Force and moment balances have proved to be essential in the measurement and calculation of aerodynamic properties during wind tunnel testing. With the recent advancements of technology, new fiber optic sensors have been designed to replace the conventional foil strain gage sensors commonly found on balances, thereby offering several distinct advantages. The use of fiber optic sensors on a balance brings with it some potential advantages over conventional strain gage balances including increased resolution and accuracy, insensitivity to electromagnetic interference, and the capability of use at high temperatures. By using the fiber optic sensors, some of the limitations of the conventional balance can be overcome, leading to a better overall balance design. This thesis considers an initial trial application of new fiber optic sensors on a conventional, six-component sting balance while retaining the original foil strain gage sensors for comparison. Tests were conducted with a blunt, 10º half-angle cone model in the Virginia Tech 9x9 inch Supersonic Wind Tunnel at Mach 2.4 with a total pressure of 48 psia and ambient total temperature of 25.3ºC. Results showed a close comparison between the foil strain gages and the fiber optic sensor measurements, which were set up to measure the normal force and pitching moment on the blunt cone model. A Finite Element Model (FEM) of the sting balance was produced in order to determine the best locations for the fiber optic sensors on the sting balance. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) was also used in order to predict and compare the results acquired from all of the sensors. / Master of Science

This thesis presents a novel method for the correlation of FEM results to experimental test results known as the "Load updating method." Specifically, the load updating method uses the math model from the FEM and the strains measured from experimental or flight test data as inputs and then predicts the loads in the FEM which would result in strains that would correlate best to the measured strains in the least squared sense. In this research, the load updating method is applied to the analysis of a complex frame structure whose validation is challenging due to the complex nature of its structural behavior, load distributions, and error derived from residual strains. A FEM created for this structure is used to generate strain data for thirty-two different load cases. These same thirty-two load cases are replicated in an experimental setup consisting of the frame, supporting structure, and thirty actuators which are used to load the frame according to the specifications for each of the thirty-two load conditions. A force-strain matrix is created from the math model in NASTRAN using unit loads which are separately applied to each load point in order to extract strain results for each of the locations of the seventy-four strain gages. The strain data from the structural test and the force-strain matrix is then input into a Matlab code which is created to perform the load updating method. This algorithm delivers a set of coefficients which in turn gives the updated loads. These loads are applied to the FEM and the strain values extracted for correlation to the strains from test data. It is found that the load updating method applied to this structure produces strains which correlate well to the experimental strain data. Although the loads found using the load updating method do not perfectly match those which are applied during the test, this error is primarily attributed to residual strains within the structure. In summary, the load updating method provides a way to predict loads which, when applied to the FEM, would result in strains that correlate best to the experimental strains. Ultimately, this method could prove especially useful for predicting loads in experimental and flight test structures and could aid greatly in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification process. / Master of Science / The research presented in this thesis provides a new way for correlating data obtained during structural testing with results obtained from computer analysis known as the finite element method (FEM). During the process of certifying an aircraft structure with the FAA, it is important to be able to demonstrate that the results obtained for a given structure with a computer model matches the results produced by a real world experiment within a reasonable tolerance. Traditionally, differences between these two results have been accounted for by adjusting the model within the computer until its results match those from the test. However, in this research the loads which are applied on the computer model are changed instead until loads are found which produce results in the computer models that match those from testing. This method, known as the load updating method, therefore provides a way to predict loads on a structure where the loads are unknown such as a flight test article. Here, the ability of the load updating method to predict loads on a complex three dimensional frame structure is explored and the accuracy of the results studied by comparing the results to those from a structural test whose loads are known. It was found that the load updating method does indeed predict unknown loads to a reasonable accuracy and could aid future design efforts immensely.

