While most filters are made of pleated fibrous media, almost all existing theories of aerosol filtration are developed for flat media placed perpendicular to the air flow. Expressions developed for flat sheet media do not provide accurate information directly useful for designing a pleated filter, and therefore, most progress made in developing pleated filters is based on empiricism. This study is aimed at establishing an enabling knowledge that allows for a better design and optimization of pleated aerosol filters. This study is focused on developing a predictive simulation method that accounts for the influence of a filter’s micro-scale geometric parameters, such as fiber orientation, as well as its macro-scale features, like pleat shape, in predicting the transient pressure drop and collection efficiency with or without the effects of dust loading. The dual-scale simulation method developed in this work is believed to be the only feasible approach for design and optimization of pleated aerosol filters with the current academic-level computational power. Our study is divided into two major tasks of micro- and macro-scale modeling. Our micro-scale studies are comprised of a series of CFD simulations conducted in virtual 2-D or 3-D fibrous geometries that resemble the internal micro-structure of a fibrous medium. These simulations are intended to isolate the effects of each micro structural parameter and study its influence on the performance of the filter medium. In detail, it is intended to propose a method to predict the performance of micro-structures with fiber size distribution. Also, the effects of micro-structural fiber orientation were investigated. Moreover, we offered methodology to predict the performance of noncircular fibers using available analytical expressions for circular fibers. It is shown that the circumscribed circle for a trilobal shaped fiber gives the best prediction for collection efficiency. In macro-scale simulations, on the other hand, the filter medium is treated as a lumped porous material with its properties obtained via micro-scale simulations. Our results showed that more number of pleats helps better performance of pleated filters, however, if the pleat channel becomes blocked by dust cake then this effect is no longer valid.

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The SNO+ experiment will be the SNO detector filled with a neodymium-loaded liquid scintillator instead of heavy water. SNO+ will be used to detect neutrinos of much lower energy. Also, SNO+ will conduct a search for neutrinoless double beta decay with Nd-150. The Nd-loaded scintillator in SNO+ will be made from linear alkylbenzene (LAB). Both the LAB solvent and the Nd loading are new developments. The optical properties of this scintillator and information about radioactive backgrounds should be studied. A calibration source known as the scintillator bucket was deployed in the water-filled SNO detector in order to study some optical properties of Nd-loaded scintillator, raw LAB scintillator and distilled LAB scintillator. Using a neutron source attached to the bucket to produce events with known energy, with a model of the scintillator bucket simulated by an analysis tool called RAT, the light yield of the scintillator could be determined by comparing data measurements with simulations. This allowed the light yield, one of the main optical properties of the scintillator, to be measured and that value to be corrected in the Monte Carlo. The bucket was deployed both at the centre of the detector and at the bottom. After subtracting backgrounds from radon introduced in the scintillator during preparation and filling, constraints on the amount of Po-210 were obtained. Estimates on the K-40 content of the Nd-loaded scintillator were obtained by analyzing the radon-subtracted background spectra. By comparing the background spectra with the bucket deployed at the bottom of the acrylic vessel with spectra from the bucket at the centre, it was possible to estimate the K-40 content of the acrylic vessel. / Thesis (Master, Physics, Engineering Physics and Astronomy) -- Queen's University, 2010-09-22 11:55:44.351

This thesis presents design, modeling, and fabrication of an RF MEMS adjustable impedance matching network. The device employs the basic triple stub matching technique for impedance matching. It has three adjustable length stubs which are implemented using capacitively loaded coplanar waveguides. The capacitive loading of the stubs are realized using the MEMS switches which are evenly distributed over the stubs. There are 40 MEMS bridges on each stub whichare separated with &amp / #955 / /40 spacing making a total of 120 MEMS switches in the structure. The variability of the stub length is accomplished by closing the MEMS switch nearest to the required stub length, and making a virtual short circuit to ground. The device is theoretically capable of doing matching to every point on the Smith chart. The device is built on coplanar waveguide transmission lines. It has a center operating frequency of 10GHz, but because of its adjustability property it is expected to work in 1-40GHz range. It has dimensions of 8950 &times / 5720&micro / m2. This work is the continuation of the first national work on fabrication of RF MEMS devices. The device in this work is fabricated using the surface micromachining technology in the microelectronic facilities of Middle East Technical University.

