Cette thèse vise à évaluer deux techniques différentes pour la distinction d'échantillons biologiques mécaniquement altérés. Les deux approches ont été mises au point et étudiées avec un objectif à long terme qui est l'application de ces méthodes au diagnostic basé sur le phénotype mécanique. Bien que, nous avons élaboré ces approches dans le cas de globules rouges (GR), comme leurs propriétés mécaniques peuvent être affectées par des pathologies importantes, tous les concepts développés dans ce travail peuvent être adaptés à d'autres types de cellules.Nous avons caractérisé les propriétés mécaniques de GR à l'aide d'une technique microfluidique passive. L'accent a été mis sur la relaxation de globules rouges sains (GRs) à la sortie d'un canal à largeur variante et la dépendance de la réponse mécanique aux conditions expérimentales a été démontrée. Nous avons rapporté deux modes de relaxation du GR en fonction des paramètres de l'écoulement, et nous avons utilisé l'interface entre ces deux modes pour remonter aux propriétés mécaniques du GR. Lors de la seconde approche, nous avons présenté les résultats obtenus au cours de l'étude du comportement mécanique des GRs à l'aide de l'électrodeformation. Nous avons étudié l'influence des paramètres expérimentaux sur la réponse cellulaire et conclu sur des conditions optimisées pour la sollicitation des cellules sans les altérer. Pour finir, nous avons fait le point sur l'évaluation de ces deux techniques dans la discrimination des échantillons mécaniquement défaillants des sujets sains. Les avantages et inconvénients des deux approches ont été discutés / This thesis aims at evaluating two different techniques for the distinction of mechanically impaired biological samples. Both approaches were developed and investigated keeping in mind the long term objective which is the application of these approaches to diagnosis based on cell mechanical phenotype. Although, we developed these approaches on Red Blood Cells as as their mechanical properties can be affected by important pathologies, all the concepts developed in this work can be adapted to other cell types.We characterized mechanically RBCs using a passive microfluidic technique. We focused on the shape relaxation of healthy Red Blood Cells (hRBCs) flowing out of an oscillating width channel and demonstrated the dependency of their mechanical response upon the experimental conditions. We reported the existence of two relaxation modes for RBCs depending on the flow parameters, we used the interface between the two modes to extract the mechanical properties of RBC.Using a second approach, we presented the results obtained during the study of the mechanical behavior of hRBCs using electrodeformation assays. We investigated the influence of the solicitation parameters on the cell response and concluded on optimized conditions for cell solicitation without altering them. Finally, we evaluated both techniques in the discrimination of rigidified samples from healthy couterparts. Advantages and drawbacks of both techniques were discussed

This final thesis deals with determination of moisture influence on convential strength pressure with use of the prototype diagnostic tool. This device can be used for in situ measurement of inbuilt wood properties in constructions. This new approach enables to determine strength and stiffness parameters of wood parallel to grain based on measurement of force required for pushing jaws inside the predrilled hole apart. The thesis aim is to determine the mechanical properties of wood by both experimental testing of novel device and with universal testing machine. The results of experiments are mutually compared, statically evaluated and also compared with known values. The experiments are carried out according to the standards for testing of the mechanical properties of raw wood

No presente trabalho trata-se de um estudo da contribuição de painéis pré-moldados de fechamento no enrijecimento da estrutura principal, com relação às ações laterais. Inicialmente são apontados os critérios correntes de dimensionamento dos painéis pré-moldados de fechamento sem a consideração da interação destes com a estrutura principal. Em seguida, são desenvolvidas simulações numéricas em três exemplos com o objetivo de avaliar tal efeito. Estes exemplos englobam as seguintes situações: painel isolado, estrutura de um pavimento e uma estrutura de vários pavimentos. Os principias parâmetros analisados são os deslocamentos na estrutura principal, os esforços nas ligações e as tensões nos painéis. Os resultados obtidos mostram a importância da contribuição dos painéis no enrijecimento da estrutura principal. Na estrutura de um único pavimento analisada, a consideração de interação possibilita a passagem de situação em que os efeitos globais de segunda ordem são relevantes para aquela em que tais efeitos são desprezíveis. Para a estrutura analisada de vários pavimentos, a consideração de interação resulta em significativas economias de materiais apontando para economia da ordem de 20% na estrutura principal. Com base nos resultados, conclui-se que os painéis de fechamento pode ser incorporados numa estratégia de projeto, possibilitando economia na estrutura principal. / This work presents a study of the precast panels contribution in the main frame stiffness, subjected to lateral loads. At first, currents criteria of panels design are analyzed, without considering the interaction with the main frame. After that, three examples are calculated using numerical simulation to evaluate this effect. These examples include the following situations: a single panel, an one-story frame and a multi-story frame. The parameters are: the frame displacements, the connections efforts and the panels tensions. The results show the magnitude of the panels contribution. In fact, to the one-story frame, it was possible to pass from a flexible structure where the second-order effects must be taken into account to an other one where this effects could be neglected. For the multi-story frame analysis, the panels contribution produced an effective material economy of about 20% (and consequent cost reduction). Basing on these results, one can conclude that the infill panels can be included in the design strategy with economy for the structural system.

