Recently, there is emerging interests in deploying wireless sensor networks in forests for applications such as forest fire detection, environmental monitoring and remote surveillance. One challenge in the design of such networks is to ensure reliable communication between sensors located near the ground and over short distances. However, the propagation mechanisms in this type of scenario are complex and not well understood. Furthermore, the design of antennas that can exploit the resulting propagation mechanisms for optimal power transfer remains an open question. The objective of this dissertation is to understand wave propagation and antenna radiation in forested environments in the HF/VHF frequency range. To achieve this objective, several forest scaled models are introduced. The first scaled forest model is a periodic metal cut-wire array. The transmission data inside the cut-wire array are simulated and measured. The propagation mechanisms inside the array are extracted. Several interesting propagation phenomena associated with surface waves and leaky waves are observed and explained. Next, a dielectric rod array consisting of water-filled straws is investigated as a more realistic forest model. Water is chosen since its dielectric constant in the microwave range is close to that of tree trunks in the HF/VHF frequencies. The propagation mechanisms in the water rod array are investigated through scaled model measurements in the laboratory, numerical simulations and an effective medium theory. Randomization effects due to rod spacing and rod height on the propagation mechanisms are also studied. Finally, the transmission data in a real forest are collected in the HF/VHF frequency range to corroborate the findings from the models. The measurement site is located at Bastrop, Texas. For comparison, the transmission data are also measured in an open field. The transmission data are processed and the resulting propagation mechanisms are extracted and compared with the model predictions. As an extension of the propagation study, the potential to achieve directive antenna radiations in a forest is explored. A simple metal cut-wire array environment is considered for ease in modeling. For the case when both the transmit antenna and the receive antenna are embedded inside the array, two design ideas are presented. The first design tries to couple the antenna radiation into the dominant propagation mechanism through phase matching and the second design uses a closely spaced Yagi array to decouple the antenna from its surrounding medium. For the case when the transmit antenna is embedded inside the array and the receive antenna is located outside the array, the leaky wave mechanism is explored to achieve directive radiation. These designs are verified through theoretical predictions, numerical simulations and prototype measurements. / text

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The performance of modern high frequency components and electronic systems are often limited by the properties of the materials from which they are made. Over the past decade, there has been an increased emphasis on the development of new, high performance dielectrics for use in high frequency systems. The development of these materials requires novel broadband characterization, instrumentation, and extraction techniques, from which models can be formulated. For this project several types of dielectric sheets were characterized at terahertz (THz) frequencies using quasi-optical (free-space) techniques. These measurement systems included a Fourier Transform Spectrometer (FTS, scalar), a Time Domain Spectrometer (TDS, vector), a Scalar Network Analyzer (SNA), and a THz Vector Network Analyzer (VNA). Using these instruments the THz spectral characteristics of dielectric samples were obtained. Polarization based anisotropy was observed in many of the materials measured using vector systems. The TDS was the most informative and flexible instrument for dielectric characterization at THz frequencies. To our knowledge, this is the first such comprehensive study to be performed. Anisotropy effects within materials that do not come into play at microwave frequencies (e.g. ~10 GHz) were found, in many cases, to increase measured losses at THz frequencies by up to an order of magnitude. The frequency dependent properties obtained during the course of this study included loss tangent, permittivity (index of refraction), and dielectric constant. The results were largely consistent between all the different systems and correlated closely to manufacturer specifications over a wide frequency range (325 GHz-1.5 THz). Anisotropic behavior was observed for some of the materials. Non-destructive evaluation and testing (NDE/NDT) techniques were used throughout. A precision test fixture was developed to accomplish these measurements. Time delay, insertion loss, and S-parameters were measured directly, from which loss tangent, index of refraction, and permittivity was extracted. The test materials were low-loss dielectric slabs ranging in thickness from 1-60 mils. The substrate sheets were PTFE, fiberglass, and epoxy-ceramic composite substrates. The other group was polyethylene plastic sheets (LDPE/HDPE/UMHW) and 3D printer Photopolymers. The results were verified by using several online THz spectral databases and compared to manufacturer data sheets. Permittivity and loss of some of the test samples varied as a function of polarization angle. 0 - 90 degrees of rotation were tested (i.e., H-V, and 45 degrees polarization). Inter-molecular scattering in the composite materials raised the loss considerably. This effect was verified. Standard, well documented, material types were selected for the project for best comparison. These techniques can also be applied to analyze newer substances such as nanodielectrics.

