Considerable research is being carried out into the parameters that affect catalyst performance in order to meet the latest emission regulations. The conversion efficiency and the durability of automotive catalytic converters are significantly dependent on catalyst flow performance. Related investigations are commonly conducted using CFD techniques which represent an inexpensive and fast alternative to experimental methods. This thesis focuses on the flow performance of automotive catalytic converters using both experimental and computational techniques. The work describes the effects of inlet flow conditions on catalyst performance, the application of radial vanes to catalyst systems and the refinement of the CFD flow model which increases the accuracy of the predicted catalyst flow performance. the effects of inlet flow conditions on the flow maldistribution across the catalyst face and the total pressure loss through the system were assessed using a steady air flow rig. Tests were conducted over a range of Reynolds numbers typically encountered in automotive catalytic converters using a uniform and a fully-developed inlet flow condition. The results showed that the flow maldistribution significantly increases with Reynolds number notably in wide-angled diffusers. The catalyst flow performance is considerably improved when the inlet flow is uniform rather than fully-developed, the non-dimensional total pressure loss is reduced by 8% at Re=60000 and the flow maldistribution across the catalyst face is decreased by 12.5% and 15% respective Reynolds numbers of 30000 and 60000 when using a 60 degree diffuser. The total pressure loss through the system was found to be mostly associated with the monolith brick resistance. When the flow maldistribution is approximately 2, the pressure loss across the monolith brick represents 80% of the system pressure loss. The flow maldistribution across the catalyst face was improved by locating a system of radial splitters in the diffuser. The optimum flow performance was found to be a complex function of the vane design. A maximum improvement in the flow maldistrution indices M and Mi of 25% and 50% respectively was achieved at the expense of an increase in total pressure loss of 13.5% at Re = 60000. Both CFD and flow visualisation techniques were used as an aid to interpreting the flow field in the diffuser. Although a qualitative agreement was obtained using CFD, the flow maldistribution across the catalyst face was underpredected by up to 20%. The accuracy of the flow predictions was significantly improved by investigating the flow field in the monolith channels. Flow recirculation occurs in the channel entry length when the flow approaches the monolith channels at an angle which induces an additional implemented into four models of the flow through axisymmetric catalyst assemblies using various diffuser geometries and inlet flow conditions. By including the flow entrance effects in the porous media approach, the flow maldistribution was predicted within 8% instead of 15% when these effects are neglected. Further investigation of the flow in the monolith channels will be required to accurately model three-dimentional flows (racetrack catalysts) and to include various channel geometries and system flow rates.

The master thesis deals with the making of new municipal building project documentation. The building has two elevated floors and one underground floor; it is made of concrete block formwork and ceramic bricks. The ceiling structures and stairs are of monolithic reinforced concrete. For the flat roof a single ply roofing system is used.

The master’s thesis as focused on the design a kindergarten located in Vrbovec. The project documentation is suited for the execution of construction works. It handles about a single storey object with a green roof and is recessed into the hillside. The green roof corrects seamlessly with the surrounding terrain. A feature of the build is that, it is founded on milled foamglass. Vertical structures are from silicate blocks, excluding the walls in contact with soil are based on hidden formwork. Design of the building respects the local plan of Vrbovec. There are going to be two groups of children, thus the disposition is accustomed to that. Maximum capacity is 48 children. It is shape and color design represents an architectural site, it is properties function in terms of energy savings.

This thesis dealing with the project documentation construction of the stage for building construction on a new building golf club. This is a partial basement, two-storey building. The building is designed from sand - lime brick system KM Beta Sendwix in the basement was used shuttering blocks CS concrete. The ceilings are designed as reinforced concrete cross floor slabs. The roofing is made by flat roofs vegetation at different levels.

Dewatering and desalination of building constructions is currently a discussed topic. At the present time, different techniques for dewatering and desalination can be used. The existing methods are efficient but it is necessary to improve these methods and to develop new ones. The moisture in the building constructions is directly connected with the salts, which can be dissolved in it and together with the moisture further to move. The salts can cause damage of constructions and change mechanical and physical properties of the buildings materials. The basic demands for dewatering and desalination are the speed, efficiency and economical factors. Presented dissertation focuses on dewatering and desalination with the use of electrokinetic methods together with the technique of the clay poultices. In the first part of the thesis, basic theoretical principles of moisture and salts are described. In the second part (experimental part), the series of experimental measurements were conducted both in the laboratory and in situ. In this part of dissertation, I was dewatering and desalinating bricks and sandstones under an applied electric field. The main focus was on the optimization of a laboratory setup in order to get the highest efficiency for dewatering and desalination. Other measurements were done in situ, where the same technique was used.

