Que ce soit dans le domaine médical ou en contrôle non destructif, les systèmes d’imagerie ultrasonore sont devenus de plus en plus utilisés de nos jours. Leurs applications ne cessent de s’élargir et des performances toujours plus accrues sont vivement recherchées, afin d’améliorer la qualité des diagnostics réalisés. Nous sommes donc passés de l’utilisation de systèmes à base de transducteurs ultrasonores mono-élément à des systèmes utilisant des réseaux de transducteurs à une dimension (1D) et à deux dimensions (2D) composés d’éléments de plus en plus nombreux et petits. Néanmoins, un phénomène indésirable est fortement présent dans ces réseaux de transducteurs ultrasonores : il s’agit du couplage inter-éléments tendant à limiter leurs performances acoustiques et à modifier leur diagramme de rayonnement. Tout au long de ce travail de recherche, nous avons donc cherché à comprendre ce phénomène parasite et à apporter des solutions pour le réduire voire le supprimer. En se basant sur des modélisations éléments finis 2D et 3D et grâce à la fabrication de prototypes, nous avons d’une part, mis en évidence les différents types de couplages présents dans un réseau de transducteurs (acoustique, mécanique) et d’autre part, deux méthodes de correction basées l’une comme l’autre sur l’application de tensions convenables aux différents éléments du réseau ont été testées. La première méthode utilise les déplacements normaux moyens à la surface de chaque élément du réseau pour évaluer ces tensions, tandis que la deuxième fait appel aux courants motionnels parcourant chaque élément pour les déterminer. Les résultats numériques et expérimentaux concernant les déplacements et les diagrammes de rayonnement sont en bon accord. En outre, les deux méthodes s’avèrent particulièrement efficaces pour réduire le couplage inter-éléments. / Whether in medicine or in non-destructive testing, ultrasonic imaging systems have become increasingly used nowadays. Their applications continue to expand and good performances are needed to improve the quality of the diagnosis. Moreover, significant progress has been made since these systems were originally based on single element ultrasonic transducers and are now made of mono-dimensional (1D) and bi-dimensional (2D) elements arrays ever more numerous and smaller. However, an undesirable phenomenon is strongly present in the ultrasonic transducer arrays: it is the cross-talk, which limits their acoustic performances and modifies their radiation pattern. Throughout this research, we have attempted on one hand to understand this parasitic phenomenon and on the other hand to provide solutions in order to reduce it or even remove it. To highlight the cross-talk types (acoustic and mechanical) and to test the proposed correction methods, we developed two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) finite element modeling and fabricated some prototypes. Both correction methods rely on the application of suitable voltages to the array elements. The first method uses the average of the normal displacements at the surface of each element to evaluate the voltages, while the second one utilizes the motional currents through each element to determine them. The numerical and experimental results concerning the displacements and the radiation patterns are in good agreement. In addition to this, both methods have been efficiently performed to reduce the cross-talk.

