Impact resonance testing is a well-documented non-destructive testing method and its applications on asphalt concrete have also been implemented successfully. The test is carried out manually by inducing an impact in order to excite the test specimen and taking measurements of the vibrational response. In an effort to improve the manual procedure of impact resonance testing, an automated non-contact methodology is developed and its applicability with regards to low temperature behaviors of asphalt concrete is investigated. Results from this work show that repeatable fundamental resonance frequency measurements can be performed on a disc shaped specimen in an automated manner without the need to open the thermal chamber. The measurements obtained from the new method have been verified by taking similar resonance frequency measurements using an instrumented impact hammer. It has also been shown in this work that the proposed method is suitable to investigate the lone effects of cyclic thermal conditioning on asphalt concrete without any other possible biasing effects associated with contact in the conventional testing. A hysteretic behavior of stiffness modulus is obtained on three different asphalt concrete specimens subjected to repeated low temperature cyclic conditioning. Reduced modulus values at each temperature are obtained in all the tested specimens after a low temperature stepwise conditioning at temperatures from 0oC to -40 oC. This observed behavior shows that the dynamic modulus of the tested specimens is affected by low temperature conditioning. The norm of the complex modulus decreases and the phase angle or damping ratio increases after low temperature conditioning. Hence, valuable and practical low temperature characteristics of different asphalt concrete mixtures can possibly be obtained by using the proposed methodology.

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The power plant and aerospace industries have been facing a huge loss, due to structural failure. The structural failure occurs due to the presence of the crack in it. Hence, it becomes necessary to monitor the structural health under operating condition. Most of the techniques, for structural health monitoring are used for a specific purpose. Some of these techniques require structure dismantling, which is very much expensive and time consuming. So the vibration based structural health monitoring is advantageous, compared to other techniques. Most of the vibration based Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) approaches, use linear vibration theory. But, these linear vibration based procedures, have inherently low sensitivity to crack. Since crack introduces nonlinearities in the system, their merits in damage detection need to be investigated for SHM. In this thesis, the problem is focused on studying nonlinear dynamics of cracked structures for Structural Health Monitoring. For this, simulations and experiments are performed. The new procedure for the simulation is developed using Matlab-Simulink. It uses the numerical approximation for dynamic compliance operators and a nonlinear model of cracks contact faces interaction to study the dynamic behaviour of the cracked bar. Furthermore, the finite element model of the cracked cantilever bar with crack- tip plasticity is developed and the dynamic behaviour of the elasto-plastic bar is studied. Additionally, numerous experiments are performed to study the dynamics of cantilever bar with the fatigue crack in it. The results from Matlab-Simulink simulation shows the distribution of higher harmonics generated along the bar length, as a function of distance from the crack. In finite element simulation, comparison is made between the resonance frequency of cracked cantilever bar with and without crack-tip plasticity. It is found that, there is decrease in resonance frequency of the cracked bar with cracked tip plasticity, when compared with the resonance frequency of cracked bar without crack-tip plasticity. This reduction in resonance frequency is due to the crack-induced plasticity near the crack tip which affects the overall stiffness of bar. In experiments, the response is measured at four different points on the cracked cantilever bar at a given resonant frequency of excitation at lower and higher vibration amplitude. For lower vibration amplitude, it is found that the response obtained near the vicinity of the crack shows the presence of higher harmonics of resonant frequency, which disappears in the response obtained far away from the crack. For higher vibration amplitude, it is found that the response obtained near the vicinity of the crack shows the presence of higher harmonics along with the low frequency component. This low frequency component causes modulation, which leads to the generation of side band frequencies near the resonant frequency. The occurrence of low frequency component and side band frequencies is due to the vibro-impact behaviour of crack. The amplitude of these side band frequencies and higher harmonics are reduced in the response obtained far away from the crack. This indicates that crack-induced nonlinearity has a localized effect on the dynamics of bar. It is also observed that the magnitude of low frequency component is proportional to the magnitude of resonant frequency of excitation. This indicates that crack behaves like a signal modulator, detector of low frequency component and amplifier as the magnitude of low frequency component is proportional to the magnitude of resonant frequency excitation. From the Matlab-Simulink simulation and experimental results, it is concluded that crackinduced nonlinearity affects the dynamic behaviour of the cracked bar significantly, which will be effective in structural health monitoring. Keywords: vibro-impact, crack, dynamic compliance, harmonics, modulator, detector, amplifier, crack-tip plasticity, resonance frequency, structural health monitoring.

