Since the mid 1990’s, the wireless communications industry has witnessed explosive growth. The worldwide cellular and personal communication subscriber base surpassed 600 million users by late 2001, and the number of individual subscribers surpassed 2 billion at the end of 2006 [1, 2]. In order to attract and accommodate these subscribers, modern communication systems, like the Third Generation (3G) and Fourth Generation (4G) cellular networks, will have to provide attractive new features such as increased data throughput rates, greater system capacity, and better speech quality. These modern communication systems promise to have advantages such as wireless access in ways that have never been possible before, providing, amongst others services such as live television (TV) broadcasting to Mobile Stations (MS)s, multi-megabit Internet access, communication using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), unparalleled network capacity, seamless accessibility and many more. With specific, but not exclusive reference to the cellular environment, there are numerous ways to increase the data throughput rate and system capacity. From an economical perspective, it would be more efficient to add equipment to the Base Station (BS) rather than the MSs. To achieve these improvements the motivation to utilise transmit diversity’s capabilities have been identified as a key research issue in this study. Alamouti [3] proposed a transmit diversity technique using two transmit antennas and one receive antenna, providing the same diversity order than using one transmit antenna and two receive antennas. Since Alamouti’s publication in 1998, many papers in the field of Space-Time (ST) coding have been published. Current research in the field of ST coding consists of finding methods to extend the number of transmit antennas to more than four, while still achieving full rate, as well as full diversity which is the main motivation for this study. This study proposes a novel idea of breaching the limitations with ST coding theory by combining ST coding with Spread Spectrum (SS) modulation techniques in order to extend the number of transmit antennas to more than four and still achieve full rate as well as full diversity. An advantage of the proposed scheme, called Direct Sequence Space-Time Spreading (DSSTS) has over current Space-Time Spreading (STS) techniques is that it uses 50% less spreading codes. A performance evaluation platform for the DSSTS scheme was developed to simulate the performance of the scheme in a realistic mobile communication environment. A mobile communication channel that has the ability to simulate time-varying multipath fading was developed and used to evaluate the performance of the DSSTS scheme. From the simulation results obtained, it is evident that Walsh sequences that exhibit particularly good cross-correlation characteristics, cannot overcome the effect of the antenna self-noise in order to exploit the diversity gain by adding extra antennas, i.e. diversity extension. The research also showed that an optimal trade-off exists between antenna diversity and antenna created self-noise. Performance results of the DSSTS scheme in slow and fast fading channels for a different number of transmit antennas are also presented in this study. With the capacity analysis of the DSSTS scheme, it was shown that the addition of extra transmit antennas to the system indeed increased the system capacity. A further addition to this study is the investigation into the assumption that the channel should be quasi-static over the frame length of the ST code. A Space Sequence Transmit Diversity (SSTD) technique is consequently proposed that allows the transmission of the Alamouti symbols during one time interval instead of two. This relieves the ST code from the assumption that the channel should be quasi-static, allowing it to be used in a more realistic multi-user environment. A performance evaluation platform for the SSTD scheme was developed and used to obtain simulation results in a multipath fading channel. It was also shown that the proposed SSTD scheme is successful in combating the effects of multipath fading for small Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) user loads. However, as a rule of thumb, the square root of the spreading sequence length divided by two depicts the user load at which the SSTD scheme was not capable of overcoming the combined effects of Multi-User Interference (MUI) and multipath fading. / Dissertation (MEng)--University of Pretoria, 2008. / Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering / unrestricted

