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La presente tesis trata sobre la novedosa aplicación de materiales funcionalmente graduados (-FGM- Functionally Graded Materials) en el diseño de estructuras tipo viga. Como es sabido, los estudios de rigidización dinámica, se llevan a cabo para evitar resonancias y/o reducir tensiones dinámicas. La forma tradicional que se emplea para optimizar la rigidez de la viga, es variando su sección transversal; ya sea reduciéndola de forma discontinua (multi-steps beams tal como se las conoce en inglés), ahusada (tapered beams tal como se las denomina en inglés) o bien empleando combinaciones de ambas. Surge la originalidad, desde el punto vista de la optimización dinámica, de adicionar una nueva solución al problema de la rigidización. La misma consiste en hacer variar las propiedades de estos modernos materiales en la dirección axial de las vigas (-AFGM-Axially Funtionally Graded Materials). El problema de vibraciones libres para las vigas AFG, se estudia implementando las teorías clásicas de Bernoulli-Euler y de Timoshenko, mediante tres enfoques aproximados; el método energético de Rayleigh-Ritz, el método de cuadratura diferencial generalizada (GDQM, por sus siglas en inglés) y el método de elementos finitos (FEM, por sus siglas en inglés). Los resultados obtenidos se comparan con valores disponibles en la literatura. La muy buena correlación de los mismos, permite dar certezas de que el método de Rayleigh-Ritz, GDQM y FEM, son herramientas de gran precisión y eficiencia para la resolución de esta clase de problemas. Los casos de vigas propuestos se modelan con condiciones de bordes clásicas y con extremos elásticamente restringidos. Para la modelación numérica de los problemas, se implementa el software Wolfram Mathematica 9.0. En el estudio se tratan leyes de distribución del tipo axial asimétrica y axial simétrica; para varias composiciones y distintos materiales AFG. En particular, se da especial énfasis al material compuesto por alúmina (Alum) y acero (Ac), ya que desde el punto de vista ingenieril presenta propiedades atractivas para la rigidización dinámica de vigas. Se analiza el efecto dinámico que tiene adosar una o varias masas a la viga. Evidenciando que su presencia disminuye, en todos los casos, a los coeficientes de frecuencias naturales de la viga sin masa adosada. Y además, constituye un factor importante, desde el punto de vista del diseño, en la elección de la composición del material AFG a implementar. Para las vigas AFG cantiléver con características asimétricas del material, la composición a) Ac-Alum rigidiza más que la composición b) Alum-Ac, cuando el exponente n (de las leyes de variación) es menor a 1, exista o no masa adosada en el extremo libre. En cambio, para 1n> la composición b) es quien optimiza la solución. El caso 1n= es particular, ya que la composición a) rigidiza levemente más que b) cuando la viga no tiene masa adosada. Pero, cuando se adosa la masa, se aprecia que el coeficiente de frecuencia fundamental aumenta más para la composición b). Para vigas AFG con características simétricas, se evidencia que la composición c) Ac-Alum- Ac optimiza la rigidización haya o no masa adosada, frente a la composición d) Alum-Ac- Alum. / This thesis deals with the novel application of functionally graduated materials (FGM) in the design of beams. It is known that dynamic stiffening studies are carried out to avoid resonances and/or reduce dynamic stresses. The traditional method to optimize the rigidity of the beam consists in variations of its cross section; either by reducing it in a discontinuous way (multi-steps beams), in a tapered way (tapered beams) or by using a combination of both. In this Thesis, from the point of view of dynamic optimization, an original solution of the problem of stiffening is proposed. This novel solution consists in varying the properties of these modern materials in the axial direction of the beams (AFGM). With this aim, the problem of free vibrations for the AFG beams is studied through the classical theories of Bernoulli-Euler and Timoshenko, using three approximation approaches: the Rayleigh-Ritz energy method, the generalized differential quadrature method (GDQM) and the finite element method (FEM). The obtained results are compared with those available in the related literature. The very good correlation of these, allows to give certainty that the Rayleigh-Ritz method, GDQM and FEM, are tools of great precision and efficiency for the resolution of this class of problems. The cases of proposed beams are modeled with classic edge conditions and with elastically restrained edge supports. For the numerical modeling of the problems, Wolfram Mathematica 9.0 software is implemented. The used distribution laws are the axial asymmetric and axial symmetric and were applied for various compositions and different AFG materials; with a particular emphasis on the material composed of alumina (Alum) and steel (St), since it has attractive properties for the dynamic stiffening of beams from the engineering point of view. The dynamic effect of attaching one or several masses to the beam is analyzed. It is shown that their presence decreases, in all cases, the natural frequency coefficients of the beam that do not have attached mass. In addition, it constitutes an important factor, from the point of view of the design, in the choice of the composition of the AFG material to be implemented. In cantilever AFG beams with asymmetric characteristics of the material, the composition a) St-Alum stiffens more than the composition b) Alum-St, when the exponent n (of the laws of variation) is less than 1, whether or not there is an attached mass at the free end. On the other hand, for the composition b) it is the one that optimizes the solution. The case 1n= is particular, since the composition a) stiffens slightly more than b) when the beam has not attached mass. But, when the mass is attached, the fundamental frequency coefficient increases more for the composition b). In AFG beams with symmetrical characteristics, it is evident that the composition c) St- Alum-St optimizes the stiffening whether or not there is an attached mass, compared to the composition d) Alum-St-Alum.

