CoordenaÃÃo de AperfeÃoamento de Pessoal de NÃvel Superior / A utilizaÃÃo de microtratores na agricultura familiar otimizou o trabalho, mas ainda assim, nÃo excluiu totalmente o operador dos riscos da atividade, pois o mesmo realiza o trabalho em campo aberto totalmente exposto a variaÃÃo das condiÃÃes climÃticas, principalmente a radiaÃÃo solar, temperatura e umidade relativa, alÃm do ruÃdo intenso e da vibraÃÃo produzida pelo microtrator. A caracterizaÃÃo deste ambiente e dos riscos laborais produzidos pela mÃquina sÃo necessÃrios para o desenvolvimento de estratÃgias que possam minimizar os riscos e dar condiÃÃes ao operador de desempenhar sua atividade sem comprometimento da sua condiÃÃo fÃsica. O trabalho foi realizado na Fazenda Experimental Lavoura Seca (FELS) da Universidade Federal do Cearà (UFC) localizada no municÃpio de QuixadÃ, sertÃo central do CearÃ. Utilizou-se um microtrator modelo TC14 Super (cultivador motorizado), marca Yanmar Agritech, acoplado a uma enxada rotativa. Para as mediÃÃes das variÃveis climÃticas, do operador e do microtrator foram utilizados sensores e aparelhos instalados nos mesmos. O delineamento experimental foi feito esquema fatorial 3x5, onde foram utilizadas trÃs velocidades para cinco horÃrios ao longo do dia. Os dados obtidos foram submetidos à anÃlise de variÃncia, sendo as mÃdias comparadas pelo teste de Tukey a 5% de probabilidade. Concluiu-se que a atividade realizada pelo operador de microtrator no municÃpio de QuixadÃ-Cearà à considerada estressante, devido à alta carga tÃrmica e caracterÃstica do clima do municÃpio. Todos os mÃtodos utilizados foram de valia para caracterizaÃÃo da atividade que se mostrou insalubre para o ruÃdo e salubre para vibraÃÃo. O mÃtodo OWAS (Ovako Working Posture Analysing System) foi eficaz para identificar o risco ergonÃmico da atividade, sendo as costas do operador a parte do corpo mais afetada, pela tendÃncia do operador de se inclinar durante a atividade, recomenda-se a implementaÃÃo de ginÃstica laboral, alongamentos antes e depois da atividade, para diminuir o risco de lesÃes musculares e lombalgias. / The use of microtratores in family farming optimized the work, but still, did not exclude the operator of the activity of risk, because it gets the job done in fully exposed open field the variation in climatic conditions, especially solar radiation, temperature and humidity relative, apart from the loud noise and vibration produced by microtractor. The characterization of environmental and occupational hazards produced by the machine are needed for the development of strategies that can minimize risk and provide conditions for the operator to perform their activities without compromising their condition. The study was conducted at the Experimental Farm Crop Drought (FELS) of the Federal University of Cearà (UFC) in the municipality of QuixadÃ, central backwoods of CearÃ. We used a microtractor model TC14 Super (motor cultivator) brand Yanmar Agritech, coupled to a rotary tiller. For measurements of climate variables, operator and microtractor were used sensors and devices installed in them. The experiment was done factorial 3x5, which were used three speeds to five times throughout the day. The data were submitted to variance analysis and the averages were compared by Tukey test at 5% probability. It was concluded that the activity carried out by microtractor operator in the city of QuixadÃ-Cearà is considered stressful, due to the high thermal load and municipal climate feature. All methods used were of value to characterize the activity that proved unhealthy for noise and vibration for wholesome. The OWAS (Ovako Working Posture Analysing System) method was effective to identify ergonomic risk of the activity, and operator's back part of the most affected body, the operator's tendency to tilt during activity, it is recommended to implement fitness labor, stretches before and after activity to reduce the risk of muscle injury and back pain.

