Dans ce travail, nous proposons des procédures de test paramétriques et nonparamétriques localement et asymptotiquement optimales au sens de Hajek et Le Cam, pour deux modèles de données de panel. Notre approche est fondée sur la théorie de Le Cam d'une part, pour obtenir les propriétés de normalité asymptotique, bases de la construction des tests paramétriques optimaux, et la théorie de Hajek d'autre part, qui, via un principe d'invariance, permet d'obtenir les procédures nonparamétriques. Dans le premier chapitre, nous considérons un modèle à erreurs composées et nous nous intéressons au problème qui consiste à tester l'absence de l'effet individuel aléatoire. Nous établissons la propriété de normalité locale asymptotique (LAN), ce qui nous permet de construire des procédures paramétriques localement et asymptotiquement optimales (“les plus stringentes”) pour le problème considéré. L'optimalité de ces procédures est liée à la densité-cible f1. Ces propriétés d'optimalité sont hautement paramétriques puisqu'elles requièrent que la densité sous-jacente soit f1. De plus, ces procédures ne seront valides que si la densité-cible f1 et la densité sous-jacent g1 coincïdent. Or, en pratique, une spécification correcte de la densité sous-jacente g1 est non réaliste, et g1 doit être considérée comme un paramètre de nuissance. Pour éliminer cette nuisance, nous adoptons l'argument d'invariance et nous nous restreignons aux procédures fondées sur des statistiques qui sont mesurables par rapport au vecteur des rangs. Les tests que nous obtenons restent valide quelle que soit la densité sous-jacente et sont localement et asymptotiquement les plus stringents. Afin d'avoir des renseignements sur l'efficacité des tests fondés sur les rangs sous différentes lois, nous calculons les efficacités asymptotiques relatives de ces tests par rapport aux tests pseudo-gaussiens, sous des densités g1 quelconques. Enfin, nous proposons quelques simulations pour comparer les performances des procédures proposées. Dans le deuxième chapitre, nous considérons un modèle à erreurs composées avec autocorrélation d'ordre 1 et nous montrons que ce modèle jouit de la propriété LAN. A partir de ce résultat, nous construisons des tests optimaux, au sens local et asymptotique, pour trois problèmes de tests importants dans ce contexte : (a) test de l'absence d'effet individuel et d'autocorrélation; (b) test de l'absence d'effet individuel en présence d'une autocorrélation non spécifiée; et (c) test de l'absence d'autocorrélation en présence d'un effet individuel non spécifié. Enfin, nous proposons quelques simulations pour comparer les performances des tests pseudogaussiens et des tests classiques.

In 21 century finned surfaces are used in almost all condensers to enhance their heat transfer capabilities. A lot of different models are presented in the literature: on horizontal and vertical finned tubes, inside finned tubes. The validation method of the theoretical models is based on comparison between measurement of average heat transfer coefficient and one calculated by the model. But in this case it is impossible to validate all approaches made in the theory. The presented work aims to understand the real relation between assumptions made in the theory and flow of the condensate film along a fin. Therefore a comprehensive investigation of the film condensation phenomena on curvilinear surfaces has been done. This investigation has been done in the framework of the preparation of “SAFIR” and “EMERALD” space experiments aboard International Space Station. A special attention has been given to clarify some technical and technological problems that could eventually have a positive feedback for industrial applications. The model of the fin shape optimization has been developed. It takes into account surface tension forces and finite heat conductivity of the fin material. Developed model allows to significantly increase the condensate outflow as compared with the case of the optimal isothermal fin shape at the finite heat transfer conductivity. Enhancement coefficient increases with fin heat conductivity decreasing. The experimental and theoretical investigation of film condensation on a disk-shaped fin has been done under groun condition. 3D condensation model at different gravity levels has been developed. This model allows to reveal the area of dominant influence of surface tension forces. First prototype of experimental cell for the space experiments has been developed and tested. The temperature distribution along the curvilinear fin surface has been measured. The measurements of the film thickness at the fin top shows that the film thickness does not equal to zero as was assumed in some previous theoretical models. Developed model is in a good agreement with experimental results. In the ground set-up the measurement techniques as in future space experiments were realized: local temperature measurement of the fin surface, measurement of non-condensable gas mole fraction, optical system for local film thickness measurement and system of average heat transfer coefficient measurement. Experimental results approve the usefulness of these systems. Optical system based on schlieren technique for film surface deformation has been investigated and developed. This system was used for the investigation of shear driven liquid film on the mirror like substrate under microgravity condition. The microgravity condition was simulated during ESA Parabolic Flight Campaign of October-November 2009. The experimental results show the high capabilities of this system. In the framework of the space experiments preparation the analysis of appropriate liquid has been done. Three candidates have been compared: Water, Ethyl alcohol and FC-72. Third liquid has been chosen as applicable liquid for the “SAFIR” and “EMERALD” experiments. The optimal fin shapes and film thickness distribution have been calculated for the working liquid. Using obtained results requirements for space experiments have been prepared.

