A method has been developed for the quantitative extraction of nitrotoluenes (2,6-dinitrotoluene, 2,4-dinitrotoluene, and trinitrotoluene) from water. Three types of solid sorbents were investigated: two 47 mm Empore disks™ - octadecylsilane (C18) and styrene-divinylbenzene (SDVB); and one Bakerbond spe*™ Phenyl stationary phase. The phenyl sorbent yielded the highest recoveries. The average SPE recoveries for spike standards ranged from 80 to 95 percent for Millipore water and 55 to 95 percent from well and surface water in the low ppb and ppt levels. After the nitrotoluenes were trapped on the solid sorbents they were quantitatively eluted by first doping the bed with toluene and then extracting with supercritical carbon dioxide. Doping with toluene was found to increase the rate of extraction. The extracts were analyzed off-line via GC-ECD using an internal standard. Extraction losses are due to analyte break through, and not from poor SFE recoveries. This demonstrates that supercritical fluid extraction is a suitable elution technique for analytes trapped on solid phase extraction (SPE) cartridges. A method has also been developed and evaluated for the direct on-line coupling of SPE to GC. SPE-SFE-GC-ECD analysis eliminates off-line collection and subsequent handling of hazardous materials. SFE is an ideal means of directly coupling SPE to GC, since carbon dioxide is a gas at ambient temperatures and pressures and thus easily removed. One potential problem for SPE-SFE on-line GC is the presence of residual water trapped on the active sites of the bonded silica sorbent. The presence of water can interfere with the cryogenic trapping of the analytes on the capillary GC column. The water becomes ice at cryogenic temperatures and in large quantities blocks the GC column. This problem has been avoided by using a split injection interface previously described by Hawthorne. The quantitative reproducibility of this interface will be investigated for nanogram quantities of nitroaromatics. / Ph. D.

Yes / Over the last few decades, progressive collapse disasters have drawn the attention of codified bodies around the globe; as a consequence, there has been a renewed research interest. Structural engineering systems are prone to progressive collapse when subjected to abnormal loads beyond the ultimate capacity of critical structural members. Sudden loss of critical structural member(s) triggers failure mechanisms which may result in a total or partial collapse of the structure proportionate or disproportionate to the triggering event. Currently, researchers adopt different modelling techniques to simulate the loss of critical load bearing members for progressive collapse assessment. GSA guidelines recommend a column removal time less than a tenth of the period of the structure in the vertical vibration mode. Consequently, this recommendation allows a wide range of column removal time which produces inconsistent results satisfying GSA recommendation. A choice of a load time history function assumed for gravity and the internal column force interaction affects the response of the structure. This paper compares different alternative numerical approaches to simulate the sudden column removal in frame buildings and to investigate the effect of rising time on the structural response.

Šiame baigiamajame darbe apžvelgtos dulkių sprogimų atsiradimo priežastys bei sprogimų plitimų mechanizmas. Aprašyti sprogimų žemės ūkio įmonėse padariniai. Aptartos techninės priemonės, įgalinančias lokalizuoti pirminius silpnus dulkių sprogimus ir taip išvengiant stiprių, griaunamosios jėgos sprogimų. Išanalizuotos ugnį užtveriančių ir technologinių universaliųjų sklendžių tiesiaeiges elektros pavaros. Naudojant programinį modeliavimo paketą Matlab Simulink sudarytas universaliosios sklendės tiesiaeigės pavaros modelis ir gautos dinaminių charakteristikų imitacijos kreives. Naudojant programinį paketą SolidWorks sumodeliuota universalioji sklendė ir gauta smūginės bangos slėgio veikiamo sklendės judamojo elemento deformacija ir judamojo elemento deformacija, kai induktoriaus aktyviojoje zonoje įtaisyti papildomi atraminiai guoliai. Baigiamojo darbo pabaigoje pateiktos išvados ir pasiūlymai. / The final work of master analyses the causes of dust explosions and explosions spread mechanism. A short overview of the explosions effects in the agro - industry is presented. Technical devices enabling the localization of primary weak dust explosions and so avoiding the strong, destructive force explosions are discussed. Fire blocking and universal linear electric drives are analyzed. Using software package Matlab Simulink model of universal linear electric drive is created and dynamic characteristics are gained. Using software package SolidWorks model of universal linear electric drive is created and valves mobile element deformation and deformation of the mobile element, when there are installed additional supporting bearings in the inductor active zone are obtained when mobile element is affected by the pressure of the explosion wave. Concluding part presents inferences and suggestions.

