The present work aims to develop Aluminium metal matrix composites by incorporating of reinforcements such that combination of best properties could be achieved. The metal base was selected was Aluminium 6082 and it is reinforced with varying volume percentage of Alumina oxide and Fly ash. These AMC were developed by using stir casting technique, in which predetermined reinforcement is added to the molten matrix is stirred well to obtain desired castings. These castings were studied for behaviour and subjected to mechanical testing to study the effects of various reinforcements. The Rockwell hardness and tensile tests revealed that composite with 7.5 % Al2O3 5% Fly ash shows highest hardness value of 69 HRB and 100.370 N/mm2, which is better than base alloy as well as impact is more without reinforcement ratio shows highest impact strength value 9 joules. Highly reinforced composites show higher variations due to the agglomeration of particles.

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Most widely accepted measures of performance for learning algorithms, such as accuracy and area under the ROC curve, provide information about behavior at the data set level. They say nothing about which instances are misclassified, whether two learning algorithms with the same classification accuracy on a data set misclassify the same instances, or whether there are instances misclassified by all learning algorithms. These questions about behavior at the instance level motivate our empirical analysis of instance hardness, a measure of expected classification accuracy for an instance. We analyze the classification of 57 data sets using 9 learning algorithms. Of the over 175000 instances investigated, 5% are misclassified by all 9 of the considered learning algorithms, and 15% are misclassified by at least half. We find that the major cause of misclassification for hard instances is class overlap, manifested as outliers and border points which can be exacerbated by class skew. We analyze these causes and show to what extent each leads to misclassifications, both in isolation and jointly. 19.8% of all misclassified instances are outliers; 71.3% are border points; 21% belong to a minority class. We also find that 91.6% of all outliers and 38.3% of all border points are misclassified whereas only 3.5% of instances without class overlap are misclassified. We propose a set of heuristics to predict when an instance will be hard to correctly classify. Additionally, we analyze how different learning algorithms perform on tasks with varying degrees of outliers, border points and class skew.

No description available.

<p>Silicon-based dielectric thin films including amorphous hydrogenated aluminium-doped silicon oxides (<em>a-</em>SiAl_xO_y:H), amorphous hydrogenated silicon nitrides (<em>a-</em>SiN_x:H), and amorphous hydrogenated silicon carbides (<em>a-</em>SiC_x:H) were deposited by remote plasma chemical vapour deposition (RPECVD) techniques including electron cyclotron resonance plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition (ECR-PECVD) and inductively-coupled-plasma chemical vapour deposition (ICP-CVD) on silicon (Si) wafers, soda-lime glass microscope slides, and glassy carbon (C) plates. Aluminium (Al) in the SiAlO films was incorporated by way of a metalorganic Al(TMHD)₃ precursor.</p> <p>Thickness, refractive index, and growth rate of the films were measured using variable angle spectroscopic ellipsometry (VASE). Film composition was measured using energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) for the SiAlO films and Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS) for the SiC_x films. Elastic modulus and hardness of the SiAlO and SiC_x films were measured using nanoindentation and their adhesion was characterized via progressive load scratch testing.</p> <p>All films were observed to be optically transparent at near-IR and red wavelengths with many SiN_x and SiC_x films exhibiting significant optical absorption above 2.25eV. Modification of a previously developed deposition recipe produced doubled growth rates in SiN_x and SiC_xfilms. SiAlO films were produced with up to 1.6±0.1at% aluninium (Al) incorporation, while SiC_x films with composition ranging from SiC_0.25:H to SiC₂:H could be produced depending on the growth gas flow ratios. SiAlO films exhibited hardness and reduced modulus (<em>H</em> and <em>E</em>) up to 8.2±0.4 and 75±2GPa, respectively; <em>H </em>and <em>E</em> for the SiC_xfilmsreached 11.9±0.2 and 87±3 GPa. Initially, adhesion to Si wafers was extremely poor with films delaminating at loads of 1.5±0.3N when scratched with a 3/16” alumina (Al₂O₃) sphere; implementation of a rigorous pre-deposition surface cleaning procedure produced films showing only cracking and no delamination up to 30N loads vs. a 200μm radius Rockwell C diamond stylus.</p> / Master of Applied Science (MASc)

