Altitude excursions particular to high speed aircraft are investigated in this thesis. An aerodynamic database of the XB-70 is created and a longitudinal linear model is constructed for a high speed cruise flight condition. An examination of the unpiloted aircraft dynamics revealed that the excursions were not due to a poorly handling aircraft. Thus, it is theorized that the excursions are due to pilot vehicle interactions. A classical control method developed a loop closure scheme suitable for acceptable control of the aircraft. The results showed that a pilot should close an inner loop with negative attitude feedback and an outer loop with positive flight path feedback. A modern control method analysis using an optimal control pilot model confirmed the preceding conclusions. Based on these results, the cockpit pitch attitude display resolution should be less than 1° so that the pilot will be able to perform the loop closures necessary for constant altitude flight. / Master of Science

Slamming loads are the critical structural design load for high-speed craft. In addition to damaging the hull structure, payload, and injuring personnel, slamming events can also significantly limit operating envelopes and decrease performance. To better characterize slamming events and the factors affecting their severity, a parametric study will be carried out in the Virginia Tech Hydroelasticity Lab. This thesis provides the groundwork for this longitudinal project through meticulous analysis of irregular wave tow tank experiments. Through the modification of machine learning techniques and taking inspiration from facial recognition algorithms, key parameters were identified to form an experimental matrix which captures intricacies of the complex interdependent relation of variables in the slamming problem. The independent effects of parameters to be evaluated include hull flexural rigidity, LCG location, heave and surge velocity, and impact trim, angular velocity and acceleration. In preparation for this parametric study, an innovative experimental setup was designed to simulate the impact of a deep-vee planing hull into waves, through a controlled motion slam into calm water. To provide a baseline to compare data from future controlled motion experiments to, a model drop experiment was completed to characterize the relationships of impact velocity and trim to slamming event severity. During this experiment, the position, acceleration, strain, and pressure were measured. These measurements illustrated a decrease in peak acceleration, pressure, and strain magnitude with an increase in impact trim. Additionally, as trim was increased a delay in the time of peak magnitude for all measurements was observed. These results are attributed to the change in buoyancy with the change in impact angle. At non-zero angles of trim, a pitching moment was generated by the misalignment of the longitudinal center of buoyancy and center of gravity. This moment caused racking in the setup which was observed in the acceleration time histories immediately after impact. This finding furthers the need to investigate the angular velocity and acceleration of the model at impact, through the proposed series of experiments, as they are crucial naturally occurring motions inherent to slamming events. / Master of Science / Slamming loads are the critical structural design load for high-speed craft. Slamming events occur when a boat or ship impacts the water. This impact causes high peak pressures and accelerations. In addition to damaging the hull structure, payload, and injuring personnel, slamming events can also significantly limit operating envelopes and decrease performance. To better characterize slamming events and the factors affecting their severity, a parametric study will be carried out in the Virginia Tech Hydroelasticity Lab. This thesis provides the groundwork for this longitudinal project through meticulous analysis of irregular wave tow tank experiments, which mimic actual conditions in a sea way. Through the modification of machine learning techniques and taking inspiration from facial recognition algorithms, key parameters were identified to form an experimental matrix which captures intricacies of the complex interdependent relation of variables in the slamming problem. The independent effects of parameters to be evaluated include hull structural stiffness, location of the longitudinal center of gravity, vertical and forward velocity at impact, and impact angle, angular velocity and angular acceleration. In preparation for this parametric study, an innovative experimental setup was designed to simulate the impact of a generic high-speed boat into waves, through prescribing a motion path to the boat as it slams into calm water. To provide a baseline to compare data from future controlled motion experiments to, a precursor experiment dropping a boat into calm water was completed to characterize the relationships of impact velocity and trim to slamming event severity. During this experiment, the position, acceleration, strain, and pressure were measured. These measurements illustrated a decrease in peak acceleration, pressure, and strain magnitude with an increase in impact trim. Additionally, as trim was increased a delay in the time of peak magnitude for all measurements was observed. These results are attributed to the change in buoyancy with the change in impact angle. At non-zero angles of trim, a pitching moment was generated by the misalignment of the longitudinal center of buoyancy and center of gravity. This moment caused racking in the setup which was observed in the acceleration time histories immediately after impact. This finding furthers the need to investigate the angular velocity and acceleration of the model at impact, through the proposed series of experiments, as they are crucial naturally occurring motions inherent to slamming events.

