The topic of this Thesis is magnetization dynamics on atomic length scales. A computational scheme, Atomistic Spin Dynamics, based on density functional theory, the adiabatic approximation and the atomic moment approximation is presented. Simulations are performed for chemically disordered systems, antiferromagnets and ferrimagnets and also systems with reduced dimensionality The autocorrelation function of the archetypical spin glass alloy CuMn is sampled in simulations following a quenching protocol. The aging regime can be clearly identified and the dependence of the relaxation on the damping parameter is investigated. The time evolution of pair correlation and autocorrelation functions has been studied in simulations of the dilute magnetic semiconductor GaMnAs. The dynamics reveal a substantial short ranged magnetic order even at temperatures at or above the ordering temperature. The dynamics for different concentrations of As antisites are discussed. Antiferromagnets offer opportunities for ultrafast switching, this is studied in simulations of an artificial antiferromagnet. For the right conditions, the cooperative effect of applied field torque and and the torque from the other sublattice enables very fast switching. The dynamics of bcc Fe precessing in a strong uniaxial anisotropy are investigated. It is demonstrated that the magnetization can shrink substantially due to a spin wave instability. The dynamics of a two-component model ferrimagnet at finite temperature are investigated. At temperatures where the magnetic system is close to the magnetic and angular momentum compensations points of the ferrimagnet, the relaxation in a uniaxial easy exis anisotropy resembles results in recent experiments on ferrimagnetic resonance. The different cases of uniaxial or colossal magnetic anisotropy in nanowires at different temperatures are compared. The magnon softening in a ferromagnetic monolayer is investigated, giving results that compare well with recent experiments. The effect of lattice relaxation can be treated in first principles calculations. Subsequent simulations captures the softening of magnons caused by reduced dimensionality and temperature. / Felaktigt tryckt som Digital Comprehensive Summaries of Uppsala Dissertations from the Faculty of Science and Technology 706

Transition metal and related compounds have been extensively studied over the past several decades. These investigations revealed a wide range of behavior, encompassing colossal magnetoresistance (CMR), high-TC superconductivity, and magnetic semiconductivity, all of which continue to present fundamental challenges to the understanding of such phenomena. There is, however, a close correlation between such characteristics and the appearance of magnetic order. This correlation underlies the present study, which focuses on the magnetic and transport behavior of various Manganese (Mn), Iron (Fe) and Cobalt (Co) containing materials, with particular emphasis on the nature of the magnetic order they display and the critical exponents that characterize the accompanying phase transition. The magnetic and transport properties of two specific systems will be covered: first various doped manganites from the series (La,Pr)1-x(Ca,Ba)xMnO3, and second the magnetic semiconductors Fe0.8Co0.2Si and Ga0.98Mn0.02As. In the manganites, the influence of doping on; (i) the evolution of the metal-insulator transition (MIT) with composition; (ii) the universality class of the magnetic critical behavior associated with the paramagnetic to ferromagnetic transition, which occurs in the vicinity of a MIT with which CMR is associated; (iii) the mechanisms underlying ferromagnetism across the MIT; (iv) the correlation between the appearance of a Griffiths-like phase and CMR, and (v) the origin of Griffiths-like phase have been investigated. Four different systems have been studied: La1-xCaxMnO3 (0.18 ≤ x ≤ 0.27), La1-xBaxMnO3 (x ≤ 0.33), (La1-yPry)0.7Ca0.3Mn16/18O3 (y ≤ 0.85), and Pr1-xCaxMnO3 (x = 0.27, 0.29). In Fe0.8Co0.2Si and Ga0.98Mn0.02As, the scaling between magnetization and conductivity has been the subject of ongoing debate. In bulk Fe0.8Co0.2Si, a novel scaling between the anomalous Hall effect (AHE) and the magnetization enables the anomalous Hall coefficient to be accurately determined. In turn, this enables the universality class for the transition to ferromagnetism to be established independently from the anomalous Hall conductivity. In an epitaxial (metallic) Ga0.98Mn0.02As microstructure, the magnetization has been indirectly determined from the AHE. Subsequent analysis yields magnetic critical exponents consistent with the Mean-Field model, direct support for which had previously been lacking.

