The effective radiative conductivity of fibrous material is an important part of the evaluation of the thermal performance of fibrous insulators. To better evaluate this material property, a three-dimensional direct simulation model which calculates the effective radiative conductivity of fibrous material is proposed. Two different geometries are used in this analysis. The simplified model assumes that the fibers are in a cylindrical shape and does not require identically-sized fibers or a symmetric configuration. Using a geometry with properties resembling those of a fibrous insulator, a numerical calculation of the geometric configuration factor is carried out. The results show the dependency of thermal conductivity on temperature as well as the orientation of the fibers. The calculated conductivity values are also used in the continuum heat equation, and the results are compared to the ones obtained using the direct simulation approach, showing a good agreement. In continue, the simulated model is replaced by a realistic geometry obtained from X-ray micro-tomography. To study the radiative heat transfer mechanism of fibrous carbon, three-dimensional direct simulation modeling is performed. A polygonal mesh computed from tomography is used to study the effect of pore geometry on the overall radiative heat transfer performance of fibrous insulators. An robust procedure is presented for numerical calculation of the geometric configuration factor to study energy-exchange processes among small surface areas of the polygonal mesh. The methodology presented here can be applied to obtain accurate values of the effective conductivity, thereby increasing the fidelity in heat transfer analysis.

Les travaux de recherche présentés dans ce manuscrit ont été menés dans le cadre du projet ClGEO de I 'Andra concernant la construction et le développement de nouveau soutènement pour les galeries d'un stockage des déchets radioactifs à une profondeur de 500m sur le site Meuse/Haute Marne à Bure. La première partie de ce travail porte sur l'établissement d'un modèle rhéologique de l'argilite du Callovo-Oxfordien nommé SC2D (Swelling Creep Diagenisis Damage). Traditionnellement, la calibration des modèles rhéologiques pour les matériaux argileux repose sur des essais de laboratoire à partir des échantillons carottés. Ces échantillons sont endommagés par la décharge hydromécanique lors du prélèvement. Cet endommagement ne peut pas être réparé par une reconsolidation sous la contrainte in situ de prélèvement. Cet endommagement va altérer durablement les caractéristiques hydromécaniques de l'argilite et engendrer des nouveaux mécanismes élasto-plastiques qui n'existent pas sur l'argilite in situ. L'originalité du travail dans ce premier temps porte sur la validation du modèle SC2D de l'argilite sain du Callovo-Oxfordien à partir de la simulation des essais de laboratoire sur échantillons carottés en prenant en compte toute l'histoire de la sollicitation depuis le prélèvement jusqu'à la rupture. Ensuite, le modèle SC2D « intégré» dans le code CLEO est appliqué aux simulations numériques des excavations des galeries du laboratoire souterrain de Bure. La deuxième partie de la thèse concerne la participation dans le programme de qualification et de mise en œuvre de l'Andra (brevet Andra et CMC) d'un nouveau soutènement compressible permettant d'absorber les convergences anisotropes des galeries creusées dans l'argilite du Callovo· Oxfordien. Ce nouveau soutènement sous forme d'anneaux est constitué d'un assemblage de voussoirs. Chaque voussoir est un sandwich comprenant • Le soutènement proprement dit par une coque de structure en béton armé.• Le matériau compressible surmontant la coque de structure. • La coque de protection pour permettre son transport et sa manipulation.La fabrication des voussoirs compressibles nécessite l'ajout de barbotine (ciment dopé avec du sable) pour la tenue de cette couche compressible. Ce voussoir compressible devait répondre à des exigences mécaniques définies par I 'Andra. Les essais présentés dans celte thèse concernent l'analyse des essais œdométrique réalisés chez EGC concernant la caractérisation mécanique à l'échelle de la couche compressible. Différentes variables ont été étudiées, ainsi que des essais de chargement uniforme sur modèle réduit d'anneau de coques. Ces essais seront présentés et commentés. Ensuite, un modèle rhéologique, qui est nommé Coqcéram, a été construit