The research presented in this work addresses open questions regarding (i) the fundamental understanding of powder compaction, and (ii) the complex mechanical response of particle-binder composites under large deformations. This work thus benefits a broad range of industries, from the pharmaceutical industry and its recent efforts on continuous manufacturing of solid tablets, to the defense and energy industries and the recurrent need to predict the performance of energetic materials. Powder compacts and particle-binder composites are essentially confined particulate systems with significant heterogeneity at the meso (particle) scale. While particle mechanics strategies for modeling evolution of mesoscale microstructure during powder compaction depend on the employed contact formulation to accurately predict macroscopic quantities like punch and die wall pressures, modeling of highly nonlinear, strain-path dependent macroscopic response without a distinctive yield surface, typical of particle-binder composites, requires proper constitutive modeling of these complex deformation mechanisms. Moreover, continued loading of particle-binder composites over their operational life may introduce significant undesirable changes to their microstructure and mechanical properties. These challenges are addressed with a combined effort on theoretical, modeling and experimental fronts, namely, (a) novel contact formulations for elasto-plastic particles under high levels of confinement, (b) a multi-scale experimental procedure for assessing changes in microstructure and mechanical behavior of particle-binder composites due to cyclic loading and time-recovery, and (c) a finite strain nonlinear elastic, endochronic plastic constitutive formulation for particle-binder composites.

This diploma thesis is concerned with the numerical analysis of welded aluminim structures. In these structures, there are significant decreases in the mechanical properties at the area of the weld and in the heat affected zone as a result of welding. Within this thesis, simulations of quasi-statically loaded welded joints made from EN AW-6082 T6 alloy were performed to investigate the load capacity and ductility of these joints. Computations were performed using a programme system based on an explicit finite element method. To describe material anisotrophy, a nonlinear material model called the Weak texture model was chosen. Material properties of the weld and the heat affected zone were considered to be different from base material. The required material parameters were adopted from available literature, however, material tests and indetification procedure of these parameters were described. In comparison with the experimental data, the results of the numerical simulations showed a relatively good ability of models to capture load capacity of studied welded joints. Nevertheless, due to mesh sensitivity of models caused by localization of deformation, it was not possible to determine ductility of these joints.

The subject of this thesis is to design safety components for the Formula Student car. The aim is to handle the driver’s safety proposals regarding the competition rules. The main point of interest is focused on the impact attenuator issue, which is designed and tested by appropriate method. In addition are designed other security features such as seat belts, seat belts installation and driver equipment are.

The study experimentally examines the quasi-static shear deformation of a magnetorheological (MR) fluid structured in an external magnetic field. Experiments are carried out using a rheometer with a plate–plate configuration. The working surfaces of the measuring geometry are modified to demonstrate their influence on the response of the field-structured MR fluid. The simplest possible suspension of microparticles of carbonyl iron in mineral oil without using surfactants or any modifiers is used. The difference in results obtained for structured MR fluid with different concentrations of magnetic particles using different modifications of the surface is demonstrated. The results are intended to motivate more intensive research on the issue and further more in-depth theoretical analysis of static elastic properties of structured MR fluids. Certain related critical issues are briefly highlighted.

A finite element model of the CubeSat MIST was created, in order to assess the stresses that occur in the satellite in response to loads during its launch. Due to size limits of thesoftware used, simplifications had to be made to the geometry of the model. The loads assessed were quasi-static accelerations, random vibrations, shock loads, as well as a combined quasi-static acceleration and random vibration case. The study assumed the worst possible loads from a list of different potential launch vehicles for the satellite. Non-linear boundary conditions could not be modelled, and instead different linear boundary condition combinations were assessed. The results showed that the satellite showed positive margins of safety for the quasi-static loads. The lowest natural frequency for the satellite was above 130 Hz. For the random vibration loads, positive margins of safety could be shown if adverse stresses attributed to the boundary conditions inthe worst case were ignored. The model proved too conservative to qualify the satellite for the shock loads. Shock testing is therefore recommended for future work, unless requirements for waiving the shock testing can be met. The random vibration and combined loads analysis showed that the −X shear panel experienced high stresses in the corners of its windows, and the part should be inspected once environmental tests are conducted. The −X shear panel only showed adverse stresses in the most extreme boundary condition case, where its deformation was deemed unrealistic. / En finit elementmodell av nanosatelliten MIST skapades for att undersöka dess respons till lasterna under uppskjutning. På grund av storleksbegränsningar i programvaran behövde modellens geometri förenklas. Lasterna som undersöktes var kvasistatiska accelerationer, stokastiska vibrationer, chocklaster samt ett kombinerat kvasistatiskt accelerations- och stokastiskt vibrationsfall. Studien använde de värsta tänkbara lasterna från en lista över olika potentiella bärraketer för satelliten. Icke-linjära gränsvillkor kunde inte modelleras och istället utvärderades olika kombinationer av linjära gränsvillkor. Resultaten visade positiva säkerhetsmarginaler för kvasistatiska belastningar. Den lägsta naturliga frekvensen för satelliten var över 130 Hz. För de stokastiska vibrationsbelastningarna kunde positiva säkerhetsmarginaler motiveras om hänsyn togs till oegentligheter orsakade av gränsvillkoren i det extremaste fallet. Chocklastanalysen visade på begränsningar i modellen. Mekaniska chocktester kommer därmed behövas för att undersöka chocklasterna, om inte kraven for att hoppa över chocktestning uppfylls. Analyserna av de stokastiska vibrationerna och det kombinerade lastfallet visade att skjuvpanelen på −X-sidan upplever höga spänningar i hörnen på sina fönster, och bör inspekteras när experimentella tester genomförs. Skjuvpanelen på −X-sidan upplevde enbart för höga spänningar i fallet med mest extrema gröäsvillkor, där deformationerna bedömdes vara orealistiska.

