We present the application of the boundary integral equation method for solving the motion of biological cell or particle under Stokes flow in the presence of electrostatic field. The huge dense matrix-vector product from the boundary integral method poses a computationally challenging problem for solving the large system of equations generated. In our work, we used the precorrected-FFT (pFFT) method to reduce the computational time and memory usage drastically, so that large scale simulations can be performed quickly on a personal computer. Results on the force field acting on the particle, as well as the behavior of the particle through cell trap are presented. / Singapore-MIT Alliance (SMA)

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 2000. / Typescript. Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 132-137). Also available on the Internet.

Modern embedded systems complexity, performance and energy efficiency has been increasing steeply the last few years. An explosive growth in demand for wireless communication is observed as well and modern wireless links are expected to deliver bit rates of several gigabits while consuming even less energy. In order to satisfy these needs new technologies emerge and novel design approaches are put into practice. Communication at 60 GHz is such a technology that is able to deliver high bit rates in short range wireless links. A major motivation to use the 60 GHz spectrum is the worldwide availability which makes exploitation economically viable. Moreover, small wavelength of only 5 mm promises high integration due to small antenna component size which is one of the main bottlenecks for reducing the dimensions. However, increased frequency comes with many disadvantages as well. To increase the market potential of such a new technology the chip design needs to be cheap and energy-efficient. Such cost and energy constrains heavily impact the performance and the quality of both the analog and the digital components of the chip. In the current thesis the design possibilities of a component in the digital baseband of the receiver of such a chip are explored. The component under investigation is a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) that is used for frequency domain equalization. This part of the receiver is used to reduce the effects of multipath in a non line-ofsight communication environment and as this is a common case in wireless communication the FFT block has been identified as one of the 2 most computational intensive components of the receiver in 60 GHz. This is the main reason why we explore possibilities to further decrease the power consumption of the block while maintaining the performance and the quality of service. To achieve this reduction the possibilities of a new design concept are explored. System Scenarios is a new design concept for embedded systems operating in dynamic environments. Wireless communication systems exhibit high dynamism during their operation on highly varying data streams, providing the System Scenarios huge xvi capabilities. The essential idea behind system scenarios is the classification of the application under investigation from a cost perspective during design time. Then, the classification is exploited during run time resulting to an overall improved implementation of the application. To achieve this the application is broken down to run-time situations (RTS) which are distinguishable operation modes of the application. Then RTSs with similar costs are clustered to form system scenarios. Finally for each scenario a different mapping and scheduling of the application is generated. In the case of the current thesis the application is the FFT and the cost perspective is the power consumption of the component. To exploit the RTS clustering in run time different quantization schemes have been produced. These schemes have been generated based on various properties of the data waveforms in the input of the FFT. The thesis explores the potential of the System Scenarios as well as the application of a quantization methodology for the FFT. Different options of the RTS clustering and the quantization of the FFT block are evaluated in order to come up with a more efficient implementation. / Τα σύγχρονα ηλεκτρονικά συστήματα παρέχουν στους χρήστες έναν καθημερινά αυξανόμενο αριθμό υπηρεσιών και λειτουργιών. Η ζήτηση τς αγοράς για ϕθηνές, αξιόπιστες και ϕορητές ηλεκτρονικές συ- σκευές ωθεί τα όρια του σχεδιασμού