A general framework to design structural systems for a system-reliability goal is proposed. Component-based structural design proceeds on a member to member basis, insuring acceptable failure probabilities for every single structural member without explicitly assessing the overall system safety, whereas structural failure consequences are related to the whole system performance (the cost of a building or a bridge destroyed by an earthquake) rather than a single beam or column failure. Engineering intuition tells us that the system is safer than each individual component due to the likelihood of load redistribution and al- ternate load paths, however such conservatism cannot be guaranteed without an explicit system-level safety check. As a result, component-based structural designs can lead to both over-conservative components and a less-than-anticipated system reliability. System performance depends on component properties as well as the load-sharing network, which can possess a wide range of behaviors varying from a dense redundant system with scope for load redistribution after failure initiates, to a weakest-link type network that fails as soon as the first member exceeds its capacity. The load-sharing network is characterized by its overall system reliability and the system-reliability sensitivity, which quantifies the change in system safety due to component reliability modifications. A general algorithm is proposed to calculate modified component reliabilities using the sensitivity vector for the load-sharing network. The modifications represent an improvement on the structural properties of more critical components (more capacity, better ductility), and provide savings on less important members which do not play a significant role. The general methodology is applied to light steel-framed buildings under seismic loads. The building is modeled with non-linear spring elements representing its subsystems. The stochastic response of this model under seismic ground motions provides load-sharing, system reliability and sensitivity information, which are used to propose target diaphragm and shear wall reliability to meet a building reliability goal. Finally, diaphragm target reliability is used to propose modified component designs using stochastic simulations on geometric and materially non-linear finite-element models including every individual component. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant Nos. 1301001 (Virginia Tech), 1301033 (University of Massachusetts, Amherst) and 1300484 (Johns Hopkins University). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author and do not necessarily re ect the views of the National Science Foundation. The author is grateful to the industry partner, the American Iron and Steel Institute, for their cooperation. / Ph. D.

Deep Wild är ett företag som bland annat   specialiserar sig på produktutveckling och byggande av äventyrsanläggningar.   Kunder till företaget har efterfrågat ett typ av äventyrstorn som det är   möjligt att åka zipline från samt utföra andra aktiviteter såsom klättring   på. Då Deep Wild inte har egen kompetens gällande dimensionering och   projektering av denna typ av torn har en förfrågan skickats ut till studenter   för att se om det fanns intresse att ta fram en lösning på utförandet. Syftet   med arbetet är att undersöka hur ett äventyrstorn som detta kan konstrueras   och ta fram en lösning på utförandet. Tornet dimensioneras enligt gällande   Eurokoder. De laster som genereras av specialutrustningen tornet förses med   finns i Svensk Standard. Två lösningar på möjliga utföranden tas fram, ett   med alla bärande delar i stål och ett med lämpliga bärande delar i trä. Dessa   jämförs sedan med hänsyn till lämplighet. Det visar sig att det finns många   fördelar med att bygga tornet med enbart stålprofiler. Med stål som material kan   alla bärande delar köpas ur det lagerförda sortiment som erbjuds på   marknaden. Med trä finns inga lagerförda dimensioner att tillgå för de laster   som uppstår. Vid de knutpunkter som dimensionerats visar det sig att de   utförda i stål enkelt kan utföras så att de har mycket god säkerhetsmarginal.   