There is an increasing trend in manufacturing industry for producing complex and delicate parts. As a result, the importance of having a deeper understanding of machine systems, in order toget higher accuracy of machined parts, arises. This leads to an increasing demand of testingmachine accuracy under operational condition. There are methods that has been investigated in order to test under operational condition. However, the studies were mostly focused on thestatic, quasi-static and dynamic states separately and comparison were not investigated. This thesis aims at presenting a comparative study of static and quasi-static compliance on machine tool under loaded conditions, to investigate how the stiffness changes from static toquasi-static state, and also the potential factors that would lead to this result. A 5-axis machine tool- Hermle C50U machine is used in order to perform the measurements.The method chosen for the measurements includes circular tests under loaded conditions utilizinga loaded double ball bar device. Three LVDTs are used for the measurements, in order to detect the deflection along the circular trajectory. The main parameter that undergoes study is the effect of the applied feed rate. After the measurements, the data is analyzed using MAT-LAB and the average deflections for both states are compared. In general, the results show that there is no significant difference between the two states, despite the observed different shape ofdeflection. / Det finns en ökande trend inom tillverkningsindustrin för tillverkning av komplexa och känsliga delar. Som ett resultat uppstår vikten av att ha en djupare förståelse för maskinsystem, för att få högre noggrannhet hos bearbetade delar. Detta leder till en ökande efterfrågan på att testamaskinens noggrannhet under driftsförhållanden. Det finns metoder som har undersökts för att testa under driftskondition. Studierna var dock mest inriktade på de statiska, kvasistatiska och dynamiska tillstånden separat och jämförelsen undersöktes inte. Denna avhandling syftar till att presentera en jämförande studie av statisk och kvasi-statisk överensstämmelse på maskinverktyg under belastade förhållanden, för att undersöka hur styvheten förändras från statiskt till kvasi-statiskt tillstånd, och även de potentiella faktorer som skulle leda till detta resultat. Ett 5-axligt verktygsmaskin- Hermle C50U-maskin används för att utföra mätningarna.Metoden som valts för mätningarna inkluderar cirkulära tester under belastade förhållanden med användning av en laddad dubbelkulstångsanordning. Tre LVDT används för mätningarna för att detektera nedböjningen längs cirkelbanan. Huvudparametern som genomgår studier är effekten av den applicerade matningshastigheten. Efter mätningarna analyseras data med MATLAB och de genomsnittliga avböjningarna för båda tillstånden jämförs. I allmänhet visar resultaten att det inte finns någon signifikant skillnad mellan de två tillstånden, trots den observerade olika avböjningsformen.

