<p>The general trend toward increased use of computer models and simulations during product development has led to a need for accurate and reliable product models. The function of many products relies on contact interfaces between interacting components. To simulate the behavior of such products, accurate models of both components and interfaces are required. Depending on the purpose of the simulation, interface models of different degrees of complexity are needed. In simulation of very large systems with many interfaces, it might be computationally expensive to integrate detailed models of each individual interface. Condensed models, or abstractions, that describe the interface properties with a minimum of degrees of freedom are therefore required.</p><p>This thesis deals with mechanical interfaces with an emphasis on friction. In the four appended papers friction models are discussed in terms of condensed models, as well as in terms of more detailed contact models. The aim is to study how friction can be modeled in behavioral simulation of products and to discuss the convenience and relevance of using different types of friction models as building blocks of a system model in behavioral simulations.</p><p>Paper<b> A </b>presents a review of existing condensed friction models for sliding contacts under different running conditions and discusses the models from both simulation and tribological points of view.</p><p>In papers<b> B </b>and <b>C</b> a simplified contact model, called the elastic foundation model, is used to model friction in a boundary-lubricated rolling and sliding contact. The model is integrated in a dynamic rigid body model of a mechanical system, the system behavior is simulated, and the result is compared with experimental results.</p><p>Paper <b>D</b> discusses the application of the elastic foundation model to rough surface contact problems and investigates how the error in the elastic foundation results depends on surface roughness.</p>

Incorporation of more sophisticated human factors (HF) in mathematical models for driving behavior has become an increasingly popular and important research direction in the last few years. Such models enable us to simulate under which conditions perception errors and risk-taking lead to interactions that result in unsafe traffic conditions and ultimately accidents. In this paper, we present a generic multi-level microscopic traffic modelling and simulation framework that supports this important line of research. In this framework, the driving task is modeled in a multi-layered fashion. At the highest level, we have idealized (collision-free) models for car following and other driving tasks. These models typically contain HF parameters that exogenously “govern the human factor”, such as reaction time, sensitivities to stimuli, desired speed, etc. At the lowest level, we define HF variables (task demand and capacity, awareness) with which we maintain what the information processing costs are of performing driving tasks as well as non-driving related tasks such as distractions. We model these costs using so-called fundamental diagrams of task demand. In between, we define functions that govern the dynamics of the high-level HF parameters with these HF variables as inputs. When total task demand increases beyond task capacity, first awareness may deteriorate, where we use Endsley's three-level awareness construct to differentiate between effects on perception, comprehension, anticipation and reaction time. Secondly, drivers may adapt their response in line with Fullers risk allostasis theory to reduce risk to acceptable levels. This framework can be viewed as a meta model, that provides the analyst possibilities to combine and mix a wide variety of microscopic models for driving behavior at different levels of sophistication, depending on which HF are studied, and which phenomena need to be reproduced. We illustrate the framework with a distraction (rubbernecking) case. Our results show that the framework results in endogenous mechanisms for inter- and intra-driver differences in driving behavior and can generate multiple plausible HF mechanisms to explain the same observable traffic phenomena and congestion patterns that arise due to the distraction. We believe our framework can serve as a valuable tool in testing hypotheses related to the effects of HF on traffic efficiency and traffic safety in a systematic way for both the traffic flow and HF community.

The aims of this thesis are to study the fracture behaviour in unreinforced masonry, to carry out a limited experimental program on three-point bending (TPB) masonry panels and to develop a time-dependent fracture formulation for the study of mode I fracture in quasi-brittle materials. A micro-model for fracture in unreinforced masonry is developed using the concept of the discrete crack approach. All basic masonry failure modes are taken into account. To capture brick diagonal tensile cracking and masonry crushing, a linear compression cap is proposed with a criterion for defining the compression cap. The failure surface for brick and brick-mortar interfaces are modelled using a Mohr-Coulomb failure surface with a tension cut-off and a linear compression cap. The fracture formulation, in nonholonomic rate form within a quasi-prescribed displacement approach, is based on a piecewise-linear constitutive law and is in the form of a so-called ?linear complementarity problem? (LCP). The proposed model has been applied to simulating fracture in masonry shear walls and masonry TPB panels. An experimental program was undertaken to investigate the failure behaviour of masonry panels under TPB with relatively low strength mortar. The basic material parameters were obtained from compression, TPB and shear tests on bricks, mortar and brick-mortar interfaces. The experimental results showed that the failure of masonry TPB panels is governed by both tensile and shear failure rather than just tensile failure. The simulation of the masonry TPB tests compared well with the experimental results. In addition, the LCP fracture formulation is enhanced to study the time-dependent mode I fracture in quasi-brittle materials. Two main time-dependent sources, the viscoelasticity of the bulk material and the crack rate dependent opening, are taken into account. A simplified crack rate model is proposed to include the rate-dependent crack opening. The model is applied to predicting time-dependent crack growth in plain concrete beams under sustained loading. The model captures the essential features including the observed strength increase with loading rate, the load-deflection and load-CMOD responses, the deflection-time and CMOD-time curves, the predicted time to failure and the stress distributions in the fracture zone.

