A matrix of variably processed Fe-30at%Ni was deposited with variations in laser travel speeds as well and laser powers. A complete shift in phase stability occurred as a function of varying laser travel speed. At slow travel speeds, the microstructure was dominated by a columnar fcc phase. Intermediate travel speeds yielded a mixed microstructure comprised of both the columnar fcc and a martensite-like bcc phase. At the fastest travel speed, the microstructure was dominated by the bcc phase. This shift in phase stability subsequently affected the magnetic properties, specifically saturation magnetization. Ni-Fe-Mo and Ni-Fe-V permalloys were deposited from an elemental blend of powders as well. Both systems exhibited featureless microstructures dominated by an fcc phase. Magnetic measurements yielded saturation magnetizations on par with conventionally processed permalloys, however coercivities were significantly larger; this difference is attributed to microstructural defects that occur during the additive manufacturing process.

This dissertation contains a comprehensive analysis of both non-coupled and mutually coupled switched reluctance motors with concentrated windings for an electric bicycle traction application. Multiple pole configurations are analyzed and compared for each motor type. Includes magnetic design, thermal analysis, and structural analysis. A prototype is designed, manufactured, and validated. / This thesis discusses the design of both a conventional non-coupled switched reluctance motor (CSRM) and a mutually-coupled SRM (MCSRM) for an exterior rotor e-bike application. Several novel pole configurations were analyzed for each machine type, and the performance of the final CSRM and MCSRM designs were compared for this application. A commercially available e-bike permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) was purchased, reverse engineered, and validated to define the geometry constraints and performance targets for the designs. Since switched reluctance motors do not use rare-earth permanent magnets, they are often seen as a potential low-cost alternative to permanent magnet machines. The goal of this research is to explain the relative advantages of CSRMs and MCSRMs when compared to PMSM machines for a direct-drive e-bike application. The final CSRM and MCSRM designs are analyzed in detail; electromagnetic, controls, thermal, and structural considerations are all studied. A prototype of the final CSRM design was manufactured and validated experimentally, using a dynamometer setup. The finalized CSRM design is shown to be competitive with the PMSM machine when considering torque output, and is superior in terms of peak efficiency, and high speed torque performance. However, the CSRM noise output and torque ripple were not compared to the PMSM, and a less-common asymmetric-bridge converter is required for the CSRM, which may hinder the ability for the machine to be implemented into existing e-bike packages. The high speed torque performance of the MCSRM is shown to be inferior to both the CSRM and PMSM, as is the torque quality and efficiency. The MCSRM is shown to be highly resistant to saturation which gives it the potential for high torque output at low speed (if thermal limits are not breached), though low saturation levels also contribute to low machine power factor. The MCSRM may be better suited to lower speed, high torque applications, for this reason. / Thesis / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) / This thesis studies the design process and analysis of two different motor types, for an electric bicycle application. They are designed to replace a commercially available permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM). This type of motor is typically expensive due to the rare-earth magnet material it requires. The two motors discussed in this thesis are switched reluctance motors (SRMs), which do not require magnet material, and thus have the potential to save cost (in addition to other benefits). One of the SRMs has magnetic fields that are independently controlled (CSRM), and one has fields that are controlled together to produce torque (MCSRM). The magnetics, control, thermal, and structural aspects of the CSRM and MCSRM are studied in detail. Novel geometry considerations (i.e. novel pole configurations) which impact the magnetics of each machine are compared to find the best-performing configuration for each machine type.

