Resumo: Atualmento, o andar humano é o padrão de locomoção mais investigado. Uma marcha normal depende de um funcionamento adequado do sistema locomotor, em todos os seus níveis. Mediante a presença de uma marcha anormal, muitas vezes torna-se necessária a utilização de dispositivos auxiliadores, sendo a bengala o mais utilizado. Dentre as suas várias utilidades, encontra-se uma possível redução das pressões plantares em regiões específicas dps pés, durante a caminhada. Devido a escassez de estudos que envolvem a correlação entre as pressões plantares e as forças aplicadas na bengala durante a caminhada, o objetivo do presente estudo foi construir um protótipo capaz de mensurar as pressões plantares durante a marcha de sujeitos, com e sem a utilização de uma bengala em três alturas diferentes, ou seja, na altura preconizada, cinco centímetros acima desta e cinco centímetros abaixo. Trata-se de um estudo transversal analítico que foi constituído por 15 sujeitos hígidos. sendo 13(86,7%) do gênero ... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: Currently, the human walking is the most investigated pattern of locomotion. A normal gait depends on a proper functioning of the locomotor system at all levels. By the presence of an abnormal gait, often becomes necessary the use of assistive devices, being the cane the most utilized. Among its many uses, it is found a possible reduction of plantar pressures in specific regions of the foot during walking. Due to the lack of studies involving the correlation between plantar pressures and forces appplied to the cane during the walk, the aim of this study was to build a prototype able to measure plantar pressures during the gait of individuals, with and without the use of a cane at three different heights, at the recommended height, five centimeter above it and five centimeters below. It is a cross-sectional analysis consisted of 15 healthy individuals, being 13 (86,7%) females and 2 (13.3%) males. At first, they walked two times in a corridor of about five meter long, using a sensorized sandal in each foot ... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Orientador: José Elias Tomazini / Coorientador: Luiz Fernando Costa Nascimento / Banca: João Alberto de Oliveira / Banca: Rodrigo Silva e Santos / Banca: José Geraldo Trani Brandão / Banca: Luiz Heleno Moreira Duque / Doutor

Made available in DSpace on 2016-01-13T13:26:58Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2015-06-03. Added 1 bitstream(s) on 2016-01-13T13:32:19Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 000846664.pdf: 1874491 bytes, checksum: bdd03a1bc1617531359131d9882c2a49 (MD5) / Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) / Esta dissertação de mestrado apresenta um estudo comparativo da sensibilidade de diferentes tipos de transdutores piezelétricos na detecção de dano em sistemas de SHM (Structural Health Monitoring - monitoramento de integridade estrutural) baseados na técnica da impedância eletromecânica (E/M). Foi realizada uma comparação de três transdutores piezelétricos: cerâmica de PZT (Pb-Lead Zirconate Titanate - titanato zirconato de chumbo), dispositivo MFC (Macro Fiber Composite - compósito de macro fibra) e diafragma piezelétrico, comumente conhecido como buzzer. Todos os testes foram realizados em barras de alumínio. A avaliação experimental da sensibilidade dos transdutores de PZT e MFC foi feita de uma maneira alternativa, utilizando o método PLB (Pencil Lead Break - quebra do grafite), o qual é muito simples e utilizado em sistemas de emissão acústica. Tem, como princípio, a quebra de grafite contra a estrutura a ser analisada. Os testes foram realizados em barras de alumínio de diferentes tamanhos. O dano estrutural foi induzido utilizando-se massas metálicas (porcas de aço), as quais foram fixadas, com cola a base de cianoacrilato, nas barras. A avalição dos resultados foi feita a partir da comparação dos índices de dano, obtidos das assinaturas da impedância elétrica dos transdutores de PZT e MFC, acoplados à estrutura a ser monitorada, e nos cálculos da PSD (Power Spectral Density) - densidade espectral de potência), obtida do método PLB e calculada usando o método Welch. Os resultados experimentais indicaram que os transdutores possuem sensibilidades diferentes para a detecção de dano, as quais também dependem da faixa de frequência. Em conclusão, os resultados mostraram uma boa relação entre os índices de dano e a PSD, indicando, dessa forma, que o método PLB pode ser uma boa ferramenta para estimar a sensibilidade na detecção de dano baseada na técnica da impedância E/M / This dissertation presents a comparative study of the sensitivity of different types of piezoelectric transducers for damage detection in structural health monitoring (SHM), systems, based on the electromechanical impedance (EMI) technique. A comparison of three piezoelectric transduces was performed: PZT (Pb-Lead Zirconate Titanate) ceramic, MFC (Macro-Fiber Composite) device and piezoelectric diaphragm, also known as buzzer. The experimental evaluation of the sensitivity of the PZT and MFC transducers was performed in an alternative way using the pencil lead break (PLB) method, which is very simple and used in a acoustic emission (AE) systems. It is based on the break of a lead against the structure to be analyzed. The tests were carried out on aluminum beams of different sizes. The structural damage was induced by metallic mass (steel nts), which were fixed in the beams with cyanoacrylate glue. The evaluation of the results was made by comparing de damage indices obtained from the electrical impedance signatures of the PZT and MFC transducers coupled to the structure to be analyzed and the power spectral density (PSD) calculations obtained using the PLB and the Welch method. The experimental results indicated that the transducers have different sensitivities for the detection of damage, which also depend on the frequency range. The conclusion is that the results showed a good relationship between the damage indices and the PSD, indicating that the PLB method can be a useful tool to estimate the sensitivity in damage detection applications based on the EMI technique / FAPESP: 13/16434-0

