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Radio wave absorbing materials (RAM) are commonly found amongst high-tech products such as LCD electronic devices, laptop and desktop computers. Electromagnetic wave absorbing materials are composed of dielectric materials mixed with ferrite, a magnetic material, with varying shapes and sizes. It should be capable of absorbing electromagnetic energy at normal and large incident angles over a wide range of frequencies. This requires the material to possess a large relative complex dielectric constant (permitivity £`r), as well as a large relative complex magnetic permeability constant (£gr). Due to the nature of the complexity of the RAM, which surpasses standard analysis techniques, we have derived, for this thesis, frequency-domain two-dimensional finite-difference formulas for modeling the electromagnetic behavior of RAM. This involves using a material that has a given £`r(1:10 range) and £gr(1:1000 range) which covers a vast range of indices of refraction. To reduce the computational domain, we took care of implementing the numerical absorbing boundary conditions, while also implementing material averaging schemes for the finite-difference coefficients that cover the region where sample medium changes. Simple numerical examples are included to verify our mathematical model. We also implemented an optimal one-dimensional multi-layered RAM design, designed by using a constrained optimization searching technique. Included in the thesis are two complete, practical, optimal designs considering available material parameters (finite loss tangent) as well as their actual manufacturing limitations (layer thickness).

Interparticle interactions determine the microstructure, stability, rheology, and optical properties of concentrated colloidal suspensions involved in paint, paper, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries, etc. Frequency domain photon migration (FDPM) involves modeling the photon transport in a multiple scattering medium as a diffusion process in order to simultaneously determine isotropic scattering and absorption coefficients from measured amplitude attenuation and phase shift of the propagating photon density wave. Using FDPM, we investigated the impact of electrostatic interaction upon the optical properties and structure of dense charged suspensions. We demonstrated that electrostatic interactions among charged polystyrene latex may significantly affect the light scattering properties and structure of dense suspensions at low ionic strength (<0.06 mM NaCl equivalent) by actual FDPM measurement. We showed that the structure factor models addressing electrostatic interaction can be used to describe the microstructure of charged suspensions and quenched scattering due to electrostatics, and demonstrated that FDPM has the potential to be a novel structure and surface charge probe for dense suspensions. We also showed that the FDPM measured isotropic scattering coefficients may respond to the change in effective particle surface charge, and displayed the potential of using FDPM for probing particle surface charge in concentrated suspensions. We presented that the interference approximation implies a linear relationship between the absorption coefficient and volume fraction of suspension. We illustrated that FDPM measured absorption coefficient varies linearly with suspension volume fraction and affirmed the interference approximation from a perspective of light absorption. The validation of the interference approximation enables us to develop the methodology for estimating absorption efficiencies and imaginary refractive indices for both particles and suspending fluid simultaneously using FDPM. We further demonstrated a novel application of FDPM measured absorption coefficients in determining pigment absorption spectra, and displayed the potential of using FDPM as a novel analytical tool in pigment and paint industry.

Tissue optical properties, absorption, scattering and fluorescence, reveal important information about health, and holds the potential for non-invasive diagnosis and therefore earlier treatment for many diseases. On the other hand, tissue structure determines its function. Studying tissue structural properties helps us better understand structure-function relationship. Optical imaging is an ideal tool to study these tissue properties. However, conventional optical imaging techniques have limitations, such as not being able to quantitatively evaluate tissue absorption and scattering properties and only providing volumetrically averaged quantities with no depth control capability. To better study tissue properties, we integrated spatial frequency domain imaging (SFDI) with conventional reflectance imaging modalities. SFDI is a non-invasive, non-contact wide-field imaging technique which utilizes structured illumination to probe tissues. SFDI imaging is able to accurately quantify tissue optical properties. By adjusting spatial frequency, the imaging depth can be tuned which allows for depth controlled imaging. Especially at high spatial frequency, SFDI reflectance image is more sensitive to tissue scattering property than absorption property. The imaging capability of SFDI allows for studying tissue properties from a whole new perspective. In our study, we developed both benchtop and handheld SFDI imaging systems to accommodate different applications. By evaluating tissue optical properties, we corrected attenuation in fluorescence imaging using an analytical model; and we quantified optical and physical properties of skin diseases. By imaging at high spatial frequency, we demonstrated that absorption in fluorescence imaging can also be reduced because of a reduced imaging depth. This correction can be performed in real-time at 19 frames/second. Furthermore, fibrous structures orientation from the superficial layer can be accurately quantified in a multi-layered sample by limiting imaging depth. Finally, we color rendered SFDI reflectance image at high spatial frequency to reveal structural changes in skin lesions.

