Graduation date: 2000

Critical Heat Flux (CHF) is an important safety parameter for the design of nuclear reactors. The most commonly used predictive tool for determination of CHF is a look-up table developed using tube data with an average hydraulic test diameter of 8 mm. There exist in the world today nuclear reactors whose geometry is annular, not tubular, and whose hydraulic diameter is significantly smaller than 8 mm. In addition, any sub-channel thermal hydraulic model of fuel assemblies is annular and not tubular. Comparisons were made between this predictive tool and annular correlations developed from test data. These comparisons showed the look-up table over-predicts the CHF values for annular channels, thus questioning its ability to perform correct safety evaluations. Since no better tool exists to predict CHF for annular geometry, an effort was undertaken to produce one. A database of open literature annular CHF values was created as a basis for this new tool. By compiling information from eighteen sources and requiring that the data be inner wall, unilaterally, uniformly heated with no spacers or heat transfer enhancement devices, a database of 1630 experimental values was produced. After a review of the data in the database, a new look-up table was created. A look-up table provides localized control of the prediction to overcome sparseness of data. Using Shepard's Method as the extrapolation technique, a regular mesh look-up table was produced using four main variables: pressure, quality, mass flux, and hydraulic diameter. The root mean square error of this look-up table was found to be 0.8267. However, by fixing the hydraulic diameter locations to the database values, the root mean square error was further reduced to 0.2816. This look-up table can now predict CHF values for annular channels over a wide range of fluid conditions. / Graduation date: 2001

A new method of manufacturing heat flux sensors was developed using a combination of copper etching and stencil printing nickel/silver conductive ink thermocouple materials onto a thin-film polyimide Kapton® substrate. The semi-automated production capabilities of this manufacturing process significantly decrease the cost of producing thin-film heat flux sensors while still maintaining acceptable performance characteristics. Material testing was performed to first determine the most appropriate materials as well as the theoretical sensitivity and time response of the final sensor. Seebeck coefficient of a thermocouple formed using the combination of EMS CI-1001 silver and EMS CI-5001 nickel ink was measured to be 18.3 ± 0.9 uV/ deg C. Calibrations were then performed on a sample of sensors produced using the novel manufacturing process to verify theoretical values for both sensitivity and time response. The printed heat flux sensor (PHFS) made using this process has a nominal voltage output sensitivity of 4.10 ± 0.23 mV/(W/cm2) and first order time constant response time of 0.592 ± 0.026 seconds. Lastly, a cost analysis was performed to estimate that the final cost to produce the PHFS is approximately $7.73 per sensor. This cost is significantly lower than commercially available sensors which range from $210 upwards to $3000. / Master of Science

A new thin film heat flux array (HFA) was designed and constructed using a series of nickel/copper thermocouples deposited onto a thin Kapton® polyimide film. The HFA is capable of withstanding temperatures up to 300 °C and produces signals of 42 μV/(W/cm²). As a result of its thin film construction, the HFA has a first order time constant of 32 ms. Calibrations were completed to determine the gage's output as well as its time response. In order to measure the signal from the HFA amplifiers were designed to increase the magnitude of the voltage output. An example case is given where the HFA is used in an experiment to correlate time-resolved heat flux and velocities. / Master of Science

No description available.