The performance of nonstructural components in critical infrastructure, such as nuclear power plants (NPPs), has been primarily based on experience and historical data. This topic has been attracting increased interest from researchers following the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster in 2011. This disaster demonstrated the importance of using batteries in NPPs as an auxiliary power system, where such systems can provide the necessary power to mitigate the risk of serious accidents. However, little research has been conducted on such nonstructural components to evaluate their performance following the post- Fukushima safety requirements, recommended by several nuclear regulators worldwide [e.g., Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), and Nuclear Safety Commission (NSC)]. To address this research gap, this dissertation investigates the lateral performance of an auxiliary battery power system (ABPS) similar to those currently existing/operational in NPPs in Canada. The ABPS was experimentally tested under displacement-controlled quasi-static cyclic fully-reversed loading that simulates lateral seismic demands. Due to the presence of sliding batteries, the ABPS was then tested dynamically under increased ground motion levels on a shake table. The experimental results demonstrated that the design guidelines and fragility curves currently assigned to battery rack systems in the FEMA P58 prestandards do not encompass all possible failure mechanisms. A 3D numerical model was also developed using OpenSees software. The model was validated using the experimental results. The model results showed that the lateral performance of ABPS with different configurations (i.e. different lengths, tiers, and seismic categories) is influenced by the capacity of the L-shaped connection between the side rails and the end rail. However, the model was not able to predict all the damage states from the dynamic experimental tests, since the rocking/sliding/impact behavior of the batteries is a highly complex nonlinear problem by nature and beyond the scope of this study. The model presented is limited to the assessment of the lateral performance of different ABPS statically. This dissertation demonstrated the difference between the observed behavior of laboratory-controlled lateral performance tests of ABPSs operational/existing in NPPs and the behavior of ABPSs found in the literature that relied on limited historical and experience data. Finally, this dissertation laid the foundations for the need to further investigate the behavior of other safety-related components in NPPs and assess their compliance with new post-Fukushima design requirements. / Thesis / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Reading is considered to be a vital skill for academic success, yet it is seldom taught to or practised with students. Students begin to `read to learn' during primary and secondary schooling. However, at tertiary level the academic demands are much greater than before and involve more extensive reading of conceptually more complex texts. This study investigates the implementation of an intensive reading programme for post-matric English Second Language Science students, based on the assumption that reading improves reading. In addition, this study investigates the effect that reading ability has on academic performance in Science, which relies inter alia, on the ability to read, comprehend and interpret word problems. An intervention group and a control group were used to ascertain the effects of an intensive reading programme and the findings suggest that any reading (intensive or extensive) improves reading and language skills. This in turn impacts on academic performance in Science, if students have an ability in Science to begin with. / Linguistics / MA - SP APPLIED LINGUISTICS

This study aimed at evaluating and demonstrating the feasibility of using Concentrated Solar Thermal technology combined with biomass energy technology as a hybrid renewable energy system to supply the process heat requirements in small scale industries in Sri Lanka. Particularly, the focus was to apply the concept to the expanding hotel industry, for covering the thermal energy demand of a medium scale hotel. Solar modules utilize the rooftop area of the building to a valuable application. Linear Fresnel type of solar concentrator is selected considering the requirement of the application and the simplicity of fabrication and installation compared to other technologies. Subsequently, a wood-fired boiler is deployed as the steam generator as well as the balancing power source to recover the effects due to the seasonal variations in solar energy. Bioenergy, so far being the largest primary energy supply in the country, has a good potential for further growth in industrial applications like small hotels.  When a hotel with about 200-guests capacity and annual average occupancy of 65% is considered, the total annual CO2 saving is accounted as 207 tons compared with an entirely fossil fuel (diesel) fired boiler system. The annual operational cost saving is around $ 40,000 and the simple payback period is within 3-4 years. The proposed hybrid system can generate additional 26 employment opportunities in the proximity of the site location area.   This solar-biomass hybrid concept mitigates the weaknesses associated with these renewable technologies when employed separately. The system has been designed in such a way that the total heat demand of hot water and process steam supply is managed by renewable energy alone. It is thus a self-sustainable, non-conventional, renewable energy system. This concept can be stretched to other critical medium temperature applications like for example absorption refrigeration. The system is applicable to many other industries in the country where space requirement is available, solar irradiance is rich and a solid biomass supply is assured.