pour le matériau compressible sur la base du modèle Ganta Gravel. Les paramètres mécaniques du modèle Coqcéram sont obtenus à partir des essais œdométriques. La validation du modèle Coqcéram est réalisée par comparaison des simulations numériques avec les essais sur modèle réduit d'un anneau de voussoir compressible. Cette modélisation numérique a nécessité «l'intégration» du modèle rhéologique Coqcéram dans le code aux éléments finis CLEO. Après celte validation la modélisation a été appliqué à deux type anneaux de voussoirs en vrai grandeur mis en place dans le laboratoire souterrain Meuse/Haute Marne. La première modélisation a porté sur un anneau en voussoirs classique sans matériau compressible mis en place immédiatement après l'excavation. Cette modélisation montre une distribution des contraintes sur l'anneau très anisotrope associée à une augmentation continuelle des contraintes. En revanche, la modélisation réalisée avec des voussoirs compressibles montre une distribution des contraintes beaucoup plus faible que pour les voussoirs classiques mais surtout plus uniforme. / The studies presented in this manuscript are part of Andra's CIGEO project concerning the construction and development of a new tunnel support for the gallery of the radioactive waste repository. The structure is located at a depth of approximately 500m at the site Meuse/Haute-Marne at Bure. The first part of this work concerns the establishment of a rheological model of Callovo-Oxfordian claystone named SC2D (Swelling Creep Diagenesis Damage). Traditionally, the calibration of rheological models for clay materials is based on laboratory tests from core samples. These samples are dàmaged by the hydromechanical discharge during sampling. This damage cannot be repaired by reconsolidation under in situ stress. This damage durably allers the hydromechanical characteristics of the claystone and generate new elasto-plastic mechanisms that do not exist on in situ claystone. The originality of the work in this first phase concerns the validation of the SC2D model of Callovo-Oxfordian healthy claystone from the simulation of the laboratory tests on core samples taking into account the whole loading history since the sampling until rupture. Then, the SC2D model "integrated" in the CLEO code is applied to the numerical simulations of the tunnel excavations of the Bure underground laboratory. The second part of the thesis concerns the participation in the qualification and the implementation of Andra (patent Andra and CMC) of a new compressible support allowing to absorb the anisotropie convergences of the tunnels excavated in the Callovo-Oxfordian claystone. This is a new support by segmental ring. Each segment is a sandwich comprising: • The reinforced concrete stiff lining. • The compressible material surmounting the stiff lining.• The protective shell to allow its transport and handling.The manufacture of compressible segments requires the addition of slurry (cernent doped with sand) for the holding of this compressible layer. This compressible support had to meet mechanical requirements defined by Andra. The tests presented in this thesis concern the analysis of consolidation tests carried out at EGC concerning the mechanical characterization at the level of the compressible layer. Different variables were studied, as well as tests of uniform loading on mode! reduced of the segmental ring. These tests will be presented and commented. A rheological model is established for the compressible material based on the Ganta Gravel model named Coqceram. The mechanical parameters of the Coqceram model are obtained from consolidation tests. The validation of the Coqceram model is carried out by comparing numerical simulations with model tests of a segmental ring. This numerical modeling required the "integration" of the Coqceram rheological model into the CLEO finite element code. After this validation, the modeling has been applied to two types of real size segmental rings set up in the Meuse/Haute-Marne underground laboratory. The first modeling focused on a classic segmental ring without compressible material set up immediately alter excavation. This modeling shows a very anisotropic ring stress distribution associated with a continual increase of the stresses. On the other hand, the modeling carried out with compressible segments shows a stress distribution much lower than the classic segment, especially more uniform.