Knutpunkterna i träkonstruktionen klarar de dimensionerande lasterna endast   med små marginaler. Genom att mer specialanpassa utseendet hos konstruktionen   och dess verkningssätt så kan möjligtvis utförandet i trä gynnas. En   prisjämförelse mellan de två materialen visar att skillnaden i materialpris   är försumbar i sammanhanget. Två alternativa stabiliseringssystem undersöks   för tornet. Det ena är att staga med en fackverkskonstruktion som använder   sig av dragna stålstänger och tryckta strävor av respektive   utförandematerial. Det andra är att staga tornet genom skivverkan i   klätterväggen som uppförs på tornets ena sida. Skivverkan har sina fördelar   då det möjliggör tryckta strävor på olika höjd i tornet. Fackverkskonstruktionen   är dock att rekommendera då denna kan dimensioneras att ta avsevärt högre   laster. Det naturliga nästa steget i arbetet ligger i att ta fram ett   förfrågningsunderlag tillräckligt komplett för att kalkyleras. / Deep Wild is an   adventure company which specializes in product development among other   things. Customers of the company have been asking for a tower from which it’s   possible to exercise different kinds of adventure activities, such as   ziplining and climbing. Deep Wild doesn’t have in house experience from   constructing supporting structures that are not directly related to the   special equipment used to exercise these activities. Therefore students have   been asked to find a solution on how to construct a tower like this. The   purpose of this study is to investigate how an adventure tower can be   constructed. The tower is structurally designed using Eurocodes and the loads   generated from the activities exercised appear in European Standard. Two   possible solutions for the construction is developed, one with all supporting   parts in steel and one with selected supporting parts in wood. These are then   compared to each other with regard to their performance. The results show   that there are many advantages using only steel profiles. All steel profiles   required for the construction can be bought out of existing stock from   producers. To use wooden profiles it is required to place orders on standard   dimensions that are not part of the producers existing stock. The joints designed   shows that using steel profiles these can easily be designed to provide a   high safety margin. The joints designed using steel connectors to wooden   profiles provides enough support only with small safety margins. By adjusting   the design of the towers supporting system the use of wooden profiles could   possibly be benefitted. A price comparison based on the price of material   shows that the difference between laminated timber and steel in this   construction is negligible. Two alternative ways of stabilizing the tower   have been investigated. One with tensioned steel bracing and compressed   bracing using the different construction materials. The other one using wall   diaphragms on the side of the tower clad with climbing wall. The wall   diaphragms method has its advantages because it makes it possible to place   compressed bracings on different heights in the tower. The system with   tensioned bracings can take higher loads and provide better safety margins   and is therefore the recommended way of stabilizing this tower. The next step   of this project is to provide complete enough material to calculate the cost   of constructing. / <p>Betyg 2018-06-05</p>

Na radiologia, válvulas antirrefluxo (VARs) são utilizadas em tubos de infusão para realização de exames de ressonância magnética e tomografia computadorizada. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi investigar procedimentos associados ao uso de VARs em exames radiológicos, a fim de contribuir para a biossegurança, controles da contaminação e do risco de infecção em sistemas de infusão. Uma Revisão Integrativa (RI) a respeito das VARs utilizadas na área da saúde foi realizada no que concerne os aspectos físicos, de funcionalidade e microbiológicos. A pressão máxima, em contra fluxo, dos diafragmas flexíveis (DFs) íntegros e rompidos das VARs foi determinada com auxílio do equipamento Hydraulic Burst-Leak Tester (HB-LT). A funcionalidade das VARs foi verificada por inspeção visual, em contra fluxo, mediante a liberação de bolhas de ar em um recipiente com água, por meio de simulação artificial da pressão da corrente sanguínea humana (SAPCSH). A estrutura e integridade das VARs foram identificadas por inspeção visual. A performance de colunas de ar interpostas por água em conectores com VARs foi analisada por inspeção visual (SAPCSH). A distância da difusão de um contaminante (cristal violeta) através de conectores com VARs foi mensurado por inspeção visual e espectrofotômetro (SAPCSH). A eficácia das VARs, em contra fluxo, como barreira de contaminação bacteriana foi avaliada em um experimento bacteriológico (SAPCSH). Um procedimento operacional padrão (POP) foi elaborado para direcionar a prática adequada do manuseio dos conectores com VARs, visando a biossegurança, controles da contaminação e do risco de infeção em sistemas de infusão em radiologia. Os resultados demostraram que houve diferença entre as pressões máximas suportadas pelos DFs dos Patient-set®: íntegros (média e desvio padrão: 595,44 ± 39,38psi) e rompidos (média e