No / A methodology, involving fretting tests, to develop wear and crack resistant materials for tribological applications for automotive valve train parts (e.g. cams, tappets) has been recently reported for high speed steels. Modifications to one of these sintered steels, M3 Class 2, were effected by additions, singly and in combination, of 5 wt.% of wear resistant titanium carbide and of solid lubricant manganese sulphide. In our fretting tests alternate displacements were imposed between the test material (plane) and a chromium steel or alumina ball. Running conditions fretting and material response fretting maps were constructed for the four materials. Two types of fretting damage were detected and analysed: cracking or particle detachment and wear through the tribologicaly transformed structure (TTS). Crack initiation, associated with porosity and interfaces, was detected when the maximum tensile stress in the contact reached 1.2 GPa. Cracking analyses were also carried out using static and fatigue mechanical tests and replica scanning electron microscopy. Crack growth and propagation were influenced by details of the microstructure, e.g. TiC was observed to arrest crack growth, whereas MnS made it easier. Wear analysis included the determination after each test of the wear volume, which could be related to the coefficient of friction and the cumulative dissipation energy during the fretting test.

U.S. Federal regulations requiring on-board diagnostics of diesel particulate filters have created a demand for compact, inexpensive, fast, and accurate sensors for measuring the particulate matter (PM) content of diesel exhaust. An electronic sensor capable of measuring the carbonaceous fraction (soot) of PM has been developed at The University of Texas at Austin. The behavior and performance of this sensor was characterized in both an older style non-emission controlled diesel engine and a modern heavy-duty diesel certified in 2008 to meet current federal emissions standards. The ability of the sensor to detect particulates at the regulated level of 15 mg/bhp-hr downstream of a leaking particulate filter was demonstrated. Under optimal conditions, the sensor was shown to have a resolution of 0.003 mg/bhp-hr, or 0.005 mg/m3. The sensor operated by measuring the flux of charged particles, ions, and electrons to an electrode immersed in an exhaust gas flow. Two distinct modes of operation were demonstrated. In the first, the sensor detected particles carrying residual charge from the combustion process. In this mode, the sensor was shown to be relatively insensitive to particle morphology and to be sensitive to exhaust gas velocity. In the second, charge carriers (particles, electrons, and ions) were created in the strong electric field produced by a second electrode at high voltage. In this mode, the sensor was found to be relatively insensitive to exhaust gas velocity, but quite sensitive to the orientation of the sensor in the exhaust flow. The size and number density of the particles was found to have a strong influence on the sensor sensitivity: as number density increased with increasing load or decreasing EGR rate, so did sensor sensitivity. Thus, as changes in engine operating condition affect particle morphology, the behavior of the sensor changes. A numerical model of the discharge mechanism in the form of an atmospheric pressure glow discharge was implemented to model the charge creation and transport. The model accurately predicted the nanoamp-level electrode currents produced in a real sensor to within a half order of magnitude with no empirical fits. The model tended to over-predict the sensitivity of sensor output to applied voltage but matched the observed sensitivity within an order of magnitude. Due to the lack of modeling flow field effects it predicted a 250% increase in sensitivity for a gap width reduced by 50% where a comparison of real sensors showed a decrease in sensitivity of 25% with a 50% reduction in gap width. / text