Transition metal and related compounds have been extensively studied over the past several decades. These investigations revealed a wide range of behavior, encompassing colossal magnetoresistance (CMR), high-TC superconductivity, and magnetic semiconductivity, all of which continue to present fundamental challenges to the understanding of such phenomena. There is, however, a close correlation between such characteristics and the appearance of magnetic order. This correlation underlies the present study, which focuses on the magnetic and transport behavior of various Manganese (Mn), Iron (Fe) and Cobalt (Co) containing materials, with particular emphasis on the nature of the magnetic order they display and the critical exponents that characterize the accompanying phase transition. The magnetic and transport properties of two specific systems will be covered: first various doped manganites from the series (La,Pr)1-x(Ca,Ba)xMnO3, and second the magnetic semiconductors Fe0.8Co0.2Si and Ga0.98Mn0.02As. In the manganites, the influence of doping on; (i) the evolution of the metal-insulator transition (MIT) with composition; (ii) the universality class of the magnetic critical behavior associated with the paramagnetic to ferromagnetic transition, which occurs in the vicinity of a MIT with which CMR is associated; (iii) the mechanisms underlying ferromagnetism across the MIT; (iv) the correlation between the appearance of a Griffiths-like phase and CMR, and (v) the origin of Griffiths-like phase have been investigated. Four different systems have been studied: La1-xCaxMnO3 (0.18 ≤ x ≤ 0.27), La1-xBaxMnO3 (x ≤ 0.33), (La1-yPry)0.7Ca0.3Mn16/18O3 (y ≤ 0.85), and Pr1-xCaxMnO3 (x = 0.27, 0.29). In Fe0.8Co0.2Si and Ga0.98Mn0.02As, the scaling between magnetization and conductivity has been the subject of ongoing debate. In bulk Fe0.8Co0.2Si, a novel scaling between the anomalous Hall effect (AHE) and the magnetization enables the anomalous Hall coefficient to be accurately determined. In turn, this enables the universality class for the transition to ferromagnetism to be established independently from the anomalous Hall conductivity. In an epitaxial (metallic) Ga0.98Mn0.02As microstructure, the magnetization has been indirectly determined from the AHE. Subsequent analysis yields magnetic critical exponents consistent with the Mean-Field model, direct support for which had previously been lacking.

Submitted by Felipe Lange Shimizu null (felipe_lash@hotmail.com) on 2018-04-04T17:40:35Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Versão Final.pdf: 2417638 bytes, checksum: cbd92ea0f55b939141e8dbb758da327f (MD5) / Rejected by Adriana Aparecida Puerta null (dripuerta@rc.unesp.br), reason: Prezado Felipe Lange Shimizu, Solicitamos que realize uma nova submissão seguindo as orientações abaixo: - Capa - Faltou a capa no documento enviado. Este item é elemento obrigatório de acordo com as normas de trabalhos do seu Programa de Pós Graduação. Agradecemos a compreensão e aguardamos o envio do novo arquivo. Atenciosamente, Biblioteca Campus Rio Claro Repositório Institucional UNESP on 2018-04-05T13:45:30Z (GMT) / Submitted by Felipe Lange Shimizu null (felipe_lash@hotmail.com) on 2018-04-05T13:57:48Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertação Final Biblioteca.pdf: 2476461 bytes, checksum: 98bb493283b6d060e268893b026507a0 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Adriana Aparecida Puerta null (dripuerta@rc.unesp.br) on 2018-04-05T17:46:11Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 shimizu_fl_me_rcla.pdf: 2148045 bytes, checksum: 5ae73bad5319cc903eba26a7980c267c (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2018-04-05T17:46:11Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 shimizu_fl_me_rcla.pdf: 2148045 bytes, checksum: 5ae73bad5319cc903eba26a7980c267c (MD5) Previous issue date: 2018-02-26 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) / A biomassa lignocelulósica, como a proveniente da cana-de-açúcar, é uma fonte abundante de resíduo que pode ser usado como matéria-prima na produção de energia. Para melhor aproveitar essa biomassa, moagem e pré-tratamentos podem ser usados para alterar a estrutura do material lignocelulósico, remover lignina e hemicelulose, expondo a celulose e assim aumentando sua acessibilidade. A acessibilidade à celulose tem sido indicada como uma das propriedades mais importantes para uma boa digestibilidade enzimática. Entretanto, as biomassas geradas da cana-de-açúcar possuem características físico-químicas diferentes, respondendo de modo diferente aos pré-tratamentos. Neste contexto, este estudo teve como objetivo verificar os efeitos da remoção de lignina e hemicelulose das biomassas da cana-de-açúcar (fração externa, entrenó, nó e folha) na acessibilidade à celulose. A cana-de-açúcar foi fracionada em fração externa, nó, entrenó e folha. Cada fração passou pelos pré-tratamentos ácido (5, 10, 20 %, m/m massa de ácido por massa de material, a 121°C/30 min), alcalino (5, 10, 20 e 30 % NaOH m/m) e oxidativo (0,5, 1, 2 e 3 horas com clorito de sódio 30 %). As amostras foram caracterizadas quanto ao seu conteúdo de celulose, hemicelulose e