Recently multiple antenna systems have received significant attention from researchers as a means to improve the energy and spectral efficiency of wireless systems. Among many classes of schemes, Space-Time Block codes (STBC) and Space-Time Trellis codes (STTC) have been the subject of many investigations. Both techniques provide a means for combatting the effects of multipath fading without adding much complexity to the receiver. This is especially useful in the downlink of wireless systems. In this thesis we investigate the impact of channel estimation error on the performance of both STBC and STTC. Channel estimation is especially important to consider in multiple antenna systems since (A) for coherent systems there are more channels to estimate due to multiple antennas and (B) the decoupling of data streams relies on correct channel estimation. The latter effect is due to the intentional cross-talk introduced into STBC. / Master of Science

Mobile arrays employing diversity combining and adaptive beamforming techniques overcome multipath fading, improve coverage, and increase capacity in wireless communications systems. In this thesis, diversity combining and adaptive beamforming performance of different four element arrays for mobile (vehicular speed) and portable (pedestrian speed) terminals is investigated. The performance of four element arrays with different configurations and with different element patterns is compared using the square array of four half-wave dipole elements as the baseline. Results from diversity and beamforming measurements, performed in urban and suburban environments for both line-of-sight (LOS) and obstructed multipath channels are used to analyze and compare the performances of different four element arrays. At cumulative probabilities of 10%, 1% and 0.1%, diversity gain and improvement in signal-to-interference-plus-noise-ratio (SINR) are calculated from the diversity combining measurements and interference rejection measurements respectively. Experimental results illustrating the dependence of diversity gain on power imbalance, envelope correlation and diversity-combining scheme are presented. Measurements were performed at 2.05 GHz using the handheld antenna array testbed (HAAT). Low profile linear arrays are shown to provide diversity gain values of 5 to 8 dB and 11 to 16 dB, respectively for switched and maximal ratio combining at the 99% reliability level in non-line-of-sight urban channel. Interference cancellation of 24 to 28 dB was recorded in urban and suburban line-of-sight (LOS) channels for the sectorized square array. Results of vehicular measurements with the arrays mounted on a ground plane supported above the vehicle roof are also reported. / Master of Science

This thesis examines the benefits of using adaptive modulation and coding in terms of spectral efficiency and probability of bit error. Specifically, we examine the performance enhancement made possible by using linear prediction along with channel estimation in conjunction with adaptive modulation. We begin this manuscript with basic fundamentals of our study, followed by a detailed view of simulations, their results, and our conclusions from them. The study includes simulations in slow and moderately fast flat fading Rayleigh channels. We present our findings regarding the advantages of using predictive measures to foresee the state of the channel and make adjustments to transmissions accordingly. In addition to finding the general advantages of channel prediction in adaptive modulation, we explore various ways to adjust the prediction algorithm when we are faced with high Doppler rates and fast fading. By the end of this work, we should have a better understanding of when channel prediction is most valuable to adaptive modulation and when it is weakest, and how we can alleviate the problems that prediction will have in harsh environments. / Master of Science

This research investigates the modeling of randomly distributed surface-breaking microcracks and their effects on higher harmonic generation in Rayleigh surface waves. The modeling is based on micromechanical considerations of rough surface contact. The nonlinear behavior of a single microcrack is described by a hyperelastic effective stress-strain relationship. Finite element simulations of nonlinear wave propagation in a solid with distributed microcracks are performed. The evolution of fundamental and second harmonic amplitudes along the propagation distance is studied and the acoustic nonlinearity parameter is calculated. The results show that the nonlinearity parameter increases with crack density and root mean square roughness of the crack faces. While, for a dilute concentration of microcracks, the increase in acoustic nonlinearity is proportional to the crack density, this is not valid for higher crack densities, as the microcracks start to interact. Finally, it is shown that odd higher harmonic generation in Rayleigh surface waves due to sliding crack faces introduces a friction nonlinearity.