Cette thèse est consacrée au développement d'outils de simulation numérique permettant d'appréhender les phénomènes multi-physiques complexes (thermique, mécanique des solides, mécanique des fluides et sciences des matériaux) mis en jeu lors d'opérations de soudage TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) de tôles minces de type 316L utilisées dans l'industrie agroalimentaire. La fusion locale des éléments à assembler par soudage présente en effet l'inconvénient d'induire des déformations locales importantes qui compliquent le montage des pièces. Un autre désavantage est l'apparition de contraintes résiduelles qui impactent la durabilité de la structure soudée. Afin de prédire ces déformations et contraintes pendant la phase de conception, en vue par exemple de les minimiser en jouant sur des paramètres tels que la vitesse d'exécution et l'intensité du courant de soudage, des outils numériques prédictifs ont été développés dans le cadre de ce travail.Un modèle éléments finis 3D de couplage entre la thermique et la mécanique, dans les domaines transitoire et nonlinéaire,a notamment été programmé en langage APDL (Ansys Parametric Design Language) à l'aide du logiciel multi-physique ANSYS. La source mobile de chaleur par soudage a été représentée par un profil Gaussien dont les paramètres ont été calibrés de manière à optimiser la forme géométrique du cordon. Pour ce faire, la surface de réponse d'un plan d'expérience factoriel a été utilisée. Les résultats numériques obtenus sont tout à fait satisfaisants puisque les paramètres de la source de chaleur gaussienne identifiés à l'aide du plan d'expérience factoriel permettent une reproduction fidèle de la géométrie du cordon. La comparaison entre les valeurs expérimentales et calculées de la déviation montre par ailleurs une bonne cohérence avec un écart relatif inférieur à 5%. Afin d'étudier la tension et la conductibilité électrique lors de l'amorçage et du maintien de l'arc de soudure, un modèle axisymétrique bidimensionnel de l'arc électrique a été réalisé en utilisant le logiciel FLUENT. La géométrie réelle des composantes de la torche telles que le diffuseur de gaz, la buse et l'électrode a été prise en compte. Lemodèle intègre un couplage fluide-structure dans lequel les équations électromagnétiques et thermiques sont résolues dans la cathode solide. Les équations supplémentaires régissant l'écoulement sont considérées dans le domaine gazeux où l'arc est généré. Pour le maintien de l'arc, ces équations, qui ont été programmées en langage C++, permettent de s'affranchir de la conductibilité artificielle souvent utilisée dans la littérature. Le modèle permet d'obtenir les champs de température du plasma, les chutes de tension à l'anode et à la cathode de l'appareil de soudage, la tension dans l'arc ainsi que le rendement de l'apport d'énergie. Les résultats numériques indiquent que la température et la vitesse d'écoulement du plasma augmentent avecl'intensité du courant et avec la distance inter électrode. Il en va de même pour le potentiel électrique mais avec une influence plus forte de la distance inter électrode. Enfin, le débit de gaz ne joue aucun rôle sur la température et sur le potentiel électrique. Il influe par contre sur la vitesse d'écoulement du plasma. Plus le débit est élevé, plus la vitesse d'écoulement du plasma est faible. / This thesis is dedicated to the development of numerical simulation tools allowing to understand complex multi-physics phenomena (thermal, solid mechanics, fluid mechanics and sciences materials) involved in TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welding operations of 316L thin plate used in the food industry. The local fusion of the elements to be assembled by welding has indeedthe disadvantage of inducing significant local deformations that complicate the assembly of parts. Another The disadvantage is the appearance of residual stresses that impact the durability of the welded structure. In order to predict these deformations and constraints during the design phase, for example in order to minimize them in playing on parameters such as the speed of execution and the intensity of the welding current, digital tools Predictors have been developed as part of this work.A model finite elements 3D of coupling between the thermal one and the mechanics, in the transient and nonlinear domains,was programmed in Ansys Parametric Design Language (APDL) using the software multi-physics ANSYS. The mobile source of heat by welding has been represented by a Gaussian profile whose parameters have been calibrated to optimize the geometric shape of the cord. To do this, the surface of Response of a factorial experiment plan was used. The numerical results obtained are quite satisfactory since the parameters of the Gaussian heat source identified using the factorial experiment planallow a faithful reproduction of the geometry of the cord. The comparison between the experimental values ​​and Calculated deviation also shows good consistency with a relative difference of less than 5%. In order to study the voltage and the electrical conductivity during the priming and the maintenance of the welding arc, a Two-dimensional axisymmetric model of the electric arc was realized using FLUENT software. Geometry actual torch components such as the gas diffuser, the nozzle and the electrode were taken into account. The model integrates a fluid-structure coupling in which the electromagnetic and thermal equations are resolved in the solid cathode. The additional equations governing the flow are considered in the gaseous domain where the arc is generated. For the maintenance of the arc, these equations, which have been programmed in C ++, make it possible to overcome the artificial conductivity often used in the literature. The model allows to obtain the plasma temperature fields, the voltage drops at the anode and at the cathode of the welding, the voltage in the arc as well as the efficiency of the energy input. Numerical results indicate that plasma temperature and flow velocity increase with the intensity of the current and with the inter-electrode distance. The same goes for the electric potential but with a stronger influence of the inter-electrode distance. Finally, the gas flow plays no role on the temperature and on the electric potential. It influences the speed of flow of the plasma. The higher the flow, the higher the Plasma flow rate is low.