desvio padrão: 90,22 ± 31,26psi), em contra fluxo (p<0,0001). Por outro lado, os Patient-set® com os DFs rompidos não demonstraram falha na funcionalidade das VARs, mediante a ausência da liberação de bolhas de ar. Ainda, as VARs dos Patient-set® demonstraram DFs rompidos, entretanto as outras estruturas continuaram íntegras. As colunas de ar podem ser comprimidas e se deslocar através dos Patient-set® com DFs íntegros e rompidos. Além disso, a maior distância de difusão do cristal violeta foi de 30% (6cm) do comprimento do conector (20cm) do Patient-set®. Outrossim, a técnica de mensuração por espectrofotômetro (absorbância) foi mais sensível do que por inspeção visual para esse propósito. As VARs dos Patient-set® mostraram eficácia como barreira de contaminação bacteriana (Staphylococcus aureus resistente à meticilina, 10psi por 2h30min). Ademais, um POP foi elaborado e validado para a utilização e manuseio dos Patient-set®, visando a biossegurança na prática clínica, controles da contaminação e do risco de infecção em sistemas de infusão em radiologia como recomendação original a ser disponibilizada a todos os profissionais da área. Em suma, a biossegurança dos sistemas de infusão na radiologia depende de vários aspectos físico, de funcionalidade e microbiológico das VARs atrelados à execução adequada na prática clínica. Além disso, pesquisas adicionais são necessárias para elucidar questionamentos futuros sobre o uso seguro das VARs / In radiology, non-return valves (NRV) are used in infusion tubes to perform magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography scan exams. The objective of this research was to investigate procedures associated to NRV usage in radiologic exams, in order to contribute to biosafety, contamination and infection risk controls in infusion systems. An Integrative Review (IR) about NRVs utilized in health field was performed concerning physical, functionality, and microbiological aspects. The maximum pressure, in backflow, of whole and broken flexible diaphragms (FDs) from NRVs was determined with Hydraulic Burst-Leak Tester (HB-LT) equipment help. The NRVs functionality was verified by visual inspection, in backflow, by means of air bubbles release in a water container, through human bloodstream pressure artificial simulation (HBPAS). The NRVs structure and integrity were identified by visual inspection. The performance of air columns interposed by water in connectors with NRVs was analyzed by visual inspection (HBPAS). Diffusion distance of a contaminant (crystal violet) through connectors with NRVs was measured by visual inspection and spectrophotometer (HBPAS). The NRVs efficacy, in backflow, as barrier to bacterial contamination was evaluated in a bacteriological experiment (HBPAS). A standard operating procedure (SOP) was elaborated to direct the proper handling of connectors with NRVs, aiming at biosafety, contamination and infection risk controls in infusion systems in radiology. The results showed that there was difference among maximum tolerated pressures by FDs of Patient-set®: whole (mean and standard deviation: 595.44 ± 39.38psi) and broken (mean and standard deviation: 90.22 ± 31.26psi), in backflow (p<0.0001). On the other hand, the Patient-set® with broken FDs didn\'t show failure in NRVs functionality, through the lack of air bubbles release. Moreover, NRVs showed broken FDs, but the other structures remained whole. The air columns can be compressed and move through Patient-set® with whole and broken FDs. Besides, the longest diffusion distance of crystal violet was 30% (6cm) of connector length (20cm) of Patient-set®. Furthermore, the measure technique by spectrophotometer (absorbance) was more sensitive than by visual inspection for this purpose. Patientset® NRVs showed efficacy as barrier to bacterial contamination (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, 10psi for 2h30min). Moreover, a SOP was elaborated and validated for Patient-set® utilization and handling, aiming at biosafety in clinical practice, contamination and infection risk controls in infusion systems in radiology as original recommendation to be made available to all professionals in the field. In conclusion, the biosafety depends on various physical, functionality, and microbiological aspects of NRVs coupled with proper practical clinical performance. Besides, further researches are needed to elucidate future questionings about NRVs safe use

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Alabama at Birmingham, 2007. / Title from PDF title page (viewed Feb. 4, 2010). Additional advisors: James S. Davidson, Robert J. Dinan, Alan E. Eberhardt, Jason T. Kirby, Talat Salama, Houssam A. Toutanji. Includes bibliographical references (p. 139-146).