<p>Magnetic resonance imaging is a research and clinical tool that has been applied in a wide variety of sciences. One area of magnetic resonance imaging that has exhibited terrific promise and growth in the past decade is magnetic susceptibility imaging. Imaging tissue susceptibility provides insight into the microstructural organization and chemical properties of biological tissues, but this image contrast is not well understood. The purpose of this work is to develop effective approaches to image, assess, and model the mechanisms that generate both isotropic and anisotropic magnetic susceptibility contrast in biological tissues, including myocardium and central nervous system white matter. </p><p>This document contains the first report of MRI-measured susceptibility anisotropy in myocardium. Intact mouse heart specimens were scanned using MRI at 9.4 T to ascertain both the magnetic susceptibility and myofiber orientation of the tissue. The susceptibility anisotropy of myocardium was observed and measured by relating the apparent tissue susceptibility as a function of the myofiber angle with respect to the applied magnetic field. A multi-filament model of myocardial tissue revealed that the diamagnetically anisotropy α-helix peptide bonds in myofilament proteins are capable of producing bulk susceptibility anisotropy on a scale measurable by MRI, and are potentially the chief sources of the experimentally observed anisotropy.</p><p>The growing use of paramagnetic contrast agents in magnetic susceptibility imaging motivated a series of investigations regarding the effect of these exogenous agents on susceptibility imaging in the brain, heart, and kidney. In each of these organs, gadolinium increases susceptibility contrast and anisotropy, though the enhancements depend on the tissue type, compartmentalization of contrast agent, and complex multi-pool relaxation. In the brain, the introduction of paramagnetic contrast agents actually makes white matter tissue regions appear more diamagnetic relative to the reference susceptibility. Gadolinium-enhanced MRI yields tensor-valued susceptibility images with eigenvectors that more accurately reflect the underlying tissue orientation.</p><p>Despite the boost gadolinium provides, tensor-valued susceptibility image reconstruction is prone to image artifacts. A novel algorithm was developed to mitigate these artifacts by incorporating orientation-dependent tissue relaxation information into susceptibility tensor estimation. The technique was verified using a numerical phantom simulation, and improves susceptibility-based tractography in the brain, kidney, and heart. This work represents the first successful application of susceptibility-based tractography to a whole, intact heart.</p><p>The knowledge and tools developed throughout the course of this research were then applied to studying mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease in vivo, and studying hypertrophic human myocardium specimens ex vivo. Though a preliminary study using contrast-enhanced quantitative susceptibility mapping has revealed diamagnetic amyloid plaques associated with Alzheimer’s disease in the mouse brain ex vivo, non-contrast susceptibility imaging was unable to precisely identify these plaques in vivo. Susceptibility tensor imaging of human myocardium specimens at 9.4 T shows that susceptibility anisotropy is larger and mean susceptibility is more diamagnetic in hypertrophic tissue than in normal tissue. These findings support the hypothesis that myofilament proteins are a source of susceptibility contrast and anisotropy in myocardium. This collection of preclinical studies provides new tools and context for analyzing tissue structure, chemistry, and health in a variety of organs throughout the body.</p> / Dissertation