No / In previous reports of microemulsion electrokinetic chromatography (MEEKC), analysis times were typically in the order of 10 min as high-ionic strength buffers were used. These buffers produced high currents which limit the voltages which can be applied, therefore, analysis times could not be reduced. The primary cause of the high-ionic strength is the relatively high concentrations of surfactants required to form the microemulsion. The surfactant concentration can be lower when using an oil with a smaller surface tension. This preliminary study showed that migration times in MEEKC can be reduced to below 1 min by using a combination of an optimum microemulsion composition, high voltage, high temperature, short capillaries by injecting via the short end, or by simultaneously applying pressure and voltage. Long injection sequences and quantitation were found to be possible with minimum buffer depletion effects.

The purpose of this thesis is to explore the performance of a bio-inspired plate undergoing oscillatory heave motions and active shape change. The shape change will be achieved using a panel embedded with Fluidic Flexible Matrix Composite (F2MC) tubes for actuation. A beam, or plate strip, model is presented as a means of verifying that F2MC tubes can effectively serve as a means of actuation. This model was actuated in air and water at several internal tube pressures. The static experimental deflections were compared to two beam models relying on Euler-Bernoulli and Timoshenko beam theories with concentrated tip moments and a distributed moment. It was found that the Euler-Bernoulli model with a concentrated tip moment best approximated the static experimental deflections. Following the success of the plate strip, and panel with 10 embedded F2MC tubes was manufactured. The plate panel was constructed with Dragon Skin Silicone and embedded with two rows of five F2MC tubes which provide the means of shape actuation. Experimental results from actuating the panel in static conditions showed that F2MC tubes are an effective means of prescribing a repeatable shape change to a silicone panel. Then, Classical Plate Theory and First-Order Shear Deformation Plate Theory were used with a concentrated tip moment at the free edge to provide a means of modeling the full panel. When comparing the static experimental results to the numerical models, it was found that the deflected plate shape could be most accurately predicted at lower pressures for upward deflection and higher pressures for downward deflections. When tested in unsteady conditions in a heaving experiment (0.5 Hz to 2.3 Hz), the force measured at frequencies above 1.5 Hz were up to 3.6 times greater than those measured for frequencies below 1.5 Hz. Additionally, the phase difference between the tip deflection and force with respect to the keel position decreased for force as frequency increased, while the opposite was true for the tip deflection. At 1.5 Hz, the tip deflection and force were equally out of phase with the keel. When the panel was subjected to an oscillatory heaving motion while asymmetrically actuated, it was found that faster heaving frequencies resulted in higher maximum force values for all actuation pressures, actuation directions, and depths below the free surface. However, when subjected to dual actuation by pressurizing the top and bottom tubes at the same pressure, the tip amplitude was highly dependent on specific combinations of heaving frequency, actuation pressure, and depth below the free surface. This indicates that the actuation pressure must be tuned to the depth and frequency of operation to obtain the desired tip amplitude for a given application. These findings further the knowledge of shape-changing F2MC panels operating near a free surface and lay a groundwork for developing flapping propulsors that mimic marine animals. / Master of Science / The purpose of this thesis is to explore the performance of a bio-inspired plate undergoing oscillatory (up and down) heave motions and active shape change. The active shape change is achieved using Fluidic Flexible Matrix Composite (F2MC) tubes, which act as an artificial muscles to deflect the panel. To verify that F2MC tubes are capable of prescribing a repeatable deflection, a simple beam model with two embedded tubes was manufactured and tested statically in air and water. It was found that the F2MC tubes were able to prescribe a repeatable deflection, and when comparing to two beam models, Euler-Bernoulli and Timoshenko, it was found that the Euler Bernoulli model with a concentrated tip moment best approximated the static experimental deflections. Following the success of the beam model with 2 embedded tubes, a panel was made with 10 embedded F2MC tubes, 5 along the bottom and 5 along the top, was created. This panel was tested statically and dynamically. Static results showed strong deflection repeatability. When subjected to heaving motions, it was found that the force in the system increased with increasing heaving frequency. The phase difference measured between the tip deflection and force with respect to the keel position decreased for force as frequency increased, while the opposite was true for the tip deflection. It was also observed that there exists a point where the tip deflection and force were equally out of phase with the keel. When the panel was subjected to dual actuation by pressurizing the top and bottom tubes at the same pressure, the tip amplitude was highly dependent on specific combinations of heaving frequency, actuation pressure, and depth below the free surface. This indicates that the actuation pressure must be tuned to the depth and frequency of operation to obtain the desired tip amplitude for a given application. These findings further the knowledge of shape-changing F2MC panels operating near a free surface and lay a groundwork for developing flapping propulsors that mimic marine animals.

