Este trabalho apresenta um estudo para aerogerador de pequeno porte projetado inicialmente para uso residencial. A ênfase está na modelagem e simulação virtual da estrutura das pás em compósito de fibra de vidro. A modelagem geométrica foi feita com software para desenho assistido por computador (CAD 3D). Para o projeto, foi escolhido o perfil MH110 que apresenta boa relação entre coeficiente de sustentação e coeficiente de arrasto e facilidade de fabricação. Os parâmetros como o diâmetro do rotor, a corda e a torção da pá, as relações entre velocidades e a aplicação de cargas na estrutura do material utilizado foram definidos segundo bibliografia específica, software para análise de perfil aerodinâmico e simulações pelo método dos elementos finitos. Procurou-se buscar sempre a maior eficiência, segurança e economia. O material considerado para o projeto das pás foi projetado para resistir às tensões decorrentes de operação em condições consideradas normais e para rajadas de vento. A simulação pelo método dos elementos finitos foi conduzida com ferramenta computacional e levou em conta os limites de falha do material utilizado. A geometria foi simulada sem reforço interno e apresentou baixo deslocamento quando submetida às cargas aerodinâmicas de empuxo e rotacional. Ao realizar simulação com critério de falha, foi possível determinar a espessura mais adequada para o material compósito e verificar seu comportamento de acordo com diferentes velocidades de vento. / This work presents a study for small wind generator designed for residential usage. The emphasis is modeling and virtual simulation of the blade structure made in composite material (fiberglass). Geometric modeling was performed by computer aided design (CAD 3D) software. The MH110 profile was chosen for design because it presents good ratio of lift coefficient and drag coefficient, and manufacturing facility. Parameters such as rotor diameter, chord and blade twist, the relationship between the blade speeds, and the application of loads on the material used were defined according to specific bibliography, software for airfoil analysis and simulations by finite element method. It tried to always seek most efficiency, safety and economy. The material was designed to withstand the stresses arising from operation under conditions considered normal and wind gusts. The simulation by finite element method was conducted by computational tool and took into account the material failure criterion. The geometry was simulated without internal reinforcement and presented low displacement when subjected to aerodynamic loads of thrust and rotational forces. When performing simulation with the failure criterion, it was possible to determine the most appropriate thickness for the composite material and verify its behavior under different wind speeds.

Tecnologia Assistiva é o termo atualmente utilizado para definir uma enorme variedade de produtos e serviços destinados a pessoas com deficiências. O design de produto de equipamentos de tecnologias assistivas segue diferentes rotas tecnológicas, com produtos fabricados em série ou personalizados. Tais equipamentos objetivam otimizar e potencializar as funções corporais alteradas e, com isso, reconduzir essas pessoas às mais variadas atividades sociais. Neste sentido, esta pesquisa teve como proposta contribuir na construção de novas rotas tecnológicas para a fabricação de assentos e encostos personalizados para pessoas deficientes e usuários cadeira de rodas. A metodologia conceitual incluiu nesta pesquisa as ferramentas de digitalização tridimensional, usinagem CNC e termografia para realizar medidas e analisar os assentos e encostos personalizados fabricados a partir de dados antropométricos individualizados. Os protótipos projetados, fabricados e sistematicamente testados geraram resultados indicativos de que os modelos personalizados propostos são válidos, visto que agregam diferenciais como; uma maior distribuição das cargas, e também pela distribuição das temperaturas corporais obtidas pelas superfícies e contornos reproduzidos pelos equipamentos segundo a anatomia de cada pessoa estudada. Assim, as principais contribuições deste estudo estão na otimização e simplificação do processo de fabricação, e no baixo custo das matérias primas utilizadas na pesquisa. Finalmente, os resultados indicam que os produtos obtidos, assentos personalizados, podem beneficiar inúmeras pessoas deficientes, mesmo que apresentem uma anatomia diferenciada, sobretudo os cadeirantes por passarem vários períodos sentados, e esta tecnologia assistiva possibilita a redução dos riscos de lesões teciduais por aumentarem a área de contato, e assim distribui com eficácia a temperatura e peso corporal. / Assistive technology is the currently used term to define a wide range of services and products aimed at disabled persons. Design for assistive technology devices is seen in two different technology pathways, with serial and personalized products. These devices seek to optimize impaired body functions and, thus, reinsert these persons in various social activities. This study aims to contribute to the construction of new technology ruts for the production of personalized seats and backrests for wheelchairs. The methodology includes the application of the concepts of three-dimensional digitalization, CNC Machining, and thermography in order to create and analyze personalized seats and backrests produced from individualized anthropometric data. The results obtained show that the proposed models are valid, because they permit a wider distribution of bodily weight and temperature through the outlines inserted in the equipments according to each person’s anatomy. The greatest contribution of this study is its simplicity of production and the low cost of materials used in the research, which may benefit numerous wheelchair users who present unique anatomies, reducing the risks of tissue lesions by enlarging the area of contact, which results in a more effective distribution of bodily temperature and weight.

