Ultrasonic pulse method is a non-destructive method, which is used in the construction industry to evaluate individual parameters of building structures. The aim of the thesis was to create the prerequisites for determining the rate of ultrasonic pulse propagation on refractory silica fittings and quartz glass fittings. Selected factors influencing the speed of ultrasonic pulse propagation in the tested samples were studied, namely the influence of the sounding direction, the influence of the natural frequency of the probes and the influence of the acoustic coupling material on the ultrasonic pulse method.

This thesis introduces a novel spectral response (SR) measurement technique using polychromatic filters (filters with very broad spectral transmittances) to determine SR of large area PV devices. Conventionally, SR of a photovoltaic (PV) device is determined by illuminating the device under test (DUT) with a series of monochromatic beams at different wavelengths as described in the international standard IEC 60904-8, or beams of limited spectral content using narrow band pass filters or monochromator. One significant problem associated with the application of the narrow band pass filters for a large-area SR measurement is that low light intensity produced on the measurement plane particularly in certain wavelength ranges: the ultraviolet and infrared. This can produce weak signal responses from a tested PV device. In addition, the imperfection of the filter s mounting position can shift the peak wavelength of the filter s transmittance at angle of incidence greater than 10°. This can cause stray light on the measurement plane. The proposed SR measurement method is called the 'polychromatic SR fitting method' or, in short, it is known as the 'polychromatic method'. The advantage of this method is that higher beam intensity can be produced on the measurement plane as a result of large spectral transmittance of the polychromatic filters. This can improve the signal strength of a tested PV device. This new SR measurement method works by comparing the variations in the currents which are measured at different spectra to the currents which are calculated at the same spectral conditions using the SR model. Validations of this method for a large- and small-area SR determinations show that it is potentially feasible as a new technique for determining SR of a PV device with deviations within ±2% across the wavelength bands.

Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2015. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The continuous growth in the world’s population together with the increasing scarcity of water resources, especially drinkable water, has cultivated an environmentally-conscious society. As consumers are looking for eco-friendly alternatives or methods, manufacturers are including environmentally-friendly (EF) products in their product mix to address this topic. However, there seems to be a disconnect between manufacturers of EF product solutions and consumers. Consumers are either not aware of EF products or they are still hesitant in adopting environmentally-friendly products as the perception is that they are either too expensive or there is something amiss with the product’s functionality. It is up to suppliers and marketers of EF goods to do a better job of educating consumers about their products. This research study was conducted to understand the domestic consumer’s ecological behaviour and key influencing factors when purchasing water-efficient fittings. The literature review in this study gives us background on the status quo in terms of climate change, the green consumer, and water supply issues. A survey was conducted amongst domestic consumers in the plumbing retail environment to test their willingness to purchase water-efficient fittings based on their profile, habits and key influencing factors. The profile of the respondent showed a consumer who is more affluent. The water-efficient consumer’s primary concern is to save costs by reducing their water bill. Cost saving is the key influencing driver in terms of consumer’s willingness to purchase water-efficient fittings.

Há pouca disponibilidade de informações de perda localizada de carga sobre conexões utilizadas em microirrigação. Diante disso, objetivou-se desenvolver e validar uma bancada automatizada para ensaios e determinar experimentalmente as perdas localizadas provocadas por conexões utilizadas em sistemas de microirrigação. Desenvolveu-se uma bancada automatizada utilizando um circuito eletrônico microcontrolado que dispõe de funcionalidades para aquisição e condicionamento de sinais de sensores; controle de inversor de frequência e válvula proporcional; controle Proporcional-Integral-Derivativo (PID); e, comunicação Modbus RTU com outros dispositivos através de rede RS-485. O firmware implementado no microcontrolador foi desenvolvido na linguagem C, enquanto que a interface gráfica do usuário (GUI) foi desenvolvida em C#. A metodologia de ensaios foi elaborada combinando recomendações de normas técnicas internacionais. Os ensaios foram conduzidos sob pressão de entrada controlada em 150 kPa, sendo ensaiadas entre cinco e dez peças para cada modelo de conexão. As curvas relacionando vazão e perda localizada de carga foram construídas com, pelo menos, 15 valores de vazão, submetidos sob condição de incremento e decréscimo para incluir eventuais efeitos de histerese do sistema de medição. Foram coletados 30 pontos por condição de vazão, tendo sido realizado uma aquisição de 900 pontos por ensaio. Para cada modelo avaliado foram apresentados as seguintes informações: curva de perda localizada de carga em função de vazão, coeficiente de perda localizada de carga (KL) e comprimento equivalente (Leq). A bancada de ensaios automatizada permitiu a condução dos ensaios onde os sistemas de medição e controle operaram adequadamente, sendo capazes de atender a requisitos estabelecidos em normas técnicas. Os valores aproximados de KL se apresentaram entre 2,70 a 24,08. Em muitos dos casos, o coeficiente tendeu a uma constância após um número de Reynolds de 10000. Pôde-se verificar também a sensibilidade do coeficiente relacionada com a razão das seções internas nas conexões. Os expoentes da vazão assumem valores próximos do que é aplicado pela equação de Darcy-Weisbach (m=2). / Information about minor losses caused by fittings employed in microirrigation systems are hard to be found in literature. The objective of this research was to develop and validate an automated bench for determine experimentally minor losses caused by fittings commonly installed in microirrigation. An automated bench was developed using a microcontrolled electronic circuit that has functionalities for data acquisition and signal conditioning; control of variable frequency drive and proportional valve; Proportional-Integral-Derivative Control (PID); and, Modbus RTU communication with other devices through a RS-485 network. The firmware implemented for the microcontroller was programmed in the C language, while the graphical user interface (GUI) was developed in C#. The methodology of tests was based on international standards. The tests were carried out under controlled inlet pressure, at 150 kPa, and five to ten units were tested for each fitting model. The curves relating flow and minor losses were drawn based on minimum of 15 flow values, obtained under conditions of increase and decrease of flow rate in order to take into account possible effects of hysteresis related to the measurement system. In each flow rate, 30 points were collected resulting in a sample size of 900 points in each test. For each model of fitting evaluated, the following information was presented: curves of minor losses as a function of flow rate, minor loss coefficient (KL) and minor losses expressed as an equivalent length (Leq). The automated test bench enabled to carry out the experiments properly, being able to meet the requirements established by technical standards. The values of KL presented ranged from 2.70 to 24.08. Usually, that coefficient tended to become constant for Reynolds number higher than 10000. The sensitivity of the coefficient related to a ratio of the internal sections in the connections was also verified. The flow exponents presented values close to what is applied by the Darcy-Weisbach equation (m = 2).

