No description available.

This work investigates the interactions between impact devices and material response in the realm of solid mechanics, utilizing explicit finite element analysis and experimental methods based on the split-hopkinson pressure bar. It focuses on understanding how tools like jackhammers use hammer strikes to generate pressure waves, then the wave is transferred through a chisel to materials such as rocks to cause fracture. The interaction between the wave and the rock is complex. Under dynamic loading the mechanical response of materials changes and significant losses occur due to reflections and inefficient pressure states. This research explores how chisel geometry can be optimized to control critical parameters influencing rock fracture, including stress state, pulse length, and peak pressure. The use of notches to influence the stress state, periodic boundaries to influence the pulse length and pressure amplification in tapers the increase the pressure showed an improvement in efficiency in jackhammers. Additionally, this work extends insights of the concept of pressure amplification in solids, to liquids inside tapered pipes, enhancing the understanding of phenomena like pulse pressure amplification in arteries and water hammer effects in piping systems. Two innovative contributions emerge from this work: a novel amplifier design for water cannons, improving these machines efficiency and showing promise for applications in water jet cutting and drilling, and a novel process for extruding nanocrystalline magnesium. This process leverages pressure amplification and impact-induced plastic shear deformations to refine crystal size, offering a new avenue for producing various nanocrystalline materials.

O avanço no estudo da simulação numérica somado ao crescimento da capacidade computacional tem possibilitado a solução numérica de problemas de engenharia cada vez mais complexos. Modelos numéricos mais acurados e robustos têm sido desenvolvidos, aproximando os resultados numéricos dos experimentais. Neste caminho, o presente trabalho tem como objetivo a análise numérica comparada a dados experimentais de ondas de pressão na admissão de ar de um motor de combustão interna, se utilizando do método dos volumes finitos. Para isso, utilizou-se a pressão colhida experimentalmente na porta da válvula como condição de contorno e obteve-se a pressão nos pontos de monitoramento ao longo do domínio. Esta situação física trouxe diversos problemas a serem solucionados ao longo da história, sendo então resolvido no presente trabalho se utilizando do esquema de Runge-Kutta para integração explícita no tempo fictício e do esquema Three-Point Backward Difference (BDF2) para integração implícita no tempo físico. Isto é, se utiliza do Dual Time-Stepping (DTS) na integração temporal, pois usa a matriz de pré-condicionamento para condicionar a solução do problema para escoamentos compressíveis e incompressíveis em todas as velocidades, e esta matriz deteriora a acuracidade temporal que é devolvida pelo DTS. O tratamento dos fluxos invíscidos foi baseado no método da separação dos fluxos de Roe, através do pacote computacional Star CCM+. Percebeu-se que o método se encaixa muito bem na situação estudada, modelando o comportamento físico realisticamente. A velocidade de propagação das ondas de pressão e suas amplitudes são muito próximas dos valores experimentais, tendo os gráficos de seu comportamento em todos os pontos de monitoramento, boa concordância com os gráficos gerados experimentalmente. / The advance in the field of numerical simulation added to the growth of computational capability has enabled the numerical solution of engineering problems become more and more complex. More accurate and robust numerical models have been developed, approximating the numerical and experimental results. In this way, this work aims at the numerical analysis compared to experimental data of pressure waves in the air intake of an internal combustion engine, using the Finite Volumes Method. The pressure is experimentally measured in the valve port and inserted as a boundary condition to obtain the pressure in the monitoring points along the domain. This physical situation has brought many problems to be solved throughout history. The present work applied the Runge-Kutta explicit integration in pseudo-time and Three-Point Backward Difference (BDF2) for implicit integration in physical-time. It is used the Dual-Time Stepping (DTS) for temporal integration, and the preconditioning for incompressible and compressible flows at all speeds deteriorates the temporal accuracy which is returned by DTS. The treatment of inviscid flows was based on the Flux Difference Splitting scheme of Roe, through the computational package Star CCM+. The method fits very well the situation under study, modeling the physical behavior realistically. The speed of propagation of pressure waves and their amplitudes are very close to the experimental values, and the graphs of their behavior present at all monitoring points, good agreement with the experimentally generated graphics.