Abstract The South China Sea (SCS) is the largest marginal sea in the world and connects with the East China Sea (ECS) through the Taiwan Strait (TS). This study investigates the distribution and biogeochemical behavior of both particulate and dissolved organic matter in the SCS and the TS based on samples collected on several cruises of the R/V Ocean Researchers I and III. Dissolved inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus (DIN and DIP), particulate organic carbon and nitrogen (POC and PON) as well as dissolved organic nitrogen and phosphorus (DON and DOP) concentrations were determined. Concentrations of DON and DOP in the SCS are in the range of 1.2-9.9 mMN and 0.04-0.21 mMP, respectively. The surface DON concentration is the highest in the northern SCS, whereas it is the lowest in the southern part. The DOP does not show a similar trend. DON and DOP concentrations all decrease with depth but increase slightly near the bottom, perhaps on account of sediment resuspension. Because of the preferential degradation of DOP over DON, the maximum concentration of DOP appears at a shallower depth than that of DON. Approximately 11 % and 2 % of DIN and DIP respectively are attributed to the degradation of DON and DOP above 500 m in the SCS. Concentrations of POC and PON in the SCS are in the range of 1.06-2.84 mMC and 0.07-0.36 mMN, respectively. The distributions of POC and PON show similar patterns with a correlation coefficient of 0.97. The concentrations of these are the highest at the surface layer, decrease with depth, but then increase slightly near the bottom, perhaps again because of resuspension of the bottom sediments. The ratio of PON/POC is 0.138 in the euphotic zone, a value close to the Redfield ratio of 0.15. In the TS and the adjacent coastal zones, the effect of terrestrial input is obvious and results in higher POC, PON, DON and DOP nearshore. Ranges of these concentrations are 0.06-59.6 mMN, 0.01-1.29 mMP, 3.80-57.1 mMC and 0.19-3.4 mMN, respectively. There was an attempt to use the one-dimensional diffusion-advection model to estimate the DIN and DIP production rates and the DON and DOP consumption rates over the depth range of 900-2500 m. These values are, respectively, 0.036, 0.006, 0.021 and 0.002 mmol/kg/yr.

Achieving optimization of IMTA sites and modeling the efficiency of such a system requires knowledge of the spatiotemporal distribution and variability of TPM surrounding the finfish farms. The objective of this study was to quantify the impact of finfish farms on the surrounding particle field. Platforms equipped with transmissometers, fluorometers and CTD’s were towed around the sites while undulating through the water column in a high-resolution 3D spatial survey approach. In addition, combination turbidity and chlorophyll a sensors were moored at a variety of locations and depths. Surveys were conducted concurrently with the deployment of current meters. Farms surveyed were found to have little impact on the surrounding suspended particle field (mean effect < 1 mg L-1). Results provided evidence of minimal enhancement from fish farm wastes, primarily in surficial waters (0.5- 2 m depth) immediately adjacent to the cages, and evidence of predominantly tidal driven (M2) TPM dynamics.

No description available.

Master of Science / Department of Biological & Agricultural Engineering / Ronaldo G. Maghirang / Large cattle feedlots in Kansas are often considered to be large sources of particulate matter (PM), including PM with equivalent aerodynamic diameter of 10 micrometers or less (PM[subscript]10). To control PM emissions from cattle feedlots, water sprinkler systems can be implemented; however, limited data are available on their PM control efficiency. This research was conducted to determine the control efficiency of a water sprinkler system in reducing PM[subscript]10 emission from a cattle feedlot. This was accomplished by monitoring the PM[subscript]10 concentrations, with tapered element oscillating microbalance (TEOM™) PM[subscript]10 monitors, at the upwind and downwind boundaries of a cattle feedlot (KS1) from January 2006 to July 2009. The feedlot was equipped with a sprinkler system that can apply up to 5 mm of water per day. It had approximately 30,000 head of beef cattle and total pen area of approximately 50 ha. The control efficiency of the sprinkler system was determined by considering the PM[subscript]10 data during sprinkler on/off events, i.e., the sprinkler system was operated (on) for at least one day and either followed or preceded by at least one day of no water sprinkling (off). For each of the selected sprinkler on/off events, the percentage reduction in net PM[subscript]10 concentration was calculated and considered to be a measure of the control efficiency. Net PM[subscript]10 concentration was defined as the difference between downwind and upwind PM[subscript]10 concentrations. The control efficiency for PM[subscript]10 ranged from 32% to 80%, with an overall mean of 53% based on 24-h PM[subscript]10 values for 10 sprinkler on/off events. In general, the effect of the water sprinkler system in reducing net PM[subscript]10 concentration lasted for one day or less. The percentage reduction in net PM[subscript]10 concentration at KS1 due to rainfall events was also determined using a similar approach. In addition, a second cattle feedlot (KS2) that was not equipped with a sprinkler system and with approximately 25,000 head of beef cattle and 68 ha pen area was considered. Percentage reductions in net PM[subscript]10 concentrations due to rainfall events were mostly in the range of 60% to almost 100% for both feedlots, with overall means of 75% for KS1 and 74% for KS2. The effects of rainfall events (with rainfall amounts > 10 mm/day) lasted for three to seven days, depending on rainfall amount and intensity. Limited data are also available on PM[subscript]10 emission rates from cattle feedlots in Kansas. This research quantified PM[subscript]10 emission rates from the two feedlots (KS1 and KS2) and a third cattle feedlot (KS3) in Kansas by using inverse dispersion modeling with the AMS/EPA Regulatory Model (AERMOD), which is the US EPA preferred regulatory atmospheric dispersion model. PM[subscript]10 emission rates were back-calculated using the resulting PM[subscript]10 concentrations modeled by AERMOD, together with measured PM[subscript]10 concentrations (24 months of data for KS1 and KS2, 6 months of data for KS3). Overall mean PM[subscript]10 emission fluxes for the 2-year period were 1.29 g/m[superscript]2-day (range: 0.04 – 4.98 g/m[superscript]2-day) for KS1, 1.03 g/m[superscript]2-day (range: 0.07 – 4.52 g/m[superscript]2-day) for KS2, and 2.48 g/m[superscript]2-day (6-months; range: 0.05 – 5.00 g/m[superscript]2-day) for KS3. The corresponding mean PM[subscript]10 emission factors were 21, 29, and 48 kg/1,000 hd-day for KS1, KS2, and KS3, respectively. The emission factors for KS1 and KS2 were considerably smaller than the published US EPA emission factor for cattle feedlots (i.e., 42 kg/1000 hd-day). The emission factor for KS3 was slightly greater than the US EPA emission factor; however, it was a biased estimate because it was based only on a six-month period.