The heated flow within the silencers of heavy transport vehicles can easily reach temperatures of hundreds of degrees Celsius. The thermal loads can cause problems for certain components on a silencer. In this case it has been seen in previous testing that screw joints attaching suspension brackets onto the silencer tend to lose pretension when heat is applied. The goal with this project is to investigate possible causes of the pretension losses and gain a deeper understanding of the joint’sbehavior. The project starts with a pre study with the purpose of obtaining knowledge of what is usually taken into consideration when designing joints for heated applications thatcould cause pretension losses. This was followed by an experimental part. Two main tests are made, firstly a friction test to ensure that the friction properties ofthe studs used in previous clamping force measurements were up to specification. Comparisons to a second batch of studs is also conducted. The second test is an oven test were test specimens of the joint is heat cycled in different temperatures for different assembly torques. This, in order to gain a deeper understanding of the joints´plastic behavior. The test pieces are cycled a total of five cycles and clamping force measurements are made after the first and fifth cycle. Measurements of clamping force are conducted through both ultrasonic and micrometer measurements of screw elongation. The results of the oven test are compared to the results of a finite element simulation. The finite element model is a model of the same test piece as in the tests, it captures the clamping force losses due to plastic deformation of components at heat up. However, the finite element model has its´ limitations, especially in the way the threads are modelled. This is to be taken into consideration and possibly utilized when interpreting the results. The takeaways from the pre study are that creep and stress relaxation, as well asembedding is highly unlikely primary causes for the pretension losses. More instant effects like plasticity due to the applied load is deemed more likely. The friction tests concluded that both of the batches´ friction properties are up to specification, but onethe batches thread friction is on the lower side.The results from oven test shows a temperature dependency in the losses and clea rsigns pointing towards a plastic collapse. All of the clamping force seems to be lost at initial heat up, no further signs of losses after 5 cycles. In comparison with the finite element model the plastic tendencies shows yet again, but most of the losses is not captured in the simulation. By taking into account the known weaknesses of the model, the two threaded components, weld nut and flange nut, are considered to be possible subjects of plastic deformation causing the pretension losses. The two measurement techniques show big deviations between them. It is therefore hard to interpret the absolute results of the pretension losses. In order to that a furtherstudy of how to value the two techniques should be conducted.

Overview: Optical concepts as they relate to the ophthalmologic correction of vision in corneal laser vision correction and intraocular lens design was examined. Purpose: The interaction between the excimer laser and residual corneal tissue in laser vision correction produces unwanted side effects. Understanding the origin of these artifacts can lead to better procedures. Furthermore, accommodating intraocular lenses offer a potential for eliminating presbyopia. Understanding the properties of a new accommodating intraocular lens incorporating a deformable interface may lead to advances in cataract surgery. Introduction: Corneal surface irregularities following laser refractive procedures are commonly seen. They regularly result in a patient’s decreased best corrected visual acuity and decreased contrast sensitivity. These changes are only seen in biologic tissue and the etiology has been elusive. A thermal response has been theorized and was investigated in this research. In addition, intraocular lenses using a mechanically deforming interface to change their power in order to duplicate natural accommodation have been developed. The deforming interface(s) induce optical aberrations due to irregular deformations. Design efforts have centered on minimizing these deformations. Both of the ophthalmic applications have been analyzed using finite element analysis (FEA) to understand their inherent optical properties. Methods: FEA modeling of thermal theory has been applied to verify that excimer laser induced collagen contraction creates corneal surface irregularities and central islands. A mathematical model which indicates the viability of the theory was developed. The modeling results were compared to post ablation changes in eyes utilizing an excimer (ArF 193 nm), as well as non-ablative thermal heating in eyes with a CO₂ laser. Addition modeling was performed on an Intraocular lens prototype measuring of actuation force, lens power, interface contour, optical transfer function, and visual Strehl ratio. Prototype verified mathematical models were utilized to optimize optical and mechanical design parameters to maximize the image quality and minimize the required force. Results: The predictive model shows significant irregular central buckling formation and irregular folding. The amount of collagen contraction necessary to cause significant surface changes is very small (0.3%). Uniform scanning excimer laser ablation to corneal stroma produces a significant central steepening and peripheral flattening in the central 3mm diameter. Isolated thermal load from uniform CO₂ laser irradiation without ablation also produces central corneal steepening and paracentral flattening in the central 3mm diameter. The iterative mathematical modeling based upon the intraocular lens prototype yielded maximized optical and mechanical performance through varied input mechanical and optical parameters to produce a maximized visual Strehl ratio and a minimized force requirement. Conclusions: The thermal load created by laser irradiation creates a characteristic spectrum of morphologic changes on the porcine corneal stromal surface which correlates to the temperature rise and is not seen inorganic, isotropic material. The highly similar surface changes seen with both lasers are likely indicative of temperature induced transverse collagen fibril contraction and stress re-distribution. Refractive procedures which produce significant thermal load should be cognizant of these morphological changes. The optimized intraocular lens operates within the physiologic constraints of the human eye including the force available for full accommodative amplitude using the eye’s natural focusing feedback, while maintaining image quality in the space available. Optimized optical and mechanical performance parameters were delineated as those which minimize both asphericity and actuation pressure. The methodology combines a multidisciplinary basic science approach from biomechanics, optical science, and ophthalmology to optimize an intraocular lens design suitable for preliminary trials.

