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Dans le cadre de cette thèse, nous investiguons la capacité de chaque hémisphère cérébral à utiliser l’information visuelle disponible lors de la reconnaissance de mots. Il est généralement convenu que l’hémisphère gauche (HG) est mieux outillé pour la lecture que l’hémisphère droit (HD). De fait, les mécanismes visuoperceptifs utilisés en reconnaissance de mots se situent principalement dans l’HG (Cohen, Martinaud, Lemer et al., 2003). Puisque les lecteurs normaux utilisent optimalement des fréquences spatiales moyennes (environ 2,5 - 3 cycles par degré d’angle visuel) pour reconnaître les lettres, il est possible que l’HG les traite mieux que l’HD (Fiset, Gosselin, Blais et Arguin, 2006). Par ailleurs, les études portant sur la latéralisation hémisphérique utilisent habituellement un paradigme de présentation en périphérie visuelle. Il a été proposé que l’effet de l’excentricité visuelle sur la reconnaissance de mots soit inégal entre les hémichamps. Notamment, la première lettre est celle qui porte habituellement le plus d’information pour l’identification d’un mot. C’est aussi la plus excentrique lorsque le mot est présenté à l’hémichamp visuel gauche (HVG), ce qui peut nuire à son identification indépendamment des capacités de lecture de l’HD. L’objectif de la première étude est de déterminer le spectre de fréquences spatiales utilisé par l’HG et l’HD en reconnaissance de mots. Celui de la deuxième étude est d’explorer les biais créés par l’excentricité et la valeur informative des lettres lors de présentation en champs divisés. Premièrement, nous découvrons que le spectre de fréquences spatiales utilisé par les deux hémisphères en reconnaissance de mots est globalement similaire, même si l’HG requière moins d’information visuelle que l’HD pour atteindre le même niveau de performance. Étonnament toutefois, l’HD utilise de plus hautes fréquences spatiales pour identifier des mots plus longs. Deuxièmement, lors de présentation à l’HVG, nous trouvons que la 1re lettre, c’est à dire la plus excentrique, est parmi les mieux identifiées même lorsqu’elle a une plus grande valeur informative. Ceci est à l’encontre de l’hypothèse voulant que l’excentricité des lettres exerce un biais négatif pour les mots présentés à l’HVG. De façon intéressante, nos résultats suggèrent la présence d’une stratégie de traitement spécifique au lexique. / In this thesis, we investigate the cerebral hemispheres’ ability to use the available visual information for word recognition in lateral periphery. It is generally acknowledged that the left hemisphere (LH) is more able at reading than the right (RH). Accordingly, the visuoperceptual mechanisms of the brain for word recognition are primarily localized in the LH (Cohen, Martinaud, Lemer et al., 2003). As normal readers use medium spatial frequencies (about 2,5 – 3 cycles per degree of visual angle) to recognize words, it is possible that the LH is better tuned for processing these spatial frequencies than the RH (Fiset, Gosselin, Blais et Arguin, 2006). Furthermore, studies concerned with reading abilities in the cerebral hemispheres commonly present words in visual periphery. However, the effect of visual eccentricity on word recognition is thought to be unequal between hemifields, notably because the first letter in a word usually carries the most information for its accurate identification. It is also the most eccentric letter when a word is presented in the LVF, which may cause a negative bias for the identification of words presented to the LVF regardless of the actual reading capacities of the RH. The main objective of the first study is to determine the spatial frequency tuning functions of the LH and RH for word recognition. The goal of our second study is to explore letter identification biases for words presented to the left and right visual fields as a function of eccentricity by varying the information value of letter positions. Firstly, we discover that the spatial frequency tuning of both hemispheres is globally similar, even though the LH requires less visual information than the RH to reach the same level of performance. Surprisingly however, the RH requires higher spatial frequencies to identify longer words. Secondly, we find that for LVF displays, the first letter, i.e. the most eccentric, is among the most accurately identified, even when it has a greater information value. This argues against the hypothesis that letter eccentricity exerts a negative bias for words presented to the LVF. Interestingly, our findings also suggest a lexical-specific processing strategy.