Extreme variability of rainfall during the growing season in the Prairies underlies the need to improve means of quantifying the amount of soil moisture available for plant growth in real time. This study was conducted to modify and validate the Versatile Soil Moisture Budget (VSMB) for estimating volumetric soil water content. A network of soil moisture hydra probes and weather stations were installed for continuous soil moisture monitoring and real-time weather data collection at 13 sites across Central and Western Manitoba during the 2009 and 2010 growing seasons. The data from the probes were validated and calibrated. Both the laboratory and field validations showed that the root mean square error of the default factory calibration increased with increasing clay content of the soil. Outputs from these probes were used to test the modified VSMB model. The model was most effective at simulating soil water content at the surface layers.

Parameterised analytical models that describe the trimmed inflight behaviour of classical aircraft have been studied and are widely accepted by the flight dynamics community. Therefore, the primary role of aircraft parameter estimation is to quantify the parameter values which make up the models and define the physical relationship of the air vehicle with respect to its local environment. Nevertheless, a priori empirical predictions dependent on aircraft design parameters also exist, and these provide a useful means of generating preliminary values predicting the aircraft behaviour at the design stage. However, at present the only feasible means that exist to actually prove and validate these parameter values remains to extract them through physical experimentation either in a wind-tunnel or from a flight test. With the advancement of UAVs, and in particular smaller UAVs (less than 1m span) the ability to fly the full scale vehicle and generate flight test data presents an exciting opportunity. Furthermore, UAV testing lends itself well to the ability to perform rapid prototyping with the use of COTS equipment. Real-time system identification was first used to monitor highly unstable aircraft behaviour in non-linear flight regimes, while expanding the operational flight envelope. Recent development has focused on creating self-healing control systems, such as adaptive re-configurable control laws to provide robustness against airframe damage, control surface failures or inflight icing. In the case of UAVs real-time identification, would facilitate rapid prototyping especially in low-cost projects with their constrained development time. In a small UAV scenario, flight trials could potentialy be focused towards dynamic model validation, with the prior verification step done using the simulation environment. Furthermore, the ability to check the estimated derivatives while the aircraft is flying would enable detection of poor data readings due to deficient excitation manoeuvres or atmospheric turbulence. Subsequently, appropriate action could then be taken while all the equipment and personnel are in place. This thesis describes the development of algorithms in order to perform online system identification for UAVs which require minimal analyst intervention. Issues pertinent to UAV applications were: the type of excitation manoeuvers needed and the necessary instrumentation required to record air-data. Throughout the research, algorithm development was undertaken using an in-house Simulink© model of the Aerosonde UAV which provided a rapid and flexible means of generating simulated data for analysis. In addition, the algorithms were further tested with real flight test data that was acquired from the Cranfield University Jestream-31 aircraft G-NFLA during its routine operation as a flying classroom. Two estimation methods were principally considered, the maximum likelihood and least squares estimators, with the aforementioned found to be best suited to the proposed requirements. In time-domain analysis reconstruction of the velocity state derivatives ˙W and ˙V needed for the SPPO and DR modes respectively, provided more statistically reliable parameter estimates without the need of a α- or β- vane. By formulating the least squares method in the frequency domain, data issues regarding the removal of bias and trim offsets could be more easily addressed while obtaining timely and reliable parameter estimates. Finally, the importance of using an appropriate input to excite the UAV dynamics allowing the vehicle to show its characteristics must be stressed.

This thesis explores and implements techniques for frequency domain modelling and time domain simulation of overhead transmission lines. The popular Vector Fitting algorithm is employed to approximate the frequency domain model using rational functions, and the recursive convolution technique is applied to the rational approximation to generate a time domain form. The frequency domain model is translated into the time domain using delay extraction, modal decomposition, passivity enforcement, and rational approximation. Several approaches to each of these procedures are investigated. The thesis also discusses several choices for the integration method used within the recursive convolution procedure. In order to make the transmission line modeller and simulator easy to use, a Java-based library and partial graphical interface were developed. Specifically, the goal was to develop a platform-independent program that can run either stand-alone or as an applet inside a web page.

