[pt] O volume de pneus inservíveis continua aumentando a cada ano, se tornando um tema de grande preocupação para a sociedade. Motivados por esta problemática ambiental, o presente estudo experimental propõe utilizar a borracha de pneu triturada como reforço de solos, em duas diferentes granulometrias (chips e fibras), como material alternativo para o reforço de dois tipos de solos (areia e solo argiloso). Com este fim realizaram-se ensaios mecânicos, tais como ensaios de compactação proctor standard, ensaios triaxiais do tipo consolidado e isotropicamente drenado e ensaios de adensamento unidimensional, para avaliar os efeitos da granulometria da borracha de pneu, triturada em chips e fibras (com os tamanhos médios de 4,6 mm e 2 mm, respectivamente) e do teor de borracha de pneu (5, 10 por cento e 15 por cento em relação à massa de solo seco), no comportamento mecânico de misturas de areia-borracha e de misturas solo argiloso-borracha. Os resultados mostraram que tanto os chips como as fibras de pneu de borracha contribuem no aumento dos parâmetros de resistência ao cisalhamento de ambos os solos e aumentam a energia de deformação absorvida durante o cisalhamento. Ao analisar a resposta obtida em ambos os solos, se evidencia que, tanto para a argila quanto para a areia, foi mais efetivo o reforço com 10 por cento de fibras de borracha de pneu. Todos os compósitos estudados possuem características de resistência que poderiam cumprir as exigências de determinadas obras geotécnicas (aterros sobre solos moles, reforço de taludes, solo de base de fundações superficiais), portanto o uso da borracha de pneu como reforço de solos contribuiria com o menor consumo de material natural e redução dos custos de transporte e volume de material mobilizado. / [en] The volume of discarded tires continues to increase each year, becoming a major topic of concern for society. Motivated by this environmental issue, this experimental study proposes using tire chips and tire buffings as an alternative material to improve the shear strength of two types of soil (sand and clayey soil). Because of this, standard Proctor compaction tests, consolidated-drained triaxial tests and compressibility tests were performed to assess the influence of tire rubber particle size, (with average sizes of 4.6 mm and 2 mm, respectively) and tire rubber content (5, 10 percent and 15 percent by dry weight of soil) into the mechanical behavior of sand and clayey soil. The tests results showed that both, chips and buffings contribute increasing the shear strength parameters of both the soil and increase the strain energy absorbed during the shear phase. By analyzing, the mechanical response both for clayey soil and for sand was found that the best shear strength improvement was obtained at 10 percent of tire buffings. All the composites showed resistance characteristics that would ensure the requirements for many geotechnical applications (embankments over soft soils, slope reinforcement and surface foundations), so the use of waste tires as a reinforcement material would help solve problems associated with natural resources and reducing transportation costs and earthmoving.

Around 80% of women experience vaginal tears during labor when the diameter of the vagina must increase from ~2.5 cm to ~9.5 cm to allow the passage of a full-term baby. Vaginal tears vary from superficial cuts of the mucosal lining to tears propagating through the entire vaginal wall and into the surrounding tissues and organs. Complications associated with vaginal tears include postpartum hemorrhaging, fecal incontinence, urinary incontinence, and dyspareunia. Beyond the agonizing pain, these complications are emotionally and psychologically traumatic for women. Prevention, evaluation, and treatment of vaginal tears and subsequent conditions are limited due to the lack of studies examining the mechanical behavior of the pelvic floor tissues. Therefore, the mechanical response of healthy and torn vaginal tissue is investigated here to establish quantitative metrics for maternal healthcare. Toward this end, swine and rat vaginal tissue is subjected to biaxial loads until tearing to reveal its mechanical properties. The resulting large inhomogeneous deformations are measured by the digital image correlation optical method to calculate material strain. The influence of these strains near to and far from the immediate vicinity of the tears on the tearing behavior is studied. Coupling mechanisms of the mechanical properties in the circumferential and axial directions as well as their effect on the nature of tear resistance is studied. Collagen fibers, the component within tissue responsible for its strength under tension, are imaged using a multiphoton microscopy technique known as second-harmonic generation imaging to investigate the change in organization with mechanical loading. Furthermore, imaging is performed in the near-regions of tears to reveal the relationship between collagen fibers and tearing resistance. The data collected through these studies provide new knowledge on the nonlinear elastic behavior of vaginal tissue, the geometrical and micro-structural characteristics of tears, and the mechanisms that contribute to the formation and propagation of tears. The mechanical properties and tearing mechanisms of vaginal tissue will be crucial in developing new prevention and treatment methods for maternal trauma following childbirth. Episiotomy, late-term stretching, surgical treatment with graft materials and other protocols will all benefit from a mechanically-informed perspective. It is our hope that this work will raise awareness to the serious complexities of pelvic floor trauma and encourage a more refined and systematic approach to the inspection, imaging, and treatment of all vaginal tears following delivery. This work was supported in part by the National Science Foundation fund #1511603 and the Institute for Critical Technology and Sciences at Virginia Tech. / Doctor of Philosophy / Every year nearly three million women give birth vaginally with 80% experiencing vaginal tears. These