La mise en œuvre de réseaux de capteurs communicants dans des installations industrielles, dans les transports ou le bâtiment apparaît comme un axe de développement qui permettrait d'augmenter les performances globales de ces systèmes.Par une supervision et une exploitation adaptées des informations collectées (température, niveau vibratoire, humidité, etc.), la fiabilité et les performances énergétiques pourraient être optimisées.La diminution régulière de la consommation des nouvelles générations de capteurs sans fil engendre un fort intérêt scientifique pour l'alimentation de ceux-ci de manière autonome. Ainsi, une thématique de recherche spécifique est apparue il y a une dizaine d'années : la réalisation de micro-sources d'énergie pour l'alimentation de capteurs communicants.Ces travaux de recherche proposent l'exploration des performances d'une structure de micro-générateur originale pour la récupération de l'énergie des vibrations : l'"Hybrid Fluid Diaphragm" (HFD).Le concept de l'HFD consiste à encapsuler un fluide incompressible entre deux membranes.Le fluide se comporte comme une masse inertielle qui induit une fréquence de résonance compatible avec les vibrations ambiantes dont les fréquences sont généralement inférieures à quelques centaines de Hertz.Ces membranes en P(VDF-TrFE), un polymère piézoélectrique, ont été réalisées spécifiquement pour assurer la conversion optimale des sollicitations mécaniques (flexion/tension) en énergie électrique.Une modélisation multiphysique qui intègre les comportements fluidiques, mécaniques et électriques, la réalisation et la caractérisation de deux générateurs HFD sont détaillées.Le premier prototype met en œuvre des membranes piézoélectriques monomorphes (monocouche) tandis que le deuxième exploite des membranes piézoélectriques bimorphes (double couche) optimisées.Les puissances générées apparaissent suffisantes pour envisager l'alimentation de capteurs et leurs géométries permettent d'imaginer des scénarios potentiels d'intégration dans des applications réalistes. / The implementation of wireless sensor nodes in industrial installations, transport or building is a potential route to increase the performances of these systems.By a proper supervision and exploitation of the collected information (temperature, vibratory level, humidity, etc.) the reliability and the energy performances can be increased. With the regular reduction of the power requirements for new generations of wireless sensors nodes, a strong scientific interest to develop autonomous power supply has raised.In this framework, a specific research topic appeared about ten years ago: ambient energy harvesting.The present work investigates the performances of an original micro-generator architecture for vibration energy harvesting: the “Hybrid Fluid Diaphragm” (HFD).The concept of HFD consists in encapsulating an incompressible fluid between two flexible membranes. The fluid behaves as an inertial mass which leads to a resonant frequency suitable for ambient vibrations whose spectrum is usually lower than a few hundred Hertz.These membranes are made of P(VDF-TrFE), a piezoelectric polymer, and are designed to ensure the optimal conversion of the mechanical solicitations (flexion/stretch) into electrical energy.A multiphysic modeling which integrates the fluid, the mechanical and the electric coupled behaviors is proposed.The realization and the characterization of two HFD's generators are detailed.A first prototype implements single layer piezoelectric membranes, whereas a second one uses optimized double layer membranes.The generated power appears to be sufficient to consider the power supply of wireless sensor nodes operating in intermittent transmitting mode. The very simple geometry of the proposed generators is favorable to their integration in realistic applications.

