The behaviour of iodine, before and after annealing, in pyrolytic carbon (PyC) has been studied using the Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). PyC is used as a coating material in the design of the nuclear fuels such as the TRISO particles. TRISO particles are used to produce nuclear energy in nuclear reactors such as the PBMR. Iodine is one of the radioactive fission products produced during the production of nuclear energy by the nuclear fuels. The PyC layers in TRISO particles acts as a barrier for fission products. The main aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of PyC as a barrier of iodine diffusion. 360 keV iodine ions were implanted into the PyC to a fluence of 1×1015 iodine ions per cm2, at room temperature. After implantation the PyC samples were annealed (in vacuum) isochronally at 900 °C, 1000 °C, 1100 °C and 1200 °C; all for 9 hours. XRD measurements were performed using a cobalt (Co) XRD spectrometer on θ-2θ configuration; before and after the annealing temperatures. In-lens SEM images were also obtained for the PyC samples before and after heat treatment. RBS measurements were performed using a Van de Graaff accelerator and a 1.6 MeV He+ beam. XRD and SEM were used to study the structure of PyC before and after the annealing. Ion implantation and high temperature treatment affected the structure of PyC. Literature has shown that ion implantation caused structural damages in the implanted region of the PyC, reducing the degree of preferred orientation of the graphitic layers of the PyC in that region. The XRD results showed that high temperature annealing caused an increase in the degree of preferred orientation of the graphitic layers in the PyC used which is in agreement with other studies. Comparison of our SEM results to other reports has shown that the PyC used has a structure similar or close to the laminar structures of PyCs, with medium to high degree of preferred orientation. RBS was used to produce the iodine depth profiles, which provided insight on implantation depth of iodine in PyC as well as iodine behaviour after annealing. The results showed that iodine concentration in the implanted profile decreased with increasing annealing temperature. The full width at half maximum (FWHM) of the iodine profiles, obtained using the computer program Genplot, showed that after heat treatments of 900 °C, 1000 °C and 1100 °C more iodine initially diffused deeper into the PyC bulk than towards the PyC surface. At 1200 °C, the diffusion of iodine towards the PyC surface increased. It was proposed that this iodine behaviour was associated with the changes in the PyC structure due to ion implantation and high temperature treatment of the PyC. The obtained iodine profiles and the corresponding FWHM did not show evidence that the diffusion of iodine in both directions could be attributed to Fickian diffusion mechanism; hence no activation energy for the iodine diffusion in laminar PyC was determined. Copyright / Dissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2012. / Physics / unrestricted

This dissertation reports the investigation conducted on the static and dynamic behavior of the passive diamagnetic levitation systems. Attachment of a device to a substrate hinders the optimum performance ability of vibrating devices by altering the dynamic behavior of the moving part whilst introducing higher overall stiffness. The significance of this effect is prominent especially in vibration based energy harvesters as higher stiffness elevates the resonance frequency of the system, making it difficult to tune into ambient low frequencies. Other advantages of the proposed method are given by the removal of mechanical bending elements, which are often the source of energy dissipation through thermo-elastic damping and affects device reliability and durability. In this research, diamagnetically levitated resonators that can be utilized in energy harvesting were proposed and investigated as a possible solution to overcome these problems. Permanent magnets in an opposite neighboring poles (ONP) configuration were used to provide the magnetic field required for levitation. Pyrolytic graphite (PG), which is the known highest diamagnetic material, serves as the levitating proof mass. Experimental results show that the static levitation height has a linear dependence on the thickness and a nonlinear dependence on the area of the levitating proof mass that can be approximated to a third order polynomial equation. Also, the study proved that a thinner proof mass provides a higher air gap while length of the proof mass beyond a certain value (l >10 mm for the experimental system considered in this dissertation) has no significant effect on increasing the air gap. It was also observed that levitation can slightly increase by attaching magnets to a sheet of steel (ferromagnetic material). To the best of my knowledge, this dissertation is the first to address the parameterized studies in the dynamics of diamagnetic levitated objects by permanent magnets. Measurements performed on a diamagnetic levitating prototype system show that the resonance frequencies are lowered by approximately 3- 4 orders of magnitude in levitated systems compared to the attached systems demonstrating the feasibility of using levitating techniques for micro to meso scale energy harvester applications. Also, there is a significant dissimilarity observed in this study compared to the mechanically attached systems: The resonance frequency has a dependence on magnetic field strength, and is shifting towards lower values when increasing the strength of the magnetic field. This indicates that the virtual spring of a levitated proof mass is not a constant and therefore, the resonance frequency of the diamagnetic levitated systems is able to be fine-tuned by varying the magnetic field. Finite Element Method (FEM) models were developed using COMSOL software that can simulate 3D magnetic flux formation of an array of permanent magnets and the diamagnetic levitation. The appropriate magnetic force equation from the two force equations that exist in the literature was established for the static levitation with the help of experimental and simulation results. Moreover, these models are able to provide the magnetic force exerted on diamagnetic objects at different heights, stable levitation height and position and also an indication of the maximum stably levitated size of the diamagnetic material. Future endeavor of this study is to realize the diamagnetic levitation in energy harvesters. The results obtained from this research will not be limited to harvester applications but will also be beneficial to other diamagnetic levitation related systems, as these parameters are fundamental and necessary for the foundation of the research in the field of interest.