lignina. A determinação de acessibilidade foi realizada com corantes Direct, Orange (superfície específica externa), Direct Blue (superfície específica interna) e Vermelho Congo (superfície total). A hidrólise enzimática (15 FPU/g de material, Cellic Ctec 2 - Novozymes) foi realizada para avaliar o efeito dos pré-tratamentos e acessibilidade à celulose no rendimento em glicose. O efeito dos pré-tratamentos foi primeiramente analisado pela quantidade de massa recuperada. Todas as frações estudadas apresentaram uma tendência em perder massa com aumento da concentração de reagente utilizado no pré-tratamento. O pré-tratamento ácido resultou em menor recuperação de massa, o que ocorreu em função da solubilização de hemicelulose. A caracterização química apontou a remoção de hemicelulose e principalmente lignina dos materiais em função do pré-tratamento e das suas condições. A deslignificação com clorito de sódio (oxidativo) resultou em remoção de lignina, chegando a quase a sua totalidade em materiais como a folha. A determinação de acessibilidade com os corantes Vermelho Congo, Direct Blue e Direct Orange indicaram que o aumento da concentração de reagentes no pré-tratamento provoca aumento de acessibilidade à celulose. Entretanto, os corantes Direct Orange e Blue foram mais precisos na determinação da acessibilidade à celulose em comparação ao Vermelho Congo. A fração de menor recalcitrância, entrenó, apresentou adsorção de 525,9 mg/g no ensaio com Vermelho congo, o Direct Orange 1333,3 mg/g e o Direct Blue 746,3 mg/g. O rendimento em glicose na hidrólise enzimática seguiu a tendência de melhora com aumento da acessibilidade. Do mesmo modo, a remoção de lignina resultou em maior rendimento em glicose na hidrólise enzimática, o entrenó deslignificado resultou na quase completa conversão da celulose em glicose. Este estudo identificou a fração externa como mais recalcitrante, e entrenó como menos recalcitrante, resultando em menor rendimento e maior de glicose na hidrólise enzimática, respectivamente. A remoção de hemicelulose e lignina por meio de pré-tratamentos influenciou diretamente na acessibilidade à celulose, resultando em melhor ação das enzimas na hidrólise enzimática de todas as frações. / The lignocellulosic biomass, such as the provided by the sugarcane, is an abundant source of raw materials for energy production. In order to better use this biomass, milling and pretreatments can be employed to alter the structure of the materials, remove lignin and hemicellulose. This effect exposes the cellulose and raises its accessibility, which is is one of the most important property to ensure enzymatic digestibility. However, the biomass generated from the sugarcane have different physicochemical characteristics, giving different responses to the pretreatments. In this context, this study aimed to verify the effects of lignin and hemicellulose removal from the sugarcane biomass (external fraction, node, internode and leaf) on cellulose accessibility. The sugarcane was fractioned in external fraction, node, internode and leaf. Each fraction was pretreated with acid (5, 10, 20 % m/m acid mass per material mass, at 121°C/30 min), alkaline (5, 10, 20, 30 % NaOH m/m) oxidative (0,5, 1, 2 ,3 h charged with 30 % sodium chlorite). The chemical composition of the samples was determined based on cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin contents. Accessibility was determined by dye adsorption of Direct Orange (external specific surface), Direct Blue (internal specific surface) and Congo Red (total surface). Enzymatic hydrolysis (15 FPU/g of biomass, Cellic Ctec 2 – Novozymes) was used to verify the effects of pretreatments and cellulose accessibility on the glucose yield. All studied fractions showed tendency to lose mass with increasing reagent concentrations used in the pretreatments. Acid pretreatment resulted in low mass recovery due to hemicellulose solubilization. Chemical composition showed hemicellulose removal and significant lignin removal from the materials due to the pretreatments and their conditions. Delignification by sodium chlorite (oxidative) resulted in lignin removal, with almost completely removal with leaf samples. Accessibility determined by Congo Red, Direct Orange and Direct Blue dyes indicated that more aggressive pretreatments improved cellulose accessibility. However, Direct Orange and Direct Blue dyes were more precise than Congo Red while evaluating cellulose accessibility. The less recalcitrant fraction, the internode, showed 525,9 mg/g of Congo Red adsorption, 1333,3 mg/g of Direct Orange and 746,3 mg/g of Direct Blue. Glucose yield during enzymatic hydrolysis improved with higher cellulose accessibility. Lignin removal resulted in higher glucose yield, with delignified internode samples showing almost complete cellulose conversion. This study identified the external fraction as the most recalcitrant and the internode as the least recalcitrant, resulting in lower glucose yield and higher glucose yield, respectively. Hemicellulose and lignin removal by the pretreatments directly influenced cellulose accessibility, resulting in better enzymatic activity across all fractions.