This master's thesis aims to establish a foundation for model-based engineering of drill rigs through the development, evaluation, and utilization of simulation models. Specifically, the project focused on creating a simulation model of the hydraulic tramming system in the SmartRoc D65 surface drill rig. The uncalibrated model was validated against physical tests conducted on the SmartRoc T35 drill rig, and the results provided accurate predictions with some room for improvement. The model sets a basis for identifying power losses and future potential optimization through electrification. A modeling methodology was developed to aid in the development of other simulation models representing a physical system. The thesis highlights the strengths and limitations of a quasi-static model when applied to dynamic systems. The findings suggest areas for future improvement and underscore the importance of continuous model refinement to enhance calculation accuracy.

Résumé : Ce projet de maîtrise s’intéresse au comportement ultime d’une structure en acier, contrôlée sismiquement par des amortisseurs élastomères et des contreventements en chevron. Les séismes peuvent causer des dommages considérables quand les infrastructures et les bâtiments ne sont pas construits selon les normes et les techniques appropriées. Par conséquent, réduire l’impact des séismes revient particulièrement à construire des ouvrages sécuritaires en tenant compte bien entendu du paramètre économique. Ainsi Gauron, Girard, Paultre et Proulx ont étudié en 2009, un système de reprise de forces latérales, constitué uniquement de treventements en chevron montés en série avec des amortisseurs en caoutchouc naturel fibré ayant de nombreux avantages. Premièrement, le système reste élastique sous le séisme de design en réduisant les efforts sismiques linéaires par un facteur supérieur à R[indice inférieur d] = 3 par rapport à un cadre conventionnel. Deuxièmement, il est capable de contrôler les déplacements sous la limite du CNBC 2010 (Code National du Bâtiment du Canada 2010), et même de réduire ces derniers dans certains cas. Par conséquent, il permet de réduire les sections des poutres et des poteaux des cadres par rapport à une structure conventionnelle ainsi que les coûts de réparation après un séisme. Toutefois, le comportement à l’état limite ultime d’un tel système, ses limites et ses réserves de sécurité restaient à déterminer. Ainsi, l’objectif global de ce projet de recherche est de déterminer les différents mécanismes de ruine possibles de ce système, d’établir des limites et réserves de sécurité, et de préciser, après avoir formulé certaines recommandations, à quelles conditions il peut être utilisé dans le dimensionnement de nouvelles structures. Pour atteindre les objectifs fixés, deux essais quasi statiques ont été réalisés sur deux cadres en acier dimensionnés avec le système. Des essais dynamiques ont aussi été réalisés afin d’avoir les propriétés viscoélastiques des amortisseurs. Le premier essai a mis en évidence un mécanisme de ruine inattendu et prématuré qui a souligné un défaut majeur dans les connexions des diagonales avec l’amortisseur. Le second essai a révélé un des mécanismes de ruine envisagés initialement où le caoutchouc se déchire après l’initiation du flambement dans la diagonale comprimée. Les résultats expérimentaux ont montré que l’amortisseur constitue le maillon faible du système, et que des efforts parasites peuvent réduire significativement la capacité portante des structures dimensionnées avec un tel système. Dans les deux cas, les résultats ont montré que la méthode de dimensionnement du système tel qu’elle est définie actuellement mérite d’être améliorée. En ce sens, des recommandations relatives au dimensionnement des différents éléments des structures dimensionnées avec le système ont été élaborées, particulièrement en ce qui concerne le caoutchouc et les connexions. // Abstract : This thesis focuses on the ultimate behavior of steel structures, controlled seismically by elastomeric dampers and chevron bracings. Earthquakes can cause considerable damages when infrastructures and buildings are not built considering appropriate standards and technics. Therefore, mitigating the impact of earthquakes means essentially building safe structures by taking account of economic parameters too. Thus Gauron, Girard, Paultre and Proulx studied in 2009 a seismic force resisting system consisting only of chevron braces connected in series with fiber-reinforced natural rubber dampers that offers many benefits. First, the system remains elastic under the design earthquake by reducing linear seismic efforts by a factor of R[subscript d] = 3 compared to a conventional frame. Secondly, it allows to control the displacements under the limits of NBCC 2010 (National Building Code of Canada 2010), and even to reduce them in some cases. Therefore, it allows a reduction of sections of beams and columns of conventional frames and it prevents repairing costs of the structure after an earthquake. However, the ultimate limit state behavior of this system, its limitations and safety reserves have not been determined yet. Thus, the overall objective of this project is to determine the different possible failure mechanisms of the system, to set its limits and safety reserves, and to state after some recommendations, how it can be used in the design of new structures. To achieve these objectives, two quasi static tests were performed on two steel frames designed with the new system. Dynamic tests were also conducted to get the viscoelastic properties of the damping material. The first quasi static test revealed an unexpected and premature failure mechanism that pointed out a major flaw in the connections of the braces with the damper. The second test revealed one of the failure mechanisms originally expected where the rubber tears after buckling of the compression brace. The experimental results have shown that the damper is the weak element in the system, and that additional forces can significantly reduce the structural capacity of structures designed with the system. In both cases, the results have shown that the actual design method of the system should be improved. Thus, recommendations for the design of elements of structures designed with this system have been developed, particularly with regard to the rubber and brace connections.