In recent years there has been an increasing trend in the provision of central heating and split vapour compression air conditioning systems to domestic dwellings in Cyprus. To minimise their economic and environmental impact, this study examines the feasibility and economic viability of energy conservation measures and the feasibility of the application of solar driven LiBr-water absorption system for space conditioning. Initially, the study compares through simulation, the heating and cooling requirements of domestic dwellings constructed in Cyprus during the last century. The simulations required values for the thermal conductivity of local building materials, like the hollow brick and mud and straw block. These were not available, and measurements were performed on a machine specifically purchased for the project to establish these values for the first time. These material properties will be of value to building services engineers in Cyprus and the Middle East for the more precise determination of building heating and cooling loads. Evaluation of the internal conditions resulting from the various types of constructions indicated that the traditional and insulated modem houses, could maintain indoor temperature in winter between 16°C and 20°C, but in the summer temperatures exceeded 36°C. The use of natural and mechanical ventilation could reduce slightly the maximum indoor summertime temperatures, but not to a level that could provide thermal comfort. Window gains are an important factor in domestic building energy requirements, and significant savings can result when extra measures are taken. The savings in cooling energy demand for a well-insulated house may be as high as 24% when low-emissivity double glazed windows are used compared to clear double glazed windows giving a pay-back period of 3.8 years. Other factors investigated are the effect of overhangs, shape and orientation of buildings and thermal mass. The results show that the roof is the most important structural element of domestic dwellings in the Cypriot environment. For good thermal performance, the roof must offer a discharge time of 6 hours or more and have a thermal conductivity of less than 0.48 W/m-K. Life cycle cost analysis has shown that measures that increase the roof insulation pay back in a short period of time, between 3.5 to 5 years. However, measures taken to increase wall insulation pay back in a longer period of time, approximately 10 years. The only natural energy resource abundantly available in Cyprus is solar energy, which could be used to power a low energy active cooling system based on the absorption cycle. To facilitate investigation of the feasibility of the application of solar driven absorption systems for domestic cooling, a 1 kW LiBr-water absorption-cooling unit was designed and constructed. The unit was used to determine experimentally the heat and mass transfer coefficients in the heat exchangers of absorption systems. In certain cases these were found to differ considerably from values obtained from heat and mass transfer correlations published by other investigators. The experimentally determined heat and mass transfer coefficients were employed in the design and costing of an 11 kW cooling capacity solar driven absorption cooling machine which, from simulations, was found to have sufficient capacity to satisfy the cooling needs of a well insulated domestic dwelling. Economic analysis has shown that for such a system to be economically competitive compared to conventional cooling systems its capital cost should be below C£ 2000. This drawback can be balanced by a lower total equivalent warming impact being 2.7 times smaller compared to conventional cooling systems.