O avanço no estudo da simulação numérica somado ao crescimento da capacidade computacional tem possibilitado a solução numérica de problemas de engenharia cada vez mais complexos. Modelos numéricos mais acurados e robustos têm sido desenvolvidos, aproximando os resultados numéricos dos experimentais. Neste caminho, o presente trabalho tem como objetivo a análise numérica comparada a dados experimentais de ondas de pressão na admissão de ar de um motor de combustão interna, se utilizando do método dos volumes finitos. Para isso, utilizou-se a pressão colhida experimentalmente na porta da válvula como condição de contorno e obteve-se a pressão nos pontos de monitoramento ao longo do domínio. Esta situação física trouxe diversos problemas a serem solucionados ao longo da história, sendo então resolvido no presente trabalho se utilizando do esquema de Runge-Kutta para integração explícita no tempo fictício e do esquema Three-Point Backward Difference (BDF2) para integração implícita no tempo físico. Isto é, se utiliza do Dual Time-Stepping (DTS) na integração temporal, pois usa a matriz de pré-condicionamento para condicionar a solução do problema para escoamentos compressíveis e incompressíveis em todas as velocidades, e esta matriz deteriora a acuracidade temporal que é devolvida pelo DTS. O tratamento dos fluxos invíscidos foi baseado no método da separação dos fluxos de Roe, através do pacote computacional Star CCM+. Percebeu-se que o método se encaixa muito bem na situação estudada, modelando o comportamento físico realisticamente. A velocidade de propagação das ondas de pressão e suas amplitudes são muito próximas dos valores experimentais, tendo os gráficos de seu comportamento em todos os pontos de monitoramento, boa concordância com os gráficos gerados experimentalmente. / The advance in the field of numerical simulation added to the growth of computational capability has enabled the numerical solution of engineering problems become more and more complex. More accurate and robust numerical models have been developed, approximating the numerical and experimental results. In this way, this work aims at the numerical analysis compared to experimental data of pressure waves in the air intake of an internal combustion engine, using the Finite Volumes Method. The pressure is experimentally measured in the valve port and inserted as a boundary condition to obtain the pressure in the monitoring points along the domain. This physical situation has brought many problems to be solved throughout history. The present work applied the Runge-Kutta explicit integration in pseudo-time and Three-Point Backward Difference (BDF2) for implicit integration in physical-time. It is used the Dual-Time Stepping (DTS) for temporal integration, and the preconditioning for incompressible and compressible flows at all speeds deteriorates the temporal accuracy which is returned by DTS. The treatment of inviscid flows was based on the Flux Difference Splitting scheme of Roe, through the computational package Star CCM+. The method fits very well the situation under study, modeling the physical behavior realistically. The speed of propagation of pressure waves and their amplitudes are very close to the experimental values, and the graphs of their behavior present at all monitoring points, good agreement with the experimentally generated graphics.

O avanço no estudo da simulação numérica somado ao crescimento da capacidade computacional tem possibilitado a solução numérica de problemas de engenharia cada vez mais complexos. Modelos numéricos mais acurados e robustos têm sido desenvolvidos, aproximando os resultados numéricos dos experimentais. Neste caminho, o presente trabalho tem como objetivo a análise numérica comparada a dados experimentais de ondas de pressão na admissão de ar de um motor de combustão interna, se utilizando do método dos volumes finitos. Para isso, utilizou-se a pressão colhida experimentalmente na porta da válvula como condição de contorno e obteve-se a pressão nos pontos de monitoramento ao longo do domínio. Esta situação física trouxe diversos problemas a serem solucionados ao longo da história, sendo então resolvido no presente trabalho se utilizando do esquema de Runge-Kutta para integração explícita no tempo fictício e do esquema Three-Point Backward Difference (BDF2) para integração implícita no tempo físico. Isto é, se utiliza do Dual Time-Stepping (DTS) na integração temporal, pois usa a matriz de pré-condicionamento para condicionar a solução do problema para escoamentos compressíveis e incompressíveis em todas as velocidades, e esta matriz deteriora a acuracidade temporal que é devolvida pelo DTS. O tratamento dos fluxos invíscidos foi baseado no método da separação dos fluxos de Roe, através do pacote computacional Star CCM+. Percebeu-se que o método se encaixa muito bem na situação estudada, modelando o comportamento físico realisticamente. A velocidade de propagação das ondas de pressão e suas amplitudes são muito próximas dos valores experimentais, tendo os gráficos de seu comportamento em todos os pontos de monitoramento, boa concordância com os gráficos gerados experimentalmente. / The advance in the field of numerical simulation added to the growth of computational capability has enabled the numerical solution of engineering problems become more and more complex. More accurate and robust numerical models have been developed, approximating the numerical and experimental results. In this way, this work aims at the numerical analysis compared to experimental data of pressure waves in the air intake of an internal combustion engine, using the Finite Volumes Method. The pressure is experimentally measured in the valve port and inserted as a boundary condition to obtain the pressure in the monitoring points along the domain. This physical situation has brought many problems to be solved throughout history. The present work applied the Runge-Kutta explicit integration in pseudo-time and Three-Point Backward Difference (BDF2) for implicit integration in physical-time. It is used the Dual-Time Stepping (DTS) for temporal integration, and the preconditioning for incompressible and compressible flows at all speeds deteriorates the temporal accuracy which is returned by DTS. The treatment of inviscid flows was based on the Flux Difference Splitting scheme of Roe, through the computational package Star CCM+. The method fits very well the situation under study, modeling the physical behavior realistically. The speed of propagation of pressure waves and their amplitudes are very close to the experimental values, and the graphs of their behavior present at all monitoring points, good agreement with the experimentally generated graphics.