Jusqu’à l’ordonnance du 23 mars 2006 relative aux sûretés, le créancier désireux de réaliser sa sûreté était tenu d’emprunter les procédures octroyées à tout créancier pour mettre en œuvre son droit de gage général. Les effets de la sûreté réelle ne se manifestaient qu’après la vente forcée du bien grevé, par le désintéressement préférentiel du créancier au cours de la procédure de distribution du prix. La réforme du droit des sûretés opérée en 2006 a modifié cette situation en généralisant l’attribution judiciaire et en légalisant l’attribution conventionnelle du bien grevé. Ces modes de réalisation sont réputés plus simples et rapides que les voies d’exécution traditionnelles, mais également plus efficaces pour écarter les créanciers concurrents. Le créancier titulaire d’une sûreté réelle est désormais avantagé dès l’exercice de ses prérogatives à l’encontre du débiteur défaillant. Pour exercer son pouvoir de contrainte, il bénéficie de voies d’exécution qui lui sont spécifiques. Le législateur a pris soin d’encadrer ces techniques d’attribution afin de protéger les intérêts du débiteur. Toutefois, le régime de ces modes de réalisation mérite d’être aménagé afin d’en améliorer la sécurité juridique, l’efficacité, et par conséquent, l’attractivité. Les effets des ces modes de réalisation à l’égard des créanciers concurrents de l’attributaire sont moins clairs. L’attribution est régulièrement présentée comme une technique garantissant au poursuivant un désintéressement exclusif, les prétentions des autres créanciers inscrits étant reléguées sur l’éventuel reliquat consigné. Quoique les autres créanciers ne puissent prendre part à la procédure, rien ne justifie qu’il soit porté atteinte à leurs droits. Il importe donc de déterminer comment concilier la faculté d’attribution du bien grevé avec les droits des créanciers concurrents. / Up until the order of 23 March 2006 on security rights, a creditor aiming at realizing his surety had to resort to the procedures of execution available to any creditor in order to implement his general right of pledge. The effects of the real surety would manifest only after the execution sale of the encumbered property, through the preferential satisfaction of the creditor during the proceedings of the price distribution. The 2006 reform of the law of security rights has altered this situation by generalizing the judicial attribution and by legalizing the conventional attribution of the encumbered property. These modes of realization are deemed to be simpler and faster than the traditional enforcement proceedings, but also more efficient to shut out the other competing secured creditors. From now on, the creditor benefiting from a real surety is favoured as soon as he exercises his rights against the defaulting debtor. In order to exercise his power of constraint, he may rely on all the enforcement proceedings that are specific to the real surety. The legislator has carefully provided guidelines to use these attribution techniques to protect the interests of the debtor. However, the legal framework applicable to these modes of realization deserves to be adjusted in order to improve their legal certainty, their efficiency, and therefore their attractiveness. The effects of these modes of realization against the competing secured creditors of the recipient are not completely clear. Attribution is often presented as a technique that ensures the plaintiff an exclusive satisfaction, while the competing creditors’ claims are redirected on a hypothetical consigned remainder. Although the other creditors cannot take part in the procedure, nothing justifies that their rights be undermined. It is therefore important to determine how to reconcile the optional attribution of the encumbered property and the rights of the competing secured creditors.

This Master’s thesis deals with the evaluation of quality pneumatic linear drives. The theoretical part describes the problems in the field of pneumatic cylinders and statistical methods to perform the analysis. The practical part includes the execution and evaluation of the statistical analysis of the measurement process and pneumatic cylinders, also brings recommendations to optimize the measurement process. The methods used included analysis Gage R & R, Analysis control charts and data analysis using the process capability. The study was made for the purpose of improving test equipment Norgren Ltd. Used computer programs was Minitab Statistical Software and MS Excel.

Premier arrivé, premier servi. Que cela s'appelle un privilège ou un droit de préférence particulier, il reste inacceptable au regard des règles substantielles du droit positif français.Cette répartition des sommes saisies sacrifie, pour des raisons procédurales, une règle importante à savoir l'égalité entre les créanciers.Cette étude propose une solution intermédiaire entre le droit civil et le droit des voies d'exécution. La proposition consiste à donner à tous les créanciers, qui ont obtenu par leur vigilance des titres exécutoires avant le premier acte de saisie, la possibilité d'associer le premier saisissant dans la répartition des sommes saisies dans le cadre d'une saisie attribution.La combinaison de l'effet attributif immédiat de la saisie avec une durée de quinze jours,pendant laquelle les créanciers titulaires des titres exécutoires viennent en concours sous réserve des causes légitimes de préférences et des privilèges, aboutit à un double résultat. Le recouvrement des créances reste rapide et simple et l'égalité entre les créanciers sera respectée

