<p dir="ltr">The Leatherback Sea Turtle (<i>Dermochelys coriacea</i>) is a globally vulnerable species suffering from declining populations due to anthropogenic pressures. There are seven recognized Leatherback Sea Turtle regional management units; however, the Southeast Atlantic unit is considered data deficient. Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea, is a primary nesting rookery for the Southeast Atlantic regional management unit and has some of the world’s highest numbers of nesting Leatherback Sea Turtles. Despite Bioko Island’s importance to the species, little is known about the nesting ecology or post-nesting migratory movement and behaviors of its nesting Leatherback Sea Turtles. Here, I present the findings of two individual research projects on the nesting ecology of Leatherback Sea Turtles on Bioko Island. First, I explored the long-term clutch success rates (i.e., hatching success and emergence success) of <i>in situ</i> Leatherback Sea Turtle nests on Bioko and searched for associated variables. I found significant spatiotemporal variation over nine nesting seasons, likely driven by individual beach characteristics rather than regional climate patterns. Secondly, I described a novel effort to use solar-reliant towable transmitters to track the post-nesting migratory movements and behaviors of Leatherback Sea Turtles nesting on Bioko Island. With the results from each project, I make recommendations to further the current conservation and research initiatives of Leatherback Sea Turtles.</p>

Sailboat winches are used to help sailors manipulate the control lines that control the position and shape of the sails. Unlike most winches sailboat winches usually only have the ability to winch in the rope, but not to reverse. To reverse the line a sailor needs to manually manipulate it, this is both inconvenient and can also be a safety hazard. This master’s thesis will focus on the development of a self-locking braking system that will be used to allow a sailboat winch to reverse. The goal of the thesis is to design a braking system that works with a modified version of the E40i winch produced by Seldén. The braking system that was developed during this thesis is made up of two main parts, a one-way mechanism and a brake. The type of one-way mechanism that was chosen was an overrunning roller clutch. For the brake a wet disk brake was chosen with an outer diameter of 50mm and an inner diameter of 28.8mm. A 3D model of the braking system has been generated and materials have been selected so that the system is ready for prototyping and physical testing.

Dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs) have been used for artificial muscles for years. Recently the DEA-based deformable surfaces have demonstrated controllable microscale roughness, ease of operation, fast response, and possibilities for programmable control. DEA muscles used in bioinspired robotic arms for large deformation and strong force also become desirable for their efficiency, low manufacturing cost, high force-to-weight ratio, and noiseless operation. The DEA-based responsive surfaces in microscale roughness control, however, exhibit limited durability due to irreversible dielectric breakdown. Lowering device voltage to avoid this issue is hindered by an inadequate understanding of the electrically-induced wrinkling deformation as a function of the deformable dielectric film thickness. Also, the programmable control and geometric analysis of the structured surface deformation have not yet been fully explored. Current methods to generate anisotropic wrinkles rely on mechanical pre-loading such as stretching or bending, which complicates the fabrication and operation of the devices. With a fixed mechanical pre-loading, the device can only switch between the flat state and the preset wrinkling state. In this thesis, we overcome these shortcomings by demonstrating a simple method for fabricating fault-tolerant electro-responsive surfaces and for controlling surface wrinkling patterns. The DEA-based system can produce different reversible surface topographies (craters, irregular wrinkles, structured wrinkles) upon the geometrical design of electrode and application of voltage. It remains functional due to its ability to self-insulate breakdown faults even after multiple high voltage breakdowns, and the induced breakdown punctures can be used for amplification of local electric fields for wrinkle formation at lower applied voltages. We enhance fundamental understanding of the system by using different analytical models combined with numerical simulation to discuss the mechanism and critical conditions for wrinkle formation, and compare it with the experimental results from surface topography, critical field to induce wrinkles in films of different thickness, and wrinkling patterns quantitatively analysed by different disorder metrics. Based on the results, we demonstrate its wide applicability in adjustable transparency films, dynamic light-grating filter, molding for static surface patterns, and multi-stable mirror-diffusor-diffraction grating device. For DEAs used for macroscopic-scale deformation in robotic arms, the main issue that undermines the performance of DEA muscles is the trade-off between strong force and large displacement, which limits the durability and range of potential robotic and automation applications of DEA-driven devices. In this thesis, this challenge is tackled by using DEAs in loudspeaker configuration for independent scaling-up of force and displacement, developing a theoretical prediction to optimise the operation of such DEAs in bioinspired antagonistic system to maximise speed and power of the robotic arm, and designing a clutch-gear-shaft mechanical system collaborating with the muscles to decouple the displacement and output force. Therefore, the trade-off between force and displacement in traditional DEA muscles can be resolved. The mechanical system can also convert the short linear spurt to an unlimited rotary motion. Combining these advantages, continuous movement with high output force can be accomplished.