Nanoindentation is an increasingly used tool to investigate the mechanical properties of very small volumes of material. Gold single crystals were chosen as a model system for surface modification studies, because of the electrochemical advantages and the simple structure of the material. Experiments on these samples displayed a spectrum of residual deformation, with measured hardness values on the same surface differing by over a factor of two. The yield point also exhibited considerable variation, but the depth of penetration was independent of this elastic–plastic transition. The onset of plastic deformation in these tests is observed at stress levels on the order of the theoretical yield strength. There are a limited number of defects in a single crystal specimen of gold, especially on the length scale required to influence nearly every indentation experiment. A test matrix was designed to change the concentrations of possible defects in a sample (dislocations, vacancies, and structural features), by altering some of the surface preparation parameters. The results of these experiments were extremely consistent. Observed trends within the matrix, combined with the observations of reduced hardness and earlier plasticity when compared to the preliminary testing, indicate a decline in the structural continuity of the sample. This is surprising considering the extensive material removal and thermal history of some of these surfaces. There is no indication of a cause for the dramatic inconsistencies in mechanical properties observed in preliminary testing, but a consistent surface enables the study of intentional modifications. Changes in contact area that were undetectable in preliminary results now demonstrate predictable shifts in hardness values. The deposition of a single monolayer of gold oxide raised the average load at yield by a factor of three and increased the hardness by over 26%. Attributing this change to the oxide is corroborated by the reduction of hardness when the oxide is stripped. Similar behavior is observed when a lead monolayer is deposited and tested ex-situ. It is surprising that layers <0.5 nm in thickness would have such a dramatic influence on indentation tests at least 35 nm deep. This indicates that no surface layer can be ignored at this scale. These experiments demonstrate that there is still much to be learned about nanoscale deformation mechanisms. / Ph. D.

The purpose of this thesis was to study the economical aspects of the present boiler feed water treating system at the VPI Power Plant. In carrying out the investigation, two testing periods were conducted, each lasting for four weeks and the first period was preliminary in nature. The experimental results revealed that the cost on caustic soda(NaOH) could be reduced by improving the performance of the mechanical degasifier; the cost on neutralizing amines (Nalco 35) was insufficient to insure maximum protection against corrosion; the cost of blowdown was too high; and the cost on sodium orthophosphate and ligin derivatives (Nalco 728) could be reduced. Recommendations are made based on the test results and plan for future expansion of plant capacity. It is recommended that the degasifier be overhauled; the optimum blowdown quantity be studied; the Boiler No. 5 be inspected for leaks; a better method found for feeding Nalco 35; and the installation of an automatic pH meter and a continuous conductivity recorder for the main condensate return line. The average cost for feedwater treatment at the VPl Power Plant from March 25 to April 20, 1958, was $ 1.334 per thousand gallons of New River water demineralized. / Master of Science

The object of this research was to investigate and evaluate three methods for determination of sulfate and to use the obtained information as a guide in selecting an accurate analytical method with which to conduct a complete analysis of calcium sulfate deposits. The investigation of the analytical methods revealed that the gravimetric method is most accurate for high sulfate concentrations. This method was selected for all analytical work conducted in the study of the deposited material and in the development of a sodium hydroxide-alcohol-water solution for the removal of the calcium sulfate deposits. The initial phases of the development of the sodium hydroxide-alcohol-water solution were discouraging in that the results were inconsistent and could not be reproduced. It was believed that such inconsistencies resulted, primarily, from the method of mixing the solutions, since all mixing was done by weight percentages. The method of mixing was revised, and all subsequent mixing was governed by titration of the solution in order to determine the sodium hydroxide concentration. The alcohol was added after the solution was adjusted to the desired sodium hydroxide concentration. The investigation revealed that, following the immersion period, “air drying" the material had an effect upon the behavior of the sample during the second immersion period. It was seen that the disintegration of more resistant materials could be facilitated by employing such a period for drying the material before a second immersion period. A cost study revealed that application of the proposed method for removal of calcium sulfate deposits from treatment facilities is economically sound and that the cost of application of the method is very small compared to the cost of replacement of facilities. / Master of Science

Recently, many full-sized keyboards have been designed to fold in various ways in an attempt to make them more transportable. The flexible membrane keyboard, one type of full sized keyboard, is unique because it is made from silicon rubber, thus it is fully flexible and water resistant. Although a number of flexible keyboard characteristics are the same as standard keyboards (i.e. key size, shape and spacing), key-switch and key clicking mechanisms are inherently different. Since there is little or no existing research on flexible keyboards, there is a current need for data to facilitate design of such keyboards for use. Typing performance and perceived usability of several flexible keyboards that differed in terms of material hardness (hard, medium, or soft) and key contact point shape (circular or square) were studied. The results supported the hypothesis that both typing performance and usability of the flexible membrane keyboard were affected by material hardness and contact point shape. Square shaped contact points led to increased typing speed and decreased error rates, and medium or soft hardness led to increased typing speed. The best flexible keyboard (perceived by participants) in general received neutral usability ratings. However, ratings for mobility and design were much higher than neutral. Overall, subjective and objective measures of performance and usability indicated that flexible keyboards that are made of silicon of a soft or medium hardness and with a square shaped contact points are preferred. / Master of Science

