Polarized Raman spectroscopy has been used to measure the deuterium isotope effect, (delta)pK = pKD2O – pKH2O, for the second ionization constant of sulfuric acid in the temperature range of 25 °C to 200 °C at saturation pressure. Results for pK in light water agree with the literature within ± 0.034 pK units at alltemperatures under study, confirming the reliability of the method. The ionization constant of deuterated bisulfate, DSO4-, differs significantly from previous literature results at elevated temperatures. This results in an almost constant (delta)pK ≈ 0.425 ± 0.076 over the temperature range under study. Differences in (delta)pK values between the literature and current results can be attributed to the effect of dissolved silica from cell components. The new results are consistent with (delta)pK models that treat the temperature dependence of (delta)pK by considering differences in the zero-point energy of hydrogen bonds in the hydrated product and reactant species. The phosphate hydrolysis equilibrium was measured between the temperatures of 5 °C and 80 °C and the borate/boric acid equilibrium between the temperatures of 25 °C and 200 °C. The high alkalinity and temperatures experienced by these two systems had a significant impact on the glass dissolution and equilibrium. / Raman spectroscopy was used to measure the small differences in ionization constants for weak acids/bases as a function of temperature. / University of Guelph, Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL), Bruce Power, University Network of Excellence in Nuclear Engineering (UNENE), National Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), Natural Resources Canada, Ontario Power Generation (OPG), Canada Foundation for Innovation

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This work develops a one dimensional, slab geometry, multigroup collision probability code named Oklo which solves both criticality calculations and fixed source problems. The code uses the classical collision probabilities approach where the first flight collision probabilities are calculated analytically for void, reflected and periodic boundary conditions. The code has been verified against analytical criticality benchmark test sets from Los Alamos National Laboratory, which have been used to verify MCNP amongst other codes. The results from the code show a good agreement with the benchmark test sets for the critical systems presented in this report. The results from the code also match the infinite multiplication factors k and average scalar flux ratios for infinite multiplicative systems from the benchmark test sets. The criticality results and the fixed source results from the Oklo code have been compared with criticality results and fixed source results from a discrete ordinates code and the results for both types of problems show a good agreement with the results from the discrete ordinates code as we increase the N for the discreet ordinates code. / Thesis (M.Sc. Engineering Sciences (Nuclear Engineering))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012.

This work develops a one dimensional, slab geometry, multigroup collision probability code named Oklo which solves both criticality calculations and fixed source problems. The code uses the classical collision probabilities approach where the first flight collision probabilities are calculated analytically for void, reflected and periodic boundary conditions. The code has been verified against analytical criticality benchmark test sets from Los Alamos National Laboratory, which have been used to verify MCNP amongst other codes. The results from the code show a good agreement with the benchmark test sets for the critical systems presented in this report. The results from the code also match the infinite multiplication factors k and average scalar flux ratios for infinite multiplicative systems from the benchmark test sets. The criticality results and the fixed source results from the Oklo code have been compared with criticality results and fixed source results from a discrete ordinates code and the results for both types of problems show a good agreement with the results from the discrete ordinates code as we increase the N for the discreet ordinates code. / Thesis (M.Sc. Engineering Sciences (Nuclear Engineering))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012.

Recent advances in computational mechanics have opened the potential of carrying out the analysis and design of concrete structures in a realistic manner with the use of nonlinear concrete models. This encourages the development of more capable and realistic constitutive models, based on a rigorous approach, for the analysis and design of concrete structures. This research focuses on the development of a thermodynamic approach to constitutive modelling of concrete, with emphasis on the rigour and consistency both in the formulation of constitutive models, and in the identification of model parameters based on experimental tests. The key feature of the thermodynamic framework used in this study is that all behaviour of the defined model can be derived from two specified energy potentials. In addition, the derivation of a constitutive model within this framework merely follows procedures established beforehand. The proposed constitutive model here is based on continuum damage mechanics, in combination with plasticity theory, hence enabling the macroscopic material behaviour observed in experiments to be appropriately modelled. Damage-induced softening is the cause of many problems in numerical failure simulations based on conventional continuum mechanics. The resolution of these problems requires an appropriate special treatment for the constitutive modelling which, in this study, is based on nonlocal theory, and realized through the nonlocality of energy terms in the damage loading functions. For practical applications in structural analysis, the model requires a minimum number of parameters, which can be identified from experimental tests. All the above features of the model have been incorporated in a unified and consistent thermodynamic approach, which also distinguish the approach from existing ones. Numerical implementation and application are important parts of the study. A suitable implicit scheme is adapted here for the integration of the nonlocal rate constitutive equations. For the solution of systems of nonlinear algebraic equations in finite element analysis, the arc-length method in combination with local constraint equations employing dominant displacements is implemented, and proves its reliability in this study. Application of the proposed constitutive models in the analysis and design of concrete structures is straightforward, with several numerical examples showing the practical aspects of the proposed modelling.

