This dissertation combines studies of aeolian bedforms and aeolian dune-field patterns to create a comprehensive set of tools that can be used in tandem (or separately) to extract information about climate change and landscape evolution, and to identify the controls on formation for specific modern dune fields or ancient aeolian sequences. The spatial distribution of surface processes, erosion/deposition rates, and lee face sorting on aeolian dunes are each a function of the incident angle. This correlation between stratification style and incidence angle can be used to develop a “toolbox” of methods based on measurements of key suites of parameters found in ancient aeolian deposits. Information obtained from the rock record can be used as input data for different kinds of numerical models. Regional-scale paleowind conditions can be used to validate paleoclimate and global circulation models. Understanding the natural variability in the Earth’s climate throughout its history can help predict future climate change. Reconstructed wind regimes and bedform morphologies can be used in numerical models of aeolian dune-field pattern evolution to simulate patterns analogous to those reconstructed from ancient aeolian systems. Much of the diversity of aeolian dune-field patterns seen in the real world is a function of the sediment supply and transport capacity, which in turn determine the sediment availability of the system. Knowledge of the sediment supply, availability, and transport capacity of aeolian systems can be used to predict the amount of sand in the system and where it might have migrated. This information can be extremely useful for development and production of oil and gas accumulations, where a discovery has been made but the spatial extent of the aeolian reservoir is unknown. / text

Polymeric composites reinforced with bio-materials have advantages over composites with synthetic reinforcements. Bio-based composites use low-cost and renewable reinforcements, have nonabrasive properties for machining, have improved damping characteristics, and have potential for energy recycling. However, the limited use of bio-based composites is because their mechanical properties are typically much lower than those of synthetic composites. The objective of this study was to combine state-of-the-art imaging tools with emerging numerical modeling methods for an integrated, multi-level characterization of bio-based reinforcements and their composites. Digital photography (2D) will allow collection of full-field digital images of the surface of sample composites, which will be used for characterization of the morphological structure of fillers (copper wire or wood particle) and of model composites. Mechanical experiments (tension load) on isolated fillers and on model composites will allow imaging of the deformed material. By correlating relative positions of thousands of surface features between consecutive images, digital image correlation (DIC) algorithms can be used to map surface deformation fields and calculate surface strain fields. Digital imaging methods can only record deformations and strains. The interpretation of those strains in terms of material properties, such as position-dependent modulus of a heterogeneous composite material, requires simultaneous modeling. The modeling must use morphology-based methods that can handle anisotropy, heterogeneity, and the complex structure of bio-based composites such as wood plastic composites. This research used the material point method (MPM) as a modeling tool. MPM is a particle-based, meshless method for solving problems in computational mechanics. The crucial advantage of MPM over other methods is the relative ease of translating pixels from digital images into material points in the analysis. Thus digital images (2D) used in our experiments were used as direct input to the MPM software, so that the actual morphologies, rather than idealized geometries, were modeled. This procedure removes typical uncertainties connected with idealization of the internal features of modeled materials. It also removes variability of specimen to specimen due to morphology variations. Full-field imaging techniques and computer modeling methods for analysis of complex materials have developed independently. This research Coupled imaging and modeling and used inverse problem methodology for studying bio-particulate composites. The potential of coupling experiments with morphology-based modeling is a relatively new area. This work studied the morphology and mechanical properties of copper wire (for validation experiments) and wood particles used for reinforcement in polymer composites. The goal was to determine the in situ mechanical and interfacial properties of copper wire and then wood particles. By comparison of DIC results to MPM, the conclusion is MPM simulation works well by simulating 3D composite structure and using Matlab software to do qualitative and quantitative comparisons. Copper validation tests showed that copper wire is too stiff compared to polymer such that the inclusion modulus had low effect on the surface strains (DIC experimental results). Wood particle worked better because modulus of wood is much lower than copper. By qualitative comparison of the wood particle specimens, we could deduce that the in situ properties of wood particles are lower than bulk wood. Quantitative analysis concentrated on small area and got more exact results. In a 90 degree particle quantitative study, MPM simulations were shown to be capable of tracking the structure of wood particle plastic, which involved failure. The entire approach, however, is not very robust. We can get some results for mechanical properties, but it does not seem possible to extract all anisotropic properties from a few DIC tests, as some researcher have suggested. / Graduation date: 2012

This work is motivated by the question: how much complexity is appropriate for a cloud parameterization used in general circulation models (GCM). To approach this question, cloud parameterizations across the complexity range are explored using general circulation models and theoretical Monte-Carlo simulations. Their results are compared with high-resolution satellite observations and simulations that resolve the GCM subgrid-scale variability explicitly. A process-orientated evaluation is facilitated by GCM forecast simulations which reproduce the synoptic state. For this purpose novel methods were develop to a) conceptually relate the underlying saturation deficit probability density function (PDF) with its saturated cloudy part, b) analytically compute the vertical integrated liquid water path (LWP) variability, c) diagnose the relevant PDF-moments from cloud parameterizations, d) derive high-resolution LWP from satellite observations and e) deduce the LWP statistics by aggregating the LWP onto boxes equivalent to the GCM grid size. On this basis, this work shows that it is possible to evaluate the sub-grid scale variability of cloud parameterizations in terms of cloud variables. Differences among the PDF types increase with complexity, in particular the more advanced cloud parameterizations can make use of their double Gaussian PDF in conditions, where cumulus convection forms a separate mode with respect to the remainder of the grid-box. Therefore, it is concluded that the difference between unimodal and bimodal PDFs is more important, than the shape within each mode. However, the simulations and their evaluation reveals that the advanced parameterizations do not take full advantage of their abilities and their statistical relationships are broadly similar to less complex PDF shapes, while the results from observations and cloud resolving simulations indicate even more complex distributions. Therefore, this work suggests that the use of less complex PDF shapes might yield a better trade-off. With increasing model resolution initial weaknesses of simpler, e.g. unimodal PDFs, will be diminished. While cloud schemes for coarse-resolved models need to parameterize multiple cloud regimes per grid-box, higher spatial resolution of future GCMs will separate them better, so that the unimodal approximation improves.

