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This thesis focuses on identifying acoustic noise generating components in piezoelectric blowers through transverse velocity measurements and the development of a numerical fluid model. Piezoelectric ceramics have proven useful for many industries and areas of research involving: high precision actuators, noise control, ultrasonic devices, and many other areas. As of late, a unique adaptation of piezoelectric ceramics is surfacing in the area of pumping and cooling. Air pumps that use these ceramics replace the traditional electric motor, resulting in lower power consumption, less moving parts, constant pressure gradients, lower overall weight, and a low profile. The current drawback of this application is the acoustic radiation produced by the blowers. Since these blowers are new to market, little research or development has been done to characterize the noise emissions. This thesis studies the acoustic emissions from the front face of a Murata piezoelectric blower. Jet noise and structural vibrations are two acoustic sources of interest that are studied in this research. A Direct Numerical Simulation (DNS) of the fluid flow through a Murata blower is developed to better identify noise generating mechanisms. The model solutions predict trends in sound pressure levels (SPL) of the jet noise and volumetric flow rates. Both the SPL and flow rate are shown to be functions of critical geometrical dimensions within the flow path of a Murata blower. Important dimensional components are identified as well as non-influential ones. Design guidelines are given to reduce noise emission from the front side of a blower and increase the volumetric flow rate. The results of this research have a direct impact on the piezoelectric blower industry and future blower designs.

Modeling underwater acoustic propagation comes with a variety of challenges due to the need for proper characterization of the environmental conditions. These conditions include ever changing and complex water properties as well as boundary conditions. The BYU underwater acoustics open-air tank test-bed and measurement chain were developed to study underwater acoustic propagation within a controlled environment. It was also developed to provide ways to test and validate ocean models without the high cost associated with obtaining open ocean measurements. However, tank measurements require additional characterization of boundary conditions associated with the walls of the tank which would not be present in an open ocean. The characterization of BYU's underwater acoustic tank included measuring the calibrated impulse response of the tank through frequency deconvolution of sine swept signals in order to determine the frequency dependent reverberation time through reverse Schroeder integration. The reverberation time allows for calculating the frequency dependent spatially averaged acoustic absorption coefficient of the tank enclosure boundaries. The methods used for this study, common to room acoustics, also yield insights into the Schroeder frequency limit of the tank as well as validate models used for quantifying the speed of sound in the tank. The acoustic characterization was validated alongside predicted values and also applied to a tank lined with anechoic panels in order to improve the potential for modeling the tank as a scaled open ocean environment. An initial investigation into effective tank models evaluated the idealized rigid-wall and pressure-release water-air boundary model, a finite-impedance boundary model applying the measured acoustic boundary absorption and a benchmark open ocean model known as ORCA in order to determine potential tank model candidates. This study demonstrates the efficacy of the methodology for underwater acoustic tank characterization, provides a frequency dependent acoustic boundary evaluation from 5-500 kHz, and provides an initial comparison of tank models with applied characterization.