Bone grafts and titanium implants are commonly used for surgical/prosthetic rehabilitation of the atrophic edentulous maxilla. The factors which influence bone graft healing and implant integration are not sufficiently understood. The aim of this dissertation was to evaluate autogenous bone grafting and delayed placement of titanium endosteal implants for reconstruction of the atrophic maxilla, including the effects of different patient factors on bone graft healing and integration of titanium implants into grafted bone. A total of 46 patients with severe maxillary atrophy received onlay- (n=35) or interpositional bone grafts (n=11) and 6 mo. later received 341 titanium endosteal implants. All bone grafts were harvested from the iliac crest. All patients received fixed dental bridges and were followed clinically and with radiographical examinations for 3 yr. In Papers I and II, a total of 68 titanium microimplants were placed and retrieved from the bone grafts at various time points for histological analysis of the bone graft-implant interface. Integration was better after 6 mo. healing than placement in conjunction with bone grafting. Implant integration was similar for the two bone-grafting techniques. In Papers III and IV, originally including 29 patients and 222 implants, implant stability was measured with resonance frequency analysis (RFA) at placement, abutment connection, after 6 mo. of loading (III) and after 3 yr. of loading (IV). Ten non-grafted patients measured at the same time points were used as controls (III). RFA showed equal implant stability in grafted bone vs. non-grafted bone (III). Stability did not change from the 6-mo. to the 3-yr. control. Cumulative survival was 90% after 3 yr. (21 implants failed). Thirteen implants were lost prior to loading and 8 during functional loading. The group of failed implants showed a lower primary RFA stability than those that remained stable for 3 yr. All patients received and maintained a fixed dental bridge throughout the study. In Paper V, the graft volume changes (GVC) during the 6-mo. healing period prior to implant placement were studied in 30 patients using computerized tomography. Blood samples were taken from 25 patients in conjunction with bone grafting and were analysed for 13 haematological factors. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured in 21 patients. Biopsies of the bone grafts were analysed for bone volume fraction (BVF). GVC (loss) was correlated with decreased BMD of the lumbar vertebrae L2-L4. There was no correlation between the haematological factors and GVC. Implant failure was not correlated with BMD, BVF or GVC. This dissertation shows that surgical/prosthetic rehabilitation of the atrophic edentulous maxilla with autogenous iliac crest bone grafts and delayed placement of titanium implants after 6 mo. of graft healing is effective, reproducible and functional. RFA at placement may be able to predict later implant failure.

Split ring resonator (SRR) is a metamaterial structure which displays negative permeability values over a relatively small bandwidth around its magnetic resonance frequency. Unit SRR cells and arrays have been used in various novel applications including the design of miniaturized microwave devices and antennas. When the SRR arrays are combined with the arrays of conducting wires, left handed materials can be constructed with the unusual property of having negative valued effective refractive indices. In this thesis, unit cells and arrays of single-ring multiple-split type SRR structures are numerically analyzed by using Ansoft&rsquo / s HFSS software that is based on the finite elements method (FEM). Some of these structures are constructed over low-loss dielectric substrates and their complex scattering parameters are measured to verify the numerical simulation results. The major purpose of this study has been to establish equivalent circuit models to estimate the behavior of SRR structures in a simple and computationally efficient manner. For this purpose, individual single ring SRR cells with multiple splits are modeled by appropriate two-port RLC resonant circuits paying special attention to conductor and dielectric loss effects. Results obtained from these models are compared with the results of HFSS simulations which use either PEC/PMC (perfect electric conductor/perfect magnetic conductor) type or perfectly matched layer (PML) type boundary conditions. Interactions between the elements of SRR arrays such as the mutual inductance and capacitance effects as well as additional dielectric losses are also modeled by proper two-port equivalent circuits to describe the overall array behavior and to compute the associated transmission spectrum by simple MATLAB codes. Results of numerical HFSS simulations, equivalent circuit model computations and measurements are shown to be in good agreement.