The irrigated agriculture in the Lower Chenab Canal (LCC) of Pakistan is characterized by huge water utilization both from surface and groundwater resources. Need of utilization of water from five rivers in Punjab province along with accelerated population growth has forced the construction of world’s largest irrigation network. Nevertheless, huge irrigation infrastructure, together with inappropriate drainage infrastructure, led to a build-up of shal-low groundwater levels, followed by waterlogging and secondary salinization in the soil profile. Following this era, decreased efficiency of irrigation supply system along with higher food demands had increased burdens on groundwater use, which led to a drop in groundwater levels in major parts of LCC. Previous studies in the study region revealed lacking management and maintenance of irrigation system, inflexible irrigation strategies, poor linkages between field level water supply and demands. No future strategy is present or under consideration to deal with this long time emerged groundwater situation particularly under unchanged irrigation water supply and climate change. Therefore, there is an utmost importance to assess the current profile of water use in the irrigation scheme and to device some workable strategies under future situations of land use and climate change. This study aims to investigate the spatio-temporal status of water utilization and performance of irrigation system using remote sensing data and techniques (SEBAL) in combination with other point data. Different irrigation performance indicators including equity, adequacy and reliability using evaporation fraction as main input parameter are utilized. Current profiles of land use/land cover (LULC) areas are assessed and their change detections are worked out to establish realistic future scenarios. Spatially distributed seasonal net recharge, a very important input parameter for groundwater modeling, is estimated by employing water balance approaches using spatial data from remote sensing and local norms. Such recharge results are also compared with a water table fluctuation approach. Following recharge estimation, a regional 3-D groundwater flow model using FEFLOW was set up. This model was calibrated by different approaches ranging from manual to automated pilot point (PP) approach. Sensitivity analysis was performed to see the model response against different model input parameters and to identify model regions which demand further improvements. Future climate parameters were downscaled to establish scenarios by using statistical downscaling under IPCC future emission scenarios. Modified recharge raster maps were prepared under both LULC and climate change scenarios and were fed to the groundwater model to investigate groundwater dynamics. Seasonal consumptive water use analysis revealed almost double use for kharif as compared to rabi cropping seasons with decrease from upper LCC to lower regions. Intra irrigation subdivision analysis of equity, an important irrigation performance indicator, shows less differences in water consumption in LCC. However, the other indicators (adequacy and reliability) indicate that the irrigation system is neither adequate nor reliable. Adequacy is found more pronounced during kharif as compared to rabi seasons with aver-age evaporation fraction of 0.60 and 0.67, respectively. Similarly, reliability is relatively higher in upper LCC regions as compared to lower regions. LULC classification shows that wheat and rice are major crops with least volatility in cultivation from season to season. The results of change detection show that cotton exhibited maximum positive change while kharif fodder showed maximum negative change during 2005-2012. Transformation of cotton area to rice cultivation is less conspicuous. The water consumption in upper LCC regions with similar crops is relatively higher as compared to lower regions. Groundwater recharge results revealed that, during the kharif cropping seasons, rainfall is the main source of recharge followed by field percolation losses, while for rabi cropping seasons, canal seepage remains the major source. Seasonal net groundwater recharge is mainly positive during all kharif seasons with a gradual increase in groundwater level in major parts of LCC. Model optimization indicates that PP is more flexible and robust as compared to manual and zone based approaches. Different statistical indicators show that this method yields reliable calibration and validation as values of Nash Sutcliffe Efficiency are 0.976 and 0.969, % BIAS are 0.026 and -0.205 and root mean square errors are 1.23 m and 1.31 m, respectively. Results of model output sensitivity suggest that hydraulic conductivity is a more influential parameter in the study area than drain/fillable porosity. Model simulation results under different scenarios show that rice cultivation has the highest impact on groundwater levels in upper LCC regions whereas major negative changes are observed for lower parts under decreased kharif fodder area in place of rice, cotton and sugarcane. Fluctuations in groundwater level among different proposed LULC scenarios are within ±1 m, thus showing a limited potential for groundwater management. For future climate scenarios, a rise in groundwater level is observed for 2011 to 2025 under H3A2 emission regime. Nevertheless, a drop in groundwater level is expected due to increased crop consumptive water use and decreased precipitations under H3A2 scenario for the periods 2026-2035 and 2036-2045. Although no imminent threat of groundwater shortage is anticipated, there is an opportunity for developing groundwater resources in the lower model regions through water re-allocation that would be helpful in dealing water shortages. The groundwater situation under H3B2 emission regime is relatively complex due to very low expectation of rise in groundwater level through precipitation during 2011-2025. Any positive change in groundwater under such scenarios is mainly associated with changes in crop consumptive water uses. Consequently, water management under such situation requires revisiting of current cropping patterns as well as augmenting water supply through additional surface water resources.

