Reconstruções de dentes unirradiculares com tratamento endodôntico envolvem, muitas vezes, a instalação de um retentor intrarradicular. Vários tipos de retentores intrarradiculares fabricados com diferentes materiais são utilizados atualmente, dentre eles se destacam os metálicos fundidos e os pré-fabricados. A fragilidade da união entre os retentores intrarradiculres pré-fabricados e os materiais de preenchimento, assim como a forma pela qual as cargas oclusais se dissipam pelo remanescente dentário, são fatores importantes na durabilidade dessas restaurações. O método dos elementos finitos tem sido utilizado para estudar o efeito dessas cargas nos dentes. Utilizando programa de modelagem tridimensional Rhinoceros 4.0 três modelos de retentores intrarradiculares metálicos pré-fabricados (RIRMPF) foram desenvolvidos variando seu formato na região de transição entre sua porção radicular e porção coronária na região de assentamento do RIRMPF sobre o remanescente dentinário da raiz. O primeiro com a superfície de assentamento perpendicular ao longo eixo do RIRMPF (AP); o segundo com a superfície de assentamento formando ângulo de 45 graus com o longo eixo do RIRMPF; e o terceiro com canaleta de assentamento (AC). As mesmas variações na porção cervical de cada sólido de simulação de dentina radicular foram feitas de tal maneira que cada RIMPF se assentasse perfeitamente sobre seu respectivo sólido de simulação de raiz. Os sólidos foram importados para o programa de MEF, FEMAP/NEiNASTRAN para então estabelecer as regiões de contato e definidas as propriedades dos materiais e gerar as malhas definitivas. As análise foram feitas em relação ao seu deslocamento total e tensões principais máximas para cargas axiais e oblíquas a 450 com intensidade de 10 N. Os maiores valores de deslocamentos foram encontrados na porção coronária dos RIRMPF para os três modelos estudados para ambas direções de cargas aplicadas, e o modelo com canaleta na superfície de assentamento apresentou os menores valores; o componente centrípeto de distribuição das tensões apareceu com mais intensidade na porção cervical do modelo com canaleta que também apresentou os menores resultados em relação a concentração de ensões nas paredes internas do conduto. Apresentou-se o sistema de instrumentos abrasivos diamantados e RIRMPF para dentes unirradiculares. Pode-se concluir que os modelos com a presença de canaleta na superfície de assentamento mostraram comportamento mais favorável, em relação aos outros modelos estudados, nas simulações com método dos elementos finitos. / The restoration of endodontic treated single-rooted teeth often involves post and core restorations. A great number of post and core made of different materials are used today, they stand out among the cast metal and prefabricated. The fragile union between prefabricated posts and core filling materials as well as the ways of occlusal loads dissipating on the remaining dental tissues, are important factors in the long term use of these restorations. Finite element method simulation has been used in last years for analysing the biomechanical performance of post-core restorations and have been interpreted in most of the studies using maximum principal stress criterion. Using finite element method, three different seat platform of titanium post and core (flat, 450 incline and grooved, AP, AA and AC respectively) were made in tridimentional software Rhinoceros 4.0 and FEMAP/NEiNASTRAN. The values of its displacement were evaluated under axial and 450 10N loads and have been interpreted using maximum principal stress criterion. The results showed the highest values of displacements in the core for the three models studied in both directions of loads, with grooved model showing the lowest, the centripetal distribution stress appeared with more intensity in the cervical portion of grooved model that also showed the lowest values in stress concentration on the inner walls of the radicular channel. With these results a system of diamond burs and titanium post and core for endodontically treated teeth had been propoused. It can be concluded that templates with the groove in seating surface showed favorable behavior by the others in all cases studied with the finite element method.

