Damages of metallic aircraft structures that occur during manufacturing, assembly and in service require local repair. Especially with current service-life extensions of ageing aircraft fleets, the importance of such repair methods is increasing. Typically, the repair of smaller damages on aluminium fuselage or wing skins is done by riveting a patch onto the flawed structure. However, the use of rivets reduces the strength of the structure and promotes fatigue. Joining the patch by adhesive bonding would not only offer more homogenous load distribution and weight savings, but even an increase of structural integrity. Metal adhesive bonding is commonly used in aeronautics, but requires elaborated surface treatments of the adherends, employing hazardous chemicals like chromates, due to the high durability demands. Furthermore, these treatments are usually tank processes that are not suitable for local repairs. Hence, there is a strong need for locally applicable surface preparation methods that allow safe and reliable adhesive bonding of primary aircraft structures. The aim of this thesis is to assess the – still emerging – method of atmospheric pressure plasma deposition of silicon (Si) containing compounds concerning its suitability as surface preparation for adhesive bonding of aluminium aerostructures. Atmospheric plasma deposition is not yet used in the aircraft industry, and the knowledge on functionality of this technology concerning bonding of aluminium parts is limited. Moreover, the durability requirements of the aircraft industry greatly exceed the standards in other industries. Hence, special attention is paid to a thorough analysis of the key characteristics of the deposited coupling films and their effectiveness in terms of adhesion promotion as well as joint durability under particularly hostile conditions. In order to do so, the altering mechanisms of the treated joints and the behaviour of the coupling films during accelerated ageing will be investigated in detail for the first time in this thesis. Furthermore, the influence of the aluminium surface pre-treatment (i.e. topography and oxide properties of the substrate) on the overall joint performance after coupling film deposition is thoroughly examined. Based on these findings, the surface preparation is optimised, and a process is developed to achieve maximal joint performance. As alternative local surface treatments prior to adhesive bonding, solution derived deposition of silane and sol-gel films have already been widely investigated and can be considered as reference, even though these techniques are rarely used in civil aeronautics. The knowledge on their effectiveness and capabilities in corrosive atmosphere is still very limited. Therefore, all analyses of degradation mechanisms are conducted for both plasma deposition and wet-chemical reference treatments to reveal the differences and communalities of the two Si-based coupling films. Physical and chemical analysis of the films, the oxides and the interfaces reveal differing, but interdependent failure mechanisms that are inhibited differently by the individual coupling films. Using the optimum deposition parameters, plasma films of only several nanometres in thickness significantly enlarge the corrosion resistance of bonded joints, reaching almost the level of anodising treatments with several micrometres thick oxides and strongly outperforming solution derived silane treatments. However, plasma film performance is found to be largely dependent on the precursor selection. With plasma deposition of 3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane, which has not been reported before, highest joint stability is achieved. Moreover, it is discovered that the properties of plasma and solution derived silane based films are complementary. It is shown that an optimised combined plasma and wet-chemical treatment process provides even superior resistance to bondline corrosion than state-of-the-art anodising techniques.

Approved for public release, distribution is unlimited / This study examines Southern Hemisphere mid-latitude wave variations connected to the Antarctic Oscillation (AAO) to establish connections with the 15- to 25-day wave activity in the western North Pacific monsoon trough region. The AAO index defined from the leading empirical orthogonal functions of 700 hPa height anomalies led to seven distinct circulation patterns that vary in conjunction with the 15- to 25-day monsoon trough mode. For nearly one half of the significant events the onset of 15- to 25-day monsoon trough convective activity coincided with a peak negative AAO index and the peak in monsoon trough convection coincided with a peak positive index. The remaining events either occur when the AAO is not significantly varying or when the AAO-related Southern Hemisphere mid-latitude circulations do not match 15- to 25-day transitions. When a significant connection occurs between the Southern Hemisphere mid-latitude circulations related to the AAO and the 15- to 25-day wave activity in the western North Pacific monsoon trough, the mechanism is via equatorward Rossby-wave dispersion. When wave energy flux in the Southern Hemisphere is directed zonally, no connection is established between the AAO and the alternating periods of enhanced and reduced convection in the western North Pacific monsoon trough. / Captain, United States Air Force