The presence of partial discharges (PD) in high voltage components is generally a sign of defects and degradation in the electrical insulation. To diagnose the condition of high voltage insulation, PD measurements is commonly used. The Variable Frequency Phase Resolved PD Analysis (VF-PRPDA) technique measures PD at variable frequency of the applied voltage. With this technique, the frequency dependence of PD can be utilized to extract more information about the insulation defects than is possible from traditional PD measurements at a single applied frequency. In this thesis the PD process in a disc-shaped cavity is measured and modelled at variable frequency (0.01 - 100 Hz) of the applied voltage. The aim is to interpret the PD frequency dependence in terms of physical conditions at the cavity. The measurements show that the PD process in the cavity is frequency dependent. The PD phase and magnitude distributions, as well as the number of PDs per voltage cycle, change with the varying frequency. Moreover, the PD frequency dependence changes with the applied voltage amplitude, the size of the cavity and the location of the cavity (insulated or electrode bounded). A physical model is presented and used to dynamically simulate the sequence of PDs in the cavity at different applied frequencies. The simulations show that essential features in the measured PD patterns can be reproduced. The PD frequency dependence is interpreted as a variation in influence on the PD activity from the statistical time lag of PD and the charge transport in the cavity surface, at different applied frequencies. The simulation results also show that certain cavity parameters, like the cavity surface conductivity and the rate of electron emission from the cavity surface, change with the time between consecutive PDs, and accordingly with the applied frequency. This effect also contributes to the PD frequency dependence. / QC 20100722

Self-bearing machines for kinetic energy storage have the advantage of integrating the magnetic bearing in the stator/rotor configuration, which reduces the number of mechanical components needed compared with using separated active magnetic bearings. This master's thesis focus on building a MATLAB/Simulink simulation model for a self-bearing cone-shaped Lorenz-type electrical machine. The concept has already been verified analytically but no dynamic simulations have been made. The system was modeled as a negative feedback system with PID controllers to balance the rotor. Disturbances as signal noise, external forces and torques were added to the system to estimate system robustness. Simulations showed stability and promising dynamics, the next step would be to build a prototype.

This study examines small finds from the site of Chogha Gavaneh, Iran, including zoomorphic clay figurines, geometric-shaped objects, and sling bullets in order to deter-mine if they served an economic function during the Early Chalcolithic period (ca. 5000-4000 B.C.E.). A total of 104 animal figurines, sling bullets, and geometric-shaped objects have been found at Chogha Gavaneh. This research challenges previous archaeological interpretations of animal figurines that have interpreted them as being magical or lucky objects for hunting and religious rituals, or for use as game pieces, educational objects, or toys. Through the use of XRF (x-ray fluorescence spectrometry) analysis and the chaine opératoire approach, I suggest, contrary to the conventional wisdom, that some of these clay objects might represent another kind of social practice and may have had an economic function.

No description available.

The purpose of the present study is to develop techniques for manufacturing anatomically-shaped substrates of implants made from calcium polyphosphate (CPP) ceramic. These substrates have tissue-engineered cartilage growing on their top surfaces and can be used as implants for osteochondral focal defect repair. While many research groups have been fabricating such substrates using standard material shapes, e.g., rectangles and circular discs, it is considered beneficial to develop methods that can be integrated in the substrate fabrication process to produce an implant that is specific to a patient’s own anatomy (as obtained from computer tomography data) to avoid uneven and/or elevated stress distribution that can affect the survival of cartilage. The custom-made, porous CPP substrates were fabricated with three-dimensional printing (3DP) and computer numerically controlled (CNC) machining for the first time to the best of the author’s knowledge. The 3DP technique was employed in two routines: indirect- and direct-3DP. In the former, 3DP was used to fabricate molds for pre-shaping of the CPP substrates from two different powder size ranges (<75 μm and 106-150 μm). In the latter, CPP substrates were produced directly from the retrofitted 3DP apparatus in a layer-by-layer fashion from 45-75 μm CPP powder with a polymeric binder. The prototyped samples were then sintered to obtain the required porosity and mechanical properties. These substrates were characterized in terms of their dimensional shrinkage and density. Also, SEM images were used to assess the particle distribution and neck and bond formations. The substrates produced using the indirect-3DP method yielded densities (<75 μm: 66.28 ± 11.62% and 106-150 μm: 65.87 ± 6.12%), which were comparable to the substrates used currently and with some success in animal studies. Geometric adjustment factors were devised to compensate for the slight expansion inherent in the 3DP mold fabricating process. These equations were used to bring the plaster molds into true dimension. The direct-3DP method has proven to be the ultimate choice due to its ability to produce complex anatomically-shaped substrates without the use of a chemical solvent. In addition, it allows for precise control of both pore size and internal architectures of the substrates. Thus, the direct-3DP was considered to be superior than the indirect-3DP as a fabrication method. In the alternative CNC machining approach to fabrication, the ability to machine the CPP ceramic was feasible and by careful selection of the machining conditions, anatomically-shaped CPP substrates were produced. To develop strategies for optimizing the machining process, a mechanistic model was developed based on curve fitting the average cutting forces to determine the cutting coefficients for CPP. These cutting coefficients were functions of workpiece material, axial depth of cut, chip width, and cutter geometry. To explore the utility of this modelling approach, cutting forces were predicted for a helical ball-end mill and compared with experimental results. The cutting force simulation exhibits good agreement in predicting the fundamental force magnitude and general shape of the actual forces. However, there were some discrepancies between the predicted and measured forces. These differences were attributed to internal microstructure defects, density gradients, and the use of a shear plane model in force prediction that was not entirely appropriate for brittle materials such as CPP. The present study successfully developed 3DP and CNC fabrication methods for manufacturing anatomically-shaped CPP substrates. Future studies were recommended to explore further optimization of these fabrication methods and to demonstrate the utility of accurate substrates shapes to the clinical application of focal defect repair implants.