Synthesis and characterization of anisotropic micro- and nanoparticles, either in suspension or localized on a surface, are current areas of intense scientific interest because of their shape-tunable material properties with potential applications in catalysis, microelectronics, data storage and pharmaceutics. Electrochemical deposition represents a facile and versatile route to fabricate anisotropic particles since it offers a high degree of freedom in monitoring and manipulating particle growth processes. The first part of my dissertation presents an additive-mediated electrochemical approach to fabricate anisotropic copper micro- and nanoparticles. This work explores the possibility of using anisotropic copper particles as novel non-noble metal alternatives to expensive anode electrocatalysts (platinum and palladium) used in direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs). Characterization using SEM, EDS, XRD and TEM confirms the anisotropic morphology and crystal structure of synthesized copper particles. A possible mechanism for anisotropic crystal growth is proposed based on preferential adsorption of additive ions onto selective crystal faces. Methanol oxidation is chosen as model experiment to test the electrocatalytic property of copper particles towards DMFC applications. Characterization using cyclic voltammetry demonstrates shape dependent enhancement in electrocatalytic activity of anisotropic copper particles for methanol oxidation. Chronoamperometry and thermal stability measurements indicate good catalyst stability and durability under steady-state conditions. The second part of my dissertation presents a novel electrochemical fabrication route to generate randomly rough surfaces over large areas. Surface roughness directly affects a material's performance at its functional interface. This work shows that by simple tuning of electrochemical deposition potential for a metal onto an electrode, island nucleation density can be systematically varied. Changes in nucleation density results in generation of thin films with different nanoscale surface roughness. Characterization using AFM illustrates the change in surface topography with applied potential. The fabricated roughness is successfully replicated onto other moldable soft materials (polystyrene and polyurethane) through an embossing and curing step. Roughness gradients were also generated by introducing a controlled mechanical retraction step to the process. Gradient surfaces serve as an effective probing tool for investigating a range of surface parameters in quick time using single experiment, enabling a cost-effective and high-throughput screening method. / acase@tulane.edu

Measurements of in situ planetary thermal conductivity are typically made using long needle-like probes inserted in a planet's surface, which measure effective thermal conductivity (ETC) in radial direction (parallel to surface). The desired vertical (perpendicular to surface) ETC is assumed to be the same as the horizontal. However, ETC of particle beds in vertical and horizontal directions is known to be an anisotropic property under low compressive pressures. This study further examines the anisotropy of bed ETC under low and high compressive pressures in both vacuum and air environments. The ratio of vertical to horizontal stress, K0, is measured for the particles used in these experiments. A resistance network heat transfer model has been developed in predicting the vertical and the horizontal ETC as a function of applied compressive pressure. The model predicts vertical ETC by using only macro-contact thermal resistances for both high and low applied compressive pressure regimes. It is proposed that the vertical and horizontal ETC of particle beds under uniaxial compression is related by compressive pressures in each direction. The horizontal compressive pressure, which is perpendicular to the applied compressive pressure, can be calculated with the use of at-rest pressure coefficient and subsequently used in macro-contact thermal resistance to predict the horizontal ETC. The vertical ETC is obtained using the same model by substituting vertical compressive pressure into macro-contact thermal resistance. A two-dimensional axisymmetric finite element model in the COMSOL Multiphysics software package has been developed to simulate heat transfer coupled with structural deformation of spheres under compressive pressures in a simple cubic (SC) packing arrangement. The numerical model is used as a tool to predict the lower limit of bed ETC as well as validating thermal contact resistance used in the theoretical model. The predictions from the numerical model can be extended to particle beds with different packing arrangements.

Ce travail de thèse consiste en l’étude de la mise en forme topologique de la lumière et de la matière et s’articule autour de deux axes de recherche. Le premier concerne la mise en forme topologique de la lumière à partir d’interfaces spin-orbite à base de cristaux liquides. En l’occurrence, nous montrons dans ce manuscrit que différents systèmes de défauts topologiques naturels permettent de générer des vortex optiques par interaction spin-orbite de la lumière, de manière efficace, accordable en longueur d’onde et reconfigurable en temps réel et donnant accès à des charges topologiques diverses. Tout ceci nous a permis de travailler à des échelles microscopiques et de manière spatialement contrôlée. Ces avancées ouvrent la voie au contrôle de l’état orbital de la lumière sur une large bande spectrale.Le second axe concerne la mise en forme topologique d’un film de cristal liquide cholestérique dans le cadre du stockage de l’information de nature topologique. Nous avons démontré la possibilité de générer une grande diversité de défauts topologiques métastables, de manière contrôlée et reconfigurable, à la fois dans le temps et dans l’espace. Nous avons développé une approche permettant de réduire drastiquement le coût énergétique d’écriture de ces défauts. Nous avons également montré qu’il était possible d’obtenir un nouveau type de mémoire réinscriptible contrôlé par le degré de liberté «spin» du photon. / The enclosed work deals with the study of the topological shaping of light and matter and will bedivided into two categories of research. The first focuses on the topological shaping of light from liquid-crystal based spin-orbit interfaces. In particular, we show in this manuscript, that different systems based on the use of natural topological defects behave as highly efficient natural optical spin-orbit encoders, for distinct topological charges, at the micron scale and with spatial control.The operating wave length and operation mode of such interfaces can be tuned in real-time using low voltage electric fields. This breakthrough opens the path to the ultra-broadband control of the light’sorbital state. The second category concerns the topological shaping of a cholesteric liquid crystal film in context of mass data storage. We show the potential to generate metastable topological mi-crostructures in a controlled and reconfigurable way, both in time and space and with a low energy cost. We also demonstrated a new, unique type of rewritable memory, controlled by the«spin»ofthe laser-generated incident photon