Os automóveis têm afetado profundamente não somente o desenvolvimento econômico e as transformações dos meios produtivos, mas também os modos de vida da sociedade, o meio ambiente e a configuração dos espaços urbanos.Destacam-se, hoje, como um dos maiores conjuntos de atividades de negócio no mundo, guiando o desenvolvimento e o lançamento de novos produtos, processos e materiais no mercado, servindo como referência para outros setores. Novos conceitos, materiais e métodos de produção surgem a cada dia, aumentando o desempenho destes veículos, reduzindo o seu tempo de desenvolvimento, simulação, produção e lançamento no mercado. Neste novo cenário solicitações cada vez mais complexas precisam ser atendidas, integrando performance, segurança, economia, praticidade, tecnologia e desenvolvimento sustentável, entre outros. Assim, é necessário inovar com a pesquisa em design, metodologia de projeto, materiais e tecnologias para projeto e produção de veículos. Na busca de novos materiais as espumas metálicas vêm se mostrando fortes aliadas na construção de estruturas cada vez mais leves e resistentes, gerando economia com manutenção de desempenho e atualmente ainda existe carência de estudos computacionais tratando da caracterização e aplicações para estes materiais. Este trabalho visa a contribuição, tanto na área acadêmica quanto industrial, relacionando o design automotivo, a seleção de materiais e a simulação computacional através de software para modelagem e análise do comportamento estrutural pelo método dos elementos finitos com emprego da espuma metálica no modelo do Estudo de Caso do chassi do veículo Sabiá 5 - UEMG.De acordo com as simulações realizadas nas análises estáticas e dinâmicas, entre elas os testes de modos de vibração e crash test virtual, pode-se afirmar que a alternativa que melhor atendeu às solicitações foi a predominantemente constituída em espuma metálica, não ocorrendo plastificação na simulação dinâmica de deslocamento e havendo redução de peso. Demonstrou ainda, melhores condições no crash test frontal, absorvendo o máximo de energia cinética possível, para que esta não seja assimilada internamente ao veículo vindo a atingir os ocupantes. Observa-se ainda que a aplicação e simulação da espuma metálica é bastante complexa, principalmente em virtude da caracterização de sua relação constitutiva e da geometria do modelo, porém os resultados apresentados validam a metodologia empregada e explicitam as potencialidades das ferramentas computacionais empregadas no design virtual de produtos. / Automobiles have affected profoundly not only the economic development and the transformation of the means of production, but also society's lifestyles, the environment and urban spaces. They stand out as one of the biggest business activities in the world, guiding the development and launch of new products, processes and materials, and serving as a reference for other sectors. New production concepts, materials and methods are created every day, improving the performance of these vehicles and reducing the time needed for development, simulation, production and launch. In this new setting more complex requests have to be met, integrating performance, safety, economy, practicality, technology and sustainable development, among others. In this regard, it is necessary to innovate with design research, project methodology, and materials and technologies for projecting and producing vehicles. In search of new materials metal foams are demonstrating to help construction of lighter and stronger structures, saving money and keeping the performance. Nowadays there is still lack of computational studies covering the characterization and application of these materials. This work aims to contribute, both to the academic and industrial fields, relating automotive design, materials selection and computer simulation. This last activity is performed through modeling and structural behavior analysis software, which uses the finite element method. The computer simulation then uses the metal foam in the study case model for the chassis of the vehicle Sabiá 5 - UEMG. According to the simulations performed in the statistical and dynamic analyses, which included modes of vibration and virtual crash tests, it can be stated that the alternative which best met the requests was the one composed mainly by a metal foam, in which there was weight reduction and no plasticization in the dynamic displacement simulation. This alternative also demonstrated better conditions in the front crash test, absorbing the most kinetic energy possible, so that it doesn't reach the interior of the vehicle and hit the passengers. It is also observed that the application and simulation of the metal foam is very complex, mainly because of the characterization of its constitutive relation and the geometry of the model. However, the results presented validate the used methodology and show the potentiality of the computer tools used in virtual product design.