Submitted by ALEXANDER ALBERTO RODRIGUEZ GAMBOA null (alexander.r.gamboa@gmail.com) on 2016-05-06T06:12:01Z No. of bitstreams: 1 ALEXANDER ALBERTO RODRIGUEZ GAMBOA D Final.pdf: 2835466 bytes, checksum: 371027696e6cde2bf330e85c69c9370e (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Felipe Augusto Arakaki (arakaki@reitoria.unesp.br) on 2016-05-09T18:46:42Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 gamboa_aar_me_guara.pdf: 2835466 bytes, checksum: 371027696e6cde2bf330e85c69c9370e (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-05-09T18:46:42Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 gamboa_aar_me_guara.pdf: 2835466 bytes, checksum: 371027696e6cde2bf330e85c69c9370e (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-03-07 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) / O presente trabalho foi desenvolvido com a finalidade de avaliar a combustão do óleo pirolítico, obtido a partir de pneus inservíveis, tendo sido levadas em consideração as viabilidades energética e ambiental para seu emprego como combustível alternativo, em um processo de combustão convencional. A primeira etapa consistiu em uma revisão da literatura sobre a grande quantidade de pneus inservíveis gerados no mundo e as principais rotas de disposição destes, a fim de ressaltar a relevância do estudo do óleo pirolítico de pneus (OPP) como uma alternativa de solução energética e ambiental. Assim como, verificaram-se suas principais propriedades físico-químicas, que fazem deste, um atrativo combustível alternativo. Posteriormente, foi desenvolvido um modelo de equilíbrio químico utilizando o método de minimização da energia livre de Gibbs para obter uma estimativa da formação e emissão dos principais produtos da combustão do OPP. Neste, foram avaliadas as concentrações dos produtos da combustão da mistura de óleo pirolítico de pneus e óleo diesel, focando-se principalmente na influência promovida pelas emissões de SO2 ao se aumentar a concentração do óleo diesel na mistura. Os testes experimentais foram realizados utilizando uma câmara de combustão de paredes não isoladas, constituída de dois módulos desmontáveis. Foi empregado nestes testes um queimador, no qual foi montado um swirler axial de pás movíveis que permitiu avaliar a influência do ângulo das pás do swirler sobre as concentrações dos produtos da combustão (CO, CO2, NOx e O2). Um problema crucial foi a elevada formação e deposição de material particulado, o que conduziu os experimentos a algumas paradas durante os testes, devido ao entupimento reiterativo do bico injetor e do filtro do compressor, utilizado na exaustão. Os resultados evidenciaram a viabilidade do uso do OPP como combustível alternativo, utilizando-se apenas um atomizador comercial tipo pressure swirl para sua atomização. A chama ficou estável para valores de razão de equivalência abaixo de 0,92. Além disso, as emissões de CO, CO2 e NOx foram comparáveis com aquelas obtidas por outros pesquisadores que queimaram óleo diesel. / This study was conducted in order to evaluate the combustion of pyrolytic oil derived from waste tires, for which the energy and environmental feasibility of its use as an alternative fuel in a conventional combustion process were considered. The first stage consisted in a review of literature about the large amount of waste tires generated in the world and the main disposal routes of them, to highlight the relevance of the study of tyre pyrolytic oil (TPO) as an alternative energy and environmental solution. Also, its main physico-chemical properties that make it an attractive alternative fuel was verified. After that, a chemical equilibrium model using the Gibbs free energy minimization method to obtain an estimate of the formation and emission from the main combustion products of TPO was developed. At this, the concentrations of the combustion products of the blend between tyre pyrolytic oil and diesel fuel were assessed mainly focused on the promoted influence by SO2 emissions with the increase of diesel fuel in the mixture. The experiments were carried out using a combustion chamber of non-isolated walls that consisted of two removable modules. A burner was used in the experiments, which was mounted an axial swirler of movable blades that allowed to assess the influence of the swirler blades angle on concentrations of combustion products (CO, CO2, NOx and O2). A crucial issue was the elevated formation and deposition of particulate matter, which led the experiments a few stops during the tests, due to reiterative clogging the nozzle and compressor filter used in the exhaust. The results showed the viability of the TPO's use as an alternative fuel, using only a commercial type atomizer pressure swirl for its atomization. The flame was stable for the equivalence ratio values below 0.92. Furthermore, emissions of CO, CO2 and NOx were comparable with those obtained by other researchers who burned diesel fuel.

