This study investigates the relationship between wave-induced hydrodynamics and the resulting loading on Core-Loc concrete armour units below the still water level in a breakwater structure. Physical modelling experiments were performed at the National Research Council in Ottawa in which a 3D-printed 12 cm Core-Loc armour unit was instrumented and fixed in place within a rubble mound structure. Testing featured simultaneous measurement of force on this instrumented unit, pressure head at the base of the unit, and flow velocities below the SWL. Two main scenarios were tested, the isolated unit and fully armoured scenarios, under a range of regular waves and irregular sea states. Analysis of force development on the instrumented unit indicates that maximum slope-normal forces (both into and away from the structure) are associated with extremes in pressure head above the instrumented unit, while slope-parallel force extremes (both upslope and downslope) occur at times of the fastest change in water level. These loadings are consistent with Morison’s equation and imply drag dominance in the slope-parallel direction and inertia dominance in the slope-normal direction. Significant differences in forces were observed between isolated (no neighbouring units) and embedded (with neighbouring units) armour unit test cases. The presence of the armour layer significantly increased the normal force exerted on the unit and reduced the parallel force. Irregular sea state testing shows force peaks following normal distribution. Analysis of flow above the armour layer showed that force, flow velocity and flow acceleration are symmetrical in the slope-parallel direction, but largely asymmetrical in the slope-normal direction, with the flow velocity and force on the unit in particular experiencing large asymmetries. Wave height analysis indicated that each wave height follows a similar force development pattern with a magnitude proportional to wave height. Wave period analysis showed the formation of small secondary waves as the period increases. Wave steepness affected the peak force loading of the instrumented unit in a mostly linear fashion up to the critical Iribarren number.

Introduction : Les armures modulaires (MSA) permettent aux soldats d’ajuster le niveau de couverture de l’armure en fonction du niveau de menace. L’hypothèse émise est qu’un niveau inférieur de couverture balistique atténue les réponses physiologiques et perceptuelles pendant l’exercice à la chaleur. Méthode : 15 adultes (5F/10H, 26 ± 5 ans, 24,6 ± 3,7 kg/m2) ont marché (5 km/h, pente de 1 %) dans une chaleur sèche (38°C, 20 % humidité) pendant 1h en portant une des armure de protection : i) une couverture élevée (HC : 0,57 ± 0,09 m2, 18,5 ± 0,3 kg), ii) une couverture modérée (MC : 0,44 ± 0,07 m2, 18,1 ± 0,3 kg), iii) une couverture légère (LC1 : 0,21 ± 0,03 m2, 17,4 ± 0,1 kg), ou iv) une couverture légère avec une égalisation du poids à la couverture élevée (LC2 : 0,21 ± 0,03 m2, 18,6 ± 0,2 kg). Résultats: M-W pendant l’exercice (629 ± 126 W, p=0,30), le changement de la température interne (HC : 0,88 ± 0,37°C, MC : 0,85 ± 0,32°C, LC1 : 0,91 ± 0,38°C, LC2 : 0,89 ± 0,42°C, p=0,93), de la fréquence cardiaque (HC : 97 ± 14 bpm, MC : 103 ± 16 bpm, LC1 : 96 ± 15 bpm, LC2 : 97 ± 20 bpm, p=0,08), et de la production de sueur (HC : 10,2 ± 3,4 g/min, MC : 10,3 ± 4,3 g/min, LC1: 9,9 ± 4,7 g/min, LC2 : 10,4 ± 4,5 g/min, p=0,84) n’était pas différent entre les configurations. Conclusion: Les armures modulaires étudiées ne minimisent pas le stress thermique ou cardiovasculaire lors d’une marche en environnement chaud et sec. / Purpose: Modular scalable armour allows soldiers to adjust the level of armour coverage according to the threat level. We hypothesized that armour configurations with lower levels of ballistic coverage attenuate physiological and perceptual responses during exercise in the heat. Methods: Fifteen adults (5 females/10 males, 26±5 years, 24.6±3.7 kg/m2) walked (5 km/h, 1% incline) in dry heat (38°C, 20% humidity) for 1h while wearing body armour that provided; i) high coverage (HC: 0.57 ± 0.09 m2, 18.5 ± 0.3 kg), ii) moderate coverage (MC: 0.44 ± 0.07 m2, 18.1 ± 0.3 kg), iii) low coverage (LC1: 0.21 ± 0.03 m2, 17.4 ± 0.1 kg), or iv) low coverage with weight equalization to HC (LC2: 0.21 ± 0.03 m2, 18.6 ± 0.2 kg). Results: Core temperature (Tcore), heart rate (HR), metabolic heat production (M-W), whole-body sweat rate (WBSR), and perceptual responses were measured. M-W during exercise (629 ± 126 W) did not differ between configurations (p=0.30). The change in Tcore (HC: 0.88 ± 0.37°C, MC: 0.85 ± 0.32°C, LC1: 0.91 ± 0.38°C, LC2: 0.89 ± 0.42°C, p=0.93), HR (HC: 97 ± 14 bpm, MC: 103 ± 16 bpm, LC1: 96 ± 15 bpm, LC2: 97 ± 20 bpm, p=0.08), and WBSR (HC: 10.2 ± 3.4 g/min, MC: 10.3 ± 4.3 g/min, LC1: 9.9 ±4.7 g/min, LC2: 10.4 ± 4.5 g/min, p=0.84) did not differ between configurations. Perceptual responses also did not differ between configurations (all p≥0.15). Conclusion: Reducing torso ballistic armour coverage does not reduce physiological or perceptual strain during treadmill walking in dry heat.