Separation, removal, and relocation are the initial steps in the “clean-up” of a contaminated site. While crucial to safeguarding the public health of adjacent communities and the surrounding environment, conventional remediation is subtractive from the community leaving many psychological wounds untreated. Architecture has the greatest potential to address the social concerns which contribute to the complexities of redeveloping a contaminated site. Focusing on the 52 acre former General Electric Brownfield site in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, I have explored through design alternative approaches for the redevelopment of contaminated sites. My design research focuses on the ways in which architecture can be used as a tool to desensitize the legacy of post-industrial contaminated sites within our communities and create spaces of sustainable coexistence between for our greater economic, environmental, and communal interests.

Traditional planning and scheduling techniques have played an important role is system analysis over the last three decades. They provide construction planners with mathematical models to simulate the construction process as an aid in planning and control of complex projects. Although these techniques have been widely used by the construction industry, they possess many limitations. Researchers and practitioners in the construction industry have followed two directions to overcome most of the limitations of current planning techniques. The first direction has been concentrated on the utilization of state-of-the-art Computer Aided Design (CAD) and 3D computer modeling technology. The objective of their work is to interactively generate and visually simulate the construction process on graphics display. The second direction has been influenced by the potential capabilities of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology to accomplish “Automated Planning”. This group has utilized knowledge-based and expert systems to automatically generate construction plans. The research proposed here presents a geometric-based reasoning system called KNOW-PLAN. The system integrates CAD and 3D computer modeling technology with AI technology to automatically generate and simulate construction plans. The system, therefore, can be classified as a third alternative in approaching the planning problem. The research seeks to utilize geometric data to provide a dynamic sequencing for project planning. The research utilizes object location and object interaction with other objects as the primary source of reasoning for the project plan. The interaction of objects is based on a classification of objects with relation to connection types among them, the zones in which the objects are located, and relationships between the classes with which the objects are associated. To accomplish the objectives of the research, an overall model called the KNOW-PLAN model has been formulated. This model is formulated to demonstrate theoretically the feasibility of implementing such a model in real-life. The implementation effort has been concentrated on the development of the crucial components of the KNOW-PLAN model using advanced computer applications. The implementation at this level is referred to as the KNOW-PLAN prototype system. / Ph. D.

