In recent years, there has been a surge of research interest in the analysis of time series and spatial data. While on one hand more and more sophisticated models are being developed, on the other hand the resulting theory and estimation process has become more and more involved. This dissertation addresses the development of statistical inference procedures for data exhibiting dependencies of varied form and structure. In the first work, we consider estimation of the mean squared prediction error (MSPE) of the best linear predictor of (possibly) nonlinear functions of finitely many future observations in a stationary time series. We develop a resampling methodology for estimating the MSPE when the unknown parameters in the best linear predictor are estimated. Further, we propose a bias corrected MSPE estimator based on the bootstrap and establish its second order accuracy. Finite sample properties of the method are investigated through a simulation study. The next work considers nonparametric inference on spatial data. In this work the asymptotic distribution of the Discrete Fourier Transformation (DFT) of spatial data under pure and mixed increasing domain spatial asymptotic structures are studied under both deterministic and stochastic spatial sampling designs. The deterministic design is specified by a scaled version of the integer lattice in IRd while the data-sites under the stochastic spatial design are generated by a sequence of independent random vectors, with a possibly nonuniform density. A detailed account of the asymptotic joint distribution of the DFTs of the spatial data is given which, among other things, highlights the effects of the geometry of the sampling region and the spatial sampling density on the limit distribution. Further, it is shown that in both deterministic and stochastic design cases, for "asymptotically distant" frequencies, the DFTs are asymptotically independent, but this property may be destroyed if the frequencies are "asymptotically close". Some important implications of the main results are also given.

Occurrence of displacements of shallow mat foundations resting on saturated silt-clay mixtures were reported in Mexico City during 1985 Mexico Earthquake, and in Adapazari during 1999 Kocaeli (izmit) Earthquake. Soft surface soils, shallow ground water, limited foundation embedments and deep alluvial deposits were the common features pertaining to such foundation displacements in either case. Experience shows, while uniform foundation settlements, even when excessive, do not limit post earthquake serviceability of building structures, tilting is particularly problematic. In this study, a simplified methodology is developed to estimate the seismically induced irrecoverable tilting potential of shallow mats on fine saturated soils. The undrained shear and deformation behavior of silt-clay mixtures encountered at the Adapazari sites with significant foundation displacements are investigated through a series of standard and rapid monotonic, and stress-controlled cyclic triaxial tests conducted over anisotropically consolidated natural soil samples. Test results show that, while the shear strength of these soils do not significantly degrade under means of loading comparable to that of Kocaeli earthquake, their plastic strain accumulation characteristics critically depend on the mode of loading as well as the relative levels of applied load with regard to the monotonic strength. Based on the results of laboratory tests, the response of nonlinear soil-foundation-structure system is reduced to a single-degree-of-freedom oscillator with elastic-perfectly plastic behavior. The natural period of the system is expressed by simplified soil-structure-interaction equations. Pseudo-static yield acceleration, which is required to initiate the foundation bearing capacity failure when applied to the structural mass, is estimated by the finite-element method. Eventually, the tilting potential of the foundations is estimated utilizing inelastic response of the nonlinear oscillator. Response of the deep alluvium sites, which involves velocity pulses with periods consistent with the fundamental site period, is significant in determination of inelastic response of low bearing capacity systems. Predictive capability of the methodology developed is tested with actual case data. The methodology is observed to predict irrecoverable tilting potential of foundations consistent with the observations, except for the cases with low seismic bearing capacity. Deviations are explained considering the sensitivity of low-strength systems to asymmetrical behavior and uncertainties involved in seismic demand.

This thesis consists of a summary and five papers, dealing with self-normalized sums of independent, identically distributed random variables, and three-decision procedures for directional conclusions. In Paper I, we investigate a general set-up for Student's t-statistic. Finiteness of absolute moments is related to the corresponding degree of freedom, and relevant properties of the underlying distribution, assuming independent, identically distributed random variables. In Paper II, we investigate a certain kind of self-normalized sums. We show that the corresponding quadratic moments are greater than or equal to one, with equality if and only if the underlying distribution is symmetrically distributed around the origin. In Paper III, we study linear combinations of independent Rademacher random variables. A family of universal bounds on the corresponding tail probabilities is derived through the technique known as exponential tilting. Connections to self-normalized sums of symmetrically distributed random variables are given. In Paper IV, we consider a general formulation of three-decision procedures for directional conclusions. We introduce three kinds of optimality characterizations, and formulate corresponding sufficiency conditions. These conditions are applied to exponential families of distributions. In Paper V, we investigate the Benjamini-Hochberg procedure as a means of confirming a selection of statistical decisions on the basis of a corresponding set of generalized p-values. Assuming independence, we show that control is imposed on the expected average loss among confirmed decisions. Connections to directional conclusions are given.