L'objectif de ce travail est d’évaluer le positionnement et le potentiel des récepteurs à lit fluidisé à changement de section par rapport aux autres méthodes de chauffage de gaz à haute température par voie solaire. A cette fin, une connaissance approfondie des phénomènes thermiques et hydrodynamiques du récepteur est nécessaire. Pour acquérir cette connaissance, nous avons modélisé les transferts thermiques dans le récepteur en portant une attention particulière sur les transferts radiatifs en prenant en compte les diffusions multiples de la lumière dans le milieu particulaire, les effets de parois sur les transferts radiatifs et la directionnalité du rayonnement solaire concentré. La détermination précise de la distribution de particules dans le ciel du lit fluidisé s'est avérée un paramètre critique pour le calcul des transferts thermiques. Ces modèles, plus tard affinés par une confrontation avec des références expérimentales, nous ont permis d'explorer l'effet de la géométrie sur les transferts thermiques dans le récepteur. Il ont permis entre autres de mettre en évidence l'intérêt d'utiliser une colonne de fluidisation à changement de section et l'importance de l'optimisation du couple concentrateur solaire / récepteur afin d'éviter d'éventuelles surchauffes au niveau des parois du récepteur. De même, il semble que l'homogénéisation de la température dans le lit fluidisé contenu dans le récepteur soit favorable à son rendement. / The aim of this work is to evaluate the position and the potential of solar fluidized bed receivers compared to other methods for the solar heating of gases at high temperature. To this end, a thorough knowledge of the heat transfer and hydrodynamic of the receiver is necessary. To acquire this knowledge, we modeled the heat transfer in the receiver with a focus on the radiative transfer by taking into account the multiple scattering of light in the particle medium, the effect of walls on radiative heat transfer and the directionality of the concentrated solar radiation. The accurate determination of the distribution of particles within the fluidized bed has been a critical parameter for the calculation of heat transfer. With these models, later refined by a confrontation with experimental references, we have studied the effect of geometry on heat transfer in the receiver. This study highlighted the necessity to use a switching section fluidization column and the importance to optimize the pair : solar concentrator / receiver to avoid any overheating at the walls of the receiver. Moreover, it appears that the homogenization of the temperature in the fluidized bed of the receiver increase its performance.

The ownership structure in Sweden is characterized by a few controlling owners who often base their ownership of a lower capital investment than in many other countries. The separation of ownership and control is determined by control-boosting mechanisms and is a constantly debated topic. These mechanisms are used to control companies without having to bear the bulk of the capital, and the criticism centers around concerns that companies with control-boosting mechanisms are not managed as well as companies without them. The purpose of the study was to examine the use of control enhancing mechanisms and its effect on the market value of Swedish companies on Nasdaq Stockholm. The study adopted a quantitative form with hypotheses testing. The data collection has been made through annual reports of the sample and then statistically tested in SPSS through multiple regression. The use of vote-strong shares was shown to have a strong positive effect on the value of a company. Minor effects proven came from the difference between the largest owner's voting share and capital contribution, and of the percentage of the total votes held by the largest owner. These two, however, counteracted each other in approximately equal amounts. Not offering their vote-strong shares to on the public exchange is suggested to be strongly negative, but this could not be ascertained. Type of ownership and age were both insignificant in their ability to explain company value.

[pt] Apresenta-se neste trabalho uma ferramenta numérica programada que permite a simulação bidimensional de corridas de detritos usando o Método de Elementos Discretos (DEM) desenvolvido por Cundall em 1979, cuja metodologia resolve as equações do movimento simultaneamente de cada elemento mediante a técnica numérica de Relaxação Dinâmica (MRD) por se tratar de um problema transiente. Esta metologia parte da existência do programa SAND desenvolvido na PUC (2002) para uma simulação da produção de areia em poços de petróleo sob fluxo bifásico. Dois aspectos novos incorporados neste tipo de análise são a representação gráfica de anteparos mediante segmentação de curvas spline cúbicas e o uso da metodologia de Munjiza na detecção de contatos com os propósitos de implementar o uso de paramentos irregulares próximos à curva real do terreno e diminuir o tempo de execusão do programa, respectivamente. Com diversos exemplos de paramentos e variando os parâmetros de entrada do modelo numérico é avaliada a idoneidade da ferramenta criada para simular os principais mecanismos físicos característicos do movimento deste tipo de fenômeno. Além disso, são descritas