The idea of a free network is a myth of the past. Networking costs are expected to remain a burden to future IT budgets, no doubt raising questions regarding the payment of such services. Users do not normally pay to use local area networks, as companies tend to own their LANs. However, when wide area or international networks are considered, the situation is different. It is argued that in these cases the invoicing and payment system should be integral to the network's communication protocol. This implies changes to the networking protocol (to handle invoicing) as well as a new look at customary ideas of representing currency (to handle payment). In this dissertation, an invoicing and payment scheme that uses electronic cash and is implemented as part of the basic ATM protocols is discussed. The main advantages of this scheme can be summarized as a low administrative overhead and user privacy. / Computer Science / M. Sc. (Computer Science)

Estudos utilizando imagens laríngeas de sujeitos normais captadas por videolaringoscopia de alta velocidade revelam o uso de diversas ferramentas e métricas em diferentes populações. No entanto, é evidente a escassez de normatizações operacionais e de parâmetros vocais de referência. Os objetivos desse estudo foram obter parâmetros da dinâmica vocal utilizando ferramentas computacionais de uso corrente pelo Grupo de Pesquisa em Engenharia Médica (GPEM - CNPq) e caracterizar o padrão vibratório das pregas vocais de sujeitos normais por meio das ondas da área glótica e quimografia de alta velocidade do utilizando Videolaringoscopia de alta velocidade. Metodologia: A partir de imagens laríngeas captadas pela videolaringoscopia de alta velocidade foram extraídos os parâmetros quantitativos: i) tempos de fases e período total do ciclo vibratório das pregas vocais das ondas da área glótica, ii) tempos de fases e período total do ciclo vibratório das pregas vocais da quimografia de alta velocidade, iii) coeficientes (de abertura, de fechamento e de velocidade). Além disso, foram analisados os parâmetros qualitativos das ondas da área glótica e da quimografia de alta velocidade de acordo com a aplicação de protocolos elaborados para classificação de padrões visuais. Resultados: Das ondas da área glótica foram obtidos os valores médios, em milissegundos, de fase fechada: feminino=0.83 e masculino= 2.47; de abertura: feminino= 2.43 e masculino= 2.95; de fechamento: feminino=2.08 e masculino= 2.53; aberta: feminino= 6.15 e masculino= 6.18, período total do ciclo vibratório: feminino=6.98 e masculino= 8.65; coeficientes: de fechamento: feminino=0.14 e masculino=0.29, de abertura: feminino=0.85 e masculino=0.70, de velocidade: feminino=1.16 e masculino=1.19, além de 73% dos traçados apresentarem sinal periódico. Quanto à quimografia de alta velocidade os parâmetros quantitativos obtidos foram: fase fechada: feminino=1.75 e masculino=3.32, de abertura: feminino= 1.47 e masculino= 2.32; de fechamento: feminino= 1.51 e masculino= 2.22; aberta: feminino= 2.91 e masculino= 4.56, e período total do ciclo vibratório: feminino= 4.67 e masculino= 7.89. Os coeficientes obtidos foram: de fechamento: feminino= 0.37 e masculino= 0.42.; de abertura: feminino= 0.62 e masculino= 0.57; e de velocidade: feminino= 1.02 e masculino= 1.12. 59% de simetria em amplitude e 54% de assimetria de fase foram encontrados no traçado da quimografia de ata velocidade de sujeitos normais. Conclusão: A partir do uso de ferramentas computacionais específicas para analisar imagens laríngeas da videolaringoscopia de alta velocidade foi possível obter parâmetros quantitativos e qualitativos das ondas da área glótica e quimografia de alta velocidade de sujeitos normais e obter dados de referência quanto à normalidade para futuros estudos. / Several studies using laryngeal images from high-speed videolaryngoscopy of normal subjects reveals the diversity of tools and metrics used for different population. However, shortage of operational standardization and references of vocal fold parameters are evident. The main objectives of this study were to obtain parameters of vocal dynamics using computational tools of Medical Engineering Research Group (GPEM - CNPq) and to characterize the vocal fold\'s vibration pattern of normal subjects using glottal area waveforms and high-speed kymography. Methods: From laryngeal images of high-speed videolaryngoscopy we extracted the following quantitative parameters: i) phase time of glottal area waveforms, ii) phase time of vibratory cicle\'s total period, iii) quocients of high-speed kymography. Furthermore, qualitative parameters of glottal area waveform were analyzed according to visual pattern protocol. Results: Media values of glottal area waveforms, in milliseconds, of closed phase: female=0.83 and male= 2.47; opening phase: female= 2.43 and male= 2.95; closing phase: female= 2.08 and male= 2.53; opened phase: female=6.15 and male= 6.18, vibratory cicle of total period: female= 6.98 and male= 8.65, closing quotient: female= 0.14 and male= 0.29; opening quotient: female= 0.85 and male= 0.70; speed quotient: female= 1.16 and male= 1.19, besides 73% showed periodic signal. As the high- speed kymography the quantitative parameters obtained were: closed phase: female= 1.75 and male= 3.32; opening phase: female= 1.47 and male= 2.32; closing phase: female= 1.51 and male= 2.22; opened phase: female= 2.91 and male= 4.56, and vibratory cicie of total period: female= 4.67 and male= 7.89. The quotients obtained were: closing quotient: female= 0.37and male= 0.42; opening quotient: female= 0.62 and male= 0.57; speed quotient: female= 1.02 and male= 1.12. 59% amplitude symmetry and 54% phase asymmetry were obtained in the high- speed kymography of normal subjects. Conclusion: using specific computational tools to analyse high-speed laryngeal images we obtained quantitative and qualitative parameters of glottal area waveforms and high-speed kymography that can be used as a standard reference data for normal subjects.

