The effects of high loading rates (HLR), and nano reinforcement on the mechanical response of adhesively-bonded SLJs with composite adherends, subjected to different loading (strain) rates are systematically investigated. The results are then compared to those of neat thermoset resin and thermo-plastic adhesive. More specifically, nano-reinforced and neat resin bonded joints mating carbon/epoxy and glass/epoxy adherends were subjected to tensile loadings under 1.5 and 3 mm/min and tensile impacts at a loading rate of 2.04E+5 mm/min. In some cases, additional tests were conducted under 15, 150, and 1500 mm/min to obtain additional properties gained using the nano-reinforcements for use in the further numerical investigations. The HLR tests were conducted, using a modified instrumented pendulum equipped with a specially designed impact load transfer apparatus. The dispersion of nanoparticles was facilitated using a mechanical stirrer and a three-roll mill machine. The failure mechanisms were studied with a scanning electron microscope.

Nanoindentation has been widely used for measuring mechanical behavior of nanocrystalline (nc) metals that cannot be measured by tensile and compressive test. The hardness and elastic modulus are usually obtained by Oliver and Pharr method. However, this may not be true for materials showing viscoelastic characteristics. This study aims at clarifying the effect of testing parameters, especially loading rate and holding time, on the hardness and elastic modulus of a nanocrystalline Fe-51Ni coating obtained in nanoindentation tests as the material exhibits anelastic and creep characteristics. An analytical method based on the correspondence principle for linear viscoelasticity was developed. The holding displacement-time data obtained in indentation creep tests at a high loading rate of 20 mN/s were analyzed and material parameters related to the elastic, anelastic and creep characteristic were derived using a model containing one Maxwell unit and two Kelvin units. The anelastic deformation thus contains at least two relaxation processes having relaxation times of 0.37 s and 6.8 s, respectively and the creep deformation is described by a viscosity value of 4.2x104 GPa.s for the alloy in an as-deposited state. Moreover, electrodeposited (ED) Ni was analyzed by electron backscatter diffraction. Results indicated that the ED Ni exhibits a bimodal distribution of grain size. The grains having sizes larger than 2 £gm shows a strong fiber texture of <100>//ND, whereas the small grains (<2 £gm) are mainly randomly oriented.

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The human body is a complicated dynamic system that is difficult to model because of the numerous interactions that occur between limbs during various tasks. There are documented movement differences when assessing movement in various populations, for example, joint angle and loading symmetry differences when comparing a clinical and healthy population. Symmetry deficits can impact quality of life and in some cases have been associated with an increase in injury risk. Therefore, it is essential to understand movement and loading symmetry in healthy individuals to facilitate the identification of rehabilitation targets. The purpose of this research was to assess the impact that task type and sex have on movement variability and load symmetry in healthy younger adults. The tasks included in this study represent activities of daily living such as level walking, stair ascent, stair descent and standing up from a chair. A wireless, single-sensor in-shoe force sensor allowed for data collection in a non-laboratory setting so that peak impact force and average loading rate could be evaluated across the different daily tasks. To assess movement variability, the coefficients of variation (CV) were determined for each task. The peak impact force (PIF) did not show a significant interaction between sex and task (p=0.627) or between sexes (p=0.685). The PIF did show significant between-task differences (p < 0.001), where the highest mean CV was observed in the sit-to-stand task and the lowest CV was observed during level walking. The variation between movements could be a result of the differential motor skill required to perform the task. The average loading rate (ALR) did not show a significant interaction between sex and task (p=0.069) or between sexes (p=0.624). The average loading rate showed significant between-task differences (p < 0.001), where the highest mean CV was observed in the sit-to-stand task and the lowest CV was observed during level walking. Based on these results, differences in movement type needs to be considered when evaluating average loading rate. To assess the impact of task type on load symmetry, the absolute symmetry index was calculated for the peak impact force and the average loading rate. For both parameters, only between task differences were identified (p < 0.001) and further analysis showed that sit-to-stand was significantly different from the other three movement tasks. The acceptable threshold for a healthy level of asymmetry has been defined in a clinical population to be less than 10%. Based on a chi square analysis, the 10% threshold accurately represents 95% of the population when used to measure peak impact force in level walking, stair ascent and stair descent. However, when assessing peak impact force symmetry during sit-to-stand or assessing average loading rate symmetry between tasks, the 10% threshold does not consistently represent 95% of the population. These results indicate that a threshold for a healthy symmetry may need to be redefined for bilateral movements and that the symmetry threshold may need to be specific to the outcome measure of interest. / Master of Science / When an individual completes a task there are many options for how they accomplish the movement each of which requires the different use of motor skills, these differences in how tasks are completed are called movement variability. A better understanding of these movement differences during various tasks in a healthy population then could help prevent long term injury and allow for the development of interventions to aid in recovery following injury. One way to assess measurements of the human body is to look at symmetry. Movements that are performed on a daily basis include walking, stair ascent, stair descent and standing up from a chair are considered activities of daily living throughout literature. Therefore, it is important to simulate these daily activities to assess a healthy population. Thus, this research aims to assess the impact that the type of task being completed has on the variability of movement and load symmetry in a healthy young adult population. Data collection was performed with an in-shoe measurement device that connects via Bluetooth to an iPad. These sensors allow for data to be collected outside of a laboratory setting allowing for the collection of a wider variety of tasks. The coefficient of variation (CV) was calculated for each task. This is a measure that allows for an understanding of the standard deviation of a measure in relation to the mean of the data. Differences in peak impact force and average loading rate variability were observed between tasks. For both parameters, the sit-to-stand task had the largest variability, most likely due to this being a task that allows for the use of limbs, which provides individuals with more flexibility in how they complete the movement. To assess load symmetry between tasks, the absolute symmetry index was calculated, a value that computes a percent difference between the right and left limbs. The peak impact force symmetry of the sit-to-stand task was different from the others because it requires the loading of both limbs simultaneously, which allows individuals to preferentially load one limb versus the other when completing this task. When evaluating load symmetry, clinicians have been using a threshold of 10% when defining a healthy symmetry benchmark when evaluating injury recovery. A difference greater than 10% between limbs may suggest a higher susceptibility to injury or a lack of recovery. This study evaluated if this 10% threshold accurately represents symmetry in peak impact force and average loading rate for 95% of the participants. While the 10% threshold does accurately describe the between limb differences in walking, stair ascent and stair descent tasks, the 10% threshold does not represent the results from 95% of those in this healthy population when standing up from a chair. Further, this 10% threshold did not accurately describe the symmetry discrepancies in average loading rate for any task evaluated in this study. These results suggest that a benchmark for defining healthy symmetry may need to be redefined for some tasks and outcome measures.