No description available.

The purpose of the present study is to develop techniques for manufacturing anatomically-shaped substrates of implants made from calcium polyphosphate (CPP) ceramic. These substrates have tissue-engineered cartilage growing on their top surfaces and can be used as implants for osteochondral focal defect repair. While many research groups have been fabricating such substrates using standard material shapes, e.g., rectangles and circular discs, it is considered beneficial to develop methods that can be integrated in the substrate fabrication process to produce an implant that is specific to a patient’s own anatomy (as obtained from computer tomography data) to avoid uneven and/or elevated stress distribution that can affect the survival of cartilage. The custom-made, porous CPP substrates were fabricated with three-dimensional printing (3DP) and computer numerically controlled (CNC) machining for the first time to the best of the author’s knowledge. The 3DP technique was employed in two routines: indirect- and direct-3DP. In the former, 3DP was used to fabricate molds for pre-shaping of the CPP substrates from two different powder size ranges (<75 μm and 106-150 μm). In the latter, CPP substrates were produced directly from the retrofitted 3DP apparatus in a layer-by-layer fashion from 45-75 μm CPP powder with a polymeric binder. The prototyped samples were then sintered to obtain the required porosity and mechanical properties. These substrates were characterized in terms of their dimensional shrinkage and density. Also, SEM images were used to assess the particle distribution and neck and bond formations. The substrates produced using the indirect-3DP method yielded densities (<75 μm: 66.28 ± 11.62% and 106-150 μm: 65.87 ± 6.12%), which were comparable to the substrates used currently and with some success in animal studies. Geometric adjustment factors were devised to compensate for the slight expansion inherent in the 3DP mold fabricating process. These equations were used to bring the plaster molds into true dimension. The direct-3DP method has proven to be the ultimate choice due to its ability to produce complex anatomically-shaped substrates without the use of a chemical solvent. In addition, it allows for precise control of both pore size and internal architectures of the substrates. Thus, the direct-3DP was considered to be superior than the indirect-3DP as a fabrication method. In the alternative CNC machining approach to fabrication, the ability to machine the CPP ceramic was feasible and by careful selection of the machining conditions, anatomically-shaped CPP substrates were produced. To develop strategies for optimizing the machining process, a mechanistic model was developed based on curve fitting the average cutting forces to determine the cutting coefficients for CPP. These cutting coefficients were functions of workpiece material, axial depth of cut, chip width, and cutter geometry. To explore the utility of this modelling approach, cutting forces were predicted for a helical ball-end mill and compared with experimental results. The cutting force simulation exhibits good agreement in predicting the fundamental force magnitude and general shape of the actual forces. However, there were some discrepancies between the predicted and measured forces. These differences were attributed to internal microstructure defects, density gradients, and the use of a shear plane model in force prediction that was not entirely appropriate for brittle materials such as CPP. The present study successfully developed 3DP and CNC fabrication methods for manufacturing anatomically-shaped CPP substrates. Future studies were recommended to explore further optimization of these fabrication methods and to demonstrate the utility of accurate substrates shapes to the clinical application of focal defect repair implants.

High power impulse magnetron sputtering (HiPIMS) is a novel pulsed power technique. In HiPIMS, high power pulses are applied to the target for short duration with a low duty factor. It provides a high degree of ionization of the sputtered material (in some cases up to 90%) and a high plasma density (1019 m-3) which results in densification of the grown films. Recently a large side-transport of the sputtered material has been discovered, meaning that the sputtered material is transported radially outwards, parallel to the cathode surface. In this research, we use this effect and study the side-ways deposition of thin films. We designed a new magnetron sputtering system, consisting of two opposing magnetrons with similar polarity. Ti films were grown on Si using the side-ways transport of the sputtered material. Scanning electron microscope was employed to investigate the microstructure of the grown films. Optical emission spectroscopy (OES) measurements were made for investigating the ionized fraction of the sputtered material while Langmuir probe measurements were made for evaluating the plasma parameters such as electron density. The conclusion is that the system works well for side-ways deposition and it can be useful for coating the interior of cylindrically shaped objects. It is a promising technique that should be used in industry.