Hydropower plants are shifting towards operating at off-designed conditions, meaning that the number of start-stop cycles and maintenance time due to cavitation increases. The speed no-load condition is the moment before magnetization of the generator, i.e., no load, low flow, constant runner rotational speed, guide vane and runner blade angle. Since no load is applied, the water dissipates its energy in forms of highly recirculating and turbulent flow. This master thesis aim is to simulate the speed no-load condition on the Porjus U9 turbine and validate numerical values against experimental ones. ICEM CFD was used to mesh the domains and ANSYS CFX was used to perform the simulation. The setup was split into two zones, Zone 1 and Zone 2, and an intermediate zone overlapping both zones. Zone 1 consists of the penstock and spiral, the intermediate zone consists of the spiral and distributor passages and Zone 2 consists of a distributor passage, runner and draft tube. Streamlines in the runner and draft tube show highly recirculating flow from the draft tube back into the runner. The numerical values did not correspond well against the experimental. This is deemed most likely due to an overall low pressure over the runner blades. It is recommended as a first step to increase the quality of the runner and distributor mesh to get the simulation running with the cavitation model implemented.

The aim of this final diploma thesis is to evaluate the production specific emission of greenhouse and load gases from selected pig breeding located in Hodětín near Bechyně, South Bohemian Region. The work focuses on the breeding hall, where the pregnant sows and the nursing sows including piglets are located separately. A total of 6 measurements were carried out, which are further compared with each other and with the latest edition of the reference document BREF. The thesis answers the questions and the selected farm is evaluated according to the principles of "Good Agricultural Practice" according to the available BAT techniques listed in the BREF reference document. The season plays a role in assessing and evaluating individual measurements. In winter, ammonia concentration is higher due to less frequent ventilation, causing low temperature and high humidity in the breeding hall. These two basic aspects are described and it is explained why this is the case and why workers approach this solution to the situation. In conclusion, there are methods and recommendations to contribute to lower emissions in selected pig breeding.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a taxa de sucesso, a quantidade de perda óssea em altura e a interação osso/implante para três diferentes protocolos: 1) implantes osseointegráveis mantidos sem carga durante período de reparo de 120 dias; 2) implantes submetidos a interferências oclusais; e 3) implantes que receberam carga imediata para ancoragem ortodôntica. Foram utilizados doze minipigs BR-1, nos quais foram instalados 70 implantes osseointegráveis de titânio (3,75mm diâmetro x 8,50mm comprimento), divididos em 5 grupos: Grupo 1 (n=12), implantes sem carga sepultados na mesial de caninos; Grupo 2 (n=6), implantes sem carga em áreas de extração; Grupo 3 (n=12), implantes expostos a interferências oclusais; Grupo 4 (n=20), implantes submetidos à carga ortodôntica imediata; Grupo 5 (n=20), implantes instalados em áreas de extração e submetidos à carga ortodôntica imediata. Ao término do período experimental, os animais foram eutanasiados e biópsias da região de interesse coletadas. Realizou-se avaliação clínica para estabelecer a porcentagem de sucesso (Teste Exato de Fisher), análise radiográfica para quantificar a perda óssea em altura (programa de análise de imagens KS300-Zeiss®, ANOVA) e análise histológica para descrever as características da interface osso/implante. A análise dos dados demonstrou: 1) Grupos 1, 2, 4 e 5 - taxa de sucesso, quantidade de perda óssea em altura e interação osso/implante semelhantes; 2) Grupo 3 - taxa de insucesso e quantidade de perda óssea significantemente maiores que os demais grupos, além de apresentar ausência de interação osso/implante. Os resultados clínicos, radiográficos e histológicos revelados nos grupos submetidos à carga ortodôntica imediata em relação aos grupos sem carga demonstraram que a perda óssea na região da crista óssea periimplantar é aceitável e não compromete a estabilidade clínica dos implantes. Desta forma, a utilização de carga imediata para ancoragem em Ortodontia não prejudica a posterior utilização desses implantes para a reabilitação protética, objetivo primário da indicação deste protocolo. Estudos clínicos prospectivos são necessários para comprovar estes dados. / This research aimed at evaluating the success rate, the bone height loss, and the bone/implant interface in three different protocols: 1) osseointegrated implants maintained without load during a repair period of 120 days; 2) osseointegrated implants submitted to occlusal interferences; and 3) immediately loaded osseointegrated implants for orthodontic anchorage. Twelve BR-1 minipigs were used, in which 70 osseointegrated titanium implants were inserted (3.75mm diameter x 8.50mm length), divided into 5 groups: Group 1 (n=12), submerged implants without load; Group 2 (n=6), implants without load in extraction sites; Group 3 (n=12), implants exposed to occlusal interferences; Group 4 (n=20), exposed implants submitted to immediate orthodontic load; Group 5 (n=20), exposed implants inserted in extraction sites and submitted to immediate orthodontic load. At the end of the experimental period, the animals were euthanized and biopsies of the areas of interest were harvested. The clinical analysis (Exact Fisher Test) revealed the success rate of the inserted implants, the radiographic analysis quantified the bone height loss (image analysis program KS300-Zeiss®, ANOVA), and the histological analysis showed the bone/implant interface characteristics. The data analysis revealed: 1) Groups 1, 2, 4 and 5 - similar success rate, bone height loss and bone/implant interface characteristics; 2) Group 3 - statistically greater fail rate and bone height loss, and absence of bone/implant interaction characteristics. Clinical, radiographic and histological results presented in the groups submitted to immediate orthodontic load compared with the other without load demonstrated that the bone loss in the bone crest area is acceptable, and does not compromise the clinical stability of the implants. Therefore, the use of immediate load for orthodontic anchorage did not jeopardize the subsequent use of the implants for oral prosthetic rehabilitation, the main objective of this protocol. Further clinical studies are necessary to confirm these data.

