Over the last decades, there has been considerable attention in the accurate mathematical modeling and numerical simulations of free surface wave propagation in near-shore environments. A physical correct description of the large scale phenomena, which take place in the shallow water region, must account for strong nonlinear and dispersive effects, along with the interaction with complex topographies. First, a study on the behavior in nonlinear regime of different Boussinesq-type models is proposed, showing the advantage of using fully-nonlinear models with respect to weakly-nonlinear and weakly dispersive models (commonly employed). Secondly, a new flexible strategy for solving the fully-nonlinear and weakly-dispersive Green-Naghdi equations is presented, which allows to enhance an existing shallow water code by simply adding an algebraic term to the momentum balance and is particularly adapted for the use of hybrid techniques for wave breaking. Moreover, the first discretization of the Green-Naghdi equations on unstructured meshes is proposed via hybrid finite volume/ finite element schemes. Finally, the models and the methods developed in the thesis are deployed to study the physical problem of bore formation in convergent alluvial estuary, providing the first characterization of natural estuaries in terms of bore inception. / Ces dernières décennies, une attention particulière a été portée sur la modélisation mathématique et la simulation numérique de la propagation de vagues en environnements côtiers. Une description physiquement correcte des phénomènes à grande échelle, qui apparaissent dans les régions d'eau peu profonde, doit prendre en compte de forts effets non-linéaires et dispersifs, ainsi que l'interaction avec des bathymétries complexes. Dans un premier temps, une étude du comportement en régime non linéaire de différents modèles de type Boussinesq est proposée, démontrant l'avantage d'utiliser des modèles fortement non-linéaires par rapport à des modèles faiblement non-linéaires et faiblement dispersifs (couramment utilisés). Ensuite, une nouvelle approche flexible pour résoudre les équations fortement non-linéaires et faiblement dispersives de Green-Naghdi est présentée. Cette stratégie permet d'améliorer un code "shallow water" existant par le simple ajout d'un terme algébrique dans l'équation du moment et est particulièrement adapté à l'utilisation de techniques hybrides pour le déferlement des vagues. De plus, la première discrétisation des équations de Green-Naghdi sur maillage non structuré est proposée via des schémas hybrides Volume Fini/Élément Fini. Finalement, les modèles et méthodes développés dans la thèse sont appliqués à l'étude du problème physique de la formation du mascaret dans des estuaires convergents et alluviaux. Cela a amené à la première caractérisation d'estuaire naturel en terme d'apparition de mascaret.

Multi-metallic aerogels have recently emerged as a novel and promising class of unsupported electrocatalyst materials due to their high catalytic activity and improved durability for various electrochemical reactions. Aerogels can be prepared by a spontaneous one-step gelation process, where the chemical co-reduction of metal precursors and the prompt formation of the nanochain-consisting hydrogels, as a preliminary stage for the preparation of aerogels take place. However, detailed knowledge about the homogeneity and chemical distribution of these three-dimensional Pd-Pt aerogels at the nano-scale as well as at the macro-scale is still unclear to date. Therefore, we used a combination of spectroscopic and microscopic techniques to obtain a better insight into the structure and elemental distribution of the various Pd-rich Pd-Pt aerogels prepared by the spontaneous one-step gelation process. Synchrotron-based extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy and high-angle annular dark-field (HAADF) scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) in combination with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) were employed in this work to uncover the structural architecture and chemical composition of the various Pd-rich Pd-Pt aerogels over a broad length range. The Pd80Pt20, Pd60Pt40 and Pd50Pt50 aerogels showed heterogeneity in the chemical distribution of the Pt and Pd atoms inside the macroscopic nanochain-network. Features of monometallic clusters were not detected by EXAFS or STEM-EDX, indicating alloyed nanoparticles. However, the local chemical composition of the Pd-Pt alloys strongly varied along the nanochains and thus within a single aerogel. To determine the electrochemically active surface area (ECSA) of the Pd-Pt aerogels for applications in electrocatalysis, we used the electrochemical CO stripping method. Due to high porosity and extended network structure, the resulting values of the ECSA for the Pd-Pt aerogels were higher than that for a commercially available unsupported Pt black catalyst. We show that the Pd-Pt aerogels possess a high utilization of catalytically active centers for electrocatalytic applications based on the nanostructured bimetallic framework. Knowledge about the homogeneity and chemical distribution of the bimetallic aerogels can help to further optimize their preparation by the spontaneous one-step gelation process and to tune their electrocatalytic reactivity.