A união por conformação eletromagnética de perfis tubulares de alta condutividade elétrica é um processo inovador e limpo que pode substituir com sucesso os processos convencionais de união baseados na fixação mecânica por parafusos, rebites, soldagem e adesivos estruturais. Esta tecnologia funciona a temperatura ambiente, permite a união de materiais diferentes e oferece potencial para promover novas aplicações na montagem de estruturas leves. Neste trabalho busca-se compreender a união por interferência de tubos por cravamento eletromagnético em termos de seus principais parâmetros com o objetivo de identificar a influência na resistência global das uniões e estabelecer a faixa útil de condições operacionais do processo. Inicialmente são apresentados os fundamentos teóricos do processo de conformação eletromagnética e suas principais variantes operacionais, seguido de um resumo do estado atual do conhecimento da aplicação desta tecnologia na união de perfis tubulares no qual é verificado que os parâmetros mecânicos são a tensão residual no mandril, a área e forma da zona de união e o coeficiente de atrito entre os componentes. Entretanto, tais parâmetros estão relacionados de forma complexa com o processo de cravamento eletromagnético, a começar pela energia e a distribuição do pulso de pressão magnética gerados pela máquina e ferramenta que “disparam” o processo de conformação, a folga inicial entre componentes, o material dos componentes e, a geometria, forma e rugosidade do mandril. O estudo experimental foca a união por interferência de tubos de alumínio (AA6082-O) com mandris de aço (AISI 1045) e alumínio (AA6082 nos estados O e T6) investigando de forma gradual a influência de parâmetros do processo na resistência mecânica (à tração) deste tipo de uniões. Os resultados obtidos demonstram que a resistência mecânica da união e os modos de falha associados são diretamente relacionados com os parâmetros de processo e condições do mandril. Além disso, outras importantes contribuições são apresentadas em relação à instrumentação para medição de fluxo magnético e eficiência global do processo e para o desenvolvimento e aplicações industriais desta tecnologia. / Joining of tubular profiles with high electrical conductivity by electromagnetic forming (EMF) is an innovative and clean technology that can successfully replace conventional joining technologies based on mechanical fixing with fasteners, rivets, welding and structural adhesives. The technology works at room temperature, allows joining dissimilar materials and offers potential to foster new applications in the assembly of lightweight tubular frame structures. This work investigates the interference-fit joining of tubes by electromagnetic crimping in terms of its major parameters with the aim of identifying their influence on the overall strength of the joints and establishing the useful range of process operating conditions. Initially, the theoretical principles of EMF and its main operational process variants are presented, followed by a summary of the current state of the knowledge of its application in the joining of tubular profiles in which it is found that the mechanical parameters are the residual stress at the joint interface, the area and shape of the joint interface and the friction coefficient between the joining partners. However, these parameters are related in a very complex way with the electromagnetic crimping process parameters, starting with the charging energy and by the machine and tool which generates the distribution of the magnetic pressure pulse that “triggers” the forming process, the initial gap between joining partners, the mandrel properties such as material, geometry, shape and surface roughness. The experimental study focuses the interference-fit of aluminum tubes (AA6082-O) on mandrels made of different materials and metallurgical conditions (AISI 1045, AA6082-O and AA6082-T6) and, therefore, the process is analyzed by the gradual influence of other process parameters aiming to achieve high strength joints. Results show that the joint strength and the associated failure mechanisms are directly related to process parameters and mandrel conditions. In addition, other important contributions are presented regarding the instrumentation for measuring the magnetic flux and overall process efficiency and to the development and implementation of this technology in industrial processes.

A união por conformação eletromagnética de perfis tubulares de alta condutividade elétrica é um processo inovador e limpo que pode substituir com sucesso os processos convencionais de união baseados na fixação mecânica por parafusos, rebites, soldagem e adesivos estruturais. Esta tecnologia funciona a temperatura ambiente, permite a união de materiais diferentes e oferece potencial para promover novas aplicações na montagem de estruturas leves. Neste trabalho busca-se compreender a união por interferência de tubos por cravamento eletromagnético em termos de seus principais parâmetros com o objetivo de identificar a influência na resistência global das uniões e estabelecer a faixa útil de condições operacionais do processo. Inicialmente são apresentados os fundamentos teóricos do processo de conformação eletromagnética e suas principais variantes operacionais, seguido de um resumo do estado atual do conhecimento da aplicação desta tecnologia na união de perfis tubulares no qual é verificado que os parâmetros mecânicos são a tensão residual no mandril, a área e forma da zona de união e o coeficiente de atrito entre os componentes. Entretanto, tais parâmetros estão relacionados de forma complexa com o processo de cravamento eletromagnético, a começar pela energia e a distribuição do pulso de pressão magnética gerados pela máquina e ferramenta que “disparam” o processo de conformação, a folga inicial entre componentes, o material dos componentes e, a geometria, forma e rugosidade do mandril. O estudo experimental foca a união por interferência de tubos de alumínio (AA6082-O) com mandris de aço (AISI 1045) e alumínio (AA6082 nos estados O e T6) investigando de forma gradual a influência de parâmetros do processo na resistência mecânica (à tração) deste tipo de uniões. Os resultados obtidos demonstram que a resistência mecânica da união e os modos de falha associados são diretamente relacionados com os parâmetros de processo e condições do mandril. Além disso, outras importantes contribuições são apresentadas em relação à instrumentação para medição de fluxo magnético e eficiência global do processo e para o desenvolvimento e aplicações industriais desta tecnologia. / Joining of tubular profiles with high electrical conductivity by electromagnetic forming (EMF) is an innovative and clean technology that can successfully replace conventional joining technologies based on mechanical fixing with fasteners, rivets, welding and structural adhesives. The technology works at room temperature, allows joining dissimilar materials and offers potential to foster new applications in the assembly of lightweight tubular frame structures. This work investigates the interference-fit joining of tubes by electromagnetic crimping in terms of its major parameters with the aim of identifying their influence on the overall strength of the joints and establishing the useful range of process operating conditions. Initially, the theoretical principles of EMF and its main operational process variants are presented, followed by a summary of the current state of the knowledge of its application in the joining of tubular profiles in which it is found that the mechanical parameters are the residual stress at the joint interface, the area and shape of the joint interface and the friction coefficient between the joining partners. However, these parameters are related in a very complex way with the electromagnetic crimping process parameters, starting with the charging energy and by the machine and tool which generates the distribution of the magnetic pressure pulse that “triggers” the forming process, the initial gap between joining partners, the mandrel properties such as material, geometry, shape and surface roughness. The experimental study focuses the interference-fit of aluminum tubes (AA6082-O) on mandrels made of different materials and metallurgical conditions (AISI 1045, AA6082-O and AA6082-T6) and, therefore, the process is analyzed by the gradual influence of other process parameters aiming to achieve high strength joints. Results show that the joint strength and the associated failure mechanisms are directly related to process parameters and mandrel conditions. In addition, other important contributions are presented regarding the instrumentation for measuring the magnetic flux and overall process efficiency and to the development and implementation of this technology in industrial processes.

