Proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells are one of the most promising clean energy technologies under development. The major advantages include electrical efficiencies of up to 55 %, high energy densities (relative to batteries), and low emissions. However, the main obstacles to commercialization of PEM fuel cells are related to the limitations of the proton conducting solid polymer electrolytes such as Nafion. These membranes are expensive, mechanically unfavorable at higher temperatures, and conduct protons only in the presence of water, which limits the fuel cell operating temperature to about 80 C. This in turn, results in low fuel cell performance due to slow electrode kinetics and virtually no CO tolerance. The potential operation of PEM fuel cells at higher temperature (above 100 C) can provide many advantages such as improved kinetics at the surface of electrode, which is especially important in methanol and CO-containing reformate feeds, and efficient heat rejection and water management. Another issue above 100 C is the reduction of electrochemical surface area of the electrodes due to shrinkage of electrolyte (Nafion phase) within the catalyst layers. This research work is thus focused on the development of nanocomposite proton exchange membranes (NCPEMs) which are chemically and mechanically more stable at higher temperatures and electrodes which can result into better fuel cell performance. These are composite materials with inorganic acidic nanoparticles incorporated within a host polymer electrolyte membrane such as Nafion. The target operating fuel cell temperature in this work is above 100 oC with relative humidity around 30 to 40 %. To achieve these targets, both theoretical and experimental investigations were undertaken to systematically develop these NCPEMs. Various experimental techniques, namely, TEOM (Tapered Element Oscillating Microbalance), Impedance Spectroscopy, MEA (membrane electrode assembly) testing, Ion Exchange Capacity, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Optical Electronic Holography (OEH), Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA), and Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) were employed to characterize the NCPEMs. A thermodynamic model was developed to describe sorption in proton-exchange membranes (PEMs), which can predict the complete sorption isotherm. A comprehensive proton transport model was also developed to describe proton diffusion in Nafion/(ZrO2/SO42-) nanocomposite membranes. The conductivity of the in situ sol-gel prepared Nafion/ (ZrO2/SO42-) nanocomposite membranes was accurately predicted by the model as a function of relative humidity (RH) without any fitted parameters. This transport model developed offers a theoretical framework for understanding the proton transfer in nanocomposite membranes and is an insightful guide in systematically developing high proton-conducting nanocomposite. Nafion-MO2(M = Zr, Si, Ti) nanocomposite membranes were synthesized with the goal to increase the proton conductivity and water retention by the membrane at higher temperatures and lower relative humidity (120 C, 40% RH) and also to improve the thermo-mechanical properties. The results obtained are promising and indicate that this is a potentially useful approach for developing PEMs with desirable properties. Finally, commercially available high temperature PBI (polybenzimidazole)-H3PO4 (phosphoric acid) gel membrane fuel cell was investigated in the temperature range of 160-180 C. This system exhibited very good and stable performance in this temperature range.

The world demand for energy is estimated to increase by up to 70% from 2016 to 2040. To meet this demand in a sustainable way, the power density of electric motors and generators can be increased by using superconducting materials. In particular, trapped field superconducting magnets, where the field is generated by a circulating persistent current in the sample, can create magnetic fields an order of magnitude higher than possible using conventional ferromagnets, thus increasing the power density of motors and generators. This is of great interest where added weight comes at a premium, such as for naval propulsion motors, wind generators and motors/generators for future electric aircraft. This work investigates the suitability of stacked tape layers of second generation high temperature superconductors (HTS), such as YBa2Cu3O7-x (YBCO) for trapped field applications. The present limits for trapped field magnitude have been determined, which provide a basis for the optimization of pulsed field magnetization techniques for in-situ magnetization in motors and generators. Trapped fields were increased by optimising the magnetic pulse sequence, using thermally conductive material to reduce temperature rise during pulse and changing the duration of the magnetic field pulse. Finite element method computer modelling was used to model and predict the behaviour of the trapped field magnets made of HTS tape with good agreement to experiment for both field cooling and pulsed field magnetisation. The models rely on critical current data for the HTS tape and its dependence on magnetic field and temperature. For this reason, a critical current testing facility was developed and constructed as a part of this work capable of measuring critical current up to 900 A, magnetic field of 1.5 T and down to temperatures of ~10 K in forced and dynamically controlled helium vapour flow. Lastly, first steps into scaling up by pulse magnetising an array of HTS tape stacks were made, allowing for larger overall trapped flux values. Such an array exhibits geometry, similar to what is going to be used in a functional motor prototype being developed in our research group (Applied Superconductivity and Cryoscience Group, ASCG). The work done culminated in the highest trapped field achieved to date using both field cooling (13.4 T between two stacks) and pulsed field magnetization (2.1 T above a single stack), for this type of trapped field magnet.