Coals, from mines in the Highveld coalfield, as well as gasification ash samples were characterised, in order to understand the mineralogical and chemical properties of the individual components in the gasification feedstocks. X-ray diffraction of low temperature oxygen-plasma ash indicates that the coals contain significant proportions of kaolinite, quartz and a fluxing elements-bearing mineral (dolomite), plus minor concentrations of illite and other fluxing elements-bearing minerals namely calcite, pyrite and siderite. Of the feed coal, the -75+53 mm size fraction has a high pyrite, and to a lesser extent a high calcite and dolomite content. However, the small proportion of iron-bearing phases (from the reaction between kaolinite and pyrite) in samples taken from the gasifier implies that pyrite contributes minimally to sintering or slagging in this case. Calcite is mainly present in the >1.8 g/cm3 density fraction of the feed coal, whereas dolomite is mainly present in the 1.5-1.8 g/cm3 density fraction, as inclusions or fine cleats in the coal matrix. Electron microprobe analyses of coals from the six different South African mines confirmed that some Ca, Mg, Al, Si, Na, K, Ti and Fe are present in the organic matrix in the coal samples tested in this study, but the amounts of these are small compared with the fluxing elements in minerals. XRD and microprobe analyses indicate that the ash clinker samples taken from the gasifiers contain a number of crystalline high temperature phases, including anorthite, mullite, cristobalite, quartz and diopside. FactSage confirmed that anorthite and mullite are equilibrium phases at elevated temperatures in the ash clinkers and heated rock fragments. Limited reaction takes place between the included coal minerals and the extraneous rock fragments. / Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2008. / Materials Science and Metallurgical Engineering / unrestricted

Multi-metallic aerogels have recently emerged as a novel and promising class of unsupported electrocatalyst materials due to their high catalytic activity and improved durability for various electrochemical reactions. Aerogels can be prepared by a spontaneous one-step gelation process, where the chemical co-reduction of metal precursors and the prompt formation of the nanochain-consisting hydrogels, as a preliminary stage for the preparation of aerogels take place. However, detailed knowledge about the homogeneity and chemical distribution of these three-dimensional Pd-Pt aerogels at the nano-scale as well as at the macro-scale is still unclear to date. Therefore, we used a combination of spectroscopic and microscopic techniques to obtain a better insight into the structure and elemental distribution of the various Pd-rich Pd-Pt aerogels prepared by the spontaneous one-step gelation process. Synchrotron-based extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy and high-angle annular dark-field (HAADF) scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) in combination with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) were employed in this work to uncover the structural architecture and chemical composition of the various Pd-rich Pd-Pt aerogels over a broad length range. The Pd80Pt20, Pd60Pt40 and Pd50Pt50 aerogels showed heterogeneity in the chemical distribution of the Pt and Pd atoms inside the macroscopic nanochain-network. Features of monometallic clusters were not detected by EXAFS or STEM-EDX, indicating alloyed nanoparticles. However, the local chemical composition of the Pd-Pt alloys strongly varied along the nanochains and thus within a single aerogel. To determine the electrochemically active surface area (ECSA) of the Pd-Pt aerogels for applications in electrocatalysis, we used the electrochemical CO stripping method. Due to high porosity and extended network structure, the resulting values of the ECSA for the Pd-Pt aerogels were higher than that for a commercially available unsupported Pt black catalyst. We show that the Pd-Pt aerogels possess a high utilization of catalytically active centers for electrocatalytic applications based on the nanostructured bimetallic framework. Knowledge about the homogeneity and chemical distribution of the bimetallic aerogels can help to further optimize their preparation by the spontaneous one-step gelation process and to tune their electrocatalytic reactivity.

The dissertation thesis deals with the modification of the surface of advanced magnesium alloys with Ni-P based coatings. At the beginning of the theoretical part, the structures of the used magnesium alloys and the influence of individual alloying elements on their properties are characterized. In the following part of the thesis the current knowledge in the field of electroless deposition on metal substrates is summarized. The theoretical part of the thesis is closed with contemporary research study in the field of clarification and determination of possible mechanism of electroless deposition. For the subsequent investigation of the mechanism of electroless deposition on magnesium alloys, it was necessary to characterize the microstructure and composition of individual magnesium alloys in the first phase of the experimental part. The exact composition of elements was determined using glow discharge optical emission spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy with EDS was used for composition of phases of magnesium alloys. Using scanning electron microscopy and detailed elemental analysis of the coated magnesium substrate, it was found that for optimal Ni-P coating deposition on magnesium alloys, acid pickling prior coating is required in a mixture of acetic acid and sodium nitrate. Using the XPS method, it was found that the phosphorus atom in the sodium dihydride-diphosphate reducing agent has a + V charge. 4 At the end of the experimental part scanning electron microscopy and detailed elemental analyses were used for monitoring of the Ni-P particles nucleation and growth in the first 120 seconds of the coating process.

