This thesis first outlines the testing undertaken on a partial core superconducting transformer under open circuit, short circuit, full load and endurance test conditions. During the endurance test, a failure occurred after 1 minute and 35 seconds. During the failure, voltage dipping and rapid liquid nitrogen boil off was observed. This prompted a failure investigation which concluded that the lack of cooling in the windings was the most probable cause to the failure. Full core transformer and superconductor theories are then introduced. A copper winding transformer model, based on a Steinmetz equivalent circuit and a reverse design method, is described. A superconductor loss model which outlines the different types of losses experienced under AC conditions is used to determine the resistance of the windings in the Steinmetz equivalent circuit. This resistance changes with the magnitude of current and the strength of the magnetic field that is present in the gaps between each layer of the windings. An alternative leakage flux model is then presented, where the flux is modelled based on the combination of the reluctance of the core and the air surrounding the windings. Based on these theories, an iterative algorithm to calculate the resistance of the superconductor is developed. A new design of a 15kVA single phase full core superconducting transformer, operating in liquid nitrogen, is presented. The issues with building the superconducting transformer are outlined. First, a copper mockup of the superconducting transformer was designed where the mockup would have the same tape and winding dimensions as the superconducting transformer, which means the same core can be used for two different sets of windings. This led to designing a core that could be easily taken apart as well as reassembled. Construction of the core, the copper windings and the superconductor windings ensued. The process of cutting the core laminations, insulating the copper and superconductor tapes, and making the steel fasteners and terminations are described. The copper mockup and superconducting transformers was then tested under open circuit, short circuit, different load and endurance conditions at both liquid nitrogen and room temperatures. These test results were then compared with the those from two models. The comparison showed a significant inaccuracy in the reactances in the models. This introduced a correction factor into the superconductor model which ii made it more accurate. However, further work is required to explain and quantify the correction factors for the copper transformer model under different load conditions.

The thesis begins by providing an introduction to transformer theory. An ideal transformer is examined first, followed by full core transformer theory. The partial core transformer is then introduced and compared to the full core design. An introduction to superconductors is then presented where a simplified theory of superconductivity is given. High temperature superconductors are then examined including their physical structure, superconducting properties and the design of the superconducting wire. The early development of high temperature superconducting partial core transformers at the University of Canterbury is then examined. Early partial core development is discussed followed by some material testing at cryogenic temperatures. This work lead into the development of the first high temperature superconducting partial core transformer. This transformer failed during testing and an examination of the failure mechanisms is presented. The results of the failure investigation prompted an alternative winding insulation design which was implemented in a full core superconducting transformer. The modelling used to design a high temperature superconducting partial core transformer is then presented. Based upon the reverse design method, the modelling is used to determine the components of the Steinmetz equivalent transformer circuit. The modelling includes a combination of circuit theory and finite element analysis. An ac loss model for high temperature superconductors is also presented. A new 15 kVA, 230-230V high temperature superconducting partial core transformer was designed, built and tested. The windings are layer wound with first generation Bi2223 high temperature superconductor. The modelling was used to predict the performance of the transformer as well as the ac losses of the high temperature superconductor. A series of electrical tests were performed on the transformer including open circuit, short circuit, resistive load, overload, ac withstand voltage and fault ride through tests. The test results are compared with the model. The transformer was found to be 98.2% efficient at rated power with 2.86% voltage regulation.

This thesis discusses the results of experimental tests on two post-tensioned timber core-walls, tested under bi-directional quasi-static seismic loading. The half-scale two-storey test specimens included a stair with half-flight landings. Multi-storey timber structures are becoming increasingly desirable for architects and building owners due to their aesthetic and environmental benefits. In addition, there is increasing public pressure to have low damage structural systems with minimal business interruption after a moderate to severe seismic event. Timber has been used extensively for low-rise residential structures in the past, but has been utilised much less for multi-storey structures, traditionally limited to residential type building layouts which use light timber framing and include many walls to form a lateral load resisting system. This is undesirable for multi-storey commercial buildings which need large open spaces providing building owners with versatility in their desired floor plan. The use of Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) panels for multi-storey timber buildings is gaining popularity throughout the world, especially for residential construction. Previous experimental testing has been done on the in-plane behaviour of single and coupled post-tensioned timber walls at the University of Canterbury and elsewhere. However, there has been very little research done on the 3D behaviour of timber walls that are orthogonal to each other and no research to date into post-tensioned CLT walls. The “high seismic option” consisted of full height post-tensioned CLT walls coupled with energy dissipating U-shaped Flexural Plates (UFPs) attached at the vertical joints between coupled wall panels and between wall panels and the steel corner columns. An alternative “low seismic option” consisted of post-tensioned CLT panels connected by screws, to provide a semi-rigid connection, allowing relative movement between the panels, producing some level of frictional energy dissipation.