Extreme variability of rainfall during the growing season in the Prairies underlies the need to improve means of quantifying the amount of soil moisture available for plant growth in real time. This study was conducted to modify and validate the Versatile Soil Moisture Budget (VSMB) for estimating volumetric soil water content. A network of soil moisture hydra probes and weather stations were installed for continuous soil moisture monitoring and real-time weather data collection at 13 sites across Central and Western Manitoba during the 2009 and 2010 growing seasons. The data from the probes were validated and calibrated. Both the laboratory and field validations showed that the root mean square error of the default factory calibration increased with increasing clay content of the soil. Outputs from these probes were used to test the modified VSMB model. The model was most effective at simulating soil water content at the surface layers.

This thesis explores and implements techniques for frequency domain modelling and time domain simulation of overhead transmission lines. The popular Vector Fitting algorithm is employed to approximate the frequency domain model using rational functions, and the recursive convolution technique is applied to the rational approximation to generate a time domain form. The frequency domain model is translated into the time domain using delay extraction, modal decomposition, passivity enforcement, and rational approximation. Several approaches to each of these procedures are investigated. The thesis also discusses several choices for the integration method used within the recursive convolution procedure. In order to make the transmission line modeller and simulator easy to use, a Java-based library and partial graphical interface were developed. Specifically, the goal was to develop a platform-independent program that can run either stand-alone or as an applet inside a web page.

Power transformers are important and expensive elements within the electric power transmission and distribution utilities. Since these equipments are connected in series to the network, any inadvertent failures would cause catastrophic interruptions to the power supply. As such, it is extremely critical for the power transformer to operate continuously in order to maintain a reliable and efficient electricity supply. Ageing or defects in power transformer has a root in its insulation structure and this has always been a well-known fact. For many years, mineral oil impregnated cellulose paper (OIP) has been the choice of insulation for power transformers due to its excellent dielectric properties as well as its inexpensive price. During the course of operation, the dielectric properties of OIP insulation inevitably deteriorate due to singularly or a combination of stresses such as thermal, electrical, mechanical, chemical as well as environmental stresses. Degradation of power transformer insulation is an irreversible process and has been encountered by all power utilities around the world. However, replacing a power transformer simply by its age is impractical and uneconomical. With the increase in the population of ageing power transformers, there is an urgent need to evaluate the condition of transformer insulation so as to facilitate the planning for refurbishment or replacement of the equipment in a more appropriate manner. To address this issue, many techniques involving both chemical and electrical methods have been developed to monitor the insulation condition of oil-filled power transformers. However, some of these techniques are destructive by nature and some of them are unable to assess the insulation condition accurately. With the advancement in technology over the years, newer diagnostic methods in time and frequency domains have been developed in recent years to assess the insulation condition based on their dielectric responses. One of the newly developed methods is known as Frequency Domain Spectroscopy (FDS) measurement and it monitors the insulation condition by measuring the diagnostic parameters as a function of frequency ranging from 0.1mHz to 1kHz. The primary focus of this thesis is to adopt FDS technique to study the effects of several deterioration factors on the dielectric response of transformer insulation, so as to develop a better understanding between FDS technique and the condition of transformer insulation. To study the effects of moisture and temperature, FDS measurements were performed on a CIGRE model transformer at various moisture concentrations and temperature levels. From the experimental results, moisture and temperature have significant impacts on the dielectric response of transformer insulation. In addition to constant temperature, FDS measurements were also performed during transient temperature conditions to investigate the effects of transient temperature on the dielectric response of transformer insulation. An empirical relationship between the dielectric response produced from transient and steady temperature conditions was able to be established from the experimental results. A novel approach to study the effects of geometrical parameters was also part of this research work. An insulation model has been designed and fabricated for the purpose of this study. FDS measurements were conducted on the insulation model with different configurations of barriers, spacers and oil volume. The results showed that geometrical parameters did have an impact on the dielectric response of transformer insulation. The secondary diagnostic technique used in this research is Polarisation and Depolarisation Current (PDC) measurement and the purpose of using this method is to explore the feasibility of reducing the total PDC measurement duration as well as to determine the optimum measurement time for PDC.