των ενσωματωμένων συστημάτων σε νέες ανεξερεύνητες περιοχές. Η ϕορητότητα απαιτεί την αϕαίρεση όλων των καλωδίων είτε για μετάδοση δεδομένων είτε για ενέργεια. Για να επιτευχθεί αυτό, η ασύρματη επικοινωνία σε υψηλό ρυθμό μετάδοσης είναι επιθυμητή χωρίς να θυσιαστεί η υψηλή ενεργειακή απο- δοτικότητα που καθιστά την συσκευή αυτόνομη από το ενεργειακό δίκτυο για μεγάλες χρονικές περιόδους. Η συνεχής αύξηση στις προδιαγραϕές των σύγχρονων ενσωματομένων συστημάτων έχει οδηγήσει στην χρήση καινοτόμων ιδεών, προσεγγίσεων και τεχνολογιών. Μια νέα τεχνολογία που υπόσχεται υψηλή ολοκλήρωση και υψηλό ρυθμό μετάδοσης δεδομένων στις ασύρματες ζεύξεις είναι η επικοινωνία στα 60 GHz. Μια νέα προσέγγιση σχεδιασμού για ενσωματομένα συστήματα υπόσχεται αποτελεσματική εκμετάλευση του δυναμισμού που μπορεί να παρουσιάζει ένα σύστημα. Τα ασύρματα συστήματα επικοινωνίας λειτουργούν τυπικά σε πολύ δυναμικά περιβάλλοντα. Τα Σενάρια συστήματος έχουν μεγάλες δυνατότητες για να βελτιώσουν την αποτελεσματικότητα της υλοποίησης των ψηϕιακών βάσεων τέτοιων συστημάτων. Στην παρούσα διπλωματική εξερευνούμε της δυνατότητες της αρχιτεκτονικής του FFT που βρίσκεται στην πλευρά του δέκτη ενός πομποδέκτη στα 60 GHz. Ο FFT είναι μέρος της εξίσωσης στο πεδίο της συχνότητας που χρησιμοποιείται για να μειώσει της επιδράσεις του ϕαινομένου multipath. Χρησιμοποιώντας Σενάρια Συστήματος προσπαθούμε να καταλήξουμε με μια πιο προσαρμοστική και συνεπώς πιο ενεργειακά αποδοτική υλοποίηση του μετασχηματισμού. Η εϕαρμογή των Σεναρίων Συστήματος χρησιμοποιώντας δεδομένα ως παράμετρο είναι μια καινοτόμα προσέγγιση και σε αυτή την διπλωματική εργασία ελέγχουμε την επιτευξιμότητα της. Για να επιτύχουμε κάτι τέτοιο πρέπει να μπορούμε να παράγουμε πολλαπλά διαϕορετικά σχέδια κβαντοποίησης του μετασχηματισμού σε αποδεκτά χρονικά διαστήματα. Οι παρούσες μέθοδοι κβαντοποίησης δεν μπορούν ακόμα να παρέχουν τέτοια δυνατότητα. Έτσι βασιζόμενοι στην επέκταση μια υπάρχουσας μεθοδολογίας προτείνουμε μια ολοκληρωμένη μεθοδολογία που μπορεί να παράγει σχέδια κβαντοποίησης μεγάλων στοιχείων υλικού όπως ο FFT.

Thesis (MSc)--Stellenbosch University, 2015. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The alcoholic beverage industry needs objective analysis of grape juice and liqueur quality. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy with multivariate data analysis techniques is widely used in wine laboratories across South Africa for accurate, fast and high sample throughput analyses. In this study the potential of FT-IR spectroscopy is evaluated for the quantification of ammonia in freshly pressed grape juice. FT-IR spectroscopy is evaluated, using two different spectrometers, in respectively attenuated total reflection (ATR) - and transmission scanning modes for the quantification of alcohol, pH and invert sugar in spirit-based liqueurs. The ultimate aim was to implement the PLS regression algorithms developed at an industrial cellar and replace the complex and lengthy reference methods used at the time of this study. Principle component analysis (PCA) was performed prior to the calibration step to identify groupings and patterns within the spectra. The PLS calibration models were developed from samples collected at the cellar and using partial least square (PLS) regression. The models were evaluated using the performance criteria coefficient of determination (R2) and root mean squared error of cross validation (RMSECV) at calibration stage, and root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) and residual predictive deviation ratio (RPD) at validation stage. The average RMSEP (1.88 mg/L) of the ammonia PLS calibration model was in agreement with the standard error of laboratory (SEL = 1.54 mg/L). The R2 (92.05) and average RPD (3.3) proposed a model with excellent precision for screening purposes that was ready to be transferred for use by the laboratory. The r2 values for the alcohol, pH and invert sugar PLS calibration models obtained in ATR and transmission, indicated good to excellent precision (80<r2<100). The alcohol PLS calibration model obtained in transmission was suitable for quality- and process control purposes (RPD = 21.2), while the invert sugar PLS calibration model for quality control purposes (5<RPD<6.4). The pH and invert sugar calibration models obtained in ATR were suitable for screening purposes with RPD = 3.6 and RPD = 4.8, respectively. These PLS regression algorithms were implemented at the cellar. The pH PLS calibration