Soils, like several other materials, exhibit strong time-dependent behaviour which can be evidenced in terms of creep or strain-rate effects. The degree of this rheological behaviour varies with the type of soil, its structure, and with the stress history. This effect is exacerbated in pile load testing where the procedure duration tends to be shortened under increasing time pressures. The modelling needed to interpret the results therefore becomes more and more complex, including soil viscosity, wave radiation into the soil and other significant phenomena. The objective of the research reported herein is to refine the rheological parameters characterizing the influence of the loading rate within the framework of a relevant pile/soil interaction model fed with dynamic measurements acquired during pile Dynamic Load Tests (DLTs). The final goal is to predict and simulate the quasi-static pile load settlement curve. The pile/soil interaction system is described by a non-linear mass/spring/dashpot system supposed to represent the pile and the soil, with constitutive relationships existing within and between them. These relationships account for the static and the dynamic or rheologic behaviour. A back-analysis process based on a matching procedure between measured and computed quantities allows one to characterize the pile/soil interaction in terms of constitutive and rheologic parameters based on the dynamic measurements. After optimisation of the matching procedure, the parameters obtained are used to simulate the “static” load-settlement curve. The matching procedure is based on an automatic and stochastic parameter perturbation analysis. Since the parameters influence the system response with a relative weight, they are sorted in order to optimise all the parameters by successively retrieving the most influential ones and working on the remaining ones. The back-analysis performed on real dynamic measurements in this research leads to an improved pile/soil interaction model. The slippage between pile and soil along the pile shaft must be explicitly taken into account. This refinement increases the number of degrees of freedom needed to describe the pile/soil system but brings deeper insight into the behaviour of an interfacing zone of limited thickness surrounding the pile shaft.

A snacks company / that manufactures potato, corn and corn grain chips constructed an anaerobic co-digestion facility (ACF) having a total volume of 4200 m3. The process involved anaerobic co-digestion of anaerobic sludge from its wastewater treatment plant (WWTP), along with organic waste generated in the plant. The anaerobic co-digestion process had two products / 60 % methane containing biogas, and digestate with improved fertilizer characteristics compared to raw organic waste. Produced biogas was being utilized in a co-generation plant, where electricity and heat was produced. The main objective of this study was to enhance biogas production of the ACF. Two routes were followed for this purpose / first being the investigation of OLR effects in an experimental set-up / and second being the assessment of ACF&rsquo / s biogas production performance through observation of biogas production rate, and OLR. Results obtained from the experiments conducted were used to improve ACF&rsquo / s OLR regime. Experimenting with Organic Loading Rates of 3.3 / 5.3 and 6.4 kg VS/m3.d / biogas production rates of 114 L/d / 207 L/d and 246 L/d have been obtained respectively. Related biogas yield values have been found out as 0.396 / 0.431 and 0.200 L/g VS added. Based on the results of the experimental study, two conclusions were drawn: OLR of 5.3 kg VS/m3.d resulted in the highest biogas production rate, and an OLR of 6.4 kg VS/m3.d inhibited the mixed anaerobic cultures and thus biogas production capacity. Regarding the studies realized in real size ACF / adjusting the loading regime and increasing the average OLR from 1.8 kg VS / m3.d to 3 kg VS / m3.d resulted an increase of 50% in the biogas production rate / that would result in an annual greenhouse gas saving of 1,534,250 m3 .