Une structure en béton doit assurer des fonctions structurales qui vont au delà de la simple résistance. Dans ce cadre, la fissuration du béton armé joue un rôle primordial sur la durabilité, l'étanchéité et même la sûreté des structures. La structure poreuse du béton rend naturellement possible la pénétration au cours du temps d'espèces délétères. En outre, sous l'effet des chargements mécaniques et des conditions environnementales au sens large, le béton se fissure. Les fissures constituent, elles aussi, des voies préférentielles pour la pénétration de fluides ou d'agents agressifs et ajoutent de manière significative leur contribution à la dégradation des performances structurelles. Dans la thèse une stratégie de modélisation macroscopique probabiliste du couplage entre fissuration et transferts de fluides dans les structures en béton est présentée. Le béton est modélisé comme un milieu poreux saturé d'eau tandis que la fissuration (mécanique) est modélisée au travers d'une approche numérique probabiliste tenant compte de l'hétérogénéité naturelle du matériau et des effets d'échelle qu'elle induit. L'hypothèse physique de base du modèle de fissuration est que chaque élément fini peut être considéré comme représentatif d'un volume de matière hétérogène dont le comportement est géré par son degré d'hétérogénéité, défini comme le rapport entre le volume élémentaire et un volume représentatif de l'hétérogénéité du matériau. Dans la formulation développée, les propriétés mécaniques du matériau sont considérées comme des variables aléatoires (non corrélés) distribuées dans les éléments du maillage selon des distributions statistiques validées expérimentalement. Une approche par analyse inverse permet d'accéder aux paramètres de fonctions de distribution qui, selon les hypothèses du modèle, varient en fonction de la dimension des éléments finis. Le couplage fissuration-transfert est traité de manière faible, sous l'hypothèse d'absence d'interaction entre les deux processus (à savoir que la fissuration de l'élément fini, d'origine mécanique, induit une variation locale de sa perméabilité). L'utilisation d'une loi de Poiseuille modifiée et adaptée expérimentalement selon un protocole développé dans le cadre de la thèse permet de mettre en relation une telle variation avec l'ouverture de fissure et de prendre en compte, de manière macroscopique, les principales causes d'écart entre l'écoulement idéalisé, représenté par la loi de Pouiselle, et l'écoulement dans des fissures réelles. Une approche de type Monte-Carlo permet de valider les résultats des simulations mécaniques et hydriques. Les capacités de la stratégie de modélisation proposée en termes de prédiction des débits d'eau en milieu fissuré sont explorées au travers de la simulation d'essais de perméabilité sous charge sur des éprouvettes cylindriques soumises à du fendage. Ces essais sont utilisés dans le cadre du protocole expérimentale. Une première validation à l'échelle d'un élément structurel multifissuré est presentée. Elle consiste en la simulation d'un essai (récemment proposé dans la littérature) developpé pour l'étude de l'impact de la fissuration sur les propriétés de transfert de tirants en béton armé / Concrete durability is strongly affected by the flow of fluids, gas and pollutants in its porous matrix. The presence of cracks weakens the resistance of concrete porous matrix and constitutes preferential flow paths for aggressive components. In the thesis, a probabilistic numerical modeling strategy for modeling fluids transfers in cracked concrete structures is presented. The concrete is modeled in the framework of water saturated porous media. Its (mechanical) cracking is modeled by means of a macroscopic probabilistic approach, explicitly taking into account material heterogeneity as well as size effects. The main assumption of the model, developed in the frame of the the Finite Element Method, is to consider a finite element volume as a volume of heterogeneous material and to assume that physical mechanisms influencing the cracking processes remain the same whatever the scale of observation. At the scale of the finite element, mechanical properties are then functions of its own volume. To describe the heterogeneity of the material, these mechanical properties are consider as uncorrelated random variables distributed over the finite element mesh. Characteristics of statistical distribution laws are directly depending on the degree of heterogeneity of the finite element (the ratio between its volume and the volume of the coarsest aggregate) and of the quality of the cement paste. An inverse analysis approach allows to find their parameters as functions of the elementary volume. A weak coupling between cracking and fluid transfers is considered, under the assumption of no interaction between the two processes (i.e. the mechanically produced cracking of a finite element induce a local variation of its permeability tensor). An experimentally adapted Pouiseuille law, based on an original experimental protocol, allows to relate this permeability variation to the crack aperture and to macroscopically take into account the influence of crack roughness, aperture variation and tortuosity. A Monte-Carlo like approach is used in order to statistically validate mechanical and hydraulic simulations. The coupling strategy is validated in two phases, both at the scale of a laboratory specimen and at the scale of a multi-cracked structural element