The aim of this work is to describe the influence of temperature on the structure and chemical composition of electrode materials for Li-ion accumulators. Theoretical part of this thesis contains described terminology and general issues of batteries and their division. Every kind of battery is provided with a closer description of a specific battery type. A separate chapter is dedicated to lithium cells, mainly Li-ion batteries. Considering various composition of Li-ion batteries, the next subchapters deeply analyzes the most used cathode (with an emphasis on the LiFePO4, LiMn1/3Ni1/3Co1/3O2) and anode materials (with an emphasis on the Li4Ti5O12). The next chapters describe the used analytical methods: electron microscopy, energy dispersion spectroscopy and thermomechanical analysis. The practical part is devoted to the description of the individual experiments and the achieved results.

This master thesis deals with analysis of battery mass using x-ray spectral microanalysis. For the measurement two scanning electron microscopes equipped with energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopes were used. Appropriate examples were prepaired by standard method. Then elemental analysis was performed with changing conditions of measurement. Two programs were used for spectrums evaluation and in the end the size of errors was observed for every conditions.

The Terrestrial digital radio links are used for transmitting digital information between fixed stations on a line of sight of a radio path. Each digital radio link has many characteristics and parameters for transmission. We require technical parameters in the design of digital radio link such as data rates and capacities. In this design we should take into account most effects of the electromagnetic waves propagation, if we want to meet user technical requirements of the link and if that link may correctly transmit digital signals with minimum errors. Prediction methods for the design of terrestrial line of sight systems are still in progress. Some effects of electromagnetic waves propagation and methods of the digital radio link design depend on natural variability and climate. The goal of this diploma thesis is to investigate methods for the design of terrestrial line of sight links with taking into account of ITU recommendation. Make computer program which implement this investigate methods

The Thesis deals with the current problem related to the connection of dispersive sources to the distribution network. The advantageous legislative support, however, gives a rapid rise to the sources of this kind. Current pricing philosophy favours in particular the growth of photovoltaic power plants. The introduction is aimed at the dispersive sources locating so as to give a comprehensive solution and better understanding of this issue. The equipments of this kind are located in accordance with legislation in force; however, it is necessary to formulate the possibilities of placing them from the view of rational use of the area with the aim of the public weal accordance of both public and private interests. Talking about connection of the new dispersive sources to the distribution network, it is important to mention the legislation, legal directives and regulations delimitating this kind of trade. This theme is the subject of another chapter of the work. Particular attention is paid to the regulation on conditions of connection to the distribution network. When connecting the sources to the distribution network the biggest technical problem from the view of electrical engineering is undesirable influence on the quality parameters (voltage) in this network. This is in particular the voltage change after connection, then, depending on the type of source, the emission of the current harmonic, sharp voltage change, etc. Considering current rise of the dispersive sources connected to the distribution network, more and more influence will appear in quantity parameters. For this reason there will be a lot of search for the methods of preventing from the negative influence on the network. From all of the above said reasons, the work is aimed at the operation analysis of the part of the distribution network, calculation of the network qualitative parameters and searching for the methods of negative influence rectification owing to switching processes of the distribution system. So as to determine the quantitative parameters we used the E-influence programme. Final paragraphs are devoted to the changes to come not only in legislation but, in general, in the approach of the distribution system operators not only to the ways of another connection of such sources but even the regulation of the dispersive sources already connected.