This thesis analyzes the nonextensive generalization of Boltzmann-Gibbs statistics and study its applications to some physical models such as isotropic rigid and non-rigid rotators. The thesis will also try to show what kind of internal energy constraint must be chosen for entropy optimization in a mathematically consistent manner.

Title: The source process of Greek earthquakes Author: Dana K ížová Department: Department of Geophysics Supervisor of the doctoral thesis: Prof. RNDr. Ji í Zahradník DrSc., Department of Geophysics Abstract: Investigations of moment tensor (MT) and its uncertainty are topical. This thesis is focused on isotropic component of three shallow earthquakes: Event A in Cretan Sea (Mw 5.3) and two events near Santorini island, B (Mw 4.9) and C (Mw 4.7). MT is inverted from full waveforms in an assumed 1D velocity model. The inverse problem is non-linear in centroid depth and time, and linear in six MT parameters, one is the MT-trace. Uncertainty of isotropic component is studied by a new approach (K ížová et al., 2013). The trace is systematically varied, and remaining parameters are optimized. The method reveals tradeoffs between the isotropic component, depth, time, and focal mechanism. From two existing velocity models, we prefer the one with lower condition number, in which a (positive) isotropic component is indicated for event B. To rapidly assess a likely existence of isotropic component, an empirical method is proposed (K ížová et al., 2016). It is based on comparison between depth- dependences of waveform correlation in full and deviatoric modes. Based on extensive synthetic tests, the method confirms a...

Algoritmos de detecção de linhas são usados em muitos campos de aplicação, tais como visão computacional e automação como base para análises mais complexas. Por exemplo, a informação de linha pode ser usada como dado de entrada para algoritmos de detecção de objetos ou mesmo para a estimativa da orientação espacial de robôs aéreos. Uma das formas de detectar linhas é através do uso de um processo de filtragem não linear chamado deWide Line Detector (WLD). Esse algoritmo é eficaz na marcação de pixels de linha em imagens em tons de cinza, separando linhas claras ou linhas escuras. Contudo, os algoritmos de detecção de linha não estão normalmente preocupados com a estimativa de largura local individual associada a um pixel. Se disponível, tal informação poderia ser explorada por algoritmos de visão computacional. Além do mais, a informação de cor também é extensivamente usada em visão computacional como um discriminante de objetos, mas o WLD não a usa. Neste Trabalho, nós propusemos a extensão do WLD para imagens em cores. Nós também desenvolvemos um novo kernel monotonicamente crescente que é mais eficiente e mais robusto para detectar linhas do que que os kernels monotonicamente decrescentes usados pelo WLD. Por fim, desenvolvemos uma maneira de obter uma estimativa de largura de linha partindo da densidade local associada a similaridade entre pixels, revertendo o processo usado pelo WLD para estimar qual kernel deve ser usado. Diversos experimentos foram realizados com o método proposto considerando diferentes parâmetros, além da comparação com o WLD tradicional, para analizar a eficácia do método. / Line detection algorithms are used by many application fields, such as computer vision and automation, as a basis for more complex analysis. For instance, line information can be used as input to object detection algorithms or even attitude estimation in flying robots. One way to detect lines is to use an isotropic nonlinear filtering procedure called the Wide Line Detector (WLD). This algorithm is effective to highlight the line pixels in gray scale images, separating dark or bright lines. However, line detection algorithms are not normally concerned with the pixel-wise estimation of thickness. If available, such information could be further explored by computer vision algorithms. Furthermore, color is extensively used in computer vision as an object discriminant, but not by the WLD. In this work, we propose the extension of the WLD to color images. We also develop a method that allows the estimation of the line width locally using only the density information and no border or center line information. Finally, we develop a new monotonically increasing kernel that is more efficient and yet effective to detect lines than the monotonically decreasing kernels used by the WLD. Finally, we devise a way ro obtain the wideline thickness from the density estimate obtained from the similarity between pixels, reverting the process used by the WLD to determine which kernel should be used. We perform several experiments with the proposed method, considering different parameters, and comparing it to the traditional WLD algorithm to assess the effectiveness of the method.