The migration and invasion of cancer cells through 3D confined extracellular matrices is coupled to cell mechanics and the mechanics of the extracellular matrix. Cell mechanics is mainly determined by both the mechanics of the largest organelle in the cell, the nucleus, and the cytoskeletal architecture of the cell. Hence, cytoskeletal and nuclear mechanics are the major contributors to cell mechanics. Among other factors, steric hindrances of the extracellular matrix confinement are supposed to affect nuclear mechanics and thus also influence cell mechanics. Therefore, we propose that the percentage of invasive cells and their invasion depths into loose and dense 3D extracellular matrices is regulated by both nuclear and cytoskeletal mechanics. In order to investigate the effect of both nuclear and cytoskeletal mechanics on the overall cell mechanics, we firstly altered nuclear mechanics by the chromatin de-condensing reagent Trichostatin A (TSA) and secondly altered cytoskeletal mechanics by addition of actin polymerization inhibitor Latrunculin A and the myosin inhibitor Blebbistatin. In fact, we found that TSA-treated MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells increased their invasion depth in dense 3D extracellular matrices, whereas the invasion depths in loose matrices were decreased. Similarly, the invasion depths of TSA-treated MCF- 7 human breast cancer cells in dense matrices were significantly increased compared to loose matrices, where the invasion depths were decreased. These results are also valid in the presence of a matrix-metalloproteinase inhibitor GM6001. Using atomic force microscopy (AFM), we found that the nuclear stiffnesses of both MDA-MB- 231 and MCF-7 breast cancer cells were pronouncedly higher than their cytoskeletal stiffness, whereas the stiffness of the nucleus of human mammary epithelial cells was decreased compared to their cytoskeleton. TSA treatment reduced cytoskeletal and nuclear stiffness of MCF-7 cells, as expected. However, a softening of the nucleus by TSA treatment may induce a stiffening of the cytoskeleton of MDA-MB-231 cells and subsequently an apparent stiffening of the nucleus. Inhibiting actin polymerization using Latrunculin A revealed a softer nucleus of MDA-MB-231 cells under TSA treatment. This indicates that the actin-dependent cytoskeletal stiffness seems to be influenced by the TSA-induced nuclear stiffness changes. Finally, the combined treatment with TSA and Latrunculin A further justifies the hypothesis of apparent nuclear stiffening, indicating that cytoskeletal mechanics seem to be regulated by nuclear mechanics.