L'émergence des transformateurs piézoélectriques coïncident avec le développement dans les années 1950 des céramiques ferroélectriques appartenant à la famille cristalline des pérovskites qui n'ont cessé de s'améliorer depuis. Outre la compacité dont bénéficie ces structures, les transformateurs piézoélectriques offrent des performances remarquables en terme de gain en tension et rendement utiles pour des applications nécessitant une adaptation de tension ou une isolation galvanique, parfaitement dédiés aux applications de faibles puissances à haut rendement. Toutefois, les transformateurs piézoélectriques peuvent être déviés de leurs applications premières. En effet, la dernière décennie a été marquée par l'apparition de générateur de plasma par effet piézoélectrique utilisant principalement des architectures de type transformateur. Pourtant, si quelques applications usuelles illustrent parfaitement cette interaction, la compréhension des phénomènes physiques qui en sont à l'origine reste à approfondir. L'objectif de cette thèse est d'en expliquer les fondements par une approche méthodique. Ce travail s'articule autour de plusieurs étapes comprenant la mise en oeuvre d'une méthode systématique de la modélisation analytique d'un transformateur piézoélectrique, de l'étude de la carte de champ produit par un transformateur ainsi qu'une étude expérimentale vue des bornes en guise de premières investigations. La modélisation analytique est basée sur l'exploitation du Principe de Moindre Action (PMA). A partir de la théorie linéaire de la piézoélectricité, un modèle général applicable à toutes les géométries de transformateur, exploitant des modes de couplage piézoélectrique multiples, est proposé. Son caractère multimodal est par ailleurs mis en exergue. Cette modélisation est appliquée à une structure classique de transformateur piézoélectrique de type Rosen et les résultats obtenus sont validés d'une part par une identification numérique, issue d'un logiciel de calcul par éléments finis, et d'autre part par une caractérisation expérimentale. La modélisation analytique précédente ne tient pas compte dans sa mise en oeuvre de l'influence de l'environnement dans lequel évolue le transformateur piézoélectrique. Afin de caractériser le potentiel électrique produit, un modèle numérique 2D du champ électrique environnant est proposé selon la méthode des différences finies. Ce modèle est basé sur une extension du modèle analytique précédemment développé incluant les pertes mécaniques afin de quantifier le potentiel électrique de surface. Même si l'influence du plasma est négligée en première approximation, la modélisation permet de mettre en lumière les zones de fort champ correspondant aux zones de décharges luminescentes observées expérimentalement. Finalement, afin de valider le concept de générateur de plasma piézoélectrique, une caractérisation vue des bornes du transformateur piézoélectrique de type Rosen a été entreprise. Une étude systématique du déclenchement de la décharge plasma en fonction du niveau de tension et de la pression environnante a été menée. Cette part expérimentale de l'étude constitue une approche pionnière pour qualifier le comportement électromécanique du transformateur et a ainsi permis de mettre en évidence des comportements non linéaires issus de ce mode de fonctionnement atypique qu'est la génération de décharges de surface par effet piézoélectrique. / The emergence of piezoelectric transformers coincides with the development in the 1950s of ferroelectric ceramics belonging to the perovskites crystalline family. In addition to providing small size and weight, piezoelectric transformers offer outstanding performances in terms of galvanic insulation, voltage ratio and efficiency. Furthermore, compared with conventional electromagnetic transformers, piezoelectric transformers are free from electromagnetic interference. They are consequently more suitable for low power and high efficiency applications for small embedded systems. However, piezoelectric transformers can be deviated from their initial applications. Indeed, the emergence of plasma generator by piezoelectric effect, using mainly piezoelectric transformers, made its mark on the last decade. Nevertheless, if a few typical applications perfectly exemplify this interaction, the understanding of instigated physical phenomena remains to go into detail. The aim of this thesis is to explain the fundaments by a methodical approach. This work is based on several steps including the implementation of piezoelectric transformer analytical modeling, the study of the electrical field generated by a piezoelectric transformer and a first experimental investigation from piezoelectric transformer terminals. The analytical modeling is based on the utilization of the least action principle. From linear piezoelectric theory, a general model applicable to all transformer geometries, using multiple piezoelectric coupling modes, is put forward. Its multimodal characteristic is in addition underlined. This modeling is applied to a classical Rosen type transformer and the obtained results are confirmed on one hand by a numerical identication, and on the other hand by an experimental characterization. The previous analytical modeling does not take into account in its application the influence of the environment in which the piezoelectric transformer evolves. In order to qualify the produced electrical potential, a 2D numerical model of surrounding electrical field is put forward according to nite difference method. This model is based on the extension of previously developed analytical model including mechanical losses in order to quantify the surfacic electrical potential. Even if plasma influence is ignored in first approximation, the modeling allows to highlight high electrical field areas matching glow discharges areas experimentally observed. Finally, in order to validate the concept of piezoelectric plasma generator, a characterization from Rosen type piezoelectric transformer terminals has been undertaken. A systematic study of plasma discharge ignition in function of the input voltage level and the surrounding pressure has been carried out. This experimental part of the study constitutes a pioneering approach in order to qualify transformer electromechanical behavior. It has consequently allowed to give rise to nonlinear behaviors from untypical operation mode which is the surfacic discharge generation by piezoelectric effect.