ESTEVAM, Francisca Nivanda de Lima. Variáveis ambientais e ergonômicas na operação com microtrator. 2015. Dissertação (Mestrado em Engenharia Agrícola)-Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, 2015. / Submitted by Vitor Campos (vitband@gmail.com) on 2016-10-13T23:32:18Z No. of bitstreams: 1 2015_dis_fnlestevam.pdf: 2828151 bytes, checksum: e2c08ba228f96c48e73c399d6e655f80 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Jairo Viana (jairo@ufc.br) on 2016-10-18T18:45:04Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 2015_dis_fnlestevam.pdf: 2828151 bytes, checksum: e2c08ba228f96c48e73c399d6e655f80 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-10-18T18:45:04Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 2015_dis_fnlestevam.pdf: 2828151 bytes, checksum: e2c08ba228f96c48e73c399d6e655f80 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015 / The use of microtratores in family farming optimized the work, but still, did not exclude the operator of the activity of risk, because it gets the job done in fully exposed open field the variation in climatic conditions, especially solar radiation, temperature and humidity relative, apart from the loud noise and vibration produced by microtractor. The characterization of environmental and occupational hazards produced by the machine are needed for the development of strategies that can minimize risk and provide conditions for the operator to perform their activities without compromising their condition. The study was conducted at the Experimental Farm Crop Drought (FELS) of the Federal University of Ceará (UFC) in the municipality of Quixadá, central backwoods of Ceará. We used a microtractor model TC14 Super (motor cultivator) brand Yanmar Agritech, coupled to a rotary tiller. For measurements of climate variables, operator and microtractor were used sensors and devices installed in them. The experiment was done factorial 3x5, which were used three speeds to five times throughout the day. The data were submitted to variance analysis and the averages were compared by Tukey test at 5% probability. It was concluded that the activity carried out by microtractor operator in the city of Quixadá-Ceará is considered stressful, due to the high thermal load and municipal climate feature. All methods used were of value to characterize the activity that proved unhealthy for noise and vibration for wholesome. The OWAS (Ovako Working Posture Analysing System) method was effective to identify ergonomic risk of the activity, and operator's back part of the most affected body, the operator's tendency to tilt during activity, it is recommended to implement fitness labor, stretches before and after activity to reduce the risk of muscle injury and back pain. / A utilização de microtratores na agricultura familiar otimizou o trabalho, mas ainda assim, não excluiu totalmente o operador dos riscos da atividade, pois o mesmo realiza o trabalho em campo aberto totalmente exposto a variação das condições climáticas, principalmente a radiação solar, temperatura e umidade relativa, além do ruído intenso e da vibração produzida pelo microtrator. A caracterização deste ambiente e dos riscos laborais produzidos pela máquina são necessários para o desenvolvimento de estratégias que possam minimizar os riscos e dar condições ao operador de desempenhar sua atividade sem comprometimento da sua condição física. O trabalho foi realizado na Fazenda Experimental Lavoura Seca (FELS) da Universidade Federal do Ceará (UFC) localizada no município de Quixadá, sertão central do Ceará. Utilizou-se um microtrator modelo TC14 Super (cultivador motorizado), marca Yanmar Agritech, acoplado a uma enxada rotativa. Para as medições das variáveis climáticas, do operador e do microtrator foram utilizados sensores e aparelhos instalados nos mesmos. O delineamento experimental foi feito esquema fatorial 3x5, onde foram utilizadas três velocidades para cinco horários ao longo do dia. Os dados obtidos foram submetidos à análise de variância, sendo as médias comparadas pelo teste de Tukey a 5% de probabilidade. Concluiu-se que a atividade realizada pelo operador de microtrator no município de Quixadá-Ceará é considerada estressante, devido à alta carga térmica e característica do clima do município. Todos os métodos utilizados foram de valia para caracterização da atividade que se mostrou insalubre para o ruído e salubre para vibração. O método OWAS (Ovako Working Posture Analysing System) foi eficaz para identificar o risco ergonômico da atividade, sendo as costas do operador a parte do corpo mais afetada, pela tendência do operador de se inclinar durante a atividade, recomenda-se a implementação de ginástica laboral, alongamentos antes e depois da atividade, para diminuir o risco de lesões musculares e lombalgias.