The aim of the thesis is to study the problems of induction motors, which belong among the most widespread and used machines. Due to their expansion, it is advisable to start the fault monitoring to prevent any more damage and losses. It can be used for condition monitoring different types of methods, which are variety technically and costly demanding to implement. It is used the method of measurement using stator currents in this thesis, because these currents are already monitored and it is easy to create devices for a more detailed analysis. The whole monitoring is carried out using products from National Instruments. The program of monitoring is created in graphical setting of LabVIEW. The analysis is conducted by calculating the Fast Fourier transform of the time signal. The result is the frequency spectrum, which contains frequency peaks and some of these peaks represent failure. The test data are collected with a DAQ device and then the same data are used for creating a methodology for evaluating online analysis and it is subsequently implemented into CompactRIO.

In a synchronous machine, radial, tangential, and axial forces are generated. In this thesis, three different technologies to control them are proposed. The first one, involves the utilization of the radial forces that arise between the rotor and the stator. This is achieved by segmenting the rotor field winding into groups of poles and controlling their corresponding magnetization individually. This technology is particularly useful to achieve magnetic balance and to create controllable radial forces. The second technology, involves the control of the rotor field in order to influence the tangential forces that produce torque. This is achieved by inverting the rotor field winding polarity with respect to the stator field. With this technique, breaking and accelerating torques can be created. It is particularly useful to start a synchronous machine. Finally, the application of axial forces with a magnetic thrust bearing is discussed. The main benefits of this technology are higher efficiency and increased reliability. The work presented in this thesis was carried out within the Division of Electricity in the Department of Engineering Sciences at Uppsala University. It is based on original research supported by analytical calculations, computational simulations and extensive experimental work.

Abstract : Deterioration of concrete structures reinforced with steel bars can be seen daily in regions with aggressive weather as steel-corrosion problems worsen. Fiber-reinforced-polymers (FRP) reinforcement has proven its feasibility through different civil structural elements. Present guidelines for FRP structures in North-America and Europe have not yet handled axially loaded members, due to the lack of research and experiments. This research takes charge of providing experimental database as well as extensive analyses and design recommendations of circular concrete columns reinforced totally with different FRP bars and spirals/hoops (FRP-RC columns). Full-scale columns were tested under monotonic loading with different levels of eccentricity. Test variables included the eccentricity-to-diameter ratio (e/D); reinforcement type (GFRP and CFRP vs. steel); concrete strength; longitudinal and transverse reinforcement ratio; and confinement configuration. All specimens measured 305 mm diameter and 1500 mm height. Test results indicated that specimens reinforced with glass-FRP (GFRP) or carbon-FRP (CFRP) reached their peak strengths with no damages to GFRP or CFRP rebar on either side of specimens. Specimens with CFRP reinforcement (CFRP-RC) behaved very similarly to their steel counterparts, and achieved almost the same nominal axial forces. Specimens with GFRP reinforcement (GFRP-RC) exhibited, however, reduced stiffness and achieved lower nominal axial forces than their steel or CFRP counterparts. Failure of GFRP-RC and CFRP-RC specimens was dominated by concrete crushing at low levels of eccentricity (e/D ratios of 8.2% and 16.4%). Experimental strain results revealed that GFRP bars developed high levels of strains and stresses on the compression and tension sides and hence the GFRP-RC specimens could sustain constant axial load after peak for some time up to the limit of concrete crushing at higher levels of