This dissertation proposes a new framework to characterize the nonlinear behavior of anisotropic materials in an on-line manner. The proposed framework applies recursive estimation and a multi-linear model to characterize the nonlinear behavior of anisotropic materials on-line using full-field strains, which are capable of capturing the multi-axial information of anisotropic materials. A stochastic method is developed to characterize the linear behavior of anisotropic materials under the influence of full-field strain measurement noise. This method first derives stochastic equations based on the formulas of energy-based characterization that utilizes the principle of ener-gy conservation, and then recursively estimates elastic constants at every acquisition of measure-ment using a Kalman filter (KF). Since the measurement model is expressed nonlinearly, the KF utilizes a Kalman gain, which is newly derived in this dissertation through variance minimization, to achieve optimal characterization. The aforementioned method, namely stochastic linear characteri-zation in this dissertation, becomes a basis of the multi-linear characterization method. This method utilizes a multi-linear model, which is defined by partitions, to characterize the nonlinear constitu-tive relations. The multi-linear characterization scales up the number of estimates and identifies the coefficients of each linear partition using the previously derived KF. The recursive updates in measurements not only removes uncertainty through sensor measurements, but also enables the on-line capability of the nonlinear characterization of anisotropic materials. A series of numerical and experimental studies were performed to demonstrate the performance of the proposed framework in characterizing the nonlinear behavior of anisotropic materials. The validity and applicability of the proposed framework were confirmed by the comparison with the known values of the characterized constitutive relations. It was found that the proposed framework identified elastic constants that were in good agreement with known values irrespective of the spec-imen geometry. The results of the multi-linear characterization method were well correlated with known nonlinear stress-strain relations and concluded that the proposed framework is capable of characterizing adequate nonlinear behavior on-line. / Ph. D.

This study examines the impact of selected structures of the Virginia Preschool Initiative on reading readiness in at-risk preschool students in the state of Virginia. The Virginia Preschool Initiative is designed to prepare at-risk four-year-olds for success in kindergarten. According to the Virginia Department of Education, "The purpose of the grants is to reduce disparities among young children upon formal school entry and to reduce or eliminate those risk factors that lead to early academic failure." (Virginia Department of Education, 2005) The independent variables are the specific curriculum models used by the school division, length of program day, teacher certification, and program sponsoring agency. The dependent variables are the pre and post assessment scores on the eight subtests of the PALS-PreK assessment. A paired sample t-test and one-way ANOVA were conducted using Fall and Spring 2006 PALS-PreK student assessment scores from school divisions that participated in the Virginia Preschool Initiative during the 2005-06 school year to determine the relationship between the curriculum implemented and PALS-PreK Fall and Spring student assessment scores. The findings in this study indicate a statistically significant difference between the Fall and Spring student assessment scores for each of the curriculum models analyzed and at least one curriculum model consistently underperforms the other three curriculum models. There were no differences in three variables (length of school day, teacher certification, and program sponsoring agency) and were therefore, not subject to analysis. / Ph. D.

Computational solutions are presented for flows ranging from incompressible viscous flows to inviscid transonic flows. The viscous flow problems are solved using the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations while the inviscid solutions are attained using the full potential equation. Results for the viscous flow problems focus on turbulence modeling when separation is present. The main focus for the inviscid results is the development of an unstructured solution algorithm. The subject dealing with turbulence modeling for separated flows is discussed first. Two different test cases are presented. The first flow is a low-speed converging-diverging duct with a rapid expansion, creating a large separated flow region. The second case is the flow around a stationary hydrofoil subject to small, oscillating hydrofoils. Both cases are computed first in a steady state environment, and then with unsteady flow conditions imposed. A special characteristic of the two problems being studied is the presence of strong adverse pressure gradients leading to flow detachment and separation. For the flows with separation, numerical solutions are obtained by solving the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations. These equations are solved in a time accurate manner using the method of artificial compressibility. The algorithm used is a finite volume, upwind differencing scheme based on flux-difference splitting of the convective terms. The Johnson and King turbulence model is employed for modeling the turbulent flow. Modifications to the Johnson and King turbulence model are also suggested. These changes to the model focus mainly on the normal stress production of energy and the strong adverse pressure gradient associated with separating flows. The performance of the Johnson and King model and its modifications, along with the Baldwin-Lomax model, are presented in the results. The modifications had an impact on moving the flow detachment location further downstream, and increased the sensitivity of the boundary layer profile to unsteady flow conditions. Following this discussion is the numerical solution of the full potential equation. The full potential equation assumes inviscid, irrotational flow and can be applied to problems where viscous effects are small compared to the inviscid flow field and weak normal shocks. The development of a code is presented which solves the full potential equation in a finite volume, cell centered formulation. The unique feature about this code is that solutions are attained on unstructured grids. Solutions are computed in either two or three dimensions. The grid has the flexibility of being made up of tetrahedra, hexahedra, or prisms. The flow regime spans from low subsonic speeds up to transonic flows. For transonic problems, the density is upwinded using a density biasing technique. If lift is being produced, the Kutta-Joukowski condition is enforced for circulation. An implicit algorithm is employed based upon the Generalized Minimum Residual method. To accelerate convergence, the Generalized Minimum Residual method is preconditioned. These and other problems associated with solving the full potential equation on an unstructured mesh are discussed. Results are presented for subsonic and transonic flows over bumps, airfoils, and wings to demonstrate the unstructured algorithm presented here. / Ph. D.