Different wave power technologies are in development around the world in different stages of prototype testing. So far only a few devices have been deployed offshore at full scale for extended periods of time. Little data is published about how these different devices perform. This thesis presents results from experiments with the full-scale offshore wave energy converters at the Lysekil research site on the Swedish west coast. The theories, experiments, measurements, performance evaluations and developments of the submerged transmission in the direct driven permanent magnet linear generator are in focus. The reciprocating submerged transmission fulfills the purpose of transmitting the absorbed mechanical wave energy through the capsule wall into the generator, while preventing the seawater from entering the capsule and reducing the life time of the converter. A measuring system with seven laser triangulation sensors has been developed to measure small relative displacements between piston rod and seal housing in the submerged transmission with excellent accuracy for the purpose of evaluating both functional behavior and successive wear in-situ. A method for calculating relative tilt angles, azimuth angles, differential tilt angles, and successive wear in the submerged transmission has been developed. Additional sensors systems have been installed in the converter enabling correlation and a thorough investigation into the operating conditions of the transmission and the converter. The thesis presents unique results from the measurements. A data acquisition system transmits the signals from the converter on the seabed to an onshore measuring station. Results are presented in time-, frequency- and the time-frequency domain. The results have given important information for further development of the submerged transmission, which is important to the survivability of the system. The thesis describes the status of research, and is a step that may influence future designs of wave energy devices for reaching survivability and a cost-effective renewable energy system. / <p>Published is a preprint version of the full text and should be combined by the errata.</p> / The Lysekil Wave Power Project

The aim of this thesis was to investigate some methods for quantitative analysis of bone structure, particularly techniques which might ultimately be applied post-operatively following orthopaedic reconstruction operations. Initially it was decided to explore the efficacy of MRI in quantifying the bone structure at high resolution by comparing high resolution MRI against 'gold standards' such as Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and optical histology. This basic study provided a measure of the distortions in the morphological bone parameters derived from MR images due to susceptibility artefacts and partial volume effects. The study of bone architecture was then extended to a model of advanced renal osteodystrophy in a growing rat. For this study, high-resolution micro computed tomography (microCT) was used and as a result of the high resolution images obtained, three new bone morphological parameters were introduced to characterise the bone structure. The desire to study bone architecture post-operatively in hip replacements led to a preliminary study on ex-vivo sheep acetabulae following total hip replacement, to determine the extent that the bone architecture could be investigated around the acetabulum. The motivation for studying the acetabulum was based on the high occurrence of debonding at the bone / prosthesis interface. This study demonstrated the superior nature of 3D MRI over conventional x-ray radiographs in early quantitation of fibrous membranes located between the host bone and the non-metallic implant and/or the bone cement. The presence of such fibrous membranes is strongly indicative of failure of the prosthesis. When using clinical MRI to image post-operative hip replacement, the image quality is severely affected by the presence of the metallic implant. The head of the prosthesis is shaped like a metal sphere and is located in the acetabular cup. This problem was investigated by performing simulations of MR images in the presence of the field perturbation induced by the presence of a metal sphere, with the effects of slice excitation and frequency encoding incorporated into the simulations. The simulations were compared with experimental data obtained by imaging a phantom comprising a stainless steel ball bearing immersed in agarose gel. The simulations were used to predict the effects of changing imaging parameters that influence artefact size and also to show how current metal artefact reduction techniques such as view angle tilting (VAT) work and to identify their limitations. It was shown that 2D SE and VAT imaging techniques should not be used when metallic prosthesis are present due to extreme slice distortion, whereas 3D MRI provided a method that has no slice distortion, although the effects of using a frequency encoding gradient still remain.