The work presented in this thesis was undertaken as part of the safety work package of the NATURALHY project which was an integrated project funded by the European Commission (EC) within the sixth framework programme. The purpose of the NATURALHY project was to investigate the feasibility of using existing natural gas infrastructure to assist a transition to a hydrogen based economy by transporting hydrogen from its place of production to its place of use as a mixture of natural gas and hydrogen. The hydrogen can then be extracted from the mixture for use in fuel cells or the mixture used directly in conventional combustion devices. The research presented in this thesis focused on predicting the consequences of explosions and fires involving natural gas and hydrogen mixtures, using engineering type mathematical models typical of those used by the gas industry for risk assessment purposes. The first part of the thesis concentrated on modifying existing models that had been developed to predict confined vented and unconfined vapour cloud explosions involving natural gas. Three geometries were studied: a confined vented enclosure, an unconfined cubical region of congestion and an unconfined high aspect ratio region of congestion. The modifications made to the models were aimed at accounting for the different characteristics of a natural gas/hydrogen mixture compared to natural gas. Experimental data for the laminar burning velocity of methane/hydrogen mixtures was obtained within the safety work package. For practical reasons, this experimental work was carried at an elevated temperature. Predictions from kinetic modelling were employed to convert this information for use in models predicting explosions at ambient temperature. For confined vented explosions a model developed by Shell (SCOPE) was used and modified by adding new laminar burning velocity and Markstein number data relevant to the gas compositions studied. For vapour cloud explosions in a cubical region of congestion, two models were used. The first model was developed by Shell (CAM2), and was applied using the new laminar burning velocity and other composition specific properties. The second model was based on a model provided by GL Services and was modified by generalising the flame speed model so that any natural gas/hydrogen mixture could be simulated. For vapour cloud explosions in an unconfined high aspect ratio region of congestion, a model from GL Services was used. Modifications were made to the modelling of flame speed so that it could be applied to different fuel compositions, equivalence ratios and the initial flame speed entering the congested region. Predictions from the modified explosion models were compared with large scale experimental data obtained within the safety work package. Generally, (apart from where continuously accelerating flames were produced), satisfactory agreement was achieved. This demonstrated that the modified models could be used, in many cases, for risk assessment purposes for explosions involving natural gas/hydrogen mixtures. The second part of thesis concentrated on predicting the incident thermal radiation from high pressure jet fires and pipelines fires involving natural gas/hydrogen mixtures. The approach taken was to modify existing models, developed for natural gas. For jet fires three models were used. Fuel specific input parameters were derived and the predictions of flame length and incident radiation compared with large scale experimental data. For pipeline fires a model was developed using a multi-point source approach for the radiation emitted by the fire and a correlation for flame length. Again predictions were compared with large scale experimental data. For both types of fire, satisfactory predictions of the flame length and incident radiation were obtained for natural gas and mixtures of natural gas and hydrogen containing approximately 25% hydrogen.