Les éboulements rocheux sont difficilement prévisibles en raison de leur soudaineté et du peu d'informations disponibles sur la structure interne du massif rocheux. L'analyse en retour d'éboulements dans des falaises calcaires a montré qu'ils étaient initiés par la fracturation de ponts rocheux et que leur persistance était le principal paramètre à prendre en compte pour des calculs de stabilité. En 1er lieu, nous avons utilisé l'information contenue dans le bruit sismique afin d'évaluer le degré d'instabilité d'une écaille rocheuse. Les données viennent de la falaise calcaire de Chamousset (Vercors) où un réseau sismique a fonctionné 4 mois jusqu'à 2 semaines avant la chute d'une écaille de 21000 m3. Le calcul des spectres de bruit sismique a permis d'identifier la 1ère fréquence propre de l'écaille qui diminue significativement avant l'éboulement. Ce même réseau a enregistré des milliers d'événements dont les plus énergétiques ont été classés. Certains de ces signaux ont des arrivées d'ondes P et S distinctes, permettant d'analyser leur mécanisme de rupture et de calculer leur magnitude et distance hypocentrale. Des simulations favorisent l'hypothèse de ruptures en traction pour expliquer les polarisations. D'autres simulations confirment que les événements situés à l'interface écaille-massif entraînent la résonance de l'écaille, expliquant l'observation de codas mono-fréquentielle avec une amplitude sismique plus forte sur l'écaille. Enfin, l'étude de la réponse thermomécanique d'une 2nde écaille sur un an montre l'influence des paramètres météorologiques sur ses fréquences propres. Les effets réversibles et irréversibles sur ces fréquences ont été identifiés. / Rockfalls are difficult to predict events, owing to the suddenness of the phenomenon and to the little information available about the mass internal structure. Back analysis of collapses in steep limestone showed that rockfalls were initiated by intact rock bridge failures and that the persistence of joints was the main factor controlling the failure probability. First, we used the seismic noise recorded by autonomous monitoring systems to evaluate the degree of coupling of a prone-to-fall column to the rock massif. Seismic data were acquired on top of a limestone cliff in Chamousset (Vercors) during 4 months until 2 week prior the collapse of a 21,000 m3 column. The column 1st natural frequency was easily identified from ambient noise processing and exhibited a significant drop prior the column failure. Thanks to the monitoring system, thousands of seismic events were detected, out of which, the most energetic ones were classified. Some of these events exhibit clear P and S waves, making possible an analysis of the rupture mechanism as well as the calculation of their magnitude and hypocentral distance. Numerical simulations of rock bridge rupture allowed favouring traction rupture to explain the observed polarizations. Other numerical simulations showed that rupture events can trigger the column resonance, explaining the recurrent presence of specific frequencies in the late coda as well as the higher seismic motions on the column. Finally, we studied the thermomechanical response of another column. The influence of meteorological parameters on the column natural frequencies was shown. Both reversible and irreversible effects on the 1st natural frequency were identified.

Submitted by Erika Demachki (erikademachki@gmail.com) on 2015-03-13T20:51:57Z No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Geovane Miranda Ferreira - 2010.pdf: 1112321 bytes, checksum: e69a5e93643d9b7879c12725fd642a20 (MD5) license_rdf: 23148 bytes, checksum: 9da0b6dfac957114c6a7714714b86306 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Erika Demachki (erikademachki@gmail.com) on 2015-03-13T20:59:55Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Geovane Miranda Ferreira - 2010.pdf: 1112321 bytes, checksum: e69a5e93643d9b7879c12725fd642a20 (MD5) license_rdf: 23148 bytes, checksum: 9da0b6dfac957114c6a7714714b86306 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2015-03-13T20:59:55Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Geovane Miranda Ferreira - 2010.pdf: 1112321 bytes, checksum: e69a5e93643d9b7879c12725fd642a20 (MD5) license_rdf: 23148 bytes, checksum: 9da0b6dfac957114c6a7714714b86306 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2010-08-20 / Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Goiás - FAPEG / The aim objective of this study was to evaluate the association of the classifications subjected of bone