The purpose of this thesis work was to develop a headspace solid phase microextraction gas chromatography mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS) method to detect volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in board samples and to statistically investigate potential correlation between chromatographic data and flavor data obtained from a trained panel. The developed method would hopefully serve as a complement to the already established routine analyses at Stora Enso and gain an increased understanding of which VOCs in the board influence its flavor properties. The impact of incubation time and adsorption time on the area under curve (AUC) was studied with a Design of Experiment screening using the software MODDE. The screening data showed a correlation between large AUC and low repeatability measured as relative standard deviation (RSD). The data was hard to fit to a model due to the large RSD values for the replicates, AUC for identified compounds as response gave an acceptable fit. The regression coefficients for the model showed that a longer adsorption time gave larger AUC, while incubation time had no significant impact on the response.  Instead of following up the screening with an optimization, the focus was shifted to improving the repeatability of the method, i.e. lowering the RSD. The high RSD was believed to mainly be the result of leakage of analytes and unstable temperature during adsorption, preventing the system from reaching equilibrium. Different heating options and capping options for the vial was tested. Septum in crimp cap ensured a gas tight seal for the vial, giving lower RSD values and larger AUC compared to the other alternatives, showing that there was indeed a leakage. Using oil bath ensured stable temperature during the adsorption and detection of a larger number of VOCs but created a temperature gradient in the vial due to it not being fully submerged in the oil. Oil bath gave larger AUC, but still high RSD due to the temperature gradient making the method sensitive to variance in fiber depth in the vial. The final method was performed with 2 g of board sample in a 20 ml headspace vial sealed with a crimp cap with septa. The incubation and adsorption were performed with the vial immersed in a 90-degree oil bath. 20 min incubation time was chosen based on the time it took to get a stable temperature gradient in the vial, and 20 minutes adsorption time was chosen as a good compromise between large AUC and low RSD. Compared to Stora Ensos routine analysis, the developed SPME method gave chromatograms with an improved signal-to-noise ratio for the base line and several more peaks with larger AUC. For the board sample used during method development, the SPME-method identified 34 VOCs, while the routine analysis only identified 12. The developed method was applied on 11 archived board samples of the same quality that were selected based on their original flavor properties, to get a large diversity of samples. Flavor analysis was performed by letting a trained flavor panel describe the flavor based on intensity and character of the water that had individually been in indirect contact with one of the 11 board sample for 24 h. Potential correlation between chromatographic data obtained with the developed method and the flavor experience described by the flavor panelists was statistically investigated with the multivariate analysis software SIMCA. The correlation study showed that a combination of 12 VOCs with short retention time are most likely the main source of off-flavor which of 5 could only be identified with the developed SPME method. VOCs with long retention time did not contribute to an off-flavor and might have a masking effect on flavor given by other VOCS, however not confirmed in this study. Furthermore, the age of the board samples proved to be a good indicator for prediction of the flavor intensity, whereas the total AUC of the samples was not. Possible correlation between detected VOCs in the samples and flavor character given by the flavor panel were seen, however the variation in the data and the sample set were too small, preventing from making conclusions on individual VOCs impact on the flavor experience. The developed HS-SPME-GC-MS method would serve as a complement to the already established routine analyses at Stora Enso and has slightly increased the understanding of which VOCs in the board influence the flavor properties

In this study, the effect of a passive trapped-vortex cell on lift to drag (L/D) ratio of an FFA-W3-301 airfoil is studied. The upper surface of the airfoil was modified to incorporate a cavity defined by seven parameters. The L/D ratio of the airfoil is modeled using a radial basis function metamodel. This model is used to find the optimal design parameter values that give the highest L/D. The numerical results indicate that the L/D ratio is most sensitive to the position on an airfoil’s upper surface at which the cavity starts, the position of the end point of the cavity, and the vertical distance of the cavity end point relative to the airfoil surface. The L/D ratio can be improved by locating the cavity start point at the point of separation for a particular angle of attack. The optimal cavity shape (o19_aXX) is also tested for a NACA0024 airfoil.