No description available.

Η μελέτη της δυνατότητας αποθήκευσης ενέργειας σε σύνθετα συστήματα ελαστομερικής μήτρας με ενσωματωμένα ανόργανα νανοεγκλείσματα, παρουσιάζει μεγάλο ενδιαφέρον τόσο από τη πλευρά της έρευνας όσο και από τη πλευρά των εφαρμογών. Η μεγάλη τους ανάπτυξη οφείλεται, κυρίως, στην ηλεκτρική συμπεριφορά που παρουσιάζεται σε εναλλασσόμενο πεδίο αλλά και στο ευρύ φάσμα εφαρμογών που περιλαμβάνει τις δομικές και μηχανικές εφαρμογές, τις ηλεκτρικές και ηλεκτρονικές εφαρμογές και τέλος εφαρμογές σε πεδία όπως η οπτική, οπτοηλεκτρονική, βίο- νανοτεχνολογία και σε διατάξεις αποθήκευσης ενέργειας. Στο πρώτο μέρος της διπλωματικής εργασίας παρουσιάζονται οι βασικές αρχές που αφορούν τα σύνθετα υλικά, τη θεωρία των διηλεκτρικών, την ηλεκτρική απόκριση σύνθετων υλικών με ελαστομερική μήτρα και τις μεθόδους αποθήκευσης ενέργειας σε τέτοια συστήματα. Στο δεύτερο μέρος εξετάζεται η διηλεκτρική απόκριση ελαστομερικών σύνθετων υλικών με ενσωματωμένα νανοσωματίδια στρωματικά άλατα πυριτίου και η δυνατότητα αποθήκευσης ενέργειας μέσω της συνάρτησης πυκνότητας ενέργειας. / The study of the energy storage efficiency in elastomeric matrix composites with embedded inorganic nano-inclusions, presents an increasing interest not only from the research point of view, but also from the technological applications side. Their increased development is mainly ought to their electric behavior, under the influence of an alternating field, but also to a wide range of applications, which include structural and mechanical applications, electric and electronic applications and finally, applications in fields such as optical, optoelectrical, and bio-nanotechnology. At the first part of this final project basic issues concerning composite materials, the theory of dielectrics, electric response of composites materials in a elastomeric matrix, and the methods of energy storing at the examined systems are presented. In the second part, the dielectric response of elastomeric composites with embedded layered silicates nanoinclusions is investigated. Finally, the energy storage efficiency of the nanocomposites is examined via the density of energy.

Τα τελευταία χρόνια, στη βιοϊατρική και στη βιομηχανία η επεξεργασία δειγμάτων με πλάσμα έχει κεντρίσει το ενδιαφέρον, και ειδικότερα στους αντιδραστήρες πλάσματος ατμοσφαιρικής πίεσης. Οι αντιδραστήρες αυτοί αντίθετα από του αντιδραστήρες καινού είναι πιο οικονομικοί στην κατασκευή αλλά και στη λειτουργιά. Το ενδιαφέρον αυξάνεται , λαμβάνοντας υπόψη τη δυνατότητα παράγωγης ψυχρού πλάσματος με μεγάλη δραστικότητα, αποφεύγοντας τα μειονεκτήματα των θερμών ατμοσφαιρικών πλασμάτων. Σκοπός της παρούσας εργασίας είναι η υλοποίηση και η βελτιστοποίηση ενός αντιδραστήρα ατμοσφαιρικού πλάσματος ευγενών αεριών τροφοδοτούμενου από ημιτονοειδή υψηλή τάση ακουστικών συχνοτήτων. Το σύστημα οδηγείται από ημιτονοειδή υψηλή τάση μεταβαλλόμενου πλάτους (0-11 kV από κορυφή σε κορυφή) και συχνότητα (5-20 kHz). Στο πρώτο κεφάλαιο παρουσιάζονται οι γενικές έννοιες για τη δομή και τη λειτουργία των αντιδραστήρων αυτού του είδους. Έμφαση δίνεται στο μηχανισμό διάδοσης του πίδακα και στις εκκενώσεις διηλεκτρικού φράγματος. Στο δεύτερο κεφάλαιο γίνεται εκτενής περιγραφή των επιμέρους τμημάτων που κατασκευαστήκαν προκειμένου να είναι εφικτή η λειτουργία του αντιδραστήρα. Αρχικά γίνεται η περιγραφή των αντιδραστήρων που κατασκευαστήκαν και στη συνεχεία παρουσιάζεται το σύστημα τροφοδοσίας της υψηλής τάσης. Τέλος, γίνεται περιγραφή των διατάξεων χαρακτηρισμού της εκκένωσης οι όποιες αφορούν ηλεκτρικές, οπτικές, φωτογραφικές μετρήσεις καθώς και μετρήσεις θερμοκρασίας. Στο τρίτο κεφάλαιο παρουσιάζονται τα αποτελέσματα που προέκυψαν από τις