In Chapter 1, we present the background for transient absorption spectroscopy through the polarization response of a material to an electric field which gives rise to linear and non-linear processes. We then discuss a theoretical description of how vibrational coherences are formed via four-wave mixing and impulsive excitation. We also describe signatures of coherent wavepackets in transient absorption and the application of vibrational coherences, specifically to observe non-radiative processes. We then summarize two previous studies using impulsive transient absorption on cresyl violet, the differences in the coherent dynamics reported, and the motivations behind the experiments presented in this work. Chapter 2 pertains to the apparatus used to perform the transient absorption experiments. We detail the source for the generation of ultrashort laser pulses (durations of less than 10 fs) used for the pump and probe from an argon-based white-light filament and non-colinear optical parametric amplifier. Two-dimensional shearing interferometry, the method used to measure the ultrashort pulses across a large portion of the visible spectrum (500-750 nm), is discussed. The retrieved temporal, spectral, and phase profiles of the pump and probe pulses are presented. Finally, the sample preparation for cresyl violet is described as well as the detection method and data processing used to generate the figures throughout this work. In Chapter 3, we present the results of impulsive transient absorption spectroscopy of cresyl violet perchlorate under four pump conditions. First, we report a study on controlling the formation of vibrational coherences on the ground or excited electronic states of cresyl violet by tuning the pump conditions from an off-resonant to a resonant scheme. The decay of the electronic population and positions of the stimulated emission and excited-state absorption maximums shows a dependence on the pump wavelength. Higher excitation frequencies blueshifts the stimulated emission 18 meV and red shifts excited-state absorption by 4 meV at early times compared to only 13 meV and 2 meV when using lower excitation frequencies. Coherent vibrations are observed and persist for approximately 6 ps after excitation, with phase flips appearing at 593 nm, the absorption maximum, after off-resonant excitation and at the emission (619 nm) and excited-state absorption (500 nm) maximums after resonant excitation. The ground- and excited-state vibrational modes are characterized by Fourier transform Raman spectroscopy. The excited-state vibration spectrum is shown to share nearly identical features as the ground-state, with each vibration slightly red-shifted, 2-10 cm-1, from the corresponding mode in the ground-state, particularly a prominent peak appearing at 594 cm-1 in the ground-state and 589 cm-1 in the excited-state. Next, two additional pump conditions using broadband and partially resonant pump pulses are explored to replicate the conflicting reports of non-adiabatic crossings in cresyl violet. Constant phase-flips observed in the control studies are replaced with phase flips that appear and disappear over several picoseconds. The Fourier Raman spectrum of the coherent signal after broadband excitation displays a mix of ground- and excited-state features, particularly prominent peaks at both 589 cm-1 and 594 cm-1. In Chapter 4, we analyze the coherent signals after broadband excitation using a Fourier filtering technique to isolate the ground- or excited-state coherent dynamics by carefully selecting representative vibrational modes for each state. Using a narrow filter to isolate the 589 cm-1 and 595 cm-1 features in the broadband Fourier Raman spectrum successfully isolates coherent vibrations with phase flips at either the emission and excited-state absorption maximums or the ground-state absorption maximum, respectively. A filter that includes both features generates apparent phase-flips that only appear for ~1ps and at probe wavelengths that do not correspond to the emission or absorption maximums. In Chapter 5, we present a simulation of the coherent signals using a model of two wavepackets with carrier frequencies of 589 cm-1 and 595 cm-1 and dephasing rates of 2 and 3 ps, respectively. Comparison to the broadband pump conditions and Fourier filtered coherent oscillations shows that the complex temporal dynamics observed are adequately described by the linear interference of two vibrational coherences evolving on different electronic potential energy surfaces, without the need to invoke non-adiabatic dynamics. / Chemistry

There are numerous applications for airborne imaging systems in remote sensing, and this thesis deals with a new microwave polarimetric radiometer technique for inferring ocean surface wind direction [3, 5, 7]. This technique is based upon the anisotropy of the polarized ocean blackbody emissions at microwave frequencies relative to the azimuth angle between the microwave radiometer antenna "look" direction and the direction of the wind. Because of the weak wind direction signature, it is important that all systematic brightness temperature (Tb) errors be eliminated, especially those that vary with the radiometer antenna scan position (look direction). This can be accomplished either in hardware implementation or through data processing corrections. Unfortunately, the misalignment of the axis of rotation for a conical-scanning imager can introduce such azimuthally dependent errors of significant magnitude. As the title suggests, the analysis of the resulting Tb errors caused by static and dynamic time-varying aircraft attitude errors is the main thrust of this thesis. In this thesis, we present analytical models developed to account for platform attitude changes on measured ocean microwave brightness temperature collected by a conically scanning radiometer. Data processing procedures for removing unwanted variations in ocean brightness temperatures are outlined. The analytical models are validated by making comparisons between modelled and measured Tb's obtained by the Conically Scanning Two-Look Airborne Radiometer (C-STAR). Results demonstrated that the analytical Tb model can accurately predict the measured polarized Tb's under actual flight conditions.