Ainda não existe um consenso sobre o nível em que os implantes cone Morse devem ser inseridos em relação à crista ósse alveolar. A literatura mostra diversas pesquisas em animais e laboratoriais com implantes posicionados acima, abaixo ou ao nível da crista. Contudo, diferentes metodologias e técnicas dificultam a definição do melhor nível de localização. O presente trabalho optou por analisar qualitativa e quantitativamente por meio da fotoelasticidade e do método dos elementos finitos (MEF), implantes em diferentes níveis de inserção sob carga compressiva estática, visando elucidar esse tema. Quatro níveis foram simulados: 1 mm acima da crista (AC); ao nível da crista (AN); 1 mm abaixo da crista sem aposição óssea sobre a plataforma (AB-S); e 1 mm abaixo da crista com aposição óssea sobre a plataforma (AB-C). Os resultados fotoelásticos demonstraram maiores valores de ordem de franja na região apical e menores na região cervical, em todos os modelos, independente do tipo de carga. No MEF verificou-se que o aprofundamento do implante da posição AC para AB-S reduziu progressivamente as tensões de von Mises na região cortical independente do tipo de carga, respectivamente, 0,5595 - 0,3842 Mpa nas cargas cêntricas e 1,5261 - 0,9787 MPa nas excêntricas. Concluiuse que houve redução na concentração de tensões posicionado-se o implante abaixo do crista óssea e uma tendência de aumento de tensão nas amostras AB-C, provavelmente devido à tração do osso existente sobre a plataforma do implante. / There is still no consensus on the level that the Morse taper implants should be inserted in relation to the alveolar crestal bone. The literature shows several studies in animals and laboratory implant positioned above, at level or subcrestal. However, different methodologies and techniques make it difficult to define the best level of the implant. This study analyzes qualitatively and quantitatively by using photoelastic analysis and the finite element method (FEM), implants at different levels under static compressive load, to elucidate this issue. Four levels were simulated: 1 mm above the crest (AC); the crest level (AN); 1 mm below the crest free bone apposition on the platform (AB-S); and 1 mm below the crest with bone apposition on the platform (ABC). Photoelastic results demonstrated higher fringe order of values in the apical region and lower in the cervical region, in all models, regardless of the loading type. In MEF found that the deepening of the implant position from AC to AB-S progressively reduced von Mises equivalent stresses in cortical region independent of the load type, respectively, 0.5595 - 0.3842 MPa in centric loads and 1.5261 - 0.9787 MPa in eccentric loads. It was concluded that there was a reduction in stress concentration on the implant positioned below the alveolar crest and a tendency of an increase in tension in the AB-C samples, probably due to traction on the existing bone implant platform.

OBJETIVO: Verificar, através da análise por elementos finitos, a influência do formato da infraestrutura e protocolo de resfriamento nas tensões térmica residuais (TTR) e nas tensões após carregamento oclusal de coroas com infraestrutura de zircônia YTZ-P. MÉTODOS: Foram construídos modelos 3D de coroa em segundo molar inferior com dois diferentes formatos de infraestrutura: uniforme (IU) e anatômico (IA). Análise da transferência de calor foi conduzida com dois protocolos de resfriamento: lento (RL) e rápido (RR). Os dados de temperatura foram utilizados na análise da tensão térmica, na qual foi considerada a mudança do coeficiente de contração térmico linear e do módulo de elasticidade da porcelana próximo a sua Tg. Sobre os modelos com tensões térmicas residuais foi simulado o carregamento oclusal: 400 N distribuídos em 2 áreas de 1 mm2 nas cúspides vestibulares. Foram analisadas as distribuições das tensões máxima principal (1) e mínima principal (3) residuais (após resfriamento) e finais (após carregamento oclusal) na porcelana de cobertura. RESULTADOS: Os modelos com RL apresentaram maiores tensões de tração (1 positiva) e de compressão (3 negativa), além de amplas áreas com ausência de tração (1 negativa) na oclusal e na cervical. Nos modelos com RR as mesmas áreas eram isentas de compressão (3 positiva). Ao comparar as infraestruturas no RL, o modelo com IA apresentou maior área com ausência de tração, menor pico 1 (IA: 27,6 MPa; IU: 32,8 MPa) e maior pico de 3 (IA: -61,2 MPa; IU: -46,8 MPa). Com o carregamento oclusal, notou-se, de modo geral, um pequeno aumento das tensões de tração na face lingual e diminuição da tração na região cervical da face vestibular, para ambos os formatos de infraestrutura. CONCLUSÃO: A distribuição observada nos modelos resfriados rapidamente tende a oferecer menos proteção à propagação de trincas, pois na face oclusal foram geradas regiões sem compressão. Os modelos com IA, quando resfriados lentamente, apresentaram distribuição de tensões, antes