The search for new solutions for the generation of energy is becoming more and more important for our future. Big arguments and disagreements on e.g. the questions of gas transport or the dependence on energy supplied by other countries raise demands on the development of new forms of alternative energy resources. Wave power is one of the main sources of renewable energy due to the high power density stored in ocean waves. Nevertheless, the dynamic forces of waves are so large that serious questions popped up on how to design a system which could work even in an unfavourable wave climate or could at least retain working capabilities after big storms without significant damages. This thesis studies the reliability of the mechanical parts of a linear direct driven permanent magnet generator. The results of offshore experiment where strain gauge sensors instrumented on the capsule and the inner framework structure are presented. Stress estimation analyses using strain gauges are carried out. A method for measuring forces and moments in the mechanical structure of the WEC is developed. Evaluation of the lateral force acting on the outer structure is a key factor for the design and construction of the WEC. A method for the measurement of the lateral force acting on the capsule has been developed. A study of the inclination angle between the Wave Energy Converter and the floating buoy has been carried out. The aim of this work is to contribute to the development of wave energy conversion system, and especially to the estimation of structural loads which are important for the survivability of the system under hard sea states. This work is a step that may influence future design of wave energy devices in terms of material aspect, survivability in a hard wave climate and cost-effective renewable energies.

An alkyl-containing self-assembled monolayer is grafted on the silicon surface by a nature process in solutions. The alkyl thin film was used as the lubricant for the silica interface, usually applied to the MEMS or NENS domains. The ability of reducing friction for silica device at room temperature was improved, but little was known as the thin films existed at higher temperature during device was working or operating. In this study, we used Hexyltrichlorosilane (C6), Dodecyltrichlorosilane (C12), and Octadecyltrichlorosilane (C18) molecules to form self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on silicon, and these monolayers exhibited different molecular packing properties due to different interactions between the molecules. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) revealed that the short chain-length (C6) molecules exhibited poor packing on the surface at room temperature, and that the molecular packing of C6 was thermally stable up to 500 K. But the C12 and C18 monolayers exhibited abrupt blue shifts in FTIR at temperatures between 300 and 575 K, with stable packing observed over several temperature ranges. Furthermore, water contact angle measurements showed the C6, C12, and C18 molecular films changed from hydrophobic to hydrophilic as the sample temperature was increased. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) images revealed that pits had formed in the C18 monolayer after the temperature was increased to 460 K, which were caused by the molecular reorganization of C18 on the surface. This resulted in an abrupt change in the friction coefficient for the C18 monolayer at 460K as compared to the short C6 and C12 monolayers. However, the friction coefficients for all the SAM films still increased with temperature. Understanding the temperature-dependent behavior of SAM film molecules will assist in the design of better anti-wear monolayers to improve performance and increase lifetimes in modern MEMS and NEMS devices.