Depuis plusieurs années, les constructeurs automobiles suivent la voie du « downsizing » pour le développement des moteurs à allumage commandé. Ce procédé basé sur la réduction des cylindrées moteur combinée à la suralimentation a déjà fait ses preuves quant à son intérêt dans l’augmentation du rendement et la réduction des émissions polluantes des moteurs à essence. Les nouvelles conditions thermodynamiques, de turbulence et de dilution de ces moteurs engendrant de nouvelles possibilités de dilution dans les mélanges air/carburant, elles amènent également de nouvelles problématiques quant aux combustions anormales observées et l’apparition d’importantes variabilités cycliques. Ces travaux de thèse s’insèrent dans l’objectif de compréhension du comportement des flammes de prémélange d’isooctane/air en expansion dans des conditions représentatives d’un moteur « downsizé ». Leur étude a dans un premier temps été réalisée dans des conditions laminaires afin d’extraire les vitesses de flammes et longueurs de Markstein associées aux différents mélanges réactifs, et notamment sous forte dilution. Des corrélations ont alors été développées pour répondre aux besoins des modèles de simulation. Un nouveau dispositif de diagnostic optique a ensuite été employé pour améliorer la visualisation des flammes turbulentes en expansion. Une corrélation de coefficient correctif est ici développée pour remédier à la surestimation de vitesse engendrée par une visualisation Schlieren de ces flammes turbulentes. Une étude approfondie de l’influence des conditions thermodynamiques initiales, de la turbulence, ainsi que des caractéristiques diffusives du mélange air/carburant a par ailleurs été conduite afin d’isoler l’effet de chacun de ces paramètres sur le développement et la propagation de la flamme turbulente. Enfin l’effet d’une évolution simultanée des conditions thermodynamiques initiales similaire à celle d’une compression moteur a été étudié pour mieux appréhender les changements de comportement des flammes turbulentes dans des conditions plus représentatives du moteur à allumage commandé. / For several years, “downsizing” is used by car manufacturers to develop new spark ignition engines. This method based on the reduction of engine size combined with an increase of intake pressure (turbocharger) is well known to reduce pollutant emissions and increase efficiency. New thermodynamic, turbulent and dilution conditions could be used with these new engines but they can bring new issues like unusual combustion or cyclic variability. This thesis took place to improve the understanding of premixed expanding isooctane/air flames behavior under downsized engine-like conditions. As a first step, this work is conducted under laminar conditions to extract laminar burning velocities and Markstein lengths of the different mixtures, especially under high dilution. New correlations are then developed to answer the needs of numerical models. A new optical dispositive is then used to improve the visualization of turbulent expanding flames. A corrective coefficient correlation is proposed to avoid the overestimated values of turbulent burning speed generated by Schlieren visualization with such turbulent flames. A deep survey of starting conditions (temperature, pressure, turbulence, dissipative characteristics of air/fuel mixtures) influence is done to investigate the effect of each parameters on the development and the propagation of the turbulent flame. Finally, the effect of a coupled rise of initial temperature and pressure, similar to an engine compression, is studied to better understand the changes of flame behavior under more realistic spark-ignition engine conditions.

