This dissertation aims to advance the field of structural optimization by creating and demonstrating new methodologies for the explicit inclusion of manufacturing issues. The case of composite aerospace structures was a main focus of this work as that field provides some of the greatest complexities in manufacturing yet also provides the greatest incentives to optimize structural performance. Firstly, the possibilities for modifying existing FEA based structural optimization methods to better capture manufacturing constraints are investigated. Examples of brick-based topology optimization, shell-based topology optimization, parametric sizing optimization and manufacturing process optimization are given. From these examples, a number of fundamental limitations to these methods were observed and are discussed. The key limitation that was uncovered related to a dichotomy between analytical methods (such as FEA) and CAD-type methods. Based on these observations, a new Knowledge-Based framework for structural optimization was suggested whereby manufacturing issues are integrally linked to the more conventional structural issues. A prototype system to implement this new framework was developed and is discussed. Finally, the validity of the framework was demonstrated by application to a generic composite rib design problem.

O presente trabalho possui o objetivo de avaliar a aplicabilidade da metrologia em uma ferramenta de estampagem incremental de chapas. Para o estudo foi confeccionada uma ferramenta de estampagem com rebaixos em seu corpo cilíndrico para a fixação dos sensores que mediram a deformação relativa. As análises apresentadas nesta pesquisa representam os cuidados e processos necessários ao uso de extensômetros aliado a um processo de fabricação mecânica. No presente estudo define-se a calibração de um sistema de medição da deformação superficial da ferramenta de estampagem com auxílio da Extensometria. Para validar os resultados obtidos pelos métodos da instrumentação das medidas das deformações e forças no processo de estampagem incremental foram utilizados os métodos de Cálculos Analíticos e Simulação Numérica por meio de softwares de Elementos Finitos. No método de medida se considerou parâmetros que podem comprometer os valores medidos tais como a medida da temperatura utilizando equipamentos termovisor. Além disso, foram realizados 04 (quatro) ensaios preliminares com o intuito de avaliar a medição de forma satisfatória nos eixos X e Y do processo de estampagem incremental, efetuando análises das forças nesses eixos em tração e compressão. A estampagem incremental ocorreu por meio de um total de 09 (nove) Ensaios variando-se ângulo de parede (ψ) e espessura das chapas (s0). Os experimentos baseiam-se na variante de estampagem incremental denominada Estampagem Incremental de Ponto Simples (SPIF – Single Point Incremental Forming). Para a execução dos testes práticos foram utilizados recursos de hardware como Ponte Wheatstone, extensômetros, Termovisor, Centro de Usinagem CNC, matriz incremental, ferramenta de estampagem incremental e um dispositivo prensa chapas. Além de recursos de software CAD/CAM, DAQ (Data Acquisition System), Análise de Elementos Finitos. E recursos de cálculos analíticos como forma comprobatória de resultados. A partir dos procedimentos executados junto com aparato tecnológico foi possível efetuar as análises e medições das forças na ferramenta de estampagem incrementa com referência aos eixos X e Y. Demonstrando neste a aplicabilidade de extensometria para leitura e análise de forças no processo de ISF. / This present work has the objective of assessing the applicability of instrumentation science in an incremental forming tool. For this study was made a tool with recesses on its cylindrical body as a means of fixing the strain sensors. The study presented demonstrate some of the warning and processes required the use of Strain Gages combined with a mechanical manufacturing process. In the present study is defined as an acceptable calibration measuring system with the aid of Extensometry. To validate the results obtained by the methods of instrumentation measurements of the deformations and forces in incremental sheet forming process were used Analytical Calculations and Numerical Simulation using Finite Elements. The measurement method was considered parameters that can compromise the measured values such as temperature measurement devices using thermometer. In addition, we conducted four (04) preliminary tests in order to evaluate the measurement system in satisfactory form with measured variables such as X and Y axes. We analyses the traction and compression forces in both axes. After the preliminary step, was performed a total of nine (09) tests with incremental sheet forming process, varying wall angle (ψ) and the thickness (s0). The experiments are based on the Single Point Incremental Forming - SPIF. For the implementation of the practical tests were used hardware resources such as CNC Machining Center, Wheatstone Bridge, Strain Gauges, Thermal Imager, incremental matrix and incremental forming tool. Besides, we used softwares such as CAD/CAM, DAQ (Data Acquisition System) and Finite Element Analysis. From the technological procedures perform with apparatus was possible do carry out the analyzes and measurement of forces in incremental sheet forming tool increases about to the axes X and Y. Demonstrating the applicability of the extensometry for reading and analyzing forces in the ISF process.