The idea of a free network is a myth of the past. Networking costs are expected to remain a burden to future IT budgets, no doubt raising questions regarding the payment of such services. Users do not normally pay to use local area networks, as companies tend to own their LANs. However, when wide area or international networks are considered, the situation is different. It is argued that in these cases the invoicing and payment system should be integral to the network's communication protocol. This implies changes to the networking protocol (to handle invoicing) as well as a new look at customary ideas of representing currency (to handle payment). In this dissertation, an invoicing and payment scheme that uses electronic cash and is implemented as part of the basic ATM protocols is discussed. The main advantages of this scheme can be summarized as a low administrative overhead and user privacy. / Computer Science / M. Sc. (Computer Science)

Railway history. High-speed railway systems. Characterization of high-speed railway service in France. European high-speed railway system. International high-speed railway system Thalys. History, statistics, technical information, company cooperation and positive measures to travellers.

Estudos utilizando imagens laríngeas de sujeitos normais captadas por videolaringoscopia de alta velocidade revelam o uso de diversas ferramentas e métricas em diferentes populações. No entanto, é evidente a escassez de normatizações operacionais e de parâmetros vocais de referência. Os objetivos desse estudo foram obter parâmetros da dinâmica vocal utilizando ferramentas computacionais de uso corrente pelo Grupo de Pesquisa em Engenharia Médica (GPEM - CNPq) e caracterizar o padrão vibratório das pregas vocais de sujeitos normais por meio das ondas da área glótica e quimografia de alta velocidade do utilizando Videolaringoscopia de alta velocidade. Metodologia: A partir de imagens laríngeas captadas pela videolaringoscopia de alta velocidade foram extraídos os parâmetros quantitativos: i) tempos de fases e período total do ciclo vibratório das pregas vocais das ondas da área glótica, ii) tempos de fases e período total do ciclo vibratório das pregas vocais da quimografia de alta velocidade, iii) coeficientes (de abertura, de fechamento e de velocidade). Além disso, foram analisados os parâmetros qualitativos das ondas da área glótica e da quimografia de alta velocidade de acordo com a aplicação de protocolos elaborados para classificação de padrões visuais. Resultados: Das ondas da área glótica foram obtidos os valores médios, em milissegundos, de fase fechada: feminino=0.83 e masculino= 2.47; de abertura: feminino= 2.43 e masculino= 2.95; de fechamento: feminino=2.08 e masculino= 2.53; aberta: feminino= 6.15 e masculino= 6.18, período total do ciclo vibratório: feminino=6.98 e masculino= 8.65; coeficientes: de fechamento: feminino=0.14 e masculino=0.29, de abertura: feminino=0.85 e masculino=0.70, de velocidade: feminino=1.16 e masculino=1.19, além de 73% dos traçados apresentarem sinal periódico. Quanto à quimografia de alta velocidade os parâmetros quantitativos obtidos foram: fase fechada: feminino=1.75 e masculino=3.32, de abertura: feminino= 1.47 e masculino= 2.32; de fechamento: feminino= 1.51 e masculino= 2.22; aberta: feminino= 2.91 e masculino= 4.56, e período total do ciclo vibratório: feminino= 4.67 e masculino= 7.89. Os coeficientes obtidos foram: de fechamento: feminino= 0.37 e masculino= 0.42.; de abertura: feminino= 0.62 e masculino= 0.57; e de velocidade: feminino= 1.02 e masculino= 1.12. 