injuries sustained during delivery vary with severity and are associated with several conditions, including pelvic floor disorders. These disorders are a set of long-term conditions of the pelvic region presently affecting one-fourth of adult women in the United States. Pelvic floor disorders are: pelvic organ prolapse - a pelvic organ such as the uterus "falls" from its natural position, urinary incontinence - difficulty controlling urination, and fecal incontinence - difficulty controlling bowel movements. Pelvic floor disorders lower the quality of life for women not only physically due to pain and daily discomfort, but also mentally as the disorders are generally perceived as an embarassing and private matter. The pelvic floor represents a complex system of muscles, organs, and support structures that work together to ensure everything stays in place and is functioning properly. Injury to any of these structures poses the risk of developing a disorder. As a central supporting organ, injuries to the vagina may be particularly worrisome. Surprisingly, little is known about the magnitude of forces and/or stretching that is placed on the pelvic floor during delivery, how much force and/or stretching is required for an injury, or how various injuries relate to future complications. The goal of this research is to describe how much the normal, healthy vagina stretches to various forces including forces that will result in injuries. The research further examines the stretching of injured vaginas to quantify any observable differences due to this injury. Finally, the relationships between the biological components of the vagina, such as collagen, and the forces placed on the vagina are examined. The result of this work will provide doctors and engineers with guidelines for understanding the conditions that produce vaginal injuries. The relationships examined between the tissue makeup and forces exerted onto the tissue may also aid in identifying any irregularities that would place a woman at risk for injury. Many of the medical procedures surrounding childbirth as well as surgical treatment for pelvic floor disorders will benefit from knowing how far the vagina can stretch before being injured. It is our hope that this work will raise awareness to the serious complexities of pelvic floor injuries and encourage a more refined and systematic approach to the inspection, imaging, and treatment of all vaginal tears following delivery. This work was supported in part by the National Science Foundation fund #1511603 and the Institute for Critical Technology and Sciences at Virginia Tech.

La présente étude vise à comprendre le comportement chimico-hydro-mécanique des argiles raides à travers deux formations géologiques, l'argile de Boom et les argiles yprésiennes, qui sont censées être des formations hôtes potentielles pour le stockage de déchets radioactifs en Belgique. Le comportement volumique a été étudié tant à l'état intact qu'à l'état reconstitué, et sous différentes conditions : K0 et isotrope, sous des boucles de chargement - déchargement. Les résultats obtenus montrent que le comportement volumique de ces argiles est gouverné par la compétition entre l'effet physico-chimique et l'effet mécanique, caractérisée par une contrainte seuil qui correspond à la contrainte de gonflement en termes de changements de structure. Une loi de comportement volumique a été ainsi développée afin de décrire cet aspect. La perméabilité a été déterminée, comparée avec les résultats dans la littérature et corrélée avec les paramètres comme l'indice des vides. La variation de la perméabilité avec la profondeur ont mis en évidence le rôle déterminant des macro-pores dans le transfert des fluides. Le comportement volumique et la perméabilité des argiles de Boom et yprésiennes intactes sont aussi influencés par la variation de la composition chimique de l'eau de pore, qui modifie la double couche diffuse et favorise l'agrégation des particules argileuses. Les caractéristiques élastiques, la surface de charge et l'enveloppe de rupture ont été identifiées pour le comportement déviatorique des argiles de Boom et yprésiennes. Un modèle élasto-plastique conceptuel a été développé permettant de tenir compte des effets du gonflement et de la compétition entre l'effet mécanique et l'effet physico-chimique / The present research aims to understand the chemo-hydro-mechanical behavior of stiff clays through two geological formations, the Boom Clay and the ypresian clays which are considered as possible host formations for the radioactive wastes disposal in Belgium. The volume change behavior was studied in both intact and reconstituted states, and under different conditions: under K0 and isotropic loading, under loading/unloading loops. The results show that the volume change behavior is governed by the competition between the physico-chemical effect and the mechanical effect, characterized by a threshold stress which corresponds to the swelling stress in terms of structure changes. A constitutive law was developed to capture this aspect. The permeability was determined, compared with the results in literature and correlated with the parameters as void ratio. The permeability variation with depth shows the important role of macro-pores in fluids' transfer. The volume change behavior and permeability of intact Boom Clay and ypresian clays are also influenced by pore water chemical composition changes which modify the diffuse double layer and give rise to the aggregation of clay particles. The elastic parameters, yield curve and failure envelope of Boom Clay and ypresian clays were identified. A conceptual elasto-plastic model was developed, accounting for the swelling effects and the competition between the physico-chemical effect and the mechanical effect