Sustainable materials are prevalent within design, but industrial design lacks mass-manufactured product examples. This research explores this gap in knowledge to understand the influences affecting the selection of sustainable materials and how UK industrial designers could be better supported. A comprehensive literature review explores the selection of sustainable materials within the context of industrial design. Existing tools and resources designed to support industrial designers are analysed to understand the support provision and requirements. The research approach explores individual attitudes, and the influences towards and against selecting sustainable materials. Four UK companies were studied to understand how sustainable materials are considered and utilised for mass-manufactured products. Two frameworks were designed to support and facilitate sustainable material selection. The first depicts the overarching support requirements whilst the second presents the considerations and strategies. Both frameworks were evaluated by experts and previous participants. A workshop with designers evaluated the efficacy of the second framework when used as a tool The majority of industrial designers were aware of general issues of sustainability but rarely considered selecting sustainable materials. All four companies had experienced significant changes recently, including increasing resources and internal initiatives towards the use of sustainable materials. The market for sustainable materials is improving, but risks exist, such as fluctuating availability and market instability. A lack of awareness and understanding has meant that, in order to succeed, some companies have designed methods to educate stakeholders whilst designers have requested support to educate clients. Personal interest of the individual is a key driver, creating champions who raise awareness and boost confidence amongst colleagues. There is a need, not only for greater education and support, but also to improve engagement with sustainable material selection amongst industrial designers and others involved in the process.

Tese de mestrado. Design Industrial. Universidade do Porto. Faculdade de Engenharia. 2010

Personas, fictional user profiles based on research data, have gained popularity in the design field over recent years. These profiles include names, personalities, behaviors, and goals that are representative of a unique group of individuals. This paper examines the creation and utilization of personas as a tool for understanding others, specifically within the context of product design. A review of current literature revealed published methods for creating and using personas, along with the challenges and benefits associated with this tool. Current design industry practices were investigated through 15 semi-structured interviews with design professionals. Topics included persona creation and implementation, the tools use, and perceived outcomes from the inclusion of personas in the design process. Participatory research examined persona creation methods including user data collection and the selection of topics to be included in these profiles. Additionally, persona utilization was investigated through the tools integration into a 12-week Industrial Design student project. Observations and interviews with 8 student groups and instructors revealed the tools impact on the design process and potential within the educational environment, with specific attention being paid to universal design applications.

Industrial design is a profession almost entirely dedicated to the design and development of physical goods and material culture. It is a practice that has thrived since industrialization, when the mass production of goods allowed average people the chance to afford products that improved their life style. Industrialization has chosen the path of least resistance and focused on the sheer volume of growth and high net profits without regard to efficiency or conservation on a macro level; especially in regards to energy use including fossil fuels. Companies are likely to choose to focus efficiencies in production and supply chain management on a micro-level within the company itself in order to help improve their bottom line profits. Nature has mastered the philosophy of doing more with less in order to survive, and soon designers will be encouraged to follow suit. With population increasing, energy prices rising and non-renewable resources being consumed at higher rates designers will have to adapt their industry to fit a more conservative, responsible model. The power of designers is catalytic and the impacts of our decisions multiply exponentially with every manufactured product. Unfortunately the decisions we make are not always focused on the welfare of the environment, in fact they rarely ever are. This research project aimed to determine the effectiveness of design guidelines and a product evaluation tool in helping to facilitate environmental design principles for practicing industrial designers.

Este trabalho em como objetivo mostrar que a Teoria Crítica da Tecnologia de Andrew Feenberg pode servir para uma reflexão sobre a história e epistemologia da IHC, especialmente as relação criadas pela introdução do termo "Terceira Onda da IHC". Além disso, ainda sob domínio da CTS, entender como os conceitos de participação, usuário, design e arte podem articular as práticas nesta área de conhecimento. Para tanto, foi recorrido a um levantamento de textos (em formato de rede de citações) sobre "Terceira Onda da IHC" presentes na base de dados da ACM (Association for Computing Machinery). Por fim, é feito um comparativo com conceitos e teorias (participação e parangolé) presentes no trabalho de Helio Oiticica a fim de contribuir com a discussão sobre participação, design e arte. / This work aims to show that Andrew's Feenberg Critical Theory can be used as basis to a reflection about the history and epistemology of CHI, especially the relations forged by the introduction of the term "Third Wave CHI". Besides, still using STS, we also aim to understand how concepts like participation, user, design and art can endorse practices in this field of knowledge. To accomplish this, we created a citation network about the "Third Wave CHI" gathering texts from the ACM (Association for Computing Machinery) database. At last, compare concepts that exists in the work of Helio Oiticica aiming to contribute with the discussion about participation, design and art.