The main objective of this research was to study the buckling and post-buckling response of axially restrained beam-columns under thermal loading. Also the effects of slenderness ratios on pre-buckling and post-buckling behavior which is neglected in AISC specification was examined. The results of this study indicate that: a) Both the deflection and end moment amplification factors are significantly smaller for the restrained beam-columns subjected to temperature increase than the corresponding unrestrained beam-columns subjected to (mechanical) axial loads. b) The deflection amplification factors tend to decrease with decreasing ratio of end moments. However, reverse seems to occur for the moment amplification factors and as the moment amplification factors tend to increase with decreasing moment ratio particularly in the pre-buckling and the initial post-buckling range (0.1 < T/Tcr < 1.5). c) The thermal amplification factors tend to be smaller than the AISC values even in the pre-buckling range with those for the slender beam-columns significantly smaller than those for the shorter beam-columns.

[pt] No Brasil, devido ao clima tropical, muita energia elétrica é utilizada em sistemas de ar condicionado. Devido à excelente irradiação solar que incide na maior parte do país, existem boas condições para atender esta grande demanda de refrigeração através da utilização de sistemas de ar condicionado assistido por energia solar térmica. Nesta dissertação, as mais importantes tecnologias que utilizam a energia solar para a climatização foram verificadas quanto a sua aplicabilidade técnica e econômica no Brasil, com foco em sistemas de médio porte. Os princípios básicos para o dimensionamento de um sistema de refrigeração solar são descritos e um estudo de caso é apresentado e discutido, comparando-se um sistema de ar condicionado assistido por energia solar (auditório em Guaratinguetá, São Paulo) com um sistema tipo split convencional. No estudo deste caso, a dinâmica de simulação térmica de edifícios foi modelada utilizando o programa Helios-PC. Também se analisa como a carga térmica de resfriamento pode ser diminuída considerando-se uma temperatura adequada no interior da edificação, de acordo com as normas brasileiras de conforto térmico, como também pelo emprego de isolamento adequado na construção do edifício. / [en] In Brazil a lot of electrical energy is used by building air-conditioning because of the tropical climate. In many cases there is a general congruence of solar irradiation and demand for building air-conditioning and solar thermal cooling has the potential to satisfy a part of the rapidly growing cooling demand. Due to excellent solar irradiance and a high cooling demand there exists in Brazil good conditions for the use of solar-assisted air-conditioning. In this work the most important solar cooling techniques and their suitability in Brazil are discussed. The objective of the present study is to analyze the technical and economic feasibility of medium sized solar-assisted air-conditioning in Brazil. The energy saving potential of solar-thermal air-conditioning in comparison to best practical solutions in Brazil using conventional split air-conditioning systems, is shown based on a case study (auditorium in Guaratinguetá - São Paulo). The economy of solar-assisted air-conditioning is thereby discussed. The basic principles for the dimensioning of a system for solar cooling are described. The auditorium in the case study is modelled by using the dynamic thermal building simulation program Helios-PC. In this context it is, as well, demonstrated how the cooling load could be decreased by adapting the indoor temperature according to the Brazilian standards of thermal comfort and by using building insulation.

This thesis is focused on the application of advanced methods for evaluating damage to boiler tubes, specifically temperature related damage. The aim of this work is to develop an improved damage evaluation procedure utilizing capabilities of modern approaches. This work describes various types of industrial boiler damage. The main focus is on the most exposed and often the most damaged parts of boilers, which are tube bundles (for example, superheaters). Equipment damage is undesirable and often leads to leakages or even to the boiler shutting down. Therefore, it is necessary to find the problem as soon as possible and make the required changes to prevent further damage. The damage types are divided into five categories based on the damage mechanism. Temperature has one of the biggest influences on damage and it may cause short-term or long-term overheating in the tube bundles. This type of damage occurs when the designated temperature is exceeded and results in reduced creep life. It is necessary to know the real surface temperature history of the tube bundle to estimate temperature related damage, however this is often not available. Therefore, it is necessary to calculate those temperatures based on the available data (i.e. inlet and outlet temperatures and pressures). This is real challenge due to the combination of complex flows of the working substances (mainly flue gasses) and heat transfer. Considering available data, new approach is proposed in order to obtain information required for residual creep life estimation. In the first step, thermal – hydraulic calculation is performed followed by a thermal load estimation of a superheater tube bundle in a natural gas fired boiler, using CFD simulations. In the next step, the surface temperature is evaluated and used to determine the temperature related damage, specifically the creep life estimation. The life expectancy is in some ways influenced by imperfections, and therefore at the end of this thesis the influence of the oxide layer on the inner side of tube and fouling on outer side of tube is described.