This dissertation presents the development of an anisotropic viscoplastic continuum damage model to describe the permanent deformation of asphalt pavements. The model is developed to account for several phenomena that influence the permanent deformation of Asphalt Concrete (AC) at high temperatures. These phenomena include strain rate dependency, confining pressure dependency, dilation, aggregate friction, anisotropy, and damage. The model is based on Perzyna's theory of viscoplasticity with Drucker-Prager yield function modified to account for the microstructure anisotropy and damage. A parametric study was conducted to study the effect of key factors such as inherent anisotropy and damage on the model response. A preliminary investigation was conducted to demonstrate the capabilities of the model and its sensitivity to changes in the microstructure distribution and loading conditions. The model was used to describe laboratory experimental measurements obtained from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Accelerated Loading Facility (ALF). The model had a good match with these experimental measurements. In particular, using the damage parameter, the model was able to capture the point at which AC experienced tertiary creep in a static creep test. A comprehensive experiment was conducted to systematically determine the model parameters and the evolution laws that describe AC hardening, anisotropy, and damage. The experiment consisted of a set of compressive triaxial strength tests conducted at three confining pressures and five strain rates. Based on these experimental measurements, the model was modified to include a nonassociated flow rule. The model was shown to capture the experimental measurements very well. Furthermore, an experiment was conducted to capture and characterize damage evolution in AC due to permanent deformation. AC specimens were loaded using a triaxial compression setup to four predefined strain levels at three confining pressures. X-Ray computed tomography and image analysis techniques were used to capture and characterize the evolution of cracks and air voids in the deformed specimens. Damage was found to be a localized phenomenon in the sense that there exists a critical section in an AC specimen that is mainly responsible for failure. The results of the damage experiment supported the damage evolution function proposed in the viscoplastic model.

In this dissertation, molecular simulation techniques are used for the theoretical prediction of nanoscale properties for peptide-based materials. This work is focused on two particular systems: peptide nanotubes formed by cyclic-D,L peptide units and peptide nanotubes formed by phenylalanine dipeptides [-Phe-Phe-]. Mechanical characterization of cyclic peptide nanotubes is a challenging problem due the anisotropy resulting from the nature of their molecular interactions. To address rigorously the thermo-mechanical stability of cyclic peptide nanotubes (CPNTs), a homogeneous deformation method combined with the generalized elasticity theory and molecular dynamics simulations (MD) were used for the calculation of second order anisotropic elastic constants. The results for anisotropic elastic constants, yield behavior and engineering Young’s modulus show remarkable mechanical stability for these materials supporting experiments for the development of their applications. Furthermore, the heat capacity, thermal expansion coefficient and isothermal compressibility were predicted using numerical difference methods and molecular dynamics. In order to understand the transport properties of confined water in cyclic peptide nanotubes, the influence of nanotube diameter was studied and self-diffusion coefficient, dipole correlation functions and hydrogen bond probabilities were calculated via molecular dynamics and statistical mechanics. Enhanced transport and higher diffusion rates for water were obtained in cyclic peptide nanotubes (CPNTs) compared with commonly used biomedical channels like carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The greater transport efficiency in CPNTs is attributed to the hydrophilic character and high hydrogen bonding presence along their tubular structure, versus the hydrophobic core of CNTs. One of the most important opportunities for cyclic peptide nanotubes is their utilization as artificial ion channels in antibacterial applications. Here, molecular dynamics methods were used to investigate the effect of confinement on the transport properties of Na+ and K+ ions under the influence of electric field; the ion mobility, selectivity, radial distribution function, coordination number and effect of temperature were studied and results from simulations proved their ability to transport ions. Additionally, the molecular organization of phenylalanine dipeptides into ordered peptide nanotubes was investigated, a model for the molecular structure of these nanotubes was proposed and optimized through molecular simulations; a helical pattern was found and characterized. Thermal stability results show that phenylalanine dipeptide nanotubes are stable up to about 400K; above this temperature, a significant decrease in hydrogen bonding was observed and the perfect pattern was altered. Findings from this work open new opportunities for research in the area of peptide based materials and provide tools and methods to study these systems efficiently at nanoscale.

