Ce travail de thèse met en évidence deux phénomènes microscopiques dissipatifs au voisinage de la ligne de contact dans les phénomènes de capillarité et d'adhésion. L'étude s'appuie sur des expériences dynamiques et des modélisations théoriques. La mesure expérimentale de quantités macroscopiques et la théorie hydrodynamique permettent d'extraire les informations dynamiques localisées au voisinage la ligne de contact. Les différents phénomènes dissipatifs localisés au voisinage de la ligne de contact ont pour origines les propriétés des substrats sur lesquels se déplace la ligne de contact. Pour une surface rigide hétérogène, nous avons développé un modèle rhéologique de la ligne de contact fondé sur l'hydrodynamique, permettant d'établir théoriquement l'évolution temporelle de la ligne de contact et de ses déformations. Une décomposition modale fondée sur la réduction de l'énergie par la théorie du chemin de réaction fournit une prédiction quantitative de la dynamique thermiquement activée de la ligne de contact, en accord avec l'expérience réalisée. Pour un substrat déformable, à partir de l'analyse de deux expériences différentes de mouillage dynamique et de l'estimation de la dissipation dans le substrat, fondée sur sa viscoélasticité, nous avons développé une compréhension générale du comportement dynamique d'une ligne de contact sur un substrat viscoélastique. Pour finir, ce modèle de dissipation viscoélastique est appliqué au cas de l'adhésion réversible, où expérimentalement nous mesurons la dynamique de pelage et de recollement sur un substrat viscoélastique. Cette extension à l'adhésion permet de relier les phénomènes interfaciaux en une compréhension générale / This thesis reveals two dissipative microscopic phenomena close to the contact line in the fields of capillarity and adhesion. The study is based on dynamic experiments and theoretical predictions. Experimental measurement of macroscopic quantities and the hydrodynamic theory give access to dynamic information located close to the contact line. The different dissipative phenomena, located close to the contact line, originate from the properties of the substrates on which the contact line moves. For a heterogeneous rigid surface, we have developed a rheological model of the contact line based on hydrodynamics, in order to theoretically establish the temporal evolution of the contact line and its deformations. A modal decomposition based on the reduction of the energy by the reaction path theory allows a quantitative prediction of the thermally activated dynamics of the contact line, in agreements with the experiment carried out. For a deformable substrate, based on the analysis of two different experiments of wetting dynamics and on the estimation of the dissipation in the substrate founded on its viscoelasticity, a general understanding of the dynamical behavior of contact lines on viscoelastic substrates is achieve. Finally, this viscoelastic model is applied to the case of weak adhesion, where experimentally we measured the peeling dynamics from a viscoelastic substrate. This extension to adhesion bridge the gap between different interfacial phenomena into a general understanding