In most applications, the structure components have to be tested under different loading conditions before being placed in operation. A reliable and low cost measuring technique is desirable. However, most currently employed measuring approaches can only provide the structural response at several discrete locations. The accuracy of the measurements varies with the location and orientation of the sensors. Practically, it is not possible to place sensors at all the critical locations for different excitations. Therefore, an approach that derives the full field response using a limited set of measured data is desirable. In contrast to experimental full field measurement techniques, the expansion approach involves analytically expanding the limited measurements to all the degrees of freedom of the structure. Among all the analytical methods, the modal expansion method is computationally efficient and thus more suitable for real time expansion of measured data. In this method, the full-field response is approximated by the linear combination of mode shapes. In previous studies, the modal expansion method is limited by errors from mode aliasing, inaccuracy of the calculated mode shapes and the noise in measurements. In order to overcome these limitations, the modal expansion method is enhanced by mode selection and error compensation in this study. First, the key parameters used in modal expansion method were analyzed using a cantilever beam model and a method for optimal placement of sensors was developed. A mode selection method and error compensation method based on operation modal analysis and adaptive compressed sensing techniques were then developed to reduce the effects of mode aliasing, mode shape inaccuracy and measurement noise. The developed approach was further tested virtually using a numerical model of rotor 67. The numerical model was created using a two-way coupled fluid structure interaction technique. By developing these methods, the enhanced modal expansion approach can provide full field response for structures under different load conditions. Compared to the traditional modal expansion method, it can expand the data with high noise and under general dynamic loading. / Doctor of Philosophy / Accurate knowledge of the strain and stress at critical locations of a given structure is crucial when assessing its integrity. However, currently employed measuring approaches can only provide the structural response at several discrete locations. Practically, it is not possible to place sensors at all the critical locations for different excitations. Therefore, an approach that derives the full field response using a limited set of measured data is desirable. Compared to experimental full field measurement techniques, the expansion approach is focused on analytically expanding the limited measurements to all the degrees of freedom of the structure. Among all the analytical methods, the modal expansion method is computationally efficient and thus more suitable for real-time expansion of measured data. The current modal expansion method is limited by errors from mode aliasing, inaccuracy of the mode shapes, and the noise in measurements. Therefore, an enhanced method is proposed to overcome these shortcomings of the modal expansion. The following objectives are accomplished in this study: 1) Develop a method for optimal placement of sensors for modal expansion; 2) Eliminate the mode aliasing effects by determining the significance of participated modes using operational modal analysis techniques; 3) Compensate for the noise in measurements and computational model by implementing the compressed sensing approach. After accomplishing these goals, the developed approach is able to provide full field response for structures under different load conditions. Compared to the traditional modal expansion method, it can expand the data under dynamic loading; it also shows promise in reducing the effects of noise and errors. The developed approach is numerically tested using fluid-structure interaction model of rotor 67 fan blade.