παραπάνω μετρήσεις καθώς μεταβάλλεται μια από τις παραμέτρους του συστήματος (είδος και ροή αερίου, πλάτος και συχνότητα τάσης) Στο τέταρτο κεφάλαιο γίνεται αξιολόγηση των αποτελεσμάτων και προτείνονται μελλοντικές βελτιώσεις και επεκτάσεις προκειμένου να γίνει το σύστημα πιο λειτουργικό. Η διπλωματική εργασία ολοκληρώνεται με το Παράρτημα στο όποιο δίνονται τα μηχανολογικά σχεδία των αντιδραστήρων. / In recent years plasma processing has spurred interest in biomedical and industrial applications, particularly in atmospheric pressure plasma reactors. These reactors unlike vacuum ones are more economical to build and operate. The interest is growing considering the possibility of generating reactive cold plasmas, avoiding the drawbacks of thermal atmospheric plasmas. The goal of this thesis is the implementation and optimization of an atmospheric pressure plasma reactor fed with noble gases and sinusoidal high voltage audio frequencies. The system is driven by a sinusoidal high voltage with variable amplitude (0-11 kV peak- to-peak) and frequency (5-20 kHz) The first chapter presents the general concepts about the structure and operation of reactors of this kind. Emphasis is given to the propagation mechanism of the jet and dielectric barrier discharges. The second chapter is an extensive description of the components manufactured in order to allow the operation of the reactor. Initially, a detailed description of reactors built is given and then the high voltage supply system is presented. Finally, the instrumentation setup is explained regarding the electrical, optical, photographic and temperature measurements. The third chapter presents the results obtained from these measurements as a changing of system parameters (gas type and flow , voltage amplitude and frequency ) In the fourth chapter we reviewed the results and proposed future improvements and extensions in order to make the system more functional. The thesis concludes with the Annex in which the engineering drawings of the reactors are given

Τα σύνθετα συστήματα πολυμερικής μήτρας – κεραμικών εγκλεισμάτων φαίνεται ότι μπορούν να αποτελέσουν μία νέα γενιά υλικών υψηλού τεχνολογικού ενδιαφέροντος. Από την άλλη μεριά η σημασία των νανουλικών και νανοδομημένων υλικών είναι ευρέως αποδεκτή στις μέρες μας, τόσο σε επίπεδο βασικής έρευνας όσο και σε τεχνολογικό επίπεδο. Το σύγχρονο αυτό ερευνητικό πεδίο περιλαμβάνει τη μελέτη των νανοσύνθετων ή πολυφασικών υλικών, στα οποία μια ή περισσότερες από τις χωρικές διαστάσεις κάποιας φάσης βρίσκεται στην περιοχή των νανομέτρων (1 nm = 10-9 m = 10 ). Αυτό που ξεχωρίζει τα νανοσύνθετα από τα άλλα συμβατά σύνθετα υλικά είναι η ικανότητα τους να συνδυάζουν ιδιότητες, οι οποίες είναι απαγορευτικές για τα παραδοσιακά υλικά, αλλά και η μεγάλη λειτουργικότητα που παρουσιάζουν. Η διασπορά μίκρο- και νάνο-κεραμικών εγκλεισμάτων στο εσωτερικό πολυμερούς, οδηγεί σε σύνθετα συστήματα με βελτιωμένη μηχανική απόκριση, που όμως διατηρούν την ηλεκτρική συμπεριφορά των εγκλεισμάτων. Υλικά υψηλής ηλεκτρικής διαπερατότητας (high-K materials) είναι απαραίτητα σε πολλές εφαρμογές της ηλεκτρονικής, επειδή είναι σε θέση να μειώνουν τα ρεύματα διαρροής, ενώ παράλληλα λειτουργούν και ως ενσωματωμένοι μικρο-πυκνωτές. Σύνθετα πολυμερικά υλικά που ενσωματώνουν σιδηροηλεκτρικά κεραμικά στοιχεία παρουσιάζουν μεγαλύτερο ενδιαφέρον καθώς, η ηλεκτρική τους απόκριση πέραν των αναμενόμενων εξαρτήσεων (περιεκτικότητα, γεωμετρία και τρόπος διασποράς των εγκλεισμάτων) σχετίζεται και με τη θερμοκρασιακά ελεγχόμενη μετάβαση των εγκλεισμάτων από τη σιδηροηλεκτρική στην παραηλεκτρική φάση. Τέτοιου είδους λειτουργικά σύνθετα, αναφέρονται συχνά και ως ευφυή συστήματα. Στην παρούσα