Na radiologia, válvulas antirrefluxo (VARs) são utilizadas em tubos de infusão para realização de exames de ressonância magnética e tomografia computadorizada. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi investigar procedimentos associados ao uso de VARs em exames radiológicos, a fim de contribuir para a biossegurança, controles da contaminação e do risco de infecção em sistemas de infusão. Uma Revisão Integrativa (RI) a respeito das VARs utilizadas na área da saúde foi realizada no que concerne os aspectos físicos, de funcionalidade e microbiológicos. A pressão máxima, em contra fluxo, dos diafragmas flexíveis (DFs) íntegros e rompidos das VARs foi determinada com auxílio do equipamento Hydraulic Burst-Leak Tester (HB-LT). A funcionalidade das VARs foi verificada por inspeção visual, em contra fluxo, mediante a liberação de bolhas de ar em um recipiente com água, por meio de simulação artificial da pressão da corrente sanguínea humana (SAPCSH). A estrutura e integridade das VARs foram identificadas por inspeção visual. A performance de colunas de ar interpostas por água em conectores com VARs foi analisada por inspeção visual (SAPCSH). A distância da difusão de um contaminante (cristal violeta) através de conectores com VARs foi mensurado por inspeção visual e espectrofotômetro (SAPCSH). A eficácia das VARs, em contra fluxo, como barreira de contaminação bacteriana foi avaliada em um experimento bacteriológico (SAPCSH). Um procedimento operacional padrão (POP) foi elaborado para direcionar a prática adequada do manuseio dos conectores com VARs, visando a biossegurança, controles da contaminação e do risco de infeção em sistemas de infusão em radiologia. Os resultados demostraram que houve diferença entre as pressões máximas suportadas pelos DFs dos Patient-set®: íntegros (média e desvio padrão: 595,44 ± 39,38psi) e rompidos (média e desvio padrão: 90,22 ± 31,26psi), em contra fluxo (p<0,0001). Por outro lado, os Patient-set® com os DFs rompidos não demonstraram falha na funcionalidade das VARs, mediante a ausência da liberação de bolhas de ar. Ainda, as VARs dos Patient-set® demonstraram DFs rompidos, entretanto as outras estruturas continuaram íntegras. As colunas de ar podem ser comprimidas e se deslocar através dos Patient-set® com DFs íntegros e rompidos. Além disso, a maior distância de difusão do cristal violeta foi de 30% (6cm) do comprimento do conector (20cm) do Patient-set®. Outrossim, a técnica de mensuração por espectrofotômetro (absorbância) foi mais sensível do que por inspeção visual para esse propósito. As VARs dos Patient-set® mostraram eficácia como barreira de contaminação bacteriana (Staphylococcus aureus resistente à meticilina, 10psi por 2h30min). Ademais, um POP foi elaborado e validado para a utilização e manuseio dos Patient-set®, visando a biossegurança na prática clínica, controles da contaminação e do risco de infecção em sistemas de infusão em radiologia como recomendação original a ser disponibilizada a todos os profissionais da área. Em suma, a biossegurança dos sistemas de infusão na radiologia depende de vários aspectos físico, de funcionalidade e microbiológico das VARs atrelados à execução adequada na prática clínica. Além disso, pesquisas adicionais são necessárias para elucidar questionamentos futuros sobre o uso seguro das VARs / In radiology, non-return valves (NRV) are used in infusion tubes to perform magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography scan exams. The objective of this research was to investigate procedures associated to NRV usage in radiologic exams, in order to contribute to biosafety, contamination and infection risk controls in infusion systems. An Integrative Review (IR) about NRVs utilized in health field was performed concerning physical, functionality, and microbiological aspects. The maximum pressure, in backflow, of whole and broken flexible diaphragms (FDs) from NRVs was determined with Hydraulic Burst-Leak Tester (HB-LT) equipment help. The NRVs functionality was verified by visual inspection, in backflow, by means of air bubbles release in a water container, through human bloodstream pressure artificial simulation (HBPAS). The NRVs structure and integrity were identified by visual inspection. The performance of air columns interposed by water in connectors with NRVs was analyzed by visual inspection (HBPAS). Diffusion distance of a contaminant (crystal violet) through connectors with NRVs was measured by visual inspection and spectrophotometer (HBPAS). The NRVs efficacy, in backflow, as barrier to bacterial contamination was evaluated in a bacteriological experiment (HBPAS). A standard operating procedure (SOP) was elaborated to direct the proper handling of connectors with NRVs, aiming at biosafety, contamination and infection risk controls in infusion systems in radiology. The results showed that there was