model obtained in transmission was suitable for rough screening of samples (RPD = 2.7) and future development was neccesary to increase the predictability of the model. The results obtained in this study made a significant contribution towards validation of FT-MIR as a powerful tool for rapid quantification of quality indicating parameters in wine and spirit-based liqueurs. The contribution is particularly valuable in the context of ongoing research to improve the quality of products at the cellar to meet consumer demands. The knowledge gained on quantification of quality indication parameters of spirit-based liqueurs is novel and this is one of the first reports on implementation of mid-infrared (MIR) spectroscopy for the quality control of South African spirit-based liqueurs. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die wynindustrie benodig objektiewe analises van druiwesap- en likeurgehalte. Fourier-transformasie- infrarooi (FT-IR) spektroskopie met multiveranderlike statistiese metodes word gebruik in wynlaboratoriums regoor Suid-Afrika vir akkurate, vinnige en hoë monsterdeurset ontledings. In hierdie studie is die potensiaal van FT-IR spektroskopie geëvalueer vir die kwantifisering van ammoniak in die sap van vars geparste wyndruiwe. Twee verskillende FT-IR spektroskopie instrumente, in onderskeidelik (verswakte totale refleksie, ATR) - en transmissie skandering is gebruik vir die kwantifisering van alkohol, pH en invertsuiker in spiritus-gebaseerde likeurs. Die uiteindelike doel was om die parsiële kleinste kwadraat (PKK)- regressie algoritmes wat ontwikkel is, by 'n industriële kelder te implementeer en die komplekse en tydrowende verwysingmetodes wat tydens die studie in die kelder gebruik is te vervang. Verskeie multiveranderlike hoofkomponentanalise (MVK) is uitgevoer voor die kalibrasie stap, met die doel om groeperings en patrone in die spektra te identifiseer. Die PKK kalibrasiemodelle is ontwikkel van monsters wat by die kelder versamel is en die spektra is gebruik in die PKK regressies. Tydens die kalibrasiefase is die modelle geëvalueer met behulp van die bepalingskoëffisiënt (R2) en gemiddelde kalibrasieprediksiefout en tydens die validasiefase, met behulp van die standaardvoorspellingsfout (SVF) en relatiewe voorspellingsafwyking (RVA). Die gemiddelde SVF (1.88 mg/L) van die ammoniak kalibrasiemodel was in ooreenstemming met die standaard fout van die laboratorium (SEL = 1.54 mg/L). Die R2 (92.05) en die gemiddelde RVA (3.3) dui op ‘n model met uitstekende presiesheid wat gereed is vir oordra en gebruik deur die industrie. Die R2 waardes vir die alkohol-, pH- en invertsuiker –kalibrasie-modelle wat met ATR en transmissie vir die likeurmonsters ontwikkel is, dui op goeie tot uitstekende presiesheid (80<R2<100). Die alkoholkalibrasiemodel wat ontwikkel is in transmissie, is geskik vir kwaliteits- en prosesbeheerdoelwitte (RVA = 21.2), terwyl die invertsuiker kalibrasiemodel geskik is vir kwaliteitsbeheer doelwitte (5<RVA<6.4). Die pH en invertsuiker kalibrasiemodelle in ATR is geskik vir vinnige evalueringsdoelwitte, met RVA = 3.6 en RVA = 4.8 waardes, onderskeidelik. Hierdie algoritmes is ook in die kelder geimplementeer. Die pH kalibrasiemodel in transmissie was geskik vir vinnige evalueringsdoelwitte (RVA = 2.7) en toekomstige ontwikkeling is nodig om die voorspellingsakkuraatheidvan die model te verbeter. Die resultate van hierdie studie het ‘n betekenisvolle bydrae gelewer tot bevestiging van infrarooi spektroskopie as 'n kragtige tegnologie vir die vinnige kwantifisering van gehalteparameters in druiwesap en spiritus-gebaseerde likeurs. Die bydrae is veral waardevol in die konteks van voortgesette navorsing om die kwaliteit van produkte by die kelder te verbeter en aan verbruikerseise te voldoen. Die studie vir die kwantifisering van gehalteparameters in spiritus-gebaseerde likeurs is eerste in sy soort en een van die gerapporteerde verslae vir die implementering van infrarooi spektroskopie vir gehaltebeheer van Suid-Afrikaanse spiritus-gebaseerde likeurs.