Made available in DSpace on 2015-01-26T13:21:17Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2014-02-19Bitstream added on 2015-01-26T13:30:46Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 000801080.pdf: 1482569 bytes, checksum: 38a31bbd5f5d32c0a9910defc00cc91a (MD5) / Neste trabalho propõe-se o monitoramento da integridade estrutural (SHM) em sistemas de tubulações usando-se a técnica da impedância Eletromecânica (EMI), que é uma forma de avaliação não destrutiva (NDE). A técnica EMI tem como base a Função de Resposta em Frequência (FRF) e se destaca por utilizar transdutores piezelétricos de baixo custo. Através da implementação de um sistema de SHM nas tubulações, é possível monitorar a integridade estrutural de forma contínua e reduzir, assim, os riscos de acidentes que podem prejudicar a população e o meio ambiente. A técnica proposta é baseada em transdutores do tipo PZT, que são colados na superfície curva do corpo principal do tubo da estrutura por meio de um adesivo de alta rigidez, e tem como vantagem básica a simplicidade. Os sensores, devidamente posicionados, são excitados em uma determinada faixa de frequência, gerando uma resposta que é medida através da impedância elétrica. O processo de monitoramento da integridade estrutural da tubulação é feito através de medições periódicas da impedância da estrutura e a detecção do dano é baseada nas alterações das respostas. Para detectar o dano, as diferentes medições são analisadas usandose índices de falha métrica tradicionais na área de SHM, como o RMSD RMSD (Root Mean Square Deviation) e o CCDM (Correlation Coefficient Deviation Metric). A técnica utilizada demonstrou capacidade para identificar corretamente a presença de danos no corpo principal dos segmentos de tubos das estruturas utilizadas, mostrando-se viável para detecção de danos em tubulações / In this work proposes the Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) in piping systems using the technique of Electromechanical Impedance (EMI), which is a form of non destructive Evaluation (NDE). The EMI technique is based on the Frequency Response Function (FRF) known for its simplicity and for the use of low cost piezoelectric transducers. Through the implementation of a SHM system on the pipes, if possible to monitor the structural integrity continuously, reducing the risk of accidents to the people and the environment. The proposed technique is based on the PZT transducers type, which are pasted on the curved surface of the main body of the pipe with a high stiffness adhesive. The sensors, properly positioned, are excited in a certain range frequency, generating a response that is measured by the electrical impedance. The process of monitoring the structural integrity of the pipes is done through periodic measurements of the impedance and the detection of damage is based on the responses changes. To detect the damage, the different measurements are analyzed using the traditional metric damage indexes in the area of ? SHM, the RMSD (Root Mean Square Deviation) and the CCDM (Correlation Coefficient Deviation Metric). The technique has demonstrated its ability to correctly identify the presence of damage on the main body of the pipes segments of the structures

