Thesis (M.App.Sc.) - Carleton University, 2005. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 79-86). Also available in electronic format on the Internet.

Thesis (M.App.Sc.) - Carleton University, 2007. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 123-128). Also available in electronic format on the Internet.

Thesis (MEng)--Stellenbosch University, 2014. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This work in this study covers a powerful technique to derive propagation and scattering information in an expedient fashion. Expedient because time-domain (TD) data gathers a broad spectrum in a single transmitted pulse. TD has been criticised because of a lack of dynamic range, which has now been overcome by the direct sampling system, RATTY and RTA. This study focuses on the investigation of a TD metrology system, to assist with the characterisation of MeerKAT systems. The elementary components of the system include a fast-rising impulse generator that was coupled with an impulse radiating antenna (IRA). The system was calibrated and tested before practical measurements and preliminary testing in the Karoo were done. For TDmetrology a larger bandwidth accelerates measurements without the loss of accuracy. The pulse generator’s (PG’s) fundamental components are an avalanche transistor and a step recovery diode (SRD), to sharpen the leading edge of the pulse. Improving the rise-time of a pulse increases its bandwidth in the spectrum. The external circuitry around these components is pivotal and it determines the shape, amplitude and rise-time of the pulse. In the course of the investigation, the general circuitry around the PG was improved to obtain the best possible pulse for measurements inside a reverberation chamber (RC) and for measurements in the Karoo. In light of this, a second and third PG source were obtained. For measurements in the Karoo, a larger amplitude pulse was required to increase the spectral content and this is essential for propagation measurements over distance and the shielding effectiveness (SE) of structures. Stacking avalanche transistors allow larger amplitude pulses and it improves the dynamic range of the spectrum. A PG incorporating stacked avalanche transistors, was designed, built and measured to assist with RC and small-scale field measurements in the Karoo. The third PG was bought for the practical measurements in the Karoo. The PG produces kilovolt pulses with pico-second rise-times that extend the spectral range of the current PGs at our disposal. With these PGs, an antenna is required for the radiation of impulse-like transients. The IRA is a high-gain large-bandwidth antenna. The IRA consists of a parabolic reflector, conical-plate transmission lines that are terminated through resistors onto the dish, and a feeding balun. The IRA design was thoroughly discussed and a first model for metrology was designed, measured and optimised. The IRA was also simulated with computation software code, FEKO. Before deployment of theTDsystem, calibration and characterisation measurements are required. The measuring devices used within this study were sampling oscilloscopes and direct sampling systems. The limitations of each device were explored and are discussed. The final measurements that were conducted contribute to work related to the SKA. This incorporated antenna pattern calibration, propagation over distance and the SE of a berm built from Karoo soil. The system investigated the propagation attenuation over the Karoo soil and vegetation, with great promise. A broad spectrum was measured over a few kilometres and compared to free-space loss. The SE of the berm covered the same spectral bandwidth. In this measurement, scattering effects and knife-edge diffraction were observed. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die werk in hierdie studie dek ’n kragtige tegniek wat gebruik kan word om die voortplanting en die verstrooiingsinligting van elektromagnetiese golwe op ’n voordelige manier af te lei. Dit is voordelig, want tydgebieddata versamel ’n wye spektrum in ’n enkele oordraagbare puls. Tydgebied is in die verlede baie gekritiseer omdat dit ’n dinamiese reikwydte kortkom en dit is nou oorwin deur die direkte steekproefnemingstelsel, RATTY en RTA. Hierdie studie fokus op die ondersoek van ’n tydgebiedmetingssisteem en dit help met die karakterisering van MeerKAT sisteme. Die elementêre komponente van die sisteem bestaan uit ’n vinnig-stygende impulsgenerator wat gekoppel is aan ’n impulsuitstralende-antenna (IRA). Die sisteem is gekalibreer en getoets voordat praktiese metings en toetse in die Karoo