Les paliers à feuilles sont des organes de guidage en rotation adaptés pour des rotors légers fonctionnant à des grandes vitesses de rotation. Leur fonctionnement ne nécessite aucun apport d’huile ni de graisse. Ces paliers sont réalisés avec une structure compliante. La présence de frottements dans la structure apporte l’amortissement nécessaire au système rotor-palier.Après une présentation de la technologie, un tour d’horizon des modèles existants et des limitations de chacun d’eux est exposé. Par la suite, un modèle non-linéaire du coussinet compliant est introduit. Dans ce modèle les feuilles sont considérées comme des solides élastiques. Les forces de frottement et les jeux entre les feuilles sont pris en compte par l’utilisation de la condition de non-interférence de Moreau-Signorini. Les efforts normaux et les forces de frottement sont calculés respectivement par la méthode des multiplicateurs de Lagrange augmentés et la méthode des pénalités. Ensuite, cette structure compliante est couplée au film fluide, traité par la résolution de l’équation de Reynolds en conditions de lubrification mixte.L’intérêt est ensuite accordé au palier dans sa globalité : structure déformable, film fluide, rotor. En régime statique, cette étude passe par l’analyse des démarrages du rotor puis de son fonctionnement à des hautes vitesses de rotation et sous de très fortes charges statiques. L’effet des erreurs d’usinage est mis en évidence. En régime dynamique, l’étude se fait par l’analyse non-linéaire d’un rotor de Jeffcott supporté par des paliers à feuilles. Les résultats montrent les limites de stabilité du système rotor-paliers et l’influence du balourd. / The foil bearings are used for guiding and supporting small rotors with high rotational speeds. Their operating functioning does not require any oil or grease. These bearings have a compliant structure. The presence of friction in the compliant structure brings damping, which is necessary for the rotor-bearing system operating at high speeds.After a presentation of the technology, an overview of the existing models and the limitations of each of them is exposed. Subsequently, a nonlinear model of the compliant structure is introduced. In this model, foils are considered as elastic solids. The friction forces and the gaps between the foils are taken into account by using the Moreau-Signorini non-interference condition. Normal forces and friction forces are calculated by using the augmented Lagrange multiplier method and the penalty method. Then, the compliant structure is coupled to the fluid film, dealt with the Reynolds equation for mixed lubrication conditions.The study is then focused on the bearing as a whole : compliant structure, fluid film, rotor. The start-up torque, the lift-off speed as well as operating conditions at high speeds and important static loads are part of the steady regime analyses. The effect of machining errors is highlighted. For the dynamic regime, the study consists of the non-linear analysis of a Jeffcott rotor supported by foil bearings. The results show the stability limits of the rotor-bearing system and the influence of unbalance.

<p>The purpose of this investigation was to study sexual function in women with neurological disorders at fairly distinct and separate locations. The dissertation comprises descriptive, retrospective, quantitative studies on sexual functioning in women with hypothalamo-pituitary disorders (HPD) (<i>n</i>:48), multiple sclerosis (MS)(<i>n</i>:47), and insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) (<i>n</i>:42). The results werecompared with those in an age-matched control group (C) (<i>n</i>:42), and as reported by representative Swedish women (<i>n</i>:742) in the Swedish sex survey SiS). The studies were based on comprehensive interviews, neurological examinations, incl. Vibration Perception Thresholds (IDDM), concentrations of prolactin and testosterone in serum (HPD), and a checklist on life satisfaction (IDDM, C, and SiS).</p><p>Sexual dysfunction was prevalent in almost all women with HPD and MS, and in 40% of the IDDM group. The problem of insufficient vaginal lubrication was more common in those with neurological disorders than among women in the SiS group. Sexual problems caused by reduced libido and orgasmic difficulties were more commonin the HPD and MS groups than in the SiS group. In the HPD group, women with intrasellar adenomas had better sexual function than women having expansively growing pituitary adenomas with both intra- and suprasellar extension. Normal serum testosterone values correlated to masturbation activity. Amenorrhea and older age werecorrelated with sexual problems in all groups. In the MS group, symptoms of a weak pelvic floor and of bladder and bowel dysfunction were correlated with reduced lubrication and orgasmic ability. In the IDDM group, signs of autonomic neuropathy were correlated with sexual dysfunction. Concerning life satisfaction generally,proportionately fewer women with IDDM were satisfied or very satisfied, though differing significantly from the other two groups in only two domains of life: contacts with friends, and physical health.</p>