e após carregamento oclusal, que pode diminuir o risco de lascamento da porcelana. / OBJECTIVE: To analyze, using a 3D finite element model, the residual thermal stress distribution and occlusal stress distribution in a veneered zirconia crown regarding the framework design and cooling protocol. METHODS: 3D models of second lower molar veneered zirconia crowns were built with two different core designs: uniform (U) or anatomic (A). Heat transfer analyses were conducted with two cooling protocols: slow (S) and fast (F). The output of temperatures was used to calculate thermal stresses. The non-linear increase in porcelain modulus and coefficient of thermal expansion close to its Tg was taken into account. An occlusal load (400 N in two 1 mm2 contact area at the buccal cusps) was applied in the pre-stressed model. The maximum (1) and minimum (3) principal stresses at the porcelain were analyzed. RESULTS: Slowly cooled models showed higher tensile (positive 1) and compressive stresses (negative 3). In addition, tension-free zones were shown in their occlusal and cervical regions, while compression-free zones were shown in the same regions of rapidly cooled models. Regarding the framework design, the anatomic model showed larger tension-free zones at the occlusal face, lower 1 peak (A: 27.6 MPa; U: 32.8 MPa) and higher 3 peak (A: -61.2 MPa; U: -46.8 MPa). After occlusal loading, the tensile stress values increased in the lingual face and decreased in the cervical of buccal face, but the general pattern of residual thermal stress distribution was maintained. CONCLUSION: The stress distribution of rapidly cooled models is less prone to protect the porcelain from crack propagation, because of the compression-free zones in the occlusal and cervical regions. The anatomic design in slowly cooled models showed stress distribution more favorable to prevent porcelain chipping.

Capítulo 1. Objetivo: Acessar a literatura científica para determinar o nível de evidência científica que suporta a associação da reabsorção radicular inflamatória induzida ortodonticamente (RRIIO) com diferentes sistemas de força ortodôntica. Material e Método: A busca sistemática computadorizada foi realizada nas bases de dados PubMed, Cochrane e Embase, sem restrições quanto ao ano, status ou idioma de publicação. Os critérios de seleção incluíram estudos conduzidos em no mínimo 10 pacientes submetidos ao tratamento ortodôntico com aparelhos fixos ou termoplásticos removíveis, e que apresentaram descrição do sistema de forças utilizado. Resultados: A busca eletrônica inicial das bases de dados identificou 259 artigos. Após o processo de revisão, 21 artigos preencheram os critérios de inclusão. O tamanho da amostra variou entre 10 e 73 pacientes. A maioria dos artigos foi classificada como alto nível de evidência científica e baixo risco de viés. Conclusões: A análise da literatura disponível revelou que parece existir correlação positiva entre o aumento dos níveis de força e o aumento da reabsorção radicular, bem como entre o aumento do tempo de tratamento e o aumento da reabsorção radicular. Além disso, uma pausa na movimentação ortodôntica parece ser benéfica na redução da reabsorção radicular, por facilitar o processo de reparo do cemento. A ausência de um grupo controle, de critérios de seleção dos pacientes, e de exames adequados antes e após o tratamento constituem as falhas de metodologia mais comuns no estudo da RRIIO. Capítulo 2. Objetivos: Verificar por meio da análise de elementos finitos: (1) a influência do aumento da força (25 cN e 225 cN) em três diferentes movimentos ortodônticos (intrusão, inclinação para vestibular e combinação de intrusão e inclinação) na geração de tensões críticas no ligamento periodontal (LP), considerando sua não linearidade, (2) quais tensões podem ser utilizadas como indicadores do risco à RRIIO. Material e Método: Modelo tridimensional de elementos finitos foi construído com geometria axissimétrica para simular um pré-molar inferior unirradicular e seus tecidos circundantes: cemento, LP, osso alveolar cortical e trabecular. Com exceção do LP, os demais materiais foram considerados elásticos, isotrópicos, lineares e homogêneos. Foram simulados três tipos de carregamento: intrusão pura (IP), inclinação para vestibular (IV) e combinação de forças de intrusão e inclinação (CF), e duas magnitudes de força: 25 cN e 225 cN. O deslocamento foi restrito nos nós localizados na base e na lateral do osso cortical. Quatro variáveis respostas foram analisadas: tensão de von Mises (?VM), mínima tensão principal (?3), tensão hidrostática (?H) e tensão radial (?rr). Para cada tensão foi calculado o valor nodal obtido na interface LP-cemento e a média da variável de acordo com a sua localização: lingo-cervical (LC), lingo-média (LM), lingo-apical (LA), vestíbulo-apical (VA), vestíbulo-média (VM), vestíbulo-cervical (VC). Resultados: A distribuição e os picos de ?VM (terço cervical para a intrusão e regiões