A união por conformação eletromagnética de perfis tubulares de alta condutividade elétrica é um processo inovador e limpo que pode substituir com sucesso os processos convencionais de união baseados na fixação mecânica por parafusos, rebites, soldagem e adesivos estruturais. Esta tecnologia funciona a temperatura ambiente, permite a união de materiais diferentes e oferece potencial para promover novas aplicações na montagem de estruturas leves. Neste trabalho busca-se compreender a união por interferência de tubos por cravamento eletromagnético em termos de seus principais parâmetros com o objetivo de identificar a influência na resistência global das uniões e estabelecer a faixa útil de condições operacionais do processo. Inicialmente são apresentados os fundamentos teóricos do processo de conformação eletromagnética e suas principais variantes operacionais, seguido de um resumo do estado atual do conhecimento da aplicação desta tecnologia na união de perfis tubulares no qual é verificado que os parâmetros mecânicos são a tensão residual no mandril, a área e forma da zona de união e o coeficiente de atrito entre os componentes. Entretanto, tais parâmetros estão relacionados de forma complexa com o processo de cravamento eletromagnético, a começar pela energia e a distribuição do pulso de pressão magnética gerados pela máquina e ferramenta que “disparam” o processo de conformação, a folga inicial entre componentes, o material dos componentes e, a geometria, forma e rugosidade do mandril. O estudo experimental foca a união por interferência de tubos de alumínio (AA6082-O) com mandris de aço (AISI 1045) e alumínio (AA6082 nos estados O e T6) investigando de forma gradual a influência de parâmetros do processo na resistência mecânica (à tração) deste tipo de uniões. Os resultados obtidos demonstram que a resistência mecânica da união e os modos de falha associados são diretamente relacionados com os parâmetros de processo e condições do mandril. Além disso, outras importantes contribuições são apresentadas em relação à instrumentação para medição de fluxo magnético e eficiência global do processo e para o desenvolvimento e aplicações industriais desta tecnologia. / Joining of tubular profiles with high electrical conductivity by electromagnetic forming (EMF) is an innovative and clean technology that can successfully replace conventional joining technologies based on mechanical fixing with fasteners, rivets, welding and structural adhesives. The technology works at room temperature, allows joining dissimilar materials and offers potential to foster new applications in the assembly of lightweight tubular frame structures. This work investigates the interference-fit joining of tubes by electromagnetic crimping in terms of its major parameters with the aim of identifying their influence on the overall strength of the joints and establishing the useful range of process operating conditions. Initially, the theoretical principles of EMF and its main operational process variants are presented, followed by a summary of the current state of the knowledge of its application in the joining of tubular profiles in which it is found that the mechanical parameters are the residual stress at the joint interface, the area and shape of the joint interface and the friction coefficient between the joining partners. However, these parameters are related in a very complex way with the electromagnetic crimping process parameters, starting with the charging energy and by the machine and tool which generates the distribution of the magnetic pressure pulse that “triggers” the forming process, the initial gap between joining partners, the mandrel properties such as material, geometry, shape and surface roughness. The experimental study focuses the interference-fit of aluminum tubes (AA6082-O) on mandrels made of different materials and metallurgical conditions (AISI 1045, AA6082-O and AA6082-T6) and, therefore, the process is analyzed by the gradual influence of other process parameters aiming to achieve high strength joints. Results show that the joint strength and the associated failure mechanisms are directly related to process parameters and mandrel conditions. In addition, other important contributions are presented regarding the instrumentation for measuring the magnetic flux and overall process efficiency and to the development and implementation of this technology in industrial processes.

