Les cintes superconductores d'alta temperatura han sorgit com un material molt prometedor per aplicacions de potència en alts camps magnètics ja que s'ha demostrat la possible utilització del material YBaCuO-123 (YBCO) per produir cintes superconductores amb prestacions de densitat de corrent crítica de l'ordre de 1MA/cm2 a 77K sota camps magnètics elevats (1-5T). Les cintes superconductores de YBCO estan formades per una estructura bi-dimensional de fronteres de gra de baix angle (FGBA) (~4º-8º) induïdes per la textura del substrat metàl·lic flexible sobre el qual estan dipositades amb previ condicionament mitjançant el dipòsit de capes tampó. La granularitat present en aquests materials representa la limitació més important al pas de corrent elèctrica i estableix la presencia de dos mecanismes de dissipació interactuants associats per una banda al pas de corrent percolativa a través de les FGBA (limitada per la densitat de corrent crítica associada a les fronteres de gra JcFG) i per altra banda a la corrent que flueix al interior dels grans superconductors (limitada per la densitat de corrent crítica associada als grans, JcG). Si be JcG esta clarament determinada per l'ancoratge dels vòrtex Abrikosov en els grans superconductors, la dissipació associada a JcFG es encara un interrogant. Estudis teòrics han predit l'existència d'una nova classe de vòrtex superconductors associats a les fronteres de gra que han estat anomenats vòrtex Abrikosov-Josephson.En aquesta tesi doctoral hem analitzat la resposta electromagnètica de les cintes superconductores de YBCO mitjançant mesures magnètiques de cicles de histèresi menors. A partir de la forma característica dels cicles de histèresi s'ha desenvolupat un formalisme que ens ha permès determinar de manera independent i simultània les densitats de corrent crítica JcG i JcFG a baix camp magnètic, en el marc del model d'estat crític. La metodologia desenvolupada ens ha permès estudiar la relació existent entre els efectes de granularitat, l'ancoratge de vòrtex Abrikosov als grans i la dissipació associada al moviment de vòrtex Abrikosov-Josephson a les FGBA i per tant ens ha permès inferir en els mecanismes físics que regeixen el transport elèctric d'aquests materials. Hem realitzat un estudi complert de la relació entre aquests mecanismes variant diferents paràmetres característics de les cintes superconductores tal com l'angle mig entre fronteres de gra, el tamany de gra, el gruix de la capa superconductora o el procés de creixement. Addicionalment, mitjançant mesures de susceptibilitat ac, hem identificat i caracteritzat diferents dominis de percolació de corrent en diverses cintes superconductores de YBCO associats a diferents valors de JcFG. Aquest estudi ens ha permès complementar l'anàlisi magnètic de la granularitat inherent a aquests materials i caracteritzar la dissipació associada. A partir de l'estudi de les corbes de susceptibilitat ac mesurades a diferent freqüència hem determinat l'energia d'activació tèrmica a diferents camps magnètics i diferents densitats de corrent. Comparant els valors obtinguts amb els valors de Jc mesurats mitjançant magnetització dc hem pogut determinar un diagrama de fases magnètic (camp magnètic/temperatura) per a les cintes superconductores de YBCO on es poden distingir diferents règims de moviment de vòrtex. / High temperature coated conductors has emerged as a very promising material for power applications at high magnetic fields since it has been demonstrated the possible utilization of YBaCuO-123 (YBCO) for performing coated conductors able to support current densities higher than 1MA/cm2 at 77K and high magnetic fields (1-5T). YBCO coated conductors consist on a bi-dimensional structure of low angle grain boundaries (LAGB) (~4º-8º) induced by the texture of the metallic tape used as a substrate, which is usually covered with several buffer layers.The granularity present in this materials represent the major limitation for the electrical current to flow and establish the presence of two different interactive dissipation mechanisms associated on one hand to the percolative current flowing through the LAGB (limited by the grain boundary critical current density, JcGB) and on the other hand to the current flowing inside the superconducting grains (limited by the grain critical current density, JcG). While JcG is clearly limited by the Abrikosov vortex pinning inside the superconducting grains, the dissipation associated to JcGB is still an open issue. Theoretical studies has predicted the existence of a new kind of vortex located at the grain boundaries called Abrikosov-Josephson vortices.In this Thesis we have analyzed the electromagnetic response of YBCO coated conductors by means of magnetic measurements of minor hysteresis loops. From the characteristic feature of the hysteresis loops we have developed a new formalism which has allowed us to determine independently and simultaneously both critical current densities, JcG i JcGB, at low applied magnetic field, in the framework of the Critical state Model. The methodology devolved has allowed us to study the relationship between granularity effects, Abrikosov vortex pinning inside the grains and the dissipation associated to the motion of Abrikosov-Josephson vortices at the LAGB and thus, it has allowed us to infer in the physical mechanisms which governing the electric transport in these materials. We have performed a complete study of the relationship between these mechanisms by changing different characteristic parameters of the YBCO coated conductors such as the average misorientation angle in the grain boundaries, the grain size, the thickness of the YBCO layer or the growing process.Additionally, by means of ac susceptibility measurements, we have identified and characterized different current percolative domains in several YBCO coated conductors associated to different values of JcGB. This study has allowed us to complement the analysis of magnetic granularity inherent at these materials and characterize the associated dissipation. By means of the study of ac susceptibility curves measured at different frequency we have determined the thermal activation energy of YBCO coated conductors at several magnetic fields and current densities. By comparing the resultant values with the values of Jc measured by means of dc magnetization we have determined a general magnetic phase diagram (magnetic field/temperature) for YBCO coated conductors where we have distinguished different vortex motion regimes.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Mississippi State University. Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. / Title from title screen. Includes bibliographical references.