This thesis details the development of Finite Element Analysis (FEA) techniques to simulate assembly and functional performance of football boots within a virtual environment. With a highly competitive market and seasonal changes in boot design common, the current design process can require numerous iterations, each adding time and cost to the development cycle. Using a reliable model allows evaluation of novel design concepts without the necessity to manufacture physical prototypes, and thus has potential financial benefits as well as reducing development time. A modelling approach was developed to construct a three dimensional boot model using FEA techniques, simulating the assembly of representative boot constituent parts based on manufacturing patterns, geometries and materials. Comparison between the modelled and physical boots demonstrated good agreement. Assessment of physical boot manufacture enabled the validation of the simulated assembly techniques, with digital image correlation hardware and software used to provide experimental measurements of the surface deformation. Good agreement was reported, demonstrating the predictive capabilities of FEA. Extensive review of literature provided applicable loading conditions of the boot during game play, with bending and torsional stiffness identified as important parameters. Boundary conditions associated with the foot during these movements provided a platform from which mechanical tests were used and developed to quantify boot function. Modelling techniques were developed and applied to the assembled FEA boot model, simulating the loading conditions to verify the validity when compared with experimental measurements. Bending and torsional stiffness extracted from the model were compared with the physical equivalent, demonstrating good predictive capabilities. The model was able to represent bending stiffness of the physical equivalent within 5.6% of an accepted boot range up to 20°, with torsional stiffness represented within the accepted range between 10° inversion to 7.5° eversion, corresponding to a large proportion of match play. Two case studies proved the applicability of the FEA techniques to simulate assembly and determine mechanical functionality virtually through a combination of automated modelling methods and a bespoke framework, demonstrating how it could be implemented within the industrial design process.

Atherosclerosis is the root cause of a wide range of cardiovascular diseases. Although it is a global arterial disease, some of the most severe consequences, heart attack and stroke, are caused by ischemia due to local plaque rupture. The risk of rupture is related to the mechanical properties of the plaque. Magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) images tissue elasticity by inverting, externally excited, harmonic wave displacement into a stiffness map, known as an elastogram. The aim of this thesis is to computationally and experimentally investigate the application of MRE to image the mechanical properties of atherosclerotic plaques. The cardiac cycle, lumen boundary, size and inhomogeneous nature of atherosclerotic plaques pose additional complications compared to more well-established MRE applications. Computational modelling allowed these complications to be assessed in a controlled and simplified environment, prior to experimental studies. Computational simulation of MRE was proposed by combining steady state shear waves, yielded by finite element analysis, with the 2D Helmholtz inversion algorithm. The accuracy and robustness of this technique was ascertained through models of homogeneous tissue. A computational sensitivity study was conducted through idealised atherosclerotic plaques, incorporating the effects of disease variables and mechanical, imaging and inversion parameters on the wave images and elastograms. Subject to parameter optimisation, a change in local plaque shear modulus with composition was established. Amongst other variables, an increase of the lipid pool volume in 10mm3 increments was shown to decrease the predicted shear modulus for stenosis sizes between 50% and 80%. The limitations of the Helmholtz inversion algorithm were demonstrated. A series of arterial phantoms containing plaques of various size and stiffness were developed to test the experimental feasibility of the technique. The lumen was identifiable in the wave images and elastograms. However the experimental wave propagation, noise and resolution left the vessel wall and plaque unresolvable. A computational replica of the phantoms yielded clearer wave images and elastograms, indicating that changes to the experimental procedure could lead to more successful results. The comparison also highlighted certain areas for improvement in the computational work. Imaging protocol for in vivo MRE through the peripheral arteries of healthy volunteers and peripheral artery disease patients was developed. The presence of physiological motion and low signal to noise ratios made the vessel anatomy unidentifiable. The application of MRE to atherosclerotic plaques through simulations, arterial phantoms, healthy volunteers and patients has shown that although there is the potential to identify a change in shear modulus with composition, the addition of realistic experimental complications are severely limiting to the technique. The gradual addition of complications throughout the thesis has allowed their impact to be assessed and in turn has highlighted areas for future research.