Piezoelectric actuators (PEA) hold the most promise for precision positioning applications due to their capability of producing extremely small displacements down to 10 pm (1 pm = 10-12 m) as well as their high stiffness and force output. The piezoelectric-driven stick-slip (PDSS) actuator, working on the friction-inertia concept, has the capacity of accomplishing an unlimited range of motion. It also holds the promises of simple configuration and low cost. On the other hand, the PDSS actuator has a relatively low efficiency and low loading capability, which greatly limits its applications. The purpose of this research is to improve the performance of the PDSS actuators by employing specially-designed working surfaces.<p> The working surfaces, referred as anisotropic friction (AF) surfaces in this study, can provide different friction forces depending on the direction of relative motion of the two surfaces, and are used in this research to accomplish the aforementioned purpose. To fabricate such surfaces, two nanostructure technologies are employed: hot filament chemical vapour deposition (HFCVD) and ion beam etching (IBE). The HFCVD is used to deposit diamond on silicon substrates; and the IBE is used to etch the diamond crystalloid with a certain angle with respect to the coating surface to obtain an unsymmetrical-triangle microstructure. <p> A PDSS actuator prototype containing the AF surfaces was developed in this study to verify the function of the AF surfaces and characterize the performance of PDSS actuators. The designed surfaces were mounted on the prototype; and the improvement in performance was characterized by conducting a set of experiments with both the normal isotropic friction (IF) surfaces and the AF surfaces, respectively. The results illustrate that the PDSS actuator with the AF surface has a higher efficiency and improved loading capability compared to the one with the IF surfaces.<p> A model was also developed to represent the displacement of the novel PDSS actuator. The dynamics of the PEA and the platform were approximated by using a second order dynamic system. The pre-sliding friction behaviour involved was investigated by modifying the LuGre friction model, in which six parameters (Note that three parameters are used in the LuGre model) were employed to represent the anisotropic friction. By combining the PEA mechanism model, the modified friction model, and the dynamics of end-effector, a model for the PDSS actuator with the AF surface was developed. The model with the identified parameters was simulated in MATLAB Simulink and the simulation results obtained were compared to the experimental results to verify the model. The comparison suggests that the model developed in this study is promising to represent the displacement of the novel PDSS actuators with AF surfaces.

Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) devices are key components in RF and IF stages of many electronic systems. A Surface Acoustic wave is a mechanical wave, which is excited on the surface of a piezoelectric substrate, when an alternating electric voltage is applied through a comb-like interdigital transducer (electrodes) patterned on it. Most SAW applications to date have been in the sub-2GHz region, but emerging applications require SAW devices at higher frequencies. The traditional models are inadequate to account for pronounced second order effects at the GHz range and also new microfabrication techniques are required to obtain quality devices as the critical dimensions shrink into the nano-scale range at these frequencies. The finite element method (a numerical method of solving differential equations) has the potential to account for these effects and ever increasing sub-micron processing capabilities of LIGA (X-ray lithography) present a promising outlook for high frequency SAW device modeling and fabrication respectively. <p>A finite element model has been developed using commercial software ANSYS for one port SAW resonators and is presented in this thesis. The one port SAW resonators are generally connected in form of ladder networks to form low-loss SAW filters. The spacing between the electrodes and the velocity of the SAW determine the frequency of operation of these devices. A finite element model has been developed for three different types of SAWdevices namely Rayleigh, leaky and longitudinal leaky SAW (LLSAW). The LLSAW has higher velocity as compared to other two types and hence considered in this work as a good prospect for high frequency SAW devices. <p>A full finite element model could not be solved due to high computing requirements and hence some assumptions were made and the results were validated against published results in the literature. The results indicate that even with simplifying assumptions and approximations FE model provides reasonably accurate results, that can be used in device design. Some of the simulations (in LLSAW based devices) in this work were also done with a view towards using LIGA (X-ray lithography) for fabrication of high frequency devices as they have the capability for high aspect ratios.