difference among maximum tolerated pressures by FDs of Patient-set®: whole (mean and standard deviation: 595.44 ± 39.38psi) and broken (mean and standard deviation: 90.22 ± 31.26psi), in backflow (p<0.0001). On the other hand, the Patient-set® with broken FDs didn\'t show failure in NRVs functionality, through the lack of air bubbles release. Moreover, NRVs showed broken FDs, but the other structures remained whole. The air columns can be compressed and move through Patient-set® with whole and broken FDs. Besides, the longest diffusion distance of crystal violet was 30% (6cm) of connector length (20cm) of Patient-set®. Furthermore, the measure technique by spectrophotometer (absorbance) was more sensitive than by visual inspection for this purpose. Patientset® NRVs showed efficacy as barrier to bacterial contamination (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, 10psi for 2h30min). Moreover, a SOP was elaborated and validated for Patient-set® utilization and handling, aiming at biosafety in clinical practice, contamination and infection risk controls in infusion systems in radiology as original recommendation to be made available to all professionals in the field. In conclusion, the biosafety depends on various physical, functionality, and microbiological aspects of NRVs coupled with proper practical clinical performance. Besides, further researches are needed to elucidate future questionings about NRVs safe use

Orientador: José Alfredo Covolan Ulson / Resumo: O leite é um alimento de alto valor nutritivo e de extrema importância na dieta alimentar especialmente de gestantes, crianças e idosos. Entre os alimentos mais consumidos está o leite bovino, o qual tem sido alvo de adulterações por diversas substâncias em todo o mundo por motivações econômicas, muitas vezes colocando em risco a saúde do consumidor. No controle de adulterações no leite, sensores aplicados na indústria alimentícia são ferramentas importantes para o controle de qualidade. Atualmente, as análises disponíveis no mercado para verificação de possíveis adulterações no leite geralmente são custosas e/ou demoradas, devido a necessidade de ambiente laboratorial e utilização de equipamentos de alto valor. Portanto, é de extrema importância, o desenvolvimento de metodologias e sensores de triagem para identificação de adulterantes no leite que sejam viáveis economicamente e de fácil acesso e utilização. Neste intuito, este estudo utilizou diafragmas transdutores piezelétricos para implementar uma metodologia que identificasse adulterações no leite por meio do método de propagação de ondas mecânicas (vibração e emissão acústica). Leite pasteurizado puro e padronizado e três substâncias comumente encontradas nos casos de adulteração do leite (peróxido de hidrogênio, ureia e bicarbonato de sódio) foram utilizados para as análises. Foi desenvolvido em impressora 3D um dispositivo para a inserção das amostras de leite a serem analisadas, onde dois diafragmas piezelétricos fo... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: Milk is a food with high nutritional value and extremely important in the diet especially for pregnant women, children and the elderly. Among the most consumed foods is beef milk, which has been tampered with by various substances around the world for economic reasons, often endangering consumer health. In the control of milk adulteration, sensors applied in the food industry are important tools for quality control. Currently, commercially available analyzes for possible milk adulteration are costly and/or time consuming, due to the need for laboratory environment and use of high value equipment. Thus, is of utmost important to develop methodologies and screening sensors for the identification of milk adulteration that are economically viable and easy to access and use. To this end, this study used piezoelectric transducer diaphragms to implement a methodology which identify milk adulterations through the mechanical wave propagation method (vibration and acoustic emission). Pure and standardized pasteurized milk and three substances commonly found in cases of milk adulteration (hydrogen peroxide, urea and sodium bicarbonate) were used for the analyzes. A device was developed in 3D printer for the insertion of milk samples to be analyzed, where two piezoelectric diaphragms were adapted. The first was excited by a chirp signal with 1 V of amplitude and a frequency band from 0 to 65 kHz with 2 Hz pitch and 1.2 second duration, and concomitantly acquired the response signal of th... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Mestre