It is widely accepted that, for many buckling problems of plates and shells in the plastic range, the flow theory of plasticity either fails to predict buckling or significantly overestimates buckling stresses and strains, while the deformation theory, which fails to capture important aspects of the underlying physics of plastic deformation, provides results that are more in line with experimental findings and is therefore generally recommended for use in practical applications. This thesis aims to contribute further understanding of the reasons behind the seeming differences between the predictions provided by these two theories, and therefore provide some explanation of this so-called ‘plastic buckling paradox’. The study focuses on circular cylindrical shells subjected to either axial compression or non-proportional loading, the latter consisting of combined axial tensile stress and increasing external pressure. In these two cases, geometrically nonlinear finite-element (FE) analyses for perfect and imperfect cylinders are conducted using both the flow and the deformation theories of plasticity, and the numerical results are compared with data from widely cited physical tests and with analytical results. The plastic buckling pressures for cylinders subjected to non-proportional loading, with various combinations of boundary conditions, tensile stresses, material properties and cylinder’s geometries, are also obtained with the help of the differential quadrature method (DQM). These results are compared with those obtained using the code BOSOR5 and with nonlinear FE results obtained using both the flow and deformation theories of plasticity. It is found that, contrary to common belief, by using a geometrically nonlinear FE formulation with carefully determined and validated constitutive laws, very good agreement between numerical and test results can be obtained in the case of the physically more sound flow theory of plasticity. The reason for the ‘plastic buckling paradox’ appears to be the over-constrained kinematics assumed in many analytical and numerical treatments, such as BOSOR5 and NAPAS, whereby a harmonic buckling shape in the circumferential direction is prescribed.

O presente trabalho possui o objetivo de avaliar a aplicabilidade da metrologia em uma ferramenta de estampagem incremental de chapas. Para o estudo foi confeccionada uma ferramenta de estampagem com rebaixos em seu corpo cilíndrico para a fixação dos sensores que mediram a deformação relativa. As análises apresentadas nesta pesquisa representam os cuidados e processos necessários ao uso de extensômetros aliado a um processo de fabricação mecânica. No presente estudo define-se a calibração de um sistema de medição da deformação superficial da ferramenta de estampagem com auxílio da Extensometria. Para validar os resultados obtidos pelos métodos da instrumentação das medidas das deformações e forças no processo de estampagem incremental foram utilizados os métodos de Cálculos Analíticos e Simulação Numérica por meio de softwares de Elementos Finitos. No método de medida se considerou parâmetros que podem comprometer os valores medidos tais como a medida da temperatura utilizando equipamentos termovisor. Além disso, foram realizados 04 (quatro) ensaios preliminares com o intuito de avaliar a medição de forma satisfatória nos eixos X e Y do processo de estampagem incremental, efetuando análises das forças nesses eixos em tração e compressão. A estampagem incremental ocorreu por meio de um total de 09 (nove) Ensaios variando-se ângulo de parede (ψ) e espessura das chapas (s0). Os experimentos baseiam-se na variante de estampagem incremental denominada Estampagem Incremental de Ponto Simples (SPIF – Single Point Incremental Forming). Para a execução dos testes práticos foram utilizados recursos de hardware como Ponte Wheatstone, extensômetros, Termovisor, Centro de Usinagem CNC, matriz incremental, ferramenta de estampagem incremental e um dispositivo prensa chapas. Além de recursos de software CAD/CAM, DAQ (Data Acquisition System), Análise de Elementos Finitos. E recursos de cálculos analíticos como forma comprobatória de resultados. A partir dos procedimentos executados junto com aparato tecnológico foi possível efetuar as análises e medições das forças na ferramenta de estampagem incrementa com referência aos eixos X e Y. Demonstrando neste a aplicabilidade de extensometria para leitura e análise de forças no processo de ISF. / This present work has the objective of assessing the applicability of