Orientador: Nobuo Oki / Banca: João Antonio Pereira / Banca: Giuliano Pierre Estevam / Resumo: Neste trabalho é investigada a viabilidade energética do emprego de buzzers piezelétricos, circuito retificador de onda completa e conversor DC-DC elevador em um sistemas de power harvesting submetido a esforços mecânicos causados pelo tráfego de veículos e/ou caminhar de pedestres, demonstrando a possibilidade de reutilização dessa energia no carregamento de baterias para alimentação de circuitos autônomos de monitoramento, indicação, iluminação, etc., em locais remotos, eliminando ou estendendo os intervalos necessário entre as recargas desses dispositivos. O gerador piezelétrico é analisado mediante a excitação realizada por um cilindro pneumático simulador de impactos controlado eletronicamente com frequência de 0,5 Hz e 1 Hz, contendo diferentes quantidades de PZTs (2, 4 e 8) e configuração de ligação (série ou paralelo). Os resultados extraídos são referentes à tensão elétrica, corrente, potência e energia armazenada em função do tempo, sendo ainda feitas relações dessas grandezas com diferentes números de PZTs, área que ocupam, força e pressão aplicada sobre os mesmos. Ao final pode-se concluir a viabilidade da utilização de dispositivos simples em sistemas de power harvesting para geração de energia através de excitações na forma pulsada e em baixas frequências, sendo os maiores valores na saída do circuito em termos de potência e corrente para tensão de 5 volts, 108 µW e 21,5 µA (0,53 Kg e 0,83 N/cm2 ), bem como 118,8 µW e 23,6 µA para (2,13 Kg e 3,33 N/cm2 ), obtidos com 8 PZTs, conectados em paralelo e excitados... / Abstract: This paper investigated the energy viability of the use of piezoelectric buzzers, rectifier circuit full-wave and DC-DC-converter in a power harvesting systems subjected to mechanical stress caused by the traffic of vehicles and / or walk for pedestrians, demonstrating the possibility of re-use of energy in charging batteries to power autonomous monitoring circuits, display, illumination, etc., in remote locations, eliminating or extending the intervals needed between charges these devices. The piezoelectric generator is analyzed through excitation carried out by a pneumatic cylinder simulator electronically controlled impacts with a frequency of 0.5 Hz and 1 Hz, containing different amounts of PZTs (2, 4, 8) and connection configuration (parallel or serial) . The extracted results are related to the voltage, current, power and energy stored in function of time, still being made relations of these quantities for the number of PZTs, area they occupy, force and pressure applied on them. At the end we can conclude the feasibility of using simple devices in power harvesting systems to generate energy through excitations in pulsed manner and at low frequencies, with higher values in the circuit output in terms of power and current to voltage 5 volts, 108 µW and 21,5 µA (0,53 Kg and 0,83 N/cm2 ), just like 118,8 µW and 23,6 µA to (2,13 Kg e 3,33 N/cm2 ), obtained with 8 PZTs, connected in parallel and excited to 1 Hz / Mestre

Este trabalho visa o desenvolvimento de um processo de fabricação para a produção de pequenos lotes de transdutores piezelétricos de ultrassom. O comportamento destes transdutores é estudado através de modelos matemáticos e verificações experimentais, com o objetivo de obter especificações de projeto para seleção de cerâmicas piezelétricas, dimensionamento da camada de retaguarda e da camada de casamento de impedância acústica. Utilizando as equações constitutivas dos materiais piezelétricos e a solução da equação de onda, o transdutor é modelado como um produto de matrizes, sendo cada matriz correspondente a uma camada do transdutor. As relações entre os parâmetros de entrada e saída das camadas analisadas do modelo são utilizadas para determinar as funções características de interesse no projeto de transdutores específicos. O processo de fabricação foi desenvolvido visando diminuir o tempo de montagem e aumentar a confiabilidade de funcionamento, melhorando a qualidade de soldagem das conexões elétricas, da colagem e da vedação, e aumentando a precisão de posicionamento dos componentes do transdutor. Assim objetiva-se obter lotes homogêneos em relação às especificações de projeto, com repetitividade no comportamento dos transdutores produzidos. Utilizando o processo de fabricação desenvolvido, um lote de 133 transdutores de 5 MHz foi produzido, com cerâmicas piezelétricas de 10 mm de diâmetro para suportar pressões de até 500 atm. Os transdutores foram testados individualmente e os resultados mostram uma grande repetitividade do processo desenvolvido. / This work aims the development of a manufacturing process for the production of small batches of piezoelectric ultrasonic transducers. The behavior of these transducers is studied by means of mathematical models and experimental tests, in order to get the design specifications for the piezoelectric ceramics selection, scaling the backing and matching layers. Using the constitutive equations of piezoelectric materials and the wave equation solution, the transducer is modeled as a product of matrices, each matrix corresponding to a layer of the transducer. The relationship between input and output parameters of transducer layers is used to determine the characteristic functions of specific transducers. The manufacturing process was developed for small production batches of transducers and aim decrease assembly time and increase reliability operation, improving the quality of welding of electrical connections, bond and seal, and increasing the positioning accuracy of the transducer components. So the objective is to obtain homogeneous batches regarding to design specifications, with repeatability in the behavior of the manufactured transducers. Using the process manufacturing developed, a 133-transducers batch of 5 MHz was produced, with 10 mm diameter piezoelectric ceramics, to withstand pressures up to 500 atm. The transducers are individually tested and the results show a high repeatability of the manufacturing process.