Durante la última década, los métodos de optimización heurísticos basados en imitar a nivel computacional procesos naturales, biológicos, sociales o culturales, han despertado el interés de la comunidad científica debido a su capacidad para explorar eficientemente espacios de soluciones multimodales y multidimensionales. En este ámbito, esta tesis aborda el desarrollo, análisis y puesta a punto de diferentes métodos de optimización tradicionales y heurísticos. En concreto, se considera un método de búsqueda local basado en símplex y varios métodos heurísticos, tales como el recocido simulado, los algoritmos genéticos y la optimización con enjambre de partículas. Para estos dos últimos algoritmos se investigan diferentes esquemas con el objetivo de superar las limitaciones propias de los esquemas clásicos.La puesta a punto de los diferentes métodos de optimización se realiza considerando como problema de referencia la caracterización de la radiación de antenas a partir de medidas en campo próximo sobre geometría plana, utilizando un método de transformación de campo cercano a campo lejano basado en corrientes equivalentes. Para cada método de optimización se incluye un análisis paramétrico, en los casos en los que se ha considerado necesario, así como resultados de transformación de campo teóricos obtenidos para diferentes antenas de apertura y antenas de bocina piramidal. Los resultados de un estudio comparativo, realizado utilizando fuentes teóricas y medidas, demuestran la utilidad del método y permiten concluir que la optimización con enjambre de partículas es el algoritmo que proporciona las mejores prestaciones para esta aplicación.Los métodos de optimización desarrollados e investigados en este trabajo han sido también aplicados a otros problemas como son la síntesis de agrupaciones lineales o el modelado de fuente en aplicaciones de compatibilidad electromagnética. / For the last decade, heuristic optimization methods based on imitating natural, biological, social or cultural processes in a computational way have aroused great interest among the scientific community, due to its ability to explore efficiently multimodal and high-dimension solution spaces. On this basis, this thesis tackles the development, analysis and tuning of different traditional and heuristic optimization methods. In short, a local search method based on simplex and several heuristic methods, such as simulated annealing, genetic algorithms and particle swarm optimization are considered. For these last two algorithms different schemes are investigated so as to overcome the typical limitations of classical schemes.The tuning of the optimization methods is carried out considering as a reference problem the antenna radiation characterization from near-field measurements over a planar geometry, using a near-field to far-field transformation method based on equivalent currents. A parametric analysis is included for each optimization method, in those cases in which it has been considered necessary, as well as theoretical field transformation results obtained with aperture and pyramidal horn antennas. Results of a comparative study, carried out using theoretical sources and measurements, demonstrate the usefulness of the method and make it possible to conclude that the particle swarm optimization is the algorithm that provides the best performance for this application.The optimization methods developed and investigated in this work have also been applied to other problems, such as the synthesis of linear arrays or the source modelling in electromagnetic compatibility applications.

Le brouillard électromagnétique dans lequel nous vivons en permanence estaujourd’hui montré du doigt car, outre les risques sanitaires qu’il pourrait engendrer, illimite l’usage de certaines technologies. L’importance des interférences entre réseauxsans fil, ou la peur du piratage sur ces mêmes réseaux, en sont deux exemples. Cetravail de thèse vise à développer un nouveau moyen de protection contre certaines deces ondes électromagnétiques. Plus spécifiquement, ce travail se focalise sur unetechnologie capable de filtrer uniquement les ondes WiFi et GSM à travers de grandessurfaces d’une habitation, comme un mur. Pour ce faire, la fonctionnalisation d’uncomposant standard des bâtiments, le papier-peint, a été étudié.L’utilisation de surfaces sélectives en fréquence a été retenue. Ces motifs sontdirectement imprimés sur du papier à l’aide d’encre conductrice et de la techniqued’impression flexographique. L’étude s’est également portée sur la réalisation de motifsde filtrage innovants. Les résultats de simulation montrent qu’ils sont capables de filtrerdeux ou trois bandes, qu’ils sont quasiment insensibles à la polarisation et à l’angled’incidence dans une plage allant de 0° à ± 80°. Le travail a ensuite permis dedémontrer la faisabilité pratique de ce concept aux stades laboratoire et industriel.Ensuite, nous avons démontré expérimentalement l’efficacité de ce concept dans lesbandes WiFi. La transmission atteint alors -30 dB. Enfin, une validation expérimentaledu produit en situation réelle a été menée, à savoir la pose du papier-peint sur du plâtre,du bois, l’influence de la colle ou encore la pose d’une couche de papier-peint décoratifpar-dessus le produit.En conclusion, les résultats pratiques obtenus confirment les résultats théoriquesestimés et, permettent à ce nouveau concept, appelé métapapier, d’être suffisammentefficace pour permettre la réduction des ondes WiFi ou GSM. / The electromagnetic smog in which we live today is nowadays a real issue because it limits the use of certain technologies and also because there are some potential health risks associated with it, even if the latter is still a controversial subject. The importance of the interferences between wireless networks or the possibility of data hacking on the same networks are two examples. The aim of this thesis is to develop a new way to protect buildings against some of these electromagnetic waves. More specifically, this work focuses on a technology able to filter only the WiFi and the GSM waves through large areas of a home, like a wall for example. To do this, the functionalization of a standard component of buildings, the wallpaper, was studied. The use of frequency selective surface (FSS) was chosen. These patterns are printed directly on paper with a conductive ink printing technology: the flexography. The study also focuses on the realization of innovative filter designs. Simulation results show that these novel FSS are able to filter two or three bands. They are almost insensitive to the polarization and to the angle of incidence in the range of 0° to ±80°. The realization feasibility of this concept in a laboratory or in industrial conditions was demonstrated. Next, an experimental demonstration of this concept in the WiFi bands was carried out. In this context, the transmission coefficient was reached -30 dB. Finally, an experimental validation of the product in real conditions of use was conducted, namely the wallpaper was put over plasterboards or over wood panels. Also, the influence of the glue on the general performances and the placement of a decorative wallpaper over the FSS wallpaper were studied. In conclusion, the practical results obtained confirm and validate the theoretical predictions of this new concept, called metapaper, and show that the practical realizations are efficient enough to allow the reduction of WiFi or GSM signals.