The subject of this master's thesis is the FEM analysis of the construction of the diesel particulate filter support on the tractor Zetor Forterra. The introduction of this thesis is about the theoretical part dealing with the issue of emissions from diesel engines and ways to reduce them. The following part describing the creation of the computational model. Then, the static stress-strain analysis, modal analysis and fatigue analysis are solved in the ANSYS Workbench software. The assessment of the safety of the structure in terms of limit states, that may occur during the operation of the tractor, based on the results of calculations is in the conclusion of the thesis.

No presente trabalho, é avaliada a qualidade do ar interno com ênfase na concentração de aerodispersóides presentes em edifícios comerciais e residenciais com sistema de ventilação natural ou condicionamento de ar. De fato, algumas doenças de origem ocupacional são causadas pela inalação de aerodispersóides nocivos à saúde. O método utilizado para avaliar a qualidade do ar interno nos edifícios comerciais e residenciais consistiu primeiramente em caracterizar os medidores de aerodispersóides e em seguida passou-se para a análise das concentrações e das características ambientais. A pesquisa mediu a concentração de aerodispersóides em edifícios com sistemas de ventilação diferentes (1a fase), e identificou as principais fontes de emissão de aerodispersóides em um apartamento residencial (2a fase). Observou-se que as concentrações obtidas na pesquisa estão acima dos valores recomendados na RE n° 9 (ANVISA, 2003) e por Morawska et al. (1999) que atribuem valores de 80 µg/m³ e 7.400 part./cm³, para concentrações médias em massa e em número, respectivamente. Com base nas observações acima, chegou à conclusão que as concentrações médias em massa e em número de aerodispersóides, durante as atividades domésticas (cozimento, reforma, limpeza, entre outras), foram várias vezes maiores do que as concentrações obtidas em ambientes com atividades profissionais ou com menor ocupação durante o dia. / This paper is the result of quality evaluation of indoor air quality with emphasis on the concentration of aerodispersoid in commercial and residential buildings with natural ventilation or air conditioning systems. In fact, some of the occupational diseases are caused by the inhalation of aerodispersoids hazardous to health. The method applied to evaluate the indoor air quality in commercial and residential buildings consisted firstly of characterizing the aerodispersoid measuring devices and subsequently analyzing the concentration levels and environmental characteristics. This research measured the concentration of aerodispersoids in buildings equipped with a variety of ventilation systems (phase1) and next it identified the main emission sources in a residential apartment (phase 2). It was observed that the concentration levels measured were above the specifications recommended by RE n° 9 (ANVISA, 2003) and by Morawska et al. (1999) which attribute values of 80 µg/m³ and 7.400 part./cm³, for average concentration in mass and number respectively. Based on the above information it was concluded that the average concentration levels of aerodispersoids in mass and number in home related activities (cooking, restoration, cleaning, etc) were many times higher than the concentration levels found in business environments or in environments with less occupation during the day.