Though still in relative infancy, the field of flapping flight has potential to have a far-reaching impact on human life. Nature presents a myriad of examples of successful uses of this locomotion. Human efforts in flapping flight have seen substantial improvement in recent times. Wing kinematics are a key aspect of this study. This study summarizes previous wing trajectory generators and presents a new trajectory generation method built upon previous methods. This includes a novel means of commanding unequal half-stroke durations subject to robotic trajectory continuity requirements. Additionally, previous optimization methods are improved upon. Experimental optimization is performed using the new trajectory generation method and a more traditional means. Methods for quantifying and compensating for sensor time-dependence are also discussed. Results show that the Polar Fourier Series trajectory generator advanced rapidly through the optimization process, especially during the initial phase of experimentation. The Modified Berman and Wang trajectory generator moved through the design space more slowly due to the increased number of kinematic parameters. When optimizing lift only, the trajectory generators produced similar results and kinematic forms. The findings suggest that the objective statement should be modified to reward efficiency while maintaining a certain amount of lift. It is expected that the difference between the capabilities of the two trajectory generators will become more apparent under such conditions.

Bridge networks are expensive and complex infrastructures and are essential components of today's transportation systems. Despite the advancement in computer aided modeling and increasing the computational power which is increasing the accessibility for developing the fragility curves of bridges, the complexity of the problem and uncertainties involved in fragility analysis of the bridge structures in addition to difficulties in validating the results obtained from the analysis requires precaution in utilization of the results as a decision making tool. The main focus of this research is to address, study and treatment of uncertainties incorporated in various steps of performance based assessments (PBA) of the bridge structures. In this research the uncertainties is divided into three main categories. First, the uncertainties that come from ground motions time and frequency content alteration because of scarcity of the recorded ground motions in the database. Second, uncertainties associated in the modeling and simulation procedure of PBA, and third uncertainties originated from simplistic approach and methods utilized in the conventional procedure of PBA of the structures. Legitimacy of the scaling of ground motions is studied using the response of several simple nonlinear systems to amplitude scaled ground motions suites. Bias in the response obtained compared to unscaled records for both as recorded and synthetic ground motions. Results from this section of the research show the amount of the bias is considerable and can significantly affect the outcome of PBA. The origin of the bias is investigated and consequently a new metric is proposed to predict the bias induced by ground motion scaling without nonlinear analysis. Results demonstrate that utilizing the predictor as a scaling parameter can significantly reduce the bias for various nonlinear structures. Therefore utilizing the new metric as the intensity measuring parameter of the ground motions is recommended in PBA. To address the uncertainties associated in the modeling and simulation, MSSS concrete girder bridge class were selected due to the frequency of the construction in USCS region and lack of seismic detailing. A large scale parameters screening study is performed using Placket-Burman experimental design that considers a more complete group of parameters to decrease the computational expense of probabilistic study of the structure's seismic response. Fragility analysis for MSSS bridge is performed and the effect of removing the lesser important parameters the probabilistic demand model was investigated. This study reveals parameters reduction based on screening study techniques can be utilized to increase efficiency in fragility analysis procedure without compromising the accuracy of the outcome. The results from this study also provides more direct information on parameter reduction for PBA as well as provide insight into where future investments into higher fidelity finite element and constitutive models should be targeted. Conventional simplistic PBA approach does not account for the fundamental correlation between demand and capacity models. A more comprehensive PBA approach is presented and fragility analysis is performed with implementation of a new formulation in the component fragility analysis for MSSS bridge class and the outcome is compared with the one from conventional procedure. The results shows the correlation between demand and capacity affects the outcome of PBA and the fragility functions variation is not negligible. Therefore using the presented approach is necessary when accuracy is needed.

No description available.