In the nanoscale metrology industry, there is a need for low-cost instruments, which have the ability to probe the structrure and elemental composition of thin films. This dissertation, describes the research performed to design and simulate a miniature Cylindrical Mirror Analyzer, (CMA), and Auger Electron Spectrometer, (AES). The CMA includes an integrated coaxial thermionic electron source. Electron optics simulations were performed using the Finite Element Method, (FEM), software COMSOL. To address the large Secondary Electron, (SE), noise, inherent in AES spectra, this research also included experiments to create structures in materials, which were intended to suppress SE backgound noise in the CMA. Laser Beam Machining, (LBM), of copper substrates was used to create copper pillars with very high surface areas, which were designed to supress SE’s. The LBM was performed with a Lumera SUPER RAPID‐HE model Neodymium Vanadate laser. The laser has a peak output power of 30 megawatts, has a 5x lens and a spot size of 16 μm. The laser wavelength is in the infrared at 1064 nm, a pulse width of 15 picoseconds, and pulse repetition rate up to 100 kHz. The spectrometer used in this research is intended for use when performing chemical analysis of the surface of bulk materials and thin films. It is applicable for metrology of thin films, as low as 0.4 nm in thickness, without the need to perform destructive sample thinning, which is required in Scanning Tranmission Electron Microscopy, (STEM). The spectrometer design is based on the well known and widely used coaxial cylinder capacitor design known as the Cylindrical Mirror Analyzer, (CMA). The coaxial tube arrangement of the CMA allows for placing an electron source,which is mounted in the center of the inner cylinder of the spectrometer. Simulation of the electron source with an Einzel Lens was also performed. In addtion, experiments with thin film coatings and Laser Beam Machining to supress Secondary Electron emission noise within the Auger electron spectrum were completed. Design geometry for the miniature CMA were modeled using Computer Aided Design, (CAD). Fixed Boundary Conditions, (BC), were applied and the geometry was then meshed for FEM. The electrostatic potential was then solved using the Poisson equation at each point. Having found the solution to the electrostatic potentials, electron flight simulations were performed and compared with the analytical solution. From several commercially available FEM modeling packages, COMSOL Multiphysics was chosen as the research platform for modeling of the spectrometer design. The CMA in this design was reduced in size by a factor of 4 to 5. This enabled mounting the CMA on a 2 ¾ in flange compared to the commercial PHI model 660 CMA which mounts onto a 10 in flange. Results from the Scanning Electron Microscopy measurements of the Secondary Electron emission characteristics of the LBM electron suppressor will also be presented.