Foram construídas bases injetadas próximas à superfície e estacas escavadas com base injetada no campo experimental de fundações do departamento de geotecnia da USP/São Carlos. As injeções de caldas de cimento portland foram realizadas como procedimento de melhoria do solo de apoio. Provas de carga estática em estruturas com e sem injeção determinaram a eficácia da solução de bases injetadas. Simultaneamente às provas de carga, houve monitoração da sucção matricial atuante no solo, dando continuidade ao extenso programa de pesquisa realizado no Campo Experimental de Fundações da USP/São Carlos no tema da colapsibilidade. / Injected elements close to surface and toe injected bored piles were built at USP/São Carlos experimental foundation field. Under the foundations, portland cement grout was injected in order to improve soil and foundation bearing capacity. Load tests measured and determined the efficacy of the solution. Along with the load tests, matric suction measurements were made, continuing the extensive research program in the USP/São Carlos experimental foundation field under the theme soil collapsibility.

A elevação de uma carga leva ao surgimento de uma força de contato a região lombar (L5-S1) que pode atingir algumas vezes o valor do próprio peso do indivíduo, valor este que depende da carga elevada. A análise das forças (musculares, peso, carga), considerando a coluna como uma haste rígida, cuja extensão é feita unicamente pelo eretor espinhal, representa uma aproximação muito pobre para o sistema, uma vez que as diversas forças musculares envolvidas não são adequadamente analisadas e o movimento de retificação da coluna vertebral é desprezado. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi o desenvolvimento de um modelo biomecânico simplificado em 2 dimesões, para a avaliação das forças atuantes durante atividades de levantamento impróprio de carga e o movimento de flexão/extensão a coluna lombar. A coluna vertebral foi modelada como um conjunto de três segmentos retilíneos rígidos articulados e entre si. Utiliza do o método da dinâmica inversa, aplicado a um modelo de segmentos articulados simplificado, foram estimadas as forças musculares médias e a força de contato articular na articulação vertebral L5-S1 como função dos â ângulos de inserção da musculatura extensora da coluna. Para a construção do modelo foram identificados: musculatura principal, dados antropométricos, ângulos de inserção musculares, modelo antropométrico e registro da imagem do levantamento de peso. O modelo matemático forneceu um sistema de equações que avaliam as forças que atuam na coluna vertebral durante o movimento de extensão, em função de dados a atômicos. / Load lifting yields a contact force in the lumbar region (L5-S1) that can sometimes reach the value of the body weight, depending upon the elevated load. Force analyses (muscular, weight, load), the spine being consided as a rigid shank, with extension beimg done only by the erector spine musculature, represent a poor approximation, since the several muscular forces involved are not adequately analysed and the rectification movement of the spine is not taken into account. The purpose of this study was to develop a simplified two dimensional biomechanical model in order to evaluate the forces during activities of improper load bearing and the movement of flexion/extension in the lumbar spine. The spine was assumed as a linear rigid array of articulate segments. Using inverse dynamics applied to a simplified link segment model,the average muscular forces and bone-to-bone contact force in the L5-S1 vertebral joint were evaluated as a function of the back extension muscles insertion angles. For the model construction the main musculature, the anthropometric data, and model the muscle insertion angles, and the image acquisition register of the weight loading movement were identified. The mathematical model yielded a system of equations that evaluates the acting forces on the spine during the extension movement, as a function of the a atomical data.

This thesis includes experimental and theoretical work performed to investigate the behaviour of ground anchors in sand. The anchor footing used was a circular plate connected to a tie rod. The experimental work was carried out by installing the anchor in a l830mm x 1830mm x l220mm deep tank containing dry sand. The sand sample was prepared by using a vibrator fixed to the bottom of the tank. The anchor was pulled out at a constant rate of strain and the load-displacement curve was recorded on a plotter. The vibration of the tank was defined by deter.mining the acceleratton and amplitude of the motion in the horizontal and vertical directions. A density tube and a hydraulic gauge were designed to investigate the distribution of stresses in sand. The variation of the vibration time, the constant rate of strain, the shaf V plate diameter, the plate thickness/plate diameter, and the boundary distance with the load-displacement curve were also investigated. The load-displacement curve of different diameter plates embedded at various depths for different times of vibration were recorded. To investigate the behaviour of ground anchors theoretically, the finite element technique was used and a computer progra~ developed. A linear stress-strain relationship was used to predj.ct and investigate the behaviour of the anchor. A non-linear stress-strain relationship and a failure criterion were also used to predict the load-displacement curve of the vertical anchor. The effect of the parameters which were investigated experimentally were also examined. The distribution of the load on the anchor plate and the extent of the failure zone were plotted. The predicted and experimental results in this thesis were compared with laboratory and field results obtained by previous researchers.