No presente trabalho foram estudadas duas ligações viga-pilar de estruturas de concreto pré-moldado com ênfase na deformabilidade ao momento fletor. A primeira é muito utilizada em galpões com sistema estrutural de pórticos para telhado com duas águas. A segunda é utilizada em estruturas de edifícios com múltiplos pavimentos. Foram realizados ensaios físicos em dois modelos de cada tipo de ligação. Com base nos resultados experimentais, foram propostos modelos analíticos, baseados no Método dos Componentes, e realizadas simulações numéricas, baseadas no Método dos Elementos Finitos, através dos quais determinou-se a curva momento-rotação das ligações em estudo. As curvas momento rotação teóricas, para as duas ligações estudadas, ficaram bastante próximas das experimentais. De acordo com os resultados, pode-se dizer que a primeira ligação teve um comportamento próximo ao de uma ligação perfeitamente rígida. Isso porque, para uma estrutura típica, ela transmitiu mais de 90% do momento equivalente ao de uma estrutura monolítica. A segunda ligação também garantiu uma boa transferência de momento fletor. Observou-se que, ao considerar a semi-rigidez dessa ligação na análise estrutural, há uma redução significativa no momento na base dos pilares mais solicitados, o que permite uma redução na armadura dos pilares e nas dimensões da fundação / The present research deals with the study of two types of precast beam-to-column connections with emphasis on the deformability analysis. The first one is extensively used in precast concrete portal frames with sloping beams. The second one is used in multi-storey framed structures. Experimental tests on two models of each type of beam-to-column connections were done. Based on the experimental results, analytical models, based on the Component Method, were proposed and numerical simulations, based on the Finite Element Method, were developed, which provide the moment-rotation curves of the studied connections. The theoretical moment-rotation curves, for both studied connections, are in good agreement with the experimental ones. According to the results, the first connection had almost the same behaviour of a rigid one. It transmitted about 90% of the bending moment of an equivalent monolithic structure. The second connection also transmitted a good portion of bending moment. It was observed that when its semi-rigidity is considered on the structural analysis there was a significant reduction on the column base bending moment and on the foundation dimensions

No presente trabalho é abordada uma metodologia analítica para o cálculo de deformabilidades de ligações típicas de concreto pré-moldado, levando-se em conta os mecanismos básicos de deformação na ligação. Foram estudas duas ligações típicas viga-pilar de concreto pré-moldado. A primeira ligação é uma ligação com almofada de elastômero e chumbador. É apresentado um desenvolvimento analítico para o cálculo da deformabilidade ao cisalhamento da ligação. Também, é abordado um procedimento para a determinação da resistência ao cisalhamento. Foram realizados ensaios de cisalhamento, de flexão e torção nessa ligação, onde foram variados a geometria da almofada e o diâmetro do chumbador. A segunda ligação é uma ligação resistente à flexão com chapas soldadas. É apresentado um desenvolvimento para o cálculo da deformabilidade à flexão da ligação. Foram realizados dois ensaios de flexão alternada em um protótipo com ligações soldadas e um protótipo monolítico, o qual serviu de referência para avaliar a rigidez da ligação. Os valores calculados da deformabilidade ao cisalhamento, para os protótipos com almofada de elastômero e chumbador, foram, em média, 23% superiores aos valores experimentais. Todavia, este equacionamento não se aplica ao caso de uma ligação com almofada com um fator de forma maior do que 5. As resistências ao cisalhamento calculadas corresponderam a valores entre 96 a 100% em relação aos valores experimentais. A ligação com chapas soldadas apresentou uma rigidez à flexão da ordem 83% da rigidez da ligação monolítica. O valor calculado para a rigidez à flexão secante foi 5% superior à rigidez apresentada pela ligação ensaiada. O momento máximo de cálculo da ligação, estimado com base na rigidez calculada, foi 6% superior ao momento de ruptura. A partir dos resultados experimentais, demonstrou-se que, através da utilização de procedimentos analíticos para a determinação das deformabilidades, pode-se obter uma boa estimativa para os valores experimentais, constituindo-se assim em uma alternativa viável e em uma ferramenta de grande potencial a ser explorado para o projeto das ligações de concreto pré-moldado. / This thesis discusses an analytical methodology to determine the deformability of beam-column connections for precast concrete structures, considering the basic mechanisms of deformation in these connections. Two typical beam-column connections it was studied. For the first one, which consists of a connection with bearing pad and dowel bars, is presented an analytical development to determine its shear deformability. In addition, it is discussed a procedure to determine its shear resistance and some tests, which include shear, bending moment and sprain about beam axis, are also reported, where it were used different parameters to the bearing pad geometry and to the dowel bar diameter in the connections. For the second connection, which consists of a moment resistant connection with welded plates, is presented an analytical development to determine the connection flexibility. In order to evaluate the flexibility behaviour of the connection, two tests are reported. In the first one was used a rigid connection, which was used as a stiffness reference. As a result, the theoretical shear deformability, calculated to the prototypes with bearing pad and dowel bars, presented 23% more than the experimental results. Therefore, this calculus was not applied for pads with shape factor bigger than 5. The predicted shear resistance suited to values between 96 and 100% in relation to experimental values. The stiffness response of the resistant moment connection suited about 83% of the rigid connection stiffness. The theoretical secant stiffness of the connection it was 5% bigger than the experimental response. The predicted ultimate bending moment it was 6% bigger than moment crack of connection. Based on the analysis of the results, it was demonstrated that, the employ of analytical developments to determine deformabilities in the precast concrete connections is viable and provides good estimated values. In other way, the use of those analytical developments together with available procedures consist on important design tools to be applied for the precast concrete connections.