As coroas unitárias metalocerámicas implantossuportadas são amplamente utilizadas na reabilitação de pacientes desdentados. O comportamento mecânico destas coroas é muito importante para entender o processo de transmissão de forças mastigatórias e suas reações no intermediário e na estrutura óssea peri-implantar, mas estes processos ainda não estão totalmente compreendidos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar a deformação gerada no intermediário e no osso peri-implantar de coroas unitárias implantossuportadas após aplicação de carga. Foi utilizado um modelo mestre de poliuretano, simulando o osso mandibular, com um implante hexágono externo de 3,75mm x13 mm de comprimento, no qual foi fixado um intermediário multi-unit (Nobel Biocare, Göteborg, Sweden). O trabalho apresentou 3 grupos com quatro corpos de prova cada, divididos de acordo com o tipo de cilindro e liga de fundição (Cilindro de ouro sobrefundidos com a liga de PdAg, cilindro de CoCr usinado sobrefundidos com a liga de NiCoCr, cilindro de acrílico fundido com a liga de NiCoCr ). Cada corpo de prova foi submetido cinco vezes a aplicação de carga axial de 300N em uma máquina de ensaio universal. A força foi aplicada no centro da oclusal de cada coroa. Foram realizadas leituras das deformações geradas no intermediário e no poliuretano com o uso de extensômetros lineares elétricos os quais foram colados em três faces do intermediário e nas superfícies mesial, vestibular, distal e lingual do osso simulado ao redor do implante. Os dados obtidos foram submetidos a análise de variância (ANOVA) e teste de Tukey (p<0,05). Os resultados do estudo demonstraram que a utilização dos três tipos de cilindro não alteram o resultado final de distribuição de tensão no intermediário após o carregamento. Adicionalmente as coroas confeccionadas com cilindro de CoCr usinado, tiveram o comportamento mais estável com relação a uniformidade na distribuição das tensões no intermediário e no osso simulado quando comparados com os outros dois grupos (cilindros de Au e Calcinável). / The metal-ceramic crowns implant-supported are widely used in the rehabilitation of edentulous patients. The mechanical behavior of these crowns is very important to understand the process of transmission of masticatory forces and their reactions at abutment and peri-implant bone structure, but these processes are not fully understood yet. The aim of this study was to verify the deformation in the abutment and peri-implant bone in implant-supported single crowns after load application. Was used a master model of polyurethane simulating the jawbone with an external hexagon implant of 3.75 mm of diameter and 13 mm of length, which was fixed a multi-unit abutment (Nobel Biocare, Göteborg, Sweden). The study presented three groups with four samples each, divided according to type of cylinder and casting alloy (gold cylinder smelting with the PdAg alloy, CoCr cylinder machined cast-on with the league NiCoCr, cast acrylic cylinder with alloy NiCoCr). Each sample was subjected to five times the application of vertical load of 300N on a universal testing machine. The force was applied in the center of the occlusal surface of each crown. Readings were taken of the deformations generated in the abutment and polyurethane with the use of strain gages which were glued on three sides of the abutment and mesial, buccal, lingual and distal surfaces of simulated bone around the implant. The datas were submitted to ANOVA and Tukey test (p<0.05). The study results demonstrated that the use of three types of cylinder does not change the final result of stress distribution in the intermediate after axial loading. Additionally crowns made with machined cylinder CoCr, had more stable with respect to uniform distribution of stresses in the intermediate and the simulated bone when compared with the other two groups (Au and burnout cylinders).