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Orientador: Fernando Galembeck / Tese (doutorado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Instituto de Química / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-24T05:29:50Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Burgo_ThiagoAugustodeLima_D.pdf: 54614783 bytes, checksum: 04e6b01b521de52d69d91a83d891d034 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013 / Resumo: A triboeletrização de polímeros gera domínios macroscópicos de carga positiva e negativa, verificando a geometria fractal de mosaicos de carga previamente detectados por microscopia de sonda elétrica. Utilizando métodos analíticos adequados (espectroscopia de perda de energia de elétrons, microespectroscopia infravermelho/Raman e carbonização/colorimetria) e cálculos teóricos, espécies positivas foram identificadas como hidrocarbocátions e espécies negativas como fluorocarbânions. A triboeletrização de PTFE com PE é entendida como segue: a ruptura homolítica mecanoquímica da cadeia é seguida por transferência eletrônica dos radicais livres de hidrocarbonetos para os radicais mais eletronegativos do fluorocarbono. Os íons gerados pelos fragmentos de cadeia sofrem auto-ordenamento de acordo com a teoria de Flory- Huggins, formando os padrões macroscópicos observados experimentalmente. Estes resultados mostram que a triboeletrização só pode ser compreendida considerando os eventos químicos complexos provocados por ação mecânica, acoplados a conceitos bem estabelecidos pela físico-química. Além disso, o atrito entre superfícies dielétricas produz padrões de carga fixos e estáveis que contribuem para interações eletrostáticas entre superfícies. Medidas de coeficiente de resistência de rolamento de esferas de vidro sobre PTFE triboeletrizado, bem como de atrito estático de pellets de polietileno e imagens de microscopia de força lateral, mostraram que as forças de atrito aumentam muitas vezes em superfícies triboeletrizadas, nas quais as contribuições das interações eletrostáticas podem suplantar todas outras contribuições. Estes resultados são explicados considerando um mecanismo segundo o qual a indução de carga por uma superfície triboeletrizada no contato com outra superfície dissipa energia durante o atrito, sugerindo novas abordagens para controlar atrito em interfaces pelo controle da formação de tribocargas / Abstract: Tribocharged polymers display macroscopically patterned positive and negative domains, verifying the fractal geometry of electrostatic mosaics previously detected by electric probe microscopy. Using suitable analytical techniques (electron energy-loss spectral imaging, infrared/Raman microspectrophotometry and carbonization/colorimetry) and theoretical calculations, the positive species were identified as hydrocarbocations and the negative species as fluorocarbanions. A comprehensive model is presented for PTFE tribocharging with PE: mechanochemical chain homolytic rupture is followed by electron transfer from hydrocarbon free radicals to the more electronegative fluorocarbon radicals. Polymer ions self-assemble according to Flory-Huggins theory, thus forming the experimentally observed macroscopic patterns. These results show that tribocharging can only be understood by considering the complex chemical events triggered by mechanical action, coupled to well-established physicochemical concepts. Also, friction between dielectric surfaces produces patterns of fixed, stable electric charges that in turn contribute electrostatic components to surface interactions between the contacting solids. The coefficient of rolling resistance of glass beads on tribocharged PTFE was measured, as well as the static friction coefficient of polyethylene pellets on PTFE and friction force on the scanning probe during lateral-force microscopy imaging. Results show that friction coefficients may increase many-fold on tribocharged surfaces and the contribution of electrostatic interactions may supersede all other contributions to friction. These results are explained considering a mechanism according to which charge induction by an electrified surface on a contacting body accounts for energy dissipation during friction suggesting new approaches to control friction coefficients, by controlling tribocharge formation / Doutorado / Físico-Química / Doutor em Ciências

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Master of Science / Department of Architectural Engineering and Construction Science / Kimberly W. Kramer / Of seismic steel lateral force resisting systems in practice today, the Moment Frame has most diverse connection types. Special Moment frames resist lateral loads through energy dissipation of the inelastic deformation of the beam members. The 1994 Northridge earthquake proved that the standard for welded beam-column connections were not sufficient to prevent damage to the connection or failure of the connection. Through numerous studies, new methods and standards for Special Moment Frame connections are presented in the Seismic Design Manual 2nd Edition to promote energy dissipation away from the beam-column connection. A common type of SMF is the Reduce Beams Section (RBS). To encourage inelastic deformation away from the beam-column connection, the beam flange’s dimensions are reduced a distance away from the beam-column connection; making the member “weaker” at that specific location dictating where the plastic hinging will occur during a seismic event. The reduction is usually taken in a semi-circular pattern. Another type of SMF connection is the Kaiser Bolted Bracket® (KBB) which consists of brackets that stiffen the beam-column connection. KBB connections are similar to RBS connections as the stiffness is higher near the connection and lower away from the connection. Instead of reducing the beam’s sectional properties, KBB uses a bracket to stiffen the connection. The building used in this parametric study is a 4-story office building. This thesis reports the results of the parametric study by comparing two SMF connections: Reduced Beam Section and Kaiser Bolted Brackets. This parametric study includes results from three Seismic Design Categories; B, C, and D, and the use of two different foundation connections; fixed and pinned. The purpose of this parametric study is to compare member sizes, member forces, and story drift. The results of Seismic Design Category D are discussed in depth in this thesis, while the results of Seismic Design Category B and C are provided in the Appendices.