Laser Sintering (LS) is a powder based Additive Manufacturing (AM) technology capable of producing near-net shape objects from 3D data. The benefits of LS include almost unlimited design freedom and reduced material waste, however the number of commercially available materials are limited, with materials traditionally being optimised for the process using a trial and error method and material development being led by previous research into polyamide (PA). There is a desire for greater material choice in LS, particularly high performance polymers. The EOSINT P800 by AM systems manufacturer EOS GmbH is the first commercially available high temperature laser sintering (HT-LS) system capable of working high performance polymers; a PolyEtherKetone (PEK) known by the trade name HP3 PEK is the first material offered by EOS for use with the system. This research project undertakes to characterise the EOSINT P800 and HP3 PEK material with different thermal histories. Experimental work focusses on establishing material properties such as size and shape, crystallinity and decomposition. Characterisation of coalescence behaviour and comparison with theoretical models for viscous sintering is presented as a less experimentally intensive method of understanding how a material will behave during the LS process. A map of temperatures inside the powder bed in the EOSINT P800 is created for the first time and compared with output from on-board temperature sensors in the system, demonstrating the thermal distribution within the bed during building, and explaining differences between as-received and used powder. The results demonstrate that material and process characterisation methods are useful for understanding how and why a high temperature laser sintering material behaves the way it does. The behaviour of HP3 PEK observed during experimental work indicates that guidelines based on LS of PA are too restrictive as indicators of suitability for LS and newer systematic approaches are potentially better suited for qualification of HT-LS polymers. The novel method for mapping thermal distribution inside the LS system documented here shows the limitations of current hardware to effectively process high performance polymers. Overall, the finding of this research project is that understanding of material and process cannot be considered in isolation but combined have the potential to reduce the amount of trial and error required during qualification of new materials and increase the range and variety of polymers available for LS and HT-LS.

Neste trabalho de mestrado são descritos o projeto, a montagem e os testes de funcionamento de uma câmara porta amostra para medidas elétricas de quatro pontas de prova dc. A estrutura da câmara porta amostra é em material cerâmico, que garante a estabilidade física e química do sistema, prolongando sua vida útil e melhorando a qualidade das análises realizadas. Este sistema permite a realização de medidas elétricas de diferentes materiais desde a temperatura ambiente até ~1500 °C em ampla faixa de pressões parciais de oxigênio. A funcionalidade da câmara porta amostras foi avaliada por meio da comparação de medidas da dependência da resistividade elétrica com a temperatura de amostras de zircônia estabilizada com ítria. Visando à aferição e a aplicação deste sistema de medidas elétricas, foram fabricados e caracterizados compósitos à base de zircônia estabilizada com ítria e nitreto de titânio, obtidos pela técnica de sinterização por plasma pulsado (\"spark plasma sintering\", SPS). As propriedades gerais destes compósitos foram investigadas por meio de análises térmicas, difratometria de raios X (DRX) e medidas elétricas de quatro pontas de prova dc, usando o sistema construído. As análises das amostras dos compósitos à base de zircônia e TiN mostraram que a técnica SPS produz amostras densas, sem reação entre as fases ou degradação do TiN por oxidação. As amostras com adição de TiN apresentaram comportamento metálico da resistividade elétrica, evidenciando a percolação do nitreto na matriz de zircônia para frações volumétricas ≤ 27 vol.%. Medidas de resistividade elétrica combinadas com análises térmicas e de DRX foram usadas para monitorar a oxidação do TiN nos compósitos em altas temperaturas. As amostras produzidas apresentam propriedades promissoras para aplicações de alta temperatura que requeiram elevada condutividade elétrica. / This study describes the design, construction, and tests of a sample holder for four-probe dc electrical measurements. The structural parts of the sample holder are built using ceramic material (alumina) that ensures physical and chemical stability, prolonging its use and the quality of experiments. The sample holder allows electrical measurements from room temperature up to ~1500 °C in a wide range of oxygen partial pressures. The functionality