La première partie de ce travail de thèse s'inscrit dans le cadre de la dépollution des eaux contaminées par les polluants organiques persistants et plus en particulier par les résidus pharmaceutiques. Des techniques alternatives telles que les procédés d'oxydation avancée (POA) qui utilisent comme agent oxydant les radicaux OH, ont été appliquées à la dégradation et/ou à la minéralisation d'un polluant médicamenteux, l'Ibuprofène, en milieu aqueux. Il a été choisi comme molécule modèle en raison de son grand volume de prescription et de sa présence prouvée dans les effluents des stations d'épuration et dans les eaux naturelles. Notre étude a consisté notamment à la recherche d'optimisation des paramètres opératoires tels que la concentration de H2O2 et de Fe2+ ainsi que leur rapport pour générer les radicaux hydroxyles par le procédé photo-Fenton, et la concentration (et nature) de l'électrolyte de support et l'intensité du courant appliqué pour les procédés électrochimiques électro-Fenton et oxydation anodique. En outre, l'évolution de la toxicité de cette molécule a été suivie par la méthode Microtox au cours du traitement par le procédé d'oxydation anodique. La cinétique d'oxydation et de minéralisation de l'ibuprofène a été étudiée. La constante de réaction d'oxydation de l'ibuprofène avec les radicaux hydroxyles a été déterminée par la méthode de cinétique de compétition comme 3,84 109 M-1 s-1. Nos résultats montrent que l'application de ces procédés est efficace pour éliminer ce produit pharmaceutique de l'eau. On atteint la dégradation complète du polluant, et une minéralisation quasi-totale de la matière organique. La deuxième partie englobe une étude expérimentale sur les propriétés physiques (à différentes échelles) et le comportement mécanique des Basaltes. On a étudié le comportement mécanique et les modes de rupture d'un basalte poreux des Açores. Les résultats sont obtenus lors d'essais en contrainte triaxiale, en conditions totalement drainées et à température ambiante. Ce basalte présente deux modes de déformation. À faible pression de confinement, les échantillons présentent un comportement mécanique fragile et une déformation localisée (bande de cisaillement). Pour des pressions de confinement plus élevées, le basalte présente un comportement ductile et des compactions localisées (bandes de compaction). Les données mécaniques ont permis de déterminer l'enveloppe complète du domaine élastique. La quantification des propriétés physiques de deux types de basaltes des Galápagos a été effectuée à pression et température ambiante. Dans le but d'étudier l'effet de la fissuration sur les propriétés physiques, les échantillons on été soumis à des traitements thermiques. Enfin, pour étudier la réponse de la roche aux conditions de pression auxquelles elle est soumise en profondeur, des mesures de vitesses des ondes sous pression ont été acquises. Les résultats obtenus et l'utilisation de modèles théoriques ont permis de quantifier la densité de fissures initiales et de celles induites par les traitements thermiques, ainsi que le facteur de forme de celles-ci. L'ensemble des propriétés physiques ont permis de mieux comprendre le rôle du réseau poreux de la roche sur les propriétés physiques. Cette étude de laboratoire a été nécessaire pour l'interprétation des données recueillies in situ par sismique réfraction / The first part of this thesis is focused on the remediation of waters contaminated with persistent organic pollutants, in particular pharmaceutical products. Alternative technologies such as the advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), which based on the generation of hydroxyl radicals OH, were applied to the degradation and/or mineralization of a pollutant drug, ibuprofen, in aqueous medium. We chose this pollutant as a model molecule to study due to its large volume of prescription and to its proved presence in the effluents of sewage plants and natural waters. The main objective of this work was the optimization of operational parameters of the applied AOPs. The concentration of H2O2 and Fe2+ reagents ratio to generate hydroxyl radicals for photo-Fenton process, and supporting electrolyte concentration (and the nature) and the applied current for both electro-Fenton and anodic oxidation processes. The oxidation and mineralization kinetics of the ibuprofen were studied and the absolute rate constant for the oxidative degradation of ibuprofen was determined by the competition kinetic method, being 3,84 109 M-1s-1. Toxicity tests of the drug solutions during the anodic oxidation process were carried out by the Microtox method. Our results show that these methods are effective for the degradation of this pharmaceutical product from water. Ibuprofen was completely degraded and the organic matter was almost completely mineralized after the application of these processes. The second part of the thesis includes an experimental study of the physical properties (at different scales) and the mechanical behavior of basaltic rocks. We studied the mechanical behavior and the failure modes of a porous basalt from Azores. Results were acquired under triaxial compression experiments on water saturated samples at room temperature. This basalt presented two modes of deformation. At low confining pressure, the samples exhibited a brittle mechanical behavior and a localized deformation (shear band). For higher confining pressure, this basalt showed a ductile behavior and localized compactions (compaction bands). The mechanical data allows us to plot the full yield surface for the porous basalt. The quantification of the physical properties of two types of basalts from the Galapagos was performed at room temperature and pressure. In order to study the effect of cracking on the physical properties of these basalts, samples were subjected to thermal treatments to induce thermal crack damage. Finally for the less porous basalt, measures of wave velocities under the pressure at which it is subjected in depth were acquired. The obtained results and the following application of models with them allow quantifying the density of initial cracks and of those induced by thermal treatments, as well as quantifying the aspect ratio of cracks. The studied physical properties led to better understand the role of the pore network of the rock in these physical properties. This laboratory study was necessary for the interpretation of data collected in situ by seismic refraction method