Tectonic and geological processes on Earth often result in structural anisotropy of the subsurface, which can be imaged by various geophysical methods. In order to achieve appropriate and realistic Earth models for interpretation, inversion algorithms have to allow for an anisotropic subsurface. Within the framework of this thesis, I analyzed a magnetotelluric (MT) data set taken from the Cape Fold Belt in South Africa. This data set exhibited strong indications for crustal anisotropy, e.g. MT phases out of the expected quadrant, which are beyond of fitting and interpreting with standard isotropic inversion algorithms. To overcome this obstacle, I have developed a two-dimensional inversion method for reconstructing anisotropic electrical conductivity distributions. The MT inverse problem represents in general a non-linear and ill-posed minimization problem with many degrees of freedom: In isotropic case, we have to assign an electrical conductivity value to each cell of a large grid to assimilate the Earth's subsurface, e.g. a grid with 100 x 50 cells results in 5000 unknown model parameters in an isotropic case; in contrast, we have the sixfold in an anisotropic scenario where the single value of electrical conductivity becomes a symmetric, real-valued tensor while the number of the data remains unchanged. In order to successfully invert for anisotropic conductivities and to overcome the non-uniqueness of the solution of the inverse problem it is necessary to use appropriate constraints on the class of allowed models. This becomes even more important as MT data is not equally sensitive to all anisotropic parameters. In this thesis, I have developed an algorithm through which the solution of the anisotropic inversion problem is calculated by minimization of a global penalty functional consisting of three entries: the data misfit, the model roughness constraint and the anisotropy constraint. For comparison, in an isotropic approach only the first two entries are minimized. The newly defined anisotropy term is measured by the sum of the square difference of the principal conductivity values of the model. The basic idea of this constraint is straightforward. If an isotropic model is already adequate to explain the data, there is no need to introduce electrical anisotropy at all. In order to ensure successful inversion, appropriate trade-off parameters, also known as regularization parameters, have to be chosen for the different model constraints. Synthetic tests show that using fixed trade-off parameters usually causes the inversion to end up by either a smooth model with large RMS error or a rough model with small RMS error. Using of a relaxation approach on the regularization parameters after each successful inversion iteration will result in smoother inversion model and a better convergence. This approach seems to be a sophisticated way for the selection of trade-off parameters. In general, the proposed inversion method is adequate for resolving the principal conductivities defined in horizontal plane. Once none of the principal directions of the anisotropic structure is coincided with the predefined strike direction, only the corresponding effective conductivities, which is the projection of the principal conductivities onto the model coordinate axes direction, can be resolved and the information about the rotation angles is lost. In the end the MT data from the Cape Fold Belt in South Africa has been analyzed. The MT data exhibits an area (> 10 km) where MT phases over 90 degrees occur. This part of data cannot be modeled by standard isotropic modeling procedures and hence can not be properly interpreted. The proposed inversion method, however, could not reproduce the anomalous large phases as desired because of losing the information about rotation angles. MT phases outside the first quadrant are usually obtained by different anisotropic anomalies with oblique anisotropy strike. In order to achieve this challenge, the algorithm needs further developments. However, forward modeling studies with the MT data have shown that surface highly conductive heterogeneity in combination with a mid-crustal electrically anisotropic zone are required to fit the data. According to known geological and tectonic information the mid-crustal zone is interpreted as a deep aquifer related to the fractured Table Mountain Group rocks in the Cape Fold Belt. / Tektonische und geologische Prozesse verursachen häufig eine strukturelle Anisotropie des Untergrundes, welche von verschiedenen geophysikalischen Methoden beobachtet werden kann. Zur Erstellung und Interpretation geeigneter, realistischer