εργασία παρασκευάσθηκαν συστήματα πολυμερικής μήτρας – μικρο- και νανο-σωματιδίων κεραμικού BaTiO3 και στη συνέχεια εξετάσθηκαν οι διηλεκτρικές τους ιδιότητες, με παραμέτρους την περιεκτικότητα σε BaTiO3, τη θερμοκρασία και τη συχνότητα του εφαρμοζόμενου πεδίου. Η διηλεκτρική φασματοσκοπία (Broadband Dielectric Spectroscopy) έχει αποδειχθεί ως ένα ισχυρό εργαλείο για την έρευνα της μοριακής κινητικότητας, των αλλαγων φάσης, των μηχανισμών αγωγιμότητας και των διεπιφανειακών φαινομένων στα πολυμερή και τα σύνθετα πολυμερικά συστήματα. Η διηλεκτρική απόκριση των νανοσυνθέτων εξετάστηκε με τη βοήθεια της διηλεκτρικής φασματοσκοπίας (BDS) στο εύρος συχνοτήτων 10-1-10 7 Hz και στο διάστημα θερμοκρασιών από 30οC έως 160οC. Από τα πειραματικά αποτελέσματα προκύπτει πως παρατηρούνται διηλεκτρικές χαλαρώσεις που οφείλονται τόσο στην πολυμερική μήτρα, όσο και στην ενισχυτική φάση. Τρεις διακριτοί τρόποι χαλάρωσης καταγράφηκαν στα φάσματα των συστημάτων που μελετήθηκαν και αποδίδονται στη διεπιφανειακή πόλωση (IP) μήτρας/εγκλεισμάτων, στην υαλώδη μετάβαση (α - χαλάρωση) των πολυμερών και στην κίνηση πλευρικών πολικών ομάδων (β - χαλάρωση) των αλυσίδων. Η λειτουργική συμπεριφορά των μίκρο- και νάνο-σύνθετων βασίζεται στην μετάβαση “αταξίας”- “τάξης” που παρατηρείται στο BaTiO3 στην κρίσιμη θερμοκρασία Curie (~130oC). Η μετάβαση από την σιδηροηλεκτρική φάση στην παραηλεκτρική μελετήθηκε τόσο μέσω της Διηλεκτρικής Φασματοσκοπίας όσο και με φάσματα ακτίνων-Χ (XRD). Η μεταβολή της πόλωσης και η δημιουργία κορυφής στα διαγράμματα του πραγματικού μέρους της ηλεκτρικής διαπερατότητας με τη θερμοκρασία μπορεί να αποτελέσει τη βάση ανάπτυξης ευφυών συστημάτων και νανο-διατάξεων καθώς δίνεται η δυνατότητα ελέγχου της αποθηκευόμενης ηλεκτρικής ενέργειας στη νανοκλίμακα και επιτυγχάνεται η λειτουργία ρυθμιστή πόλωσης. Τέλος, με την εισαγωγή της Διηλεκτρικής Συνάρτησης Ενίσχυσης διερευνάται η απόκριση των σύνθετων συστημάτων και προσδιορίζεται η βέλτιστη λειτουργική συμπεριφορά και η βέλτιστη συμπεριφορά ως προς την αποθήκευση ενέργειας. / Ceramic-polymer composites consisting of ferroelectric crystal particles, homogeneously distributed, in an polymer host represent a novel class of materials, with several interesting properties. The impact of nanomaterials and nanostructured materials is well known and widely accepteble in our days, not only in the basic research level but also in the area of technological applications. This modern field of scientific research includes the study of nano – composites or multiphase materials. Multiphase materials have at least one of the dimensions of the reinforcing phase in nano-scale. The main difference between nano-composites and conventional composites is their ability to achieve superior performance at a very low concentration of the filler. The majority of the active or potential applications of nano-systems is based on their thermo-mechanical behaviour, flame resistance and electrical properties. Under this point of view nano-composites exhibit properties or functions, which seem to be prohibited for traditional materials. High tech electronic devices require new high dielectric permittivity materials (known as high-K materials), which combine, at the same time, suitable dielectric properties, mechanical strength and ease processing. Recently ceramic-polymer composites have been studied in various applications including integrated capacitors, acoustic emission sensors and for the reduction of leakage currents. Furthermore, if the embedded ceramic particles are ferroeletric, functional properties can be added to the composite structure. Ferroelectric materials exhibit spontaneous polarization and are characterized by a