Dans ce travail prospectif, nous proposons une modélisation intégrant un couplage thermo-chimio-mécanique pour les élastomères chargés et dissipatifs. En se basant sur les résultats et les observations de la littérature, nous avons développé un cadre thermodynamique général et proposé trois modèles phénoménologiques de comportement. Nos outils principaux sont la thermodynamique des processus irréversibles, la notion d'états intermédiaires, les matériaux standards généralisés. Une variable interne correspondant au degré de réticulation est introduite. L'évolution de cette variable prend en compte une influence thermique et mécanique à travers la pression hydrostatique. Il s'agit d'une des originalités de cette approche. Ce travail se place dans le cadre général des grandes transformations. Un schéma numérique de résolution monolithique des équations bilan par éléments finis est proposé. Ce schéma tient compte de l'hypothèse de faible compressibilité du matériau par un choix judicieux de relations faibles entre inconnues et par le choix des approximations pour ces dernières. La résolution en temps est traitée par un schéma d'Euler implicite associé à une technique de linéarisation de Newton-Raphson. Un modèle orienté objet du matériau thermo-chimio-mécanique est proposé et implémenté en langage Java dans le code FEMJava. Quelques exemples de simulation illustrent le potentiel de ces modèles en reproduisant de manière qualitative des observations expérimentales. / In this prospective study, we propose a new thermo-chemo-mechanical coupled model for dissipative filled rubber. This work is based on experimental observations and results from the literature. In this context, we have developed three phenomenological constitutive laws within a generic thermodynamical framework. The models enters the category of the thermodynamics of irreversible processes. Intermediate states are taken into account in the model which is build within the generalized standard materials framework. The degree of cure is introduced as an internal variable. The evolution of this variable takes into account the thermal influence and the mechanical influence via the hydrostatic pressure. This is one of the features making this model original. A finite strains approach is considered. A finite element model is applied to the global problem. A monolithic solution scheme is built based on an implicit Euler scheme associated to a of Newton-Raphson linearization technique. This scheme takes into account the weak compressibility of the material condition through, first, a judicious choice of weak relations between unknowns, and second, an adequate choice of approximations for the unknowns of problem to enforce the stability of the numerical scheme. An object-oriented model for the constitutive equations of the thermo-chemo-mechanical model is proposed and is implemented in Java into the FEMJava code. Some simulations illustrate the high potential of these models in qualitatively reproducing these experimental observations.

A qualidade dos procedimentos clínicos realizados na prática odontológica está intimamente ligada às propriedades dos materiais e tecnologias aplicadas à reabilitação oral. No caso das overdentures, uma falta de retenção entre a prótese e o implante pode ocorrer pelo excesso de fadiga das cápsulas que os conectam. Isso leva a um insucesso no tratamento e perda de função, reduzindo a durabilidade e qualidade de vida dos pacientes. Diante dessa problemática o presente estudo propôs um novo material que seja capaz de solucionar ou minimizar este problema, visando uma longevidade do tratamento reabilitador. O objetivo desse trabalho foi comparar um material inédito na odontologia com os já existentes, na confecção de cápsulas para retenção de overdenture, antes e após o envelhecimento artificial por termociclagem (10.000 ciclos = 1 ano clínico). O material estudado foi o Politereftalato de Etileno (PET) que vem se demonstrando um material promissor para tal função devido a sua biocompatibilidade e suas características físicas e mecânicas. O PET foi comparado com poliacetal, polietileno e teflon já utilizados para esta função (n=20). Os materiais foram submetidos aos ensaios resistência à compressão, rugosidade e dureza superficial, resistência à fadiga, arrancamento, resistência de união e análise em estereomicroscópio e microscopia eletrônica de varredura. Para responder aos objetivos do estudo foram utilizadas, além de técnicas básicas de análise exploratória como média, mediana, desvio padrão e intervalo de confiança para média (IC 95%), a análise inferencial de comparação de média de ANOVA Two-Way com Medidas Repetidas. Houve influência do envelhecimento artificial apenas na variável fadiga, em todos os tempos analisados. Em relação a rugosidade o PET (0,9168) apresentou as menores médias, juntamente com o Poliacetal (0,5160) (p=0,001). Para Dureza superficial não houve diferença entre os grupos. Na Resistência à Compressão o Poliacetal (109,88) apresentou os maiores valores de tensão, não havendo diferença estatisticamente significante do PET(101,02)(p=0,003). No ensaio de arrancamento PET (484,4) e Poliacetal (443,7) apresentaram os maiores valores de força máxima (p=0,033). Em relação a Fadiga PET e Poliacetal apresentaram os maiores valores em todos os tempos analisados (p<0,001). Através da análise por estereomicroscopia, o padrão de fratura do Poliacetal e PET foi coesiva, os demais foram adesiva. Pela microscopia eletrônica de varredura, não foi observado alteração de superfície apenas pelo Polietileno. Conclui-se que o PET apresentou ótimos resultados para as variáveis propostas, sugerindo seu uso para confecção de componentes protéticos / The quality of clinical procedures performed in dental practice is closely linked to the properties of materials and technologies applied to oral rehabilitation. In the case of overdentures, a lack of retention between the prosthesis and the implant can occur due to the excess fatigue of the capsules that connect them. This leads to unsuccessful treatment