The aims of this thesis are to study the fracture behaviour in unreinforced masonry, to carry out a limited experimental program on three-point bending (TPB) masonry panels and to develop a time-dependent fracture formulation for the study of mode I fracture in quasi-brittle materials. A micro-model for fracture in unreinforced masonry is developed using the concept of the discrete crack approach. All basic masonry failure modes are taken into account. To capture brick diagonal tensile cracking and masonry crushing, a linear compression cap is proposed with a criterion for defining the compression cap. The failure surface for brick and brick-mortar interfaces are modelled using a Mohr-Coulomb failure surface with a tension cut-off and a linear compression cap. The fracture formulation, in nonholonomic rate form within a quasi-prescribed displacement approach, is based on a piecewise-linear constitutive law and is in the form of a so-called ?linear complementarity problem? (LCP). The proposed model has been applied to simulating fracture in masonry shear walls and masonry TPB panels. An experimental program was undertaken to investigate the failure behaviour of masonry panels under TPB with relatively low strength mortar. The basic material parameters were obtained from compression, TPB and shear tests on bricks, mortar and brick-mortar interfaces. The experimental results showed that the failure of masonry TPB panels is governed by both tensile and shear failure rather than just tensile failure. The simulation of the masonry TPB tests compared well with the experimental results. In addition, the LCP fracture formulation is enhanced to study the time-dependent mode I fracture in quasi-brittle materials. Two main time-dependent sources, the viscoelasticity of the bulk material and the crack rate dependent opening, are taken into account. A simplified crack rate model is proposed to include the rate-dependent crack opening. The model is applied to predicting time-dependent crack growth in plain concrete beams under sustained loading. The model captures the essential features including the observed strength increase with loading rate, the load-deflection and load-CMOD responses, the deflection-time and CMOD-time curves, the predicted time to failure and the stress distributions in the fracture zone.

Aim of this master´s project is to analyse localization possibilities in GSM and GPS wireless networks. Choise of proper module and design location device for both GPS and GSM networks. Design and construction of system, which is able to designate it´s positron, using both GPS and GSM networks. The location informations, are send to Internet server, using GPRS system. Localization techniques in both wireless network are described. The system which is able to get position information was designed and constructed. The module´s driving software and the software, which process the localization informations and controls the database storing process, was designed.

Main aim of this master’s thesis is to identify, model and control robotic manipulator with three degrees of freedom. The thesis is a part of major project [17], the aim of which is to create an educational platform. In the thesis the simple PID control and the PID with feedforward compensation control is tested on the model of simple pendulum. In the next part models of DC motors, which are used for construction of the manipulator, are developed and the inverse dynamics model of manipulator is developed. This model is used for feedforward control of the manipulator. In the final part the application was developed, which allows the manipulator to be taught some movements, which can be later on, executed. For the simple control of the application the graphical user interface was programmed.

Das computergrafische Abbildungsverfahren zur Verwirklichung von dreidimensionalen Darstellungen ist ein wichtiges Instrument für die Gestaltung interaktiver 3D-Benutzerschnittstellen. Die Betrachtung von Projektionsverfahren abseits des bisher angestrebten Fotorealismus dokumentiert, dass durch nichtlineare und multiperspektivische Darstellungen spezifische Eigenschaften und Charakteristiken eines Datenbestandes vermittelt werden können. Dabei wird deutlich, dass konzeptionelle und methodische Unzulänglichkeiten den erfolgreichen Einsatz von unkonventionellen linearen sowie nichtlinearen Darstellungsformen in 3D-Anwendungen bisher einschränken. In dieser Arbeit werden daher Darstellungstechniken analysiert und systematisiert, die durch den computergrafischen Projektionsvorgang erzeugt und für die Verwirklichung von Visualisierungszielen eingesetzt werden können. Ferner werden für den spezifischen Einsatz von komponierten Visualisierungsverfahren in 3D-Benutzerschnittstellen Gestaltungshinweise formuliert. Darauf aufbauend erfolgt die Einführung einer modellbasierten Vorgehensweise, durch welche die systematisierten Visualisierungsformen in einem methodischen und ferner entwurfsmustergestützten Entwurfsprozess zur Entwicklung interaktiver 3D-Interfaces eingebunden und weiterhin in einer interaktiven 3D-Anwendung eingesetzt werden können.