O-ethyl S-2-diisopropylaminoethyl methylphosphonothiolate (VX) and O-isobutyl-S-2-diethylaminoethyl methylphosphonothioate (R-VX), are considered chemical warfare agents due to their strong acetylcholinesterase-inhibiting properties. Subsequent to terrorist use of these V-type nerve agents in both Japan and the United States of America (the September 11, 2001 attacks) and the limited capability of anti-terrorist groups to detect such weapons, there has been an increased obligation by the Chemical Weapons Convection for specific detection and identification methods for VX and R-VX. Chemical and/or enzymatic hydrolysis yields sulfhydryl mimic products, diethylaminoethanethiol (DEAET) and dimethylaminoethanethiol (DMAET). This thesis investigates the electrocatalytic parameters of DEAET and DMAET using basal plane pyrolytic graphite electrodes (BPPGEs) modified with: (a) single-wall carbon nanotube (BPPGE-SWCNT); (b) SWCNT functionalised with cobalt (II) tetra-aminophthalocyanine by (i) physical (BPPGE-SWCNT-CoTAPc(mix)), (ii) chemical (BPPGE-SWCNT-CoTAPc(cov)) and (iii) electrochemical adsorption (BPPGE-SWCNT-CoTAPc(ads)) processes; (c) nickel powder (BPPGE-Ni); (d) BPPGE-Ni decorated with SWCNT (BPPGE-Ni-SWCNT), and (e) SWCNT functionalised with nickel (II) tetra-aminophthalocyanine (BPPGE-SWCNT-poly-NiTAPc). Electrochemical studies (performed by voltammetric and electrochemical impedance spectroscopic techniques) revealed that the SWCNT and SWCNT-CoTAPc(mix) films showed comparable electrocatalytic responses towards the detection of DEAET and DMAET whereas competitive electrochemical behaviour was seen between SWCNT and SWCNT-NiTAPc modified BPPGEs. Using the BPPGE-SWCNT-CoTAPc(mix), the estimated catalytic rate constants (k) and diffusion coefficients (D) were higher for DEAET than for the DMAET. Also, the detection limits of approximately 8.0 and 3.0µM for DMAET and DEAET were obtained with sensitivities of 5.0×10−2 and 6.0×10−2 AM−1 for DMAET and DEAET, respectively. Unlike BPPGE-SWCNT-CoTAPc(mix) that detected the two sulfhydryls at slightly different potentials, BPPGE-SWCNT did not. The BPPGE-Ni gave enhanced Faradaic response for the redox probe ([Fe(CN)6]3−/4−) and also displayed enhanced electrocatalytic behaviour towards the detection of DMAET and DEAET with high sensitivity (~23x10−3 AM−1) and low detection limits (4.0 – 9.0 µM range). In comparison to other electrodes reported in the literature, BPPGE-Ni exhibits more promising features required for a simple, highly sensitive, fast and less expensive electrode for the detection of the hydrolysis products of V-type nerve agents in aqueous solution. The efficient response of the BPPGE-Ni is attributed to the high microscopic surface area of the nickel powder. The poor response of the BPPGE-Ni-SWCNT suggests that the nickel impurity in SWCNT did not show any detectable impact on the heterogeneous electron transfer kinetics of SWCNT. Unlike the nickel powder, SWCNT and CoTAPc-SWCNT, the NiTAPc-SWCNT hybrid did not show significant electrocatalysis towards the detection of the sulfhydryls. It is interesting, however, to observe for the first time that SWCNT induced crystallinity on the electropolymer of NiTAPc, and that such electropolymer exhibit charge-storage /-transfer properties that greatly enhance the electrochemical response of nitric oxide. / Dissertation (MSc (Chemistry))--University of Pretoria, 2008. / Chemistry / unrestricted

High-temperature reactors make use of tri-structural coated fuel particles as basic fuel components. These TRISO particles consist of fissionable uranium dioxide fuel kernels, about 0.5 mm in diameter, with each kernel individually encased in four distinct coating layers, starting with a porous carbon buffer, then an inner pyrolytic carbon (IPyC) layer, followed by a layer of ceramic silicon carbide (SiC) and finally an outer pyrolytic carbon layer (OPyC). Collectively, the coating layers provide the primary barrier that prevents release of fission products generated during burn up in the UO2 fuel kernel. It is crucial to understand how the fission products contained within the fuel interact with the coating layers and how they are distributed within the fuel. The first step commonly performed to obtain the information on distribution is removal of the coating layers. The purpose of this study was to investigate the possible use of wet chemical etching techniques with the aim of removing the coating layers of ZrO2 coated fuel