Modelos algébricos para prever o comprimento de uma chama turbulenta têm sido foco de estudo de diversos grupos de pesquisa por suas aplicações na área de engenharia. O método experimental para obter o modelo varia desde visualizações simples, até técnicas fotográficas, este último com parâmetros fotográficos variando entre os autores. Técnicas fotográficas são usadas para estimar a altura de levantamento da base da chama, (Lift-Off) e o comprimento médio visível de chama (Visible Flame Length, VFL). Duas técnicas comuns que podem ser encontradas na literatura: por imagens de chama com baixo tempo de exposição e longo tempo de exposição, são comparados com um terceiro que se baseia na intensidade luminosa e na frequência de imagens de chama que ocupam um pixel. O melhor método foi utilizado para caracterizar o comportamento das chamas turbulentas de gás natural para diferentes regimes de velocidade do escoamento. Modelos algébricos que preveem o comprimento de chama, altura de levantamento e a velocidade crítica de extinção de chama são avaliados com os novos resultados experimentais. Logo após, os coeficientes numéricos dos melhores modelos algébricos são reajustados Finalmente, foram obtidos mapas de estabilidade relacionados à altura de levantamento e à velocidade crítica de extinção de chama para cada diâmetro em função da diluição com CO2 e do número adimensional de Reynolds. A terceira parte deste trabalho está focada no estudo da distribuição de radiação térmica. Em particular, foram consideradas três distâncias radiais medidas em comprimentos de chama (0,5 Lf, 1 Lf, 2 Lf) visando obter a distribuição do fluxo radiante experimental ao longo de um eixo vertical adjacente às chamas. Finalmente, os dados experimentais foram utilizados como dados de entrada em uma análise inversa com o objetivo de calcular os fatores de ponderação do modelo das múltiplas fontes ponderadas (por suas siglas em inglês WMPS). Nesta última parte, são apresentados frações radiantes e distribuições de fluxo de calor radiante de chamas de gás natural diluídas para diversas diluições com dióxido de carbono e diâmetros do queimador. / Predicting models for turbulent diffusion flame lengths have several applications driven the attention of many research groups. Since several studies use photographs to measure the flame length, with photographic parameters varying among authors, in other cases simple visualizations were used. It is important to explore possible discrepancies among measurement technics that could affect the results. Optical visualizations of turbulent diffusion flames are used to estimate the visible average flame length (VFL) and the lift-off. The study presents a study of three different methods to measure the VFL using optical techniques. The effect on the image of the main optic parameters such as focus, exposure time and ISO sensibility are analyzed. The VFL obtained with images in low exposure time and long exposure time are compared with a third optical method that is based on the luminous intensity and the frequency of flame images occupying a pixel. One method was used to characterize the behavior of turbulent diffusion flames of natural gas for a range of flames in function of the flow velocity. Universal non-dimensional models that describe the VFL, lift-off and the blow-out stability limit of gaseous jet diffusion flames in the still air have been compared with new experimental data. The numerical coefficients of the best models are adjusted. Finally, maps of stability related to lift-off and blow-out were obtained for each diameter in function of the dilution with CO2 and flow exit velocity expressed in non-dimensional Reynolds number The third part of this work focuses on the estimation of the thermal distribution of radiative flux from turbulent diffusion flames in laboratory-scale. The experimental measurements were gotten from the previous stability study. In particular, was considered three radial distances measured in flame lengths (0,5 Lf, 1 Lf, 2 Lf) aiming at obtaining the experimental radiant flux along a vertical axis adjacent to the flames. Finally, the experimental data was used as input data in an inverse analysis with the purpose of computing weight coefficients of the weighted multi-point source (WMPS) model. Then, experimental data that include: radiant fractions and radiative heat flux are presents for several flames with different dilutions with carbon dioxide and burner´s diameters.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-06-02T20:16:47Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 3337.pdf: 3467265 bytes, checksum: 529eb6b6e21347d13906d054f5528d34 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2010-08-31 / Financiadora de Estudos e Projetos / In this work the magnetic properties of iridium oxide synthesized via Pechini s method and doped with different concentrations of cobalt were studied. The proposal was to investigate the possibility of applying it as a diluted magnetic oxide (DMO1). The samples were characterized by x-ray diffraction to study the structural features by Rietveld refinement, which indicated that there is no inconsistency between the observed intensities and the calculated profile. The samples were characterized by magnetization measurements as a function of temperature and applied magnetic field. A paramagnetic behavior was observed in samples doped with low Co concentrations. However, a small change in the magnetism appears in samples with concentrations up to 10 mol% of Co. A new metamagnetic phase was observed for samples with 25% and 30% in mol of Co. / Neste trabalho foram estudadas as propriedades magnéticas do óxido de irídio sintetizado via método de Pechini e dopado com diferentes concentrações de Co, com a proposta de investigar a possibilidade de aplicá-lo como um Óxido Diluído Magnético (DMO, sigla em inglês) 1. As amostras foram caracterizadas por medidas de difração de raios-x através de refinamento Rietveld, indicando que não há incompatibilidade entre as intensidades observadas e as do perfil calculado. Além disso, foram realizadas medidas de magnetização em função da temperatura e do campo magnético aplicado. Foi observado comportamento paramagnético em amostras dopadas com baixas concentrações de Co, entretanto, uma pequena mudança no magnetismo das amostras começou a aparecer em amostras com concentrações de Co a partir de 10 mol%, ficando evidente em altas concentrações de dopante, 25% e 30% em mol, uma fase metamagnética.