Parmi les torches à plasma microonde, la torche à injection axiale (TIA) est utilisée depuis de nombreuses années pour créer des espèces chimiquement actives dans des applications comme l'analyse de gaz, les traitements de surface et les traitements d'effluents gazeux. Notre étude porte sur l'énergie transférée par le plasma créé par cette torche à pression atmosphérique, qui trouve son intérêt notamment dans le chauffage de l'hélium pour la montée en altitude d'un ballon dirigeable. La TIA permet de coupler de l'énergie microonde (2.45 GHz) à un gaz injecté axialement à la sortie d'une buse. La TIA donne lieu à un plasma hors équilibre thermodynamique formé d'un dard de forte luminosité, avec une densité maximale de particules chargées à la sortie de la buse. Notre étude porte sur l'expérience et la modélisation de cette torche pour comprendre la répartition du champ électromagnétique, l'écoulement du système gaz/plasma et le transfert de chaleur du plasma au gaz.Des mesures par spectroscopie optique d'émission dans l'argon et l'hélium ont permis de trouver les températures du gaz (1500 K vs 3000 K) en fonction des conditions expérimentales (débit, puissance). Elles ont été estimées en ajustant les spectres ro-vibrationnels de N2 obtenus à ceux issus du logiciel SPECAIR. La mesure de la densité électronique (de l'ordre de quelques 10^14 cm^-3) a été réalisée dans un plasma d'hélium par élargissement Stark de la raie Hβ. Ces mesures ont un double objectif : obtenir des données d'entrée au modèle et valider ses résultats.La modélisation se partage en deux modules réalisés avec le logiciel COMSOL Multiphysics: (i) un module électromagnétique 3D qui résout les équations de Maxwell, (ii) un module hydrodynamique 2D qui résout les équations de Navier-Stokes pour le système gaz/plasma en prenant en compte les ions. Un module plasma, en cours de développement, résoudra les équations fluides pour les électrons et les ions du plasma.Cette modélisation réussit à prédire des températures similaires à celles obtenues expérimentalement et a permis de montrer l'influence du plasma sur l'écoulement et la température du gaz ainsi que l'efficacité du transfert de chaleur du plasma au gaz. / Among the microwave plasma torches, the axial injection torch (TIA) has been used for several years to create chemically active species, in applications such as gas analysis, surface processing and gaseous waste treatments. Our study concerns the energy transferred from the plasma created by the torch at atmospheric pressure, which finds its interest in particular in the heating of helium in a dirigible balloon to achieve its rise in altitude. The TIA allows the coupling of microwave energy (2.45 GHz) with a gas injected axially at the nozzle's exit. The TIA produces a non equilibrium plasma with a high luminosity and a maximum density of charged particles at the nozzle's exit. Our study involves both experiment and modelling of this torch in order to understand the distribution of the electromagnetic field, the flow of gas / plasma system and the plasma-to-gas heat transfer.Measurements by optical emission spectroscopy in argon and helium allowed to determine the gas temperature (1500K vs 3000 K) based on experimental conditions (flow, power). They were estimated by fitting the N2 ro-vibrational spectra obtained from air, using the SPECAIR software. The measurement of electron density (of about a few 10^14 cm^-3) was performed in a helium plasma by Stark broadening of the Hβ. Experiments have a double objective : to obtain input data for the model and to validate its results. Modelling uses two modules of the COMSOL Multiphysics software: (i) a 3D electromagnetic module, which solves Maxwell's equations, (ii) a 2D hydrodynamic module, which solves the Navier-Stokes equations for the gas / plasma system taking into account the ions. A plasma module, which solves the fluid equations for electrons and ions is in development This modelling succeeded in predicting temperatures similar to those obtained experimentally and showed the influence of plasma upon flow and the gas temperature and the efficiency of heat transfer from the plasma to the gas.