Accelerated Bridge Construction (ABC) has gained substantial popularity in new bridge construction and bridge deck replacement because it offers innovative construction techniques that result in time and cost savings when compared to traditional bridge construction practice. One technology commonly implemented in ABC to effectively execute its projects is the use of prefabricated bridge components (precast/prestressed bridge components). Precast/prestressed bridge components are fabricated offsite or near the site and then connected on-site using small volume closure pour connections. Diaphragms are also commonly used to strengthen the connection between certain prefabricated components used in ABC, such as beam elements. Bridges containing closure pour connections and diaphragms can be designed using AASHTO LRFD live-load distribution factor formulas under the condition that the bridge must be sufficiently connected. However, these formulas were developed using analytical models that did not account for the effects of closure pours and diaphragms on live-load distribution. This research study investigates live-load distribution characteristics of precast/prestressed concrete bridges with closure pour connections and diaphragms. The investigation was conducted using finite element bridge models with closure pour joints that were calibrated using experimental data and different configuration of diaphragms. The concrete material used for the closure pour connections was developed as part of a larger project intended to develop high early-strength concrete mixtures that specifically reach strength in only 12 hours, a critical requirement for ABC projects.

This diploma thesis deals with electron microscopy. Examined equipment is environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM), namely scintillation a detector of the microscope. There is solved the influence of the profile of holes in diaphragms to the resulting pressure and gas flow on the path of secondary electrons at the detector. Introductory part of thesis informs about microscopy in general, with concentration on electron microscopy; especially on scanning microscope, because research is taken just on the environmental scanning electron microscope. Another part informs about both general principles of dynamics of gases and with finite volume method. Another part deals with concrete used software and with setting of individual parameters for calculation. At the beginning of calculation are used five basic profiles of holes in diaphragms for pressure 1000 Pa in the chamber of the sample. For modelling individual shapes is used 3D parametric modeller SolidWorks. Analysis of circulation of secondary electrons through detector is made by using Cosmos FloWorks module. The most suitable type of diaphragms is chosen from measured models. Another part of diploma thesis deals with measuring of chosen types of diaphragms for more pressures in the chamber of the sample; the pressure is 200, 400, 600, 800 and 1000 Pa. The outcomes of this research are both models of pressure and speed of circulation inside the detector and graphically processed values by using different diaphragms, respectively one type of a diaphragm in different pressures. Production drawings of each diaphragm, together with calculated models, are enclosed.

Analytical models of wood-frame shear walls and diaphragms for use in monotonic, quasi-static (cyclic), and dynamic analyses are developed in this thesis. A new analytical model is developed to accurately represent connections between sheathing panels and wood framing members (sheathing-to-framing connections) in structural analysis computer programs. This new model represents sheathing–to–framing connections using an oriented pair of nonlinear springs. Unlike previous models, the new analytical model for sheathing-to-framing connections is suitable for both monotonic, cyclic, or dynamic analyses. Moreover, the new model does not need to be scaled or adjusted. The new analytical model may be implemented in a general purpose finite element program, such as ABAQUS, or in a specialized structural analysis program, such as CASHEW. The analytical responses of several shear walls and diaphragms employing this new model are validated against measured data from experimental testing. A less complex analytical model of shear walls and diaphragms, QUICK, is developed for routine use and for dynamic analysis. QUICK utilizes an equivalent single degree of freedom system that has been determined using either calibrated parameters from experimental or analytical data, or estimated sheathing-to-framing connection data. Application of the new analytical models is illustrated in two applications. In the first application, the advantages of diaphragms using glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) panels in conjunction with plywood panels as sheathing (hybrid diaphragms) are presented. In the second application, the response of shear walls with improperly driven (overdriven)nails is determined along with a method to estimate strength reduction due to both the depth and the percentage of total nails overdriven.