instrumentation science in an incremental forming tool. For this study was made a tool with recesses on its cylindrical body as a means of fixing the strain sensors. The study presented demonstrate some of the warning and processes required the use of Strain Gages combined with a mechanical manufacturing process. In the present study is defined as an acceptable calibration measuring system with the aid of Extensometry. To validate the results obtained by the methods of instrumentation measurements of the deformations and forces in incremental sheet forming process were used Analytical Calculations and Numerical Simulation using Finite Elements. The measurement method was considered parameters that can compromise the measured values such as temperature measurement devices using thermometer. In addition, we conducted four (04) preliminary tests in order to evaluate the measurement system in satisfactory form with measured variables such as X and Y axes. We analyses the traction and compression forces in both axes. After the preliminary step, was performed a total of nine (09) tests with incremental sheet forming process, varying wall angle (ψ) and the thickness (s0). The experiments are based on the Single Point Incremental Forming - SPIF. For the implementation of the practical tests were used hardware resources such as CNC Machining Center, Wheatstone Bridge, Strain Gauges, Thermal Imager, incremental matrix and incremental forming tool. Besides, we used softwares such as CAD/CAM, DAQ (Data Acquisition System) and Finite Element Analysis. From the technological procedures perform with apparatus was possible do carry out the analyzes and measurement of forces in incremental sheet forming tool increases about to the axes X and Y. Demonstrating the applicability of the extensometry for reading and analyzing forces in the ISF process.

abstract: Finite element simulations modeling the hydrodynamic impact loads subjected to an elastomeric coating were performed to develop an understanding of the performance and failure mechanisms of protective coatings for cavitating environments. In this work, two major accomplishments were achieved: 1) scaling laws were developed from hydrodynamic principles and numerical simulations to allow conversion of measured distributions of pressure peaks in a cavitating flow to distributions of microscopic impact loadings modeling individual bubble collapse events, and 2) a finite strain, thermo-mechanical material model for polyurea-based elastomers was developed using a logarithmic rate formulation and implemented into an explicit finite element code. Combining the distribution of microscopic impact loads and finite element modeling, a semi-quantitative predictive framework is created to calculate the energy dissipation within the coating which can further the understanding of temperature induced coating failures. The influence of coating thickness and elastomer rheology on the dissipation of impact energies experienced in cavitating flows has also been explored. The logarithmic formulation has many desired features for the polyurea constitutive model, such as objectivity, integrability, and additive decomposition compatibility. A review and discussion on the kinematics in large deformation, including a comparison between Lagrangian and Eulerian descriptions, are presented to explain the issues in building rate-dependent constitutive models in finite strains. When comparing the logarithmic rate with other conventional rates in test examples, the logarithmic rate shows a better conservation of objectivity and integrability. The modeling framework was validated by comparing predictions against temperatures measured within coatings subjected to a cavitating jet. Both the experiments and models show that the temperatures generated, even under mild flow conditions, raise the coating temperature by a significant amount, suggesting that the failure of these coatings under more aggressive flows is thermally induced. The models show that thin polyurea coatings synthesized with shorter molecular weight soft segments dissipate significantly less energy per impact and conduct heat more efficiently. This work represents an important step toward understanding thermally induced failure in elastomers subjected to cavitating flows, which provides a foundation for design and optimization of coatings with enhanced erosion resistance. / Dissertation/Thesis / Doctoral Dissertation Mechanical Engineering 2016