LC e VA para inclinação e movimento combinado) não foram correspondentes com os locais de maior risco de RRIIO encontrados clinicamente. Maiores valores de ?3 foram obtidos: no terço apical para forças de intrusão de 25 cN e no terço cervical para 225 cN; na região VC para a inclinação e na região VA para o movimento combinado. O perfil de distribuição de ?H e ?rr foi bastante similar: os maiores valores de tensão de compressão foram encontrados no terço apical para a intrusão e nas regiões VC e LA para o movimento de inclinação e combinado. Conclusões: A tensão radial negativa foi considerada o melhor indicador do risco de RRIIO, baseado na coerência com o mecanismo biológico e nas regiões de maior risco de reabsorção para cada tipo de movimento ortodôntico. Devido ao comportamento não linear do LP, o aumento da força provocou um aumento não proporcional das tensões. Na intrusão, o aumento da tensão radial compressiva foi mais significativo para o terço apical, enquanto na inclinação e no movimento combinado para as regiões VC e LA. / Chapter 1. Objective: Assess the literature to determine which evidence level supports the association of orthodontic force system and orthodontically induced inflammatory root resorption (OIIRR). Methods: PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase databases were searched with no restrictions on year, publication status, or language. Selection criteria included human studies conducted with fixed orthodontic appliances or aligners, with at least 10 patients, and the force system well described. Results: A total of 259 articles were retrieved in the initial search. After the review process, 21 full-text articles met the inclusion criteria. Sample sizes ranged from 10 to 73 patients. Most articles were classified as having high evidence levels and low risks of bias. Conclusions: Although a meta-analysis was not performed, from the available literature, it seems that positive correlations exist between increased force levels and increased root resorption, as well as between increased treatment time and increased root resorption. Moreover, a pause in tooth movement seems to be beneficial in reducing root resorption because it allows the resorbed cementum to heal. The absence of a control group, selection criteria of patients, and adequate examinations before and after treatment are the most common methodology flaws in studies of OIIRR. Chapter 2. Objectives: Verify by the finite element analysis: (1) The influence of the loading magnitude (25 cN and 225 cN) in three different orthodontic movements (intrusion, tipping and combination of both) on the stresses generation within the periodontal ligament (PDL) considering its nonlinearity. (2) Which stress criteria can be used as indicators of root resorption risk. Material and Method: Three-dimensional finite element model was constructed with axisymmetric geometry to simulate a single-rooted lower premolar and its surrounding tissues: cementum, PDL, cortical and trabecular alveolar bone. Except for the PDL, the remaining materials were considered elastic, isotropic, linear and homogeneous. Pure intrusion (PI), buccal tipping (BT) and combination of intrusion and tipping forces (CF), applied with two force magnitudes (25 cN and 225 cN), were simulated. The model displacement was restricted at the base and the lateral of cortical bone. Four stress criteria were analyzed: von Mises (?VM), minimum principal stress (?3), hydrostatic stress (?H) and radial stress (?rr). For each criteria it was calculated the nodal stress obtained at the PDL-cementum interface and its average value according to the location: lingual-cervical (LC), lingual-middle (LM), lingual-apical (LA), buccal-apical (BA), buccal-middle (BM), and buccocervical (BC). Results: The distribution and peak of ?VM (cervical third for intrusion, LC and BA regions for buccal tipping and combined movements) did not correspond to the zones where resorption occurs clinically. The highest average values of ?3 were obtained: at the apical third under 25 cN and at the cervical third under 225 cN of intrusion forces; at the BC region under tipping forces, and at the BA region under combined forces. The distribution pattern of ?H and ?rr was very similar: the highest compressive stress values was found at the apical third under intrusion forces and at the BC and LA regions under tipping and combined forces. Conclusions: The radial stress can be considered as the best indicator to predict the OIIRR risk, based on its consistency with the biological mechanism and according to the zones where resorption occurs clinically depending on the type of orthodontic movement. Due to the PDL nonlinearity, the increase of force magnitude caused a non-linear increase of the stress values. For intrusion, the increase of radial stresses was more significant at the apical third, while for buccal tipping and combined movement it was more significant for the BC and LA regions.