The Earth’s magnetic field is generated by fluid motion of liquid iron in the outer core. Flows at the top of the outer core are believed to be responsible for the secular variation (SV) observed at the surface of the Earth. Modelling of this flow is open to considerable ambiguity, though methods adopting different physical assumptions do lead to similar flow velocity regimes. Some aspects of the ambiguities are investigated in this thesis. The last decade has seen a significant improvement in the capability to observe the global field at high spatial resolution. Several satellite missions have been launched, providing a rich new set of scalar and vector magnetic measurements from which to model the global field in detail. These data complement the existing record of groundbased observatories, which have continuous temporal coverage at a single point. I exploit these new data to model the secular variation (SV) globally and attempt to improve the core flow models that have been constructed to date. Using the approach developed by Mandea and Olsen (2006) I create a set of evenly distributed ‘Virtual Observatories’ (VO), at 400km above the Earth’s surface, encompassing satellite measurements from the CHAMP satellite over seven years (2001-2007), inverting the SV calculated at each VO to infer flow along the core-mantle boundary. Direct comparison of the SV generated by the flow model to the SV at individual VO can be made. Thus, the residual differences can be investigated in detail. Comparisons of residuals from flow models generated from a number of VO datasets provide evidence that they are consistent with internal and external field effects in the satellite data. I also show that the binning and processing of the VO data can induce artefacts, including sectorial banding, into the residuals. By employing the core flows from the inversion of SV data it may be possible to forecast the change of the present magnetic field (as measured) forwards in time for a short time period (e.g. less than five years) within an acceptable error budget. Using simple advection of steady or non-steady flows to forecast magnetic field change gives reasonably good fit to field models such as GRIMM, POMME or xCHAOS (< 50nT root mean square difference after five years). The forecast of the magnetic field change can be improved by optimally assimilating measurements of the field into the forecast from flow models at discrete points in time (e.g. annually). To achieve this, an Ensemble Kalman Filter (EnKF) can be used to the capture non-linearity of the model and delineate the error bounds by means of a Monte Carlo representation of the field evolution over time. In the EnKF model, an ensemble of probable state vectors (Gauss coefficients) evolve over time, driven by SV derived from core flows. The SV is randomly perturbed at each step before addition to the state vectors. The mean of the ensemble is chosen as the most likely state (i.e. field model) and the error associated with the estimate can be gauged from the standard deviation from the mean. I show an implementation of the EnKF for steady and non-steady flows generated from ‘Virtual Observatory’ field models, compared to the field models GRIMM and xCHAOS over the period 2002–2008. Using the EnKF, the maximum difference never exceeds 25nT over the period. This promising approach allows measurements to be included into model predictions to improve the forecast.