One the most daunting technical challenges in the realization of biosensors is functionalizing transducing surfaces for the detection of biomolecules. Functionalization is defined as the formation of a bio-compatible interface on the transducing surfaces of bio-chemical sensors for immobilizing and subsequent sensing of biomolecules. The kinetics of functionalization reactions is a particularly important issue, since conventional functionalization protocols are associated with lengthy process times, from hours to days. The objective of this thesis is the improvement of the functionalization protocols and their kinetics for biosensing applications. This objective is realized via modeling and experimental verification of novel functionalization techniques in microfluidic environments. The improved functionalization protocols using microfluidic environments enable in-situ functionalization, which reduces the processing times and the amount of reagents consumed, compared to conventional methods. The functionalization is performed using self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of thiols. The thiols are organic compounds with a sulphur group that assists in the chemisorption of the thiol to the surface of metals like gold. The two reactions in the functionalization process examined in this thesis are the SAM formation and the SAM/probe molecule conjugation. SAM/probe molecule conjugation is the chemical treatment of the SAM followed by the binding of the probe molecule to the SAM. In general, the probe molecule is selective in binding with a given biomolecule, called the target molecule. Within this thesis, the probe molecule is an antibody and the target molecule is an antigen. The kinetics of the reaction between the probe (antibody) and the target biomolecule (antigen) is also studied. The reaction between an antigen and its antibody is called the immunoreaction. The biosensing technique that utilizes the immunoreaction is immunoassay. A numerical model is constructed using the finite element method (FEM), and is used to study the kinetics of the functionalization reactions. The aim of the kinetic studies is to achieve both minimal process times and reagents consumption. The impact of several important parameters on the kinetics of the reactions is investigated, and the trends observed are explained using kinetic descriptive dimensionless numbers, such as the Damköhler number and the Peclet number. Careful numerical modeling of the reactions contributes to a number of findings. A considerably faster than conventional SAM formation protocol is predicted. This fast-SAM protocol is capable of reducing the process times from the conventional 24-hours to 15 minutes. The numerical simulations also predict that conventional conjugation protocols result in the overexposure of the SAM and the probe molecule to the conjugation reagents. This overexposure consequently lowers conjugation efficiencies. The immunoreaction kinetics of a 70 kilo-Dalton heat shock protein (HSP70) with its antibody in a hypothetical microchannel is also investigated through the FEM simulations. Optimal reaction conditions are determined, including the flow velocity and the surface concentration of the immobilized probes (antibodies). Based on the numerical results and a series of experimental studies, the fast-SAM protocol application is successfully confirmed. Moreover, the optimum reagent concentration for a given one- hour conjugation process time is determined. This functionalization protocol is successfully applied to immobilize the HSP70 antibody on gold surfaces. The use of the fast-SAM protocol and the predicted optimum conjugation conditions result in binding of the HSP70 antibody on gold, with the same or superior immobilization quality, compared to the conventional protocols. Upon implementation of a 70 μm.s^(-1) flow velocity, the reaction is observed to complete in around 30-35 minutes, which is close to the numerically predicted 30 minutes and 16 seconds. This immunoreaction time is considerably less than conventional 4-12 hour processes. The modified in-situ functionalization techniques achieved here are promising for substantially reducing the preparation times and improving the performance of biosensors, in general, and immunoassays, in particular.

With the dramatic advances that have taken place in microelectronics over the past three decades, ball-grid array (BGA) packages are increasingly being used in microsystems applications. BGA packages with area-array configuration have several advantages: smaller footprint, faster signal transmission, testability, reworkability, handling easiness, etc. Although ceramic ball grid array (CBGA) packages have been used extensively in the microsystems industry, the use of plastic ball grid array (PBGA) packages is relatively new, especially for automotive and aerospace applications where harsh thermal conditions prevail. This thesis work has developed an experimental and a theoretical modeling program to study the reliability of two PBGA packages. The physics-based theoretical models take into consideration the time-dependent creep behavior through power law creep and time-independent plastic behavior through multi-linear kinematic hardening. In addition, unified viscoplastic constitutive models are also taken into consideration. The models employ two damage-metrics, namely inelastic strain and inelastic strain energy density, to predict the solder joint fatigue life. The theoretical predictions have been validated through air-to-air in-house thermal cycling tests carried out between 55 and #61616;C and 125 and #61616;C. In addition, laser-moir interferometry has been used to determine the displacement contours in a cross-section of the package at various temperatures. These contours measured through moir interferometry have also been used to validate the thermally-induced displacement contours, predicted by the models. Excellent agreement is seen between the experimental data and the theoretical predictions. In addition to life prediction, the models have been extended to map the field-use conditions with the accelerated thermal cycling conditions. Both linear and non-linear mapping techniques have been developed employing inelastic strain and strain energy density as the damage metric. It is shown through this research that the symmetric MIL-STD accelerated thermal cycles, currently in practice in industry, have to be modified to account for the higher percentage of creep deformation experienced by the solder joints in the field-use conditions. Design guidelines have been developed for such modifications in the accelerated thermal cycles.