In dieser Arbeit wird anfangs dargestellt, wie kostenintensiv und problematisch die Kanalreinigung ausfällt. Durch die demographisch bedingt rückläufigen Schmutzwassermengen und gleichzeitig prognostizierten langen Trockenperioden in den Sommermonaten muss allerdings mit einer verstärkten Akkumulation von Ablagerungen in den Kanalsystemen gerechnet werden. Zudem erweist es sich in Voraussicht auf den Klimawandel als notwendig, den gesamten Kanalquerschnitt für Starkregenereignisse von Ablagerungen freizuhalten; ansonsten ist die häufigere Entlastung des Abwassernetzes in den Vorfluter nach Füllung der vorhandenen Regenrückhaltebecken vorprogrammiert. Die Kanalreinigung wird somit in den nächsten Jahren an Bedeutung gewinnen. Vor allem bei der Reinigung von Großprofilen ist jedoch der Stand der Technik noch nicht ausgereift und die jetzigen Reinigungsmethoden erweisen sich wegen des niedrigen Reinigungserfolges sowie der starken Umweltbelastung durch die genutzten Geräte als ungeeignet. Durch die in dieser Arbeit vorgestellte und auf den Stand der Technik gebrachte Reinigungsmethode wird jedoch eine leistungsstarke Alternative geboten. In Zukunft wird es möglich sein, große Kanaldurchmesser fast vollkommen umweltneutral zu reinigen und nur mit Hilfe der Wasserkraft das gesammelte Sediment bis zum nachgeschalteten Sandfang zu mobilisieren. Mit den durchgeführten und hier dargestellten numerischen Versuchen wird in erster Linie eine geometrische Optimierung zur Erreichung der größten Mobilisierungskräfte im Hinblick auf einen ausgewählten Abschnitt der Dresdner Kanalisation vollzogen. In der nachfolgenden physikalischen Modellierung wird der Schwerpunkt auf die optimale Reinigungsgeschwindigkeit gelegt, um ein möglichst großes Volumen an Ablagerungen zu bewegen. Es muss allerdings präzisiert werden, dass während der Modellierung kein Grenzzustand erreicht werden konnte. Dieser wird schließlich durch die folgende analytische Beschreibung des Transportvorganges theoretisch bestimmt. Für das genutzte physikalische Modell wird analytisch ein Grenztransportkörper aus Modellsediment errechnet. Bei einer Übertragung auf den dazugehörigen vorhandenen Abschnitt im Dresdner Kanalnetz durch Ansetzen des Ähnlichkeitsgesetzes wird ein mobilisierbares Grenzvolumen überschlagen. Die hier dargestellten Ergebnisse der theoretischen Untersuchungen bzw. der physikalischen Modellierung wurden mit den Betreibern und den Herstellern des neuen Stauwagens diskutiert und hinsichtlich konstruktiver Schwerpunkte optimiert. Unter besonderer Berücksichtigung der Kostenoptimierung und der konstruktiven Realisierung wurde von der Firma "WKS Technik GmbH" ein Forschungsmuster zur Untersuchung in einer Pilottestphase entwickelt und gebaut. In der nachfolgenden dargestellten Testphase wurde das Ergebnis als Pilotprojekt im Dresdner Kanalnetz in mehreren Testläufen erprobt und untersucht. Nach jedem Testlauf wurden die aufgetretenen Probleme analysiert und durch Umbauten oder Veränderungen behoben. Regelmäßige Reinigungsfahrten sollten wegen der geringeren Ablagerungsmengen ein gleichmäßiges Fahren gewährleisten bzw. die Ablagerungen vollständig mobilisieren und bis zum Sandfang transportieren, um sie dort zu entnehmen. Während der Testphase wurde eine viel höhere Sedimentmenge gesammelt und transportiert als die, welche sich aus der analytischen Berechnung ergab. Dies folgte aus dem beim Naturversuch zugelassenen höheren Aufstauniveau hinter dem Spülwagen, welches ausnahmsweise zugelassen wurde, um auf eine zwischenzeitliche Sedimentabsaugung zu verzichten. / The early pages of this research thesis demonstrate how costly and problematic sewer cleaning is. Due to changing demographics causing declining amounts of wastewater and, at the same time, to predicted long dry spells during the summer months, an increased accumulation of sediments in the sewer systems has to be expected. With respect to climate change it is necessary to keep the entire sewer cross section free of sediments in order to manage heavy rainfall events; otherwise a more frequent relief of the wastewater system into the receiving water is inevitable once the rain retention basins have been filled. Thus sewer cleaning will gain in importance within the next few years. Predominantly the cleaning of large-diameter profiles, however, has not reached a state-of-the-art technology, and the current cleaning methods prove themselves to be inapt due to their very limited success as well as to the environmental burden posed by the equipment they employ. The state-of-the-art cleaning method presented in this research paper constitutes a high-powered alternative. In the future, it will be possible to clean large sewer cross sections almost entirely in an environmentally neutral fashion and to mobilize the accumulated sediment all the way to the downstream sand trap by exclusively harnessing water power. The numerical experiments conducted for this paper primarily effected a geometric optimization to achieve the maximal mobilization forces in a selected section of Dresden's sewer system. In the subsequent physical modeling the emphasis is placed on the optimal cleaning speed in order to move a maximum volume of sediments. It has to be clarified, however, that no limit state could be reached during the modeling procedure. This limit state is