Modern ballistic armor can protect soldiers against gunfire and shrapnel. The added weight and movement restriction of armor on the extremities may negatively impact soldier performance. Loading the limbs with weight has been found to increase metabolic cost in locomotion and alter gait kinematics. It was hypothesized that increases in metabolic cost and alterations in gait kinematics would result from the use of extremity armor. Fifteen healthy U.S. Army men walked (1.34 m/s) and ran (2.46 m/s) on a level treadmill with three different levels of extremity armor configuration: a no armor condition (4.3 lbs) that consisted of minimal clothing, combat boots, and a helmet; a partial extremity armor configuration (27.2 lbs) that consisted of an armor vest and extremity armor on the upper arms and thighs plus the minimal clothing; and a full extremity armor configuration (29.2 lbs) that consisted of forearm and shank armor in addition to the partial extremity armor configuration. In walking and running on the treadmill, metabolic cost normalized to body mass increased significantly when extremity armor was worn, as compared to the no armor condition. No difference was found in metabolic cost scaled to total mass (body mass + mass of armor), indicating no effect of mass placement. When walking on the treadmill, double support time was the only temporal variable found to increase with use of extremity armor; no differences between partial and full armor configurations were found. Range of motion (ROM) of the ankle decreased in walking with extremity armor, while hip and knee ROMs increased with the use of extremity armor. In running, only hip ROM and trunk lean increased significantly with the use of extremity armor, while no difference was found between the two extremity armor configurations. In conclusion, use of extremity armor on soldiers walking and running on a level treadmill resulted in a metabolic cost increase as the mass of the armor increased and did affect gait kinematics. The distal placement of the armor on the extremities at the low mass tested did not significantly affect metabolic cost or gait kinematics.

"The intent of this Thesis is to study the potential of distributed resources to increase the efficacy of the electric system without decreasing the efficiency of the system. Distributed resources (DR) are technologies that provide an increase in power or a decrease in load on the distribution system. An example of DR is a storage device that uses electricity during low use periods to store energy and then converts the stored energy to power during high use periods. The energy storage being studied is for the purpose of peak shaving or the ability to shift small amounts of load to a more optimum time. In particular the concept of load curve leveling is explored. DR options are studied to determine how size, location, and storage losses impact the overall system efficacy and efficiency. This includes impacts on system losses, capacity utilization, and energy costs."

Digitized by Kansas Correctional Industries

Thoracic loads (i.e., a heavy backpack) commonly used in occupational and recreational settings significantly challenge human physiological systems and increase the work of breathing, which may promote respiratory muscle fatigue and negatively impacts whole body performance during physical tasks. Accordingly this thesis: (Chapter number: II) designed a laboratory based protocol that closely reflects occupational demands and (III) assessed the effect that load carriage (LC) has upon physiological and respiratory muscle function. Consequently the thesis addressed (IV) acute, (V) chronic and (VI) functional inspiratory muscle loading strategies to assess the limitations and trainability of the respiratory muscles to load carriage performance. The novel laboratory protocol, performed wearing a 25 kg backpack load, combined submaximal load carriage (LC; 60 min treadmill march at 6.5 km·h-1) and self-paced time trial exercise (LCTT; 2.4 km) to better reflect the physiological demands of occupational performance (between trials mean difference -0.34 ± 0.89 min, coefficient of variation 10.5%). Following LC, maximal inspiratory muscle pressure (PImax) and maximal expiratory muscle pressure (P¬Emax) were reduced by 11% and 13% respectively (P<0.05), and further by 5% and 6%, respectively (P< 0.05), after LCTT. Acute inspiratory loading (2 × 30 forced inspiratory efforts 40% PImax) following an active warm-up (10 min lactate turnpoint) failed to improve LCTT despite a transient increase in PImax of ~7% (P<0.05). Chronic inspiratory loading (6 wk, 50% PImax, 30 breaths twice daily) increased PImax (31%, p<0.05) reduced HR and perceptual responses post-LC, and improved LCTT (8%, P< 0.05) with no change in a placebo control. Combining IMT with functional core muscle exercises improved PImax and LCTT by 7% and 4% respectively (P< 0.05), which was greater than traditional IMT alone. Acute, chronic and functional inspiratory muscle loading strategies did not protect against respiratory muscle or locomotor muscle fatigue during LC and LCTT.