em detalhe as principais feições e terminologias usadas na classificação e identificação das corridas de detritos e fenômenos similares, pois estas são usualmente confundidas nas literaturas existentes e entre os profissionais das áreas da Geologia, Geografia e Geotecnia. / [en] A programed numerical tool that allows two-dimensional simulation of debris flows is presented in this dissertation. Cundall´s Distinct Element Method (DEM) is used to this purpose, which was developed in 1979. Following this methodology, motion equations are simultaneilly solved by the numerical method of Dynamic Relaxation (MRD) for each distinct particle. This method is used in order to the transient behavior of this particular problem. The numerical modeling is based on the SAND program, developed at PUC (2002) for a numerical application on sand production for petroleum extraction process considering biphasic flow motion. Two new features incorporated in this kind of analyses are the graphical representation of walls with cubic spline curves segmentation and the implementation of the Munjiza´s method for contact detection. They attemp to implement irregular curves that are closely to represent real sliding surface and to decrease the total program executation time respectively. The idoneousness of the programed numerical tool for the representation of the most caracteristic phisical mechanisms of these kind of flows is tested using several curves configurations as variation on the inicial parametrics values of the numerical model. Moreover, main features and associated terminologies for identification and classification of debris flows and similar events are largely described here because of the usual confusion in the use of them within scientific literatures and professional communications between technician of Geology, Geography and Geotechnical Engineering. / [es] En este trabajo se disponibiliza una herramienta numérica para la simulación bidimensional de flujos de detritos usando el Método de Elementos Discretos (DEM) creado por Cundall en 1979, donde las ecuaciones del movimiento para cada elemento son resueltas simultáneamente con la técnica numérica de Relajación Dinámica (MRD) debido al comportamiento transiente del fenómeno. La herramienta se basa en el programa SAND desarrollado en la PUC (2002) para la simulación de producción de arena en la extracción de petróleo en pozos considerando condiciones de flujo bifásico. Dos nuevos aspectos se introducen en este tipo de análises: la representación gráfica de paredes mediante la segmentación de curvas splina cúbicas y el uso de la metodologia de Munjiza en la detección de contactos. Ambos son implementados con la intención de hacer uso de paredes irregulares próximas a la forma real de la curva del terreno y de disminuir el tiempo de ejecución del programa respectivamente. Mediante varios ejemplos con diferentes superficies y con variación en los valores de los parámetros de entrada del modelo numérico fue posible evaluar la idoneidad de la herramienta aquí creada para simular los principales mecanismos físicos característicos del movimiento de este tipo de fenómenos. Además, se describen detalladamente las principales características e terminologías utilizadas en la identificación y clasificación de los flujos de detritos y fenómenos similares, pues estos son motivos de confusión en la literatura existente y entre los profesionales de las ramas de Geología, Geografía y Geotecnia.

This thesis aims to investigate the benefits of international diversification from a Swedish perspective. It presents a comparative study of the performance of different portfolios based on their degree of international diversification with a focus on Swedish investors frame of reference. Such a study is motivated by the contradictory literature about portfolio diversification and information portfolio theory that advocate for a more concentrated portfolio. It focuses solely on comparing portfolios constituted with major indices of a representative sample including countries from different parts of the world. The different scales of those portfolios start from a divided part of the Swedish economy to end with a global portfolio. We observed that international diversification can outperform the domestic portfolios when considering risk and return. In addition, we observed that the best performing portfolios over the periods are systematically concentrated on emerging countries and that the high return of those emerging countries is often not associated with a correspondingly high standard deviation as it should be expected. The best levers of performance that we identified as a result of this comparative study are, first, the strategy consisting in focusing on the most concentrated portfolios in order to maximize the return and then trying to time the market, thanks to a specialized information collection strategy, but this bear a high undiversifiable risk. Or second, adopting an intentionally diversified portfolio and collecting information about the most promising emerging markets that will be then over weighted in the portfolio to lower the risk and higher the return. Lastly, the study recommend that home-biased investors should change their behavior and consider international investments when building a portfolio.

