vi, 155 leaves / Title page, contents and abstract only. The complete thesis in print form is available from the University Library. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Adelaide, Dept. of Pure Mathematics, 1972

Thesis (Ph.D.) -- University of Adelaide, Dept. of Pure Mathematics, 1972.

Thesis (M.S.)--Worcester Polytechnic Institute. / Keywords: material property; thermometer; cone calorimeter; finite difference method; thermoplastic; pyrolysis model; fire dynamics simulators Includes bibliographical references. (p.162-163)

L’évolution structurelle des bâtiments résidentiels du fait des réglementations thermiques, environnementales ainsi que du déploiement du Règlement des Produits de la Construction génère des enjeux majeurs pour les fabricants de conduit de fumée, notamment en ce qui concerne la sécurité des habitants en cas d’incendie. Deux scenarii de résistance au feu sont considérés par la règlementation européenne : celui associé au développement du feu dans la pièce où se situe le conduit et celui-ci relatif au développement du feu dans le conduit lui-même, par l’inflammation de dépôts. Dans les deux cas, le conduit ne doit pas être vecteur de propagation du feu aux pièces et aux matériaux combustibles adjacents. Dans ce contexte, la présente étude vise à caractériser les principaux transferts thermiques mis en jeu au cours des deux scenarii et de mieux comprendre la cinétique de formation, de décomposition, d’inflammation et de combustion des dépôts au sein des conduits. Pour ce faire, une démarche expérimentale et numérique a été adoptée. La partie expérimentale permet de déterminer les caractéristiques chimiques (analyses élémentaire et chimique) et thermo-physiques (densité, conductivité, effusivité et capacité thermique, porosité, pouvoir calorifique) de 24 résidus provenant d’installations réelles ou créés en laboratoire dans des conditions de combustion maîtrisées. Ces résidus sont par la suite étudiés en analyseur thermogravimétrique et au Cône Calorimètre afin de déterminer les étapes de décomposition thermique, ainsi que les propriétés d’inflammabilité et de combustibilité, en inflammation pilotée et en auto-inflammation. Une base de données conséquente de l’ensemble des propriétés est alors générée. Un four de résistance au feu (selon la norme EN 1366-13) a permis l’étude de la participation du conduit à la propagation du feu d’une pièce à une autre, à travers la mesure de champs de température, notamment au-dessus du plafond. Les essais dans ce dispositif permettent l’acquisition de données essentielles à la définition des conditions initiales et aux limites nécessaires au développement et à la validation d’un modèle numérique développé sous Fluent. Ce modèle décrit les transferts thermiques par conduction, convection et rayonnement. Il permet d’estimer le niveau de température sur la paroi extérieure du conduit de fumée au-dessus du four, requis lors des essais de déclaration de performance EI selon la norme EN 1366-13 et ce, quelle que soit la configuration du conduit (diamètre, nature…). Les résultats obtenus répondent au besoin de Poujoulat, dont l’enjeu est de disposer d’un outil expérimental et numérique de développement de conduits résistant au feu et d’une base de données relative aux dépôts afin de préconiser des conseils d’utilisation aux habitants / The structural evolution of residential buildings due to thermal, environmental regulations and roll out of the Construction Products Regulation generate major challenge for chimney manufacturers, in particular with regard to the safety of residents during a fire. Two fire resistance scenarios are eloquent in European Regulations: the one associated with the development of fire in the room where the chimney is located and the last reported on the development of fire in the chimney itself, by ignition of the deposits. In both cases, the chimney must not be a vector for propagating fire to adjacent rooms and combustible materials. In this context, the present study aims to characterize the main thermal transfers involved in the two scenarios and to better understand the kinetics of formation, decomposition, ignition and combustion of the deposits within the chimney. To do this, an experimental and numerical approach was adopted. The experimental part allows to determine the chemical characteristics (elemental and chemical analyzes) and thermo-physical characteristics (density, conductivity, effusivity and thermal capacity, porosity, calorific value) of 24 residues from real installations or created in laboratory under representative conditions of combustion. These residues are then studied in thermogravimetric analyzers (TGA) and Cone Calorimeters in order to determine the thermal decomposition steps as well as the flammability and combustibility properties, in cases of piloted and auto-ignition. A consequent database of the set of properties has then been generated. A fire-resistant furnace (according to EN 1366-13) allowed the study of the chimney participation in the propagation of fire from one room to another, through the measurement of temperature fields, above the ceiling. The tests allow the acquisition of data essential to the definition of the initial conditions and the limits necessary for the development and the validation of a numerical model developed under Fluent. This model describes heat transfer by conduction, convection and radiation. It makes possible to estimate the temperature level on the outer wall of the chimney above the furnace, which is required in the EI performance declaration tests according to EN 1366-13, regardless of the configuration of the chimney (diameter, materials...). The results obtained correspond to the need for Poujoulat, whose challenge is to have an experimental and numerical tool for the development of fire-resistant chimney and a database relating to deposits in order to advise the habitants.