of the constructed sample holder was assessed by comparing measurements of the temperature dependence of the electrical resistivity of yttria-stabilized zirconia samples. To further explore the capabilities of the measuring apparatus, samples of high-temperature composites based on yttria-stabilized zirconia and titanium nitride were prepared by spark plasma sintering (SPS). The general properties of these composites were investigated by thermal analysis, X-rays diffraction (XRD), and four-probe dc electrical measurements. The study of the composites showed that SPS resulted in dense samples with no detected reaction between phases and free from TiN oxidation. Samples with TiN addition displayed metallic behavior of the electrical resistivity, evidencing that the nitride attained the percolation threshold in the oxide matrix at volume fractions ≤ 27 vol.%. Electrical measurements combined with thermal analysis and XRD were used to monitor the oxidation of TiN at high temperature. The studied composites show good properties indicating that it is a promising material for high temperature applications that require high electrical conductivity.

A busca por alternativas para aumentar a resistência à oxidação ao ar a altas temperaturas de metais e ligas aumenta a cada dia, devido à necessidade de otimização da vida útil dos equipamentos que operam nestas condições. Novos materiais projetados para trabalhar nestas condições possibilitam reduzir custos de manutenção, aumentando a produtividade dos equipamentos, devido à redução do tempo de paradas programadas. O uso de aços inoxidáveis microligados a elementos terras raras é uma das alternativas adotadas, por exemplo, para tubulações para a indústria de petróleo e gás. Este trabalho estuda a resistência à oxidação ao ar a altas temperaturas de juntas soldadas de um aço inoxidável austenítico microligado ao cério. As juntas soldadas foram confeccionadas através do processo de soldagem MIG/MAG, depositando-se cordões de solda em chapas de aço inoxidável austenítico AISI 304L, variando-se a composição dos gases de proteção e mantendo-se os outros parâmetros de soldagem. Amostras dos diferentes metais depositados foram preparadas através de corte com disco diamantado e submetidas a ensaios de oxidação a altas temperaturas ao ar em balança termogravimétrica. Os corpos de prova oxidados foram estudados usandose microscópio óptico, microscópio eletrônico de varredura com EDS e difração de raios X. Observaram-se cinéticas de oxidação parabólicas em todas as temperaturas estudadas: 800, 900, 1000 e 1100 °C. Os Kps encontrados neste trabalho reforçam a tese de que ocorra a formação de películas protetoras de Cr2O3 e SiO2, o que reforça a hipótese que as mesmas tenham sido efetivamente formadas após os estágios iniciais de oxidação. Em todos os corpos de prova oxidados ao ar nas diferentes temperaturas, observou-se a formação de uma película não protetora de óxidos de ferro (Fe2O3, Fe3O4 e FeO) e posterior formação de uma camada protetora mais espessa de crômia (Cr2O3). Mais internamente observou-se a formação de SiO2. / The search for alternatives to increase the high temperatures oxidation resistance in air of metals and alloys increases every day due to the need to optimization of the life expectancy of equipment operating in these conditions. New materials designed to work in these conditions make it possible to reduce maintenance costs, increasing productivity of equipment due to reduced shutdowns. The use of austenitic stainless steel microalloyed with rare earth elements is adopted an alternative, for example, to tubes and pipes for the oil and gas industry. This work aims to study the high temperature oxidation resistance in air of welded joints of an austenitic stainless steel microalloyed with cerium. The welded joints were welded using MIG / MAG welding process, depositing weld beads on a sheet of austenitic stainless steel AISI 304L by varying the composition of the shielding gases. Samples of the different welded joints were prepared by cutting with a diamond disk and were subjected to high temperatures oxidation testing in thermogravimetric balance. The oxidized specimens were studied using optic microscopy, scanning electron microscope with EDS and Xray diffraction. Parabolic oxidation kinetics were observed at all temperatures studied: 800, 900, 1000 and 1100 °C. The Kps found in this work reinforce the thesis that the formation of protective films of Cr2O3 and SiO2 occurs, reinforcing the hypothesis that they have been effectively formed after the initial stages of oxidation. In all specimens oxidized at different temperatures, a formation of a non-protective layer of iron oxides (Fe2O3, Fe3O4 and FeO) and subsequent formation of a thicker protective layer of chromite (Cr2O3) was observed. More internally, SiO2 formation was observed.