This experimental study explores the heat transfer from heated bare and finned tubular surfaces to particulates in packed bed cross flow. The results from this experiment will be used to help select the type of particulates that will be used. Additionally, these results will assist in estimating heat transfer in prototype and commercial particle to fluid heat exchangers (PFHX). This research is part of larger effort in the use of particulates in concentrating solar power technology. These solid particles are heated by concentrated sunlight to very high temperatures at which they are a suitable heat source for various thermal power and thermochemical cycles. Furthermore, one of the advantages of this concept is the ability to store thermal energy in the solid particles at relatively low cost. However, an important feature of any Particle Heat Receiver (PHR) system is the PFHX, which is the interface between the solar energy system and the thermal power or chemical system. In order to create this system material data is needed for the design and optimization of this PFHX. The paper focuses on the heat transfer properties of particulates to solid surfaces under plug flow conditions. The particulates will be evaluated for three grain sizes of sand and two grain sizes of proppants. These two materials will be tested at one, five and ten millimeters per second in order to see how the various flow rates, which will be required for different loads, will affect the heat transfer coefficient. Finally the heat transfer coefficient will also be evaluated for both finned and non-finned heat exchangers to see the effect that changes in the surface geometry and surface area have on the heat transfer coefficient. The heat transfer coefficient will help determine the appropriate material that will be used in the PHR system.

No presente trabalho, é avaliada a qualidade do ar interno com ênfase na concentração de aerodispersóides presentes em edifícios comerciais e residenciais com sistema de ventilação natural ou condicionamento de ar. De fato, algumas doenças de origem ocupacional são causadas pela inalação de aerodispersóides nocivos à saúde. O método utilizado para avaliar a qualidade do ar interno nos edifícios comerciais e residenciais consistiu primeiramente em caracterizar os medidores de aerodispersóides e em seguida passou-se para a análise das concentrações e das características ambientais. A pesquisa mediu a concentração de aerodispersóides em edifícios com sistemas de ventilação diferentes (1a fase), e identificou as principais fontes de emissão de aerodispersóides em um apartamento residencial (2a fase). Observou-se que as concentrações obtidas na pesquisa estão acima dos valores recomendados na RE n° 9 (ANVISA, 2003) e por Morawska et al. (1999) que atribuem valores de 80 µg/m³ e 7.400 part./cm³, para concentrações médias em massa e em número, respectivamente. Com base nas observações acima, chegou à conclusão que as concentrações médias em massa e em número de aerodispersóides, durante as atividades domésticas (cozimento, reforma, limpeza, entre outras), foram várias vezes maiores do que as concentrações obtidas em ambientes com atividades profissionais ou com menor ocupação durante o dia. / This paper is the result of quality evaluation of indoor air quality with emphasis on the concentration of aerodispersoid in commercial and residential buildings with natural ventilation or air conditioning systems. In fact, some of the occupational diseases are caused by the inhalation of aerodispersoids hazardous to health. The method applied to evaluate the indoor air quality in commercial and residential buildings consisted firstly of characterizing the aerodispersoid measuring devices and subsequently analyzing the concentration levels and environmental characteristics. This research measured the concentration of aerodispersoids in buildings equipped with a variety of ventilation systems (phase1) and next it identified the main emission sources in a residential apartment (phase 2). It was observed that the concentration levels measured were above the specifications recommended by RE n° 9 (ANVISA, 2003) and by Morawska et al. (1999) which attribute values of 80 µg/m³ and 7.400 part./cm³, for average concentration in mass and number respectively. Based on the above information it was concluded that the average concentration levels of aerodispersoids in mass and number in home related activities (cooking, restoration, cleaning, etc) were many times higher than the concentration levels found in business environments or in environments with less occupation during the day.