Today, small distributed power generation (DG) systems are becoming more common as the need for electric power increases. Small DG systems are usually built close to the end-user and they take advantage of using different energy sources such as wind and solar. A few examples are hybrid cars, solar houses, data centers, or hospitals in remote areas where providing clean, efficient and reliable electric power is critical to the loads. In such systems, the power is distributed from the source side to the load side via power electronic converters in the system. At low and medium power applications, the task is often left to single phase inverters where they are the only interface between sources connected to DC bus and loads connected to an AC bus. Much has been done for the control of single phase inverters in the past years; however, due to the requirements of stand alone systems and the time-varying nature of the converter, its controller design is still quite difficult, and especially so if its critical functionality within the system is taken into consideration. Part of the challenge is also due to the fact that the load is not known at all time, further complicating the controller design. This thesis proposes a different method of control for single phase inverters used in low and medium power DG systems. The new control method takes advantage of the well-known DQ transformation and analysis mostly employed for three phase converters' analysis and control design. Providing a time-invariant model of single phase inverters is the main feature of DQ transformation. In addition to that, control design of the inverter in DQ frame becomes similar to those of DC-DC and three phase converters making it easier to achieve superior performance under different operation conditions while achieving a robust controller. The transformation requires at least two independent phases for each state variable in the system; thus a second phase must be created. This thesis proposes the creation of an imaginary circuit based on the real circuit of the inverter to provide the second required phase for transformation. The state variables of the imaginary circuit are obtained by differentiating the state variables of the main inviter's circuit. The differentiation can be implemented in DSP so there is no need for additional hardware in the system, making it more attractive and cost effective method. The DQ controller not only provides superior transient response, it also provides zero steady-state error as well as low output voltage THD under nonlinear load operation. The entire controller can be implemented in a digital control board which is becoming more common in power electronics converters within the past decade. Analysis and design of a DQ controller for a 2.5kW single phase full-bridge inverter is presented in this study with the final results implemented in a FPGA/DSP based digital controller board. / Master of Science

Yes / In this work, an analytical study of the electromagnetic propagation in a complex medium-based suspended three-layer coplanar waveguide (CPW) is carried out. The study aims at a numerical calculation of the dominant hybrid mode complex propagation constant in the CPW printed on a bianisotropic substrate. The herein considered bianisotropy is characterized by full 3×3 tensors of permittivity, permeability and magnetoelectric parameters. The study is based on the numerical derivation of the Green's functions of such a complex medium in the spectral domain. The study is carried out using the Full Generalized Exponential Matrix Technique based on matrix- shaped compact mathematical formulations. The Spectral Method of Moments (SMoM) and the Galerkin's procedure are used to solve the resulting homogeneous system of equations. The effect of the chiral and achiral bianisotropy on the complex propagation constant is particularly investigated. Goo d agreements with available data for an anisotropic-medium-based suspended CPW structure are achieved. Various cases of chiral and achiral bianisotropy have been investigated, and particularly, the effect on the dispersion characteristics is presented and compared with cases of isotropic and bianisotropic Tellegen media. / FCT/MEC through national funds and when applicable co-financed by the ERDF, under the PT2020 Partnership Agreement under the UID/EEA/50008/2019 project.

This dissertation proposes a novel computer modeling (DTFLOP modeling) technique to predict the real-time behavior of dynamic systems. The proposed DTFLOP modeling classifies the computation into the sequential computation, which is conducted on the CPU, and the parallel computation, which is performed on the GPU and formulates the data transmission between the CPU and the GPU using the parameters of the memory access speed and the floating point operations to be carried out on the CPU and the GPU by relating the calculation rate respectively. With the help of the proposed DTFLOP modeling it is possible to estimate the time cost for computing the model that represents a dynamic system given a certain computer. The proposed DTFLOP modeling can be utilized as a general method to analyze the computation of a model related to a dynamic system and two real life systems are selected to demonstrate its performance, the cooperative autonomous vehicle system and the full-field measurement system. For the cooperative autonomous vehicle system a novel parallel grid-based RBE technique is firstly proposed. The formulations are derived by identifying the parallel computation in the prediction and correction processes of the RBE. A belief fusion technique, which fuses not only the observation information but also the target motion information, has hen been proposed. The proposed DTFLOP modeling is validated using the proposed parallel grid-based RBE technique with the GPU implementation by comparing the estimated time cost with the actual time cost of the parallel grid-based RBE. The superiority of the proposed parallel grid-based RBE technique is investigated by a number of numerical examples in comparison with the conventional grid-based RBE technique. The belief fusion technique is examined by a simulated target search and rescue test and it is observed to maintain more information of the target compared with the conventional observation fusion technique and eventually leads to the better performance of the target search and rescue. For the full-field measurement system a novel parallel DCT full-field measurement technique for measuring the displacement and strain field on the deformed surface of a structure is proposed. The proposed parallel DCT full-field measurement technique measures the displacement and strain field by tracking the centroids of the marked dots on the deformed surface. It identifies and develops the parallel computation in the image analysis and the field estimation processes and then is implemented into the GPU to accelerate the conventional full-field measurement techniques. The detail strategy of the GPU implementation is also developed and presented. The corresponding software package, which also includes a graphic user interface, and the hardware system consist of two digital cameras, LED lights and adjustable support legs to accommodate indoor or outdoor experimental environments are proposed. The proposed DTFLOP modeling is applied to the proposed parallel DCT full-field measurement technique to estimate its performance and the well match with the actual performance demonstrates the DTFLOP modeling. A number of both simulated and real experiments, including the tensile, compressive and bending experiments in the laboratory and outdoor environments, are performed to validate and demonstrate the proposed parallel DCT full-field measurement technique. / Ph. D.