Neste trabalho é apresentado um estudo do ponto ZTC (Zero Temperature Coefficient) em dispositivos SOI MOSFETs, funcionando em modo parcialmente (PD-SOI) e totalmente (FD-SOI) depletados. O estudo é realizado a partir de um modelo analítico simples, proposto para determinação da tensão de polarização da porta do transistor no ponto ZTC (VZTC), através dos modelos de primeira ordem das características da corrente de dreno (IDS) em função da tensão aplicada a porta (VGF) do transistor, considerando as regiões de operação linear e de saturação. Para a validação do modelo, os resultados obtidos são confrontados com dados experimentais, e foi obtido um bom ajuste dos valores, apesar das simplificações adotadas para o modelo proposto. Foi realizada uma análise para estudar o impacto no valor de VZTC com a variação no valor de parâmetros de referência, como a concentração de portadores (Naf) e a espessura do óxido de porta (toxf). O erro máximo observado em VZTC, impondo a variação nos parâmetros Naf e toxf, para os dispositivos PD é de 3,1% e 4,6% na região linear, respectivamente; e 3,5% e 7,2% na região de saturação, respectivamente. Para os dispositivos FD o erro máximo observado, devido a variação nos parâmetros Naf e toxf, foi de 11% e 10% operando no regime linear, respectivamente e 5,3% e 8,4% no regime de saturação, respectivamente. Através do modelo proposto foi realizado o estudo da estabilidade do ponto ZTC em função da variação da degradação da mobilidade com a temperatura (fator c), comprimento de canal (L) e a tensão de dreno (VDS) para os dispositivos supracitados. A analise da influência do fator c em VZTC mostrou-se mais importante nos dispositivos parcialmente depletados (PD). A tensão VZTC, para os dispositivos nMOS, apresentou um menor valor operando na região de saturação, e torna-se mais pronunciada essa diferença para dispositivos com menor comprimento de canal, para ambos os tipos de dispositivos. Observando a variação de VZTC com VDS, nota-se uma diminuição no valor de VZTC para altos valores de VDS, para os dois tipos de dispositivos estudados, n e pMOS. Os resultados do modelo proposto foram avaliados com dados experimentais de outras tecnologias SOI MOSFET. Também foi obtido um bom ajuste com os valores para as tecnologias GC-SOI e GC-GAA SOI, operando em regime linear e saturação. / This paper presents a study of ZTC point (\"Zero Temperature Coefficient) in SOI MOSFETs devices, partially (PD-SOI) and fully (FD-SOI) depleted mode. The study is performed from a simple analytical model proposed for the determination of the gate bias voltage at ZTC point (VZTC) using the first-order models of the drain current (IDS) characteristics as a function of the gate voltage (VGF), operating in the linear and saturation regimes. To validate the model proposed results were compared with experimental data, and the analytical predictions are in very close agreement with experimental results in spite of the simplification used for the VZTC model proposed. Analysis was performed to study the impact on the VZTC value with the change in the parameters used as reference, such as Naf and toxf. The maximum error observed for the PD devices is 3.1% and 4.6% in the linear region and 3.5% and 7.2% in the saturation region, respectively. For FD devices the maximum error observed was 11% and 10% operating in the linear and 5.3% and 8.4% in the saturation regime. In order to verify the stability of the ZTC point as a function of the mobility degradation (c), channel length (L) and drain voltage (VDS), the proposed model was applied to the devices mentioned above. The VZTC changes in the temperature range investigated showed a temperature mobility degradation dependence and are more pronounced in PD devices. The VZTC voltage for nMOS devices presented a lower value operating in the saturation region than in the linear region, and this difference becomes more pronounced to devices with smaller channel length for both devices, n and pMOS. Analyzing the VZTC variation with drain voltage (VDS), showed a decrease in VZTC value for higher VDS, for both studied devices. The model proposed results were evaluated using experimental data from other SOI MOSFET technologies. And also we have obtained for the GC SOI and GC-GAA-SOI technologies a very close agreement, operating in both regions, linear and saturation.