Placement and compaction of the backfill behind an earth retaining wall may induce a vertical shear force at the soil-to-wall interface. This vertical shear force, or downdrag, is beneficial for the stability of the structure. A significant reduction in construction costs may result if the downdrag is accounted for during design. This potential reduction in costs is particularly interesting in the case of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lock walls. A simplified procedure is available in the literature for estimating the downdrag force developed at the wall-backfill interface during backfilling of a retaining wall. However, finite element analyses of typical U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lock walls have shown that the magnitude of the downdrag force may decrease during operation of the lock with a rise in the water table in the backfill. They have also shown that pre- and post-construction stress paths followed by interface elements often involve simultaneous changes in shear and normal stresses and unloading-reloading. The hyperbolic formulation for interfaces (Clough and Duncan 1971) is accurate for modeling the interface response in the primary loading stage under constant normal stress. However, it has not been extended to model simultaneous changes in shear and normal stresses or unloading-reloading of the interface. The purpose of this research was to develop an interface model capable of giving accurate predictions of the interface response under field loading conditions, and to implement this model in a finite element program. In order to develop the necessary experimental data, a series of tests were performed on interfaces between concrete and two different types of sand. The tests included initial loading, staged shear, unloading-reloading, and shearing along complex stress paths. An extended hyperbolic model for interfaces was developed based on the results of the tests. The model is based on Clough and Duncan (1971) hyperbolic formulation, which has been extended to model the interface response to a variety of stress paths. Comparisons between model calculations and tests results showed that the model provides accurate estimates of the response of interfaces along complex stress paths. The extended hyperbolic model was implemented in the finite element program SOILSTRUCT-ALPHA, used by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for analyses of lock walls. A pilot-scale test was performed in the Instrumented Retaining Wall (IRW) at Virginia Tech that simulated construction and operation of a lock wall. SOILSTRUCT-ALPHA analyses of the IRW provided accurate estimates of the downdrag magnitude throughout inundation of the backfill. It is concluded that the extended hyperbolic model as implemented in SOILSTRUCT-ALPHA is adequate for routine analyses of lock walls. / Ph. D.

Motivated by a zero-intelligence approach, the aim of this thesis is to unify the microscopic (discrete price and volume), mesoscopic (discrete price and continuous volume) and macroscopic (continuous price and volume) frameworks of limit order books, with a view to providing a novel yet analytically tractable description of their behaviour in a high to ultra high-frequency setting. Starting with the canonical microscopic framework, the first part of the thesis examines the limiting behaviour of the order book process when order arrival and cancellation rates are sent to infinity and when volumes are considered to be of infinitesimal size. Mathematically speaking, this amounts to establishing the weak convergence of a discrete-space process to a mesoscopic diffusion limit. This step is initially carried out in a reduced-form context, in other words, by simply looking at the best bid and ask queues, before the procedure is extended to the whole book. This subsequently leads us to the second part of the thesis, which is devoted to the transition between mesoscopic and macroscopic models of limit order books, where the general idea is to send the tick size to zero, or equivalently, to consider infinitely many price levels. The macroscopic limit is then described in terms of reflected SPDEs which typically arise in stochastic interface models. Numerical applications are finally presented, notably via the simulation of the mesocopic and macroscopic limits, which can be used as market simulators for short-term price prediction or optimal execution strategies.

Le collage par adhérence moléculaire est un collage basé sur la mise en contact de deux surfaces sans l'utilisation de colle ou matériaux additionnels. Ce procédé de collage est utilisé dans de nombreuses applications, notamment dans les domaines de l'optique terrestre et spatiale. Bien qu'un prototype ait déjà passé avec succès l'environnement spatial - où les contraintes d'utilisations sont différentes de celles rencontrées sur Terre - la spatialisation de cette technologie nécessite une caractérisation plus fine du procédé ainsi qu'une amélioration de la tenue mécanique des interfaces adhérées afin de valider les normes de l'Agence spatiale Européenne. Pour répondre à cette problématique de spatialisation de la technologie, des essais mécaniques ainsi que des analyses chimiques ont été réalisés dans le but d'étudier l'influence de certains paramètres du procédé ) sur la tenue mécanique et l'énergie de collage. Ces essais ont également été réalisés afin de comparer les deux matériaux étudiés : le verre de silice et le Zérodur vis-à-vis de l'adhésion. A l'issue de ces essais, les paramètres à appliquer permettant de doubler la tenue mécanique des interfaces adhérées ont été déterminés. Parallèlement, une loi phénoménologique reliant l'énergie de collage aux précédents paramètres du procédé a été développée ainsi qu'un modèle macroscopique visant à décrire l'intensité d'adhésion. Ces deux modèles une fois couplés permettent de modéliser le comportement normal de l'interface en fonction des paramètres du procédé. Enfin, ces deux lois sont implémentées dans un code éléments finis afin de simuler la propagation de la fissure lors de l'essai de clivage au coin. / Direct bonding consists in joining two surfaces without the use of any adhesive or additional material. This process is used in several applications, particularly in terrestrial and spatial optics. Although a prototype passed with success spatial environment - where constraints involved are very different from those encountered on Earth - this technology requires a more detailed characterization and an improvement of the mechanical strength of bonded interfaces in order to validate the European Space Agency standards. To address this issue, mechanical tests (double shear tests, cleavage tests and wedge tests) and chemical analysis (wetting tests and XPS spectroscopy) were performed in order to study the influence of some process parameters (roughness, relative air humidity during room temperature bonding, the annealing temperature and time) on the mechanical strength and the bonding energy. These tests compared the two materials used: fused silica glass and Zerodur glass. As a result of these tests, optimal parameters doubling the mechanical strength were also obtained. In the same time, a phenomenological law relating the bonding energy to the previous parameters is developed as well as a macroscopic model to describe the adhesion intensity. Both models when coupled describe the normal behavior of the bonded interface depending on the process parameters. Then, the both laws are implemented in a finite elements model in order to simulate the crack propagation during the wedge test.