particles in a controlled way and to establish experimental parameters for controlled dissolution of irradiated fuel particles. Stepwise dissolution of coated fuel particle coating layers, containing zirconia kernels has been investigated by chemical etching experiments with acidic solutions of different mixtures. The heating methods used include heating by conventional methods, hot plates and a muffle furnace, a reflux-heating system and microwave-assisted digestion. The etching mixtures were prepared from a number of oxidizing acids and other dehydrating agents. The capability of each reagent to etch the layer completely and in a controlled manner was examined. On etching the first layer, the OPyC, the reflux heating method gave the best results in removing the layer, its advantage being that the reaction can be carried out at temperatures of about 130 ºC for a long time without the loss of the acid. The experimental results demonstrated that a mixture composed of equal amounts of concentrated nitric and sulfuric acid mixed with chromium trioxide dissolves the OPyC layer completely. The most favourable experimental conditions for removal of OPyC from a single coated fuel particle were identified and found to depend on the etching solution composition and etching temperature. Light microscopy yielded first-hand information on the surface features of the samples. It allowed fast comparison of etched and untreated sample features. The outer surface of particles prior to chemical etching of the outer pyrolytic carbon layer appeared black in colour with an even surface compared to the etched surfaces which appeared to have an uneven metallic grey, shiny texture. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) examination of the chemically treated outer carbon layer samples gave information on the microstructure and it demonstrated that the outer pyrolytic carbon layer could be readily removed using a solution of HNO3/H2SO4/CrO3, leaving the exposed SiC layer. Complete removal of the layer was confirmed by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopic (EDS) analysis of the particle surface. For etching the second layer, the silicon carbide layer, microwave-assisted chemical etching was the only heating technique found to be useful. However, experimental results demonstrated that this method has limited ability to digest the sample completely. Also common chemical etchants were found to be ineffective for dissolving this layer. Only fluoride containing substances showed the potential to etch the layer. The results show that a mixture consisting of equal amounts of concentrated hydrofluoric and nitric acid under microwave heating at 200 ºC yielded partial removal of the coating and localized attack of the underlying coating layers. The SEM analyses at different intervals of etching showed: partial removal of the layer, attack of the underlying layers and, in some instances, that attack started at grain boundaries and progressed to the intra-granular features. The SEM results provide evidence that etching of the silicon carbide layer is strongly influenced by its microstructure. From these findings, it is concluded that etching of the silicon carbide under the investigated experimental conditions yields undesirable results and that it does not provide complete removal of the layer. This method has the potential to etch the layer to some extent but has limitations. Copyright / Dissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2013. / Chemical Engineering / unrestricted

M. Tech (Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Applied and Computer Sciences) Vaal University of Technology. / The presence of tires in open fields, households and landfills is a great threat to the wellbeing of the ecosystem around them. Tire creates an ideal breeding ground for disease carrying vermins and their possible ignition threatens the surrounding air quality due to the harmful gases produced during combustion. Pyrolysis of tires produces four valuable products namely; char, steel, tire pyrolytic oil (TPO) and noncondensable gases. TPO has been reported to have similar properties to commercial diesel fuel. The biggest challenge faced by TPO to be used directly in combustion engines is the available sulfur content of about 1.0% wt. Considering the stringent regulations globally for allowable sulfur content in liquid fuels, TPO therefore, requires deep desulfurization before commercialization. In this study, different