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Yes / A tuneable slotted patch antenna design is presented and verified for use in the DCS, PCS and UMTS bands. The tuning circuit consists of two varactor diodes with some passive components, and is integrated fully with the r radiator patch, with the varactors occupying different locations over the slot. The tuning does not require any further modification to the patch or feed geometry. Good agreement is observed between the predicted and observed impedance bandwidth, return loss, gain and radiation pattern, throughout the range 1.70 GHz-2.05 GHz.

<p> The behavior of concrete block walls subjected to vertical compressive loads with out-of-plane eccentricities was investigated both experimentally and analytically. Particular attention was devoted to the effect of wall slenderness on capacity.</p> <p> In the experimental study, 14 full scale walls and numerous small specimens were tested to provide complete and reliable data concerning the behavior of concrete block walls and its components. Plain walls and partially grouted reinforced walls were tested in symmetric single curvature under compressive loads with out-of-plane eccentricities. Reinforced walls were tested in pure bending, as well.</p> <p> Prisms were tested to analyze the behavior of concrete masonry in compression with no slenderness or eccentricity effects. Bond tests were carried out to determine the behavior at interfaces of grout and steel reinforcing bars as well as between mortar and concrete blocks. Material tests were conducted to determine the mechanical properties of the blocks, mortar, grout and steel reinforcement used.</p> <p> A two-dimensional finite element model for the vertical cross section of block masonry walls was developed. It is capable of modeling local failure modes such as cracking, crushing and debonding. Material properties of the concrete blocks, mortar, grout, and steel bars were treated individually. The large deformation analysis allowed for consideration of the slenderness effect. The model was verified through comparison with experimental results. Fairly good agreement was obtained.</p> <p> The material properties of specimens tested during the experimental investigation were the basis of a parametric study. Results of this study were used to investigate the effect of the wall slenderness and the eccentricity of applied loads on the capacity of concrete block walls. They were used to evaluate the current provisions in the Canadian Masonry Code, CAN3-S304-M84. An attempt was made to develop original design equations based on the reduction coefficient approach. The proposed equations for plain and reinforced blockwork were shown to provide more consistent predictions of capacity than current design methods.</p> / Thesis / Master of Engineering (MEngr)

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Bc. Rostislav Ježek Diploma thesis - Husserl and neurofenomenology: Epoché, interview, practice Abstract The theme of this work is conception of practical usage of epoché in phenomenology, where epoché is carried out by philosopher in his lone meditation, and in the project of neurophenomenology, where epoché is to be found in the situation of interview. The aim of this work is, on the base of reflexion of the general practical framework of epoché, to put a question of the nature of epoché in phenomenology and of possibilities of its usage in neurophenomenology. These question will be anwered during the elaboration of progressive carrying out of epoché of experience of the one, who carries it out. We will see its natural affinity with the common attitude and with neurophenomenological epoché, which otherwise may seem naiv. Then, we will try to show, that Husserl's late theory of transcendental idealismus may be grasped as a conception of the influence, which the epoché exerts upon the experience of the one, who carries it out. At the end, we will try to show, that neurophenomenological research and research of neurophenomenology give phenomenology an oportunity to think deeper about its own methods. We will show, that the conception of dependence of the situation of the practical carrying out of epoché can...

Electrically-small loop antennas are a complex topic, with many design concepts to consider, including: effective magnetic core permeability, antenna impedance, antenna radiation, surrounding medium effects, and optimization approaches. There is a plethora of literature available covering these subjects but many conflict, compete, or are overall lacking; this thesis seeks to compare and analyze literature then validate with measurements, allowing optimal design.