It was found that laser modified wood surfaces can be bonded together to create a wood composite without the need of any additive. This bonding method removes the need of applying adhesive, potentially lowers cost, and eliminates off gassing of petroleum resins, creating a wood product with many eco-friendly attributes. This body of work outlines a) initial chemical analysis of the laser modified surface b) its bond strength and c) the optimization of factors that control the strength of the bond. Surface chemical analysis on laser modified wood was conducted using photo acoustic Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (PA-FTIR) and X-Ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy were utilized for surface topology analysis.Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) quantified the thermal properties of the modified wood surface. Screening of multiple factors that would contribute to surface modification and adhesion was performed utilizing mechanical testing. Optimization of significant factors that affect bond strength was determined statistically utilizing a design of experiment approach. Chemical analysis of the laser modified surface revealed changes in the carbonyl and aromatic regions indicating modification of the hemicellulose and lignin components, intensifying with increasing laser modification.The C1/C2 ratios found via XPS revealed that one or more of the following is occurring: more extractives have moved to the surface, condensation reactions among lignin units, and the loss of methoxy and breakage of aryl ether linkages occurred.Microscopy images showed color changes to a darker caramel color with a smoothing of surface topology, suggesting the occurrence of the softening and/or melting of wood polymers. DSC verified chemical and/or physical changes in the wood with the modified material now having a glass transition temperature between 130-150°C.DOE found that laser parameters (power and focus) as well as hot press parameters (temperature and pressure) were significant in optimizing the bond. The impact of the study is the first documentation of the ability to laser modifies wood surfaces and subsequently bond them together. The ability of the wood polymers at the surface to undergo flow at elevated temperature is implicated in the adhesion mechanism of the laser modified wood. / Master of Science

This thesis is a continuation of design automation studies within research projects financed by VINNOVA (the Swedish Governmental Agency for Innovation Systems) and Knowledge foundation that contributed to the development of producibility assessment system at a global aerospace products supplier, GKN Aerospace Sweden. A case study was carried at the company on Turbine Rear Structure (TRS) component design of a jet engine with the main objective to evaluate weld producibility assessment tools and to demonstrate system’s performance in multi-disciplinary design environment. The context of this thesis is a set-based product design development where several studies, i.e. thermal, structural, aerodynamic etc. are carried concurrently to gather knowledge between their parameter relations. The thesis contributes to the goal of fully integrated producibility assessment in multi-disciplinary studies to support product development process. The problems encountered during the thesis execution involved systematic analysis setup to extract and verify CAD geometry data, assessment of meaningfulness of producibility indicators, development of semi-automated data post-processing module and relating product design to its manufacturing aspects. Commercial and in-house developed software were used extensively to demonstrate the results of the system with the help of continuous company support to mitigate indispensable bottlenecks along the way. The work has led to systematic improvements, determined assessment limitations and most relevant weld producibility aspects. Collected feedback to evaluate prepared demonstrator showed promising results to support product design decisions considering both performance and producibility.