L’intensification des pratiques agricoles a été identifiée comme cause majeure du déclin de la biodiversité. Plusieurs études ont documenté l’impact de la fragmentation du paysage naturel et de l’agriculture intensive sur la diversité des espèces, mais très peu ont quantifié le lien entre la structure du paysage et les interactions trophiques, ainsi que les mécanismes d’adaptation des organismes. J’ai étudié un modèle biologique à trois niveaux trophiques composé d’un oiseau hôte, l’hirondelle bicolore Tachycineta bicolor, de mouches ectoparasites du genre Protocalliphora et de guêpes parasitoïdes du genre Nasonia, au travers d’un gradient d’intensification agricole dans le sud du Québec. Le premier objectif était de déterminer l’abondance des espèces de mouches ectoparasites et de leurs guêpes parasitoïdes qui colonisent les nids d’hirondelles dans la zone d’étude. La prévalence de nids infectés par Protocalliphora spp. était de 70,8% en 2008 et 34,6% en 2009. Le pourcentage de nids comprenant des pupes de Protocalliphora parasitées par Nasonia spp. était de 85,3% en 2008 et 67,2% en 2009. Trois espèces de Protocalliphora ont été observées (P. sialia, P. bennetti et P. metallica) ainsi que deux espèces de Nasonia (N. vitripennis et N. giraulti). Il s’agit d’une première mention de P. bennetti et de N. giraulti dans la province de Québec. Mon deuxième objectif était d’évaluer l’impact de l’intensification agricole et de la structure du paysage sur les relations tri-trophiques entre les organismes à l’étude. Les résultats révèlent que les réponses à la structure du paysage de l’hirondelle, de l’ectoparasite et de l’hyperparasite dépendantent de l’échelle spatiale. L’échelle spatiale fonctionnelle à laquelle les espèces répondent le plus varie selon le paramètre du paysage modélisé. Les analyses démontrent que l’intensification des pratiques agricoles entraîne une diminution des populations d’oiseaux, d’ectoparasites et d’hyperparasites. De plus, les populations de Protocalliphora et de Nasonia sont menacées en paysage intensif puisque la dégradation du paysage associée à l’intensification des pratiques agricoles agit directement sur leurs populations et indirectement sur les populations de leurs hôtes. Mon troisième objectif était de caractériser les mécanismes comportementaux permettant aux guêpes de composer avec la variabilité de la structure du paysage et de la qualité des hôtes. Nos résultats révèlent que les femelles Nasonia ajustent la taille de leur ponte en fonction de la taille de la pupe hôte et de l’incidence d’hyperparasitisme. Le seul facteur ayant une influence déterminante sur le ratio sexuel est la proportion de paysage dédié à l’agriculture intensive. Aucune relation n’a été observée entre la structure du paysage et la taille des filles et des fils produits par les femelles Nasonia fondatrices. Ce phénomène est attribué aux comportements d’ajustement de la taille de la ponte et du ratio sexuel. En ajustant ces derniers, minimisant ainsi la compétition entre les membres de leur progéniture, les femelles fondatrices sont capables de maximiser la relation entre la disponibilité des ressources et la valeur sélective de leur progéniture. En conclusion, ce travail souligne l’importance de considérer le contexte spatial des interactions trophiques, puisqu’elles influencent la biodiversité locale et le fonctionnement de l’écosystème. / Landscape fragmentation and homogenization are considered to be the main causes of the worldwide decline in biological diversity. The degradation of habitat quality is mainly caused by the expansion and intensification of human land-use activities, primarily for agricultural purposes. Many studies documented the impact of landscape fragmentation and agricultural intensification on the overall fitness of animals across various taxa, but few works have studied this phenomenon in relation to trophic interactions. Here, we investigated the effects of landscape structure on the tri-trophic interactions between a bird host (the Tree Swallow Tachycineta bicolor (Vieillot)), its blowfly ectoparasites (Protocalliphora Hough), and their parasitoid wasps (Nasonia Walker) along a gradient of agricultural intensification covering 10, 200 km2 in southern Québec, Canada. The first objective was to describe the assemblages of Protocalliphora and Nasonia species found in Tree Swallow nests within our system. The prevalence of nest infestation by Protocalliphora was of 70.8% in 2008 and 34.6% in 2009. The percentage of nests containing Protocalliphora pupae parasitized by Nasonia spp. was of 85.3 % in 2008 and 67.2% in 2009. Three species of Protocalliphora were collected (P. sialia, P. bennetti and P. metallica) and two species of Nasonia (N. vitripennis and N. giraulti). Secondly, I evaluated the impact of landscape structure and agricultural intensification on the number of Tree Swallow fledglings, number of Protocalliphora per nest and the level of hyperparasitism by Nasonia. Our results revealed that organisms from different trophic levels perceived the landscape at distinctive spatial extents. This perception, however, differed based on whether the proportions of intensive or extensive culture in the landscape were considered. Furthermore, the number of Tree Swallow fledglings, the abundance of P. sialia and the level of hyperparasitism by N. vitripennis all decreased with an increase in the proportion of intensive culture in the landscape. Protocalliphora and Nasonia were more susceptible to extinction within highly intensive landscapes as they are confronted with both the direct effect of habitat degradation on their populations and the indirect effect of habitat degradation on their host populations. The last objective was to investigate how parasitoid wasps respond to environmental variability. We showed that the size of the P. sialia pupae hosts decreased in more intensive landscapes. Wasps clutch size was shown to increase within increasing host size and the sex ratio of offspring produced by N. vitripennis became more male biased as the proportion of intensive culture increased in the landscape. In addition, both female and male size was influenced by resource availability (size of host and number of competitors). Our data indicate that by producing smaller male biased clutches in the smaller hosts within intensive landscapes, females were able to respond to poor environments and maximize the size of their offspring. To conclude, this work highlights the importance of considering the landscape context of trophic interactions, as these interactions dictate local biodiversity and ecosystem function.