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:23:35Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2010-08-03Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T19:09:28Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 jasse_ff_me_arafo.pdf: 3143943 bytes, checksum: db74ccbc66112c4a240ca5402754512c (MD5) / Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) / Numerosos tipos e marcas comerciais de resinas compostas são constantemente introduzidos no mercado odontológico, em função de modificações na composição, tipo, formato e quantidade das partículas inorgânicas, assim como na porção orgânica. Sempre, com a finalidade de proporcionar propriedades mecânicas e estéticas superiores aos materiais, aumentando dessa forma sua longevidade. Assim, o propósito neste estudo foi avaliar o grau de conversão (GC) pelo método FT-IR e a degradação hidrolítica por meio do teste de dureza Vickers (dV), de duas resinas compostas (uma nanoparticulada e uma micro-híbrida). Para isso, oito espécimes (4 mm de diâmetro x 2 mm de espessura, ISO 4049) de cada material foram confeccionados para cada teste. As resinas compostas foram inseridas em única porção na matriz metálica e fotoativadas com aparelho LED (Celalux, Voco®, 776 mW/cm²), por 40 segundos. Dezesseis leituras de dV (8 no topo e 8 na base) foram realizadas para cada espécime em durômetro digital MMT-3 (Buehler Lake Bluff, Illinois USA), utilizando carga de 50 gf aplicada durante 30 segundos, em intervalos de tempo prédeterminados: imediatamente após fotoativação (controle), 24, 48, 72 horas, 7, 14, 21, 30 dias e 6 meses. Logo após a fotoativação foi feita a medida da dureza inicial e os espécimes foram então imersos em saliva artificial a 37°C. Para o GC (%), os espécimes foram triturados, prensados com KBr e analisados em espectrofotômetro FT-IR (Nexus-470). Os resultados foram submetidos à análise estatística e permitiram concluir que: não foi observada diferença entre as resinas quanto ao grau de conversão; a proporção entre as medidas de dureza de topo e base foi semelhante para os dois materiais, tendo sido mantida ao longo de todo o tempo experimental; a resina Z-250 apresentou os maiores valores de dureza tanto na superfície de topo quanto na de base... / Numerous types and brands of composite resins are constantly introduced into the dental market, due to changes in the composition, type, shape and quantity of inorganic particles as well as the organic portion. Always with the aim of providing superior mechanical and aesthetic properties to materials, thereby increasing their longevity. Thus, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the degree of conversion (DC) and hydrolytic degradation through the Vickers hardness test (hV) of two composites (a nanofilled and a microhybrid). For this, eight specimens (4 mm diameter x 2 mm thick, ISO 4049) of each material were prepared for each test. The composites were inserted into single increment in the metallic matrix and photoactivated with a LED unit (Celalux, Voco ®, 776 mW / cm ²) for 40 seconds. Sixteen hV readings (8 on each top and bottom surfaces) were performed for each specimen in MMT-3 digital hardness tester (Buehler Lake Bluff, Illinois USA), using load of 50 gf applied for 30 seconds, at predetermined intervals: immediately after polymerization (control), 24, 48, 72 hours, 7, 14, 21, 30 days and 6 months. After curing, initial hardness measurements were performed and the specimens were immersed in artificial saliva at 37 °C. For the DC (%), the specimens were ground, pressed with KBr and analyzed by FT-IR spectrophotometer (Nexus-470). The results were subjected to statistical analysis and concluded that: there was no difference between the resins for degree of conversion; the ratio between top and bottom hardness values was similar for both materials and was maintained throughout the experimental period; the composite resin Z-250 showed the highest hardness values in both the top surface as the bottom throughout the evaluation period. The materials tested showed no evidence of hydrolytic degradation in a significant way, in a six-month storage-time in artificial saliva

abstract: For synthetic aperture radar (SAR) image formation processing, the chirp scaling algorithm (CSA) has gained considerable attention mainly because of its excellent target focusing ability, optimized processing steps, and ease of implementation. In particular, unlike the range Doppler and range migration algorithms, the CSA is easy to implement since it does not require interpolation, and it can be used on both stripmap and spotlight SAR systems. Another transform that can be used to enhance the processing of SAR image formation is the fractional Fourier transform (FRFT). This transform has been recently introduced to the signal processing community, and it has shown many promising applications in the realm of SAR signal