eccentricity (e/D ratios of 8.2% and 16.4%), which help to delay the full damage. At these levels, flexural–tension failure initiated in the GFRP-RC specimens resulting from large axial and lateral deformations and cracks on the tension side until secondary compression failure occurred due to strain limitations in concrete and degradation of the concrete compressive block. The failure of CFRP-RC specimens at higher levels of eccentricity (e/D ratios of 8.2% and 16.4%) was characterized as flexural–compression in which it took place in a less brittle manner. On the other hand, this research also included different studies to analyze the test results, evaluate rebar efficiency, and provide recommendations for analysis and design. It was, therefore, indicated that the axial and flexural capacities of the tested FRP-RC specimens could be reasonably predicted using plane sectional analysis, utilizing the equivalent rectangular stress block (ERSB) parameters given by the ACI 440.1R-15 or CSA S806-12. All predictions underestimated the actual strength with variable levels of conservatism ranged between 1.05 to 1.25 for the GFRP-RC specimens and between 1.20 to 1.40 for the CFRP-RC specimens. These levels were noticeably reduced to critical limits in specimens with high-strength concretes. An elaborate review was made to the available ERSB parameters in the present steel and FRP design standards and guidelines. Modified expressions of the ERSB given in ACI 440.1R-15 and CSA S806-12 were developed. The results indicated good correlation of predicted and measured strength values with enhanced levels of conservatism. Additionally, sets of axial force–bending moment (P-M) interaction diagrams and indicative bar charts are introduced, and recommendations drawn. The compressive-strength contribution of FRP reinforcement was thoroughly reviewed and discussed. The minimum GFRP and CFRP reinforcement ratios to avoid rebar rupturing were broadly examined. Finally, the flexure stiffness (EI) of the tested specimens was analytically determined and compared with the available expressions using experimental and analytical M-ψ responses. Proposed equations are developed and validated against the experimental results to represent the stiffness of GFRP-RC and CFRP-RC columns at service and ultimate levels. / La détérioration des structures en béton armé avec des barres d’armature d’acier peut être observée quotidiennement dans les régions à climat agressif. Le renforcement interne en polymères renforcés de fibres (PRF) a démontré sa faisabilité grâce à différents éléments structuraux en génie civil. Les lignes directrices actuelles pour les structures en béton armé de PRF en Amérique du Nord et en Europe n'ont pas encore gérées les sections soumises à des efforts axiaux excentrique, en raison du manque de recherches et d'expériences. Cette recherche permet d’augmenter la base de données expérimentales ainsi établir des analyses approfondies et des recommandations de conception pour les colonnes circulaires en béton armé complètement renforcées de PRF (barres et spirales). Des grandeur-nature colonnes ont été testées sous charge monotone avec différents niveaux d'excentricité. Les variables de test comprenaient le rapport excentricité / diamètre (e/D) ; le type de renfort (PRFV et PRFC comparativement à l’acier); la résistance du béton en compression; le taux d’armature longitudinal et transversal; et la configuration de l’armature de confinement. Tous les échantillons mesuraient 305 mm de diamètre et 1500 mm de hauteur. Les résultats des tests ont indiqué que les spécimens renforcés avec des PRF de verre ou des PRF de carbone atteignaient leur résistance maximale sans endommager les barres d’armature. Des deux types de renforcement, les spécimens de PRFCCFRP se comportaient de manière très similaire à leurs homologues en acier et atteignaient presque les mêmes résistances axiales. Cependant, les spécimens avec renforcement en PRFV ont présenté une rigidité réduite et des forces axiales nominales inférieures à celles de leurs homologues en acier ou en PRFC. Le mode de rupture des spécimens de PRFC et de PRFV a été dominé par l’écrasement du béton à de faibles niveaux d'excentricité (rapports e/D de 8,2% et 16,4%). Les résultats ont révélé que les barres de PRFV ont développé des niveaux élevés de