Algoritmos de detecção de linhas são usados em muitos campos de aplicação, tais como visão computacional e automação como base para análises mais complexas. Por exemplo, a informação de linha pode ser usada como dado de entrada para algoritmos de detecção de objetos ou mesmo para a estimativa da orientação espacial de robôs aéreos. Uma das formas de detectar linhas é através do uso de um processo de filtragem não linear chamado deWide Line Detector (WLD). Esse algoritmo é eficaz na marcação de pixels de linha em imagens em tons de cinza, separando linhas claras ou linhas escuras. Contudo, os algoritmos de detecção de linha não estão normalmente preocupados com a estimativa de largura local individual associada a um pixel. Se disponível, tal informação poderia ser explorada por algoritmos de visão computacional. Além do mais, a informação de cor também é extensivamente usada em visão computacional como um discriminante de objetos, mas o WLD não a usa. Neste Trabalho, nós propusemos a extensão do WLD para imagens em cores. Nós também desenvolvemos um novo kernel monotonicamente crescente que é mais eficiente e mais robusto para detectar linhas do que que os kernels monotonicamente decrescentes usados pelo WLD. Por fim, desenvolvemos uma maneira de obter uma estimativa de largura de linha partindo da densidade local associada a similaridade entre pixels, revertendo o processo usado pelo WLD para estimar qual kernel deve ser usado. Diversos experimentos foram realizados com o método proposto considerando diferentes parâmetros, além da comparação com o WLD tradicional, para analizar a eficácia do método. / Line detection algorithms are used by many application fields, such as computer vision and automation, as a basis for more complex analysis. For instance, line information can be used as input to object detection algorithms or even attitude estimation in flying robots. One way to detect lines is to use an isotropic nonlinear filtering procedure called the Wide Line Detector (WLD). This algorithm is effective to highlight the line pixels in gray scale images, separating dark or bright lines. However, line detection algorithms are not normally concerned with the pixel-wise estimation of thickness. If available, such information could be further explored by computer vision algorithms. Furthermore, color is extensively used in computer vision as an object discriminant, but not by the WLD. In this work, we propose the extension of the WLD to color images. We also develop a method that allows the estimation of the line width locally using only the density information and no border or center line information. Finally, we develop a new monotonically increasing kernel that is more efficient and yet effective to detect lines than the monotonically decreasing kernels used by the WLD. Finally, we devise a way ro obtain the wideline thickness from the density estimate obtained from the similarity between pixels, reverting the process used by the WLD to determine which kernel should be used. We perform several experiments with the proposed method, considering different parameters, and comparing it to the traditional WLD algorithm to assess the effectiveness of the method.

Um regime ou fluxo turbulento pode ser definido simplificadamente como uma forma de escoamento no qual o movimento de um fluido ocorre de forma aparentemente aleatória. A natureza caótica desse tipo de regime não possibilita que o problema seja abordado de modo determinístico, consequentemente, não pode ser descrito através de expressões analíticas para descrever seu campo de velocidades. Apesar de ser impossível estudar o movimento de cada partícula, pode-se visualizar o problema de forma macroscópica. Utilizando-se de simplificações e generalizações pode-se fazer uso de estudos numéricos em uma tentativa de encontrar uma face determinística do fenômeno, como por exemplo, verificação da isotropia e homogeneidade. A turbulência com estas características é um regime em que as componentes da velocidade no espaço e as velocidades em diferentes pontos do escoamento apresentam parâmetros estatísticos semelhantes. Tais condições não existem na prática, mas pode-se construir equipamentos que produzem escoamentos que se aproximam desta condição. Este trabalho consistiu na verificação das condições de turbulência isotrópica e homogênea em um tanque de grade oscilante. Foi utilizado o método de trilhagem de partículas por fotografia estereoscópica, PIV (particle imaging velocimeter), para observar e quantificar a turbulência gerada. Observou-se a turbulência gerada por 8 velocidades diferentes de oscilação da grade. Os resultados mostraram que o tanque em estudo aproximou-se de condições homogêneas, porém sua isotropia não pôde ser afirmada. O tanque com grade oscilante foi eficiente na geração de turbulência, reproduzindo o fenômeno real e colaborando para o seu estudo. Também foi realizado uma análise sobre a eficácia do método de velocimetria com o uso de PIV, que mostrou ser adequado para a observação de campos de velocidades de um escoamento, com limitações quanto à região periférica da área alvo. / Turbulence or turbulent flow can be defined in a simplified way as a flow with random moviment. The chaotic behavior of this regime does not allow a deterministic approach, therefore, it can not be described by analytical formulas for the velocity field. Although it is impossible to study the movement of each particle, the problem can be studied in a macroscopic way. Simplifications and generalizations can be used in numerical studies in an attempt to find a deterministic view of the phenomenon, for example, checking the isotropy and homogeneity. The turbulence with these characteristics is a regime in which the components of velocity in space and velocity at different points of the flow have similar statistical parameters. Such conditions do not exist in practice, but equipment can be built in order to produces flow approaching the condition. This work consisted of verify the conditions of homogeneous isotropic turbulence in a tank with oscillating grid. It was used the method of particule tracking by stereoscopic photography, PIV (particle imaging velocimetry), to observe and quantifying the generated turbulence. It was observed turbulence generated by 8 different speeds of oscillation of the grid. The results showed that the tank approached homogeneous conditions, but its isotropy can not be affirmed. The tank with an oscillating grid was efficient in the generation of turbulence, reproducing a real phenomenon and contribute to its study. Analysis was also conducted on the effectiveness of velocimetry method using PIV, shown to be suitable for observation of a flow velocity field with limitations on the peripheral region of the target area.