uitgevoer kon word. Vir tydgebiedmetings versnel ’n groter bandwydte die metings sonder om die akkuraatheid daarvan te beïnvloed. Die pulsgenerator se fundamentele komponente is ’n stortvloedtransistor en ’n stap-herstel diode (SRD) wat die voorpunt van die puls verskerp. Die eskterne stroombaan rondom hierdie komponente is noodsaaklik en dit bepaal die vorm, amplitude en die stygtyd van die puls. Deur die loop van hierdie ondersoek is die algemene stroombaan rondom die puls verbeter, om die beste moontlike puls vir metings binne in die weerkaatsingskamer en vir metings in die Karoo, te verkry. Na aanleiding van dit is ’n tweede en derde pulsgenerator bron verkry. Vir die metings in die Karoo is ’n puls met ’n groter amplitude vereis om die spektrale inhoud te vermeerder. Dit is noodsaaklik vir elektromagnetiese golf voortplantingsmetings oor afstand asook die beskermings effektiwiteit (SE) van die strukture. Stapel-stortvloed transistors skep pulse met groter amplitudes en dit verbeter die dinamiese reikwydte van die spektrum. ’n Pulsgenerator wat gestapelde stortvloedtransistors insluit is ontwerp, gebou en gemeet om te help met metings in die weerkaatsingskamer en kleinskaal veldmetings in die Karoo. Die derde pulsgenerator is gekoop vir praktiese metings in die Karoo. Die pulsgenerator vervaardig kilovolt pulse met pikosekond stygtye, wat die reikwydte van die spektrum van ons huidige puls uitbrei. Hierdie pulsgenerators vereis ’n antenna vir die uistraling van impulsagtige seine. Die IRA is ’n hoë-wins, groot-bandwydte antenna. Die IRA bestaan uit ’n paraboliese weerkaatser, konieseplaat transmissielyne wat deur weerstande op die skottel getermineer word, asook ’n voedings "balun". Die IRA ontwerp is deeglik bespreek en ’n model is ontwerp, gemeet en verbeter. Die IRA is ook gesimuleer met behulp van ’n rekenaarsagtewareprogram, FEKO. Voordat die tydgebiedsisteem benut kan word, moet dit gekalibreer word en karakteriseringsmetings moet ook daarmee uitgevoer word. Die meetinstrumente wat in hierdie studie gebruik is, is steekproefneming-ossilloskope en direkte steekproefneming-sisteme. Die tekortkominge van elke instrument is ondersoek en bespreek. Die finale meting wat uitgevoer is, dra by tot die werk wat geassosieer word met die SKA. Dit behels antennapatroonkalibrasie, voortplanting van elektromagnetiese golwe oor afstand en die SE van ’n "berm"wat gebou is uit Karoo-grond. Hierdie sisteem is gebruik om die voortplantings-verswakking oor die Karoo-grond en plantegroei te ondersoek en dit lyk baie belowend. ’nWye spektrumis oor ’n paar kilometer gemeet en dit is met wrywinglose ruimte vergelyk. Die SE van die "berm"het dieselfde spektrale bandwydte gedek. In hierdie meting is verstrooiingseffekte en mespunt-diffraksie waargeneem.

La RFID sans puce, en raison du très faible coût des tags, a ouvert une nouvelle voie pour les systèmes d'identification. Les étiquettes RFID sans puce fonctionnant dans le domaine temporel ont l'avantage d'être compatibles avec de grandes distances de lecture, de l'ordre de quelques mètres, et de pouvoir fonctionner dans les bandes de fréquence ISM. Cependant, les tags de ce type développés jusqu'à lors n'offraient qu'une faible capacité de codage. Cette thèse propose une nouvelle méthode pour augmenter la capacité de codage des tags fonctionnant dans le domaine temporel en utilisant des C-sections, c'est-à-dire des lignes de transmission repliées de manière à avoir des zones fortement couplées, ce qui leur donne un caractère dispersif. Une autre approche basée sur une technique multi-couches a également été introduite de façon à augmenter considérablement la capacité de codage. Pour terminer, la preuve de concept d'un tag-capteur d'humidité, basé sur l'utilisation de nano fils de silicium, est également présentée. / Chipless RFID tags, owing to their low cost, have opened a new way to the identification systems. Chipless RFID tags operating in the time domain have the advantage of being compatible with large reading distances of the order of a few meters, and also can operate in the ISM frequency bands. However, time domain tags developed until now offer poor coding capacity. This thesis proposes a new method to increase the coding capacity of tags operating in time domain by using C-sections, i.e. the transmission lines are folded so as to have tightly coupled zones that give them a dispersive nature. Another approach based on a multi-layer technique was also introduced, in order to increase the coding capacity considerably. Finally, the proof of concept of a humidity sensor tag based on silicon nanowires is also presented.