Le travail réalisé dans cette thèse s'intègre globalement dans le cadre de I'observation et la surveillance maritime.Afin d'améliorer la reconnaissance et I'identification automatique de cibles noyées dans un environnement perturbé, nous avons opté à la fusion de différentes connaissances et informations concernant une scène observée à distance par des capteurs micro-ondes. En effet, plusieurs phénomènes physiques co-existent et perturbent la propagation des ondes électromagnétiques au-dessus d'une surface et notamment au-dessus d'une surface maritime hétérogène (la réfraction due aux gradients d'indice, la rugosité de la surface de mer, les effets hydrodynamiques non linéaires du type vagues déferlantes, la présence d'objets, les polluants, sillage de navires, zones côtières, ...). Dans ce contexte, le travail présenté dans cette thèse porte sur l'étude de la signature électromagnétique (coefficients de diffusion) d'une surface maritime hétérogène avec la prise en compte des phénomènes hydrodynamiques (linéaires : vagues de capillarité et de gravité, non linéaires : vagues déferlantes). Cette estimation de la signature électromagnétique est effectuée en configuration bistatique (monostatique et propagation avant) et en bande X. L'étude complète de cette problématique est difficile. En effet, le déferlement est un processus dissipatif de l'énergie qui correspond à la dernière étape de la vie d'une vague et qui a donc le plus souvent lieu à I'approche du rivage. Ce phénomène non linéaire produit un pic de mer qui est une augmentation rapide des coefficients de diffusion et qui peut dépasser 10 dB dans une période de 100 ms. Ce pic peut conduire à des échos parasites, qui peuvent être identifiés comme des cibles virtuelles, et par la suite elles peuvent perturber le système de détection radar (fausses alarmes). Par conséquent, pour améliorer le processus de détection et pour réduire le taux de fausses alarmes, il est important de distinguer entre les cibles et les pics de mer générés par des vagues déferlantes. Ceci constitue I’une des motivations et aussi I'intérêt d'étudier la signature électromagnétique des vagues déferlantes dans différentes configurations d'observation de sorte que nous puissions facilement indiquer la présence voir I'identification des pics de mer. Pour contribuer à cette problématique, nous avons proposé une méthodologie basée sur un modèle électromagnétique hybride basé sur une combinaison d'une part de méthodes asymptotiques(SPMI utilisée dans le cadre de ce travail) pour simuler la réponse radar des vagues linéaire (vagues de capillarité et de gravité décrites via le spectre de mer d'Elfouhaily), et d'autre part de méthodes exactes (MoM, FB < Forward-Backward ) retenue dans le travail présenté dans ce manuscrit) pour calculer la réponse électromagnétique des vagues non-linéaires (profils considérés sont issus des résultats du code LONGTANK). Afìn de compléter l'étude théorique et les simulations réalisées, nous avons effectué une phase d'évaluation et de validation par des mesures de signature radar réalisées dans la chambre anéchoïque de I'Ensta Bretagne. / The work done in this thesis fits generally under the observation and maritime surveillance. To improve the detection and automatic identification of targets embedded in a noisy environment targets, we opted for the fusion of different knowledge and information regarding a remotely observed scene by microwave sensors. Indeed, several physical phenomena co-exist and interfere with the propagation of electromagnetic waves over a heterogeneous sea surface (the refraction due to the index gradients, the roughness of the sea surface, nonlinear hydrodynamic effects like waves breaking, the presence of objects, pollutants, ship wake, coastal areas,..). In this context, the work presented in this thesis focuses on the study of electromagnetic signature (diffusion coefficients) of a heterogeneous sea surface with consideration of hydrodynamic phenomena (linear: capillary and gravity waves, nonlinear: breaking waves). The electromagnetic signature is performed in bistatic configuration (monostatic and forward propagating) and in X-band. The complete study of this problem is difficult.Indeed, the breaking wave is a dissipative process of energy that corresponds to the last stage of the life of a wave and therefore has most often held in the shore. This nonlinear phenomenon produces a sea peak which is a rapid increase of the diffusion coefficients and can exceed l0 dB in a 100 ms period. This peak can lead to clutter, which can be identified as