Introdução: O ato da micção é processo complexo que envolve o encéfalo, a medula espinhal, o sistema nervoso periférico e a integridade neuromuscular do trato urinário baixo. Essa integridade permite a ocorrência da fase de armazenamento de urina na bexiga e, a seguir, da fase de esvaziamento vesical. Havendo comprometimento das conexões entre esses componentes, tanto o enchimento quanto o esvaziamento vesical podem estar comprometidos. Conhecendo as propriedades do extensômetro elétrico de resistência, foi proposta a construção de um aparato com capacidade de avaliar a condição de enchimento vesical e que permita a correlação direta com a pressão intravesical. Objetivo: Desenvolver e demonstrar o funcionamento de um equipamento para monitoramento contínuo da tensão do detrusor, em coelhos, durante a fase de enchimento vesical. Material e Métodos: Foram utilizadas 12 coelhas da raça Nova Zelândia. Após anestesia, a bexiga foi exposta por incisão mediana e a uretra foi obstruída com ligadura por fio de algodão. O sensor de tensão foi suturado ao detrusor e confeccionada cistostomia por punção com Abocath 16, utilizada para enchimento e esvaziamento vesical e cistometria, avaliada pelo equipamento Dynamed® - modelo Dynapack MPX-B16. Os coelhos foram submetidos ao procedimento de monitorização inicial (enchimento vesical monitorado pela cistometria) e a medida da tensão da parede vesical - com a bexiga totalmente preservada. Resultados: No decorrer dos experimentos e com a conclusão das análises estatísticas, encontramos uma correlação muito importante entre os dados. Quando se coloca em foco apenas um animal, verifica-se uma grande correlação entre os dados provenientes do volume infundido na bexiga em função da curva gerada para a pressão intravesical que, por sua vez, acompanha fidedignamente a curva da tensão lida na parede vesical do mesmo animal. Quando avaliados conjuntamente, verificasse que os dados são muito próximos uns dos outros, tais como o volume infundido e a tensão final em mV, lida pelo equipamento desenvolvido. Conclusão: O equipamento foi desenvolvido e, com base nos resultados obtidos, mostrou-se adequado para o monitoramento contínuo da tensão vesical do detrusor e sua correlação com o volume vesical, em coelhos, durante a fase de enchimento vesical. / Introduction: Urination is a complex process which involves the brain, the spinal cord, the peripheral nervous system and the neuromuscular integrity of the lower urinary tract. It is the unimpaired condition of all those parts that allows the bladder to go through its functional states - storage phase (filling) and voiding phase (emptying). Problems within these anatomical structures connections can also compromise both phases. This thesis presents the design of a new device which uses an electrical resistance strain gauge to evaluate the bladder\'s filling and its direct correlation with the intravesical pressure. Objective: To develop and demonstrate the operation of a new device that checks continuously rabbit\'s detrusor pressure during bladder filling. Material and Methods: 12 rabbits of New Zealand race were used. After anesthesia, their bladders and urethras were exposed via an abdominal incision made at the midline. Then, the urethra obstruction was performed by ligation using cotton thread. The tension sensor was sutured to the detrusor and a cystostomy puncture was made with an Abocath 16. The puncture was used for filling and voiding cystometry using the urodynamic equipment, Dynamed - Dynapack model MPX-B16. Data collected by this equipment was used as the baseline. Rabbits underwent an initial monitoring procedure, bladder\'s filling cystometry using the Dynamed equipment, and voltage measurement of the bladder wall using the new device - bladder integrity was preserved. Results: During the experimental phase, completion of the statistical analyzes showed us a very significant data correlation. Correlation was stronger when evaluating each animal data individually. The infused volume in the bladder, which was verified by the intravesical pressure curve, and the voltage measured on the bladder wall faithfully followed each other. When evaluating the combined data of all rabbits, correlation was less but still significant. Volume and voltage curves still resembled one another, especially the infused volume with the final voltage reading, in mV. Conclusion - Based on the results of the experimental phase in animals, the developed device is adequate for continuous detrusor pressure monitoring and its correlation with the bladder volume in the storage phase.