L’énergie photovoltaïque jouera un rôle déterminant dans la transition énergétique future. Bien que les cellules solaires à base de silicium dominent encore le marché, leur coût de fabrication et le poids des modules limitent leur développement. Depuis quelques années, les industriels s’intéressent de plus en plus aux dispositifs à base de couches minces en raison de leurs procédés de fabrication rapides et peu onéreux sur de larges substrats. Cette technologie utilise une large variété de matériaux; les chalcopyrites tels que Cu(In,Ga)Se2 sont les plus prometteurs. Le procédé de fabrication de couches chalcopyrites le plus répandu est la coévaporation mais l’utilisation de vides très poussés rende cette technique peu adaptée à la production à grande échelle de modules bon marché. La solution alternative décrite dans ce travail est un procédé en deux étapes basé sur le recuit sous atmosphère réactive de précurseurs métalliques électrodéposés. Le développement de cette technologie passe par une meilleure compréhension des mécanismes d’incorporation et d’homogénéisation du gallium dans les couches formées et par une optimisation des étapes de recuit. Le premier objectif de ce travail de thèse est une étude des mécanismes réactionnels mis en jeu lors du procédé de recuit à travers l’étude de différents types de précurseur. Par la suite ces connaissances sont utilisées pour modéliser et optimiser un recuit industriel innovant. Ce travail est réalisé à l’aide de plans d’expérience (DOE) où l’influence de certains paramètres, les plus critiques est mise en évidence. Des voies d’optimisation sont proposées et des hypothèses faites afin d’expliquer les phénomènes observés. / Solar energy is promised to be a major actor in the future of energy production. Even if silicon based solar cells remain the main product their fabrication is energy consuming and requires heavy cover glass for protection, which reduce their development. For several years, commercial interest has shifted towards thin-film cells for which manufacturing time, large scale production, fabrication costs and weight savings are the main advantages. For thin film technology, a wide variety of materials can be used but chalcopyrite such as Cu(In,Ga)Se2 is one of the most promising. The most current method used for chalcopyrite formation is co- evaporation but this process is very expensive and not well suitable for large scale production due to high vacuum requirements. One alternative solution described in this work consists of a two-step technology based on the sequential electro-deposition of a metallic precursor followed by a rapid reactive annealing. However to reach its full potential this technology needs a better understanding of the Ga incorporation mechanism and of the selenization/sulfurization step. This work focuses first on formation mechanisms through the study of several kinds of precursor. This knowledge is then used to explain and to optimize innovative annealing processes. This study is achieved by observing the impact of some process parameters using designs of experiment (DOE). A link between process parameters and properties of these thin films is obtained using electrical, structural and diffusion characterization of the devices. Finally we propose hypothesis to explain observed phenomena and also some improvements to meet the challenges of this process.

A L-asparaginase (EC 3.5.1.1) é a enzima responsável pela hidrólise da L-asparagina em ácido L-aspártico e amônia, sendo utilizada como agente antitumoral e também para reduzir o conteúdo de acrilamida, composto neurotóxico e carcinogênico, presente em certos alimentos processados a altas temperaturas. Atualmente, o número de trabalhos referentes à produção de L-asparaginase por leveduras e fungos é limitado, principalmente quanto à produção da enzima de forma extracelular em fermentação em estado sólido (FES). Assim, o presente trabalho visou avaliar a produção de L-asparaginase extracelular por FES utilizando fungos e leveduras. Foi avaliado um grupo de 10 cepas de microrganismos como potenciais produtores de L-asparaginase extracelular. Na FES empregou-se o bagaço de cana-de-açúcar (80% de umidade relativa) como suporte suplementado com meio Czapek-Dox modificado e essas foram realizadas em frascos Erlenmeyer de 50 mL a 30 °C por 72 horas para leveduras e 96 horas para o fungo A. terreus. A atividade enzimática foi determinada pela metodologia do hidroxamato e confirmada por testes de cromatografia em camada delgada. Após a seleção dos microrganismos produtores de L-asparaginase extracelular, foi testada a influência de diferentes fontes de carbono, fontes de nitrogênio, pH, tamanhos de partícula e temperaturas na produção de L-asparaginase extracelular por FES utilizando um arranjo ortogonal Taguchi L\'16. Após essa etapa de seleção das variáveis foram realizados ensaios visando a otimização do processo, avaliando o efeito da concentração da fonte de