tissue in areas to dental implants and compare it with objective parameters for assessment of primary stability: final insertion torque (TIF) and the frequency of resonance (AFR). Method: 52 patients previously selected partially edentulous were treated with 135 dental implants (TI Cortical Titamax - Neodent ®, Curitiba, PR, Brazil) in the posterior and anterior maxilla (N = 58) and mandible (N = 77) using method conventional two stage. The diameter of the implants ranged from 3.75 mm to 5.0 mm and length of 9.0 mm to 15.0 mm. The bone sites selected for rehabilitation with implants were subjectively classified as bone quality by three independent observers using three subjective methods different: radiographs panoramic and periapical and tactile perception of the operator during drilling site implantable - classification of Lekholm & Zarb original (L&Zoriginal); panoramic radiograph and periapical - classification of Lekholm & Zarb modified (PP), trabecular bone pattern - classification Lindh (Lindh). And objectively assessed by recording the final insertion torque (TIF) obtained electronically by the engine BLM 600 Plus Driller or manually by the turnstile and through analysis of resonance frequency (AFR) obtained at the time of implant installation and four months later, during to reopen. Results: The TIF ranged from 15 to 80 Ncm (Mean = 37.91, SD = 16.87) showing a significant correlation with the ratings L&Zoriginal, PP, AFR initial and reopened and the diameter of the implants (p <0.01). The initial ISQ values ranged from 37-90 (mean = 73.31, SD = 9.80) and ISQ reopening ranged from 22 to 95 (mean = 77.86, SD = 10.08) with significant correlation of the initial ISQ and reopened with all sorts of subjective type bone, with the TIF and the diameter of the implants (p <0.01). The classification of type bone that he thought the tactile perception of the operator (L&Zoriginal) group had better ability to predict the values of EP (AFR and TIF). In conclusion, the classification of L&Zoriginal is an effective method for predicting values of EP and modifications in the implementation of the method as originally proposed could undermine that assertion. / O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar a associação das classificações do tecido ósseo em áreas submetidas a implantes dentários e compará-la com parâmetros objetivos de avaliação da estabilidade primária: torque de inserção final (TIF) e análise de freqüência de ressonância (AFR). Método: 52 pacientes parcialmente edêntulos e previamente selecionados foram tratados com 135 implantes dentários (Titamax TI Cortical – Neodent®, Curitiba, PR, Brasil) em região posterior e anterior de maxila (N=58) e mandíbula (N=77) utilizando método convencional de dois estágios com perspectiva de reabilitação com prótese fixa. O diâmetro dos implantes variou de 3,75mm a 5,0mm e o comprimento de 9,0mm a 15,0mm. Os sítios ósseos selecionados para reabilitação com implantes foram classificados subjetivamente quanto à qualidade óssea por 3 examinadores independentes usando 3 métodos subjetivos diferentes: radiografia panorâmica e periapical e a percepção tátil do operador durante a perfuração do sítio implantável – classificação de Lekholm & Zarb original (L&Zoriginal); radiografia panorâmica e periapical – classificação de Lekholm & Zarb modificada (PP); padrão ósseo trabecular em radiografias periapicais– classificação de Lindh (Lindh) e avaliados objetivamente por meio do registro do torque de inserção final (TIF) obtido eletronicamente ou manualmente pela catraca e através da análise de freqüência de ressonância (AFR) obtida no momento da instalação do implante e quatro meses após, durante a reabertura. Resultados: O TIF variou de 15 a 80 Ncm (Média=37,91; SD=16,87) mostrando significante correlação com as classificações L&Zoriginal, PP, a ISQ inicial e reabertura e com o diâmetro dos implantes (p<0,01). Os valores de ISQ inicial variaram de 37 a 90 (Média=73.31, SD = 9.80) e o ISQ reabertura variou de 22 a 95 (Média=77.86, SD = 10.08) com correlação significativa da ISQ inicial e reabertura com todas as classificações subjetivas do tipo ósseo, com o TIF e com o diâmetro dos implantes (p<0,01). A classificação do tipo ósseo que considerava a percepção tátil do operador (L&Zoriginal) foi a que teve melhor capacidade de predizer os valores da EP (AFR e TIF). Em conclusão, a classificação de L&Zoriginal é um método eficaz para predizer valores de EP e modificações na execução do método como originalmente proposto podem comprometer a referida afirmação.