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The dynamic characteristic of transmission line conductors is very important in designing and constructing a new line or upgrading an existing one. This concept is an impediment to line design and construction because it normally determines the tension at which the line is strung and this in respect affects the tower height and the span length. Investigations into the phenomenon of mechanical oscillation of power line conductors have been extensively looked into by many researchers using concepts from mechanics and aerodynamics to try and predict the conductor dynamic behaviour. Findings have shown that precise prediction of conductor windinduced vibration is very difficult i.e. non-linearity. Over the years, various analytical models have been developed by researchers to try and predict the mechanical vibration of transmission line conductors. The first part of this dissertation considers the analysis of the model describing the transverse vibration of a conductor as a long, slender, simply supported beam, isotropic in nature and subjected to a concentrated force. The solution of this beam equation was used to obtain the conductor natural frequencies and mode shapes. Conductor self-damping was obtained by the introduction of both external and internal damping models into the equation of motion for the beam. Next, also using the same beam concept was the application of the finite element method (FEM) for the dynamic analysis of transmission line conductors. A finite element formulation was done to present a weak form of the problem; Galerkin‟s method was then applied to derive the governing equations for the finite element. Assembly of these finite element equations, the equation of motion for the transverse vibration of the conductor is obtained. A one dimensional finite element simulation was done using ABAQUS software to simulate its transverse displacement. The eigenvalues and natural frequencies for the conductors were calculated at three different tensions for two different conductors. The damping behaviour of the conductors was evaluated using the proportional damping (Rayleigh damping) model. The results obtained were then compared with the results from the analytical model and the comparison showed a very good agreement. An electrical equivalent for the conductor was developed based on the concept of mechanicalelectrical analogy, using the discrete simply supported beam model. The developed electrical equivalent circuit was then used to formulate the transfer function for the conductor. Matlab software was used to simulate the free response of the developed transfer function. Finally, the experimental study was conducted to validate both the analytical model and the FEM. Tests were done on a single span conductor using two testing methods i.e. free and force vibration. The test results are valid only for Aeolian vibration. From the test results the conductor‟s natural frequencies and damping were determined. The experimental results, as compared with the analytical results were used to validate the finite element simulation results obtained from the ABAQUS simulation. / Thesis (M.Sc.Eng.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2011.