Optical trapping of metal nanoparticles investigates phenomena at the interface of plasmonics and optical micromanipulation. This thesis combines ideas of optical properties of metals originating from solid state physics with force mechanism resulting from optical trapping. We explore the influence of the particle plasmon resonance of gold and silver nanospheres on their trapping properties. We aspire to predict the force mechanisms of resonant metal particles with sizes in the Mie regime, beyond the Rayleigh limit. Optical trapping of metal nanoparticles is still considered difficult, yet it provides an excellent tool to investigate their plasmonic properties away from any interface and offers opportunities to investigate interaction processes between light and nanoparticles. Due to their intrinsic plasmon resonance, metal nanoparticles show intriguing optical responses upon interaction with laser light. These differ greatly from the well-known bulk properties of the same material. A given metal nanoparticle may either be attracted or repelled by laser light, only depending on the wavelength of the latter. The optical forces acting on the particle depend directly on its polarisability and scattering cross section. These parameters vary drastically around the plasmon resonance and thus not only change the magnitude but also the direction and entire nature of the acting forces. We distinguish between red-detuned and blue-detuned trapping, that is using a trapping wavelength shorter or longer than the plasmon resonance of the particle. So far optical trapping of metal nanoparticles has focussed on a wavelength regime far from the particle’s resonance in the infrared. We experiment with laser wavelengths close to the plasmon resonance and expand the knowledge of metal nanoparticle trapping available to date. Existing theoretical models are put to the test when we compare these with our real experimental situations.

The objectives of this work were to investigate, design and implement Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) antenna arrays for mobile phones. Several MIMO antennas were developed and tested over various wireless-communication frequency bands. The radiation performance and channel capacity of these antennas were computed and measured: the results are discussed in the context of the frequency bands of interest. A comprehensive study of MIMO antenna configurations such as 2 × 1, 3 × 1, 2 × 2 and 3 × 3, using polarisation diversity as proposed for future mobile handsets, is presented. The channel capacity is investigated and discussed, as applying to Rayleigh fading channels with different power spectrum distributions with respect to azimuth and zenith angles. The channel capacity of 2 × 2 and 3 × 3 MIMO systems using spatial polarisation diversity is presented for different antenna designs. The presented results show that the maximum channel capacity for an antenna contained within a small volume can be reached with careful selection of the orthogonal spatial fields. The results are also compared against planar array MIMO antenna systems, in which the antenna size considered was much larger. A 50% antenna size reduction method is explored by applying magnetic wall concept on the symmetry reference of the antenna structure. Using this method, a triple dual-band inverted-F antenna system is presented and considered for MIMO application. Means of achieving minimum coupling between the three antennas are investigated over the 2.45 GHz and 5.2 GHz bands. A new 2 2 MIMO dual-band balanced antenna handset, intended to minimise the coupling with the handset and human body was proposed, developed and tested. The antenna coupling with the handset and human hand is reported in terms the radiation performance and the available channel capacity. In addition, a dual-polarisation dipole antenna is proposed, intended for use as one of three collocated orthogonal antennas in a polarisation-diversity MIMO communication system. The antenna actually consists of two overlaid electric and magnetic dipoles, such that their radiation patterns are nominally identical but they are cross-polarised and hence only interact minimally.

Dans le cadre de la fusion par confinement inertiel, nous présentons une analyse des effets du champ magnétique sur le développement linéaire des instabilités de Richtmyer-Meshkov, en magnétohydrodynamique idéale d'une part, et de Rayleigh-Taylor au front d'ablation, dans les phases d'accélération et de décélération d'autre part.A l'aide d'un code linéaire de perturbation, nos simulations mono mode nous permettent de confirmer, pour l'instabilité de Richtmyer-Meshkov, la stabilisation apportée par la composante du champ magnétique parallèle au vecteur d'onde des perturbations de l'interface, dont l'amplitude oscille au cours du temps. Nous montrons que la prise en compte de la compressibilité n'apporte pas de changements significatifs par rapport au modèle impulsionnel incompressible existant dans la littérature. Dans nos simulations numériques bidimensionnelles, en géométrie plane, de l'instabilité de Rayleigh-Taylor dans la phase d'accélération, nous prenons en compte le phénomène d'auto-génération de champ magnétique induite par cette instabilité. Nous montrons qu'il est possible d'atteindre des valeurs de champ de l'ordre de quelques teslas et que la croissance de l'amplitude des perturbations transite plus rapidement vers un régime de croissance non-linéaire avec, notamment, un développement accru de la troisième harmonique. Nous proposons également une adaptation d'un modèle existant, étudiant l'effet d'anisotropie de conductivité thermique sur le taux de croissance de l'instabilité de Rayleigh-Taylor au front d'ablation, pour tenter de prendre en compte les effets des champs magnétiques auto-générés sur le taux de croissance de l'instabilité de Rayleigh-Taylor. Enfin, dans une étude numérique à deux dimensions, en géométrie cylindrique, nous analysons les effets des champs magnétiques auto-générés par l'instabilité de Rayleigh-Taylor dans la phase de décélération. Cette dernière étude révèle l'apparition de champs magnétiques pouvant atteindre plusieurs milliers de teslas sans pour autant affecter le comportement de l'instabilité de Rayleigh-Taylor.