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a dureza e o módulo de elasticidade da região de adesão quando utilizados diferentes sistemas adesivos e uma resina composta imediatamente após o procedimento adesivo e após 6 meses de armazenamento, correlacionando esses valores com a resistência adesiva à dentina humana. Para isso foram medidos a dureza e o módulo de elasticidade da resina composta junto à área de união, da camada de adesivo, da camada híbrida, e da dentina adjacente utilizando testes de nanoendentação. Foram utilizados 40 molares humanos hígidos (n=10). Os dentes foram preparados de modo a obterem-se superfícies planas em dentina, sobre as quais os sistemas adesivos foram aplicados seguindo as instruções dos fabricantes. Foram utilizados quatro sistemas adesivos de diferentes formas de aplicação (Adper Scotchbond Multiuso, Adper Single Bond 2, Adper SE Plus e Clearfil SE Bond). Sobre essas superfícies foram inseridos incrementos de resina composta perfazendo 5 mm de altura. Após 24h de armazenamento em água destilada à 37ºC. Os dentes restaurados foram seccionados para obterem-se corpos-de-prova com área aderida de 1mm2. Dos corpos de prova viáveis, 2 palitos centrais de cada dente foram selecionados para análise da nanodureza e do módulo de elasticidade da interface adesiva. Os demais tiveram a resistência de união testada através do teste de microtração, sendo metade desses corpos de prova armazenados durante 6 meses em água à 37ºC. Foi aplicado o teste estatístico ANOVA para dois fatores para todas as variáveis do estudo. Para o fator tempo foi detectada diferença estatística entre os grupos para a resistência adesiva (p=0,042), para o módulo de elasticidade do adesivo (p=0,000) e nanodureza do adesivo (p=0,000), sendo os valores mais baixos observados após 6 meses de armazenamento. Para o fator adesivo, todos os grupos apresentaram diferenças estatísticas (p=0,000), exceto para a variável nanodureza da camada híbrida (p=0,255). O sistema adesivo Clearfil SE Bond apresentou os melhores valores para resistência adesiva e módulo de elasticidade da camada híbrida, juntamente com o sistema Scothbond Multiuso. Os piores desempenhos foram demonstrados pelo sistema adesivo Adper SE Plus. Para a interação, apenas a variável nanodureza do adesivo apontou diferença entre os grupos (p=0,028). O teste de correlação de Pearson detectou correlação significante para as variáveis de módulo de elasticidade, sendo negativa para o módulo de elasticidade do adesivo e positiva para o módulo de elasticidade da camada híbrida. A metodologia e os resultados apresentados permitem-nos concluir que as propriedades mecânicas estudadas (resistência adesiva, módulo de elasticidade do sistema adesivo e da camada híbrida, nanodureza do sistema adesivo e da camada híbrida) podem variar dependendo do sistema adesivo utilizado e do tempo de armazenamento após o procedimento adesivo ter sido realizado. Além disso, quanto maior o módulo de elasticidade da camada híbrida apresentado por um sistema adesivo maior será sua resistência adesiva e menor será o módulo de elasticidade apresentado pela camada de adesivo. / The aim of this study is to evaluate hardness and elasticity module of adhesive region of adhesive systems of different formulations immediately and 6 moths after the adhesive procedures. Those values will be compared to microtensile bond strength to human dentin. The hardness and elasticity module of composite resin next to adhesion region, adhesive layer, hybrid layer and dentin were evaluated. Forty sound human molars were used and prepared in order to obtain flat dentin surfaces in which the adhesive systems were applied following manufactures instructions (n=10). The groups were divided according the four adhesive systems: Adper Scotchbond Multipurpose, Adper Single Bond 2, Adper SE Plus and Clearfil SE Bond. Resin blocks of 5mm were constructed in those surfaces. After 24h of storage in distilled water at 37°C restored teeth were sectioned in order to obtain specimen with a bonded area of around 1mm2. Two specimen of each tooth were submitted to nanohardness and elasticity module test of adhesive interface. Half of the specimen were immediately submitted to the test with a crosshead speed of 0,5mm/min until fracture, the other specimen were stored for additional 6 month in 37ºC water prior to the test. The values resulting of all variables of the study were compared using ANOVA two-way. For the time factor, it was detected statiscal difference between groups in microtensile bond strength values (p=0,042), adhesive elastic modulus (p=0,000) and adhesive nanohardnes (p=0,000), the lowest values were observed in 6 months of storage. For adhesive factor, all groups presented statistical difference (p=0,000), except hybrid layer nanohardness (p=0,255). Clearfil SE bond and Scothbond systems presented the best values of bond strength and hybrid layer elastic modulus. The worse performance was demonstrated by Adper SE Plus adhesive system. For the interaction, only the adhesive nanohardness presents difference between groups (p=0,028). The Pearson correlation test detected positive correlation with microtensile bond strength tests and hybrid layer elastic modulus and negative correlation with bond strength and adhesive elastic modulus. The methodology and the results allow us to conclude that the studied mechanical properties (bond strength, modulus of elasticity of the adhesive and hybrid layer, nanohardness adhesive system and the hybrid layer) may vary depending on the adhesive system and time storage after the bonding procedures have been performed. Moreover, when an adhesive system presents a high elastic modulus of hybrid layer, it will present a high bond strength and low elastic modulus of adhesive layer.