59% de simetria em amplitude e 54% de assimetria de fase foram encontrados no traçado da quimografia de ata velocidade de sujeitos normais. Conclusão: A partir do uso de ferramentas computacionais específicas para analisar imagens laríngeas da videolaringoscopia de alta velocidade foi possível obter parâmetros quantitativos e qualitativos das ondas da área glótica e quimografia de alta velocidade de sujeitos normais e obter dados de referência quanto à normalidade para futuros estudos. / Several studies using laryngeal images from high-speed videolaryngoscopy of normal subjects reveals the diversity of tools and metrics used for different population. However, shortage of operational standardization and references of vocal fold parameters are evident. The main objectives of this study were to obtain parameters of vocal dynamics using computational tools of Medical Engineering Research Group (GPEM - CNPq) and to characterize the vocal fold\'s vibration pattern of normal subjects using glottal area waveforms and high-speed kymography. Methods: From laryngeal images of high-speed videolaryngoscopy we extracted the following quantitative parameters: i) phase time of glottal area waveforms, ii) phase time of vibratory cicle\'s total period, iii) quocients of high-speed kymography. Furthermore, qualitative parameters of glottal area waveform were analyzed according to visual pattern protocol. Results: Media values of glottal area waveforms, in milliseconds, of closed phase: female=0.83 and male= 2.47; opening phase: female= 2.43 and male= 2.95; closing phase: female= 2.08 and male= 2.53; opened phase: female=6.15 and male= 6.18, vibratory cicle of total period: female= 6.98 and male= 8.65, closing quotient: female= 0.14 and male= 0.29; opening quotient: female= 0.85 and male= 0.70; speed quotient: female= 1.16 and male= 1.19, besides 73% showed periodic signal. As the high- speed kymography the quantitative parameters obtained were: closed phase: female= 1.75 and male= 3.32; opening phase: female= 1.47 and male= 2.32; closing phase: female= 1.51 and male= 2.22; opened phase: female= 2.91 and male= 4.56, and vibratory cicie of total period: female= 4.67 and male= 7.89. The quotients obtained were: closing quotient: female= 0.37and male= 0.42; opening quotient: female= 0.62 and male= 0.57; speed quotient: female= 1.02 and male= 1.12. 59% amplitude symmetry and 54% phase asymmetry were obtained in the high- speed kymography of normal subjects. Conclusion: using specific computational tools to analyse high-speed laryngeal images we obtained quantitative and qualitative parameters of glottal area waveforms and high-speed kymography that can be used as a standard reference data for normal subjects.

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