Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / Um aspecto particular no dimensionamento de maciços reforçados com geossintéticos consiste na análise da estabilidade interna. A ruptura interna pode ocorrer quando as solicitações impostas ao elemento de reforço superam a resistência à tração, ou quando ocorre o arrancamento do reforço da massa de solo, por ancoragem insuficiente. A distribuição das deformações e das tensões ao longo do comprimento enterrado do reforço não é uniforme, e este aspecto não é considerado no dimensionamento. Desta forma, modelos analíticos e numéricos aparecem como alternativas capazes de reduzir incertezas no dimensionamento de maciços reforçados, permitindo a adoção de soluções menos conservativas. O presente trabalho propõe um modelo analítico para a reprodução do mecanismo de transferência de esforços e deslocamentos ao longo do comprimento de geotêxteis sob condição de arrancamento, e apresenta a modelagem numérica de ensaios de arrancamento, fazendo uso do programa Plaxis, de elementos finitos. A partir dos resultados de um extenso programa experimental de ensaios de arrancamento instrumentados, em geotêxteis (Espinoza,2000), os modelos analítico e numérico foram validados e discutidos. Posteriormente, apresenta-se a simulação de um ensaio de arrancamento hipotético fazendo uso de ambos os modelos. Os resultados sugerem que os modelos analítico e numérico foram adequados na previsão dos esforços, deformações e deslocamentos ao longo do comprimento de geotêxteis em solicitações de arrancamento. Observou-se um melhor ajuste entre as previsões do modelo analítico e os resultados experimentais, justificado pela adoção do modelo não linear para o elemento geotêxtil. A distribuição de esforços e deslocamentos ao longo de geotêxteis é complexa, e a boa concordância dos modelos com os resultados experimentais reforça a potencialidade dos modelos para uso futuro. / The internal stability analysis is a particular aspect in the design of reinforced soil with geotextiles. Internal failure may occur when the stresses transmitted to the reinforcing element exceeds the tensile strength or when it is pulled out, due to insufficient anchorage. The stress strain distribution along the embedded length of the reinforcement is not uniform, and this condition is not incorporated in the design. Thus, analytical and numerical models appear as alternatives to reduce uncertainties in the design of reinforced soil structures, allowing the adoption of less conservative solutions.The present research proposes an analytical model that reproduces load transfer mechanism and displacements along the length of geotextiles under pullout condiction, and also presents a numerical simulation of pullout tests, making use of Plaxis FEM program. Based on the results of an extensive program of pullout tests in instrumented samples of geotextiles (Espinoza, 2000), the analytical and numerical models were validated and discussed. The simulation of a hypothetical pullout test making use of both models is also presented.The results suggest that the analytical and numerical models are suitable to predict loads, strains and displacements along the geotextiles length, submitted to pullout. The analytical model provided a better fit for the experimental results, since it incorporates a non-linear behavior for the geotextile. The distribution of loads and displacements along the geotextiles is complex, and the good agreement between the models and the experimental results emphasizes the capability of the models for further use.

abstract: As the demand of sustainable construction materials increases, use of fibers and textiles as partial or full reinforcement in concrete members present a tremendous opportunity. Proper characterization techniques and design guides for hybrid materials are therefore needed. This dissertation presents a comprehensive study on serviceability-based design of strain softening and strain hardening materials. Multiple experimental procedures are developed to document the nature of single crack localization and multiple cracking mechanisms in various fiber and fabric reinforced cement-based composites. In addition, strain rate effects on the mechanical properties are examined using a high speed servo-hydraulic tension test equipment. Significant hardening and degradation parameters such as stiffness, crack spacing, crack width, localized zone size are obtained from tensile tests using digital image correlation (DIC) technique. A tension stiffening model is used to simulate the tensile response that addresses the cracking and localization mechanisms. The model is also modified to simulate the sequential cracking in joint-free slabs on grade reinforced by steel fibers, where the lateral stiffness of slab and grade interface and stress-crack width response are the most important model parameters. Parametric tensile and compressive material models are used to formulate generalized analytical solutions for flexural behaviors of hybrid reinforced concrete (HRC) that contains both rebars and fibers. Design recommendations on moment capacity, minimum reinforcement ratio etc. are obtained using analytical equations. The role of fiber in reducing the amount of conventional reinforcement is revealed. The approach is extended to T-sections and used to model Ultra High Performance Concrete (UHPC) beams and girders. The analytical models are extended to structural members subjected to combined axial and bending actions. Analytical equations to address the P-M diagrams are derived. Closed-form equations that generate the interaction diagram of HRC section are presented which may be used in the design of multiple types of applications. The theoretical models are verified by independent experimental results from literature. Reliability analysis using Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) is conducted for few design problems on ultimate state design. The proposed methodologies enable one to simulate the experiments to obtain material parameters and design structural members using generalized formulations. / Dissertation/Thesis / Doctoral Dissertation Civil and Environmental Engineering 2016