Cette thèse est principalement consacrée à l'étude des inhomogénéités de taille nanométrique dans les systèmes magnétiques désordonnés ou dilués. La présence d'inhomogénéités, souvent mise en évidence dans de nombreux matériaux, donne lieu à des propriétés physiques intéressantes et inattendues. La possibilité de ferromagnétisme à l'ambiante dans certains matéraux a généré un grand enthousiasme en vue d'application dans la spintronique. Cependant, d'un point de vue fondamental la physique de ces systèmes reste peu explorée et mal comprise. Dans ce manuscrit, on se propose de fournir une étude théorique complète et détaillée des effets des inhomogenéités de tailles nanométriques sur les propriétés magnétiques dans les systèmes dilués. Tout d'abord, on montre que l'approche RPA locale autocohérente est l'outil le plus adapté et fiable pour un traitement approprié du désordre et de la percolation. Nous avons implémenté cet outil et étudié dans un premier temps, les propriétés magnétiques dynamiques d'un modèle Heisenberg dilué (couplages premiers voisins) sur un reseau cubique simple. Nous avons reproduit précisémment la disparition de l'ordre à longue portée au seuil de percolation et comparé ce travail à des études précédentes. Dans le cadre d'un Hamiltonien minimal (modèle $V$-$J$) nous avons ensuite étudié en détails les propriétés magnétiques de (Ga,Mn)As (température critique, excitations magnétiques, stiffness,..). Nous avons obtenu de très bon accords avec les calculs textit{ab initio} et les résulats expérimentaux. Finalement, nous avons étudié les effets des inhomogénéités dans les sytèmes dilués. Nous avons montré, qu'inclure des inhomogenéités pourrait s'averer être une voie très efficace et prometteuse pour dépasser l'ambiante dans de nombreux matériaux. Nous avons pu obtenir une augmentation colossale de la température critique dans certains cas comparée à celle des systèmes dilués homogènes. Nous avons atteint une augmentation de 1600% dans certains cas. Nous avons également analysé les effets des inhomogénéités sur les courbes d'aimantations, elles sont inhabituelles et peu conventionelles dans ces systèmes. Les spectres d'excitations magnétiques sont très complexes, avec des structures très riches, et présentent de nombreux modes discrets à haute energie. De plus, nos calculs ont montré que la ``spin-stiffness" est fortement supprimé par l'introduction d'inhomogénéités. Il reste encore de nombreuses voies à explorer, ce travail devrait servir de base à de futures études théoriques et expérimentales des systèmes inhomogènes. / This thesis is mainly devoted to the study of nanoscale inhomogeneities in diluted and disordered magnetic systems. The presence of inhomogeneities was detected experimentally in several disordered systems which in turn gave rise to various interesting and unexpected properties. In particular, the possibility of room-temperature ferromagnetism generated a huge thrust in these inhomogeneous materials for potential spintronics applications. However, a proper theoretical understanding of the underlying physics was a longstanding debate. In this manuscript we provide a detailed theoretical account of the effects of these nanoscale inhomogeneities on the magnetic properties of diluted systems. First we show the importance of disorder effects in these systems, and the need to treat them in an appropriate manner. The self-consistent local RPA (SC-LRPA) theory, based on finite temperature Green's function, is found to be the most reliable and accurate tool for this. We have successfully implemented the SC-LRPA to study the dynamical magnetic properties of the 3D nearest-neighbor diluted Heisenberg model. The percolation threshold is found to be reproduced exactly in comparison with previous existing studies. Following this, we discuss the essential role of a minimal model approach to study diluted magnetic systems. The one-band $V$-$J$ model, has been used to calculate the Curie temperature and the spin excitation spectrum in (Ga,Mn)As. An excellent agreement is obtained with first principles based calculations as well as experiments. Finally we propose an innovative path to room-temperature ferromagnetism in these materials, by nanoscale cluster inclusion. We find a colossal increase in $T_C$ of up to 1600% compared to the homogeneous case in certain cases. Also the spontaneous magnetization is found to exhibit anomalous non-mean-field like behavior in the presence of inhomogeneities. In addition we observe a complex nature of the magnon excitation spectrum with prominent features appearing at high energies, which is drastically different from the homogeneous case. Our study interestingly reveals a strong suppression of the spin-stiffness in these inhomogeneous systems. The results indicate toward the strong complexities associated with the interplay/competition between several typical length scales. We believe this work would strongly motivate detailed experimental as well as theoretical studies in this direction in the near future.