A necessidade de trabalhos em altas temperaturas exige o desenvolvimento de materiais com elevada resistência química e mecânica em temperaturas que podem chegar próximas ao seu ponto de fusão. Em especial, os materiais empregados devem apresentar bom comportamento em fluência, de modo a suportar a combinação de altas tensões e altas temperaturas com o mínimo de deformação. O presente trabalho visa caracterizar a superliga MAR-M247, fornecida pela empresa Açotécnica, em condições de fluência para a produção de rotores empregados em turbocompressores automotivos. Os trabalhos são divididos em duas etapas. Na primeira estuda-se a melhor combinação de tratamentos térmicos de solubilização e envelhecimento, chegando à condição de solubilização por 5 horas a 1250?C e envelhecimento por 20 horas a 980?C. Um trabalho de outro aluno (SILVA, 2011) realiza o mesmo estudo para uma variação da superliga MAR-M247 em que o tântalo é totalmente substituído por nióbio. Neste caso, a melhor condição de tratamento é solubilização a 1260?C por 8 h seguida de envelhecimento duplo por 5 h a 880?C e 20 h a 780?C. Na segunda etapa, os materiais dos dois trabalhos, nas melhores condições de tratamento para cada um, são testados em condições de fluência a 850?C a 370, 390, 410 e 430 MPa. A superliga convencional apresenta os maiores valores de vida em fluência enquanto a modificada apresenta os maiores valores de ductilidade. A análise de fratura dos materiais ensaiados a 390 e 430 MPa mostra a presença massiva de carbonetos em toda a extensão da microestrutura, apresentando, em muitos casos, uma morfologia de \"escrita chinesa\". Apesar disso, todas as amostras apresentam grande quantidade de vazios, indicando que sua nucleação e crescimento são os responsáveis pela fratura do material. / The needing for high temperature work claim for new materials capable of maintain high strength and good corrosion resistance at temperatures that could reach values near their melting point. Such materials must be creep resistant to withstand high levels of tension and temperature. The aim of this work is the characterization of MAR-M247 under creep conditions for the production of automotive turbocharger rotors made by Açotécnica. The work is split in two steps. In the first one, the material is studied to find the best conditions for solution and ageing heat treatments. The result is a solution treatment at 1250?C for 5 h followed by aging at 980?C for 20 h. A work made by another student (SILVA, 2011) makes the same with a modification of MAR-M247 in which tantalum is completely substituted for niobium. The best condition for this case is a solution treatment at 1260?C for 8 h and a double aging treatment at 880?C for 5 h and 780?C for 20 h. At the second part of the work, both the materials are tested under creep conditions at 850?C with 370, 390, 410 and 430 MPa. The conventional superalloy shows the highest values for creep strength and the modified superalloy shows the highest ductility. Fracture surfaces for 390 and 430 MPa showed brittle carbides with \"chinese script\" morphology. Conversely, holes are present on all four materials what shall mean that its nucleation and growth was the most probably fracture path.