This thesis describes, in a manufacturing context, the development of new waterbased core technology for light alloys. Cores used for steel casting are made from fused silica and are removed using hot sodium hydroxide under refluxing (pressurising hot acids). However, aluminium and other light alloys are attacked by sodium hydroxide. Currently there is no good core system for aluminium and other light alloys. It is therefore desirable to find an alternative material/leaching agent combination for casting aluminium and other light alloys. The recent research review has shown that ceramic cores are mostly made by fused silica with different additives. The previous research has suggested using fused silica (different mesh size) as filling material and using magnesium oxide to control the slurry working life of core mixes. Calcium silicate assists core leaching in dilute acid. The plaster (calcium sulphate) in the form of proprietary plasters (Crystcal R, Fine Casting Plaster) is used to create bond and gives strength to the core. Lithium carbonate acts has an accelerator, improving the strengthening effect of the plaster in the cores. The binder (Ludox® AM) and water act (as added materials) to bind the composition Core compositions were made with different core trials to produce a core, which records suitable strength and quick leaching properties for light alloys. Core trials were individually mixed and poured into a wooden core box. Cores were pre-dried for twenty-four hours. Cores were fired to different temperatures for two hours, followed by two hours cooling. The cores were subjected to computerised three-point bend test to record the Modulus of rupture (MOR). The plain strain fracture toughness and Weibull parameters were calculated. The Weibull parameter was plotted using Minitab analysis software. Using the cores, gravity die casting process were carried out. The subsequent castings was dipped in diluted nitric, citric and acetic acid to leach out the core. Using different core compositions, core trials were mixed, poured, dried, tested and leached. The high amount of plaster in core trials records high MOR when cores were fired between 200°- 400° C and the opposite result when fired between 600°- 800° C. The different grade of plasters(CRP,FCP) do not influence the strength. One percent of magnesium oxide gives a very short working life. High amount of binder(Ludox® AM) in core produce strong cores. Workable MOR results can be obtained depending on composition allowing manual handling or a waxing process. The fracture toughness is typical of a brittle material, with matching Weibull parameters. The casting process suggests that the new materials are sufficiently refractory. The cores are leached out using diluted nitric, acetic and citric acid at rates compatible with commercial manufacture. This methodology has successfully produced a core using fused silica with plaster and magnesium oxide for aluminium and possibly for light alloys. Different core trials can be used depending on the specific industrial application relating to strength and removal with acid attacking the metal. Further work is needed to fine tune optimum leaching conditions.

El objetivo del presente trabajo de título consiste en analizar el funcionamiento de una red GPRS, identificando sus componentes e interfaces principales, para luego proponer un sistema de gestión de diseño que permita evaluar el desempeño del core de la red de datos. Para poder proponer un sistema de gestión de diseño, se consideraron dos puntos. Por un lado, se requiere tener un conocimiento del estado actual de los componentes de la red, respecto a su capacidad y la caracterización de la calidad del servicio que se está entregando. Para esto, se proponen indicadores de calidad y de control, con sus respectivos umbrales, para poder conocer el desempeño de la red. Por otro lado, se propone un modelo predictivo basado en redes neuronales, para poder así, anticiparse a posibles limitaciones de capacidad futuras, de modo tal, que se pueda corregir y mantener así un servicio de calidad de acuerdo a los requerimientos. Se concluye, que con los indicadores propuestos y el modelo predictivo realizado, se puede tener una perspectiva de dimensionamiento y de caracterización de calidad, con lo que se puede ofrecer un servicio GPRS de buen desempeño.

No description available.

Abstract Three dimensional finite strain and kinematic data from the Resolution Island Shear Zone, Fiordland, New Zealand record the progressive evolution of a lower crustal metamorphic core complex. The Resolution Island Shear Zone is a mid-Cretaceous (~114-90 Ma) extensional shear zone that juxtaposes high-pressure (P~17-19 kbar) garnet-granulite and eclogite facies orthogneiss from the lower crust against mid-crustal (P~6-8 kbar) orthogneiss and paragneiss along a low-angle upper amphibolite facies ductile normal fault. In the lower plate of the Resolution Island Shear Zone the high-pressure garnetgranulite and eclogite facies gneissic foliations (S1) are attenuated by granulite facies extensional shear zone foliations (S2). Retrograde metamorphism marked by the breakdown of omphacite and garnet to amphibole and feldspar in S2 foliation records the unloading of the lower plate during extension. Continued extension localized strain into weaker amphibole and feldspar-bearing lithologies. Upper amphibolite facies shear zones anastomose around rigid lenses that preserve the S1 and S2 fabric. Upper amphibolite facies shear zone fabrics (S3/L3) that envelop these pods display a regional-scale domeand- basin pattern. These shear zones coalesce and form the Resolution Island Shear Zone. Coeval with the formation of the Resolution Island Shear Zone, a conjugate, southwest dipping, and lesser magnitude shear zone termed the Wet Jacket Shear Zone developed in the upper plate of the Resolution Island Shear Zone. Three-dimensional strain analyses from S3/L3 fabric in the Resolution Island Shear Zone show prolate-shaped strain ellipsoids. Stretching axes (X) from measured finite strain ellipsoids trend northeast and southwest and are subparallel to L3 mineral stretching lineations. Shortening axes (Y, Z) are subhorizontal and subvertical, respectively, and rotate through the YZ plane of the finite strain ellipsoid. This pattern reflects the dome-and-basin geometry displayed by anastomosing S3 foliations and indicates the Resolution Island Shear Zone developed in the field of constriction. Threedimensional kinematic results indicate a coaxial-dominated rotation of stretching lineations toward the X-axis in both the XZ and XY planes of the finite strain ellipsoid. Results suggest that a lower crustal metamorphic core complex developed in a constrictional strain field with components of coaxial-dominated subvertical and subhorizontal shortening. Mid-Cretaceous (~114-90 Ma) extensional structures exposed in Fiordland, including the Resolution Island, Wet Jacket, Mount Irene and Doubtful Sound shear zones and the Paparoa metamorphic core complex allows the reconstruction of a crustal column that describes the geometry of mid-Cretaceous continental rifting of Gondwana. The overall symmetry of crustal-scale structures during continental extension suggests kinematic links between flow in the lower crust and the geometry and mode of continental extension. This result is consistent with numerical models of lithospheric rifting that predict the lower crust has a primary control on the style of continental extension.