Made available in DSpace on 2015-03-26T13:55:08Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 texto completo.pdf: 621878 bytes, checksum: a616ae227883c57266ba5606898260c2 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2006-08-11 / Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico / In Brazil, the dairy goat industry is characterized by a large number of low technology farms, with an average daily milk production per goat of 1 Kg. Semen biotechnologies as artificial insemination (AI) can be an important tool to improve the genetic gain and development of these farms. The use of frozen semen in IA protocols requires a higher level of technology and costs for the farmer when compared with the use of cooled or fresh semen; besides the fertility results from field trials using frozen semen are still doubtful. However the use of fresh semen is restrict to a short period after colleted as the viability of the cells decrease fast at environmental temperatures. Therefore the use of cooled semen in low level technology farms can result in a less-expensive and more efficient tool for multiplying the genetic material in these farms. The aim of this study was to evaluate the fertility in vivo of goat semen cooled and stored at 5˚ Celsius for 24 hours. The experiment was realized in the Goat Research Center of the Animal Science Department/Federal University of Vicosa, Brazil, from May until July (end of the natural breeding season) of 2005. Animals from the Alpine (n=2) and Saanen (n=2) breed were utilized as semen donors and a total of 71 females (lactating goats and young goats) from both breeds were used in the fertility trial. Semen was collected by artificial vagina method, diluted in Ringer Lactate solution and centrifuged at 420 G for 10 minutes. After, the semen pellet was rediluted in Egg-yolk (20% v/v) Citrate extender to achieve a total of 400x106 spermatozoa/ mL. The semen was stored in 0.25 French straws and then used immediately for AI or cooled (average cooling rate = -0.5 ˚C/minute) for 1 hour and stored at 5˚ C for 24 hours before its use for IA. The animals were bred with fresh or cooled semen at 12 hours after the on set of estrus; if the animals continued in estrus for more than 12 hours a second IA was realize at 24 hours after the first insemination. Pregnancy diagnosis was realized by transrectal ultrasonography using a real time B mode scanner with a 5 MHZ linear array transducer. The ultrasonography evaluations were done at day 45 after first IA. The conception rate for young goats (31.2 x 20,0%) and goats (44.4 x 17.6%) did not differ (P>0.05) between fresh or cooled semen, respectively. The total conception rate did not differ (P>0.05) between fresh (38.2%) and cooled (18.9%) semen. The average conception rate of this same herd and period was 28.2%. Historical data from the last four years in the same experimental period and farm showed an average conception rate of 39,9% (109/273). The present study didn't find differences in the conception rates for the semen diluted in Yolk-Citrate with 20% of Egg-Yolk and used to fresh or cold and stored by 24 hours to 5ºC, however, the fertility of the semen cold was below that obtained with controlled breed in the end of the natural reproductive station. Factors climatic, environmental and of handling, besides the quality of the animals, related with the end of the reproductive station, might have contributed to the low fertilities found in the present study. / Em nosso país, a caprinocultura leiteira é praticada em propriedades pouco tecnificadas, com produção média em torno de 1 kg de leite/cabra/dia. A utilização da inseminação artificial como ferramenta para o melhoramento genético é dependente dos resultados obtidos nos testes de fertilidade a campo. A utilização do sêmen congelado, além de esbarrar nos problemas de custos, ainda apresenta resultados contraditórios, sendo sua utilização limitada a poucos rebanhos matrizeiros. Já o sêmen fresco tem a limitação do curto tempo de viabilidade, ficando seu uso restrito a própria propriedade. Neste sentido a utilização do sêmen resfriado pode servir de alternativa barata para a multiplicação daqueles reprodutores de maior potencial genético. Assim, o presente estudo visou testar fertilidade in vivo do sêmen caprino, diluído em um extensor a base de citrato-gema e armazenado a 5ºC por 24 horas. Para tanto, conduziu-se um experimento durante os meses de maio de junho de 2005, no setor de Caprinocultura do DZO/UFV, o qual contou com quatro bodes e 71 cabras e cabritas, das raças Saanen e Alpina. O sêmen foi coletado em vagina artificial, imediatamente centrifugado em meio Ringer Lactato, a 402G por 10 minutos, em seguida o sobrenadante descartado e as células re-suspendidas em meio diluidor a base de citrato-gema, com 20% de gema de ovo, perfazendo um total de 100x106 espermatozóides móveis em um volume de 0,25 mL. Após o envase, metade das doses permanecia na bancada e a outra metade era submetida ao processo de resfriamento, com uma curva de aproximadamente 0,5ºC/minuto, atingindo a temperatura de geladeira 5ºC em 1 hora. De acordo com a ordem de manifestação do estro os animais entravam recebiam duas inseminações intervaladas de 24 horas, sendo a primeira realizada 12 horas após a observação do estro, com sêmen fresco ou resfriado. O diagnóstico de gestação foi realizado aos 45 dias, com auxilio de um ultra-som equipado com uma probe de 5 MHz de freqüência. Não houve diferenças significativas (P>0,05), quanto a fertilidade das cabritas foi de 31,2% (5/16) e 20,0% (4/20), e nem das cabras 44,4% e 17,6%, inseminadas com sêmen fresco e resfriado, respectivamente. Somando cabras e cabritas a fertilidade foi de 38,2% e 18,9%, respectivamente para o tratamento a fresco e resfriado, não sendo significativa a diferença (P>0,05). A taxa de concepção geral do experimento foi de 28,2%. Na mesma época do ano, a fertilidade do rebanho em um levantamento dos últimos quatro anos foi de 39,9% (109/273), podendo indicar problemas de fertilidade relacionados às fêmeas. O presente estudo não encontrou diferenças na taxa de concepção para o sêmen diluído em Citrato-Gema com 20% de Gema de ovo e utilizado a fresco ou resfriado e armazenado por 24 horas a 5ºC, no entanto, a fertilidade do sêmen resfriado ficou abaixo daquela obtida com a monta controlada no final da estação reprodutiva natural. Fatores climáticos, ambientais e de manejo, além da qualidade zootécnica dos animais, relacionada com o final da estação reprodutiva, podem ter contribuído para as baixas fertilidades encontradas no presente estudo.