Building rammed earth structures provides a sustainable alternative to concrete. As a building material, rammed earth exhibits very varied physical and material properties depending on the proportion of constituting soil types. When very sandy soil is used in rammed earth production, the properties are different from when a clayey soil is used. This variability can be seen as a very great advantage in the use of rammed earth as a building material. Builders are able to adjust specific properties by changing mix proportions to obtain a desirable balance in the characteristics of the resulting rammed earth structure. This research work looks at selected mechanical and physical properties of different mixes of rammed earth. It describes typical range of values in density, thermal conductivity, ultrasonic pulse velocity, water ingress and compressive strength. It examines how these factors interrelate in the same soil mixes. Samples were prepared by blending various soil types in specific proportions to ensure that each definition of soil grade is as specific as possible. Unstabilised rammed earth was tested as was cement stabilised rammed earth. Rammed earth was tested at various levels of stabilisation and it was discovered that higher rates of stabilisation was not always beneficial to every material property. The research also looked into the potential disposal of waste materials in rammed earth. As rammed earth is a monolithic material that largely remains undisturbed throughout its life span, it was suggested that waste materials could be stored in an inert form inside of rammed earth rather than dumping it in otherwise agricultural landmass. Pulverised Fuel Ash and Palm Kernel Shells were identified as wastes to be disposed in rammed earth. Pulverised Fuel Ash, a by-product of industrial furnace is found in abundance in developed countries that burn carbonaceous materials in power plants. Disposals have been seen as a problem as only a small proportion of high loss on ignition (LOI) Pulverised Fuel Ash has found application. Palm Kernel Shell is a by-product of the oil palm industry and is currently a menace in many developing countries that need to dispose large quantities of the shell in landfills. At an early stage of the research, experimental trial runs quickly showed that these supposedly waste materials had a positive effect on some of the material properties of the rammed earth walls they were made into. This research effort evolved to look into exploiting these materials to improve the physical and material property of rammed earth and to suggest their effect on stabilised and unstabilised rammed earth. The extent to which these materials could be useful and the level at which diminishing returns set in was also investigated. It was discovered that soil mixes that would otherwise not be considered suitable for use in rammed earth wall production can now be utilised as their characteristics can be improved on simply by adding Pulverised Fuel Ash or Palm Kernel shell in the right proportion. Incorporating Pulverised Fuel Ash in rammed earth resulted in increased compressive strength. Palm Kernel shell improved thermal properties without compromising compressive strength.