Neste trabalho é apresentado o desenvolvimento de programa para cálculo de campos eletromagnéticos baseado no método das Diferenças Finitas no Domínio do Tempo (FDTD). O programa é aplicado no cálculo da Taxa de Absorção Específica (“Specific Absortion Rate” – SAR) em modelos de cabeça de adulto e criança usuários de telefone celular. Para a modelagem da cabeça da criança é feita análise detalhada das principais diferenças das características de cabeças de adulto e criança. Também é desenvolvido um programa para o cálculo do aumento de temperatura relacionado com a Taxa de Absorção Especifica. Os resultados são comparados com dados de outros autores, bem como com as normas relativas a níveis de exposição a ondas eletromagnéticas. / The development of software to compute the electromagnetic fields employing the Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD) method is shown in this work. This software is used to estimate the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) in head models of child and adult users of cell phones. A detailed analysis of the main differences between child and adult heads is made in order to model the child head. Software to compute the temperature rise related with the calculated SAR is also developed. The results are compared with results obtained by others authors, as well as with electromagnetic field exposure guidelines.

O conceito de projeto de estruturas de ônibus deve ser determinado em função do carregamento dinâmico ao quais as estruturas são submetidas. Através de procedimentos experimentais e análises numéricas, pode-se avaliar o comportamento da estrutura para diferentes aplicações, variando-se o carregamento e os perfis de pista na qual o ônibus trafega. Carrocerias de ônibus são muitas vezes superdimensionadas, no entanto, empresas encarroçadoras de ônibus têm o desafio de construir produtos cada vez mais leves sem afetar sua integridade estrutural. O objetivo deste trabalho é analisar o comportamento estrutural de uma carroceria de ônibus submetida a diferentes perfis de pista, a fim de determinar o nível de exigência em cada uma delas, como também determinar qual sua vida útil para a condição aplicada. Nesse contexto se desenvolve uma metodologia para avaliação de fadiga no domínio do tempo, utilizando programas comerciais face ao case de aplicação a ser resolvido. A análise estrutural dinâmica foi realizada por meio do método de superposição modal, onde as excitações impostas ao modelo foram sinais experimentais de deslocamentos medidos nas regiões dos cubos das rodas do produto, eixo dianteiro e eixo traseiro, quando o mesmo trafegava em perfis de pista tipo: asfalto, paralelepípedo e estrada de chão batido. As tensões obtidas na análise dinâmica foram utilizadas na estimativa de vida em fadiga do ônibus, pelo método do plano crítico. Por fim, compararam-se os valores obtidos nos ensaios práticos com a análise numérica, no intuito de validar a metodologia desenvolvida. / The design concept of buses structures must be determined by the dynamic loading to which structures are subjected. It is possible to evaluate the performance of the structure to different applications through numerical analyses and experimental procedures by diversifying loading and runway profiles where buses travel on. Buses bodies are often oversized; however bus builders have the challenge of manufacturing products increasingly lighter without affecting its structural integrity. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the structural performance of a bus body subjected to different runway profiles in order to determine the level of demand in each one of them and also determine its useful life as well. In this context develops a methodology for evaluating the fatigue related to time domain by using specific software to solve those case applications already presented. Dynamic structural analyses was performed by method of superposition, in which stimulus imposed on the model were displacement signs measured in the front and rear axle of wheel hubs product, when buses were travelling on asphalt, paving and unpaved roads. The tension obtained in dynamic analysis was used from estimate fatigue life of buses, through the method of critical plan. Finally, were compared the values obtained in practical tests with numerical analysis in order to validate the methodology developed.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-06-02T18:55:21Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 3737.pdf: 2114096 bytes, checksum: 58f7480198ad07cce74706f2adf51cad (MD5) Previous issue date: 2011-07-15 / Financiadora de Estudos e Projetos / Among various systems, the drip irrigation has been increasingly used, mainly because of its greater efficiency in water use. This work aimed to study the dynamics of soil solution, characterizing the distribution and storage of nutrients in the soil solution, and their absorption by pepper through the management of drip fertigation with two flows rates. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse located in the Department of Agricultural Science, Unitau. The soil of study is an Oxisol Yellow, medium texture. The crop cycle lasted 120 days. From the readings of TDR probes were possible to estimate water content and soil solution concentration. Thus, the distribution of soil solution was monitored and counted in layers of 0,1m to 0,6 m. The evaluation of root system showed that the treatment of 4 L h-1 had an area of 69,31 cm2, while the treatment of 2 L h-1 had an area of 45,21 cm2. The productivity was 0,19 kg m-2 and 0,27 kg m-2 for 2 Lh-1 and 4 L h-1, respectively, what reinforces the results of nutrients distribution and root system development. It was found that for treatment with the flow rate of 2 L h-1 there was a trend of nutrient loss by percolation, increasing possible contamination of groundwater. The dripper with a flow rate of 4 L h-1 was more efficient at distributing and storing water and nutrients in a soil profile, which improved crop yield. / Dentre os vários sistemas, a irrigação por gotejamento tem sido crescentemente utilizada, principalmente pela sua maior eficiência no uso da água. O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar a dinâmica da solução do solo caracterizando a distribuição, armazenamento e absorção de nutrientes pela planta de pimentão através do manejo da fertirrigação por gotejamento, em função de duas vazões. O ensaio foi realizado em uma casa de vegetação localizado no Departamento de Ciências Agrárias da Unitau. O solo do local do estudo é um Latossolo Vermelho Amarelo de textura média. O ciclo da cultura durou 120 dias. A partir das leituras das sondas de TDR foi possível estimar a umidade e a concentração da solução do solo. Assim, a distribuição da solução no solo foi monitorada e contabilizada em camadas de 0,1 m até 0,6 m. A avaliação do sistema radicular mostrou que o tratamento de 4L h-1 apresentou uma área de 69,31 cm2 enquanto o tratamento de 2 L h-1 apresentou uma área de 45,21 cm2. A produtividade observada foi de 0,19 kg m-2 e 0,27 kg m-2 para 2 e 4 L h-1, reforçando os resultados vistos na distribuição de nutrientes, desenvolvimento do sistema radicular. Verificou-se que para o tratamento com vazão de 2 L h-1 houve uma tendência de perda de nutrientes por percolação, potencializando possíveis contaminações do lençol freát ico. O gotejador com vazão de 4 L h-1 mostrou-se mais eficiente na distribuição e armazenamento de água e nutrientes em um perfil do solo, o que favoreceu o rendimento da cultura.

O conceito de projeto de estruturas de ônibus deve ser determinado em função do carregamento dinâmico ao quais as estruturas são submetidas. Através de procedimentos experimentais e análises numéricas, pode-se avaliar o comportamento da estrutura para diferentes aplicações, variando-se o carregamento e os perfis de pista na qual o ônibus trafega. Carrocerias de ônibus são muitas vezes superdimensionadas, no entanto, empresas encarroçadoras de ônibus têm o desafio de construir produtos cada vez mais leves sem afetar sua integridade estrutural. O objetivo deste trabalho é analisar o comportamento estrutural de uma carroceria de ônibus submetida a diferentes perfis de pista, a fim de determinar o nível de exigência em cada uma delas, como também determinar qual sua vida útil para a condição aplicada. Nesse contexto se desenvolve uma metodologia para avaliação de fadiga no domínio do tempo, utilizando programas comerciais face ao case de aplicação a ser resolvido. A análise estrutural dinâmica foi realizada por meio do método de superposição modal, onde as excitações impostas ao modelo foram sinais experimentais de deslocamentos medidos nas regiões dos cubos das rodas do produto, eixo dianteiro e eixo traseiro, quando o mesmo trafegava em perfis de pista tipo: asfalto, paralelepípedo e estrada de chão batido. As tensões obtidas na análise dinâmica foram utilizadas na estimativa de vida em fadiga do ônibus, pelo método do plano crítico. Por fim, compararam-se os valores obtidos nos ensaios práticos com a análise numérica, no intuito de validar a metodologia desenvolvida. / The design concept of buses structures must be determined by the dynamic loading to which structures are subjected. It is possible to evaluate the performance of the structure to different applications through numerical analyses and experimental procedures by diversifying loading and runway profiles where buses travel on. Buses bodies are often oversized; however bus builders have the challenge of manufacturing products increasingly lighter without affecting its structural integrity. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the structural performance of a bus body subjected to different runway profiles in order to determine the level of demand in each one of them and also determine its useful life as well. In this context develops a methodology for evaluating the fatigue related to time domain by using specific software to solve those case applications already presented. Dynamic structural analyses was performed by method of superposition, in which stimulus imposed on the model were displacement signs measured in the front and rear axle of wheel hubs product, when buses were travelling on asphalt, paving and unpaved roads. The tension obtained in dynamic analysis was used from estimate fatigue life of buses, through the method of critical plan. Finally, were compared the values obtained in practical tests with numerical analysis in order to validate the methodology developed.