No description available.

This thesis focuses on the characterization of rhythmic activity in the colon of healthy subjects and patients diagnosed with refractory constipation; this activity is mediated by pacemaker cells in the gastrointestinal system, the Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC). The myogenic activity described are the cyclic motor patterns (CMP) and haustral activity; characterization of these motor patterns in healthy subjects provided control values for the subsequent comparison in patients. Frequency analysis of CMP revealed a novel high-frequency activity (7-15cpm) unrelated to the breathing artefact. Three categories of cyclic motor patterns were observed: (1) CMP following mass peristaltic events (HAPW); (2) those that occur in isolation of other colonic motor patterns (HAPW) in the colon; and (3) low-frequency (2-6cpm), prominently retrograde rhythmic activity in the rectum. CMP were scarcely present in majority of the patients; however, elevated retrograde CMP in the distal colon and rectum in some patients plays a role in retarding flow of colonic content. A detailed characterization of haustral activity (comprised of 2 boundaries and the activity within a haustrum) is reported for the first time using high-resolution colonic manometry. Furthermore, we find that over expression of haustral boundary activity in patients serves as a disproportionate hindrance in colonic transit. An in-depth methodology is developed for the identification and subsequent analysis of haustral activity and CMP; this provides transparency in the data acquisition and analysis. Lastly, a sphincter at the rectosigmoid junction, sphincter of O’Beirne is presented in a patient case report. The persistent presence and paradoxical contractions of this sphincter served to impede flow colonic content, an important factor contributing to the pathophysiology of severe refractory constipation. / Thesis / Master of Science (MSc) / Colonic manometry tests and measures strength and coordination of colonic muscles contractions. This tool was used to understand the rhythmic colonic motor patterns and their contribution to motility in healthy subjects and patients with constipation. Rhythmic activity in the gut is mediated by pacemaker cells, Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC). We present a detailed characterization of ICC-mediated rhythmic activity that (1) occurs in the small pouches making up the colon (haustra) and (2) is greater than 5cm along the length of the colon (cyclic motor patterns-CMP).CMP possess high-frequency activity (7-15cpm), in addition to activity observed in the low-frequency range (2-6cpm). Activity in the haustra, or haustral activity, is comprised of 2 boundaries with activity within these bounds (intra-haustral activity); the overexpression in patients serves to retard flow of colonic content. Sphincter of O’Beirne is the last haustral boundary at the rectosigmoid junction; its persistent presence was characterized in a patient with refractory constipation.

Introduction: Functional motility disorders of the colon are poorly defined. Hence, patients with chronic colonic motor dysfunction are treated or undergo surgery without proper diagnosis. Most colonic motility assessment centers around the largest propagating motor pattern in the colon- the High Amplitude Propagating Pressure Wave (HAPW). However, there is no consensus regarding a definition of this important motor pattern. Additionally, no consideration is given to other aspects of colonic motility such as colo-ano-rectal coordination and control by the autonomic nervous system (ANS). The aim of this thesis was to improve understanding of HAPWs and other features of colonic motility in health and constipation, understand how autonomic dysfunction is related to observations in patients, and evaluate the effect of neuromodulation of the ANS. Methods: Motility was assessed in healthy volunteers and patients using water-perfused High Resolution Colonic Manometry (HRCM). To assess the association between ANS and colonic motor activity Heart Rate Variability (HRV) was measured in patients. Spatiotemporal maps were created using HRCM to analyse and quantify colonic motor activity following baseline, and interventions which included proximal balloon distention, meal, and rectal bisacodyl. Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT) was also applied during HRCM as a method of neuromodulation, to observe its effect on colonic motility. Results: Normal HAPWs are those which have an amplitude of more than 50 mmHg and belong to one of 3 categories: proximally originating, proximal continuing, and transverse/descending. The best intervention sequence to generate these during HRCM assessment is baseline, proximal balloon distention, meal, rectal bisacodyl. Based on their responses to these interventions and the type of HAPWs present, patients could be classified into strong responder, weak responder and non-responder groups. Overall, patients in the strong responder group were most similar to healthy volunteers both with regard to motility and ANS control. Conversely, the weak and non-responders had showed decreased or no motility with decreased parasympathetic input and occasionally sympathetic inhibition. Additionally, other features of motility such as the sphincter of O'Beirne, and lack of colo-ano-rectal coordination were found to lead to constipation even in presence of normal HAPWs. LLLT shows promise in initiating colonic motor activity through neuromodulation of the sacral defecation center. Conclusions: HAPWs can be defined into one of three categories and used to categorize patients based on their HAPW response to different interventions. However, other aspects of colonic motility such as the colo-ano-rectal coordination and autonomic nervous system control of colonic motility should be taken into consideration in diagnosis of constipation, as they can point towards more non-invasive treatment methods such as neuromodulation using LLLT. / Thesis / Master of Science in Medical Sciences (MSMS)