Title: The influence of equipment and arms on skeletal muscles activities while practising direct kick. Aim: The aim of this thesis was to find out the influence of carried equipment and arms on the activity of skeletal muscles when a direct front kick is being practised. The methods used: This thesis has an empirically observational character. Muscular activities were measured by means of surface electromyography synchronised by Qualisys screen system. To obtain statistic data, a t-test has been used, requiring 5 % significance level. Results: While carrying a 15-kilogram load, the activity of skeletal muscles was not significantly reduced when performing a direct front kick. However, a 30- kilogram load caused a substantial reduction of skeletal muscular activities during the kick described above. After adding a 15-kilogram bag to another 15 kilograms in the form of a body armour, a helmet and arms, the muscular activity changed its features in a considerable way. Furthermore, most respondents proved 45-kilogram load to be over their limit. The equipment and arms of that weight led to the summation action potential, exceeding the power- coordinative functional reserve, and thus the deformation of the direct front kick technique. Keywords: close combat, EMG, equipment, arms, direct front kick

Tungsten (W) based materials can be used in fusion reactors due to several advantages. Different fabrication routes can be applied to develop tungsten materials with intended microstructure and properties for specific application including nanostructured grades. Therein, innovative chemical routes are unique in their approach owing numerous benefits. This thesis summarizes the development of W-based composites dispersed-strengthened by rare earth (RE) oxides and their evaluation for potential application as plasma facing armour material to be used in fusion reactor. Final material development was carried out in two steps; a) fabrication of nanostructured metallic tungsten powder dispersed with RE-oxides and b) powder sintering into bulk oxide-dispersed strengthened (ODS) composite by spark plasma process. With the help of advanced characterization tools applied at intermediate and final stages of the material development, powder fabrication and sintering conditions were optimized. The aim was to achieve a final material with a homogenous fine microstructure and improved properties, which can withstand under extreme conditions of high temperature plasma. Two groups of starting materials, synthesized via novel chemical methods, having different compositions were investigated. In the first group, APT-based powders doped with La or Y elements in similar ways, had identical particles’ morphology (up to 70 μm). The powders were processed into nanostructured composite powders under different reducing conditions and were characterized to investigate the effects on powder morphology and composition. The properties of sintered tungsten materials were improved with dispersion of La2O3 and Y2O3 in the respective order. The oxide dispersion was less homogeneous due to the fact that La or Y was not doped into APT particles. The second group, Ydoped tungstic acid-based powders synthesized through entirely different chemistry, contained nanocrystalline particles and highly uniform morphology. Hydrogen reduction of doped-tungstic acid compounds is complex, affecting the morphology and composition of the final powder. Hence, processing conditions are presented here which enable the separation of Y2O3 phase from Y-doped tungstic acid. Nevertheless, the oxide dispersion reduces the sinterability of tungsten powders, the fabricated nanostructured W-Y2O3 powders were sinterable into ultrafine ODS composites at temperatures as low as 1100 °C with highly homogeneous nano-oxide dispersion at W grain boundaries as well as inside the grain. The SPS parameters were investigated to achieve higher density with optimum finer microstructure and higher hardness. The elastic and fracture properties of the developed ODS-W have been investigated by micro-mechanical testing to estimate the materials’ mechanical response with respect to varying density and grain size. In contrast from some literature results, coarse grained ODS-W material demonstrated better properties. The developed ODS material with 1.2 Y2O3 dispersion were finally subjected to high heat flux tests in the electron beam facility “JUDITH-1”. The samples were loaded under ELM-like thermal-shocks at varying base temperatures up to an absorbed power density of 1.13 GW/m2, for armour material evaluation. Post mortem characterizations and comparison with other reference W grades, suggest lowering the oxide contents below 0.3 wt. % Y2O3. As an overview of the study conducted, it can be concluded that innovative chemical routes can be potential replacement to produce tungsten based materials of various composition and microstructure, for fusion reactor applications. The methods being cheap and reproducible, are also easy to handle for large production at industrial scale. / <p>QC 20120827</p>