Temperate mixed forests are complex ecosystems composed of multiple vegetation types with very different physiological characteristics which are distributed over the landscape. This dissertation investigates the influence of these mixed plant landscapes on eddy-covariance flux data, and in particular, uses an ecohydrological model to study the influence of climate variability and insect infestation on a mixed forest at the Harvard Forest Long Term Ecological Research site in Massachusetts. There are significant seasonal and interannual variabilities in the extent and the orientation of the footprints of a flux tower (EMS-tower) as the Harvard Forest. The Gross Primary Productivity (GPP) flux was found to be largely dependent on the vegetation density during the green-up and senescence periods, but not during the mature period. Half of the interannual anomalies in the mature period GPP flux can be explained by the variation in the proportion of coniferous evergreen needleleaf forest (ENF) in the footprint. Every 1% decrease of ENF resulted in the increase of the GPP flux by 20 gC m-2. The spatially-distributed process-based Regional Hydro-Ecological Simulation System (RHESSys) model was implemented in two headwater catchments at the Harvard Forest to simulate water and carbon cycles from 1992 to 2008. Results were evaluated using field measurements such as streamflow and the GPP and evapotranspiration (ET) fluxes at two flux towers. The simulated annual GPP flux of the deciduous forest showed strong and significant long-term increases, six times higher than the GPP flux of the coniferous forest, while the increase in ET flux of both forests was small yet significant. The Harvard Forest was infested by Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA) between 2004 and 2008, and although there has not yet been a significant increase in the total annual mortality, the small stature stands have started to die off by 5.7%. The HWA infestation has already resulted in an increased streamflow in the catchment dominated by hemlock stands (44% in area). In 2014, the increased annual streamflow was estimated as 81 mm using the RHESSys model with an embedded representation of the HWA-induced loss of water conductivity (calibrated using the Hemlock tower ET flux).

Oxide related research has increased as standard oxides reach their operational limits and new classes of devices are imagined that can only be realized through the use of man-made compounds. Many of these devices require high quality films in order to reach their highest potential. Molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) is poised to become a key producer of high quality oxides. One of the most promising oxides is lithium niobate, LiNbO3, which can potentially deliver novel electronic, optic, and hybrid devices not currently possible. Growing lithium niobate using MBE is difficult. Several concepts are presented that will make this task easier. First, high temperature refractory metals can be delivered to the substrate through a novel use of low temperature chloride compounds such as niobium (V) chloride. This chloride chemistry allows low temperature sources to deliver high temperature materials to the substrate. Second, a precision, vapor-phase source and control system is prototyped for these chloride compounds achieving improved flux accuracy and expanding the capability of standard MBEs to support many sources. Chloride sources have high vapor pressures and are sensitive to temperature changes causing flux drift. The vapor-phase source removes the temperature sensitivity and eliminates thermal drifts. Third, a novel method of measuring flux with spontaneous ionzation current has been developed. This design utilizes a low noise design to measure femtoamp currents generated as an evaporant spontaneously ionizes. The measured current with additional predicted data has the potential for directly counting the atoms evaporated and controlling evaporation from a source. The design is sensitive enough to detect outgassing of the cell and cell "spitting" or other non-idealities. Monitoring these non-idealities can help improve other processes by ensuring the cell is fully outgassed and stable. Finally, a miniaturized RF induction cell prototype is shown that can eliminate the need for incandescent filaments in an oxide based MBE. The RF cell has the potential to increase reliability of MBEs for oxide work and achieve higher operating temperatures without the need for densely wound incandescent filaments or electron beam sources.