Background: There are no core outcome domain or measurement sets for Total Joint Replacement (TJR) clinical trials. Our objective was to achieve an International consensus by orthopaedic surgeons on the OMERACT core domain/area set for TJR clinical trials. Methods: We conducted surveys of two orthopaedic surgeon cohorts, which included (1) the leadership of international orthopaedic societies and surgeons (IOS; cohort 1), and (2) the members of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons' Outcome Special Interest Group (AAOS-Outcome SIG), and/or the Outcome Research Interest Group of the Orthopaedic Research Society (ORS; cohort 2). Participants rated OMERACT-endorsed preliminary core area set for TJR clinical trials on a 1 to 9 scale, indicating 1-3 as domain of limited importance, 4-6 being important, but not critical, and 7-9 being critical. Results: Eighteen survey participants from the IOS group and 69 participants from the AAOS-Outcome SIG/ORS groups completed the survey questionnaire. The median (interquartile range [IQR]) scores were seven or higher for all six proposed preliminary core areas/domains across both groups, IOS and AAOS-Outcome SIG/ORS, respectively: pain, 8 [8, 9] and 8 [7, 9]; function, 8 [8, 8] and 8 [7, 9]; patient satisfaction, 8 [7, 9] and 8 [7, 8]; revision surgery, 7 [6, 9] and 8 [6, 8]; adverse events, 7 [5, 8] and 7 [6, 9]; and death, 7 [7, 9] and 8 [5, 9]. Respective median scores were lower for two additional optional domains: patient participation, 6.5 [5, 7] and 6 [5, 8]; and cost, 6 [5, 7] and 6 [5, 7]. Conclusions: This study showed that two independent surveys dervied from three groups of orthopaedic surgeons with international representation endorsed a preliminary/draft OMERACT core domain/area set for Joint Replacement clinical trials.

Modern system-on-chips augment their baseline CPU with coprocessors and accelerators to increase overall computational capacity and power efficiency, and thus have evolved into heterogeneous systems. Several languages have been developed to enable this paradigm shift, including CUDA and OpenCL. This thesis discusses a unified compilation environment to enable heterogeneous system design through the use of OpenCL and a customised VLIW chip multiprocessor (CMP) architecture, known as the LE1. An LLVM compilation framework was researched and a prototype developed to enable the execution of OpenCL applications on the LE1 CPU. The framework fully automates the compilation flow and supports work-item coalescing to better utilise the CPU cores and alleviate the effects of thread divergence. This thesis discusses in detail both the software stack and target hardware architecture and evaluates the scalability of the proposed framework on a highly precise cycle-accurate simulator. This is achieved through the execution of 12 benchmarks across 240 different machine configurations, as well as further results utilising an incomplete development branch of the compiler. It is shown that the problems generally scale well with the LE1 architecture, up to eight cores, when the memory system becomes a serious bottleneck. Results demonstrate superlinear performance on certain benchmarks (x9 for the bitonic sort benchmark with 8 dual-issue cores) with further improvements from compiler optimisations (x14 for bitonic with the same configuration).