Modelos algébricos para prever o comprimento de uma chama turbulenta têm sido foco de estudo de diversos grupos de pesquisa por suas aplicações na área de engenharia. O método experimental para obter o modelo varia desde visualizações simples, até técnicas fotográficas, este último com parâmetros fotográficos variando entre os autores. Técnicas fotográficas são usadas para estimar a altura de levantamento da base da chama, (Lift-Off) e o comprimento médio visível de chama (Visible Flame Length, VFL). Duas técnicas comuns que podem ser encontradas na literatura: por imagens de chama com baixo tempo de exposição e longo tempo de exposição, são comparados com um terceiro que se baseia na intensidade luminosa e na frequência de imagens de chama que ocupam um pixel. O melhor método foi utilizado para caracterizar o comportamento das chamas turbulentas de gás natural para diferentes regimes de velocidade do escoamento. Modelos algébricos que preveem o comprimento de chama, altura de levantamento e a velocidade crítica de extinção de chama são avaliados com os novos resultados experimentais. Logo após, os coeficientes numéricos dos melhores modelos algébricos são reajustados Finalmente, foram obtidos mapas de estabilidade relacionados à altura de levantamento e à velocidade crítica de extinção de chama para cada diâmetro em função da diluição com CO2 e do número adimensional de Reynolds. A terceira parte deste trabalho está focada no estudo da distribuição de radiação térmica. Em particular, foram consideradas três distâncias radiais medidas em comprimentos de chama (0,5 Lf, 1 Lf, 2 Lf) visando obter a distribuição do fluxo radiante experimental ao longo de um eixo vertical adjacente às chamas. Finalmente, os dados experimentais foram utilizados como dados de entrada em uma análise inversa com o objetivo de calcular os fatores de ponderação do modelo das múltiplas fontes ponderadas (por suas siglas em inglês WMPS). Nesta última parte, são apresentados frações radiantes e distribuições de fluxo de calor radiante de chamas de gás natural diluídas para diversas diluições com dióxido de carbono e diâmetros do queimador. / Predicting models for turbulent diffusion flame lengths have several applications driven the attention of many research groups. Since several studies use photographs to measure the flame length, with photographic parameters varying among authors, in other cases simple visualizations were used. It is important to explore possible discrepancies among measurement technics that could affect the results. Optical visualizations of turbulent diffusion flames are used to estimate the visible average flame length (VFL) and the lift-off. The study presents a study of three different methods to measure the VFL using optical techniques. The effect on the image of the main optic parameters such as focus, exposure time and ISO sensibility are analyzed. The VFL obtained with images in low exposure time and long exposure time are compared with a third optical method that is based on the luminous intensity and the frequency of flame images occupying a pixel. One method was used to characterize the behavior of turbulent diffusion flames of natural gas for a range of flames in function of the flow velocity. Universal non-dimensional models that describe the VFL, lift-off and the blow-out stability limit of gaseous jet diffusion flames in the still air have been compared with new experimental data. The numerical coefficients of the best models are adjusted. Finally, maps of stability related to lift-off and blow-out were obtained for each diameter in function of the dilution with CO2 and flow exit velocity expressed in non-dimensional Reynolds number The third part of this work focuses on the estimation of the thermal distribution of radiative flux from turbulent diffusion flames in laboratory-scale. The experimental measurements were gotten from the previous stability study. In particular, was considered three radial distances measured in flame lengths (0,5 Lf, 1 Lf, 2 Lf) aiming at obtaining the experimental radiant flux along a vertical axis adjacent to the flames. Finally, the experimental data was used as input data in an inverse analysis with the purpose of computing weight coefficients of the weighted multi-point source (WMPS) model. Then, experimental data that include: radiant fractions and radiative heat flux are presents for several flames with different dilutions with carbon dioxide and burner´s diameters.