One of the most important aspects of preliminary interplanetary mission planning entails designing a trajectory that delivers a spacecraft to the required destinations and accomplishes all the objectives. The design tool described in this thesis allows an investigator to explore various interplanetary trajectories quickly and easily. The design tool employs the patched conic method to determine heliocentric and planetocentric trajectory information. An existing Lambert Targeting routine and other common algorithms are utilized in conjunction with the design tool’s specialized code to formulate an entire trajectory from Earth departure to arrival at the destination. The tool includes many options for the investigator to accurately configure the desired trajectory, including planetary gravity assists, deep space maneuvers, and various departure and arrival conditions. The trajectory design tool is coded in MATLAB, which provides access to three dimensional plotting options and user adaptability. The design tool also incorporates powerful MATLAB optimization functions that adjust trajectory characteristics to find a configuration that yields the minimum spacecraft propellant in the form of change in velocity. / text

Preliminary interplanetary trajectory designs frequently use simplified two-body orbital mechanics and linked conics methodology to model the complex trajectories in multi-body systems. Incorporating gravity assists provides highly efficient interplanetary trajectories, enabling otherwise infeasible spacecraft missions. Future missions may employ powered gravity assists, using a propulsive maneuver during the flyby, improving the overall trajectory performance. This dissertation provides a complete description and analysis of a new interplanetary trajectory design tool known as TRACT (TRAjectory Configuration Tool). TRACT is capable of modeling complex interplanetary trajectories, including multiple ballistic and/or powered gravity assists, deep space maneuvers, parking orbits, and other common maneuvers. TRACT utilizes an adaptable architecture of modular boundary value problem (BVP) algorithms for all trajectory segments. A bi-level optimization scheme is employed to reduce the number of optimization variables, simplifying the user provided trajectory information. The standardized optimization parameter set allows for easy use of TRACT with a variety of optimization algorithms and mission constraints. The dissertation also details new research in powered gravity assists. A review of literature on optimal powered gravity assists is presented, where many optimal solutions found are infeasible for realistic spacecraft missions. The need was identified for a mission feasible optimal powered gravity assist algorithm using only a single impulsive maneuver. The solution space was analyzed and a complete characterization was developed for solution types of the optimal single-impulse powered gravity assist. Using newfound solution space characteristics, an efficient and reliable optimal single-impulse powered gravity assist BVP algorithm was formulated. The mission constraints were strictly enforced, such as maintaining the closest approach above a minimum radius and below a maximum radius. An extension of the optimal powered gravity assist research is the development of a gravity assist BVP algorithm that utilizes an asymptote ΔV correction maneuver to produce ballistic gravity assist trajectory solutions. The efficient algorithm is tested with real interplanetary mission trajectory parameters and successfully converges upon ballistic gravity assists with improved performance compared to traditional methods. A hybrid approach is also presented, using the asymptote maneuver algorithm together with traditional gravity assist constraints to reach ballistic trajectory solutions more reliably, while improving computational performance.

A computational model has been developed to study the effects of left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) on the cardiovascular system during a ventricular collapse. The model consists of a toroidal pulsatile blood pump and a closed loop circulatory system. Together, they predict the pump's motor current traces that reflect ventricular suck-down and provide insights into torque magnitudes that the pump experiences. In addition, the model investigates likeliness of a suction event and predicts reasonable outcomes for a few test cases. Ventricular collapse was modeled with the help of a mock circulatory loop consisting of a artificial left ventricle and centrifugal continuous flow pump. This study also investigates different suction detection schemes and proposes the most suitable suction detection algorithm for the TORVAD pump, toroidal left ventricular assist device. Model predictions were further compared against the data sampled during in vivo animal trials with the TORVAD system. The two sets of results are in good accordance. / text

Mechanical circulatory support (MCS) is a viable therapy for end stage heart failure. However, despite clinical success, the ability to compare MCS devices in vitro and perform training scenarios is extremely limited. Comparative studies are limited as different devices cannot be interchanged in a patient due to the surgical nature of implant. Further, training and failure scenarios cannot be performed on patients with devices as this would subject a patient to a failure mode. A need exists for a readily available mock system that can perform comparative testing and training scenarios with MCS devices. Previously, our group has fabricated a well characterized mock circulation system consisting of a SynCardia temporary Total Artificial Heart (TAH) and Donovan Mock Circulation tank (DMC tank). Further, utilizing this system with the TAH operating in reduced output mode, a heart failure model was developed. In the present study, three ventricular assist devices (VADs) were independently attached to the heart failure model to compare device performances over a range of preloads and afterloads. In addition, specific clinical scenarios were created with the system to analyze how VAD-displayed waveforms from the system correlate with clinical scenarios. Finally, each VAD was powered off while attached to the heart failure model to compare fluid flow through the VAD in a pump-failure scenario. We demonstrated that this system can successfully be utilized to compare MCS devices (i.e. ventricular assist devices) and for successful training of patients and clinicians.