The aim of this thesis is to investigate the Chinese government’s disaster response over the past two decades, analyze any patterns or recurring management behaviors, and understand the government’s overall emergency response capability. Disaster response is one area that reflects the Chinese Communist Party’s ability to govern and exhibit performance legitimacy. As an authoritarian regime, the CCP relies on repression and performance to maintain its authority, especially so when national disasters occur. During times of crisis, the CCP is expected to maintain control and minimize potentially negative consequences. Not doing so results in a potential image crisis and loss of legitimacy. The cases studied in this thesis were the 2005 Songhua River benzene spill, the 2008 winter storms, the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake, the 2015 Tianjin warehouse explosions, and the 2016 June and July floods. The 2008 Wenchuan earthquake was the deadliest disaster in a generation and provides the most thorough example to investigate China’s government disaster response capabilities. Two of these crises were industrial chemical accidents near or in major Chinese cities. The remaining two were weather disasters spread over a large area that required a far-reaching and coordinated government response across multiple provinces. Each of these sets displays a type of national disaster that China experiences regularly. In conclusion, the investigation makes two conclusions about the government’s disaster response capabilities. First, the central government is able to make extensive use of its overall authority and hierarchical structure to mobilize state resources on a massive scale. This includes the CCP’s control of the People’s Liberation Army and state emergency personnel, the government’s economic authority to impose immediate regulatory measures, and ability to gather and distribute physical resources. Second, the CCP seeks to avert an image crisis to maintain a veneer of performance legitimacy. Two common tactics are repressing investigative journalism and jailing critics while molding an image of a paternalistic and protecting state through compassionate moral performance. However, the necessity for this last conclusions hints at why such practices are necessary in the first place. The CCP’s rush for economic growth, lack of accountability, and propensity for corruption among other things are the very factors that have allowed disasters to become crises. Extreme measures are necessitated because the system the Party has built is prone to crisis. Without fundamental change, the CCP will continue facing such crises in the foreseeable future.

A Dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, for the degree of Master of Science in Engineering. / Ignitions of methane and coal dust have caused considerable loss of life and damage to installations in South African collieries during the past century. The phenomenon of methane outbursts have also resulted in the creation of dangerous conditions underground. The dissertation examines the causes of methane outbursts and the seven main ignition sources leading to methane and coal dust explosions. These ignition sources were derived from an examination of Mines Department inquiries extending back to 1891. the date of the first known ignition of mine gas. Selected incidents were chosen from the official Inquiries for each ignition source and these are dealt with in detail. This includes an investigation into the many factors which developed prior to the individual explosions and the effects of the aftermath such incidents. Precautions to be adopted to prevent methane outbursts and minimise the risk of methane and coal dust explosions as a result of the seven ignition sources are detailed at the end of each chapter. / Andrew Chakane 2018

Fu Sau-chung. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2006. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 68-71). / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / Abstract --- p.i / Acknowledgement --- p.iii / Chapter 1 --- Introduction --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1 --- Background of Explosion and Implosion Problems --- p.1 / Chapter 1.2 --- Background of the Development of Numerical Schemes --- p.2 / Chapter 1.3 --- Organization of the Thesis --- p.5 / Chapter 2 --- Governing Equations and Numerical Schemes --- p.6 / Chapter 2.1 --- Governing Equations --- p.6 / Chapter 2.2 --- Numerical Schemes --- p.8 / Chapter 2.2.1 --- Splitting Scheme for Partial Differential Equations with Source Terms --- p.8 / Chapter 2.2.2 --- Boundary Conditions --- p.9 / Chapter 2.2.3 --- "Numerical Solvers for the ODEs - The Second-Order, Two-Stage Runge-Kutta Method" --- p.10 / Chapter 2.2.4 --- Numerical Solvers for the Pure Advection Hyperbolic Problem - The Second-Order Relaxed Scheme --- p.11 / Chapter 3 --- Numerical Results --- p.29 / Chapter 3.1 --- Spherical Explosion Problem --- p.30 / Chapter 3.1.1 --- Physical Description --- p.32 / Chapter 3.1.2 --- Comparison with Previous Analytical and Experimental Results --- p.33 / Chapter 3.2 --- Cylindrical Explosion Problem --- p.46 / Chapter 3.2.1 --- Physical Description --- p.46 / Chapter 3.2.2 --- Two-Dimensional Model --- p.49 / Chapter 3.3 --- Spherical Implosion Problem --- p.52 / Chapter 3.3.1 --- Physical Description --- p.52 / Chapter 3.4 --- Cylindrical Implosion Problem --- p.53 / Chapter 3.4.1 --- Physical Description --- p.53 / Chapter 3.4.2 --- Two-Dimensional Model --- p.53 / Chapter 4 --- Conclusion --- p.65 / Bibliography --- p.68

