incorporation of phase change materials (PCM) in the host matrix. This research work presents details of a finite element-based framework that is used to study the thermal performance of structural precast concrete wall elements with and without a layer of phase change material. The simulation platform developed can be implemented for a wide variety of input parameters. In this study, two different locations in the continental United States, representing different ambient temperature conditions (corresponding to hot, cold and typical days of the year) are studied. Two different types of concrete - normal weight and lightweight, different PCM types, gypsum wallboard's with varying PCM percentages and different PCM layer thicknesses are also considered with an aim of understanding the energy flow across the wall member. Effect of changing PCM location and prolonged thermal loading are also studied. The temperature of the inside face of the wall and energy flow through the inside face of the wall, which determines the indoor HVAC energy consumption are used as the defining parameters. An ad-hoc optimization scheme is also implemented where the PCM thickness is fixed but its location and properties are varied. Numerical results show that energy savings are possible with small changes in baseline values, facilitating appropriate material design for desired characteristics. / Dissertation/Thesis / M.S. Civil Engineering 2012