Previous studies indicate that increasing the diffusion angle in conical film-cooling holes leads to an improvement in their film cooling effectiveness. Discharge coefficient and film cooling effectiveness measurements are conducted to characterize this behavior. Part of the focus of this investigation is to find out how this trend develops and attempt to ascertain the optimum cone angle, if possible. Six test plates, each with one row of eight conical-shaped cooling holes of equal diffusion angles of 0, 1, 2, 3, 6, or 8 [degrees], with respect to the hole axis are used in this study. The ratios of the hole exit areas to the inlet areas range from 1 to 2.85. Coolant injection angle for all holes is at 35 degrees to the horizontal, in the direction of the main flow. Coefficients of discharge of all holes are reported under flow conditions. Temperature sensitive paint, TSP, is the technique used to find the temperature distribution downstream of the cooling holes and determine the laterally averaged film-cooling effectiveness. Data are obtained for blowing ratios ranging from 0.5 to 1.5, at a constant density ratio of 1.26. Results and trends are compared with established literature, which also recommends that a cylindrical entry length for diffused holes should be at least 4 diameters long. The effect that an added entry length has on the 3-degree conical plate's cooling effectiveness is also explored. Data are compared to baseline cylindrical holes, as well as to fan-shaped film holes found in open literature. Results indicate that the conical holes with larger diffusion angles provide strikingly even film protection and outperform fan shaped and cylindrical holes under certain conditions over extended downstream distances. Also, the addition of a cylindrical entry length to a conical hole, by providing a manageable metering diameter, should ease their usage while providing the full benefits of the conical geometry which may one day lead to numerous industrial applications.

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This thesis is an attempt in the exploration of an architectural idea of breaking away from a conventional column beam structure. This idea led to a geometrical form which would be most stable, supported by itself, and also helps mitigate the lateral forces of wind and water in which it would stand. The conical form and scale achieved in the proposal would also help create a landmark to the city's growing skyline. It also acts as the point of threshold between land and water, providing an opportunity to sense water in a variety of ways. / Master of Architecture

A numerical analysis based on the finite element method is developed to simulate the mechanical response of a typical sixteen-ounce plastic drink cup subjected to a lateral compressive load. The aim of the analysis is to simulate a test in which the cup is supported horizontally in a fixture on a testing machine platen, and a loading nose attached to the actuator is displaced downward into the cup. The numerical model is developed using the software packages MSC.Patran, ABAQUS/CAE, and ABAQUS/Standard. The high impact polystyrene material of the cup is modeled as linear elastic, considering isotropic and orthotropic material behavior. The structural model of the cup is a truncated conical shell including a ring at the open end of the cup and circumferential stiffening ribs. The analysis is based on small strain, large rotation shell kinematics, and the loading apparatus of the test is simulated with a rigid, circular cylinder contacting the cup. Coupons cut from the wall of a cup are subjected to tension to determine the ranges of the meridional and circumferential moduli of elasticity. Rings cut from the open end of the cup were tested in diametrical tension to aid in validating the finite element modeling. Reasonable correlation of the simulation to available cup compression test data is achieved. Parametric studies are conducted for several meridional thickness distributions of the cup wall, and for a range of orthotropic material properties. / Master of Science

Thesis (PhD (Electrical and Electronic Engineering))--University of Stellenbosch, 2007. / This dissertation presents a technique for the design of N-way conical line power combiners, which offers significant advantages over existing axially symmetric combining techniques. A full analytical study of conical transmission lines is done, and evaluated results are presented. These include a proof of the cutoff frequency equation, and plots of the field patterns, of higher order modes which are unavailable in literature. A coaxial fed conical line combiner for 10 inputs is proposed, designed and evaluated. The design technique relies on the uniform transmission line characteristics of the conical lines to eliminate the need for complex full wave optimisation, typically needed in the design of the more commonly used radial line combiners. Circuit models are instead employed to achieve a wide matched bandwidth by using optimised stepped impedance coaxial lines to feed the combining structure. The prototype developed at X-band displays more than an octave bandwidth with a return loss of better than -14.5 dB. Using tapered line matching sections increases the power handling capability of the combiner by eliminating sharp edges, and allows for tolerance insensitive manufacture of the structure by widening conductor spacings. Such a 10-way prototype is developed at X-band which displays a -18.7 dB return loss bandwidth of 47% with very low losses. A study is done to determine the limitations on the design of general N-way combiners, and the results are incorporated into the design technique. The full process is demonstrated by the design and simulation of a 30-way combiner at Ku-band which displays a simulated -20 dB return loss bandwidth of 34%. The design technique is simple to execute and requires very little full wave analysis. Results obtained with the manufactured combiners are better than those of any previously published axially symmetric combiners.