Localized irregularities in the canal walls are sities which concentrate stresses and make the stresses distribution occurs asymmetrically in the root structure during the filling phase. This asymmetric distribution of stresses may contribute to the generation of defects in the dentin, which can propagate in vertical root fracture (VRF). Thus, this study evaluated the influence of enlargement in the apical stress distribution in curved canals when a spreader digital was inserted against the canal walls using Finite Element Analysis (FEA). A basic three-dimensional geometric model of the mesiobuccal root (MV) of a Maxillary First Molar (1ºMM) with root canal curved and anatomical diameter 0.25 mm was confectioned with the program SolidWorks Simulation (Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks Corporation, France). Based on this basic model, four post-instrumentation geometric models were established to accommodate canal preparation performed with HERO 642 (Micromega, Besançon, France) instruments 30/.02 (IAF +1); 35/.02 (IAF +2); 40/.02 (IAF +3) and 45/.02 (IAF +4). In the program SolidWorks Simulation, the models were discretized in a finite number of elements united by their nodal points. To the models were attributed to mechanical properties of dentin that characterized their mechanical behavior. The models were fixed to the outer surface to limit the rotational and translational movements in all directions during the simulation. A load of 13 N was applied along the canal walls (mesial, distal, buccal and palatal) up to 3 mm of the apical foramen simulating the action of a spreader digital Nickel-Titanium (NiTi) B Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland). The results of AEF showed a better distribution of stresses as further enlargement was performed. The highest stress decreased distal and palatal walls of the canal because of the increased apical enlargement. The location of the highest value of stress changed in the buccal and palatal walls due to increased apical enlargement. Thus, it can be concluded that the enlargement apical improve the distribution of stresses in curved canals when a digital spreader is inserted against the walls of the canal. / Irregularidades presentes nas paredes do canal radicular são sítios que concentram tensões, e fazem com que a distribuição de tensão ocorra de maneira assimétrica na estrutura radicular durante a etapa obturadora. Essa distribuição assimétrica de tensões talvez contribua para a geração de defeitos na dentina radicular, os quais podem propagar-se em Fratura Vertical da Raiz (FVR). Diante disso, este estudo avaliou a influência do alargamento apical na distribuição de tensões em canais radiculares curvos quando um espaçador digital foi inserido contra as paredes do canal utilizando a Análise de Elementos Finitos (AEF). Um modelo geométrico tridimensional básico da raiz Mésio-Vestibular (MV) de um Primeiro Molar Superior (1ºMS) com canal radicular curvo e diâmetro anatômico 0,25 mm foi confeccionado com o programa SolidWorks Simulation (Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks Corporation, França). Baseado nesse modelo básico, quatro modelos geométricos pós-instrumentação foram estabelecidos para acomodar o preparo do canal realizado com instrumentos HERO 642 (Micromega, Besançon, França) 30/.02 (IAI+1); 35/.02 (IAI+2); 40/.02 (IAI+3) e 45/.02 (IAI+4). No programa SolidWorks Simulation, os modelos foram discretizados em um número finitos de elementos unidos por seus pontos nodais. Aos modelos foram atribuídas propriedades da dentina (módulo de elasticidade, coeficiente de Poisson e densidade) a fim de caracterizar o seu comportamento mecânico. Então, os modelos foram fixados na superfície externa para limitar os movimentos de rotação e translação em todas as direções durante a simulação. Uma força de 13 N foi aplicada ao longo das paredes do canal radicular (mesial, distal, vestibular e palatina) até 3 mm do forame apical simulando a ação de um espaçador digital B de Níquel-Titânio (NiTi) (Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Suíça). Os resultados da AEF mostraram que houve uma melhor distribuição de tensões à medida que um maior alargamento foi realizado. O maior valor de tensão diminuiu nas paredes distal e palatina do canal em virtude do maior alargamento apical. O local aonde a tensão foi maior, mudou nas paredes vestibular e palatina, de 6 mm para 3 mm, em decorrência do maior alargamento apical. Dessa forma, pode-se concluir que o alargamento apical melhora a distribuição de tensões em canais radiculares curvos quando um espaçador digital é inserido contra as paredes do canal.