No description available.

No description available.

Polymers are frequently utilized in blood-contacting biomaterials. Although, these materials exhibit generally favourable mechanical properties, the presence of these artificial surfaces in contact with blood initiates the mechanisms of thrombosis. This occurrence may, in turn, lead to a variety of serious clinical complications. A great deal of work has been done in this laboratory in the past to investigate the interactions of a variety of proteins (particularly coagulation proteins) with artificial surfaces. This interaction is believed to be the initial step in the physiological response to artificial surfaces in contact with blood. A secondary but equally important process is the adhesion and activation of blood platelets to artificial surfaces which may then lead to the formation of thrombi. The work performed here involves the investigation of platelet-surface interactions with a variety of surfaces, primarily a series of sulphonate ion-containing polyurethanes. Similar polymers have been shown by other researchers to exhibit favourable blood-contacting responses while retaining the attractive mechanical properties of polyurethanes in general. To perform the work outlined above, a novel cone and plate device was designed and built which enables the experimenter to investigate platelet-surface interactions under varying shear flow conditions. Collagen and albumin-coated test surfaces were utilized to investigate the platelet adhesion results generated in the device with varying fluid shear rate and time. A typical adhesion time response curve was generated with increasing levels of adhesion noted for increasing shear rate, as expected due to increased platelet transport to the surface. As well, effective platelet diffusion coefficients were calculated from the adhesion data collected using the collagen surface and was found to agree broadly with those found by other researchers. A series of sulphonated polyurethanes were synthesized and both the bulk and surface properties were characterized. A variety of polymer sulphonate concentrations were achieved by use of different constituent molecules (specifically chain extenders and polyols). The polymers, in general, showed high levels of water absorption and increased hydrophilicity in comparison to non-sulphonated analogs. The cone and plate device was used to investigate the platelet adhesion response in a shear flow environment to these surfaces. In general, sulphonate incorporation resulted in a dramatic increase in the level of adhesion to the polyurethane surfaces, indicating that platelets are able to form adhesive interactions with sulphonate functional groups. Platelet adhesion levels to the sulphonated polyurethanes exhibited both time and shear rate dependence. However, differences in adhesion levels between the sulphonated polyurethanes did not appear to be a simple function of the sulphonate concentration. This may indicate that the local environment of the incorporated sulphonate groups in the polyurethane can affect the ability of these groups to interact with the platelet membrane. / Thesis / Master of Engineering (ME)

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It is the intention of this thesis to explore the idea of half light, as put forward by Luis Barragan: "Architects are forgetting the need of human beings for half-light, the sort of light that imposes a tranquility, in their living rooms as well as in their bedrooms."¹ The exploration will occur through photography, writing, and architectural design. But most of all, the emphasis will be on developing a rich internal vocabular and set of intuitions, and then see what architecture emerges from these intuitions. / Master of Architecture

No description available.