Le fuselage des avions de nouvelle génération fera de plus en plus appel aux matériaux composites à matrice organique qui présentent des propriétés spécifiques particulièrement intéressantes. Or les structures aéronautiques sont exposées à de nombreuses exigences et en particulier à celle induite par l'impact de "petits fragments" à haute énergie. Le non percement du fuselage nécessite donc d'adjoindre une fonction de blindage à sa fonction habituelle de tenue mécanique. Par rapport à cette problématique, une approche avec intégration de fonction a été adoptée et a mené au développement d'un matériau composite multifonctionnel dans le cadre de ce travail de recherche. L'étude du comportement sous impact à basse vitesse (essais Charpy) et à haute vitesse (essais au canon à gaz) de composites à matrice organique aéronautiques courants et plus spécifiques au blindage a d'abord été réalisée. Cette étude a permis d'établir le lien entre les constituants des matériaux et les différents modes d'absorption de l'énergie d'impact. Plusieurs paramètres ont été discriminés : nature de la matrice (thermodurcissable - thermoplastique), nature de la fibre (minérale - organique), architecture du renfort (UD - tissée - tricotée), taux de porosité intra-mèche, apport d'éléments spécifiques aux inter-plis. Plusieurs concepts de multimatériaux sont ensuite proposés. Ils ont été définis à partir de combinaisons des différents comportements observés sur matériaux élémentaires et sont basés sur différents scénarii d'endommagement. Ils ont été testés à haute vitesse d'impact. Les observations révèlent une aptitude particulière de la fibre de polypara-phénylène-2,6-benzobisoxazole (PBO) à absorber une grande quantité d'énergie par déformation inélastique, notamment lorsqu'elle est faiblement imprégnée. / Next generation aircraft fuselage will increasingly use polymer matrix composites that exhibit interesting specific properties. Aeronautical structures are exposed to many requirements and amongst them to that induced by the impact of high energy "small fragments". In order to avoid fuselage break through, an armour function has to be added to its usual mechanical function. With respect to this issue, an approach aiming the integration of such function was adopted and led to the development of a multifunctional composite material within this research work. The study of the behaviour under low speed (Charpy tests) and high speed (gas gun tests) impact of common and more specific organic matrix composites dedicated to armour was first performed. This study allowed establishing the link between the material components and the various modes of the impact energy absorption. Several parameters were discriminated: matrix type (thermosetting - thermoplastic), fibre type (mineral - organic), reinforcement architecture (UD - woven - knitted), intra-mesh porosity level, addition of specific inter-ply elements. Several concepts of multimaterials were then proposed. They were defined from combinations of various behaviours observed in the basic materials and are based on different damaging scenarios. They were tested under high speed impact. The observations show a particular aptitude of the polyparaphenylene-2,6-benzobisoxazole (PBO) fibre to absorb a large amount of energy by inelastic deformation, especially when it is poorly impregnated.