[pt] As cargas concentradas em vigas de aço são freqüentemente encontradas na prática. Nas situações onde o local de aplicação da carga é fixo, enrijecedores transversais de alma podem ser usados para aumentar a sua resistência, mas devem ser evitados por razões econômicas. Para cargas móveis, é fundamental conhecer a resistência última das almas não enrijecidas. Diversas teorias foram desenvolvidas para este problema, mas ainda assim, o erro das fórmulas de previsão é superior a 40%. Duas são as causas desta dificuldade de se encontrar uma equação mais precisa: o grande número de parâmetros que influenciam o comportamento de uma viga sujeita a cargas concentradas, e o número insuficiente de dados experimentais presentes na literatura. Por outro lado, o colapso da estrutura pode ocorrer por: plastificação, flambagem global da alma, enrugamento (crippling) ou uma combinação destes estados limites. Apesar disto, nenhum estudo foi desenvolvido para avaliar a participação total ou parcial de cada comportamento no colapso. As redes neurais são modelos computacionais inspirados na estrutura do cérebro, que apresentam características humanas como o aprendizado por experiência e a generalização do conhecimento a partir dos exemplos apresentados. Estas características permitiram, em estudos preliminares, a utilização das redes neurais na previsão da carga última de vigas de aço sujeitas a cargas concentradas. A Lógica Nebulosa tem como objetivo modelar o modo aproximado de raciocínio, tentando imitar a habilidade humana de tomar decisões racionais em um ambiente de incerteza e imprecisão. Deste modo, a Lógica Nebulosa é uma técnica inteligente que fornece um mecanismo para manipular informações imprecisas, como conceitos de esbeltez, compacidade, flexibilidade e rigidez, além de estabelecer limites mais graduais entre os fenômenos físicos do problema. Os Algoritmos Genéticos foram inspirados no princípio Darwiniano da evolução das espécies (sobrevivência dos mais aptos e mutações) e na genética. São algoritmos probabilísticos, que fornecem um mecanismo de busca paralela e adaptativa, e têm sido empregados em diversos problemas de otimização. Este trabalho é a continuação do estudo desenvolvido na dissertação de mestrado (Fonseca, 1999) e tem o objetivo de propor um sistema de avaliação do comportamento estrutural de cargas concentradas, através de uma identificação da influência dos diversos parâmetros na carga e nos tipos de comportamento resultantes (plastificação, enrugamento e flambagem global), estabelecendo limites mais flexíveis entre cada um destes. Esta análise será executada empregando um sistema neuro- fuzzy (híbrido de redes neurais e de lógica nebulosa). Para viabilizar esta análise, torna-se necessária a apresentação de dados de treinamento onde o comportamento estrutural é conhecido. Este trabalho também apresenta um estudo de otimização das fórmulas de projeto existentes empregando algoritmos genéticos. Os resultados obtidos neste trabalho contribuem para, no futuro, o desenvolvimento de uma fórmula de projeto mais precisa. De posse desta nova fórmula, uma sugestão para sua incorporação em normas de projeto de estruturas de aço poderá ser feita, garantindo, desta forma, um dimensionamento mais seguro e econômico. / [en] Concentrated loads on steel beams are frequently found in engineering practice. In situations where the load application point is fixed, transversal web stiffeners can be used to provide an adequate resistance, but for economic reasons should be avoided whenever possible. For moving loads, the knowledge of the unstiffened web resistance becomes imperative. Many theories were developed for a better understanding of the problem, however, a 40% error is still present in the current design formulas. A more accurate design formula for this structural problem is very difficult to be obtained, due to the influence of several interdependent parameters and to the insufficient number of experiments found in literature. On the other hand, the structural collapse can be associated to: web yielding, web buckling, web crippling or by their combined influence. Despite this fact, no investigations were found in literature to access their partial of global influence on the beam patch load resistance Neural networks were inspired in the brain structure in order to present human characteristics such as: learning from experience; and generalization of new data from a current set of standards. Preliminary studies used the neural networks potential to forecast the ultimate load of steel beams subjected to concentrated loads. The main aim of Fuzzy Logic is to model the complex approximated way of inference, trying to represent the human ability of making sensible decisions when facing uncertainties. Thus, fuzzy logic is an artificial intelligence technique capable of generating a mechanism for treating inaccurate and incomplete information such as: slenderness, flexibility and stiffness, still being capable of establishing gradual boundaries among the physical phenomena involved. Genetic algorithms are inspired on the Darwins principle of the species evolution and genetics. They are probabilistic algorithms that generate a mechanism of parallel and adaptive best fit survival principle and their reproduction and have been long used in several optimisation problems. This work extends the research developed in a previous MSc. program (Fonseca, 1999) and intends to evaluate and investigate the structural behaviour of steel beams subjected to concentrated loads, identifying the influence of several related parameters. This will be achieved by the use of a neuro-fuzzy system, able to model the intrinsic relationships between the related parameters. The proposed system aim is to relate the physical and geometrical variables that govern the ultimate load with its associated physical behaviour (web yielding, web crippling and web buckling), being capable of establishing gradual boundaries among the physical phenomena involved. This investigation was focused on the development of a neuro fuzzy system. The proposed neuro fuzzy system was trained with data where the collapse mechanism were properly identified validating its results. This investigation also presents a study of patch load design formulae optimization based on genetic algorithm principles. The obtained results may help the future development of a more accurate design formula, that could be incorporated in steel structures design codes, allowing a safer and economical design.