Esta pesquisa pretende verificar as características da análise do ambiente organizacional – parte integrante dos principais métodos de planejamento estratégico, ou seja, a verificação das ameaças e oportunidades - em termos de grau de formalização, nível de participação, mecanismos e fontes de consulta - efetuada no planejamento estratégico das empresas que exportam software e serviços correlatos. Pretende ainda verificar o quanto o ambiente organizacional interferiu ao longo da execução dos projetos derivados das decisões estratégicas de exportação, e quais respostas foram dadas pelas empresas às mudanças das condições ambientais. O período de análise portanto vai desde a concepção do projeto até que a exportação esteja em curso. A amostra intencional foi retirada da lista de empresas exportadoras consideradas casos de sucesso pelo Instituto de Tecnologia de Software – ITS, órgão que tem como missão promover a melhoria do software nacional. As empresas tiveram seus estágios de internacionalização e suas estratégias analisadas e classificadas. O trabalho encerra-se com considerações sobre a influência do ambiente organizacional nos projetos estratégicos de exportação de software, apontando a quais segmentos ambientais esse tipo de empresa é mais sensível, e tecendo um perfil da amostra, enfatizando o alto grau de empreendedorismo e a boa rede de relacionamentos, característica comum a todas empresas investigadas. / This research intends to verify the characteristics of organizational environmental analysis, the check point of threats and opportunities – part of the main strategic planning methods, in terms of grade of formalization, participation level, mechanisms and information sources, applied to the strategic planning process to Brazilian companies that export software and correlative services. Intends to check if and how much the organizational environment interfered during the execution of the projects derivates from strategic decision of exportation, and what kind of answers was given by the companies to the environmental condition changes. The analysis period begins on the conception of the project and goes up the company to reach the international market. The intentional sample was get from the list of the exporters companies considered success cases by the Instituto de Tecnologia de Software – ITS, organ with the mission to promote the Brazilian software improvement. The companies had theirs internationalization stages and strategies analyzed and classifieds. The work finishes with some considerations about the influence of the organizational environmental in the strategic projects of software exportation, pointing out for what environmental segments the companies more sensitive, and plotting the profile of the sample, emphasizing their high grade of entrepreneurship and the good relationship network, common characteristic of all investigated companies.

O presente trabalho possui o objetivo de avaliar a aplicabilidade da metrologia em uma ferramenta de estampagem incremental de chapas. Para o estudo foi confeccionada uma ferramenta de estampagem com rebaixos em seu corpo cilíndrico para a fixação dos sensores que mediram a deformação relativa. As análises apresentadas nesta pesquisa representam os cuidados e processos necessários ao uso de extensômetros aliado a um processo de fabricação mecânica. No presente estudo define-se a calibração de um sistema de medição da deformação superficial da ferramenta de estampagem com auxílio da Extensometria. Para validar os resultados obtidos pelos métodos da instrumentação das medidas das deformações e forças no processo de estampagem incremental foram utilizados os métodos de Cálculos Analíticos e Simulação Numérica por meio de softwares de Elementos Finitos. No método de medida se considerou parâmetros que podem comprometer os valores medidos tais como a medida da temperatura utilizando equipamentos termovisor. Além disso, foram realizados 04 (quatro) ensaios preliminares com o intuito de avaliar a medição de forma satisfatória nos eixos X e Y do processo de estampagem incremental, efetuando análises das forças nesses eixos em tração e compressão. A estampagem incremental ocorreu por meio de um total de 09 (nove) Ensaios variando-se ângulo de parede (ψ) e espessura das chapas (s0). Os experimentos baseiam-se na variante de estampagem incremental denominada Estampagem Incremental de Ponto Simples (SPIF – Single Point Incremental Forming). Para a execução dos testes práticos foram utilizados recursos de hardware como Ponte Wheatstone, extensômetros, Termovisor, Centro de Usinagem CNC, matriz