processing, specifically because of its close association to the Wigner distribution and ambiguity function. The objective of this work is to improve the application of the FRFT in order to enhance the implementation of the CSA for SAR processing. This will be achieved by processing real phase-history data from the RADARSAT-1 satellite, a multi-mode SAR platform operating in the C-band, providing imagery with resolution between 8 and 100 meters at incidence angles of 10 through 59 degrees. The phase-history data will be processed into imagery using the conventional chirp scaling algorithm. The results will then be compared using a new implementation of the CSA based on the use of the FRFT, combined with traditional SAR focusing techniques, to enhance the algorithm's focusing ability, thereby increasing the peak-to-sidelobe ratio of the focused targets. The FRFT can also be used to provide focusing enhancements at extended ranges. / Dissertation/Thesis / M.S. Electrical Engineering 2011

Master of Science / Department of Chemical Engineering / John R. Schlup / The cross-linking reaction of the polyimide Matrimid 5218 with ethylenediamine (EDA) in methanol was investigated using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Peaks associated with breaking imide bonds and the formation of amide bonds were identified. Using an internal standard peak of 1014 cm⁻¹ allowed for quantitative analysis to be applied. The peak areas, calculated by slice area, were used for absorbance ratio analysis to follow the cross-linking reaction as a function of time. Lastly, the absorbance values for the decreasing peak 1718 cm⁻¹ were used to calculate the order of reaction for the reaction rate of the mechanism.

Ce travail propose de nouvelles contributions aux méthodes d’homogénéisation avec des applications aux composite, aux polycristaux et aux milieux poreux. Les propriétés effectives sont déterminées en résolvant un problème élémentaire sur la cellule unitaire que l’on peut reformuler avec l’équation de Lippmann-Schwinger (LS). Celle-ci est résolue en utilisant des développements en série de Neumann. Plusieurs approches sont alors proposées pour calculer les différents termes de la série, en utilisant des approches analytiques ou numériques. Ainsi, dans les deux premiers chapitres, on établit une famille d’équation LS pour la polarisation dans le contexte de la conductivité thermique et de l’élasticité. L’opérateur de cette équation est optimisé afin d’obtenir la meilleur convergence de la série de Neumann et par conséquent la meilleur estimation des propriétés effectives du composite. L’estimation proposée est basée à la fois sur une série tronquée et une estimation du résidu de la série de Neumann. Le travail présenté au chapitre 3 concerne le calcul des propriétés de transport de masse en milieu poreux. De manière classique, la loi de filtration est donnée par la loi de Darcy à l’échelle macroscopique. Dans ce travail, on calcule les termes correctifs à l’équation de Darcy lorsque la condition de stricte séparation des échelles n’est pas vérifiée. Ces termes correctifs sont calculés numériquement en résolvant une équation LS et en utilisant un schéma itératif basé sur la transformée de Fourier Rapide (TFR). Finalement, au chapitre 4, on détermine numériquement des bornes pour les propriétés élastiques des polycristaux en utilisant toujours les approches basées sur la TFR. L’approche proposée permet de tenir compte de la géométrie exacte de la cellule de Voronoi en utilisant les expressions exactes des fonctions formes pour des polygones et des polyèdres. La méthode est appliquée à des polycristaux constitués de monocristaux cubiques / This work proposed some contributions to the homogenization methods with applications to composites materials, polycristals and porous media. The effective properties are determined by solving the unit cell problem and the corresponding Lippmann-Schwinger (LS) equation. The latter is solved by means of Neumann series. Different approaches are considered to evaluate each terms of the series using analytic or numerical approaches. In the first two chapters, we formulate a general class of LS equations for the polarization in the case of conductivity and then elasticity. The operator of the latter is optimized to obtain the best convergence of the associated Neumann series and then of the better estimate of the effective of the composite. The estimate is based on both a truncated Neumann series and