Modelle der Erde sind Inversionsalgorithmen notwendig, die einen anisotropen Untergrund einbeziehen können. Für die vorliegende Arbeit habe ich einen magnetotellurischen (MT) Datensatz vom Cape Fold Gürtel in Südafrika untersucht. Diese Daten weisen auf eine ausgeprägte Anisotropie der Kruste hin, da z.B. die MT Phasen außerhalb des erwarteten Quadranten liegen und nicht durch standardisierte isotrope Inversionsalgorithmen angepasst und ausgewertet werden können. Um dieses Problem zu beheben, habe ich eine zweidimensionale Inversionsmethode entwickelt, welche eine anisotrope elektrische Leitfähigkeitsverteilungen in den Modellen zulässt. Die MT Inversion ist im allgemeinen ein nichtlineares, schlecht gestelltes Minimierungsproblem mit einer hohen Anzahl an Freiheitsgraden. Im isotropen Fall wird jeder Gitterzelle eines Modells ein elektrischer Leitfähigkeitswert zugewiesen um den Erduntergrund nachzubilden. Ein Modell mit beispielsweise 100 x 50 Zellen besitzt 5000 unbekannte Modellparameter. Im Gegensatz dazu haben wir im anisotropen Fall die sechsfache Anzahl, da hier aus dem einfachen Zahlenwert der elektrischen Leitfähigkeit ein symmetrischer, reellwertiger Tensor wird, wobei die Anzahl der Daten gleich bleibt. Für die erfolgreiche Inversion von anisotropen Leitfähigkeiten und um die Nicht-Eindeutigkeit der Lösung des inversen Problems zu überwinden, ist eine geeignete Einschränkung der möglichen Modelle absolut notwendig. Dies wird umso wichtiger, da die Sensitivität von MT Daten nicht für alle Anisotropieparameter gleich ist. In der vorliegenden Arbeit habe ich einen Algorithmus entwickelt, welcher die Lösung des anisotropen Inversionsproblems unter Minimierung einer globalen Straffunktion berechnet. Diese besteht aus drei Teilen: der Datenanpassung, den Zusatzbedingungen an die Glätte des Modells und die Anisotropie. Im Gegensatz dazu werden beim isotropen Fall nur die ersten zwei Parameter minimiert. Der neu definierte Anisotropieterm wird mit Hilfe der Summe der quadratischen Abweichung der Hauptleitfähigkeitswerte des Modells gemessen. Die grundlegende Idee dieser Zusatzbedingung ist einfach. Falls ein isotropes Modell die Daten ausreichend gut anpassen kann, wird keine elektrische Anisotropie zusätzlich in das Modell eingefügt. Um eine erfolgreiche Inversion zu garantieren müssen geeignete Regularisierungsparameter für die verschiedenen Nebenbedingungen an das Modell gewählt werden. Tests mit synthetischen Modellen zeigen, dass bei festgesetzten Regularisierungsparametern die Inversion meistens entweder in einem glatten Modell mit hohem RMS Fehler oder einem groben Modell mit kleinem RMS Fehler endet. Die Anwendung einer Relaxationsbedingung auf die Regularisierung nach jedem Iterationsschritt resultiert in glatteren Inversionsmodellen und einer höheren Konvergenz und scheint ein ausgereifter Weg zur Wahl der Parameter zu sein. Die vorgestellte Inversionsmethode ist im allgemeinen in der Lage die Hauptleitfähigkeiten in der horizontalen Ebene zu finden. Wenn keine der Hauptrichtungen der Anisotropiestruktur mit der vorgegebenen Streichrichtung übereinstimmt, können nur die dazugehörigen effektiven Leitfähigkeiten, welche die Projektion der Hauptleitfähigkeiten auf die Koordinatenachsen des Modells darstellen, aufgelöst werden. Allerdings gehen die Informationen über die Rotationswinkel verloren. Am Ende meiner Arbeit werden die MT Daten des Cape Fold Gürtels in Südafrika analysiert. Die MT Daten zeigen in einem Abschnitt des Messprofils (> 10 km) Phasen über 90 Grad. Dieser Teil der Daten kann nicht mit herkömmlichen isotropen Modellierungsverfahren angepasst und daher mit diesen auch nicht vollständig ausgewertet werden. Die vorgestellte Inversionsmethode konnte die außergewöhnlich hohen Phasenwerte nicht wie gewünscht im Inversionsergebnis erreichen, was mit dem erwähnten Informationsverlust der Rotationswinkel begründet werden kann. MT Phasen außerhalb des ersten Quadranten können für gewöhnlich bei Anomalien mit geneigter Streichrichtung der Anisotropie gemessen werden. Um diese auch in den Inversionsergebnissen zu erreichen ist eine Weiterentwicklung des Algorithmus notwendig. Vorwärtsmodellierungen des MT Datensatzes haben allerdings gezeigt, dass eine hohe Leitfähigkeitsheterogenität an der Oberfläche in Kombination mit einer Zone elektrischer Anisotropie in der mittleren Kruste notwendig sind um die Daten anzupassen. Aufgrund geologischer und tektonischer Informationen kann diese Zone in der mittleren Kruste als tiefer Aquifer interpretiert werden, der im Zusammenhang mit den zerrütteten Gesteinen der Table Mountain Group des Cape Fold Gürtels steht.