Les substrats Silicium-sur-Isolant (SOI) représentent la meilleure solution pour obtenir des dispositifs microélectroniques ayant de hautes performances. Des méthodes de caractérisation électrique sont nécessaires pour contrôler la qualité SOI avant la réalisation complète de transistors. La configuration classique utilisée pour les mesures du SOI est le pseudo-MOFSET. Dans cette thèse, nous nous concentrons sur l'amélioration des techniques autour du Ψ-MOFSET, pour la caractérisation des plaques SOI et III-V. Le protocole expérimental de mesures statiques ID-VG a été amélioré par l'utilisation d'un contact par le vide en face arrière, permettant ainsi d'augmenter la stabilité des mesures. De plus, il a été prouvé que ce contact est essentiel pour obtenir des valeurs correctes de capacité avec les méthodes split-CV et quasi-statique. L'extraction des valeurs de Dit avec split-CV a été explorée, et un model physique nous a permis de démontrer que ceci n'est pas possible pour des échantillons SOI typiquement utilisés, à cause de la constante de temps reliée à la formation du canal. Cette limitation a été résolue un effectuant des mesures de capacité quasi-statique (QSCV). La signature des Dit a été mise en évidence expérimentalement et expliquée physiquement. Dans le cas d'échantillons passivés, les mesures QSCV sont plus sensibles à l'interface silicium-BOX. Pour les échantillons non passivés, un grand pic dû à des défauts d'interface apparait pour des valeurs d'énergie bien identifiées et correspondant aux défauts à l'interface film de silicium-oxyde natif. Nous présentons des mesures de bruit à basses fréquences, ainsi qu'un model physique démontrant que le signal émerge de régions localisées autour des contacts source et drain. / Silicon-on-insulator (SOI) substrates represent the best solution to achieve high performance devices. Electrical characterization methods are required to monitor the material quality before full transistor fabrication. The classical configuration used for SOI measurements is the pseudo-MOSFET. In this thesis, we focused on the enrichment of techniques in Ψ-MOSFET for the characterization of bare SOI and III-V wafers. The experimental setup for static ID-VG was improved using a vacuum contact for the back gate, increasing the measurement stability. Furthermore, this contact proved to be critical for achieving correct capacitance values with split-CV and quasi-static techniques (QSCV). We addressed the possibility to extract Dit values from split-CV and we demonstrated by modeling that it is impossible in typical sized SOI samples because of the time constant associated to the channel formation. The limitation was solved performing QSCV measurements. Dit signature was experimentally evidenced and physically described. Several SOI structures (thick and ultra-thin silicon films and BOX) were characterized. In case of passivated samples, the QSCV is mostly sensitive to the silicon film-BOX interface. In non-passivated wafers, a large defect related peak appears at constant energy value, independently of the film thickness; it is associated to the native oxide present on the silicon surface. For low-frequency noise measurements, a physical model proved that the signal arises from localized regions surrounding the source and drain contacts.