Ultraschalllevitation kombiniert die Vorteile von Mikrofluidik, wie beispielsweise die sehr geringe benötigte Probenmenge, mit einer wandlosen Probenhandhabung. Obwohl die Kopplung zwischen le- vitierten Tröpchen und verschiedenster analytischer Methoden wie optischer Spektroskopie und Röntgenbeugung sehr genau untersucht ist, fehlt es immer noch an einer etablierten Kopplung mit einer massenspektrometrischen Methode für die Analyse auf molekularer Ebene. Die vorliegende Arbeit beschreibt die Prinzipien, auf denen eine kontaktlose massenspektrometrische Analyse von levitierten flüssi- gen Proben beruht. Zuerst wurde der neu entworfene akustische Levitator bezüglich des Einflusses seiner Geometrie auf die Levi- tationseigenschaften experimentell und mittels numerischer Simul- tationen untersucht. Die anschließend durch geführten Experimen- te demonstrieren das Potential von Infrarot-Lasern als kombinierte Desorptions- und Ionisationsquelle für organische Substanzen aus einer Mischung aus Wasser und Glycerin als Cromophor. Um einen tieferen Einblick in die hierbei ablaufenden Ionisationsmechanismen zu erhalten, wurde als Modell ein “Sonic-Spray” Konus räumlich per Massenspektrometrie und Laser-induzierter Fluoreszenz untersucht. Levitator-Geometrie auf die Levitationseigenschaften stimmen sehr gut mit numerischen Simulationen überein. Als komplementäre Ionisationsmethode wurde eine Niedertemperatur-Plasmaquelle ein- gesetzt. Nach einer zeitaufgelösten Untersuchung der grundlegenden Ionisationsmechanismen wurde diese Quelle für die Untersuchung flüchtiger Spezies aus der levitierten Probe in deren direkten Umgebung ohne störende Interferenzen ge- nutzt. / Ultrasonic levitation combines advantages of microfluidics like the required small sample volumes with a wall-less sample handling. While the coupling of analytical methods like optical spectroscopy as well as x-ray scattering are very well elaborated, an established mass spectrometric method to obtain molecular analytical information is still lacking. The herein presented work describes the fundamental processes for a contactless mass spectrometric analysis of levitated droplets. First, the influences of the specially designed levitator geometry on the levitation capabilities is described. During further experiments, the use of infrared lasers has proven useful as a combined desorption and ionization source for organic molecules from a mixture of water and glycerol as chromophore. Subsequently, sonic-spray ionization was used to gain a deeper understanding of the ionization processes occurring within the spray plume. Mass spectrometric mapping as well as laser-induced fluorescence were performed to investigate the ionization during an aerodynamic breakup of the micro droplets in the spray process. As a complementary sampling method, the ionization with a low- temperature plasma source is described. First, a time-resolved mass spectrometric investigation of the ionization process is shown. Sub- sequent to this fundamental study, the application of such a plasma source for the direct analysis of volatile compounds from within the droplets in the surrounding environment without interferences from the droplets bulk phase is described.

The aim of this thesis is to investigate the properties of a Radio Frequency capacitive discharge at atmospheric pressure in argon. In these conditions where the pressure x distance product is around 150 Torr.cm, the discharge usually consists of several locally hot filaments. By pulsing the RF generator with an appropriate width and period, it was found possible to control the filament to glow transition in order to obtain a diffused and stable plasma.¶ The 2 mm gap between the electrodes is open to the ambient air and fed with argon via one hundred submillimetric holes regularly spread on the surface of the top electrode. This configuration allows “on-line” surface treatment of polymer films without having to turn the discharge off between successive samples. An important and lasting improvement of the polymer wettability is quickly obtained without risk of damage. The plasma diagnostic methods are emission spectroscopy and electric measurements. The Stark broadening of the Balmer β transition line of atomic hydrogen is measured to determine a plasma density of 10^15/cm3 in the filamentary mode. The glow mode density estimation was based on power balance yielding a density of 5×10^11/cm3. Emission line ratios between neutrals and Ar+ ions are used in the Saha equation to calculate the electron temperature. It results in an approximation of 1.3 eV for the glow mode and 1.7 eV for the filaments.¶ A unidimensional self-consistent fluid model is developed to gain insight into the homogeneous discharge behaviour. Poisson’s equation for the electric field is coupled to the first moments of the Boltzmann equation (continuity equation, drift-diffusion equation and energy equation). Transport and reaction coefficients are obtained from the mean energy of the electrons.¶ The model is applied to a reduced argon kinetic with the main ionization and excitation processes. Simulation results are in agreement with experimental measurements. The atmospheric pressure RF discharge is similar to a lower pressure RF discharge for which the ionization occurs mainly inside the oscillating sheaths where electrons are the most energetic