Bei der Entwicklung von Herzunterstützungssystemen oder Systemen für den totalen Herzersatz muss untersucht werden, ob ein definierter Blutfluss gewährleistet werden kann und entsprechende Druckdifferenzen erzeugt werden können. Zudem ist eine möglichst geringe Blutschädigung von großer Bedeutung.  Zur Untersuchung der Förderleistung wird der erzeugte Volumenstrom bei verschiedenen Leistungsaufnahmen (Stromstärken) ermittelt. Es zeigt sich ein linearer Zusammenhang zwischen Leistungsaufnahme (A) und erzeugtem Fluss (l/min), da der erzeugte Druckgradient der Kraft des Kolbens proportional ist. Im Weiteren werden Druck- und Flussbeziehungen bei maximaler Leistungsaufnahme gemessen und dargestellt. Hier zeigt sich, dass bis zu einer Nachlast von 120 mmHg die maximale Flussrate von 11 l/min erzielt wird.  In weiteren Versuchsreihen wird das Ausmaß der Hämolyse bestimmt, indem die lineare Blutpumpe mit einem klinisch etablierten System (Medos-HIA-Ventrikel) verglichen wird. Dafür wird der normierte Hämolyse Index (NIH) bestimmt. Die vergleichende Untersuchung im Modellkreislauf ergibt, dass für die lineare Blutpumpe der Index 0,078 g/100l zwar höher liegt, als bei dem klinisch etablierten Medos-Ventrikel 0,0037 g/100l, die Erythrozyten-, Thrombozyten- und Leukozytenzahl sowie der Hkt bleiben aber unverändert über sechs Stunden. Die hier vorgestellte lineare Blutpumpe besitzt neben ausreichender Leistungsfähigkeit und neuartigen Regulationsmöglichkeiten eine dem Entwicklungsstand nach geringe blutschädigende Wirkung. Die lineare Blutpumpe stellt damit einen geeigneten neuen Lösungsansatz zur Konstruktion eines pulsatilen Geräts zu Herzunterstützung als auch totalem Herzersatz dar.

Les statistiques des fluctuations de courant dans un ??chantillon m??soscopique sous irradiation n'ont jamais ??t?? explor??es au-del?? de la variance et du troisi??me moment. Nous rapportons la premi??re mesure du quatri??me cumulant de bruit dans une jonction tunnel dans le r??gime classique (c'est-??-dire k [indice inf??rieur B]T >> h f) en pr??sence d'un courant continu et d'une excitation micro-onde en utilisant deux m??thodes. Tout d'abord, nous avons ??tudi?? la corr??lation entre les fluctuations de puissance ?? deux fr??quences, f [indice inf??rieur 1] = 4,5 GHz et f [indice inf??rieur 2] = 7,15 GHz. Cette corr??lation existe seulement pour certaines fr??quences d'excitation. Nous avons ??galement effectu?? une mesure directe des statistiques en num??risant le bruit ?? grande vitesse apr??s conversion vers les basses fr??quences. Les r??sultats obtenus ?? partir de ces exp??riences sont en tr??s bon accord avec les pr??dictions th??oriques de la dynamique de bruit. En terme de photons, le quatri??me cumulant correspond ?? une corr??lation entre les photons de diff??rentes fr??quences. -- The statistics of current fluctuations in a mesoscopic sample under irradiation has never been explored beyond the variance and third moment. We report the first measurement of the fourth cumulant of noise in a tunnel junction in the classical regime (i.e. k[subscript B] T >> hf) in the presence of a d.c and microwave excitation, using two methods. First, we have investigated the correlation between the power fluctuations at two frequencies, f[subscript 1] = 4.5 GHz and f[subscript 2] = 7.15 GHz. This correlation exists only for certain excitation frequencies. We have also performed a direct measurement of the statistics by digitizing the noise at high speed after down conversion. The results obtained from these experiments are in very good agreement with the theoretical predictions of noise dynamics. In terms of photons, the fourth cumulant corresponds to a correlation between photons of different frequencies.

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The overall aim of this research is to assist educators and all stakeholders about the impact of crime and violence on the morale and productivity of educators at Orange Farm. The study deals with the programme of activities that can be implemented at schools to overcome the problem of crime and violence. The overall aim was operationalised as follows: to give a theoretical exposition of concepts morale and productivity, to give an overview of the extent of crime and violence at Orange Farm, to investigate the impact of crime and violence on morale and productivity at Orange Farm, and to offer recommendations that may add value for educators to improve morale and productivity. Crime and violence pose a serious threat to the goal of establishing peace and progress in schools at Orange Farm. In order to establish a safe school environment where learners can learn and educators can teach in a warm and welcoming environment, free of intimidation and fear of violence, it is important to find the cause. There is no one determining factor that could be pinpointed as the origin of school violence and crime. There are so many factors involved which make this a very complex issue which needs as much input and thought as possible. Factors contributing to school crime and violence in Orange Farm have been identified as drug and alcohol, sexual abuse, gangsterism, gambling, poverty and unemployment, physical violence, vandalism and burglary. The empirical method of research was used for obtaining information on the impact of crime and violence on the morale and productivity of educators at Orange Farm. In this study the research is being concluded by a presentation of the findings, the drawing of conclusion on the basis of the findings, and finally, the formulation of recommendations for future research. / Thesis (M. Development and Management)--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2009.