High explosive charges when detonated ensue in a flow field characterized by several physical phenomena that include blast wave propagation, hydrodynamic instabilities, real gas effects, fluid mixing and afterburn effects. Solid metal particles are often added to explosives to augment the total impulsive loading, either through direct bombardment if inert, or through afterburn energy release if reactive. These multiphase explosive charges, termed as heterogeneous explosives, are of interest from a scientific perspective as they involve the confluence and interplay of various additional physical phenomena such as shock-particle interaction, particle dispersion, ignition, and inter-phase mass, momentum and energy transfer. In the current research effort, chemical explosions in multiphase environments are investigated using a robust, state-of-the-art Eulerian-gas, Lagrangian-solid methodology that can handle both the dense and dilute particle regimes. Explosions into ambient air as well as into aluminum particle clouds are investigated, and hydrodynamic instabilities such as Rayleigh- Taylor and Richtmyer-Meshkov result in a mixing layer where the detonation products mix with the air and afterburn. The particles in the ambient cloud, when present, are observed to pick up significant amounts of momentum and heat from the gas, and thereafter disperse, ignite and burn. The amount of mixing and afterburn are observed to be independent of particle size, but dependent on the particle mass loading and cloud dimensions. Due to fast response times, small particles are observed to cluster as they interact with the vortex rings in the mixing layer, which leads to their preferential ignition/ combustion. The total deliverable impulsive loading from heterogeneous explosive charges containing inert steel particles is estimated for a suite of operating parameters and compared, and it is demonstrated that heterogeneous explosive charges deliver a higher near-field impulse than homogeneous explosive charges containing the same mass of the high explosive. Furthermore, particles are observed to introduce significant amounts of hydrodynamic instabilities in the mixing layer, resulting in augmented fluctuation intensities and fireball size, and different growth rates for heterogeneous explosions compared to homogeneous explosions. For aluminized explosions, the particles are observed to burn in two regimes, and the average particle velocities at late times are observed to be independent of the initial solid volume fraction in the explosive charge. Overall, this thesis provides useful insights on the role played by solid particles in chemical explosions.