déformations et de contraintes sur les faces en compression et en tension et, par conséquent, les spécimens de PRFVC pourraient supporter une charge axiale constante après la résistance ultime pendant un certain temps jusqu'à la limite de la rupture en compression du béton du noyau à des niveaux supérieurs d'excentricité (rapport e/D de 8,2% et 16,4%), ce qui contribue à retarder la dégradation. À ces niveaux, une rupture en tension a été initiée dans les spécimens de PRFV résultant à de grandes déformations axiales et latérales et des fissures du côté de la face en tension jusqu'à ce que la rupture en compression du béton. La rupture des spécimens de PRFC à des niveaux supérieurs d'excentricité (rapport e/D de 8,2% et 16,4%) a été caractérisé comme étant en compression du béton dans laquelle il s'est déroulé de manière moins fragile. D'autre part, cette recherche comprenait également différentes études pour analyser les résultats des tests, évaluer l'efficacité des barres d'armature et fournir des recommandations pour l'analyse et la conception. Il a donc été indiqué que les capacités axiales et de flexion des spécimens en PRF testées pourraient être raisonnablement prédites en utilisant une analyse en section plane, en utilisant les paramètres du bloc de contrainte rectangulaire équivalent (BCRE) donnés par l'ACI 440.1R-15 ou la CSA S806- 12. Toutes les prédictions ont sous-estimé la résistance réelle avec des niveaux de variabilité conservateur entre 1,05 et 1,25 pour les spécimens de PRFC et entre 1,20 et 1,40 pour les spécimens de PRFC. Ces niveaux ont été nettement réduits à des limites critiques dans les spécimens avec des bétons à haute résistance. Un examen approfondi a été effectué sur les paramètres du BCRE disponibles dans les normes et les directives de conception actuelles en acier et en PRF. Les expressions modifiées du BCRE fournies dans ACI 440.1R-15 et CSA S806-12 ont été développées. Les résultats indiquent une bonne corrélation entre les valeurs de résistance prédites et mesurées avec des niveaux accrus de conservatisme. La contribution de la résistance à la compression du renforcement en PRF a été soigneusement examinée et discutée. Le taux d’armature minimum de PRFV et de PRFC pour éviter la rupture de l'armature ont été largement examinés. Enfin, la rigidité en flexion (EI) des spécimens testés a été déterminée de manière analytique et comparée aux expressions disponibles dans la littérature en utilisant les réponses expérimentales et analytiques M-ψ. Les expressions modifiées de la rigidité en flexion EI apportées dans l’ACI 440.1R ont été développées et validées.

The aim of this master thesis is to get familiar with the influence of radial forces in the induction machine. Induction motor is one of the most commonly used and most extended type of machine, therefore it is useful to detect the intensity of theese forces and their influence at operation of the machine. In this work ,radial forces are computed by the software simulation in ANSYS Maxwell. Models are created with help of module Rmxprt and finite elements method.These models are based on real induction motors with predefined size of eccentricity. In the final part we perform a measurement of deviations on the real machine using vibrometer.

This Master’s thesis investigates the flow in sealing gaps of impeller within pumps and turbines. Sealing gaps are installed to improve the volumetric efficiency in this type of fluid machinery. Despite present extensive research this subject has not been entirely documented and the thesis’ aim is to improve our knowledge in this matter. At the beginning, the practical experiment is used in order to establish appropriate numerical description of flow in seals and to calibrate software FLUENT. In chapter five, the thesis analyses the influence of seal design on volumetric efficiency of pumps and turbines and defines its optimal construction to improve the efficiency. The thesis then examines the effect of rotor eccentricity on flow properties, flow rate and pressure distribution within the sealing gap. In the last section, through chapters six to eight, the flow results provided by numerical solution in FLUENT and selected analytical equations, or their modified forms, are being discussed. The degree of correspondence between the results is also studied.