A silica bricks is a refractory material which is used mainly in coke industry, glass industry and metallurgy. This material constitute of the quartz modifications. Compact silica is an irreplaceable part of the coke battery and its compactness and robustness is important for quality and long endurance. Very important for large compactness is a grain curve of work matter. This thesis deals with influence of different grain of work matter.

The subject of my thesis is design of extension sprots centre. The building has one mutilevel aboveground. The roof is solved reinforced concrete girders, rafters and flat roof. The project emphasizes the use of layout, architectural design, fire safety and thermal comfort in the building. The thesis "Sports centre" has been prepared in the form of project documentation containing all terms required by regulations.

FAD * for Stadsgårdskajen Re-introduction of some of the knowledge from the master builder to the contemporary architect. This project investigates the interaction between designing architecture and building architecture in a computer controlled context. Algorithms have been developed to simulate and control an automated in situ brick stacking process. Brick laying is a well researched topic for robotic processes. It is an ideal material for building with robots (in Stockholm) since it is a generic building block that is cheap and easy to produce locally. Corbeled vaults, instead of keystone vaults, can be built without support and with all identical elements and are therefore also suitable for robotic fabrication.  The algorithms have been incorporated in a parametric model that have been used to develop public building at Stadsgårdskajen, Stockholm. FAD is about creating and explore a different architectural expression as well as reintroducing the brick as a relevant construction material for Stockholm. / FAD* för Stadsgårdskajen Återinförande av några av byggmästarens förmågor till den samtida arkitekten I detta examensarbete undersöks förhållandet mellan att designa arkitektur och att bygga arkitektur i en datorkontrollerad miljö. Algoritmer har utarbetats för att simulera och styra en automatiserad in situ murningsprocess. Inom fabrikation och automatisering med industrirobotar är tegelband ett välundersökt ämne. Tegel är ett idealiskt material vid byggande med robotar. Det är enkelt och billigt att framställa och tegel som byggkloss är en lämplig typologi för addativ fabrikation med robotar. Valv byggda genom utkragning istället för traditionella valvbågar kan byggas utan stöd och med identiska element. Därför är denna byggnadsteknik även lämplig för additiv fabrikation med robotoar. Algoritmerna har intergrerats i en parametrisk modell som har använts för att formge en offentlig byggnad på Stadsgårdskajen i Stockholm. FAD handlar såväl om skapande och utforskande av ett nytt arkitekturspråk som av återinförande av tegel som ett betydelsefullt konstruktionsmaterial i Stockholm.

Abstract U.S. middle schools are increasing offering blended learning curricula that integrates virtual and face-to-face instruction, but the effectiveness of this mode of instruction at the middle school level has not been adequately explored. This investigation provides additional data to the current body of knowledge related to blended learning as a viable option for middle school students. The theoretical framework for this investigation derives from Lev Vygotsky's social development theory and Jean Piaget's constructivist theory of knowledge. The central research question focused on the difference in achievement scores between 6th grade students participating in a virtual course as compared to the 6th grade students participating in a face-to-face course, and the difference between the overall scores of the thirty-five 6th grade students in the two respective courses as compared to the thirty 7th grade students. A causal-comparative research design was used. An ANOVA was conducted and the achievement scores of the total sample size of sixty-five 6th and 7th grade students at a charter school located in the U.S. state of Maryland were analyzed. The 6th grade students scored higher than the 7th grade students in virtual learning. In both grade levels, achievement scores were higher for students who had taken the virtual course, illustrating the merits of virtual learning for middle school students. This study provides data that may influence organizational leaders' decision making regarding whether to use a blended learning model at the middle school. This study supports virtual learning and can contribute to positive social change by supporting the creation of more blended learning middle schools in Prince George's County

The subject of the diploma thesis is the elaboration of project documentation for the construction of a multifunctional house. The building is located on a building plot of parcel number 2176/15 in the cadastral area of Stará Boleslav. It is located in the northeastern part of the cadastral area. The terrain of the building plot is flat and currently the plot is covered with grass. It is a built-up area in which the development of apartment buildings predominates. The designed multifunctional house is spread over four floors. On the first floor there are three surgeries with a preparation room, facilities for staff and clients and communication areas of the building. The first floor is designed as barrier-free. There are six apartments on the second and third floors. On the fourth floor are designed two apartments and a walking terrace. The underground part consists of technical facilities, storage space and 13 parking spaces.