an approximation of its residual. In chapter 3, we deal with the mass transport properties of porous media. Classically, the filtration law is given by the Darcy equation at the macroscopic scale. In the present work we compute the corrective terms of the Darcy equation in the situation of no strict scale separation. These corrective terms are determined numerically by solving a LS equation with a fast Fourier Transform (FFT) based iterative scheme. Finally, in chapter 4, we derivative numerically some bounds for the elastic properties of polycristals still by means of an FFT iterative scheme. The approach uses an exact description of the voronoi-unit cell geometry by using the shape functions of polygons and polyhedrons. The method is applied to polycristals constituted of cubic single crystals

O monitoramento de vibração de máquinas rotativas é de grande interesse da indústria, uma vez que se tem a possibilidade de detectar, com certa antecedência, problemas relacionados à condição de funcionamento do equipamento, possibilitando reparos, ajustes ou consertos e, assim, minimizando custos no caso de falhas graves ou paradas inesperadas. Neste trabalho é feita a adequação de uma bancada de testes para estudo de técnicas de detecção de falhas em rolamentos de esferas por análise de vibração. O objetivo é o de localizar falhas em rolamentos utilizando o monitoramento dos sinais das vibrações (aceleração) no mancal que suporta o rolamento de teste e o posterior processamento com o auxílio de alguma técnica de detecção. Neste trabalho a técnica do envelope foi escolhida. A bancada, assim desenvolvida, permite a retirada e colocação dos rolamentos em estudo de maneira simples e rápida, permitindo a execução de diversos testes com rapidez. A investigação da detecção de falhas em rolamentos é feita comparando-se rolamentos em condições normais com rolamentos que têm um defeito induzido. Inicialmente é apresentada a descrição das origens e formas de propagação das falhas em elementos de rolamentos e também as formas como estas falhas são induzidas em locais específicos de cada rolamento. Uma breve revisão sobre métodos de detecção de falhas no domínio do tempo e da frequência é feita. Ênfase é dada ao método do envelope que faz uso da transformada de Hilbert (Hilbert Transform) conjuntamente com a transformada Rápida de Fourier (Fast Fourier Transform). Em seguida, descreve-se como foram geradas as falhas e separados os grupos de teste, também é descrito como os ensaios foram executados com os danos induzidos em local pré-determinado no rolamento. Os resultados obtidos possibilitaram identificar as origens das falhas induzidas tanto na pista externa quanto na interna dos rolamentos analisando os sinais de vibração do mancal onde está montado o rolamento em teste com o pós-processamento dos mesmos com a técnica investigada. Os testes simulam as condições extremas encontradas em sistemas rotativos de equipamentos industriais através da imposição de cargas verticais ao rolamento. Este estudo de detecção das falhas em rolamentos propiciou uma melhor compreensão e análise do processo de falha nestes componentes. / The vibration monitoring of rotating machines is of great interest to industries since it has the ability to detect, in advance, problems related to the operational condition of the equipment, enabling fixing, adjustments or repair, and thus, minimizing the cost in case of faults or unexpected downtime. In this work, the study of the adequacy of a test bench for detecting faults in ball bearings by vibration analysis techniques is developed. It aims at locating faults in ball bearings using vibration monitoring signals (acceleration) in the journal bearings that support this elements and further processing with the aid of some detection technique. In this work the envelope technique was chosen. The developed test bench thus allows the removal and placement of the bearings in a simple and fast way allowing running quickly several tests. The investigation of detecting faults in ball bearings is made by comparing the bearings under normal conditions with bearings which have an induced defect. First of all is presented a description of the origins and forms of propagation of faults in bearing elements and also the ways in which these failures are induced in specific locations of each bearing. A brief review of methods for detecting faults in the time and frequency domain is made. Emphasis is given to the Envelope