Beam splices are typically located at moment contraflexure points (where M=0). Most design specifications require these splices to develop a strength either to meet design forces or a minimum value set by specifications. The design forces are typically determined through elastic analysis, which does not include flexibility of splice connections. In this research, two types of splice connections, an extended end plate splice connection and a flange and web plate bolted splice connection, were tested and analyzed to investigate the effect of the partial strength splice connections on structural response. The splices were designed to resist 40% and 34% of connecting section capacities using current steel design codes, respectively. It has been observed from the experiments and FEM analysis results that splice connections designed under capacities of connecting steel members can result in changes in design moment diagrams obtained from analyses without splice connection simulation and can also significantly decrease the rigidity of the structure endangering serviceability. The differences in design moment diagrams can go up to 50 % of elastic analysis without connection flexibility. The vertical displacements can increase to 155% of values obtained from elastic analysis with no splice connection simulation. Therefore, connection flexibility becomes very important to define in analysis.

Severe plastic deformation methods are of great interest in industrial forming applications, as they give rise to significant refinement in microstructures and improvements in mechanical and physical properties. In the &ldquo / Equal Channel Angular Extrusion (ECAE)&rdquo / , which is the most common method for production of ultrafine grained bulk samples, very high plastic strains are introduced into the bulk material without any change in cross section. This study is composed of two main parts. Part I focuses on the plastic deformation behavior of Al alloys by modeling ECAE with Msc. Marc finite element software. A series of numerical experiments were carried out for the die angles of 90&deg / , 120&deg / , and 150&deg / , different friction conditions, and different round corners. Besides, the effects of strain hardening characteristics of the material, strain hardening coefficient (K) and exponent (n) of Hollomon&rsquo / s law, on corner gap formation and strain homogeneity in equal channel angular pressing process were investigated quantitatively. The results were compared and verified with those of the upper bound analysis. The numerical results showed that the process performance can be improved by modifying the die corner curvature accordingly, without running time consuming simulations. On the other hand, the aim of Part 3 is to investigate the texture evolution, mechanical response and the corresponding mechanisms, in terms of the flow stress anisotropy and tension-compression asymmetry in the ZK60 Mg alloy. The alloy was processed using ECAE, with different processing routes and temperatures, in order to produce samples with a wider variety of microstructures and crystallographic textures. Several mechanical tests and microstructure examinations were carried out / and the flow stress anisotropy and tension-compression asymmetry of the as-received and processed samples were measured. It was found that the initial texture has a strong effect on the resulting textures / and the textures, combined with the microstructure effect, define the mechanical properties of processed samples. Thus, the tension-compression asymmetry and the flow stress anisotropy variations in the processed samples are attributed to the generated textures and it is possible to control these properties by controlling the processing route and temperature.