L'objectif des travaux présentés dans cette thèse est de développer des méthodes d'élaboration et de caractérisation de matériaux piézoélectriques en vue de leur intégration dans des capteurs acoustiques pour des applications en milieu hostile. Les aspects mesures en hautes températures et sous irradiation étant d'un grand intérêt pour nos partenaires du CEA.Dans ce contexte, l'étude et la réalisation de capteurs acoustiques fonctionnant à haute température offre une grande diversité d'applications possibles. Ce travail inclut la recherche de matériaux piézoélectriques adéquats, leurs technologies de mise en œuvre ainsi que le mode de couplage du transducteur sur une paroi métallique ou céramique. En plus des techniques traditionnelles de brasure, une autre voie de technologie est envisagée à travers l'utilisation de la sérigraphie. Des bancs de test spécifiques ont été développés dans le but de déterminer les caractéristiques intrinsèques des matériaux, et les performances obtenues après leur intégration comme éléments sensibles d'un système de mesure. La sérigraphie comme méthode transfert de matière offre des avantages indéniables en termes de facilité d'utilisation, de rapidité de prototypage et de reproductibilité. De l'encre piézoélectrique a été élaborer à partir de poudre de piézoélectrique, de verre de frittage et de véhicule organique ESL400. Cette encre a été déposée par sérigraphie. L'empilement technologique réalisé est composé de deux électrodes d'Argent-Palladium et de plusieurs couches d'encre piézoélectrique. Dans un premier temps, un dépôt d'empilement de Plomb Zirconate Titanate (PZT) entre deux électrodes d'argent palladium sur substrat alumine a permis de réaliser une grande quantité de tests sur les différentes potentialités d'optimisations. Les couches ont été caractérisées de manière systématique en mesurant le coefficient piézoélectrique d33, la permittivité relative et les pertes diélectriques par mesure direct. Le facteur de couplage kt et la constante de fréquence ont été déterminé par ajustement de la courbe d'impédance à partir de modèles. Ces modèles ont été développés afin de remonter de manière indirecte à différents paramètres complétant les mesures directes. Les couches épaisses de PZT ont présenté des potentialités d'utilisation jusqu'à 200°C.Enfin, des poudres de matériaux piézoélectriques de base bismuth ont été synthétisées et incorporées à des encres pour des dépôts par sérigraphie. Le titanate de bismuth (BIT) non dopé ou dopé niobium n'a pas permis de mettre en évidence un important caractère piézoélectrique macroscopique à cause des difficulté de polarisation. D'un autre côté, le sodium bismuth titanate (NBT) présente une grande potentialité dans le cadre de future étude. En effet sous forme de couche épaisse il présente un d33 de 9pC.N-1 et une courbe d'impédance qui ne révèle pas de réelle évolution même à des températures de l'ordre de 350°C. / The goal of the work presented in this thesis is to develop methods of preparation and characterization of piezoelectric materials for inclusion in acoustic sensors for applications in hostile environments. Measurements aspects in high temperatures and under radiation are of great interest to our partners of the CEA.In this context, the study and the realization of acoustic sensors operating at high temperature provide a wide range of possible application. This work includes research of optimal piezoelectric material, their technologies of implementation as well as the pairing mode of the transducer on a metallic or ceramic wall. In addition to the traditional techniques of solder, another technological way is envisaged through the use of screen printing. Specific test devices have been developed in order to determine the intrinsic characteristics to the materials, and the performances after their integration as sensitive elements of a measurement system. This screen printing as method of material transfer offers undeniable advantages in terms of use, a rapid prototyping and good reproducibility. Piezoelectric ink was developed from piezoelectric powder, glass sintering and organic vehicle ESL400. This ink has been made by screen printing. The realized technology stack consists of two electrodes of silver-Palladium and multilayered piezoelectric ink. As a first step, a deposit of stacking of Lead Zirconate Titanate (PZT) between two electrodes of silver palladium on alumina substrate allowed a lot of tests on the various optimizations potentialities. Layers have been characterized in a systematic way by measuring piezoelectric coefficient d33, relative permittivity and dielectric loss as a direct measurement. The coupling factor kt and frequency constant was determined by fit of the impedance curve from models. These models have been developed to indirectly determine different parameters from the direct measurement. Thick layers of PZT showed potential to be used up to 200 ° C.Finally, piezoelectric materials based on bismuth powders have been synthesized and incorporated in inks for screen printing deposits. Bismuth Titanate (BIT) niobium doped or undoped did not highlight significant macroscopic piezoelectric character because of the polarization difficulties. On the other hand, Sodium Bismuth Titanate (NBT) presents a great potential for future study. In fact in the form of thick layer it presents d33 of 9pC.N-1 and an impedance curve that does not reveal evolution even at temperatures in the range of 350 ° C.