O presente trabalho tem por objetivo primário abordar os atuais conhecimentos sobre o transporte ferroviário interurbano e regional de passageiros, com foco na tecnologia dos trens de caixa móvel, também conhecidos como trens pendulares. Como objetivo secundário busca-se analisar a influência dos trens de caixa móvel ou pendulares na implantação e operação de novas ferrovias, com ênfase na adequação em fase de projeto, mostrando-se o potencial dessa tecnologia para o aumento da velocidade média e a redução dos tempos de viagem. São tratados os tópicos relevantes para o transporte ferroviário de passageiros, como o conforto do usuário, as especificações técnicas do material rodante e referências dos custos de implantação e operação envolvidos, mostrando-se também dentro de cada aspecto as diferenças dos trens pendulares em relação aos trens convencionais. Três estudos de caso elaborados terão como objetivo explicitar as interveniências da operação dos trens pendulares com o projeto ferroviário, em especial com o projeto geométrico, e através de simulações de marcha e comparações, mostrar de maneira prática o potencial do uso dos trens pendulares. Através do embasamento teórico e dos estudos de caso, é feita uma análise crítica de modo a possibilitar tanto um entendimento do transporte ferroviário de passageiros, quanto do material rodante de caixa móvel e suas possibilidades. Os resultados dos estudos de caso e a análise crítica mostram uma redução significativa dos tempos de viagem, entre 8,1 e 20,0%, mediante a operação de trens pendulares em substituição ao material rodante convencional. / As a primary objective, the present work aims to summarize the current knowledge on intercity and regional passenger railway transportation, focusing on tilting train technology, also known as car body tilt. As a secondary objective, the present work seeks to analyze the influence of tilting train technology on the design, implementation and operation of new railway corridors, with emphasis on design phase, showing the potential of this technology to increase speeds and reduce travel times. Railway passenger transportation issues, such as passenger comfort, rolling stock technical specifications and implementation and operational costs are addressed. Additionally, different aspects between conventional and tilting trains are also discussed. Three case studies help clarify the correlation between tilting train operation and railway design, especially the geometric design; further, with the help of speed simulations and comparisons, the potential use of tilting train operations are demonstrated. With the theoretical basis and the case studies, a critical analysis is made, allowing as a better understanding of railway passenger transportation with regards to the use of tilting rolling stock and its possibilities. The results of the case studies and the critical analysis present a considerable reduction in travel times, between 8,1 and 20,0%, with the operation of tilting trains in the place of the conventional rolling stock.

This master thesis analyses hook loader NKH 8A340. For calculation of load states was used the dynamic simulation in program MSC.ADAMS. This results were used like a input data to solve the construction with finished element method. After evaluation of results were made design changes of hook loader. Part of this thesis contains drawings of modified parts of hook loader.

La modélisation et la simulation numérique sont des outils fondamentaux pour la conception et le développement de nouveaux véhicules. Les travaux de cette thèse portent sur la modélisation et la simulation d’un véhicule innovant, étroit et inclinable, en appliquant une description systématique et générique du véhicule considéré comme un robot dont la base est mobile et les roues sont les organes terminaux. Le système d’inclinaison motorisé entraîne une cinématique complexe et comporte des chaines fermées. Le but du travail est de construire un modèle physique précis, au contraire des modèles simplifiés de type bicyclette ou quart de véhicule utilisés habituellement pour l’étude de la commande des véhicules. L’approche procède à la description de l’architecture mécanique du véhicule, le considérant comme un système multi-corps poly-articulés, s’appuyant sur le formalisme de la robotique et précisément sur la représentation géométrique de Denavit-Hartenberg modifié. Cette approche permet de calculer automatiquement les expressions symboliques des modèles géométriques, cinématiques et dynamiques des structures simples et arborescentes. Les modèles qui en résultent comportent un nombre minimum d’opérations par la mise à profit du calcul symbolique itératif et des techniques de simplification de modèles propres à la robotique. Ces techniques sont implémentées dans le logiciel de calcul symbolique SYMORO+. Le modèle dynamique est calculé d’une manière récursive à l’aide de l’algorithme de Newton-Euler. La simulation dynamique utilise un simulateur édité sous Matlab/Simulink qui intègre le modèle dynamique direct calculé automatiquement à partir du modèle inverse. Des simulations réalisées sur des modèles de complexité croissante, pour des scénarios de freinage ou d’accélération, en ligne droite ou en virage, valident la méthodologie de modélisation mécanique proposée. / Modeling and simulating are fundamental tools to develop new vehicles. The aim of this thesis is to model and simulate a urban narrow tilting car whose structure contains closed mechanical chains. Hence the goal is to build a physical model more precise and realistic than the bicycle model or quarter vehicle model used usually for some control purposes. The modeling approach is based on the modified Denavit&Hartenberg description, commonly used in robotics, by considering the vehicle as a multi-body poly-articulated system whose the terminal links are the wheels. This description allows calculating automatically the symbolic expression of the geometric, kinematic and dynamic models, by using robotics techniques and a symbolic software package named SYMORO+. The dynamic model is calculated recursively thanks to the Newton-Euler algorithm. Simulations of different dynamical model of vehicles have been performed, analyzed and compared. They validate in some sense the modeling methodology presented as an efficient way to get realistic model of non-standard vehicles.