and loss of function, reducing the durability and quality of life of patients. Faced with this problem, the present study proposed a new material that is capable of solving or minimizing this problem, aiming at a longevity of the rehabilitation treatment. The objective of this study was to compare a new material in dentistry with existing ones, in the manufacture of capsules for retention of overdenture, before and after artificial aging by thermocycling (10,000 cycles = 1 year clinical).The material studied was polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which has been shown to be a promising material for this function due to its biocompatibility and its physical and mechanical characteristics. PET was compared with polyacetal, polyethylene and teflon already used for this function (n=20). The materials were submitted to the tests of compressive strength, roughness and surface hardness, fatigue strength, pullout, bond strength and stereomicroscopic analysis and scanning electron microscopy. In order to respond to the objectives of the study, we used, besides basic exploratory analysis techniques such as mean, median, standard deviation and confidence interval for mean (95% CI), the inferential analysis of the comparison of mean two-way ANOVA with Repeated Measurements . There was influence of artificial aging only on the variable fatigue, at all times analyzed. In relation to the roughness, the PET (0,9168) presented the lowest averages, together with the Polyacetal (0,5160) (p = 0.001). For superficial hardness there was no difference between the groups. In the Compression Resistance the polyacetal (109,88) had the highest values of tension, and there was no statistically significant difference of PET (101,02) (p= 0.003). The PET (484,4) and polyacetal (443,7) tear test the highest values of maximum strength were found (p = 0.033). In relation to PET Fatigue and Polyacetal presented the highest values in all times analyzed (p <0.001). Through stereomicroscopy analysis, the fracture pattern of Polyacetal and PET was cohesive, the others were adhesive. By scanning electron microscopy, no surface change was observed only by Polyethylene. It is concluded that PET presented excellent results for the proposed variables, suggesting its use for the preparation of prosthetic components

En conditions hypothétiques d’accident par perte de réfrigérant primaire, la gaine en alliage de zirconium des crayons combustibles des réacteurs nucléaires à eau pressurisée peut être temporairement exposée à de la vapeur d’eau à haute température (jusqu’à 1 200°C) avant d’être refroidie puis trempée à l’eau. Dans certaines conditions, après éclatement, la gaine peut absorber une quantité très importante d’hydrogène (hydruration secondaire), pouvant atteindre 3 000ppm mass. localement, lors du maintien sous vapeur d’eau à haute température.Cette étude porte sur l’effet, peu étudié jusqu’alors, de fortes concentrations en hydrogène sur les caractéristiques métallurgiques et mécaniques de deux alliages de zirconium, le Zircaloy-4 et le M5®, au cours et après refroidissement depuis le domaine des hautes températures, auxquelles le zirconium est en phase β. Un protocole a été mis au point afin de charger en hydrogène, de manière homogène jusqu’à ~3 000ppm-mass., des tronçons de tube de gainage de plusieurs centimètres de long. Les transformations de phases, la ségrégation des éléments chimiques et la précipitation des hydrures lors du refroidissement depuis le domaine d’existence de la phase β du zirconium ont été étudiées, pour les matériaux contenant jusqu’à ~3 000ppm-mass. d’hydrogène en moyenne, au moyen de différentes techniques : diffraction de neutrons in-situ en cours de refroidissement depuis 700°C, diffraction de rayons X, µ-ERDA, et microscopie électronique notamment. Les résultats ont été confrontés à des prévisions thermodynamiques. Puis, pour étudier l’effet de fortes teneurs en hydrogène sur le comportement mécanique de la phase (ex-)β du zirconium, des essais de traction axiale ont été effectués à différentes températures entre 20 et 700°C, au cours du refroidissement depuis le domaine de phase β, sur des échantillons contenant jusqu’à ~3 000ppm-mass. d’hydrogène en moyenne. Les résultats montrent que les propriétés métallurgiques et mécaniques de la phase (ex-)β des alliages de zirconium dépendent fortement de la température et de la teneur en hydrogène. / Under hypothetical loss-of-coolant accident conditions, fuel cladding tubes made of zirconium alloys can be exposed to steam at high temperature (up 1 200°C) before being cooled and then quenched in water. In some conditions, after burst occurrence the cladding can rapidly absorb a significant amount of hydrogen (secondary hydriding), up to 3 000wt.ppm locally, during steam exposition at HT.The study deals with the effect, poorly studied up to date, of high contents of hydrogen on the metallurgical and mechanical properties of two zirconium alloys, Zircaloy-4 and M5®, during and after cooling from high temperatures, at which zirconium is in its β phase. A specific facility was developed to homogeneously charge in hydrogen up to ~3 000wt.mass. cladding tube samples of several centimeters in length. Phase transformations, chemical element partitioning and hydrogen precipitation during cooling from the β temperature domain of zirconium were studied by using several techniques, for the materials containing up to ~3 000wt.ppm of hydrogen in average: in-situ neutron diffraction upon cooling from 700°C, X-ray diffraction, µ-ERDA, EPMA and electron microscopy in particular. The results were compared to thermodynamic predictions. In order to study the effect of high hydrogen contents on the mechanical behavior of the (prior-)β phase of zirconium, axial tensile tests were performed à various temperatures between 20 and 700°C upon cooling from the β temperature domain, on samples with mean hydrogen contents up to ~3 000ppm-mass.The results show that metallurgical and mechanical properties of the (prior-)β phase of zirconium alloys strongly depend on temperature and hydrogen content.