desulfurization techniques were applied to reduce the sulfur content in TPO. A novel study on combination of adsorptive and air-assisted oxidative desulfurization (AAOD) was developed for desulfurization of TPO. Different carbon materials were employed as catalyst and/or adsorbent for the AAOD system. The effect of operating conditions; catalyst/adsorbent dosage, H2O2/HCOOH ratio, reaction time, temperature and air flowrate were studied. Oxidation equilibrium was reached at 80 °C for both commercial activated carbon (CAC) and activated tire char (ATC) at a reaction time of 50 min. With a total oil recovery of more than 90% and the initial sulfur content of 7767.7 ppmw, the presence of air at a flow rate of 60 l/hr increased oxidation from 59.2% to 64.2% and 47.4% to 53% for CAC and ATC, respectively. The use π-complexation sorbent was also applied to study the selectivity of such sorbents to organosulfur compounds (OSC) found in liquid fuels. The π-complexationbased adsorbent was obtained by ion exchanging Y-zeolite with Cu+ cation using liquid phase ion exchange (LPIE). Batch adsorption experiments were carried out in borosilicate beakers filled with modified Cu(I)-Y zeolite for both TPO and synthesized model fuels. For model fuels (MF), the selectivity for adsorption of sulfur compounds followed the order dibenzothiophene (DBT)> benzothiophene (BT)> Thiophene.

The acetate of 6,6-dimethyl-2-cyclohexen-l-ol was thermally decomposed and the pyrolysis products were characterized. This allylic ester decomposed with difficulty. Under conditions which led to complete decomposition of 3-acetoxcyclo-hexene, 6,6-dimethy-2-cyclohexene-l-ol acetate was virtually unreacted. Complete decomposition of the allylic acetate was achieved at about 600°C. The pyrolysis products consisted mainly of o-xylene, toluene, 5,5-dimethyl-l,3-cyclohexadiene and acetic acid. The aromatic compounds are thought to be formed from the less stable diene. Partial decomposition of ester enriched with deuterium in the 4-position, permitted estimation of the isotope effect, Ku/kD, for the pyrolytic elimination. The value obtained was about 2. Together with other experimental evidence, it indicates that the main mode of decomposition is 1,4-conjugate elimination and that allylic rearrangement, if it occurs at all, is unimportant. / Thesis / Master of Science (MS)

The purpose of this research is to explore the potential of using carbon-infiltrated carbon nanotubes (CI-CNT) as a material for coronary artery stents. Stents are commonly fabricated from metal, which may not perform as well as many polymers and ceramics in biomedical applications. Pyrolytic carbon, a ceramic, is currently used in medical implant devices due to its preferrable biocompatibility properties. Micro-patterned pyrolytic carbon devices can be created by growing carbon nanotubes, and then filling the space between with amorphous carbon via chemical vapor deposition. We prepared multiple samples of two different planar stent-like flexible geometries and smaller cubic structures out of carbon infiltrated carbon nanotubes. These samples were tested in tension to failure. The cubic structures were used for separate compression tests. We also examined existing auxetic patterns for possible application in the stent designs and a second iteration of design and fabrication was performed using data and understanding obtained from the work in the first iteration. Slight changes were made to the mask design and fabrication processes based on the new geometries and testing considerations. The auxetic planar designs were tested in compression to demonstrate flexibility and collect material data. The testing results show that CI-CNTs can be designed and fabricated into flexible geometries capable of stent-like compression. The samples in this work were found to have moduli ranging from 5 to 27 GPa, with the majority being between 10 and 20 GPa. We also found fracture strength greater than 100 MPa, with it sometimes getting as high as 200 MPa. Lastly, fracture strain values were measured, with the maximum reaching 1.4% and the average between 0.75-1%. We also found that the CI-CNTs material lends itself to fracture at weak locations (if present) before the anticipated fracture strength has been reached and concluded that a tightly controlled process (including fabrication machines) environment is necessary to ensure consistent results and a CI-CNT material whose imperfections have been minimized.