Title: Strategy of marketing communication for Skechers on the Czech market Goals: The main objective of my thesis is to create a marketing strategy of communication for the Skechcers brand on the Czech market. This goal is based on identifying the biggest weaknesses of the brand. An important aspect of my thesis is also the comparison and inspiration of selected competitors, which are Nike and Under Armour. The target group of the communication strategy will be Generation Y in the Czech Republic. Methods: The practical part of my thesis, thus qualitative marketing research, was done in the form of an interview with two representatives from Skechers and Under Armour. The interview was centered around a previously prepared questionnaire, which was almost the same for both respondents - the only change was the name of the firm which the respondent represented. During the interview we focused on seven sections, which I discribe more in my thesis. A second method was used for the analysis of electronical documents and materials about existing marketing communications of Skechers and selected competitors. Results: The analytical part of the thesis is consisted of undertaken interviews with the representatives of Skechers and Under Armour. The results showed that Generation Y exclusively uses Under...

L'objectif de cette thèse est d'observer l'impact des coups de couteaux sur différents tissus en aramide et d'analyser les facteurs influents. On peut se défendre d'une attaque mais une blessure ne peut être complètement évitée. L'objectif est d'absorber un maximum d'énergie, de façon à réduire le risque de blessure. Les mécanismes de perforation par une lame sont complexes. L'étude a révélé une demande dans ce domaine, car la plupart des solutions proposent des armures lourdes contenant du textile. Cet assemblage de matériaux a des inconvénients, comme le poids trop élevé et le manque de souplesse. D'autres chercheurs recommandent des solutions textiles parce qu'elles sont souples et déjà utilisées dans le domaine balistique. Les recherches menées pour cette thèse ont pour but de contribuer au développement de types de textile résistant aux coups de couteaux. C'est la raison pour laquelle, non seulement les propriétés de la matière textile doivent être analysées, mais aussi l'attaque au couteau en elle-même, pour développer une meilleure protection. Il a été démontré que beaucoup de facteurs influent sur le niveau de protection et rendent sa perception difficile. Des recherches ont été réalisées pour évaluer les paramètres de test, qui sont définis dans le test standard, mais aussi pour ceux qui n'y sont pas définis. / The research goal of this thesis is to examine various aramid fabrics with regard to their stabbing behaviour and to find influencing factors to this. An attack can only be inhibited, but an injury cannot be completely prevented. The goal is always to absorb as much energy as possible, so that the penetration is thus reduced and the risk of injury decreases. The stab mechanism is a complex and variable process. The review showed the demand on research in this area, because the most solutions involve hard body armour parts in combination with fibrous materials. This material combinations show many disadvantages with regards to the high weight and the missing flexibility. Other researchers also recommend textile solutions, because they are flexible and in the field of ballistic panels they are already used. The investigations carried out within this thesis are done to contribute to the development of pure textile stab-resistant panels. Therefore the interdependencies between the physical properties of the material but also the mechanism during a stab attack have to be recognized, to developed higher protection levels. It was shown, that the multitude of factors causes the problem to define a level of protection. General investigations were done to analyse the test parameters, which are defined in the test standard but also this one, which are missing.