This research has been aimed to introduce larger moment carrying connections for any type of buildings, in particular the metal building industry. A total of four connection configurations, namely eight-bolt extended four wide, eight-bolt extended stiffened, six bolt flush unstiffened and twelve bolt extended unstiffened, have been investigated. The last two configurations are proposed whereas the first two configurations have been tested before, but the design procedures need to be validated against the test results. Design procedures, namely yield line analysis and bolt force models, were proposed to calculate moment capacity for end-plate yielding, moment capacity at bolt rupture with prying action and moment capacity at bolt rupture without prying action. The calculated values from these procedures were compared with the values obtained from the experimental test data available (whether from the literature or from this testing program). The experimental data from already tested configurations, eight-bolt extended four wide and eight-bolt extended stiffened, was analyzed. It was concluded that for the eight-bolt extended four wide configuration, the experimental values matched with the calculated values. For the eight-bolt extended stiffened configuration reasonable match was found between the experimentally obtained data and theoretically calculated values only for shallower depths. Hence, it was concluded that two deeper tests need to be performed for this configuration. A full-scale testing program was conducted for ten specimens covering three configurations. The two new configurations (six bolt flush unstiffened and twelve bolt multiple row extended unstiffened) were designed for a shallow and deep beam depth and the behavior of each depth observed for a thin end-plate and a thick end-plate respectively (four tests for each configuration). Also, two deep beam tests, one each for thick and thin plate behavior, were done for the eight-bolt extended stiffened configuration. Based on the comparison, it was determined whether the predicted values were in reasonable agreement with the experimental values or not. The design procedures for both the new configurations appear to be validated for a range of design parameters. The calculated moment capacities for bolt rupture, based on the nominal material properties, were found to be safe when compared with the experimentally obtained moments. The calculations for end-plate yield moments was within ±10% of the experimental yield moment. Also, for the deep tests for eight-bolt extended stiffened the yield line analysis seems to be a valid model and the bolt force model appears to be safe in comparison to the experimental values. / Master of Science

This thesis shows the implementation of a novel control scheme DC-DC converter. The converter is a phase-shifted full-bridge PWM converter that is designed to operate as a front stage of a power conversion system where the input is a variable low voltage high current source. The converter is designed to step-up the low voltage input to an acceptable level that can be inverted to a 120/240 VAC 60Hz voltage for residential power. A DSP based adaptive control model is developed, taking into account line variations introduced by the input source while providing very good load dynamics for the converter in both discontinuous and continuous conduction modes. The adaptive controller is implemented using two voltage sensors that read the input and the output voltages of the converter. The controller's bandwidth is comparable to current mode control, without the need for an expensive current sensor, yet providing the noise immunity seen in voltage mode controllers. The intended input source was a fuel cell but in its absence a DC supply is utilized instead. The system is simulated for both discontinuous and continuous conduction modes and implemented and demonstrated for the continuous conduction mode. The test results are shown to match the simulation results very closely. / Master of Science

No / BACKGROUND: A Full Thickness Macular Hole (FTMH) is often associated with vitreomacular traction, and this can be asymmetric with vitreomacular traction on one side of the hole but not the other. In cross-section, the elevated retinal rim around a developed FTMH is seen as a drawbridge elevation, and this drawbridge elevation may be used as a measure of morphological change. Examination of the drawbridge elevation of the retinal rim in FTMH with asymmetric vitreomacular traction may help to clarify the role of vitreomacular traction in the development of FTMH. METHOD: Cases of FTMH were identified with an initial OCT scan showing vitreomacular traction on one side of the hole only and that had a follow-up OCT scan showing progression of the hole. A tangent to the retinal surface at a distance of 700 microns from the axis of the hole was used as a marker of the drawbridge elevation of the retinal rim around the macular hole. Comparisons of the drawbridge elevation and change in drawbridge elevation between the sides with and without initial vitreomacular traction were made. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the drawbridge elevation, or change in drawbridge elevation, on the side of the hole with initial vitreomacular traction compared to the side without initial traction. CONCLUSION: There is some intrinsic mechanism within the retina to link the morphological changes on the two sides of a FTMH. A bistable hypothesis of FTMH formation and closure is postulated to explain this linkage.