Idiopathic Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (INPH) is a condition affecting gait, cognition and continence. Radiological examination reveals enlarged ventricles of the brain. A shunt that drains CSF from the ventricles to the abdomen often improves the symptoms. Much research on INPH has been focused on identifying tests that predict the outcome after shunt surgery. As part of this quest, there are attempts to find measurement methods of intracranial parameters that are valid, reliable, tolerable and safe for patients. Today's technologies for intracranial pressure (ICP) measurement are invasive, often requiring a burr-hole in the skull. Recently, a method for non-invasive ICP measurements was suggested: the Pulsatile Index (PI) calculated from transcranial Doppler data assessed from the middle cerebral artery. In this thesis the relation between PI and ICP was explored in INPH patients during controlled ICP regulation by lumbar infusion. The confidence interval for predicted ICP, based on measured PI was too large for the method to be of clinical utility. In the quest for better predictive tests for shunt success in INPH, recent studies have shown promising results with criteria based on cardiac related ICP wave amplitudes. The brain ventricular system, and the fluid surrounding the spinal cord are in contact. In this thesis it was shown that ICP waves could be measured via lumbar subarachnoid space, with a slight underestimation. One of the cardinal symptoms of hydrocephalus is cognitive impairment. Neuropsychological studies have demonstrated cognitive tests that are impaired and improve after shunt surgery in INPH patients. However, there is currently no standardized test battery and different studies use different tests. In response, in this thesis a fully automated computerized neuropsychological test battery was developed. The validity, reliability, responsiveness to improvement after shunt surgery and feasibility for testing INPH patients was demonstrated. It was also demonstrated that INPH patients were impaired in all subtests, compared to healthy elderly.

Quando ar escoa em regime transiente através do duto de admissão, câmaras e válvulas de um motor de combustão interna, alguns efeitos tais como atrito e forças inerciais têm influência direta sobre a eficiência volumétrica do sistema. O presente trabalho, intitulado “Estudo numérico do processo de admissão em um motor de combustão interna utilizando uma metodologia baseada na massa específica pré-condicionada para baixo número de Mach com comparação experimental”, estuda o processo de admissão em um motor de combustão interna simplificado e objetiva investigar o comportamento pulsante presente no duto de admissão e discutir as predições do escoamento através da válvula de admissão por meio da utilização inédita de uma metodologia numérica baseada na massa específica com précondicionamento para baixo número de Mach, incluindo a modelagem tridimensional do duto de admissão na simulação fluidodinâmica. O movimento da válvula de admissão origina números de Mach moderados durante sua abertura. Com o fechamento, o escoamento é restringido abruptamente e uma série de ondas de pressão se propaga através do fluido com baixo número de Mach. Embora a metodologia baseada na massa específica com précondicionamento para baixo número de Mach pareça atrativa, o estudo do escoamento em processos de admissão não tem sido realizado com a utilização desta metodologia, provavelmente por limitações impostas pela robustez e esforço computacional. De modo a verificar a solução numérica, os resultados são comparados a dados experimentais coletados em uma bancada de fluxo construída especificamente com este propósito. Os resultados numéricos mostram-se satisfatórios e diferentes aspectos do jato originado pelo movimento da válvula são expostos e discutidos. / When air flows unsteadily in an internal combustion engine through its inlet pipe, chambers and valves, some effects such as friction and inertial forces have direct influence on the volumetric efficiency of the system. The present work, titled “Numerical study of the intake process of an internal combustion engine using a low Mach preconditioned densitybased method with experimental comparison”, aims to investigate the pulsating phenomena present in an intake pipe of a simplified internal combustion engine and discuss the intake jet flow predictions through the inlet valve by means of the novel use of a low Mach preconditioned density-based method, including the three-dimensional modeling of the intake pipe in the fluid dynamic simulation. Inlet valve movement promotes moderate values of Mach numbers during its opening phase. After closing, the flow is abruptly restricted and a series of pressure waves propagate through the fluid at low Mach numbers. Although low Mach preconditioned density-based method seems to be very attractive in this case, the study of the intake flow process has not been performed using this method, probably due to robustness issues and simulation effort. In order to evaluate the numerical solution, these results are compared to experimental data collected from a flow test bench constructed specifically for this purpose. Numerical results were satisfactory for the amplitudes and the resonance frequencies in the air intake system and different aspects of the jet flow inside the cylinder are exposed and discussed.