Nasslaufende Lamellenkupplungen finden im Automobil immer mehr Anwendungen. Im Bezug auf die steigenden Motorleistungen, die Gewichtsoptimierungsmaßnamen und die hohen Ansprüche an Fahrdynamik nimmt die geforderte Leistungsdichte einer nasslaufenden Lamellenkupplung ständig zu. Die Lamellenkupplung wird oft nahe an ihrer Belastungsgrenze ausgelegt. Außerdem wachsen gleichzeitig die Anforderungen an ihre Schaltdynamik, das Komfortverhalten und die Lebensdauer. Schwerpunkt dieser Arbeit ist die Modellierung und Simulation von Reibung und Verschleiß nasslaufender Lamellenkupplungen, insbesondere der mit dem Papierreibbelag. Ein umfassendes Verständnis für die Reibungsvorgänge und Verschleißmechanismen stellt die Grundvoraussetzung für eine optimale Entwicklung der nasslaufenden Lamellenkupplung dar. Zur Lösung der gestellten Aufgabe werden die wichtigsten Einflussgrößen auf das tribolgische System der Lamellenkupplung charakterisiert und die Wirkungen der tribologischen Beanspruchungsgrößen identifiziert. Zudem werden verschiedene Simulationsmodelle mit unterschiedlicher Modellierungstiefe erstellt. Dazu gehören Reibmodelle, Wärmeflussmodelle sowie Lebensdauermodelle, wobei die Reib- und Wärmeflussmodelle für die Lebensdauermodelle benötigt werden. Die hergeleiteten Modelle werden in die Simulationsumgebung implementiert und mit Hilfe eines Prüfstandsversuches verifiziert. Die validierten Modelle können für die Systemoptimierung und die Lebensdauerabsicherung der nasslaufenden Lamellenkupplungen effizient eingesetzt werden. Dies kann eine deutliche Reduktion der Entwicklungszeit sowie der Versuchskosten ermöglichen.

No description available.

This thesis examines the various types of transmissions which allow to seamlessly change gears without interrupting the transfer of a motor's power output. In particular, it elaborates on the advantages and disadvantages each design presents for a FormulaStudent/SAE vehicle. Furthermore, the thesis explores the selection of gear ratios and simulates acceleration parameters in order to achieve the best possible dynamic behavior. What is more, the thesis presents a concrete implementation of a transmission for the Husqvarna FE 501 motorcycle redesigned with the Zeroshift mechanism. It includes a fundamental change in the operation of the clutch as well as a gear stress analysis. Last but not least, the TU Brno Racing team incorporated the main conclusions of the thesis into the team's vehicle in order to improve the team's standings in international races.

This master’s thesis is deal with the design of the tractor’s front axle drive to enlarge its braking efficiency of the standing tractor fixed by the parking brake. In the first two chapters, the basic information related to the above stated issue is being summarized. Next, procedure of creating the design including the fundamental calculation proposal is being described. In the last chapter, the strain-stress analysis of the selected partial sections of the design is being presented. The final design is supported with the drawing documentation that is being part of this master’s thesis, too.

Final thesis on the design of the drive of a cutting mechanical two-point crank press with a nominal force of 6300 kN. After the theoretical definition of the area of mechanical crank presses and their drives at the beginning of the work, the actual design solution follows. The main idea of the design is the drive arrangement with the concurrent axis of the clutch shaft. The supplied torque is distributed on two longitudinally mounted drive units via a two-sided bevel gear. Solution of the construction design is aimed at enabling workspace variability while simultaneously unifying the maximum number of drive components. Drawing documentation of selected components and assemblies is the part of the thesis.

The master’s thesis deals with ways of controlling starting clutches of cars, especially of DQ200 gearbox, which contains dry disc clutches. The introduction describes basic principles of torque transfer and amount of clutch force. Then the description of construction of starting clutches and ways of controlling clutch types mentioned beforehand is given. In the next part of the thesis, wide spectrum of control methods is measured, from which a certain part is selected. This is followed by driving tests and based on driving data, one method of the clutch control is chosen. Then those control methods from narrow selection are tested for acoustic impact in the cabin of the car. In the end the best way of clutch control is selected. The selection based on driving data and acoustic measurement.