The purpose of this research was to design, develop, and test coronary stent designs composed of carbon-infiltrated carbon nanotubes (CI-CNTs). Coronary stents currently have two major complications: restenosis and thrombosis. CI-CNT stents have potential to address both of these issues, and therefore may provide improved clinical outcomes. CI-CNT stent geometry is patterned using high-resolution photolithography that provide advantages in design possibilities.To develop a coronary stent, a standard design process was followed including: background, design specifications, concept generation, development, analysis, and testing. Background research was first completed and general design specifications for coronary stent performance were compiled. Multiple design concepts were generated, evaluated, and finally a design was selected. This stent design was further developed and optimized using analytical tools along with finite element analysis. This stent design used tapered struts in repeating segments to reduce stress and improve radial force. The design was modeled and analyzed as both a flat geometry as well as in a cylindrical configuration. Mechanics of materials equations and geometry specific finite element analysis were used to guide the final coronary stent design. The stent design was tested mechanically, and additional tests were performed to verify the blood compatibility of the CI-CNT material. The flat version of the stent design was manufactured and mechanically tested to verify performance. The performance of the cylindrical stent configuration was analyzed using an FE model of an atherosclerotic artery. This arterial FE model was created and validated by analyzing balloon angioplasty of a common stainless steel stent. The biocompatibility of CI-CNTs was explored and studied. Blood compatibility testing of CI-CNT samples was performed with results comparable in performance to stainless steel. A method of stent deployment was planned, and several other stent design concepts were analyzed. This research demonstrates that a functioning coronary stent can be manufactured from CI-CNTs. The optimized design has potential to address problems currently associated with stents. However, a major challenge for CI-CNT stent designs is meeting the design requirement of sufficient radial force. CI-CNT stents also need to have excellent blood compatibility to justify being used in stent applications.

The thermal management of electric machines is investigated with the application of techniques to a Switched Reluctance Machine and a high-speed Switched Reluctance Machine. Two novel concepts for said management of a Switched Reluctance Machine are proposed and developed: Inter-Laminate Cooling and a Continuous Toroidal Winding. The Inter-Laminate Cooling concept is developed with application to an iron core inductor which serves as a proxy for the electric machine. The experimental results confirmed the capability of the method, expressed by the effectiveness, which defines the performance measure of the applied cooling method; a concept which itself is equally applicable to other cooling methods that may be applied to any electric machine. The effectiveness also describes the gain in allowable input power to the machine which is realized to reach the same thermal limit versus the case without Inter-Laminate Cooling. The Inter-Laminate Cooling was not applied in experimental test to a Switched Reluctance Machine due to the present economic and fabrication limitations. The Continuous Toroidal Winding concept, originally conceived to permit the consideration of a fluid capillary core type of winding to enhance machine cooling, is developed to allow for peripheral cooling of the machine windings and end windings. The Continuous Toroidal Winding version of the Switched Reluctance Machine is investigated for both its thermal and electrical performance in the context of a machine that is equivalent electromagnetically to its conventional counterpart. The Continuous Toroidal Winding Switched Reluctance Machine was found to perform thermally as tested, in a manner superior to that of the conventional machine where the Toroidal machine was simulated and researched at an equivalent level of operation to the conventional machine. The electrical performance of the Toroidal Switched Reluctance Machine although supportive of the simulation analysis used to develop the machine, was not fully conclusive. This may have been due to problematic iron cores used in the construction of the experimental machines. The application of the Inter-Laminate Cooling method to a Switched Reluctance Machine is considered on an analytical basis for the special case of a High Speed Switched Reluctance Machine and found to be of net positive benefit as the machine’s iron losses are dominant over its copper losses. Application of the Inter-Laminate Cooling method to a lower speed machine, whilst beneficial, is not sufficient to significantly impact the temperature of the machine’s windings such that it would offset the loss of specific torque and power. As such, Inter-Laminate Cooling is only applicable where the net benefit is positive overall; in that the gain in input power realized is sufficient to overcome the loss of specific power and torque which will occur due to the increased machine volume. The “effectiveness” and “gain” approach for the evaluation of cooling methods applied to electric machines is a concept which should be adopted to aid in the comparative understanding of the performance of myriad different cooling methods being applied to electric machines both in research and practice, of which there is only minimal understanding. / Thesis / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)