temperature dependent disorder to order transition. Thus, besides all the expected influences (volume fraction, geometrical characteristics, type of distribution etc), the electrical response of ferroelectric particles – polymer matrix composites depends on the ferroeletric to paraelectric transition of the inclusions. In the present study composite systems of epoxy resin and ceramic BaTiO3 micro and nano – particles have been prepared, varying the volume fraction of the inclusions. The dielectric response of the composites was studied in a wide frequency and temperature range. Broadband Dielectric Spectroscopy (BDS) has been proved to be a powerful tool for the investigation of molecular mobility, phase changes, conductivity mechanisms and interfacial effects in polymers and complex systems. The dielectric response of nano-composites was examined by means of Broadband Dielectric Spectroscopy (BDS) in the frequency range10-1-107 Hz and temperature interval from 30 o C to 160 o C. Experimental results include relaxation phenomena arising from both the polymeric matrix and the filler. Three distinct relaxation modes were recorded in the spectra of all systems. They were attributed to interfacial polarization, glass transition (α-relaxation) and motion of polar side groups (β – relaxation). The functional behaviour of micro and nano – composites is based on the disorder to order transition of BaTiO3 in the characteristic Curie temperature (~130 oC). The transition from the ferroelectric to paraelectric phase has been studied via Dielectric Spectroscopy and with X – Ray Diffraction spectra. The change in polarization and the formation of peaks in the diagrams of the real part of dielectric permittivity versus temperature can provide the suitable basis for the development of smart systems and nano-devices, since it allows the control of the stored electrical energy in nanoscale level and achieves the function of polarization regulator. Finally, by introducing the Dielectric Reinforcing Function, the composite systems’ response can be studied and optimal functional behaviour as well as optimal energy storage and capability can be determined.

Pb-free piezoelectric materials have grown in importance through increased environmental concern related to the presence of Pb and the subsequent legislation that has arisen including directives such as Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) and the Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive (RoHS). While much progress has been made on producing Pb-free bulk materials, the need to integrate these next generation Pb-free piezoelectric materials with substrates to form functional micro devices has received less attention and raises a number of challenges. With respect to the high temperature mixed oxide synthesis method, a simple, cost effective and robust low temperature molten hydroxide synthesis (MHS) method derived from the molten salt synthesis (MSS) method, has been developed to produce K0.5Na0.5NbO3 (KNN) small grain powders and is a method that lends itself easily to industrial scale up. A powder/sol gel composite ink film forming technique has been used to produce KNN thick films on silicon substrates. Characterisation of the produced films has shown the films to exhibit piezoelectric coefficients for un-doped material in the region of 30pC/N. The work will report on the Na ion favouring mechanism of the MSS and the related mechanism of the MHS. The work will also report on the dielectric and piezoelectric characteristics of initial KNN thick films produced and an investigation into use of dopants and process modification to improve the KNN thick film’s characteristics.