carbono e nitrogênio por planejamento composto central rotacional (DCCR) 24. Finalmente, e com as melhores condições, avaliou-se a produção de L-asparaginase em reator em coluna de leito fixo com volume de 180 mL. Dos microrganismos testados na etapa de seleção, o fungo filamentoso Aspergillus terreus CCT7693 demostrou resultados positivos de atividade asparaginolítica, sendo este selecionado para os experimentos posteriores. De acordo com o arranjo ortogonal Taguchi L\'16, a maior produção de L-asparaginase extracelular (112,57 ± 13,65 U/L) foi obtida quando a maltose foi utilizada como fonte de carbono; a glutamina como fonte de nitrogênio (indutor); pH de 5,5; tamanho de partícula inferior a 0,850 mm e temperatura de 25 °C. No DCCR foram determinadas como condições otimizadas uma concentração de amido de 0,54%; ausência de maltose; concentração de L-asparagina de 0,44% e concentração de L-glutamina de 1,14%, obtendo-se uma atividade L-asparaginase máxima de 120,732 ± 16,77 U/L atingindo uma produção 7,39 vezes superior àquela obtida inicialmente (16,34 ± 3,28 U/L). Na etapa de produção da enzima em reator em coluna de leito fixo obteve-se uma atividade enzimática máxima total de 105,3 U/L demonstrando que este novo modo de produção utilizado foi eficaz. Assim, o presente trabalho permitiu avaliar aspectos relacionados com as condições de cultivo e selecionar o fungo Aspergillus terreus CCT7693 como microrganismo produtor de L-asparaginase extracelular por FES, abrindo perspectivas para explorar este sistema visando aumento de escala de produção. / L-asparaginase (EC 3.5.1.1) is the enzyme that hydrolyses L-asparagine into L-aspartic acid and ammonia. It can be used as a chemotherapeutic agent and also to reduce acrylamide concentration, a neurotoxic and carcinogenic compound, present in certain foods processed at high temperatures. Currently, the amount of works related to Lasparaginase production by yeast and fungi is limited, mainly when it comes to extracellular enzyme production under solid-state fermentation (SSF). Thus, the present work aimed to evaluate the production of extracellular L-asparaginase by SSF using fungi and yeasts. The potential to produce extracellular L-asparaginase was evaluated within a group of 10 strains of microorganisms. In the SSF, sugarcane bagasse (80% relative humidity) was used as support, supplemented with modified Czapek-Dox medium, and the fermentations were done in 50 mL-Erlenmeyer flasks at 30 °C, for 72 hours for yeasts and 96 hours for A. terreus fungus. The enzymatic activity was determined by hydroxamate methodology and confirmed by thin-layer chromatography. After the selection of the extracellular Lasparaginase producing microorganisms, the influence of different carbon and nitrogen sources (inductor), pH, particle sizes and temperatures was tested for the extracellular Lasparaginase production by SSF, using a Taguchi L\'16 orthogonal array. After this initial screening of variables stage, assays aiming at optimizing the process were performed, evaluating the effect of carbon and nitrogen source concentration by central composite design 24 (CCD). With the best conditions, the production of L-asparaginase was assayed in a fixed-bed column reactor with a volume of 180 mL. Among the microorganisms tested in the selection stage, only the filamentous fungus Aspergillus terreus CCT7693 showed positive results for asparaginolytic activity, and it was selected for the later experiments. According to orthogonal array Taguchi L\'16, the highest production of extracellular Lasparaginase (112.57 ± 13.65 U/L) was obtained when maltose was used as carbon source; L-glutamine as nitrogen source (inductor); pH 5.5; particle size less than 0.850 mm and temperature of 25 °C. Through CCD, the optimized conditions were set as: 0.54% starch concentration; absence of maltose; 0.44% L-asparagine concentration and 1.14% Lglutamine concentration. The maximum L-asparaginase activity obtained was 120.723 ± 16.77 U/L, reaching a production 7.39 folds higher than an obtained initially (16.34 ± 3.28 U/L). In the stage of enzyme production in a fixed-bed reactor, a total enzymatic activity of 105.3 U/L was obtained, which indicates that the new production mode was efficient. Thus, the present work allowed to evaluate aspects related to the culture conditions and to select the fungus Aspergillus terreus as a microorganism producer of extracellular L-asparaginase by FES, opening perspectives to explore this system, aiming at increasing scale production.