Nas extremidades dos dutos flexíveis utilizados na indústria petroleira offshore são instalados os end fittings, ou conectores. Uma parte fundamental deste componente é o sistema de ancoragem, que consiste nos arames de aço da armadura de tração embebidos em resina epóxi, onde seu propósito é transmitir os esforços que provêm do duto. Este estudo tem como objetivo apresentar uma avaliação de três diferentes resinas epóxi (Huntsman: SW404/HY404, AW4804/HW4804 e XAW1395/HY950) comparando as propriedades mecânicas e a influência do ambiente de serviço, a fim de definir qual melhor se adequa para este fim. As propriedades mecânicas das resinas epóxi foram determinadas através de ensaios de compressão, tração, cisalhamento, pullout e medições de dureza. Os denominados ensaios de pullout representam um modelo simplificado do sistema de ancoragem e possibilitam o estudo da interface entre a resina e o aço da armadura de tração. Para avaliar o efeito da exposição do polímero às condições ambientais de serviço, amostras foram envelhecidas numa solução de água marinha na temperatura constante de 60°C, durante um período de 6 meses. Após este período, realizaram-se ensaios de compressão, cisalhamento e pullout, cujos resultados foram comparados com os obtidos de amostras sem nenhum período de exposição. A influência das elevadas temperaturas sobre a propriedade de adesão nas diferentes resinas foi avaliada mediante ensaios de pullout realizados à temperatura de 100°C. Além disto, foi realizada uma análise térmica através de ensaios de TGA e DMTA. Por fim, às propriedades determinadas nos diferentes ensaios e medições lhes foram atribuídas um peso quantitativo de acordo com sua importância dentro do sistema de ancoragem. Os valores das propriedades e seus pesos foram introduzidos a uma matriz de análise de multicritérios, que permitiu selecionar a resina epóxi com a melhor combinação de propriedades para ser aplicada em end fittings. Finalmente, é proposta a determinação de alguns parâmetros adicionais das resinas epóxi para complementar o estudo realizado / End fittings are components that are installed at the ends of flexible pipes used in the offshore oil industry. A fundamental part of this component is the anchoring system, which consists of the steel wires of the tensile armour embedded in epoxy resin, which its purpose is to transmit the loads that come from the pipe. This study aims to present an evaluation of three different epoxy resins (Huntsman: SW404/HY404, AW4804/HW4804 e XAW1395/HY950), comparing the mechanical properties and studying the influence of the service environment, in order to define which material is best suited for this application. The mechanical properties of the epoxy resins were determined by tests such as compression, tensile, shear and pullout tests and hardness measurements. The pullout tests represent a simplified model of the anchoring system and they allow the study of the interface between the resin and the steel of the tensile armour. To evaluate the effect of the exposition of the polymer material to environmental conditions found in service, some samples were immersed in a bath of sea water at a constant temperature of 60°C during a period of 6 months. After this period, compression, shear and pullout tests were performed and the results were compared with those obtained from samples without degradation. The influence of the high temperatures on the adhesion property of the different epoxy resins was evaluated with pullout tests performed at a temperature of 100°C. Furthermore, a thermal analysis was realized through TGA and DMTA tests. Finally, to the properties determined in the different tests and measurements were given a quantitative weight according to their importance within the anchoring system. The values of the properties and their weights were introduced into a matrix of multicriterial analysis that allowed selecting the epoxy resin with the best combination of properties to be applied in end fittings. Finally, it was proposed the determination of other epoxy resins parameters to complement this study.