No processo de indicação e adaptação do Aparelho de Amplificação Sonora Individual, as informações obtidas por meio dos Potenciais Evocados Auditivos de Longa Latência, geralmente pesquisado em campo livre, têm sido utilizadas para a avaliação dos benefícios e limitações dos dispositivos eletrônicos aplicados à surdez. O objetivo foi o de analisar de forma comparativa, a influência do transdutor no registro dos componentes P1, N1 e P2 eliciados por estímulo de fala, quanto à latência e amplitude, em crianças ouvintes. A casuística foi formada por 30 crianças ouvintes de quatro a 12 anos de idade de ambos os sexos. Os potenciais evocados auditivos de longa latência foram pesquisados por meio dos transdutores, fone de inserção e caixa acústica, eliciados por estímulo de fala /da/ apresentado com 526ms de intervalo interestímulos, na intensidade de 70dBNA e taxa de apresentação de 1,9 estímulos por segundo. A estimulação foi definida aleatoriamente, ora na orelha direita ora na esquerda, assim como a ordem do tipo do transdutor, iniciando ora pelo fone de inserção ora pela caixa acústica. Foram analisados os componentes P1, N1 e P2 quando presentes, quanto à latência e amplitude. Para verificar a reprodutibilidade dos registros, realizou-se uma análise de concordância entre a pesquisadora e um juiz, que mostrou um nível de concordância forte. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significante ao comparar os valores de latência e amplitude dos componentes P1, N1 e P2, para cada tipo de transdutor, considerando o sexo e orelha, assim como entre os tipos de transdutores utilizados ao comparar os valores de latências dos componentes do potencial evocado auditivo de longa latência. Entretanto, houve diferença estatisticamente significante na amplitude dos componentes P1 e N1 obtidos com os transdutores caixa acústica e fone de inserção, com maior amplitude para o transdutor caixa acústica. Os valores de latência dos componentes P1, N1 e P2 e amplitude de P2 obtidos com fone de inserção podem ser utilizados como referência para análise do registro obtido com o transdutor caixa acústica. / In the process of indication and fitting of Hearing Aids, the data obtained through Long Latency Auditory Evoked Potentials, generally researched in free field, have been utilized to assess the benefits and limitations of electronic devices applied to deafness. The goal was to analyze, in a comparative manner, the influence of the transducer on the recordings of components P1, N1 and P2, elicited through speech stimulus, as to the latency and amplitude, in hearing children. The sample was comprised of 30 hearing children aged 4-12 yrs, of both genders. The long latency auditory evoked potentials were researched by means of transducers, insertion phone and speakers, elicited through speech stimulus /da/ presented with 526ms of interstimuli interval, in the intensity of 70dBNA and presentation rate of 1.9 stimuli per second. The stimulation was randomly defined, sometimes on the right ear, sometimes on the left one, as well as the order of the type of transducer, beginning, sometimes, with the insertion phone, and sometimes, with the speaker. Whenever present, components P1, N1 and P2 were analyzed as to latency and amplitude. In order to verify the reproducibility of the recordings, an agreement analysis was carried out between the researcher and a referee, showing a strong agreement level. No statistically significant difference was seen when comparing the latency and amplitude values of components P1, N1 and P2, for each type of transducer, taking into account the gender and ear, as well as among the types of transducers utilized when comparing the latency values of the components of long latency auditory evoked potential. Nevertheless, there was a statistically significant difference in the amplitude of components P1 and N1, obtained with the speaker and insertion phone transducers, with greater amplitude for the speaker transducer. The latency values of components P1, N1 and P2 and amplitude of P2 obtained with the insertion phone may be utilized as a reference for the analysis of the recording obtained with the speaker transducer.