Neste trabalho é apresentado o desenvolvimento de programa para cálculo de campos eletromagnéticos baseado no método das Diferenças Finitas no Domínio do Tempo (FDTD). O programa é aplicado no cálculo da Taxa de Absorção Específica (“Specific Absortion Rate” – SAR) em modelos de cabeça de adulto e criança usuários de telefone celular. Para a modelagem da cabeça da criança é feita análise detalhada das principais diferenças das características de cabeças de adulto e criança. Também é desenvolvido um programa para o cálculo do aumento de temperatura relacionado com a Taxa de Absorção Especifica. Os resultados são comparados com dados de outros autores, bem como com as normas relativas a níveis de exposição a ondas eletromagnéticas. / The development of software to compute the electromagnetic fields employing the Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD) method is shown in this work. This software is used to estimate the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) in head models of child and adult users of cell phones. A detailed analysis of the main differences between child and adult heads is made in order to model the child head. Software to compute the temperature rise related with the calculated SAR is also developed. The results are compared with results obtained by others authors, as well as with electromagnetic field exposure guidelines.

O método de Ibrahim no Domínio do Tempo (ITD) é considerado um dos métodos clássicos de identificação de parâmetros modais de estruturas. As maiores vantagens da sua aplicação residem na identificação de modos muito próximos com boa precisão, em uma faixa relativamente larga de freqüências, além do número reduzido de equipamentos requeridos para a realização de ensaios experimentais. Neste trabalho foi realizada uma aplicação do método ITD no processo de identificação das freqüências naturais, dos fatores de amortecimento e dos modos de vibrar de uma placa quadrada de alumínio, engastada em um dos lados e livre nos demais. Este modelo experimental apresenta alta densidade modal e a análise foi realizada em uma faixa de freqüências de 0 a 1600 Hz através de um ensaio de impacto. Para produzir um conjunto consistente de resultados é necessário utilizar um modelo sobredeterminado para o sistema em estudo. O resultado desta análise, porém, apresenta modos computacionais que devem ser eliminados. Para tanto, foram utilizados dois índices de confiança para qualificar os resultados, sendo estes o Fator de Confiança Modal (MCF) e a Colinearidade de Fase Modal Ponderada (MPCW). Os modos que apresentaram melhores índices de confiança são considerados o resultado final do processo de identificação. / The Ibrahim Time Domain (ITD) method is considered one of the classical modal parameter identification techniques. The greatest advantages of the ITD application consist of the precise identification of closely spaced modes within a wide range of frequencies and the small amount of equipment required to accomplish experimental testing. In this work, the ITD method was applied in the process of identification of natural frequencies, damping factors and mode shapes of a cantilever aluminium plate. High modal density was detected on the experimental model and the analysis was performed on a frequency range from 0 to 1600 Hz by means of impulse testing. However, an oversized model of the test structure must be used, so that a consistent set of results can be achieved. The results, nevertheless, present computational modes that must be removed from the model. Two confidence factors were used to qualify the results, namely the Modal Confidence Factor (MCF) and the Modal Phase Collinearity - Weighted (MPCW). The modes that presented higher confidence factor values were considered as the final result of the identification process.