Syftet med undersökningen är att genom en jämförande modellstudie ta fram ett eller flera sätt att nedkämpa en motståndare utrustad med tungt reaktivt pansar. Reaktivt pansar har tidigare endast använts för att hindra RSV-strålar att penetrera pansar. Men teknikutvecklingen har nu medfört att dagens reaktiva pansar utöver skydd mot RSV-strålar också klarar av att reducera pilprojektilens förmåga till penetration. Amerikanarna som tidigt upptäckte att Ryssland hade tillgång till tekniken började direkt utveckla ny ammunition för att möta detta. Men vad har vi gjort i Sverige, sen detta uppdagades? Kan vår Stridsvagn 122 fortfarande lösa sin huvuduppgift: att slå ut andra stridsvagnar? I studien gör författaren antagandet att spårljuspansarprojektil 95 inte får genomslag på en stridsvagn utrustad med tungt reaktivt pansar, typ Kontakt-5. Undersökningen har sin tyngdpunkt i den jämförande modellstudie som skall jämföra tre olika scenarion. Modellstudien föregås av en beskrivande teoridel där bland annat skydd, svensk stridsvagnsammunition och reaktivt pansar beskrivs. Därefter behandlar modellstudien en duellsituation mellan Strv 122 och en motståndare utrustad med Kontakt-5. De olika modellerna jämförs i syfte att ta fram den modellen som är mest fördelaktig då man vill nedkämpa en fiende utrustad med Kontakt-5. Slutsatsen som dras utifrån studien är att normalförfarandet att initialt ha pilprojektil i kanonen bör ändras till att istället ha spränggranat. Spränggranaten kommer att skada Kontakt-5 och skapa en oskyddad yta där pilprojektilen kan få genomslag. / The purpose of this essay is to develop one or more ways to neutralize an enemy equipped with heavy reactive armour. Reactive armour has previously only protected against shaped charges. Technological advances have now led to today's reactive armour in addition to protection against shaped charges also capable of protecting against an Armour-Piercing Fin-Stabilized Discarding Sabot (APFSDS). The Americans discovered that this technology was available to the Russians and developed new types of APFSDS to deal with it. But what have we done in Sweden since this technology was discovered? In this essay, the author makes the assumption that the Swedish APFSDS can’t penetrate a tank equipped with reactive armour. A comparative model will compare three different ways to deal with this problem. Before doing the comparative model study, there will be a chapter which describes for example reactive armour, APFSDS, Kontakt-5 (a type of reactive armour), tank protection in general. The model consists of one Leopard 2A5 S (Leo 2) and one enemy tank equipped with reactive armour. By comparing different ways for the Leo 2 to defeat the enemy, the author will reach a conclusion for the problem. The conclusion drawn from this essay is that the normal procedure when the Leo 2 initially has an APFSDS loaded in the canon should be changed to it having a grenade loaded instead. Bursting a grenade towards the enemy will destroy or damage Kontakt-5 and the second projectile, which should be an APFSDS, will now penetrate the damaged Kontakt-5 and the hostile tank will be defeated.

The armour that was found during the excavations of the mass graves after the battle of Visby in the year 1361, has given great knowledge about the 14th century defensive equipment. Bengt Thordeman's analyses and interpretations of the armour-material have influenced modern research on the subject. The predominant narrative is that the militia from Gotland was ill-equipped, and that the Danish army was far superior. However, the aim of this study is to create a more nuanced picture of how the soldiers in the mass graves were equipped, and to contribute to future research on the largely unstudied commoner-armour of the Nordic countries. The study compares armour-items from the mass graves at site of the so-called Korsbetningen, with other archaeological material, the descriptions of folkvapen in Swedish medieval legal documents, and contemporary artwork. This comparison is made to broaden the perspective and see similarities and differences between the Visby material and other sources.     The thesis results in a better understanding of what types of armour that was used during this battle, showing that the head-area was well protected, that the torso was slightly less prioritized to protect, and that the arms and legs were relatively unprotected.

Beata Maria/Dea Vults is a thesis for the degree of master (one year) in theology.   The thesis explores the role of the Virgin Mary as a martial saint in catholic combat with Islam and muslims between the years 1119 AD to 1648 AD with a focus on symbolism. The paper is focusing on symbolism in war banners, patron saints and semiotic symbols on arms and armour. There are three different events or phenomenons in the study, separated in time as well as space.   Firstly the war banner used at the battle of Las Navas (1212 AD) during the reconquista of Spain. The banner of Mary with child is the prime subjekt as well as the myths appearing in the aftermath of the battle, and the ceremony that was devised from it.   The second phenomenon is the knights templars use of Mary as patron saint, and the ceremony that followed this relationship. There is also discussion of the belts worn that were related to Mary, the use of wich is attested in documents from the trials of the templars between 1307 and 1312 AD. Lastly the paper focuses on the armours of the polish winged husars of 1648 AD and the seige of Vienna. The thesis explores the relationship between the symbols of the armour of the husars and the religious views of King John III Sobieski of Poland.   The main question of the study is:   What were the meaning of the symbols of Mary as she was carried as a ritualistic symbol for war?   The subsequent questions are:   How do you trace a progression in the useage of Mary as a symbol from the templars all the way to the use of Mary as a symbol for the winged husars?   Which types of worship of Mary as a symbol were used primarliy in wars with muslims?   The paper is researched by qualitative methods including text analysis as well as semiotic symbolism reading. There are two theories used in the analysis. Smarts dimensions and Andersons and Hulls Warrior elites, with Smarts dimensions as the dominant theory.