Method which uses the Hilbert Transform with the Fast Fourier Transform. Then it is described how the tests were accomplished with the induced damage in predetermined sites in the bearing. The results obtained allowed to identify the origins of the induced bearing failures in both outer and inner races just by reading the vibration signals and post-processing them with the investigated technique. The tests take care to simulate conditions close to those found in actual rotatory systems of industrial equipment by imposing vertical loads to the bearing. This study in detecting flaws in balls bearings provided a better understanding of the analysis failure process in these components.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os métodos de espectroscopia Raman e espectroscopia de absorção de infravermelho (FTIR) na identificação da degradação do trans-1,4-poliisopreno de cones de guta-percha sem uso, e o comportamento do material após diferentes períodos decorridos de sua fabricação por testes de indentação de nanodureza (IHT). Para a análise, foram selecionadas 27 amostras de cones de guta-percha sem uso, de 5 marcas comerciais vendidas no mercado brasileiro, cedidas por Cirurgiões-dentistas. As amostras foram avaliadas através de espectroscopia Raman, com base no sinal da ligação C=C, indicando a presença de trans-1,4-poliisopreno; FTIR, levando-se em consideração a ligação C=O, indicativa de oxidação do material; IHT, avaliando-se rigidez e módulo de elasticidade. Os dados foram analisados de maneira descritiva. Observam-se, nos espectros de Raman, amostras nas quais os picos relativos à ligação C=C foram identificados, bem como outras em que não foi percebido o referido pico, sem uma relação direta com os tempos decorridos da fabricação dos cones de guta-percha sem uso. Em relação ao FTIR, em todas as amostras analisadas foram observados picos relativos à ligação C=O, indicando haver algum grau de oxidação no material. Os testes de nanodureza, realizados em cones sem uso, mostraram não haver homogeneidade dos valores de dureza e módulo de elasticidade. A análise pelos métodos de espectroscopia Raman e FTIR em cones de guta-percha é dificultada pelos vários componentes presentes no material e a separação do polímero trans-1,4-poliisopreno pode evitar número excessivo de picos e facilitar a interpretação dos espectros. Espectroscopia Raman e FTIR são capazes de identificar a degradação do poliisopreno. A presença, ou não, da ligação C=C, nos espectros de Raman, não teve relação direta com a idade dos cones. Os cones de guta-percha sem uso apresentaram algum grau de degradação, devido à presença da oxigênio no polímero. As análises de nanodureza não foram conclusivas quanto ao comportamento do material relacionado ao envelhecimento. / The aim of the present study was to evaluate the methods Raman spectroscopy and infrared absorption spectroscopy (FTIR) to analyze the degradation of trans-1,4-polyisoprene polymer in gutta-percha points, before use. Mechanical properties were assessed through the instrumented hardness tests (IHT). Twenty-seven samples of gutta-percha cones collected before use, belonging to five different commercial brands sold in Brazil, were obtained from Dental Surgeons. The samples were evaluated by Raman spectroscopy, based on the sign of the C=C bond (representing the trans-1,4-polyisoprene polymer); FTIR, considering the C=O bond (indicating polymer oxidation), and instrumented hardness tests (IHT), to assess both rigidity and elasticity modulus. Descriptive analysis was performed. Raman spectra showed that there were samples of gutta-percha before use where the C=C was identified, an others no. There was no relation between its detection and the time from manufacturing. FTIR showed C=O bond in all samples, indicating that there was some degree of oxidation on the material. Nanoindentation tests showed no homogeneity between hardness and modulus of elasticity. The analysis by Raman and FTIR in gutta-percha points is difficult because there are several components that form the material, and polymer isolation can facilitate the interpretation of the spectra. Both methods were able to evaluate polymers’ degradation. The presence of C=C bond, in Raman spectra, have no relation to their age. The gutta-percha points showed some degree of degradation, due to the presence of oxygen in the polymer. Nanoindentation tests did not provid conclusive results regarding the material’s aging behavior.