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / Um aspecto particular no dimensionamento de maciços reforçados com geossintéticos consiste na análise da estabilidade interna. A ruptura interna pode ocorrer quando as solicitações impostas ao elemento de reforço superam a resistência à tração, ou quando ocorre o arrancamento do reforço da massa de solo, por ancoragem insuficiente. A distribuição das deformações e das tensões ao longo do comprimento enterrado do reforço não é uniforme, e este aspecto não é considerado no dimensionamento. Desta forma, modelos analíticos e numéricos aparecem como alternativas capazes de reduzir incertezas no dimensionamento de maciços reforçados, permitindo a adoção de soluções menos conservativas. O presente trabalho propõe um modelo analítico para a reprodução do mecanismo de transferência de esforços e deslocamentos ao longo do comprimento de geotêxteis sob condição de arrancamento, e apresenta a modelagem numérica de ensaios de arrancamento, fazendo uso do programa Plaxis, de elementos finitos. A partir dos resultados de um extenso programa experimental de ensaios de arrancamento instrumentados, em geotêxteis (Espinoza,2000), os modelos analítico e numérico foram validados e discutidos. Posteriormente, apresenta-se a simulação de um ensaio de arrancamento hipotético fazendo uso de ambos os modelos. Os resultados sugerem que os modelos analítico e numérico foram adequados na previsão dos esforços, deformações e deslocamentos ao longo do comprimento de geotêxteis em solicitações de arrancamento. Observou-se um melhor ajuste entre as previsões do modelo analítico e os resultados experimentais, justificado pela adoção do modelo não linear para o elemento geotêxtil. A distribuição de esforços e deslocamentos ao longo de geotêxteis é complexa, e a boa concordância dos modelos com os resultados experimentais reforça a potencialidade dos modelos para uso futuro. / The internal stability analysis is a particular aspect in the design of reinforced soil with geotextiles. Internal failure may occur when the stresses transmitted to the reinforcing element exceeds the tensile strength or when it is pulled out, due to insufficient anchorage. The stress strain distribution along the embedded length of the reinforcement is not uniform, and this condition is not incorporated in the design. Thus, analytical and numerical models appear as alternatives to reduce uncertainties in the design of reinforced soil structures, allowing the adoption of less conservative solutions.The present research proposes an analytical model that reproduces load transfer mechanism and displacements along the length of geotextiles under pullout condiction, and also presents a numerical simulation of pullout tests, making use of Plaxis FEM program. Based on the results of an extensive program of pullout tests in instrumented samples of geotextiles (Espinoza, 2000), the analytical and numerical models were validated and discussed. The simulation of a hypothetical pullout test making use of both models is also presented.The results suggest that the analytical and numerical models are suitable to predict loads, strains and displacements along the geotextiles length, submitted to pullout. The analytical model provided a better fit for the experimental results, since it incorporates a non-linear behavior for the geotextile. The distribution of loads and displacements along the geotextiles is complex, and the good agreement between the models and the experimental results emphasizes the capability of the models for further use.