A conventional exhaust gas after treatment system (EATS) for the Euro VI legislation contains four different catalyst. The first two (particulate filter system) remove particulates and the last two (SCR system) remove nitrogen oxides (NOx). The particulate filter system also optimizes the gas composition with respect to nitrogen monoxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). The performance of the SCR system has a strong dependency on the NO:NO2 ratio as the so called selective catalytic reduction (SCR) reaction is kinetically favored at a NO:NO2 ratio of 1:1. The diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) is placed first in the EATS. Due to this placement, the DOC is subjected to a rough environment, e.g. high temperatures and oil/fuel impurities that with time will affect its performance, i.e. the catalyst ages. In this master thesis, the aging of the DOC has been empirically correlated to thermal load and sulfur exposure. The study shows that it is possible to predict how the NO oxidation performance decays as a function of thermal and sulfur exposure. The empirical relation was fitted against two aging cycles and validated against an additional four. The results show that the loss of catalytic activity can to a large extent be explained by the cycle it has been used on. / Ett konventionellt efterbehandlingssystem för Euro VI-standarden innehåller fyra olika katalysatorer. De första två rensar (partikelfiltersystemet) från partiklar och de två sista (SCR-systemet) tar bort kväveoxider (NOx). Partikelfiltersystemet reglerar även gassammansättningen med avseende på kvävemonoxid (NO) och kvävedioxid (NO2). Prestandan för SCR-systemet har ett starkt beroende på NO:NO2-förhållandet där ett förhållande på 1:1 är kinetiskt gynnat för den så kallade SCR-reaktionen (eng: Selective Catalytic Reduction). Oxidationskatalysatorn (DOC) sitter som ett första steg i efterbehandlingen. Placeringen medför att katalysatorn finns i en tuff miljö där den till exempel utsätts för hög temperatur och olje/bränsleföroreningar som över tiden påverkar dess prestanda. Detta brukar kallas att DOC:n åldras. I detta examensarbete har åldrandet av DOC:n korrelerats empiriskt till termisk belastning och svavelexponering. Studien visar att det är möjligt att förutsäga hur NO-oxidationsprestandan avtar som en funktion av termisk last och svavelexponering. Det empiriska modellen anpassades till två åldringscykler och validerades emot ytterligare fyra cykler. Resultaten visar att den kvarvarande katalytiska aktiviteten i stor utsträckning kan förklaras genom vilken cykel den har körts på.

Traditional power plants only utilize about 30 percent of the primary energy that they consume, and the rest of the energy is usually wasted in the process of generating or transmitting electricity. On-site and near-site power generation has been considered by business, labor, and environmental groups to improve the efficiency and the reliability of power generation. Combined heat and power (CHP) systems are a promising alternative to traditional power plants because of the high efficiency and low CO2 emission achieved by recovering waste thermal energy produced during power generation. A CHP operational algorithm designed to optimize operational costs must be relatively simple to implement in practice such as to minimize the computational requirements from the hardware to be installed. This dissertation focuses on the following aspects pertaining the design of a practical CHP operational algorithm designed to minimize the operational costs: (a) real-time CHP operational strategy using a hierarchical optimization algorithm; (b) analytic solutions for cost-optimal power generation unit operation in CHP Systems; (c) modeling of reciprocating internal combustion engines for power generation and heat recovery; (d) an easy to implement, effective, and reliable hourly building load prediction algorithm.