O trabalho apresentado tem como finalidade analisar os sistemas de ancoragem utilizados na fabricação de End Fittings (EF), através de ensaios de dois sistemas de ancoragem alternativos aos utilizados atualmente na indústria. Além disso, é apresentado o desenvolvimento de um modelo de elementos finitos (MEF) que permite a reprodução do comportamento durante o processo de pullout da ancoragem com melhor desempenho. A caracterização dos materiais envolvidos no sistema de ancoragem foi necessária para o desenvolvimento do modelo numérico. Desta forma, o modelo numérico conta com as propriedades elásticas e plásticas dos materiais, fator que influencia o comportamento do sistema assim como os valores de carga necessários para o arrancamento. A comparação das ancoragens propostas foi realizada a partir dos valores de força obtidos por meio de um teste de arrancamento, chamado de pullout. Para isto, arames da armadura de tração de uma linha flowline de 2,5 polegadas foram conformados de acordo à geometria das ancoragens propostas e embebidas em resina epóxi tentando, desta forma, representar de forma simplificada parte do sistema de ancoragem utilizado nos EF. O desempenho das ancoragens foi analisado a partir das curvas de força em função do deslocamento, nas quais se analisou a força máxima de pullout (força máxima de arrancamento), o deslocamento para força máxima de pullout e o valor de rigidez do sistema. Finalmente depois de selecionada a ancoragem com melhor desempenho, os valores experimentais foram comparados com os valores obtidos do modelo numérico, mostrando uma boa aproximação com valores de erro relativo para a força máxima de pullout e rigidez de -1% e 8%, respectivamente. Por fim, propõe-se como trabalho futuro a continuação nos estudos experimentais de pullout com o objetivo de aprofundar o conhecimento sobre os parâmetros que mais influenciam nestes sistemas, através da utilização de novas geometrias e materiais, assim como a normalização do processo de preparação e ensaio das amostras. / The work aims to analyze the anchoring systems used in manufacturing of flexible pipe End Fittings (EF) through the tests of two alternative anchoring systems different of the currently used in the industry. In addition, it is presented the development of a finite element model (MEF) that allows to reproduce the behavior during the pullout process of the anchoring system with the better performance. The characterization of the materials involved in the anchoring system was necessary for the development of the numerical model. In this way, the numerical model include the elastic and plastic properties of materials, factor that influence the behavior of the system as well as the force values needed for the pullout. The comparison of the proposed anchoring systems was performed from the force values obtained through a pullout test. For this, the armor wires of a flowline flexible pipe with a bore of 2.5-inch were conformed according the geometry of the anchoring systems proposed and then were fixed in epoxy resin, trying in this way to represent a simplified form of the anchoring system used in EF. The performance of the anchoring systems was analyzed from the force-displacement curves. The maximum pullout force, the offset for maximum strength of pullout and the stiffness value of the system were used for the analysis. Finally, after selected the anchoring system with better performance, the experimental values were compared with the values obtained from the numerical model. The results showed a good approximation, with a relative error for the maximum pullout force and stiffness of -1% and 8% respectively. As proposal for future works, the author proposes to continue with the experimental studies of pullout in order to enhance the knowledge about the influential parameters in these systems, through the use of new geometries and materials, as well as the standardization of the test samples preparation.

No description available.

Transformuojamų drabužių apžvalgoje nagrinėjami jų tikslai, kryptys ir drabužių detalių laikino tipo jungimo priemonės. Pateikiamas gaminio aprašymas ir jo techninis piešinys. Gaminiui parenkamas audinys ir tinkama furnitūra. Nurodomi reikalavimai gaminio priežiūrai. Apibūdinama pasirinkta vyriškų transformuojamų kelnių bazinės konstrukcijos projektavimo metodika, atliekamas konstrukcinis modeliavimas. Nubraižomi lekalai, atliekamas, gaminio lekalų dauginimas pagal dydžius. Sudaroma išklotinė ir paskaičiuojamos tarplekalinės sąnaudos. Apibūdinama atliekama gaminio kokybės kontrolė. / The review of transformable trousers analyzes their aims, trends and means of temporary type of connection for parts of clothing. The product description and technical drawing is also provided in this part. Fabric and appropriate fittings are selected for the product. It also gives the requirements for product’s maintenance. A description is given of the selected transformable men's trousers basic structural design methodology; a structural modeling is carried out. The thesis gives the drawings of molds, the propagation of product’s molds according to its sizes. It also provides the development and the evaluation of material remains’ costs. A description of the product quality control is performed.

No description available.

Thesis (M.S.)--Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1992. / Vita. Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 103-110). Also available via the Internet.