A comparison of the ability of different spatial filters to reduce the amount of crosstalk in a surface electromyography (sEMG) measurement was conducted. It focused on the influence of different properties of the muscle anatomy and detection system used on the amount of crosstalk present in the measurements. An analytical model was developed which enabled the simulation of single fibre action potentials (SFAPs). These fibres were grouped together in motor units (MUs). Each MU has characteristics which, along with the SFAPs, are used to obtain the motor unit action potential (MUAP). A summation of the MUAPs from all the MUs in a muscle leads to the electromyogram (EMG) signal generated by the muscle. This is the first model which simulates a complete muscle for crosstalk investigation. Previous studies were done for single fibres (Farina&Rainoldi 1999; Farina et al. 2002e; Farina et al. 2004a) or MUs (Dimitrova et al. 2002; Dimitrov et al. 2003; Winter et al. 1994). Lowery et al. simulated a complete muscle, but only investigated one spatial filter (Lowery et al. 2003a). This model is thus the first of its kind. EMG signals were generated for limbs with different anatomical properties and recorded with various detection systems. The parameters used for comparison of the recorded signals are the average rectified value (ARV) and mean frequency (MNF), which describe the amplitude and frequency components of an EMG signal, respectively. These parameters were computed for each EMG signal and interpreted to make recommendations on which detection system results in the best crosstalk rejection for a specific experimental set-up. The conclusion is that crosstalk selectivity in an sEMG measurement is decreased by increasing the thickness of the fat layer, increasing the skin conductivity, decreasing the fibre length, increasing the interelectrode distance of the detection system, placing the detection electrodes directly above the end-plate area or an increased state of muscle contraction. Varying the contraction force strength or placing the detection electrodes directly above the tendon area has no influence on the crosstalk selectivity. For most of the conditions investigated, the normal double differential (NDD) detection system results in the best crosstalk reduction. The only exceptions are a set-up with poor skin conductivity where NDD and double differential (DD) performed comparably, and the two simulations in which the muscle length is varied, where the DD filter performed best. Previous studies have found DD to be more selective for crosstalk rejection than NDD (Dimitrov et al. 2003; Farina et al. 2002a; Van Vlugt&Van Dijk 2000). Possible reasons for the contradictory results are the high value of skin conductivity currently used or influences of the muscle geometry. / Dissertation (MEng(Bio-Engineering))--University of Pretoria, 2007. / Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering / unrestricted

No description available.

The advent of additive manufacturing has opened up new frontiers in developing metal structures that can have complex geometries, composite structures made of dissimilar metals, and metal structures with embedded sensing and actuation capabilities. These types of structures are possible with ultrasonic additive manufacturing (UAM); a novel manufacturing technology that combines additive manufacturing through the ultrasonic welding of thin metal foils with computer numerical control (CNC) milling. However, the process suffers from a critical limitation, i.e., a range of build heights within which bonding between a foil and the substrate cannot be originated. <br>This work has two research objectives, the first is a fundamental understanding of the complex dynamic interaction between the substrate and ultrasonic horn, or sonotrode. Specifically, it focuses on the effects that specific modes of vibration have on the dynamic response of the substrate. The second objective is to utilize the UAM process to create metal structures with an embedded sensor that can detect contact or impact. In addressing the first objective, a semi-analytical model was developed to determine the response to three forcing descriptions that approximate the interfacial friction between the foil and substrate induced by sonotrode compression and excitation. Several observations can be seen in the results: as the height increases the dominant modes of vibration change, the modes of vibration excited also change during a single weld cycle as the sonotrode travels across the length of the substrate, and finally the three forcing models do not have a significant impact on the substrate response trends with height and during the weld cycle. <br>In addressing the second objective, three prototypes were created by embedding a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) sensor within an AL3003 metal-matrix. TENGs utilize contact electrification between surfaces of dissimilar materials, typically polymers, combined with electrostatic induction to generate electrical energy from a mechanical excitation. The sensors demonstrate a discernible response over a 1-5 Hz frequency range. In addition, the sensors have a linear relationship between output voltage and a mechanically applied load, and have the ability to sense contact through both touch and due to an impacting object.

In today’s industry, the sustainable use of raw materials and the development of new green technology in mass production, with the aim of saving resources, energy and production costs, is a significant challenge. Deep drawing as a widely used industrial sheet metal forming process for the production of automotive parts belongs to one of the most energy-efficient production techniques. However, one disadvantage of deep drawing regarding the realisation of green technology is the use of lubricants in this process. Therefore, a novel approach for modifying the conventional deep drawing process to achieve a lubricant-free deep drawing process is introduced within this thesis. In order to decrease the amount of frictional force for a given friction coefficient, the integral of the contact pressure over the contact area has to be reduced. To achieve that, the flange area of the tool is macro-structured, which has only line contacts. To avoid the wrinkling, the geometrical moment of inertia of the sheet should be increased by the alternating bending mechanism of the material in the flange area through immersing the blankholder slightly into the drawing die.