<p>The MIUU mesoscale model was further developed, in order to include information on large-scale atmospheric fields from global or regional atmospheric climate- and weather-prediction models. For this purpose, a new lateral boundary condition was developed and implemented into the model. The new lateral boundary condition is a combination of two existing conditions, namely the flow relaxation scheme and the tendency modification scheme.</p><p>Tests indicated that an optimum lateral boundary configuration would be obtained with moderate to strong flow relaxation at higher levels, small flow relaxation at lower levels (within the atmospheric boundary layer), upstream advection at the outermost 4 grid points, and 6% horizontal grid stretching starting at a substantial distance from the lateral boundaries. The flow relaxation coefficients should be specified carefully, in order to minimize the reflection of all kinds of waves at the lateral boundaries.</p><p>The summer thermal low in the mean-sea-level pressure field over North America is traditionally analyzed over the northern end of the Gulf of California. The position of this low is influenced by the application of the so-called plateau correction in obtaining mean-sea-level pressure values from highly elevated stations in North America. A model study indicated that the low should be located approximately 450 km to the north and somewhat to the east of the above location. </p><p>A statistical comparison of model results from two mesoscale models against upper-air and surface measurements from several sites was carried out. Statistical methods, however, give only an insufficient picture of overall model performance. A comparison between predicted and measured tracer concentrations could be used to better evaluate the overall performance of different models.</p><p>Sound propagation in the atmosphere was predicted in a mountain valley using a mesoscale atmospheric model together with a sound propagation model. This suggests that forecasts of sound propagation should be possible in future.</p>

The MIUU mesoscale model was further developed, in order to include information on large-scale atmospheric fields from global or regional atmospheric climate- and weather-prediction models. For this purpose, a new lateral boundary condition was developed and implemented into the model. The new lateral boundary condition is a combination of two existing conditions, namely the flow relaxation scheme and the tendency modification scheme. Tests indicated that an optimum lateral boundary configuration would be obtained with moderate to strong flow relaxation at higher levels, small flow relaxation at lower levels (within the atmospheric boundary layer), upstream advection at the outermost 4 grid points, and 6% horizontal grid stretching starting at a substantial distance from the lateral boundaries. The flow relaxation coefficients should be specified carefully, in order to minimize the reflection of all kinds of waves at the lateral boundaries. The summer thermal low in the mean-sea-level pressure field over North America is traditionally analyzed over the northern end of the Gulf of California. The position of this low is influenced by the application of the so-called plateau correction in obtaining mean-sea-level pressure values from highly elevated stations in North America. A model study indicated that the low should be located approximately 450 km to the north and somewhat to the east of the above location. A statistical comparison of model results from two mesoscale models against upper-air and surface measurements from several sites was carried out. Statistical methods, however, give only an insufficient picture of overall model performance. A comparison between predicted and measured tracer concentrations could be used to better evaluate the overall performance of different models. Sound propagation in the atmosphere was predicted in a mountain valley using a mesoscale atmospheric model together with a sound propagation model. This suggests that forecasts of sound propagation should be possible in future.

This thesis presents experimental and modelling research on atmospheric pressure hollow cathodes and hollow electrodes. Experiments with the hybrid hollow electrode activated discharge (H-HEAD), which is a combination of a hollow cathode and a microwave plasma source, is presented. The experiments show that this source is able to produce long plasma columns in air and nitrogen at atmospheric pressure and at very low gas flow rates. Measurements of the vibrational temperature of the nitrogen molecules are also presented in this thesis. The vibrational temperature is an indication of the electron temperature in the plasma, an important characteristic of the plasma. Modelling work on the hollow cathode at atmospheric pressure with fluid equations is also presented. It is shown that the inclusion of fast and secondary electrons, characteristic of the hollow cathode plasmas, increases the sheath width. The sheath width was found to be of the order of 100 μm. By modelling the plasma as highly collisional by using the drift-diffusion approximation, it was shown that the increase in sheath thickness was larger at lower pressures than at higher pressures. Still, the sheath width can be of the order of 100 μm. A pulsed atmospheric plasma in a hollow electrode geometry was also modelled by the drift-diffusion fluid equations, with the addition of the energy equation for electrons. Rate and transport coefficients for the electrons were calculated from the solution to the Boltzmann equation as functions of mean electron energy. The dynamics of the plasma at pulse rise time showed large electron density and mean energy peaks at the cathode ends, but also that these quantities were enhanced at the centre of the discharge, between the cathode plates.

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