The thesis deals with the positioning of the tilting head of the multifunctional milling centre in three axis. The aim of the thesis is to design a multifunctional milling machine centre with a horizontal axis of the spindle in cooperation with Bc. Ľubomír Vazovan, Bc. Ján Rapčan a Bc. Tomáš Hynšt, who are working on the issues of the headstock, automatic tool change and palletization. The thesis also contains proposals of certain options and their subsequent evaluation by the multicriterial method PATTERN. The resulting construction is complemented by calculations of the main construction nodes.

Les Véhicules Etroits et Inclinables (VEI) sont la convergence d’une voiture et d’un motocycle. Un mètre de largeur seulement suffit pour transporter une ou deux personnes en Tandem. Les VEI sont conçus dans le but de résoudre partiellement les problèmes de trafic routier, de minimiser la consommation énergétique et l’émission de polluants. De par leurs dimensions(ratio hauteur/largeur), ces véhicules doivent s’incliner en virage pour rester stable en compensant l’effet de l’accélération latérale. Cette inclinaison doit dans certains cas être automatique : elle peut être réalisée à l’aide d’un couple d’inclinaison généré par un actionneur dédié (système DTC), soit encore en modulant l’angle de braquage des roues (Système STC). Nous avons proposé dans ce mémoire une méthodologie de synthèse d’un régulateur structuré minimisant la norme H2 d’un problème bien posé au bénéfice d’une régulation optimisée de l’accélération latérale, considérant tour à tour les systèmes DTC et STC. Les régulateurs proposés sont paramétrés par la vitesse longitudinale et s’avèrent performants et robustes, et les moyens de réglages proposés permettent d’étudier l’intérêt relatif d’une solution DTC pure ou mixte DTC/STC, permettant de supporter les développements futurs sur le sujet. L’originalité des solutions proposées en regard des études rencontrées dans la littérature porte en particulier sur le fait de choisir de réguler directement l’accélération latérale perçue (plutôt que l’angle d’inclinaison), en anticipant la prise de virage par la prise en compte des angles et vitesse de braquage. L’optimisation de la régulation permet de réduire de manière importante le couple d’inclinaison requis, et l’accélération latérale subie par les passagers est faible. Tous les développements proposés s’appuient naturellement en amont sur un travail de modélisation (recherche du modèle juste nécessaire), et de bibliographie conséquent. Le modèle retenu comprend 5 degrés de libertés. Nous avons démontré qu’il possédait la propriété intéressante d’être plat, et avons utilisé cette propriété pour ouvrir des perspectives relatives à la conception d’un régulateur non-linéaire robuste, susceptible apriori d’accroître les performances dans le cas de « grands mouvements ». Au contraire de ce qui existe dans la littérature,le régulateur multivariable conçu pour le système SDTC permet le contrôle coordonné des actions sur les systèmes STC et DTC. / Narrow Tilting Vehicles (NTV) are the convergence of a car and a motorcycle. One meter wide, these vehicles are designed for one or two people sitting the one in front the other. The idea behind the conception of NTV is the minimization of traffic congestion, energy consumption and pollutant emission. But because of their dimensions, these cars would have to lean into corners in order to compensate for the lateral acceleration and maintain their stability. The tilting should be automatic, and can be achieved by a tilting torque generated by a dedicated tilting actuator (DTC) or by modifying the steering angle (STC) or both (SDTC). In this thesis, we first propose a methodology for the design of an output feedback structured regulator, minimizing the H2 norm of a well-posed problem, built to optimize the lateral acceleration of the NTV, considering DTC and SDTC systems.The designed controllers, with the longitudinal velocity as a parameter, lead to the minimization of the tilting torque and of the lateral acceleration perceived by the driver, and have good performances as well as good robustness properties. Furthermore, the tuning methodology allows the comparison of a pure DTC solution and a mixed SDTC alternative. Compared to the literature, the originalities in this thesis are the direct control of the measured value of the lateral acceleration (instead of the tilting angle), and the anticipation of the tilt, thanks to the use of the steering angle and angular velocity. Furthermore, the SDTC solution allows to drive both the STC and DTC systems in a coordinated manner. The design strategies are based on a preliminary study of vehicle models, and a design model with 5DoF was developed. We demonstrated that the model has the nice property to be flat, and in the last section of the thesis, used this property to initiate the design of a non-linear robust controller, which can a priori lead to better performances in case of “large motions”.