O desempenho das fundações pode ser avaliado da maneira clássica através de provas de carga estáticas ou dinâmicas. Estas provas de carga são, em geral, caras e demoradas, além de que é necessário que o elemento de fundação já esteja pronto. Outra forma de avaliar o desempenho de fundações é determinar os parâmetros de deformabilidade do solo, em especial os módulos de deformabilidade. Em geral, esses módulos são estimados através de correlações empíricas com o N do SPT ou qc do CPT. Poucas vezes ensaios de laboratório (como o triaxial), ou especiais de campo (como o pressiômetro), são executados para determinação desse parâmetro. Uma possibilidade de contornar esse problema é realizar uma prova de carga no cone elétrico (o ensaio CLT) simultaneamente ao ensaio CPT. Neste trabalho apresenta-se como o ensaio CLT pode ser realizado e como seu resultado pode ser interpretado. Uma campanha de ensaios CLT foi realizada no campo experimental da Unesp de Bauru. Os resultados desses ensaios foram utilizados para calcular o módulo ECLT na região elástica linear inicial da curva, de modo similar como se determina o módulo de Young para o aço. Os valores dos módulos ECLT foram comparados com os módulos de deformabilidade determinados a partir de ensaios de pressiômetro. Também foi possível representar a curva de degradação do módulo de cisalhamento para o local estudado. Apresenta-se também a correlação obtida para estimativa de ECLT a partir dos valores da resistência de ponta do cone (qc) para os solos da área estudada. Conclui-se que o ensaio CLT é uma técnica rápida e econômica que pode ser utilizada como um complemento ao ensaio CPT para um melhor entendimento do comportamento tensão-deformação do solo. Com o ensaio CLT é possível estimar um parâmetro de deformabilidade, o ECLT, bem como representar a degradação do módulo com o nível de deformação. Este ensaio híbrido, CPT+CLT, tem potencial para uso na investigação de solos não convencionais, onde quase sempre não existem parâmetros de referência para estimativa de recalques de fundações. / The performance of foundations can be evaluated the classical way, through static and dynamic load tests. Such load tests are generally time-consuming and expensive, besides that it is necessary that the foundation system be already in place. Another way to evaluate the performance of foundations is to determine the deformability parameters of the soil, especially the the deformability moduli. Ordinarily such moduli are estimated through empirical correlations with N of SPT or qc of CPT. Seldom laboratory tests (such as the triaxial) and field tests (such as the pressiometer) are employed to determine such parameters. One way to solve this problem is to perform a load test on the electric cone (the Cone Loading Test) simultaneously with the CPT test. The work presented here shows how the Cone Loading Test (CLT) can be performed and how its results can be interpreted. A campaign of Cone Loading Tests was conducted at the research site of Unesp-Bauru, São Paulo, Brazil. The CLT results were used to calculate the modulus ECLT in the linear elastic region of the stress-strain curve, in the same manner how the modulus of Young for steel is obtained. The values for ECLT moduli were compared to the deformability moduli obtained from pressiometer (PMT) tests. It was also possible to generate the degradation curve for shear modulus of the soil in the area of study. Presented here are the correlations obtained in the estimation of ECLT from values of cone tip resistance (qc) for the studied soils. From the results obtained, it can be concluded CLT is a fast and inexpensive technique that can be used as a complement to the CPT in improving the understanding of the stress-strain behavior of soils. With CLT it is possible to estimate the deformability parameter ECLT, as well as to represent the degradation of the modulus with increasing levels of strain. Such a hybrid test, CPT+CLT, has potential use in the investigation of non-conventional soils, which lack reference parameters for the estimation os settlement of foundations installed in them.