Submitted by William Justo Figueiro (williamjf) on 2015-07-15T19:30:05Z No. of bitstreams: 1 07c.pdf: 3563236 bytes, checksum: 2a8a30d097c9f9cde3cf40d70c7b441f (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2015-07-15T19:30:05Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 07c.pdf: 3563236 bytes, checksum: 2a8a30d097c9f9cde3cf40d70c7b441f (MD5) Previous issue date: 2014 / Nenhuma / No Design Estratégico, o produto é considerado como parte de um sistema – o Sistema Produto-Serviço – ampliando sua concepção e atribuindo ao design uma perspectiva estratégica. Sob a ótica do Design Estratégico, o ponto de venda, como um espaço de interações diversas entre a organização e o usuário, pode ser projetado de modo global, para que os indivíduos usufruam de experiências que visem criar vínculos afetivos, o que inclui todas as formas de estimulação do usuário. Dentre as diversas abordagens que permitem trabalhar a relação entre projetos de design e a experiência do usuário, este estudo adota a perspectiva de Jordan (1999) sobre a personalidade do produto. Essa concepção inclui o uso de uma técnica chamada de Atribuição de Personalidade ao Produto (APP) que propõe a compreensão dos produtos como entes vivos, dotados de personalidades – sendo atribuídos traços de personalidade humana aos produtos associados às suas qualidades estéticas. De modo específico, a dimensão sonora do objeto “sapato de salto” – resultante da interação entre diferentes tipos de solados com pisos distintos – e a atribuição de personalidade a estes estímulos sonoros consistem no foco do presente estudo, que pretende explorar as possibilidades de qualificação da experiência dos usuários em lojas de varejo feminino através do som, buscando responder ao seguinte problema: de que forma o Design Estratégico, com base na compreensão da dimensão sonora da personalidade do produto “sapato de salto”, pode contribuir com o design do ponto de venda? Para tanto, resgatam-se visões de alguns autores que abordam os principais temas a serem tratados: Design Estratégico, Sistema Produto-Serviço e Design para a Experiência, cujo foco será a abordagem de Jordan (1999) no que se refere ao conceito de “personalidade do produto”. Assim, por meio de uma pesquisa experimental – realizada com base nos estímulos sonoros decorrentes da interação entre diferentes tipos de solados e pisos –, pretendeu-se compreender a relação entre o som e a personalidade do objeto “sapato de salto”. Estas percepções podem contribuir para a concepção de lojas de varejo, já que a interação sonora entre este calçado com tipos de pisos distintos pode ser vista como um gatilho para experiências positivas. Os resultados indicam que é possível manipular a personalidade do produto por meio de sons advindos da interação entre os materiais utilizados nele e no ambiente. Assim, este estudo reforça a importância do som como uma dimensão capaz de atribuir personalidades ao produto, intermediando e favorecendo, portanto, a experiência envolvida na interação usuário-produto-ambiente. / In Strategic Design, the product is considered as part of a system - the Product - Service System - expanding its conception and providing design with a strategic perspective. From the perspective of Strategic Design, the point of sale, as a space of several interactions between the organization and the user, can be designed in a global way, so that individuals enjoy experiences that aim to create emotional bonds, which includes all forms user stimulation. Among the various approaches that allow working the relationship between design projects and user experience, this study adopts the perspective of Jordan (1999) on the personality of the product. This conception includes the use of a technique called Assigning Personality to Product (APP) which proposes that an understanding of the artifacts as living entities, endowed with personalities - being attributed to human personality traits associated with their aesthetic qualities. Specifically, the sound dimension of the artifact “high heel shoes" - resulting from the interaction between different types of soles with specific floors - and the attribution of personality to these sound stimuli consist on the focus of this work, which aims to explore the possibilities of qualification of the user experience in female footwear retail stores through sound, taking in consideration the understanding of the following problem: how Strategic Design, based on the understanding of the sound dimension of the personality of the product “high heel shoes", may contribute to the design on the sales point of view? To do so, we rescue visions of some authors that talk about the main issues to be addressed here: Design Strategy, Product - Service System and Design for Experience, whose focus will be the approach of Jordan (1999) with regard to the concept of "product personality". Thus , through an experimental research - carried out on the basis of sound stimuli arising from the interaction between different types of soles and floors , we intended to understand the relationship between sound and the personality of the object “high heel shoes”. These perceptions may contribute to the design of retail stores, as the sound interaction between these shoes with different types of floors can be seen as a trigger for positive experiences. The results indicate that it is possible to manipulate the personality of the product by sounds coming from the interaction between the materials used in it and in the environment. Thus, this study reinforces the importance of sound as a dimension capable of assigning personalities to the product, brokering and favoring therefore the experience involved in the iteration user-product-environment.