determined theoretically only through the following analytical description of the transport process. For the physical model at hand, the maximum transportable sediment volume made of model sediment is calculated analytically. In an extrapolation for the associated existent section in the Dresden sewer system, a mobilizable limit volume is estimated applying the law of similarity. The results of the theoretical analysis and the physical modeling presented in this work were discussed with the operators and manufacturers of the new storage vehicle and were optimized with regard to constructional core aspects. In special consideration of the cost optimization and the constructional realization, the "WKS Technik GmbH" company developed and constructed a research prototype for a survey in a pilot test phase. During the subsequent test phase, the result was tried out and examined as a pilot project in several trial runs in Dresden's sewer system. After each trial run, the problems which had occurred were analyzed and then eliminated through constructional modifications or other alterations. Regular cleaning runs were intended to guarantee a steady movement of the cleaning vehicle due to a reduced amount of sediments, or to completely mobilize the sediments and transport them to the sand trap in order to remove them there. The sediment volume actually gathered and transported during the test phase was significantly larger than the one derived from the analytical calculation. This increase results from greater storage depths behind the flush car, which were permitted as an exception for the field test in order to go without any interim sediment extractions. / La prima parte della presente tesi di dottorato mette in evidenza le problematicità legate alla pulizia dei canali delle acque reflue, sottolineando in particolare gli enormi costi generati dall 'alta frequenza di depositi e dalla grandezza delle reti di raccolta presenti sui territori. A causa della riduzione demografica e delle condizioni meteorologiche che si stanno alterando, per il prossimo futuro si prevedono lunghi periodi di siccità, interrotti da acquazzoni intensi e brevi. Questo porterà ad un accumulo di depositi nelle reti di raccolta delle acque miste soprattutto nei mesi estivi, che implicherà a sua volta la necessità di tenere le sezioni dei canali presenti libere da depositi per consentire un appropriato deflusso e ritenzione in presenza delle suddette intense precipitazioni. Se in questi casi la ritenzione della rete fognaria non sarebbe data, infatti, si andrebbe a scaricare acque sporche sempre in maggiore quantità e con maggiore frequenza nei corsi d 'acqua di superficie, inquinando in secondo luogo anche le falde acquifere. Da questo quadro, si evince come la pulizia delle canalizzazioni acquisterà in futuro sempre una maggiore importanza. Attualmente, per la pulizia di canali di grandi dimensioni (maggiori di 1000 mm) non esistono metodi efficaci ed ecologici per movimentare i depositi presenti. Il presente lavoro espone una soluzione competitiva ai suddetti problemi. Grazie al lavoro di ricerca e sviluppo svolto, infatti, è stato elaborato un metodo con cui sarà possibile in futuro pulire canali di grosse dimensioni pressoché senza l\'impiego di energia esterna, ma solamente grazie all 'utilizzo dell 'energia dell 'acqua reflua presente nei canali, mobilizzando i depositi fino al prossimo punto presente dove sarà possibile estrarre dalla rete fognaria il materiale raccolto. L 'analisi numerica eseguita e qui rappresentata porta innanzitutto ad un 'ottimizzazione geometrica ed idraulica che consente il raggiungimento delle maggiori forze di mobilizzazione possibili per un segmento scelto della rete fognaria della città di Dresda (Sassonia). Nelle prove in laboratorio correlate si è cercato di ottimizzare la velocità con la quale deve avvenire la pulizia del fondo del canale in modo da poter trasportare il più elevato volume di sedimenti possibile. Si precisa a questo riguardo che in laboratorio non è stato possibile raggiungere il limite volumetrico correlato al modello fisico utilizzato, perché i soli 24 m di lunghezza del banco di prova non hanno consentito il raggiungimento di tale stato limite. Questo limite è stato determinato successivamente attraverso un modello analitico sviluppato appositamente, il quale descrive la mobilizzazione dei sedimenti attraverso la tecnologia di pulizia utilizzata. Attraverso i fattori di conversione che regolano le leggi fisiche presenti tra modello di laboratorio e natura è stato possibile in seguito rapportare il limite volumetrico al segmento reale utilizzato per le prove numeriche. Usando i risultati ottenuti sia dalle analisi numeriche che dalle prove di laboratorio è stato sviluppato e poi realizzato un prototipo assieme al partner commerciale "WKS Technik GmbH", prestando particolare attenzione all 'ottimizzazione costruttiva e dei costi di produzione. Questo prototipo è stato testato per diverse volte in un tratto di circa quattro chilometri della canalizzazione di Dresda. Dopo ogni corsa sono stati analizzati i punti deboli del metodo di pulizia nonché del prototipo stesso e si è provveduto ad eliminarli. Gli ultimi test hanno confermato il funzionamento di tale prototipo offrendo inoltre una buona validazione del modello analitico sviluppato in precedenza.