O trabalho tem como objetivo correlacionar as propriedades mecânicas de blocos vazados com as do concreto que o constitui. Moldam-se blocos vazados e corpos-de-prova de dimensões distintas com concreto plástico em três níveis de resistência (10, 20 e 30 MPa) e caracterizam-se as propriedades mecânicas por meio de ensaios à compressão axial e à tração. Ensaiam-se à compressão axial prismas constituídos por dois e três blocos de concreto sem junta de argamassa, unidos por adesivo à base de epóxi. Observa-se que a relação entre as resistências do bloco e prisma e a resistência do concreto diminui com o aumento da altura desses elementos. Obtém-se o módulo de elasticidade longitudinal do concreto, a partir de ensaios com corpos-de-prova. Analisam-se as deformações em diversos pontos do bloco quando submetidos à compressão axial. Devido à distribuição não uniforme de tensões nos blocos e prismas, obtêm-se diferentes valores de deformação ao longo das paredes dos elementos. Os blocos, por possuírem menor altura que os prismas, apresentam maior diferença entre os valores de deformação. Por meio de simulações numéricas, no regime linear, observa-se que a placa de ensaio não se desloca uniformemente, acarretando os distintos valores de deformação ao longo do bloco. Uma forma peculiar de cálculo, baseada nessas deformações, permite a previsão da capacidade resistente do bloco e conduz a valores próximos da força máxima de ensaio. Apresenta-se ainda, uma tentativa de prever a deformabilidade do bloco vazado de concreto a partir das propriedades mecânicas do concreto. / This research aims to correlate the mechanical properties of hollow blocks to those of the concrete used to build them. Concrete hollow blocks and test samples of different shapes and sizes (cylinder 50 x 100, 100 x 200 and 150 x 300 mm) were molded with plastic consistency concrete in three different levels of strength (nominally 10, 20 and 30 MPa). Their mechanical properties and structural behavior in axial compression and tension tests were determined. Also two and three block prisms were built without mortar joints, pilled up with epoxy glue. It could be observed that the relationship between block strength or prism strength and concrete strength (measured in test samples) decreases with increasing of the element\'s height. Stress and strain analyses were made based on the concrete\'s modulus of elasticity obtained in sample tests and on the measured strain in the blocks\' faces and webs. By linear numerical simulations it was observed that loading plate does not show uniform displacement values, causing significant differences between theoretical and experimental behavior. A peculiar stress-strain analysis permitted to calculate the block load capacity based in its deformations. Also a tentative method to preview the block deformability from the concrete mechanical properties is described and tested.

Les mégacaryocytes sont des cellules de la moelle osseuse, à l’origine de la production des plaquettes sanguines. Quand elles arrivent à maturité, elles grossissent et émettent des prolongements de cytoplasme à travers la paroi des vaisseaux irriguant la moelle. Dans la circulation sanguine, ces prolongements, soumis aux forces de l’écoulement, s’allongent et se rompent pour former des plaquettes. Des techniques microfluidiques capables de produire des plaquettes in vitro existent et sont une alternative prometteuse au don. Mais le rendement reste à améliorer. Pour cela, il est nécessaire de mieux comprendre la fragmentation des mégacaryocytes en plaquettes. Ce travail de doctorat s’inscrit dans ce contexte et sera développé en deux axes principaux dans ce manuscrit. Dans une première partie nous développons une méthode pour trier des cellules en fonction de leur déformabilité, afin de savoir si les propriétés mécaniques d’un mégacaryocyte sont liées à leur stade de maturité. La méthode a d’abord été mise au point avec des microcapsules. Leurs propriétés mécaniques sont déterminées par analyse inverse à partir de la mesure de leur forme en écoulement dans des constrictions droites. Puis le dispositif utilisé a été miniaturisé pour s’adapter à la taille des cellules. Pour la caractérisation de leurs propriétés mécaniques, deux outils ont été utilisés: l’analyse inverse et la microscopie à force atomique sans pointe. Une deuxième partie porte sur l’étude de l’élongation et de la rupture de mégacaryocytes soumis écoulement. Nous avons quantifié les variations spatiotemporelles du taux d’élongation et développé un protocole d’ablation laser pour étudier les mécanismes de rupture de cellules en élongation. / When they mature in the bone marrow, the precursors of platelets, called megakaryocytes, grow and extend protrusions able to join blood circulation. There these protrusions elongate and break into platelets. Microfluidic techniques for in vitro platelet production represent a promising alternative to donation. In order to enhance platelet production and match the needs of clinical applications such as transfusion, we need to better understand the fragmentation of megakaryocytes into platelets. Our contribution will be described in this manuscript in two main axes. First, in order to know if mechanical properties of megakaryocytes can indicate their maturity stage, we develop a cell sorting method based on deformability. The method is first validated with microcapsules. Their mechanical properties are determined by inverse analysis from their shape under flow in straight microchannels. Then the device is downscaled. The characterization of cell mechanical properties are performed using inverse analysis and tipless atomic force microscopy. Second, we study megakaryocyte elongation and rupture in a microfluidic device. We quantify the spatial and temporal variations of the elongation rate and develop a laser ablation protocol to trigger and study the rupture of elongating cells.