Submitted by Emanuel Varela Cardoso (emanuel.varela@ufcg.edu.br) on 2018-10-10T19:33:25Z No. of bitstreams: 1 EDME VALE PEREIRA – DISSERTAÇÃO (PPGFísica) 2016.pdf: 765741 bytes, checksum: 06e478d901631d57a3c3905fb212d89c (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2018-10-10T19:33:25Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 EDME VALE PEREIRA – DISSERTAÇÃO (PPGFísica) 2016.pdf: 765741 bytes, checksum: 06e478d901631d57a3c3905fb212d89c (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-08-11 / Capes / Neste trabalho, estudamos um escalonamento de Horava-Lifshitz destinado a reescrever uma eletrodinâmica que viola a invariância de Lorentz com operadores derivativos controlados por um quadrivetor constante n . Esse método foi usado inicialmente para escalonar a lagrangiana de Maxwell e depois a lagrangiana de altas ordens derivativas, conhecida como modelo Myers-Pospelov. Após o processo de escalonamento, obtivemos que ambas as lagrangianas são descritas em função de um expoente crítico z, que insere um caráter anisotrópico para ambas as teorias. Foram obtidos os propagadores de Feynman e as relações de dispersão para ambos os modelos. Devido ao caráter irrefringente atribuído ao modelo de altas ordens derivativas, usamos os modos de propagação associados, como as soluções por frequências, e efetuamos os cálculos de polarização para determinar os limites superiores de ocorrências dos efeitos da quebra da invariância de Lorentz. Tais operações estão de acordo com as observações de explosões de raios gama, mais especificamente, o evento GRB051218A. O parâmetro que controla a quebra da invariância de Lorentz, apresenta-se superior em 8 (oito) ordens de magnitude, se comparado com alguns resultados da literatura. O atraso temporal na propagação de dois fótons também foi determinado. / In this work, we study a Horava-Lifshitz scaling which can be used to rewrite an electrodynamics which breaks the Lorentz invariance with derivatives operators controlled by a constant four-vector, n . This method was initially used to scale the Maxwell lagrangian and then the high orders derivatives lagrangian, known as Myers-Pospelov model. After of the process, we obtained that both the lagrangian are described in terms of a critical exponent z, which can be inserted as anisotropic character for both theories. The of Feynman propagators and dispersion relations for both models were obtained. Due to the birefringent character attributed to Myers-Pospelov model, we use the associate propagation modes, as solutions for frequencies, and we perform the polarization calculations to determine the upper limits of occurrences related with e ects of Lorentz invariance breaking. Such operations are consistent with the recent observations of gamma-ray bursts, more speci cally, the GRB 051218A event. The parameter which controls of the Lorentz invariance violation, it presents superior in eight (8) orders of magnitude, compared with some results of literature. The time delay in the propagation of two photons was also determined.

Kondens i icke-uppvärmda byggnader är ett välkänt problem, men hur dessa byggnader bör hanteras är mindre känt. I Vanadislundens vattenreservoar installerades en avfuktnings anläggning med förväntan att kondensen som funnits i byggnaden i 100 år ska försvinna. Problemet som istället uppstod var saltutfällningar och saltsprängningar på insida yttervägg. Detta examensarbete är baserat på att ge en beskrivning av hur salt-sprängningar och utfällningar sker. Samt vad som händer då denna typ av byggnad avfuktas samt hur denna typ av byggnader bör hanteras.  Detta arbete gjordes dels genom att göra en litteraturstudie om fenomenet saltutfällningar och sprängningar, hur dessa uppstår och varför. Samt genom beräkningsprogrammet WUFI där olika situationer simulerades för att besvara frågeställningarna. Vid fall 1, då den relativa fuktigheten (RF) sattes till 90% gavs slutsatsen att inga problem bör uppstå med saltutfällningar eller sprängningar. Vid fall 2 då den relativa fuktigheten sattes till 70%, torrt inneklimat, gavs slutsatsen att problem kan uppstå.  Den generella slutsatsen som detta arbete resulterade var att denna typ av byggnad bör hanteras med stor omtanke och att avfukta denna typ av byggnad kan leda till stora problem. / Condensation in unheated buildings is a well-known problem, but how these buildings should be handled is less known. A dehumidification plant was installed in Vanadislunden's water reservoir with the expectation that the condensation that had existed in the building for 100 years would disappear. The problem that arose instead was salt deposits and salt explosions on the inside of the outer wall. This thesis is based on giving a description of how salt explosions and precipitations occur. And what happens when this type of building is dehumidified and how this type of building should be handled.This work was done partly by doing a literature study on the phenomenon of salt precipitation and explosions, how these occur and why. And through the calculation program WUFI where different situations were simulated to answer the questions. In case 1, when the relative humidity (RH) was set to 90%, it was concluded that no problems should arise with salt precipitation or explosions. In case 2 when the relative humidity was set to 70%, dry indoor climate, it was concluded that problems may arise.The general conclusion that this work resulted in was that this type of building should be handled with great care and that dehumidifying this type of building can lead to major problems.