Thesis (M.A.)--University of Nevada, Reno, 2007. / "December, 2007." Includes bibliographical references (leaves 125-128). Library also has microfilm. Ann Arbor, Mich. : ProQuest Information and Learning Company, [2008]. 1 microfilm reel ; 35 mm. Online version available on the World Wide Web.

This dissertation discusses the potential of the snare drum as a solo concert instrument. Four pieces from a collection entitled The Noble Snare are used for demonstration ("Homily" by Milton Babbitt, "Composed Improvisation for Snare Drum" by John Cage, "Peeping Tom" by Dan Senn, and "The Noble Snare" by Stuart Saunders Smith). In the absence of many traditional musical devices (i.e. melody and harmony), alternative means of expression are used by the composer. Each piece is discussed with regard to its distinctive compositional approach and inherent performance issues. Information is also given pertaining to the background of the Noble Snare series. This includes: the inspiration for the project, editorial issues, and its influence on snare drum performance. Much of this research was completed through interviews by with author with Sylvia Smith, publisher of The Noble Snare and owner of Smith Publications.

Cette thèse explore les rapports entre la formalisation mathématique, ses implications dans les pratiques compositionnelles et ses répercussions sur l’interprétation analytique. Elle se base sur l’étude de Semi-Simple Variations pour piano (1956) de Milton Babbitt, de Nomos Alpha pour violoncelle (1965-1966) de Iannis Xenakis (1921/22-2001), et d’une sélection de textes théoriques publiés par les compositeurs autour de ces deux œuvres.L’argumentaire est divisé en trois parties. La première étudie les textes théoriques afin d’en dégager les éléments formalisés (ou résultant de la formalisation) ainsi que les indices permettant d’en retracer les implications dans les pratiques compositionnelles. Ces éléments sont précisés dans la deuxième partie via la reconstitution des traces laissées par les composantes formalisées dans les textes musicaux (« modèles théoriques »). Ce travail est mené sur les deux œuvres proposées à l’analyse puis élargi à d’autres œuvres. Les modèles théoriques de deux d’entre elles étaient jusque-là restés inédits : Three Compositions for Piano de Babbitt (1947-1948) ; et Akrata de Xenakis pour 16 vents (1964-1965). La troisième partie soumet Semi-Simple Variations et Nomos Alpha à deux analyses : la première étudie les modèles théoriques, directement liés aux univers formels, alors que la seconde examine les surfaces sonores et comment elles articulent et/ou contredisent les éléments dégagés au niveau des modèles. Tout en soulignant le rôle fondamental, quoique très différent, joué par la formalisation dans les univers compositionnels de Babbitt et de Xenakis, la distance séparant les modèles théoriques des surfaces sonores amènent à considérer l’apport des premiers dans l’interprétation analytique comme étant de nature avant tout heuristique. En tant que traces de la pensée du compositeur, les modèles théoriques peuvent néanmoins suggérer de nouvelles pistes et méritent d’être intégrés à des recherches futures. / This thesis explores the links between mathematical formalization, its implications in compositional practices, and its repercussions on the analytical interpretation. It is based on the study of Milton Babbitt’s Semi-Simple Variations for piano (1956), on Iannis Xenakis’ Nomos Alpha for violoncello (1965-1966), and on a selection of theoretical texts published by the composers around these two works. The argumentation is divided in three parts. The first studies the theoretical texts with the aim of extracting from them the components that are formalized (or result form formalization) as well as the indices pointing towards their implications in the compositional practices. These are then put into sharper view in the second part, through the reconstruction of the traces left by these components in the musical texts (“theoretical models”). This reconstruction is first conducted on the two main works considered before other works are considered. The theoretical models of two of them had until now remained unknown: Three Compositions for Piano by Babbitt (1947-1948) ; and Akrata for 16 winds (1964-1965) by Xenakis. The third part submits Semi-Simple Variations and Nomos Alpha to two analyses: one is aimed at the theoretical models, directly linked to the formal universes, the second examines the musical surfaces and at the way they articulate and/or contradict the elements observed in the models. While underlining the fundamental - though very different - role played by mathematical formalization in Babbitt’s and Xenakis’ compositional universes, the distance that separates the theoretical models from the musical surfaces brings one to consider the role of the former within the analytical enterprise as essentially heuristic. As traces of the composer’s thinking, the theoretical models may however suggest new approaches and deserve to be fully integrated in future research.