The overall aim of this research is to assist educators and all stakeholders about the impact of crime and violence on the morale and productivity of educators at Orange Farm. The study deals with the programme of activities that can be implemented at schools to overcome the problem of crime and violence. The overall aim was operationalised as follows: to give a theoretical exposition of concepts morale and productivity, to give an overview of the extent of crime and violence at Orange Farm, to investigate the impact of crime and violence on morale and productivity at Orange Farm, and to offer recommendations that may add value for educators to improve morale and productivity. Crime and violence pose a serious threat to the goal of establishing peace and progress in schools at Orange Farm. In order to establish a safe school environment where learners can learn and educators can teach in a warm and welcoming environment, free of intimidation and fear of violence, it is important to find the cause. There is no one determining factor that could be pinpointed as the origin of school violence and crime. There are so many factors involved which make this a very complex issue which needs as much input and thought as possible. Factors contributing to school crime and violence in Orange Farm have been identified as drug and alcohol, sexual abuse, gangsterism, gambling, poverty and unemployment, physical violence, vandalism and burglary. The empirical method of research was used for obtaining information on the impact of crime and violence on the morale and productivity of educators at Orange Farm. In this study the research is being concluded by a presentation of the findings, the drawing of conclusion on the basis of the findings, and finally, the formulation of recommendations for future research. / Thesis (M. Development and Management)--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2009.

Heart disease is the developed world's biggest killer, and the shortage of donor hearts has accelerated the development of mechanical alternatives. Scientists, engineers and clinicians have attempted to replicate the human heart with a mechanical device for over 50 years. Although a number of pulsating devices have been developed, and in some cases worked briefly, they have invariably failed to match the success of heart transplantation. In an attempt to produce a suitable alternative, current research is focused on devices that do not replace the heart; but rather work along side it to assist its function. Many of these devices help the failing left ventricle; however some patients require the additional implantation of a second device to assist a failing right ventricle. This increases implantation time and associated risk, and because of the size of the current devices, reduces the access of smaller patients to this vital technology. The overall thesis objective focuses on the progressive design, development and preliminary evaluation of two novel centrifugal type ventricular assist devices, a bi-left ventricular device (Bi-LVAD) and a single bi-ventricular assist device (Bi-VAD). The devices have the respective capability to assist either the left ventricle, or both ventricles of a failing heart. The current concept for each VAD employs both magnetic and hydrodynamic suspension techniques to float a rotating double impeller, a technique that aims to reduce blood damage and component wear, two of the major problems encountered with current generation devices. Each VAD design was developed by conducting experimentation and drawing conclusions from a variety of engineering research fields, such as flow visualization, rotary pump design and testing, fluid dynamics, hemodynamics and heart failure, and magnetic motor bearing design. In order to evaluate pump prototype designs, it was necessary to design and develop a novel pulsatile systemic and pulmonary mock circulation loop capable of reproducing the hemodynamics of heart failure in the systemic and pulmonary circuits. The investigation then specifically examined the static hydraulic forces on the impeller of a centrifugal blood pump during operation in this mock circulation loop. The recorded magnitude and direction of radial and axial thrust then influenced the selection of magnetic and hydrodynamic bearing configurations to minimise impeller touchdown in the intended hemodynamic environment. This research required the development of correctly designed impeller (semi-open/closed) and volute (single, double, circular) components for each ventricular assist application and a unique test facility to isolate impeller hydraulic forces in addition to the mock circulation loop. The proposed Bi-LVAD incorporates symmetrical blade designs on each side of the double sided impeller. The device assists the function of the left ventricle only with symmetrical axial pressure distribution and elimination of stagnant regions beneath the impeller. These features improve axial touchdown capacity and reduce thrombus formation respectively. The proposed Bi-VAD incorporates different blade designs on each side of the double impeller to augment the function of both the left and right cardiac chambers. The design has the additional potential to act as a total artificial heart (TAH). To date there is no Bi-VAD/TAH system available that incorporates an LVAD and RVAD in one rotary pump. Successful development of each innovative VAD will provide an alternative to heart transplantation, potentially saving lives of many terminal heart patients each year. No longer would heart transplant candidates need to wait for the untimely death of a donor to provide a suitable heart. Instead, this new generation device would be available immediately, and be almost universally compatible with all patients. It has the potential to dramatically increase a patient’s expected lifetime, and to deliver them a higher quality of life.