The work and results presented in this dissertation concern two complimentary studies that are rooted in surface acoustic waves and transducer study. Surface acoustic wave devices are utilized in a variety of fields that span biomedical applications to radio wave transmitters and receivers. Of interest in this dissertation is the study of surface acoustic wave interaction with polydimethylsiloxane. This material, commonly known as PDMS, is widely used in the microfluidic field applications in order to create channels for fluid flow on the surface of a piezoelectric substrate. The size, and type of PDMS that is created and ultimately etched on the surface of the substrate, plays a significant role in its operation, chiefly in the insertion loss levels experienced. Here, through finite element analysis, via ANSYS® 15 Finite Element Modeling software, the insertion loss levels of varying PDMS sidewall channel dimensions, from two to eight millimeters is investigated. The simulation is modeled after previously published experimental data, and the results demonstrate a clear increase in insertion loss levels with an increase in channel sidewall dimensions. Analysis of the results further show that due to the viscoelastic nature of PDMS, there is a non -linear increase of insertion loss as the sidewall dimensions thicken. There is a calculated variation of 8.31 decibels between the insertion loss created in a microfluidic device with a PDMS channel sidewall thickness of eight millimeters verse a thickness of two millimeters. Finally, examination of the results show that insertion loss levels in a device are optimized when the PDMS sidewall channels are between two and four millimeters. The second portion of this dissertation concerns the calibration of an ultrasonic transducer. This work is inspired by the need to properly quantify the signal generated by an ultrasonic transducer, placed under a static loading condition, that will be used in measuring ultrasonic bone conducted frequency perception of human subjects. Ultrasonic perception, classified as perception beyond the typical hearing limit of approximately 20 kHz, is a subject of great interest in audiology. Among other reasons, ultrasonic signal perception in humans is of interest because the mechanism by which either the brain or the ear interprets these signals is not entirely understood. Previous studies have utilized ultrasonic transducers in order to study this ultrasonic perception; however, the calibration methods taken, were either incomplete or did not properly account for the operation conditions of the transducers. A novel transducer calibration method is detailed in this dissertation that resolves this issue and provides a reliable means by which the signal that is being created can be compared to the perception of human subjects.

This dissertation describes the analytical research as part of a comprehensive research program to develop a new floor anchorage system for seismic resistant design, termed the Inertial Force-limiting Floor Anchorage System (IFAS). The IFAS intends to reduce damage in seismic resistant building structures by limiting the inertial force that develops in the building during earthquakes. The development of the IFAS is being conducted through a large research project involving both experimental and analytical research. This dissertation work focuses on analytical component of this research, which involves stand-alone computational simulation as well as analytical simulation in support of the experimental research (structural and shake table testing). The analytical research covered in this dissertation includes four major parts: (1) Examination of the fundamental dynamic behavior of structures possessing the IFAS (termed herein IFAS structures) by evaluation of simple two-degree of freedom systems (2DOF). The 2DOF system is based on a prototype structure, and simplified to represent only its fundamental mode response. Equations of motions are derived for the 2DOF system and used to find the optimum design space of the 2DOF system. The optimum design space is validated by transient analysis using earthquakes. (2) Evaluation of the effectiveness of IFAS designs for different design parameters through earthquake simulations of two-dimensional (2D) nonlinear numerical models of an evaluation structure. The models are based on a IFAS prototype developed by a fellow researcher on the project at Lehigh University. (3) Development and calibration of three-dimensional nonlinear numerical models of the shake table test specimen used in the experimental research. This model was used for predicting and designing the shake table testing program. (4) Analytical parameter studies of the calibrated shake table test model. These studies include: relating the shake table test performance to the previous evaluation structure analytical response, performing extended parametric analyses, and investigating and explaining certain unexpected shake table test responses. This dissertation describes the concept and scope of the analytical research, the analytical results, the conclusions, and suggests future work. The conclusions include analytical results that verify the IFAS effectiveness, show the potential of the IFAS in reducing building seismic demands, and provide an optimum design space of the IFAS.

With the acceleration of global urbanization trends, more and more intentions are put on multi-storey buildings. As the world leading area of wood construction, European countries started the construction of multi-storey timber building for a decade ago. However, unlike the traditional buildings made of reinforced concrete, the design of wooden high-rise timber buildings would face a substantial amount of new challenges because such high-rise timber buildings are touching the limitations of the timber engineering field. In this thesis, a parameterized three-dimensional FE-model (in ABAQUS) of a multi-storey timber frame building is created. Variable geometrical parameters, connection stiffness as well as boundary connections and applied wind and gravity loads are defined in a Python script to make it possible to analyze the influence of these parameters on the global structural behavior of the studied multi-storey timber frame building. The results and analysis implied that the script successfully worked and was capable to create different complex building geometries in an wasy way for the finite element analysis.

No description available.