incremental, ferramenta de estampagem incremental e um dispositivo prensa chapas. Além de recursos de software CAD/CAM, DAQ (Data Acquisition System), Análise de Elementos Finitos. E recursos de cálculos analíticos como forma comprobatória de resultados. A partir dos procedimentos executados junto com aparato tecnológico foi possível efetuar as análises e medições das forças na ferramenta de estampagem incrementa com referência aos eixos X e Y. Demonstrando neste a aplicabilidade de extensometria para leitura e análise de forças no processo de ISF. / This present work has the objective of assessing the applicability of instrumentation science in an incremental forming tool. For this study was made a tool with recesses on its cylindrical body as a means of fixing the strain sensors. The study presented demonstrate some of the warning and processes required the use of Strain Gages combined with a mechanical manufacturing process. In the present study is defined as an acceptable calibration measuring system with the aid of Extensometry. To validate the results obtained by the methods of instrumentation measurements of the deformations and forces in incremental sheet forming process were used Analytical Calculations and Numerical Simulation using Finite Elements. The measurement method was considered parameters that can compromise the measured values such as temperature measurement devices using thermometer. In addition, we conducted four (04) preliminary tests in order to evaluate the measurement system in satisfactory form with measured variables such as X and Y axes. We analyses the traction and compression forces in both axes. After the preliminary step, was performed a total of nine (09) tests with incremental sheet forming process, varying wall angle (ψ) and the thickness (s0). The experiments are based on the Single Point Incremental Forming - SPIF. For the implementation of the practical tests were used hardware resources such as CNC Machining Center, Wheatstone Bridge, Strain Gauges, Thermal Imager, incremental matrix and incremental forming tool. Besides, we used softwares such as CAD/CAM, DAQ (Data Acquisition System) and Finite Element Analysis. From the technological procedures perform with apparatus was possible do carry out the analyzes and measurement of forces in incremental sheet forming tool increases about to the axes X and Y. Demonstrating the applicability of the extensometry for reading and analyzing forces in the ISF process.

This thesis studies the static and fatigue failure of carbon fibre-epoxy composite for marine use. The primary objective is to investigate the effects of sea water ingress on the static and cyclic performance of laminated composites, by using the combination of experimental, numerical and analytical approaches. Experiments were carried out to collect evidence, including data and images, for further analysis. Samples were made from autoclave-cured carbon fibre-epoxy pre-preg for the static, moisture diffusion and fatigue tests. Three chambers were used in the diffusion test, containing fresh water (tap water), sea water and sea water at 70 bar hydrostatic pressure respectively. And the chambers were placed in an oven at a constant temperature 50 °C in order to accelerate the water absorption. Optical and scanning electron microscopies (SEM) were employed to inspect for manufacturing defects and to identify the failure modes. Some formulae were derived to predict the material properties of laminated composites, to validate the mechanical tests, and to explain the failure criteria of composites. Finite element analysis (FEA) was employed to study the phenomena that were observed in the experiments. FEA has the aim to simulate the static, diffusion and fatigue behaviour involving multiphysics and multiscale effects. The FEA modelling has revealed details of the stress and moisture distributions, which have helped to understand the failure mechanisms of laminated composites. Classical laminate theory (CLT) was employed to develop an analytical model. The basic principles of CLT were extended to three-dimensions, and the analytical solution was critically compared with the FEA results. Some MATLAB tools based on CLT were developed to predict the properties of laminated composites and to analyse the experimental data. These MATLAB codes are shown in the appendix. This thesis has contributed to an improved knowledge of the failure mechanisms of composite materials in both normal and marine environments, and to optimize structural design of FRP composites.