Buscando evitar as anomalias surgidas nos revestimentos de argamassa, muitos projetistas e construtores têm procurado soluções alternativas, dentre as quais aparece o emprego de argamassas com adição de fibras. Porém, o conhecimento sobre o comportamento deste compósito é empírico, principalmente no Brasil, onde inexistem pesquisas sistêmicas sobre o assunto. A partir deste contexto, o presente trabalho teve por objetivo investigar a influência da adição de fibras de polipropileno em argamassas para revestimento, no que se refere ao seu comportamento reológico e mecânico. Para avaliar o comportamento reológico, foram empregadas as técnicas de ensaio dropping ball e squeeze flow, e a avaliação da aplicabilidade quanto à execução do revestimento, utilizando o conhecimento de um operário experiente. Para avaliar o comportamento mecânico, foram utilizados ensaios relativos a resistência à tração na flexão, resistência à compressão e módulo de elasticidade dinâmico. Os compósitos de argamassa produzidos no trabalho apresentam variação na matriz e no teor de fibras. A variação na matriz compreendeu o tipo de argamassa e a dosagem de água. Foram utilizadas duas argamassas, largamente empregadas no mercado da Construção Civil, uma com baixo teor de ar incorporado (da ordem de 5%) e outra com alto teor (da ordem de 30%) e foram utilizados seis teores de água. Quanto à fibra, empregou-se um único tipo, com 6mm de comprimento, variando-se o seu teor na mistura, com cinco dosagens distintas. Como resultado, constatou-se que a adição de fibras influencia na reologia das argamassas devido (não somente) às suas características físicas e mecânicas, mas também porque ao serem introduzidas, modificam fortemente as características da matriz original, como por exemplo, as alterações do teor de ar incorporado. Assim, constatou-se que a adição de fibras na argamassa com baixo teor de ar elevou este teor; enquanto na com alto teor de ar, a adição de fibras reduziu o teor de ar. Estas alterações conferiram condições de aplicabilidade particulares a cada tipo de argamassa. O comportamento mecânico das argamassas também foi alterado. Dentre os “modificadores reológicos" estudados, o teor de fibras na argamassa com baixo teor de ar incorporado foi o que mais contribuiu com a alteração da propriedade mecânica; enquanto para a argamassa com alto teor de ar, o teor de água é o que mais afeta o comportamento mecânico. / Many designers and constructors have been looking for alternative solutions trying to avoid types of anomalies in the mortar rendering. One of these solutions is the application of mortar with fibres’ addition. However, the knowledge concerning the composite behavior is very empirical, mainly in Brazil where there are no systematic researches about this subject. From this context, the objective of this job is to investigate the influence of the polypropylene fibres’ addition in the rheological and mechanical behavior of the mortar applied in rendering. For the study of the rheological behavior, laboratory evaluations were done using the following methods: dropping ball and squeeze flow. Furthermore, for the applicability evaluation, the knowledge of an expert was taken into account. For the study of the mechanical behavior, laboratory evaluations were done using the following methods: evaluation of the flexural strength, compressive strenght and dynamic elastic modulus. In this job, the mortar composites present variation in the matrice and fibre. The variation in the matrice involves the mortar type and the water dosage. Two mortars widely used in the civil construction market were used in this present work: one with low air voids formation (about 5%) and other with high air voids formation (about 30%). Six water percentages were also used in the matrice variation. Polypropylene fibres with length 6mm were used in the fibre variation. Five different fibre percentages were used in the mixes. As results, the fibres’ addition evidenced alterations in the mortars rheological due (not only) to physicals and mechanicals characteristics, but also because when the fibres were inserted, they modified the characteristics of the original matrice strongly, as for example, the alteration of the incorporated air percentage. So, the fibres’ addition in the mortar with low air voids formation increased the air formation; while in the mortar with high air voids formation, the fibres’ addition decreased the air formation. These alterations evidenced the specifics applicability conditions for each type of mortar. The mortar mechanical behavior also was altered. Inside the “rheological modifications" studied, the fibre percentage in the mortar with low air voids formation was what more contributed with the alteration of the mechanical property; while that the mortar with high air voids formation, the water percentage is what more affected the mechanical behavior.