Parmi les filières de cellules photovoltaïques, les cellules solaires organiques suscitent un intérêt industriel par leur faible coût financier et de production énergétique et leur application possible sur des substrats flexibles de type plastique. L'ITO (Indium Tin Oxide) est l'électrode transparente conductrice (ETC) la plus utilisée pour ces cellules ainsi que pour d'autres dispositifs optoélectroniques. Cependant, ce matériau n'est pas sans présenter certains inconvénients (rareté de l'indium, structure non adaptée à des substrats flexibles,…), et la recherche d'alternatives à l'ITO est une préoccupation actuelle de la communauté scientifique internationale. Une possibilité est alors offerte par des structures multicouches de type Oxyde|Métal|Oxyde. Le rôle des deux couches d’oxydes est d’accorder, en ajustant les épaisseurs, la position, l’intensité et la largeur de la fenêtre spectrale de transmission. Des travaux numériques et expérimentaux couplés ont été effectués en particulier sur les structures SnOx|Ag|SnOx, TiOx|Ag|TiOx et ZnS|Ag|ZnS. Par microstructuration de telles électrodes ou bien par incorporation d’un bicouche Cu|Ag comme feuillet métallique au coeur de la structure, il est possible d’améliorer leurs performances optiques en amplifiant et en élargissant la fenêtre spectrale de transmission, sans dégrader leur haute conductivité. L’intégration d’électrodes SnOx|Ag|SnOx et TiOx|Ag|TiOx au sein de cellules solaires organiques inverses a été entrepris. Des résultats photoélectriques très prometteurs ont été obtenus avec la structure TiOx|Ag|TiOx qui permet d’atteindre des performances de niveau quasi-équivalent aux cellules de référence à base d’ITO. / Among all variants of photovoltaic thins films, organic solar cells generate a major industrial interest due to low manufacturing costs, reasonable levels of energy production and suitability to flexible substrates like plastic. ITO (Indium Tin Oxide) is the most used Transparent Conductive Electrode (TCE) for organic solar cells as well as other optoelectronic devices. However, this material is not without drawbacks (scarcity of indium, non-suitability to flexible substrates...), and the search for alternatives to ITO is actively pursued by the international scientific community. One possibility is offered by Oxide|Metal|Oxide multilayer structures. By reaching the thin metal layer percolation threshold and by varying its thickness, it is possible to obtain very high conductivity and transparency of this multilayer in the visible spectral range. The role of both oxide layers is to tune the position, intensity and width of the spectral transmission window by adjusting the oxides’ thicknesses. Coupled experimental and numerical works were lead in particularly on SnOx|Ag|SnOx, TiOx|Ag|TiOx and ZnS|Ag|ZnS structures. By microstructuring such electrodes, or by incorporating a Cu|Ag bilayer as metal sheet at the core of the structure, it is possible to increase the optical performances by amplifying and expanding the spectral transmission window without degrading the high conductivity. The integration of SnOx|Ag|SnOx and TiOx|Ag|TiOx electrodes in inversed organic solar cells was undertaken. Very promising photoelectric results were obtained with the TiOx|Ag|TiOx structure which allows to reach performances close to that obtained with ITO-based reference cells.

O ensaio SPT (Standard Penetration Test), é o ensaio de campo geotécnico mais usado no Brasil e grande parte do mundo. A ampla utilização deste ensaio no âmbito da engenharia geotécnica deve-se à sua simplicidade, baixo custo, grande experiência prática e facilidade de aplicação dos seus resultados. Os principais objetivos do ensaio são a determinação do índice de resistência do solo (NSPT) e amostragem. Apesar de ser muito utilizado na estimativa da capacidade de carga de fundações, o ensaio SPT tem sido questionado pelo fato de que o índice NSPT é utilizado em correlações empíricas baseadas em observações práticas, sem nenhum fundamento científico. Além do mais, seus resultados apresentam significativas dispersões. Para analisar racionalmente os resultados do ensaio e de possibilitar a comparação dos diferentes resultados de distintas equipes, é necessário conhecer as quantidades de energia envolvidas na penetração do amostrador no solo. Tais análises requerem o conhecimento da eficiência do equipamento (η) e a força de reação dinâmica do solo à cravação do amostrador (RD). Neste cenário, o presente trabalho aborda a interpretação racional dos resultados de ensaios SPT a partir de simulações numéricas realizadas com o software Abaqus/Explicit®. Esse programa fornece os deslocamentos do amostrador (Δρ), força de reação dinâmica do solo (RD), e as forças de reação nas paredes laterais externa e interna do amostrador (R1 e R2). Baseando-se nos resultados dos modelos numéricos, foi possível calcular a eficiência do equipamento, a partir da força de reação dinâmica do solo, as resistências unitárias de atrito atuantes nas paredes e a resistência unitária na ponta do amostrador. Também foi possível determinar a relação entre as resistências unitárias de atrito desenvolvidas no interior e exterior do amostrador (fator de atrito a). Os resultados obtidos foram comparados com resultados de trabalhos experimentais e valores teóricos determinados com base no Princípio de Hamilton da conservação da energia. Também foi possível simular uma prova de carga dinâmica com energia crescente no amostrador, variando a altura de queda do martelo. Isso confirmou que a resistência mobilizada do solo para certa energia aplicada pode estar bem abaixo da ruptura e apenas representar um ponto na curva de resistência mobilizada versus deslocamento. / The Standard Penetration Test (SPT) is one of the most used geotechnical tests in the world. The wide use of this test in the context of geotechnical engineering is due to its simplicity, low cost, large practical experience and its ease of application of results. The main objectives of the test are the determination of soil resistance index (NSPT) and sampling. Despite being widely used in estimating the bearing capacity of foundations, the SPT test has been questioned by the fact that the NSPT index is used in empirical correlations based on practical observations, with no scientific basis. Furthermore, its results show significant dispersions. To analyze rationally the test results and to make possible to compare different results obtained from different equipment, it is necessary to know the amounts of energy existing during the penetration of the sampler into soil. Such analyses require information about the equipment efficiency (η) and the dynamic soil reaction force during the sampler penetration (RD). In this scenario, this work addresses the rational interpretation of SPT test results from numerical simulations performed with the Abaqus/Explicit software. This program provides the sampler displacements (Δρ), the dynamic soil reaction force (RD) and the external and internal reaction forces acting on the sampler walls (R1 e R2). Based on the results of the numerical models, it was possible to calculate the efficiency of the equipment, from the dynamic soil reaction force, the unit friction resistance acting on the sampler walls and the unit resistance at the sampler tip. In addition, it was possible to estimate the relationship between the unit friction resistance acting on the internal and external walls of the sampler (friction factor a). The numerical results were compared with experimental results and theoretical values, obtained using the Hamilton\'s principle of conservation of energy. Furthermore, it was possible to simulate a dynamic load test with increasing energy applied to the sampler, by varying the height of fall of the hammer. It was obtained the confirmation that resistance mobilized for a certain level of energy applied to the sampler may be below the failure load and represent only a point on the graph curve mobilized resistance versus displacement.