As lesões decorrentes da prática da ginástica desde o início dos anos 70 tem aumentado a atenção dos pesquisadores. Tem sido documentado por diversos autores que 43 % dos praticantes e 76 % dos instrutores de aeróbica de alto impacto sofrem lesão, sendo que o impacto da aterrissagem é um dos momentos de maior risco nos membros inferiores em muitas destas modalidades terrestres. Diante disso, percebe-se a necessidade de estudos específicos que analisem adequadamente o comportamento do impacto durante aulas de ginástica inclusive na modalidade de ginástica JUMP FIT®. Objetivo deste estudo foi classificar os exercícios do JUMP FIT® a partir de parâmetros relativos ao impacto. Participaram sessenta professores de ambos os sexos, com mínimo de 6 meses de experiência na modalidade JUMP FIT®. Para a aquisição dos dados da força de reação do solo o minitrampolim foi instrumentado com 6 células de carga marca HBM, modelo PW 10 D1. O presente estudo mostrou que existe simetria na FRS entre os lados direito e esquerdo, com maiores valores para o lado esquerdo, apenas nos exercícios femoral simples e elevação de joelhos. Os mecanismos que levam a estas assimetrias ou mesmo suas conseqüências sobre o sistema músculoesquelético permanecem desconhecidas. Apartir dos resultados obtidos, sugere-se uma classificação associada ao pico de força e outra associada à taxa de aplicação de força. / The injuries due to the practice of the gymnastics since the beginning of 70´s have increased the attention of researchers. It has been documented for diverse authors that 43% of who practices and 76% of the aerobics’ instructors of high impact suffer injury, and the impact of the landing is one of the moments of major risk in the lower limbs in many of these terrestrial modalities. Because of this, it is perceived the necessity of specific studies that adequately analyze the behavior of the impact during lessons of gymnastics also in the modality of gymnastics JUMP FIT®. The aim of this study was to classify the exercises of JUMP FIT® from parameters related to the impact. Participated of this study sixty professors of both sex, with minimum of 6 months of experience in modality JUMP FIT®. For the acquisition of the data of the reaction force of the ground the mini springboard was instrumented with 6 mark’s cells HBM, model PW10 D1. The present study showed that exist symmetry in the FRS between the left and the right sides, with bigger values for the left side, only in the exercises simple femoral and elevation of knees. The mechanisms that take to these asymmetrical or even the consequences on the system skeletal-muscle remain unknown. From the obtained results we suggest a classification related to force peak and another to force load rate.

As lesões decorrentes da prática da ginástica desde o início dos anos 70 tem aumentado a atenção dos pesquisadores. Tem sido documentado por diversos autores que 43 % dos praticantes e 76 % dos instrutores de aeróbica de alto impacto sofrem lesão, sendo que o impacto da aterrissagem é um dos momentos de maior risco nos membros inferiores em muitas destas modalidades terrestres. Diante disso, percebe-se a necessidade de estudos específicos que analisem adequadamente o comportamento do impacto durante aulas de ginástica inclusive na modalidade de ginástica JUMP FIT®. Objetivo deste estudo foi classificar os exercícios do JUMP FIT® a partir de parâmetros relativos ao impacto. Participaram sessenta professores de ambos os sexos, com mínimo de 6 meses de experiência na modalidade JUMP FIT®. Para a aquisição dos dados da força de reação do solo o minitrampolim foi instrumentado com 6 células de carga marca HBM, modelo PW 10 D1. O presente estudo mostrou que existe simetria na FRS entre os lados direito e esquerdo, com maiores valores para o lado esquerdo, apenas nos exercícios femoral simples e elevação de joelhos. Os mecanismos que levam a estas assimetrias ou mesmo suas conseqüências sobre o sistema músculoesquelético permanecem desconhecidas. Apartir dos resultados obtidos, sugere-se uma classificação associada ao pico de força e outra associada à taxa de aplicação de força. / The injuries due to the practice of the gymnastics since the beginning of 70´s have increased the attention of researchers. It has been documented for diverse authors that 43% of who practices and 76% of the aerobics’ instructors of high impact suffer injury, and the impact of the landing is one of the moments of major risk in the lower limbs in many of these terrestrial modalities. Because of this, it is perceived the necessity of specific studies that adequately analyze the behavior of the impact during lessons of gymnastics also in the modality of gymnastics JUMP FIT®. The aim of this study was to classify the exercises of JUMP FIT® from parameters related to the impact. Participated of this study sixty professors of both sex, with minimum of 6 months of experience in modality JUMP FIT®. For the acquisition of the data of the reaction force of the ground the mini springboard was instrumented with 6 mark’s cells HBM, model PW10 D1. The present study showed that exist symmetry in the FRS between the left and the right sides, with bigger values for the left side, only in the exercises simple femoral and elevation of knees. The mechanisms that take to these asymmetrical or even the consequences on the system skeletal-muscle remain unknown. From the obtained results we suggest a classification related to force peak and another to force load rate.