Made available in DSpace on 2015-04-22T22:07:23Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertacao Final Marcio Gomes.pdf: 1885147 bytes, checksum: b68c412fc26d42c2c611a08b965c9c52 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2009-06-26 / Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Amazonas / In this work, we study the properties of the high-temperature superconductors to analyze its rich phase diagram. We use the tight binding model within a mean-field formulation. The choice of the above model is due to its relative simplicity and also to verify the extent upto which it can provide satisfactory qualitative results. We use the tight binding model including terms upto second nearest hopping to study. These new superconductors in the underdoped and overdoped phases. We consider the charge density wave with d-wave symmetry (DDW), as a possible explanation for the pseudogap in the underdoped phase. The phase diagram of the cuprates are analyzed. We calculate some properties of these new materials, such as the chemical potential and specific heat and compare with other theories and experiments that attempt to explain superconductivity. We will also observe, to what extent the theory of mean field approximation is applicable. / Neste trabalho, estudaremos as propriedades que são universais aos supercondutes de altas temperaturas, analisando o seu rico diagrama de fase. Utilizamos-nos para isso, o modelo de tight binding numa formulação de campo m´edio. A escolha do modelo de tight binding foi devido ao interesse em verificar até que ponto, um método, relativamente simples que os demais, pode fornecer resultados quantitativos satisfatórios. Assumimos que o termo de hopping e as interações não locais ocorrem entre primeiros e segundos vizinhos. Consideraremos as ondas de densidade d (DDW), como possível explicação para o pseudogap no estado normal. Analisaremos o comportamento do diagrama de fase nos cupratos, o gap supercondutor e o pseudogap no estado normal e calcularemos algumas propriedades termodinâmicas, tais como, potencial químico e calor específico; fazendo um paralelo com outras teorias que tentam explicar a supercondutividade. Veremos, também, até que ponto a teoria de campo médio é útil.

Certain types of fuel used for combustion in land-based gas turbines can contain traces of ash when introduced into a gas turbine. Examples include synfuel, from the gasification of coal, and heavy fuel oil. When these ash particles travel through the hot gas path of the gas turbine they can deposit on turbine vanes and blades. As deposits grow, they can reduce turbine efficiency and damage turbine hardware. As turbine inlet temperatures increase, ash deposition rates increase as well.Experiments were conducted in the Turbine Accelerated Deposition Facility (TADF) at Brigham Young University to better understand ash deposition behavior at modern turbine inlet temperatures. Experiments were conducted that varied deposition duration, gas temperature, surface temperature, ash type and characteristics, and film-cooling blowing ratio. Analysis included measuring and calculating the capture efficiency, deposit surface roughness, deposit density, and deposit surface temperature. Test results indicate that capture efficiency increases with time and as the gas temperature increases. Previous studies have shown that the capture efficiency increases with increasing surface temperature as well, but the results from this study show that at a gas temperature of 1400°C, the capture efficiency of the ash used in these tests initially increased but then began to decrease with increasing surface temperature. It was also shown that different ashes, with differing ash chemistries and densities, deposit at very different rates and produce different surface structures. The film-cooling tests showed that film cooling does reduce the capture efficiency at modern turbine temperatures, but has a smaller relative effect than at lower temperatures. Tests performed with heavy fuel oil ash and increased SO2 levels (similar to those found in heavy fuel oil combustion environments) indicate that the increased sulfur levels result in the formation of more sulfur compounds in the deposit and change which elements are dissolved by water, but has little effect on the amount of deposit that dissolves. CFD simulations were performed to model the fluid dynamics and particle trajectories in the TADF. The resulting particle impact data (particle impact velocity, temperature, diameter, etc.) were used in sticking models to evaluate the models' performance at high temperatures. Results indicate that while the models can be fit fairly well to specific data, they need to be able to better account for changing surface conditions and high temperature particle behavior to accurately model deposition at high temperatures.