<p>Co-axial dripping is one of the many ways to make drops with a core-shell structure for encapsulated materials. However, in systems where the capsule components are not density matched or surfactants are not used, the shell will eventually thin and break if not solidified in time. If the shell fails before solidifying, the core will leak out and result in a non-functional capsule. This study assumes that all capsules will fail once the core has reached 80% eccentricity, meaning a shell region has thinned to 20% of its original thickness (~70 µm). In reality, rupture of the shell depends more on stochastic defects and disturbances, but locally decreasing the shell thickness will increase the probability of capsule rupture. With this assumption, the survival time of a core-shell drop is inversely proportional to the relative velocity of the inner drop, where the greater this relative velocity, the faster the shell phase will thin. Stoke's law is generally used to approximate the speed of a sphere in a fluid. However, this study demonstrates that Stoke's law is insufficient for predicting the inner drop's motion for a compound drop. This is due to internal flows that develop within all fluid drops because of shear forces on the drop’s external face during freefall. For core-shell drops, prior studies report how the inner drop velocity can change in magnitude and direction as a function of its eccentricity, meaning its position within the outer drop. Since previous studies did not analyze this core-shell drop relationship with a 50 vol% core and a high viscosity shell, a model was built in COMSOL Multiphysics to understand how the claims from literature would apply to a previous encapsulation study (Betancourt, 2021). The model was also put through a series of validation tests that confirmed the model’s ability to accurately represent the speed and direction of inner drop motion. The final model configuration was then used to identify the transition point between buoyancy-driven and internal flow-driven failure modes observed during the production of core-shell drops in a previous encapsulation study for phase change materials (Betancourt, 2021). The model results showed how the estimated inner drop velocity was significantly reduced once accounting for the internal flows within the shell phase of a compound drop. While this study does help characterize the motion of an inner drop and could be used to find a material system with a favorable velocity profile, it is still recommended to use an in-air curing system to produce concentric capsules. Achieving a concentric capsule would still require this co-axial dripping setup to be modified significantly. </p> <p>Betancourt-Jimenez, D., Wells, B., Youngblood, J. P., & Martinez, C. J. (2021). Encapsulation of biobased fatty acid amides for phase change material applications. <em>Journal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy</em>, <em>13</em>(6), 064101. https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0072105</p>

Induction machines convert more than 55% of electrical energy into various other forms in industrial and domestic environments. Improved performance, especially by reduction of losses in induction machines hence can significantly reduce consumption of electricity. Many design and control methods are adopted to make induction machines work more efficiently, however certain design compromises are inevitable, such as skewing the rotor to improve the magnetic noise and torque characteristics increase the cross current losses considerably in a cage rotor, degrading the efficiency of the motor. Crosscurrent losses are the dominating stray losses which are dependent on several factors among them are percentage skew and the contact resistance between the rotor bars and laminations. It is shown in this thesis that implementing a design change which has non-skewed asymmetrical distribution of rotor slots can serve the same purpose as skewing i.e., reduction of the magnetic noise, thereby avoiding the negative effects of skewing the rotor slots especially by reducing the cross-current losses. Two design ethodologies to introduce asymmetry in rotor slots are proposed and the key performance characteristics like torque ripple, radial air gap forces are computed both numerically and analytically. Radial forces obtained from the finite element method are coupled to the analytical tool forcalculating the magnetic noise. A spectral method to calculate and separate the radial forces into vibration modes and their respective frequencies is proposed and validated for a standard 4-pole induction motor. The influence of rotor slot number, eccentricity and skew on radial forces and magnetic noise are studied using finite element method in order to understand the vibrational and acoustic behavior of the machine, especially for identifying their sources. The validated methods on standard motors are applied for investigating the asymmetrical rotor slot machines. Radial air gap forces and magnetic noise spectra are computed for the novel dual and sinusoidal symmetrical rotors and compared with the standard symmetrical rotor. The results obtained showed reduced radial forces and magnetic noise in asymmetrical rotors, both for the eccentric and noneccentric cases. Based on the results obtained some guide lines for designing  asymmetrical rotor slots are established. Magnitudes of the harmful modes of vibration observed in the eccentric rotors, which usually occur in reality, are considerably reduced in asymmetrical rotors showing lower sound intensity levels produced by asymmetrical rotors. The noise level from mode-2 vibration in a 4-pole standard 15 kW motor running with 25% static eccentricity is decreased by about 6 dB, compared to the standard rotors. Hence improved performance can be achieved by removing skew which reduces cross current losses and by employing asymmetrical rotor slots same noise level can be maintained or can be even lowered. / QC 20110221

Структурирована существующая методика расчета подкрановых балок и проанализировано влияние дефектов на напряженно-деформированное состояние подкрановых балок. / The existing method of calculating crane beams is structured and the effect of defects on the stress-strain state of crane beams is analyzed.