As lesões decorrentes da prática da ginástica desde o início dos anos 70 tem aumentado a atenção dos pesquisadores. Tem sido documentado por diversos autores que 43 % dos praticantes e 76 % dos instrutores de aeróbica de alto impacto sofrem lesão, sendo que o impacto da aterrissagem é um dos momentos de maior risco nos membros inferiores em muitas destas modalidades terrestres. Diante disso, percebe-se a necessidade de estudos específicos que analisem adequadamente o comportamento do impacto durante aulas de ginástica inclusive na modalidade de ginástica JUMP FIT®. Objetivo deste estudo foi classificar os exercícios do JUMP FIT® a partir de parâmetros relativos ao impacto. Participaram sessenta professores de ambos os sexos, com mínimo de 6 meses de experiência na modalidade JUMP FIT®. Para a aquisição dos dados da força de reação do solo o minitrampolim foi instrumentado com 6 células de carga marca HBM, modelo PW 10 D1. O presente estudo mostrou que existe simetria na FRS entre os lados direito e esquerdo, com maiores valores para o lado esquerdo, apenas nos exercícios femoral simples e elevação de joelhos. Os mecanismos que levam a estas assimetrias ou mesmo suas conseqüências sobre o sistema músculoesquelético permanecem desconhecidas. Apartir dos resultados obtidos, sugere-se uma classificação associada ao pico de força e outra associada à taxa de aplicação de força. / The injuries due to the practice of the gymnastics since the beginning of 70´s have increased the attention of researchers. It has been documented for diverse authors that 43% of who practices and 76% of the aerobics’ instructors of high impact suffer injury, and the impact of the landing is one of the moments of major risk in the lower limbs in many of these terrestrial modalities. Because of this, it is perceived the necessity of specific studies that adequately analyze the behavior of the impact during lessons of gymnastics also in the modality of gymnastics JUMP FIT®. The aim of this study was to classify the exercises of JUMP FIT® from parameters related to the impact. Participated of this study sixty professors of both sex, with minimum of 6 months of experience in modality JUMP FIT®. For the acquisition of the data of the reaction force of the ground the mini springboard was instrumented with 6 mark’s cells HBM, model PW10 D1. The present study showed that exist symmetry in the FRS between the left and the right sides, with bigger values for the left side, only in the exercises simple femoral and elevation of knees. The mechanisms that take to these asymmetrical or even the consequences on the system skeletal-muscle remain unknown. From the obtained results we suggest a classification related to force peak and another to force load rate.

Ankle sprains are one of the most common injuries within athletics in the United States with approximately one-million student athletes experiencing ankle sprains each year. Studies argue excessive or rapid ankle inversion occurring from jump landings may cause ankle sprains. Also, the effect of limb dominance on risk of ankle sprain is not well documented. The aim of this study was to determine if there is an affect of leg dominance on landing mechanism of the ankle joint that predisposes either ankle joint to greater risk of ankle sprain. Twelve recreationally active subjects were recruited and completed four maximal vertical jumps. Ground reaction force, marker position data and maximal vertical jump height were collected using two Bertec Force plates, a 10-camera motion capture system, and a Vertec Vertical Jump Trainer, respectively. Cortex and Visual3D software programs were used to process the motion capture data and to calculate peak vertical ground reaction forces(vGRF), loading rate, and ankle joint moments. There were no statistically significant differences in ankle joint moment or loading rate between limbs, but peak vGRF were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the non-dominant ankle. The results suggest the non-dominant ankle displays higher injury potential, as the non-dominant leg accumulates a larger peak landing force.