Cette thèse présente les résultats de recherche, de modélisation et de simulation d'un système de rafraîchissement solaire au Maroc dans le cadre du projet PRSM (Procédés de Rafraîchissement Solaire au Maroc) financé par l'IRESEN (Institut de Recherche en Energie Solaire et Energies Nouvelles). L'objectif est d'étudier les facteurs concernant l'optimisation d'une machine à absorption solaire (LiBr-H2O) sous les conditions marocaines. De plus, un certain nombre de critères de conception, qui peuvent être utilisés par les concepteurs de systèmes de climatisation et de chauffage solaires, ont été établis en tenant compte de considérations énergétiques et économiques. En conséquence, cette thèse couvre quatre aspects. Le premier aspect présente un aperçu de recherche bibliographique sur les technologies solaires, en mettant l'accent sur les systèmes du froid solaire, les processus pertinents existants, l'état du marché, les développements récents des technologies les plus prometteuses et les principaux indicateurs de performance qui figurent dans la littérature. De plus, l'aspect expérimental de l'installation de climatisation solaire adopté dans le projet PRSM a été décrit pour identifier les caractéristiques techniques importantes de l'installation et les difficultés rencontrées lors de la réalisation du prototype. La deuxième dimension concerne la faisabilité technique d'un système de climatisation solaire en se basant sur des indicateurs énergétiques et économiques et prenant en compte les effets combinés des climats, des catégories de bâtiments et des besoins en climatisation dans les conditions marocaines. Le troisième aspect présente le stockage latent de l'énergie thermique utilisant les matériaux à changement de phase (MCPs). Il porte sur l'étude des méthodes numériques utilisées dans la modélisation des phénomènes de changement de phase et se concentre également sur l'ajout des MCPs dans le système de climatisation solaire intégré à l'intérieur du ballon solaire connecté au générateur de la machine à absorption pour évaluer l'amélioration possible du rendement du système. Le quatrième volet de cette thèse présente l'analyse technico-économique et de sensibilité appliquée au développement d'un procédé solaire combiné d'eau chaude sanitaire, chauffage et climatisation au Maroc. L'analyse globale via une généralisation des résultats au niveau national a été réalisée en complément d'une analyse de sensibilité liée à l'investissement dans ces systèmes afin d'évaluer le potentiel de remplacement des technologies traditionnelles par les systèmes solaires et les gains éventuels liés à leur implantation au Maroc. / This thesis reports the results of research into the modeling and simulation of a solar air-conditioning system for Morocco in the framework of the project SCPM (Solar Cooling Process in Morocco) funded by IRESEN (Research Institute for Solar Energy and New Energies). The aim is to investigate the factors concerning the optimization of a LiBr-H2O solar absorption chiller under Moroccan conditions. Further, a number of design criteria, which can be used by designers of solar cooling and heating systems, have been established using energy and economic considerations. Accordingly, this thesis covers four aspects. The first overviews the literature survey on solar technologies with a focus on solar cooling systems which reports the relevant processes, summarizes the market status, presents the recent developments of the most promising technologies and describes the main performance indicators figuring in the literature. Moreover, the experimental aspect of the solar air-conditioning installation adopted in the SCPM project was described to identify the important technical characteristics of the installation and the difficulties encountered during the realization of the prototype. The second dimension concerns the technical feasibility of solar air-conditioning system using energy and economic indicators taking into account the combined effects of climates, building categories and cooling demands under Moroccan conditions. The third aspect presents the latent thermal energy storage using Phase Change Materials (PCMs). It concerns the investigation of numerical methods used in the modeling of phase change phenomena and also focuses on PCMs addition in the solar cooling process integrated inside solar storage tank connected to the generator of the absorption chiller to evaluate the possible enhancement in the system efficiency. The fourth aspect of this thesis outlines the technico-economic and sensitivity analysis applied to the development of a combined processes of solar DHW, heating and air-conditioning in Morocco. The overall analysis via a generalization of the results to the national level was carried out in addition to a sensitivity analysis related to the investment in these systems in order to assess the potential of replacing traditional technologies with the solar systems and the possible earnings related to their implementation in Morocco.