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<p dir="ltr">LeadGlow (<b>LG</b>) was reported in 2009 for its ability to both sensitively and selectively detect Pb²⁺ in aqueous solutions. Utilizing the synthetic approach of <b>LG</b>, it is possible to generate a class of novel fluorophores. A derivative of first-generation <b>LG </b>was synthesized and reported here for the first time, intuitively named <b>LG2</b>. Both compounds contain interesting photophysical properties that have not been extensively researched prior to this work. Because of this, photophysical properties of both <b>LG</b> and <b>LG2</b> are unveiled here for the first time. These properties were investigated by determinations of quantum yield (QY), average fluorescence lifetime, and DFT calculations. <b>LG</b> was found to have a higher QY (0.057) than <b>LG2</b> (0.011); however, <b>LG2</b> displays an average fluorescence lifetime (3.186 ns) 5x greater than that of <b>LG</b>. Both <b>LG </b>and <b>LG2</b> are synthesized via Hg²⁺-facilitated desulfurization of their respective thiocarbonyls, resulting in a turn-on fluorescence feature. The thiocarbonyl-containing fluorophores (<b>SLG </b>and <b>SLG2</b>) display quenched fluorescence compared to their oxo-derivatives (<b>LG </b>and <b>LG2</b>), this work attempts to investigate the mechanism(s) responsible.<b> </b>A whole class of LeadGlow compounds can be synthesized and could be potentially used as fluorescence-based sensors.</p>

The objective of this research is to provide an in-depth analysis of the contact patch behavior of a specific passenger car tire. A Michelin P205/60R15 tire was used for this study. Understanding the way the tire interacts with the road at various loads, inflation pressures and driving conditions is essential to optimizing tire and vehicle performance. The footprint shape and stress distribution pattern are very important factors that go into assessing the tire's rate of wear, the vehicle's fuel economy and has a major effect on the vehicle stability and control, especially under severe maneuvers. In order to study the contact patch phenomena and analyze these stresses more closely, a finite element (FE) tire model which includes detailed tread pattern geometry has been developed, using a novel reverse engineering process. In order to validate this model, an experimental process has been developed to obtain the footprint shape and contact pressure distribution. The differences between the experimental and the simulation results are discussed and compared. The validated finite element model is then used for predicting the 3D stress distribution fields at the contact patch. The predictive capabilities of the finite element tire model are also explored in order to predict the handling characteristics of the test tire under different maneuvers such as pure cornering and pure braking. / Master of Science

Intrinsic quantum Thermodynamics (IQT) is a theory that unifies thermodynamics and quantum mechanics into a single theory. Its mathematical framework, steepest-entropy-ascent quantum thermodynamics (SEAQT), can be used to model and describe the non-equilibrium phenomenon of diffusion based on the principle of steepest-entropy ascent. The research presented in this dissertation demonstrates the capability of this framework to model and describe diffusion at atomistic levels and is used here to develop a non-equilibrium-based model for an isolated system in which He3 diffuses in He4. The model developed is able to predict the non-equilibrium and equilibrium characteristics of diffusion as well as capture the differences in behavior of fermions (He3) and bosons (He4). The SEAQT framework is also used to develop the transient and steady-state model for an open system in which oxygen diffuses through a tin anode. The two forms of the SEAQT equation of motion are used. The first, which only involves a dissipation term, is applied to the state evolution of the isolated system as its state relaxes from some initial non-equilibrium state to stable equilibrium. The second form, the so-called extended SEAQT equation of motion, is applied to the transient state evolution of an open system undergoing a dissipative process as well mass-interactions with two mass reservoirs. In this case, the state of the system relaxes from some initial transient state to steady state. Model predictions show that the non-equilibrium thermodynamic path that the isolated system takes significantly alters the diffusion data from that of the equilibrium-based models for isolated atomistic-level systems found in literature. Nonetheless, the SEAQT equilibrium predications for He3 and He4 capture the same trends as those found in the literature providing a point of validation for the SEAQT framework. As to the SEAQT results for the open system, there is no data in the literature with which to compare since the results presented here are completely original to this work. / Ph. D.