L’industrie aéronautique travaille sur l’amélioration des systèmes propulsifs parl’introduction de composites dans la fabrication des aubes de soufflante afin d’alléger lastructure et ainsi de réduire la consommation en carburant des avions. Ces pièces réaliséesen tissage 3D présentent généralement des irrégularités de surface. Une manière d’optimisercet aspect est d’ajouter un pli additionnel de surface : nos travaux de thèse portent sur ledéveloppement de ce pli sous la forme d’un renfort « Non Crimp Fabric » (NCF) biaxial extrafinen fibre de carbone de module intermédiaire (IM), inférieur à 100 g/m², régulier et ayant unebonne déformabilité. Lors de nos travaux de thèse, nous avons utilisé la méthode des plans d’expériencepour améliorer la technologie d’étalement afin de répondre aux exigences demandées. Nousavons pu définir la configuration optimale d’étalement permettant d’atteindre la cible d’un pliinférieur à 50 g/m² en fibre de carbone IM. Pour réaliser un NCF extra-fin, après étalement,les plis sont assemblés par couture afin d’assurer la tenue du renfort. La combinaison decouture choisie (armure, tension, longueur, jauge …) conditionne l’aspect du NCF et sacapacité à être manipulée et déformée. Nous avons donc optimisé les paramètres de coutureafin d’obtenir les propriétés souhaitées. Après avoir optimisé l’étalement des fibres et l’assemblage des plis, nous avons réalisé et caractérisé les renforts NCF extra-fins pour valider leurs propriétés. Nous sommesfinalement parvenus à mettre au point un renfort NCF en fibre de carbone IM, inférieur à50 g/m² par pli ayant un taux de couverture supérieur à 98 % et une bonne capacité à sedéformer. / Aircraft manufacturers are working on the improvement of their engines bymanufacturing fan blades with advanced composite materials to reduce fuel consumption.However, fan blades are made from 3D woven fabrics which often have surface irregularities.It can be minimized by an additional thin layer on the surface : our thesis work is focused onthe development of a new textile structure based on ultra-thin biaxial “Non Crimp Fabric” (NCF)technology. This spread NCF made from intermediate modulus (IM) carbon fibers must belighter than 100 gsm, regular and deformable.During our thesis work, we used Design of Experiments (DOE) methodology to improvethe spreading technology used by Chomarat to make ultra-light NCF materials and meet theestablished requirements. We were able to reach the ultra-thin ply target of less than 50 gsmper ply. After optimizing the spreading process these thin ply tapes are stitched together tocreate NCF. Stability, visual aspect, handling and deformability are dependent on the stitchingsettings (stitching pattern, tension, length, gauge, etc.). Therefore we optimized the stitchingparameters to get the desired properties.After the spreading and stitching process had been optimized, the NCF weremanufactured and tested to validate the desired properties had been achieved. The testingconfirmed that we were able to develop a new carbon fiber NCF that was less than 50 gsm perply, had a coverage rate of higher than 98 % and had good deformability characteristics.