Computer networks security is a topic which has been extensively researched. This research is fully justified when one notices the dimensions of the problem faced. One can easily identify different kinds of networks, a large quantity of network protocols, and an overwhelming amount of user applications that make extensive use of networks for the purposes those applications were built. This conforms a vast research field, where it is possible for a researcher to set his or her interests over a set of threats, vulnerabilities, or types of attacks, and devise a mechanism to prevent the attack, mitigate its effects or repair the final damages, based upon the specific characteristics of the scenario. Our research group on Computer Networks has been researching on certain kinds of computer networks security risks, specially those affecting wireless networks. In previous doctoral works [13], detection and exclusion methods for dealing with malicious nodes in mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs) had been proposed, from the point of view of every individual network node, using a technique called Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) based on Watchdog methods. In this scope, we pretend to optimize network throughput removing misbehaved nodes from the network communication processes, a task performed specifically by the Watchdog systems. When isolated security techniques obtain good results on dealing with one type of attacks, a way to improve the whole network performance could be establishing mechanisms for cooperatively sharing information between well-behaved nodes to speed up misbehaved node detection and increase accuracy. Obviously, these mechanisms will have a cost in terms of network transmission overhead and also a small computing time overhead needed to analize the received data and to obtain an opinion about a suspect node. The key issue here it to adequately balance the costs and the benefits related to these cooperation techniques to ensure that the overall network performance is increased if compared with a non-collaborative one. / Serrat Olmos, MD. (2013). Cooperation techniques to improve peer-to-peer wireless networks security [Tesis doctoral]. Editorial Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/32831 / Alfresco

<p>NR 20140805</p>

<p>  </p> <p>Sensing systems have evolved significantly in recent years as a result of several advances in a number of sensor manufacturing approaches. The proximity measuring of approaching objects is a challenging, costly, and critical operation that permits the detection of any impediments without coming into touch with them and causing an unfavorable occurrence. However, developing a flexible proximity sensor capable of operating throughout a wide range of object motion continues to be a difficulty. The current work describes a polymer-based sensor that makes use of a nanostructure composite as the sensing element. The sensor will be used in healthcare and automotive applications in the near future. Composites comprising Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) and Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) are capable of sensing the presence of an external item at a great distance. The sensor model's performance was then enhanced further by microfabricating an integrated model with a certain shape. The design and production techniques for the TPU/CNTs proximity sensor are basic, and the sensor's performance demonstrates repeatability, as well as high electrical sensitivity and mechanical flexibility. The sensing process is based on the comparison of stored charges at the composite film sensor to the sensor's base voltage. The sensor operates reliably across a detection range of 2-20 cm. Tunneling and fringing effects are used to explain substantial capacitance shifts as sensing mechanisms. The structure's fringing capacitance effect has been thoroughly examined using ANSYS Maxwell (Ansoft) FEA simulation, as the measurements perfectly confirm the simulation's sensitivity trend. A novel mathematical model of fringe capacitance and subsequent tests demonstrate that the distance between an item and the sensor may be determined. Additionally, the model argues that the change in capacitance is significantly influenced by sensor resistivity, with the starting capacitance varying between 0.045pF and 0.024pF in the range 103-105 mm. This analytical model would enable the sensor's sensitivity to be optimized.</p> <p>Additionally, a new generation of durable elastomeric materials is commercially accessible for 3D printing, allowing the development of an entirely new class of materials for wearable and industrial applications. By using functional grading and adjusting to diverse users, the mechanical reaction of soft 3D-printed objects may now be modified for increased safety and comfort. Additionally, electronics may be included into these 3D printed lattice and wearable structures to offer input on the movement of objects associated with healthcare devices as well as automotive components. Thus, in order to investigate the influence of additive manufacturing on the sensitivity of TPU/CNT sensors, samples with equal thickness and size but varied orientations are printed and compared to hot-press samples. Among the many 3D printed patterns, the [0,0] direction has the highest sensitivity, and may be used as an optimum method for increased sensitivity. In contrast to the hot-press samples, the 3D-printed TPU/CNT film features a crystalline network, which may aid in the passage of surface charges and hence increase capacitance changes.</p> <p>To have a better understanding which feature, and parameter can give us the most sensitivity we need to do an optimization. This will be accomplished by collecting experimental and computational results and using them as a basis for establishing a computationally and experimentally supported Genetic Algorithm Assisted Machine Learning (GAML) framework combined with artificial neural network (ANN) to develop TPU/CNT nanocomposite flexible sensors in which material characterizations will be coupled to strain, tactile, electronic and proximity characteristics to probe intermolecular interactions between CNTs and polymers. The proposed framework provides enhanced predictive capabilities by managing multiple sets of data gathered from physical testing (material characterization and sensor testing) and multi-fidelity numerical models spanning all lengths scales. The GAML-ANN framework will allow the concurrent optimization of processing parameters and structural features of TPU/CNT nanocomposites, enabling fabrication of high-performance, lightweight flexible sensor systems.</p> <p>Our suggested nanocomposite sensor establishes a new mainstream platform for ultrasensitive object perception, demonstrating a viable prototype for wearable proximity sensors for motion analysis and the automobile sector.</p>