Babbitt has long been used as the lining material in hydrodynamic sliding bearings. However, with the new operating conditions imposed on hydro-electric power plants due to grid frequency regulation, the power plants undergo more frequent starts and stops which increases the need for an alternative material with better friction characteristics at start-up compared to conventionally used white-metal (Babbitt). Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) based materials have potential to provide significant improvements in hydrodynamic sliding bearings through their compliant and breakaway characteristics under loading. However, while pure PTFE can provide excellent performance, it is somewhat limited in extreme loading situations. This study is therefore aimed at investigating the tribological characteristics at the initiation of sliding (breakaway friction) of several polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) based materials including virgin PTFE, PTFE filled with 25% black glass, PTFE filled with 40% bronze, PTFE filled with 25% carbon, and PTFE filled with 20% glass fibre and 5% Molybdenum disulphide, as well as standard Babbitt material in lubricated sliding contact with a steel counter-face. Experiments were carried out using a reciprocating tribo-meter in the block on plate configuration with the specific goal of determining the friction characteristics at breakaway under various conditions. Apparent contact pressures of 1 to 8 MPa were applied with oil temperature levels of 25° to 85°C.Bronze- and carbon-filled PTFE and virgin PTFE were found to provide generally lower and more stable breakaway friction over the course of testing than the other materials. Breakaway friction tests after an extended stop under loading showed a maximum change in breakaway friction of 0.07 for bronze filled, carbon filled, and virgin PTFE whereas Babbitt produced an increase of 0.32 in the first cycle after the extended stop, reaching the friction level of more than three times of those of PTFE based composites. Breakaway friction for the four tested materials after an extended stop returned to the pre-stop values after 1 stroke. The effect of materials on the steel counter face was also examined using an optical profilometer finding that only glass filled composites (black glass filled PTFE, and glass fiber and MoS2 filled PTFE) produced significant polishing of the steel surface under high loads. No measurable polishing was detected for other tested materials. / <p>Validerat; 20110224 (anonymous)</p>

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Trees, as threshold beings, effectively blur the line between the real world and fantastical alternate worlds, and destabilise traditional binary classification systems that distinguish humanity, and Culture, from Nature. Though the presence of trees is often peripheral to the main narrative action, their representation is necessary within the fantasy trope. Their consistent inclusion within fantasy texts of the twentieth century demonstrates an enduring arboreal legacy that cannot be disregarded in its contemporary relevance, whether they are represented individually or in collective forests. The purpose of my dissertation is to conduct a study of various prominent fantasy texts of the twentieth century, including the fantasy works of J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Robert Holdstock, Diana Wynne Jones, Natalie Babbitt, and J.K. Rowling. In scrutinising these texts, and drawing on insights offered by liminal, ecocritical, ecofeminist, mythological and psychological theorists, I identify the primary function of trees within fantasy narratives as liminal: what Victor Turner identifies as a ‘betwixt and between’ state (1991:95) where binaries are suspended in favour of embracing potentiality. This liminality is constituted by three central dimensions: the ecological, the mythological, and the psychological. Each dimension informs the relationship between the arboreal as grounded in reality, and represented in fantasy. Trees, as literary and cinematic arboreal totems are positioned within fantasy narratives in such a way as to emphasise an underlying call to bio-conservatorship, to enable a connection to a larger scope of cultural expectation, and to act as a means through which human self-awareness is developed. / English Studies / D. Litt. et Phil. (English)