High strength secondary hardening lath martensitic steel is a strong candidate for high performance and reliable transmission systems in aircraft and automotives. The fatigue resistance of this material depends both on intrinsic microstructure attributes, such as fine scale (M2C) precipitates, and extrinsic attributes such as nonmetallic primary inclusions. Additionally, the aforementioned attributes are affected by processing history. The objective of this research is to develop a computational framework to quantify the influence of both extrinsic (primary inclusions and residual stresses) and intrinsic (martensite laths and carbides) microstructure attributes on fatigue crack formation and the early stage of microstructurally small crack (MSC) growth that dominate high cycle fatigue (HCF) lifetime. To model the fatigue response at various microstructure scales, a hierarchical approach is adopted. A simplified scheme is developed to simulate processing effects such as shot peening that is suitable to introduce representative residual stresses prior to conducting fatigue calculations. Novel strategies are developed to couple process route (residual stresses) and microstructure scale response for comprehensive analysis of fatigue potency at critical life-limiting primary inclusions in gear steels. Relevant microstructure-scale response descriptors that permit relative assessment of fatigue resistance are identified. Fatigue crack formation and early growth is highly heterogeneous at the grain scale. Hence, a scheme for physically-based constitutive models that is suitable to investigate crack formation and early growth in martensitic steel is introduced and implemented. An extreme value statistical/probabilistic framework to assess the influence of variability of various microstructure attributes such as size and spatial distribution of primary inclusions on minimum fatigue crack formation life is devised. Understanding is sought regarding the relative role of microstructure attributes in the HCF process, thereby providing a basis to modify process route and/or composition to enhance fatigue resistance. Parametric studies are conducted to assess the effect of hot isostatic pressing and introduction of compliant coatings at debonded inclusion-matrix interface on enhancement of fatigue resistance. A comprehensive set of 3D computational tools and algorithms for hierarchical microstructure-sensitive fatigue analysis of martensitic gear steels is developed as an outcome of this research; such tools and methodologies will lend quantitative and qualitative support to designing improved, fatigue-resistant materials and accelerating insertion of new or improved materials into service.

One indication of increasing fragility of bone is the accumulation of microscopic cracks, or microdamage, within the bone matrix. Microdamage accumulates in bone of the elderly, when changes in bone material properties and matrix architecture coupled with a decrease in bone repair mechanisms compromise bone integrity. To preserve bone mass and reduce fracture risk, therapeutics such as alendronate are prescribed which increase bone volume fraction by decreasing the rate of bone turnover. However, concerns over adverse effects of prolonged turnover suppression have been reinforced by findings of increased microdamage density with alendronate use. Microdamage formation is not always pathologic, but extensive accumulation of damage can be an indicator of reduced bone quality. The work in this thesis explores the hypothesis that microdamage in bone of lower quality will form more easily and progress more extensively than in bone of higher quality. Microdamage initiation stresses and strains were obtained for trabecular bone from older females, older males, and younger females to determine whether thresholds for damage initiation were lower in older females. Results suggest that the stress threshold for damage initiation in older females may indeed be lower compared with younger females, and that normalized strain thresholds for severe damage formation in older males may be decreased compared with older females. Damage propagation was evaluated as a function of age and sex to determine whether damage in older women progressed more extensively than in younger women or men. Results suggest that bone from older individuals had decreased resistance to crack propagation evidenced by an increased number of severely damaged trabeculae which expanded in area under cyclic loading; however no sex differences were uncovered. Finally, the stress/strain thresholds for damage initiation were investigated in alendronate-treated bone, and results indicate that a decreased stress threshold was needed to initiate damage formation of a linear and severe morphology after one year of treatment. After three years of treatment, however, micromechanical properties recovered, perhaps due to increased matrix mineralization which increased tissue level stiffness.

Recent research suggests that brackish, marine-derived groundwater up-wells in the oligohaline ecotone of the coastal Everglades, bringing with it phosphorus to an otherwise phosphorus-poor environment. The purpose of this study is to estimate the rates and timing of the groundwater discharge by using variable-density groundwater models constructed, calibrated, and validated with field measurements of hydraulic head and surface and subsurface temperature. Modeled groundwater discharge rates ranged from 5.4E-04 mm/day in August to -1.3E-03 mm/day in June for Shark Slough and 4.8E-01 mm/day in June to -1.4E-01 mm/day in January for Taylor Slough, where positive values imply groundwater discharge and negative values imply groundwater recharge. These results indicate that groundwater discharge rates during the period of study were low and perhaps a negligible source of marine-derived phosphorous in the oligohaline ecotone of Shark Slough but much higher and perhaps significant source of marine-derived phosphorous in the oligohaline ecotone of Taylor Slough.