A deposição de filmes finos resistentes ao desgaste é uma prática realizada com bastante frequência para melhorar o comportamento tribológico (atrito, desgaste, lubrificação) de diferentes peças e componentes. Afim de se garantir o adequado funcionamento do sistema revestido (substrato+filme), é importante avaliar o comportamento mecânico do mesmo. Um método para avaliação e estudo do comportamento mecânico destes sistemas é o ensaio de riscamento. O ensaio é utilizado para analisar a fratura superficial do revestimento (falha chamada coesiva), ou a resistência à adesão (falha chamada adesiva), e os modos de falha de revestimentos duros (HV>=5 GPa) e finos (<=30 ?m), depositados sobre substratos cerâmicos ou metálicos. A caracterização de alguns modos de falha nos sistemas revestidos está relacionada com modelos qualitativos de tensões presentes na região de contato e nas bordas do riscamento. Neste trabalho, foi estudado o comportamento das tensões Sxx e Szz desenvolvidas durante o riscamento de sistemas compostos por combinações de revestimentos/substratos. O trabalho foi baseado no desenvolvimento de modelos de simulação em 3D e 2D, utilizando o método dos elementos finitos (MEF), nos quais, uma partícula rígida com características de indentador Rockwell C, aplica carga progressiva até 2 N, ao longo de uma distância de 0,5 mm. No estudo, variou-se a dureza, traduzida em valores de tensão de escoamento do revestimento e do substrato, da mesma forma, analisou-se o efeito da tensão residual do revestimento, o efeito da espessura, o atrito, e a rugosidade, na superfície e na interface do sistema. O fato de obter valores de tensão que ultrapassam o valor do escoamento do revestimento pressupõe a possível ocorrência de falhas nos sistemas revestidos. Os resultados obtidos por simulação indicaram que as combinações de revestimento com tensão de escoamento baixa (Sy<3000 MPa) levam a experimentar tensões ao nível da tensão de escoamento do revestimento. Os revestimentos com tensão de escoamento Sy>5000 MPa apresentaram valores de tensão inferiores aos da tensão do revestimento, bem como o uso de tensão residual de -3 GPa no revestimento, assim como o aumento da espessura do revestimento têm grande importância nos sistemas revestidos, em particular nos casos em que a tensão de escoamento no revestimento é Sy>=5000MPa. O efeito do coeficiente de atrito leva à obtenção de valores de tensão (Sxx ou Szz) suficientemente altos na maioria das combinações, sendo esta a variável de estudo que levou ao maior número de vezes que foi atingido o valor da tensão de escoamento do revestimento. Da mesma forma, a rugosidade afeta os valores de tensão Sxx (interior do sulco). Ao aumentar a rugosidade do sistema aumenta a possibilidade de ultrapassar valores da tensão do revestimento na superfície e na interface do conjunto. Finalmente, pela complexidade do número de variáveis que afetam o ensaio, a simulação numérica sugere que o fato de analisar unicamente a dureza dos materiais, assim como as diferentes variáveis de forma isolada, não permite a reprodução de um mapa de falhas próximo ao proposto na literatura. / The deposition of wear resistant thin films is a common practice to improve the tribological behavior (friction, wear, lubrication) of several mechanical components. In order to guarantee the adequate performance of the coated systems, it is important to evaluate the mechanical behavior. A method for evaluation and study of the coated systems is the scratch test. The test is used to analyze the fracture of the coating (cohesive failure), or the adhesion of the coating (adhesive failure), and the failure modes of hard coatings (HV>=5 GPa) and thin (<=30 ?m) deposited on ceramic or metallic substrates. The characterization of some failure modes in coated systems is related to qualitative stress models at the contact region and the scratch edges. In this work, the behavior of the Sxx and Szz stresses developed during the scratch test was analyzed in different combinations of coatings/substrates. The work was based on the development of 3D and 2D simulation models using the finite element method (FEM). In the simulation, a rigid particle (with the geometry of Rockwell C indenter) applied progressive load to 2N along a 0.5 mm distance. In the study, the hardness was expressed as yield stress values in the coating and the substrate. In addition, it was examined the effect of coating residual stress (-3 GPa), as well as the effect of the thickness, the friction coefficient, and roughness of the surface and interface in the stresses behavior. The fact of obtaining tension values, which exceed the yield stress of coating implies the possible occurrence of failure. The results obtained by simulation indicated that the coating combinations with low yield stress (Sy < 3000 MPa) lead to Sxx and Szz stress values in the level of the coated yield stress. The coatings with yield stress Sy > 5000 MPa enable to obtain low Sxx and Szz values. The use of the residual stresses (-3 GPa) as well as increasing the thickness of the coating are very important factors in the coated systems, especially in the case of coatings with Sy > 5000 MPa. The effect of the friction coefficient leads to stress values (Sxx or Szz) sufficiently high in most of the combinations. This factor is the most important variable leading to the greater number of times that the value of the coating yield stress was reached. The roughness is responsible for Sxx stress values (inside groove). Increasing the roughness of the system increased the possibility of exceeding stress values in the surface and interface coating. Finally, by the complexity of the number of variables that affect the scratch test, the numerical simulation suggests that the fact of only analyzing the hardness of materials, as well as other isolated variables of the scratch test does not allow reproduction of a map of failures similar to that proposed in the literature.