The South African economy is an emerging market and as such there is a continued and growing need for the efficient supply of cost effective electricity. The capital investment involved in the design, construction, installation and commissioning of overhead transmission line networks are high and so too are the subsequent maintenance and operation costs, incurred over their life cycle periods. The need to improve the electrical operating efficiency of existing and future electrical transmission networks, through the reduction of electrical losses, focused and motivated the research in this particular area. The results and findings produced by this research study show that the magnetic induction produced by the steel core in ACSR (Aluminium conductor, steel reinforced) conductors cause in increase in the ac power losses, associated ac-dc resistance ratio and the effective ac resistance of the conductor, whilst the conductor is energised during normal operation. More specifically, the key parameters that cause this increase in the effective ac resistance of the conductor, as a result of the magnetic induction produced by the steel core, are those of hysterisis and eddy current power losses in the steel core and an added power loss caused by the non-uniform redistribution of current in the layers of aluminum wires, due to the ‘transformer effect’. Therefore the addition of the conductor dc resistance value to the component resistances produced by the current redistribution and magnetic hysterisis & eddy current power losses, form the total effective ac conductor resistance. This is contrary to standard practice where assumption is made that the conductor ac and dc resistance values are equal. The factors which influence the magnetic induction, include amongst others; the ferromagnetic properties of the steel core, the physical construction of the conductor, the conductor operating/core temperature and the load current. In order to calculate the effective ac-resistance of multi-layer ACSR conductors a computer simulation program was developed, which was largely based on determining the impact of varying these key factors, by evaluating its effect on the ac resistance of the conductor. It was found through manipulation of these factors that the total effective ac resistance of the conductor could be reduced and significantly so with higher load currents. The conductor sample used in this research study is commonly known as TERN ACSR conductor in the South African market and it was shown that with practical changes in lay ratios or lay lengths, one is able to reduce the total effective ac resistance of the conductor and associated power losses. Several software simulation exercises were performed using the developed software simulation program, to ultimately produce a set of optimised lay-lengths (lay-ratios) for the TERN ACSR conductor, with the intention that these simulated parameters would be employed in the production of actual conductor samples. The intention going forward after the planned production trial runs would be to test these conductor samples to verify compliance, in meeting both electrical and mechanical performance requirements. It should be noted that the planned production trials and relevant conductor-testing processes did not form part of the scope of this research report but are processes that have been planned for in the near future. Although testing to IEC 61089 are post processes that are planned for outside of this research scope, the specification requirements of IEC61089 were incorporated into the various computer simulation exercises. / Thesis (M.Sc.Eng.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2009.

One of the musical conductor's fundamental responsibilities is leading others to interpret and create music in a manner that was unfamiliar, unimagined, or inconceivable prior to the rehearsal experience. Regardless of the level or type of musical ensemble being conducted, each person within that ensemble possesses a unique perception of the musical, pedagogical, and stylistic elements, which must be compromised—if not completely abandoned in some instances—in the process of creating a cohesive musical ensemble. In addition to personal musical preparation and leadership, conductors are also responsible for leading, managing, and encouraging the carrying out of necessary administrative details that directly affect the desired musical product, such as resource management and staff development.This study begins by creating the general profile of an ideal leader based on theories common to numerous leadership and management scholars. Then, utilizing the established profile of the ideal leader, Robert Shaw's leadership behaviors and administrative practices were studied, documented, and organized into categories that correspond with those found in the profile of the ideal leader, providing an in-depth profile of Shaw's character, convictions, and competence, both as a human being and as a musician.Robert Shaw was not only an exceptional musician, but also an accomplished leader and manager of multifaceted musical organizations. As a result, Shaw's time was not only occupied with musical study and preparation, but he was equally aware of the administrative and organizational details necessary for the music to reach its highest potential. As is true with all successful leaders, Shaw delegated many duties and responsibilities to others, such as Nola Frink, Charles McKay, and Nick Jones. Even so, he maintained an acute awareness of the multitude of tasks being performed under his aegis. Also a vital leader within his local community, Shaw's leadership reached far beyond the realm of conducting. Frequently speaking in churches, social clubs, and graduation ceremonies, he was an activist for the arts, civil rights, and contemporary music throughout his life. / School of Music

Thesis (Ph.D.)--McMaster University, 2005. / Supervisor: J. D. Embury. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 238-245).

Thesis (Ph. D.) -- McMaster University, 1997. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 165-168). Also available via World Wide Web.

Thesis (M. Phil.)--University of Hong Kong, 2008. / Also available in print.