Dissertation submitted in compliance with the requirements for the Master's Diploma in Technology: Electrical Engineering (Light Current), Technikon Natal, 1987. / In the gold mining industry, one of the significant physical properties of the mineral slurry is its density and it is important to be able to measure this parameter in most processes. There are many techniques for determining the density of fluids, but because of the hostile, abrasive nature of mineral slurry, very few of these are suitable, This dissertation describes the deveiopment, construction and testing of a portable, ultrasonic, density measuring instrument. The instrument uses an ultrasonic transducer as the primary measuring element, and system operation is based on the fact that the driving impedance of the transducer varies with changes in the physical properties, and hence the characteristic impedance, of the surrounding medium into which the ultrasonic energy is being transferred. The technique may a-Lao be used to measure the relative concentrations of two liquids in a mixture or emulsion, provided that the characteristic impedances of the liquids are sufficiently dissimilar. The electronic circuitry is fairly straightforward, consisting essentially of an oscillator, driving circuit for the transducer and a voltage monitor to provide a d.c. voltage proportional to the impedance of the transducer, and hence to the density of the surrounding medium. Most of the research has been concentrated on the probe design, as the type of transducer, the type and thickness of facing material and the method of construction all contribute to the sensitivity of the instrument. A design of probe assembly has been developed that may be used for both slurry density measurement and the measurement of the ratio of aqueous to organic liquids in emulsion. / M

Objective: This study evaluated the reliability of the digits-in-noise (DIN) test application across various low and high-end digital devices utilizing different transducers and sound file types. Design: The study utilized a cross-sectional within-subject design. Methods: The study consisted of two objectives. In the first objective, 40 normal hearing participants aged between 18 to 24 years (mean: 20; SD= 1.9) were recruited. Speech Reception Thresholds (SRTs) across Android smartphones (one low-end and one high-end smartphone), as well as an Android tablet coupled with different transducers (headphones and earphones) were compared. For the second objective, participants comprised of 12 normal-hearing females aged between 23 to 24 years (mean: 23, SD= 0.5). SRTs were compared across three different sound file types (OGG file, AAC file and MP3 file). Results: There was no significant difference in the SRTs between electronic devices or transducers used (p< 0.05). Furthermore, between the different sound files used, the difference was also not significant (p< 0.05). Conclusions: The DIN test is reliable when conducted across different electronic devices, regardless of the transducer or sound file type used. Therefore, the DIN test is clinically valid when downloaded and performed on Android devices despite the cost of the device thus offering greater usability in a variety of audiological contexts. / Dissertation (MA)--University of Pretoria, 2019. / Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology / MA / Unrestricted

Research in biology and medicine depends heavily on what we can measure. Photoacoustic imaging techniques allow for imaging both structural and functional information simultaneously. Current photoacoustic imaging technology is limited by either the speed at which the images are formed or resolution of the images. By increasing the resonant frequency at which the transducers receive photoacoustic signals, the resolution of a photoacoustic tomography setup can be improved without compromising on imaging speed. Due to their size, the resulting transducers must be placed directly onto a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) integrated circuit (IC). This thesis describes a fabrication flow and electronics design that opens the door to high speed, high resolution photoacoustic imaging. A microfabrication flow is developed to place high frequency polyvinylidene fluoride transducers onto an integrated circuit. A 1-D array of transducers are fabricated and characterized on a CMOS IC. The custom IC (TSMC 90 nm) is designed to amplify the signals coming from the small transducers using a proposed two-stage LNA. The circuit is electrically characterized before and after transducer fabrication showcasing the CMOS-compatible nature of the fabrication flow. The transducers and integrated circuit are characterized in a photoacoustic setup using two phantoms to verify the functionality of the system. Compared to similar systems, this system displays monolthically integrated transducers that receive broadband responses centered at 35 MHz with 140 bandwidth.

The Digital Multifunction Power Measuring System is the outgrowth of a project involving the design of a prototype precision Digital Watt Transducer for the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA). A prototype Digital Watt Transducer was built and tested since no other device of the desired accuracy was connnercially available. Upon partial completion of the project, another Watt Transducer did become available which was essentially identical to our development. Since we could not economically compete with the manufacturer of these Watt Transducers, our project was stopped. Over a period of several months we thought about other ways to apply the experience gained from the Watt Transducer project, and came upon the idea of designing a precision multifunction power meter to help simplify the calibration of Watt and VAR transducers in the Instrumentation and Standards Laboratory, and possibly replace approximately five less accurate analog meters presently used by our Meter-Relay Craftsmen in their field testing. Since no similar meter was available, and since possible revenues lost to inaccurate measurement could justify the development costs of such a meter, we were given authorization to design and build it. This instrument is the Digital Multifunction Power Measuring System which measures the following electrical parameters to approximately plus or minus one-tenth of one percent or better accuracy: True RMS AC Volts in two ranges; True RMS AC Amps in six ranges; Watts in twelve ranges; VARs in twelve ranges; Phase Angle between Volts and Amps in all ranges; DC Volts in three ranges. This instrument has been completed, tested, and calibrated to its design accuracies and is presently being demonstrated within the BPA system to make its availability known to those personnel who might have need for such an instrument.