O processo de cura de carbonatação acelerada em matrizes cimentícias reforçadas com fibras naturais é um avanço no caminho para a inovação dos materiais compósitos adequados para aplicação nas regiões em desenvolvimento. No entanto, estudos adicionais, sobre o mecanismo da carbonatação em compósitos cimentícios reforçados com fibras naturais, conhecimento para a escolha do tipo de fibra celulósica, os parâmetros da câmara de carbonatação, a idade para começar o processo de cura com carbonatação, a influência da adição mineral e quantificar as fases hidratadas do cimento antes e depois do ensaio de envelhecimento acelerado, e o teste de durabilidade são ainda necessários. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a definição de parâmetros opcionais para o processo de cura com carbonatação acelerada, identificar as principais fases hidratadas da matriz de cimento e a durabilidade do fibrocimento reforçado com polpa celulosica. As matérias-primas utilizadas para as formulações dos compósitos cimentícios usados nesta investigação incluem: cimento Portland, adição mineral (calcário ou sílica) e reforço de fibra natural (Eucalipto ou Pinus). Os compósitos cimentícios foram produzidas por um processo de sucção a vácuo da mistura e posterior prensagem em pequena escala em laboratório. As condições de cura foram conduzidas em vários conjuntos de amostras, que estudaram o efeito da concentração da carbonatação acelerada (0%, 20% e aproximadamente de 100% de CO2); o efeito de polpa celulósica (não branqueada e branqueada); o efeito da adição mineral (Calcário e Sílica) e, o efeito da durabilidade com o ensaio de envelhecimento acelerado (200 ciclos de imersão e secagem). Utilizou-se uma variedade de métodos de análise para avaliar a cinética de hidratação, as propriedades mecânicas e físicas e as implicações químicas nos compósitos; entre eles: difração de raios-X (DRX), análise termogravimétrica (TG e DTG), espectroscopia de infravermelho (FTIR), microscopia electrônica de varredura (MEV) e área superficial específica B.E.T. Nos compósitos sob concentrações perto do 100% de CO2, os resultados indicam que os compósitos reforçada com polpa branqueada apresentam nos ensaios de flexão valores médios estatisticamente significativos maiores do modulo de ruptura (MOR) e energia especifica ao redor do 24% comparados com os reforçados com polpa não branqueada. Nos compósitos sob concentrações 20% de CO2 os compósitos de sílica resultarem nos ensaios de flexão em valores médios estatisticamente significativos maiores no limite de proporcionalidade ao redor do 46% comparando com os compostos de calcário; O composto que utiliza sílica como adição mineral tem menor quantidade de hidróxido de cálcio (CH) em comparação com o composto com adição de calcário, com base no resíduo de CH detectado na análise de DRX: 3% e 11,5%, respectivamente. Após o envelhecimento acelerado, os compósitos com sílica sujeitos a dois regimes de cura diferentes (carbonatados e não carbonatados) não apresentam redução estatística do desempenho mecânico, com exceção da energia especifica; também há ausência de ettringite (AFt) no padrão XRD. Entretanto, os compósitos que foram sujeitos ao processo de carbonatação apresentam valores médios de MOR estatisticamente significativos mais elevados. Esta assim concluísse em este estudo que para compósitos cimentícios curados com carbonatação acelerada é indicado o uso de polpa branqueada com a sílica como adição mineral. / Carbonation accelerated curing process on cementitious matrices reinforced with vegetal fiber is an advance on the way for innovative composite materials suitable for application in developing regions. However, further studies on the carbonation mechanism in natural fiber reinforced cement composite, knowledge about the choice of cellulose fiber, carbonation chamber parameters, the age at which to begin the carbonation curing, the influence of mineral addition and the amount of the main hydrated clinker phases before and after of accelerated aging cycles, and durability test are still needed. The aim of this work was to evaluate the definition of optional parameters for accelerated carbonation curing process, the main hydrated phases of the cement matrix and the durability of fiber-cement reinforced with cellulose pulp. The raw materials used for the cementitious composite mix designs used in this investigation include: Portland cement, filler (limestone or silica) and natural fiber reinforcement (eucalyptus or pines). The cementitious composites were produced by a slurry vacuum dewatering process followed by pressing in laboratory small scale. The curing conditions were conducted on various sets of samples which were studied the effect of accelerated carbonation concentration (0%, 20% and close of 100% of CO2); the effect of cellulosic pulp (unbleached or bleached); the filler effect (limestone and silica); and, the effect of accelerated ageing test (200 soak & dry cycles). A variety of analytical test methods were used to assess the hydration kinetics, the mechanical and the physical properties, and chemical implications in the composites; between them: (X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TG and DTG), Infrared spectrometer (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and B.E.T. surface area analyzer. On the samples subject to close 100% of CO2 the results indicate that the bleached pulp reinforcement composites show in flexural test average statistically significant higher values of modulus rupture and specific energy around 24 % relating with unbleached pulp. On the samples subject to 20% CO2 the silica composite resulted in flexural test average statistically significant higher values of Limit of proportionality around 46% comparing with the limestone composite; the composite with silica addition presents less amount of calcium hydroxide (CH) in comparison with the composite with limestone addition, based on the CH residue detected in the XRD analysis: 3% and 11.5% respectively. After accelerated aging, the silica composites subject to two different curing regimes (carbonated and uncarbonated) presents no statistical reduction of mechanical performance, also there is an absence of ettringite (AFt) at XRD pattern; nevertheless, the carbonated composites present a significantly higher average MOR values. Thus, it is concluded in this study that for cementitious composites cured with accelerated carbonation the use of bleached pulp with silica as mineral addition is indicated.