virtual targets, and then they can disrupt the detection radar system (false alarms). Therefore, to improve the detection process and reduce the false alarm rate, it is important to distinguish between targets and sea peaks generated by breaking waves. This represents one of the motivations and also the interest to study the electromagnetic signature of breaking waves in different observation configurations so that we can easily detect and identify the sea peaks. To solve this problem, we proposed a methodology based on a hybrid electromagnetic model which is on a combination of asymptotic methods (SPMI used in this work) to simulate the radar response of linear waves (capillary and gravity waves described via the Elfouhaily sea spectrum) and an exact methods, the method of moment (the FB "Forward-Backward" method is used in this work), to calculate the electromagnetic response of nonlinear waves (profiles are produced by the LONGTANK code). To complement the theoretical study and simulations, we carried out an evaluation and validation phase by measuring the radar signature of breaking wave profiles in the ENSTA Bretagne anechoic chamber.

The developments of new types of conductors and increase of voltage level have driven the need to carry out research on evaluating overhead line acoustic noise. The surface potential gradient of a conductor is a critical design parameter for planning overhead lines, as it determines the level of corona loss (CL), radio interference (RI), and audible noise (AN). The majority of existing models for surface gradient calculation are based on analytical methods which restrict their application in simulating complex surface geometries. This thesis proposes a novel method which utilizes both analytical and numerical procedures to predict the surface gradient. Stranding shape, proximity of tower, protrusions and bundle arrangements are considered within this model. One of UK National Grid's transmission line configurations has been selected as an example to compare the results for different methods. The different stranding shapes are a key variable in determining dry surface fields. The dynamic behaviour of water droplets subject to AC electric fields is investigated by experiment and finite element modelling. The motion of a water droplet is considered on the surface of a metallic sphere. To understand the consequences of vibration, the FEA model is introduced to study the dynamics of a single droplet in terms of phase shift between vibration and exciting voltage. Moreover, the evolution of electric field within the whole cycle of vibration is investigated. The profile of the electric field and the characteristics of mechanical vibration are evaluated. Surprisingly the phase shift between these characteristics results in the maximum field occurring when the droplet is in a flattened profile rather than when it is ‘pointed’.Research work on audible noise emitted from overhead line conductors is reviewed, and a unique experimental set up employing a semi-anechoic chamber and corona cage is described. Acoustically, this facility isolates undesirable background noise and provides a free-field test space inside the anechoic chamber. Electrically, the corona cage simulates a 3 m section of 400 kV overhead line conductors by achieving the equivalent surface gradient. UV imaging, acoustic measurements and a partial discharge detection system are employed as instrumentation. The acoustic and electrical performance is demonstrated through a series of experiments. Results are discussed, and the mechanisms for acoustic noise are considered. A strategy for evaluating the noise emission level for overhead line conductors is developed. Comments are made on predicting acoustic noise from overhead lines. The technical achievements of this thesis are summarized in three aspects. First of all, an FEA model is developed to calculate the surface electric field for overhead line conductors and this has been demonstrated as an efficient tool for power utilities in computing surface electric field especially for dry condition. The second achievement is the droplet vibration study which describes the droplets' behaviour under rain conditions, such as the phase shift between the voltage and the vibration magnitude, the ejection phenomena and the electric field enhancement due to the shape change of droplets. The third contribution is the development of a standardized procedure in assessing noise emission level and the characteristics of noise emissions for various types of existing conductors in National Grid.