O propósito deste trabalho é estudar as forças de corte envolvidas no processo de fresamento de bordas de chapas utilizadas para a fabricação de tubos de aço com costura e como estas variam em função dos parâmetros de corte utilizados. O objetivo é correlacionar estas forças à qualidade do acabamento superficial das bordas usinadas, uma vez que esta é fundamental para a qualidade final da solda do tubo. Para isso, foi construído um dinamômetro de mesa para medição das forças, e os dados foram analisados através do Método da Regressão Linear Múltipla. Os resultados obtidos demonstraram que, tanto para a força de corte quanto para a rugosidade da superfície usinada, o parâmetro que mais influencia é o avanço por dente, seguido pela largura de corte, sendo que o que menos influencia é a velocidade de avanço. Estes resultados foram comprovados com êxito no processo industrial foco deste estudo através da medição da corrente elétrica dos motores dos eixos-árvore e da vibração dos mesmos. / This work aims to study the cutting forces involved in the edge milling process for welded pipes manufacturing and how these forces vary due to the cutting parameters. The objective is to create a relationship between these forces and the surface roughness of the machined edges, once it\'s fundamental to the pipe weld quality. To do this, it was designed and manufactured a dynamometer, and the data was analyzed statistically by the Linear Multiple Regression Method. The results show that for the cutting forces as well as the surface roughness, the most significant parameter is the feed per tooth, followed by the cutting width and the feed speed. These results were successfully proven on the industrial process that is the focus of this study, through the spindle motors electric current and its vibration.

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has completed the design of a signature bridge in Fort Worth, TX. The proposed structure is comprised of precast, post-tensioned concrete network arches. The arches will be cast on their sides and then rotated into the vertical orientation. Concerns exist about the durability and stability of the arches during stressing, handling, and transportation. The rotation process in particular represents a critical period in the life of the arches. A monitoring system was proposed to track stresses in the arches throughout the construction operations. The primary goals of the project are to install vibrating wire gages (VWGs) in the arches prior to casting to monitor the performance of the arches until the bridge is completed. The instrumentation will be used to provide real-time feedback to TxDOT and the contractor during stressing, handling, and bridge construction. This thesis focuses on the results of a preliminary laboratory study conducted in support of the instrumentation initiative. The purpose of the study was two-fold: to establish the capabilities and limitations of the VWGs and to study the buckling behavior of slender concrete elements with unbonded post-tensioning. More than sixty axial load tests were performed on two slender concrete specimens instrumented with VWGs. Observations are made on the accuracy and reliability of the VWGs. In general, the VWGs were found to be both accurate and reliable in measuring structural parameters and reporting trends in behavior, even at low loads. Some apparent errors were identified, but these were attributed to testing inconsistencies and scale factors rather than to gage error. Observations were also made on the buckling behavior of the elements under a variety of axial loading configurations. The effects of the engagement of the tensioned strand with the duct had a significant impact on the behavior. Strand engagement was shown to increase the buckling capacity of the members through stiffening action, but did not necessarily eliminate the risk of instability. Both the gage resolution study and the stability tests are expected to significantly enhance the ability of the research team to support the arch construction operations. / text

O propósito deste trabalho é estudar as forças de corte envolvidas no processo de fresamento de bordas de chapas utilizadas para a fabricação de tubos de aço com costura e como estas variam em função dos parâmetros de corte utilizados. O objetivo é correlacionar estas forças à qualidade do acabamento superficial das bordas usinadas, uma vez que esta é fundamental para a qualidade final da solda do tubo. Para isso, foi construído um dinamômetro de mesa para medição das forças, e os dados foram analisados através do Método da Regressão Linear Múltipla. Os resultados obtidos demonstraram que, tanto para a força de corte quanto para a rugosidade da superfície usinada, o parâmetro que mais influencia é o avanço por dente, seguido pela largura de corte, sendo que o que menos influencia é a velocidade de avanço. Estes resultados foram comprovados com êxito no processo industrial foco deste estudo através da medição da corrente elétrica dos motores dos eixos-árvore e da vibração dos mesmos. / This work aims to study the cutting forces involved in the edge milling process for welded pipes manufacturing and how these forces vary due to the cutting parameters. The objective is to create a relationship between these forces and the surface roughness of the machined edges, once it\'s fundamental to the pipe weld quality. To do this, it was designed and manufactured a dynamometer, and the data was analyzed statistically by the Linear Multiple Regression Method. The results show that for the cutting forces as well as the surface roughness, the most significant parameter is the feed per tooth, followed by the cutting width and the feed speed. These results were successfully proven on the industrial process that is the focus of this study, through the spindle motors electric current and its vibration.