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Our society is heavily and intrinsically dependent on energy transformation and usage. In a world scenario where resources are being depleted while their demand is increasing, it is crucial to optimize every process. During the last decade the concept of energy efficiency has become a leitmotif in several fields and has directly influenced our everyday life: from light bulbs to airplane turbines, there has been a general shift from pure performance to better efficiency. In this vein, we focus on the mobility and tractive efficiency of off-road vehicles. These vehicles are adopted in military, agriculture, construction, exploration, recreation, and mining applications and are intended to operate on soft, deformable terrain. The performance of off-road vehicles is deeply influenced by the tire-soil interaction mechanism. Soft soil can drastically reduce the traction performance of tires up to the point of making motion impossible. In this study, a tire model able to predict the performance of rigid wheels and flexible tires is developed. The model follows a semi-empirical approach for steady-state conditions and predicts basic features, such as the drawbar pull, the driving torque and the lateral force, as well as complex behaviors, such as the slip-sinkage phenomenon and the multi-pass effect. The tractive efficiency of different tire-soil configurations is simulated and discussed. To investigate the handling and the traction efficiency, the tire model is implemented into a four-wheel vehicle model. Several tire geometries, vehicle configurations (FWD, RWD, AWD), soil types, and terrain profiles are considered to evaluate the performance under different simulation scenarios. The simulation environment represents an effective tool to realistically analyze the impact of tire parameters (size, inflation pressure) and torque distribution on the energy efficiency. It is verified that larger tires and decreased inflation pressure generally provide better traction and energy efficiency (under steady-state working conditions). The torque distribution strategy between the axles deeply affects the traction and the efficiency: the two variables can't clearly be maximized at the same time and a trade-off has to be found. / Ph. D.

Master of Science / Department of Architectural Engineering and Construction Science / Sutton F. Stephens / The hazards of seismic activity on building structures require that engineers continually look for new and better methods of resisting seismic forces. Buckling restrained braced frames (BRBF) are a relatively new lateral force resisting system developed to resist highly unpredictable seismic forces in a very predictable way. Generally, structures with a more ductile lateral force resisting system perform better in resisting high seismic forces than systems with more rigid, brittle elements. The BRBF is a more ductile frame choice than special concentrically braced frames (SCBF). The ductility is gained through brace yielding in both compression and tension. The balanced hysteretic curve this produces provides consistent brace behavior under extreme seismic loads. However regular use of the BRB is largely limited to Japan where the brace type was first designed. The wide acceptance of buckling restrained braced frames requires the system to become easily designable, perform predictably, and common to engineers. This report explains the design process to help increase knowledge of the design and background. This report also details a comparison of a BRBF to a SCBF to give familiarity and promote confidence in the system. The design process of the BRBF is described in detail with design calculations of an example frame. The design process is from the AISC Seismic Provisions with the seismic loads calculated according to ASCE 7 equivalent lateral force procedure. The final members sizes of the BRBF and SCBF are compared based on forces and members selected. The results of the parametric study are discussed in detail.

This thesis presents how experimental results, from wave power research performed offshore at the Lysekil research site, were obtained. The data were used to verify theoretical models as well as evaluate the feasibility of wave power as a future sustainable energy source. The first experiments carried out at the research site was the measurement of the force in a line where one end was connected to a buoy with a diameter of 3 m and the other end to a set of springs with limited stroke length. The system is exposed to high peak forces compared to average forces. The maximum measured force in the line, when the buoy motion is limited by a stiff stopper rope is ten times the average force in that particular sea state. The experiment performed on the first wave energy converter tested at the Lysekil Research Site is described. The infrastructure of the site is presented where the central connection point is the measuring station. The key finding is that it is possible to transform the motions of ocean waves into electrical energy and distribute it to land. Many wave energy converters must be interconnected if large amounts of energy are to be harvested from the waves. The first submerged substation intended for aggregation of energy from wave power converters is described, with focus on the measurement and control system placed inside the substation. During this experiment period the generators were equipped with many different sensors; these measurements are explained in the thesis. The system that aggregates power from the studied wave energy converter is regularly exposed to peak power of up to 20 times the maximum average output from the converter. Vertical and horizontal movement of the buoy has been measured in different ways. The result is that the vertical displacement of the buoy can be measured with a simple accelerometer circuit but it is much more complicated to measure the horizontal displacement. A special method for measuring the horizontal displacement has been implemented by measuring the strain in the enclosure and the force in the line. / Den här avhandlingen berättar om hur experimenten vid Lysekils forskningsområde för vågkraft har utförts. Insamlade mätdata har använts för att verifiera teoretiska samband som modulerats vid Elektricitetslära, Uppsala universitet. De teoretiska och praktiska resultaten har visat på att vågkraft har förutsättningarna att implementeras som en hållbar framtida energikälla. Intressanta mätmetoder har utvecklas och påfrestningarna  på utrustningin och dess samband med medel effekten har studerats. / Lysekils projektet