Microfluidics and its applications to Lab-on-a-Chip have attracted a lot of attention. Because of the small length scale, the flow is characterized by a low Re number. The governing equations become linear. Boundary element method (BEM) is a very good option for simulating the fluid flow with high accuracy. In this thesis, we present a 2D numerical simulation of the electrothermal flow using BEM. In electrothermal flow the volumetric force is caused by electric field and temperature gradient. The physics is mathematically modeled by (i) Laplace equation for the electrical potential, (ii) Poisson equation for the heat conduction caused by Joule heating, (iii) continuity and Stokes equation for the low Reynolds number flow. We begin by solving the electrical potential and electrical field. The heat conduction is caused by the Joule heating as the heat generation term. Superposition principle is used to solve for the temperature field. The Coulomb and dielectric forces are generated by the electrical field and temperature gradient of the system. The buoyancy force is caused by the non-uniform temperature distribution inside the system. We analyze the Stokes flow problem by superposition of fundamental solution for free-space velocity caused by body force and BEM for the corresponding homogeneous Stokes equation. It is well known that a singularity integral arises when the source point approaches the field point. To overcome this problem, we solve the free-space velocity analytically. For the BEM part, we also calculate all the integrals analytically. With this effort, our solution is more accurate. In addition, we improve the robustness of the matrix system by combining the velocity integral equation with the traction integral equation when we simulate the electrothermal pump. One of our purpose is to design a pump for the microfluidics system. Since the system is a long channel, the flow is fully developed in the area far away from the electrodes. With this assumption, the velocity profile is parabolic at the inlet and outlet of the channel. So we can get appropriate boundary conditions for the BEM part of Stokes equation. Consequently, we can simulate the electrothermal flow in an open channel. In this thesis, we will present the formulation and implementation of BEM to model electrothermal flow. Results of electrical potential, temperature field, Joule heating, electrothermal force, buoyancy force and velocity field will be presented.

Although radio-frequency (RF) methods have been used for decades in many heating and drying processes, there is still a need for more engineering design data related to the design of the applicators and the performance of these systems before costly prototypes are built. Energy, temperature, and the effect produced by the high frequency field parameters on biological materials need to be examined with regard to their effects on the resulting processing requirements. / Wheat-seed infection by a fungus such as Fusarium graminearum can considerably lower the seed germination and the quality of the harvest. A study was thus conducted to determine the combined effect of different levels of RF power, temperature, and moisture content on the quality of seed-grade wheat and fungus inactivation. Similar treatment combinations were studied with seed-grade soybean in view on improving germination. With higher power, higher temperature (90°C) and higher moisture content (14%), the fungus mortality significantly increased, with a fungal vigour of less than 0.1, and the germination quality of the seeds decreased to a germination vigour below 0.3. For soybean seeds, only treatments of low RF intensity (60°C) were successful in improving germination vigour especially at lowest moisture content typically found in stored seeds. / RF treated wheat was studied to identify the relationship between heating conditions and grain quality categorized in terms of kernel viability and structural damage. / The potential of an RF thermal treatment to improve and extend the storability of vacuum packaged carrot sticks was investigated. The results have shown that it is possible to treat carrot sticks to 60°C in less than 2 min to reduce the initial microbial load. The RF-treatments maintained colour, the vacuum of the packages, and the excellent taste of the carrot sticks. / RF heating was studied for the pasteurization of prepared samples of ham. The ham samples were brought to internal temperatures of 75 and 85°C, by RF heating with a 10 min residence time. The study indicates that radio-frequency heating can improve the storability of re-packed hams by reducing the bacterial load, reducing moisture loss during storage and maintaining an overall greater product quality. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)