Dans ce travail, deux méthodes d'extraction multi-résidus de contaminants présents dans des sédiments ont été développées. Dans la première partie de cette étude, une méthode a été développée pour l’'extraction simultanée de deux familles de métabolites oxygénés d'hydrocarbures aromatiques polycycliques (HAP), les quinones et les HAP hydroxylés (OH-HAP). Une approche chimiométrique a permis de déterminer les paramètres influant sur l’extraction assistée par micro-ondes (MAE) et une zone de compromis a été trouvée pour extraire de manière optimale les deux familles de composés. Deux méthodologies d’analyses chromatographiques ont été développées et validées pour analyser les extraits, puis comparées, à savoir la chromatographie liquide haute performance couplée aux détections UV et fluorimétrique (HPLC-UV-Fluo) et la chromatographie en phase gazeuse couplée à un spectromètre de masse par impact électronique (CPG-SM). En CPG-SM, des réactions de silylation des OH-HAP et d’acétylation des quinones ont dû être mises au point, afin d’abaisser les limites de détection (LD), en particulier pour les ortho-quinones. En HPLC-UV-Fluo, les LD étaient plus faibles qu’en CPG-SM, surtout pour les OH-HAP détectés en Fluo et l'analyse était plus rapide, sans processus de dérivation; mais la détection n’étant pas sélective, l’identification des analytes s’est avérée hazardeuse. Le choix s’est donc porté sur la CPG-SM pour une analyse plus fiable des deux familles de composés de matrices sédimentaires naturellement contaminées. Dans la deuxième partie de ce travail de thèse, une nouvelle méthodologie d'extraction a été développée et validée, basée sur la dispersion en phase solide de la matrice solide (MSPD), capable d'extraire mais aussi de purifier l’échantillon, méthodologie par ailleurs simple et rapide. Deux familles de composés ont été extraits simultanément à partir de sédiments, les HAP et les polychlorobiphényles (PCB). Un certain nombre de paramètres ont été optimisés, tels la nature des agents dispersants, le temps de broyage, le volume et la nature du mélange de solvants d’élution. Dans un deuxième temps, l'introduction des OH-HAP dans le processus analytique a amené à coupler à la MSPD une autre méthode d’extraction/purification beaucoup plus sélective, basée sur les polymères à empreintes moléculaires (MIP). En effet, les interférents polaires, restés piégés par l’agent dispersant polaire dans la première cartouche contenant le sédiment broyé, devaient être élués afin de libérer les OH-HAP, qui a leur tour devaient être retenus sélectivement dans un MIP empreint pour les phénols, pour fournir une élution finale exempte d'autres composés. Il a été montré que ces MIPs pouvaient extraire sélectivement les OH-HAP de faible et de haut poids moléculaire, mais il fallait choisir soigneusement le solvant de percolation pour ne pas endommager le polymère. Cependant, la difficulté principale a été de désorber les OH-HAP fortement retenus par le sédiment par liaison hydrogène. Cela a pu être réalisé pour les OH-HAP légers, en utilisant un mélange de solvants avec un effet de relargage par un sel, mais pas pour les OH-HAP lourds, trop fortement adsorbés sur la matrice sédimentaire. Par ailleurs, il a fallu utiliser une grande quantité de polymère à empreinte moléculaire à cause de la compétition pour les sites de reconnaissance entre les OH-HAP et des composés phénoliques. / In this work two multiresidual methods for extracting contaminants from sediments were developed. In the first part of this study, a method was developed for extracting simultaneously two groups of oxygenated metabolites of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), quinones and hydroxylated PAHs (hydroxy-PAHs). A chemometric approach allowed us to determine the influential parameters on microwave assisted extraction (MAE), and a compromise could be found for extracting quantitatively both families of compounds. Two chromatographic analytical methodologies were developed and validated for analysing the extracts: high performance liquid chromatography coupled with fluorimetric and ultraviolet detection (HPLC-UV-FLD) and gas chromatography coupled with an electronic impact mass spectrometer (GC-MS). Using GC-MS, reactions of silylation of hydroxy-PAHs and of acetylation of quinones had to be developed, to decrease detection limits (LOD), particularly for ortho-quinones. Using HPLC-UV-FLD, LODs were lower than using GC-MS, particularly for hydroxy-PAHs detected by FLD, and the analysis was faster, without derivatization; but the detectors were not selective, and identification of analytes was doubtful. Choice was done to favour GC-MS for a more reliable analysis of the two families of compounds extracted from naturally contaminated sediments. In the second part of this thesis work, a new fast and simple extraction methodology was developed and validated, based on matrix solid phase dispersion (MSPD), capable of extracting and purifying simultaneously sediment samples. Two families of compounds were simultaneously extracted from sediments, PAHs and polychlorobiphenyls (PCBs). Many parameters were optimized, as the nature of dispersing agents, the time of grinding, the volume and nature of elution solvent mixtures. In a second step, hydroxy-PAHs were introduced in the analytical process, which led us to add another more selective extraction/purification method to MSPD, based on molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs). Indeed polar interfering compounds, trapped by the polar dispersant in the first cartridge containing the blended sediment, had to be eluted to release hydroxy-PAHs, which in turn had to be selectively retained by the polymer, imprinted for phenols, to provide a final eluate free from other polar compounds. It was demonstrated that those MIPs could selectively extract low and high molecular weight hydroxy-PAHs, but appropriate percolating solvents had to be chosen to avoid polymer damages. However, the main difficulty was to desorb hydroxy-PAHs strongly retained by the sediment matrix through hydrogen bonds. It could be achieved for light hydroxy-PAHs, using a mixture of eluting solvents with salting-out effect, but not for heavy hydroxy-PAHs which stayed strongly sorbed on the sediment matrix. Furthermore we needed to use high amounts of imprinted polymer because of the competition for recognition sites between hydroxy-PAHs and phenolic compounds.