<p>This thesis comprises tribological studies of extremely well-defined surfaces of different designs. Both low-friction and high-friction surfaces were manufactured and experimentally evaluated.</p><p>In the low-friction studies, lithography and anisotropic etching of silicon was first used as a texturing technique. The textured surfaces were subsequently PVD coated with TiN or DLC to achieve tribologically relevant interfaces. The results showed that under starved lubricated conditions, fine surface textures lowered the coefficient of friction and the wear rate. It was shown that also the orientation of the texture is of major importance for the lubricating function.</p><p>Further, a novel embossing technique was developed, permitting texturing of steel and other materials. A micro mechanically designed diamond tool was used to emboss steel surfaces. The roller/piston contact from a hydraulic motor was simulated and introduction of an embossed texture on the piston decreased the level and the fluctuation of the friction. The effect of the texture was here similar to the effect of an additional polish step. However, in general it is not an easy task to substantially improve a boundary lubricated contact by introducing a texture. </p><p>Studies of high friction surfaces were performed on micro mechanically designed diamond surfaces equipped with sharp pyramids or ridges. Just as theory predicts, the coefficient of friction was dependent on the shape of the ploughing bodies, but not on the counter material or the load. The tested surfaces resulted in static coefficients of friction between 1.1 and 1.6, depending on surface design and orientation. These are extremely high values, and therefore very interesting for practical applications requiring a high static friction.</p><p>Conclusively, the present thesis shows that it is possible to design and produce surfaces both for improved lubrication in sliding contact and for substantially improved high friction performance in static contacts.</p>

This thesis comprises tribological studies of extremely well-defined surfaces of different designs. Both low-friction and high-friction surfaces were manufactured and experimentally evaluated. In the low-friction studies, lithography and anisotropic etching of silicon was first used as a texturing technique. The textured surfaces were subsequently PVD coated with TiN or DLC to achieve tribologically relevant interfaces. The results showed that under starved lubricated conditions, fine surface textures lowered the coefficient of friction and the wear rate. It was shown that also the orientation of the texture is of major importance for the lubricating function. Further, a novel embossing technique was developed, permitting texturing of steel and other materials. A micro mechanically designed diamond tool was used to emboss steel surfaces. The roller/piston contact from a hydraulic motor was simulated and introduction of an embossed texture on the piston decreased the level and the fluctuation of the friction. The effect of the texture was here similar to the effect of an additional polish step. However, in general it is not an easy task to substantially improve a boundary lubricated contact by introducing a texture. Studies of high friction surfaces were performed on micro mechanically designed diamond surfaces equipped with sharp pyramids or ridges. Just as theory predicts, the coefficient of friction was dependent on the shape of the ploughing bodies, but not on the counter material or the load. The tested surfaces resulted in static coefficients of friction between 1.1 and 1.6, depending on surface design and orientation. These are extremely high values, and therefore very interesting for practical applications requiring a high static friction. Conclusively, the present thesis shows that it is possible to design and produce surfaces both for improved lubrication in sliding contact and for substantially improved high friction performance in static contacts.

The purpose of this investigation was to study sexual function in women with neurological disorders at fairly distinct and separate locations. The dissertation comprises descriptive, retrospective, quantitative studies on sexual functioning in women with hypothalamo-pituitary disorders (HPD) (n:48), multiple sclerosis (MS)(n:47), and insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) (n:42). The results werecompared with those in an age-matched control group (C) (n:42), and as reported by representative Swedish women (n:742) in the Swedish sex survey SiS). The studies were based on comprehensive interviews, neurological examinations, incl. Vibration Perception Thresholds (IDDM), concentrations of prolactin and testosterone in serum (HPD), and a checklist on life satisfaction (IDDM, C, and SiS). Sexual dysfunction was prevalent in almost all women with HPD and MS, and in 40% of the IDDM group. The problem of insufficient vaginal lubrication was more common in those with neurological disorders than among women in the SiS group. Sexual problems caused by reduced libido and orgasmic difficulties were more commonin the HPD and MS groups than in the SiS group. In the HPD group, women with intrasellar adenomas had better sexual function than women having expansively growing pituitary adenomas with both intra- and suprasellar extension. Normal serum testosterone values correlated to masturbation activity. Amenorrhea and older age werecorrelated with sexual problems in all groups. In the MS group, symptoms of a weak pelvic floor and of bladder and bowel dysfunction were correlated with reduced lubrication and orgasmic ability. In the IDDM group, signs of autonomic neuropathy were correlated with sexual dysfunction. Concerning life satisfaction generally,proportionately fewer women with IDDM were satisfied or very satisfied, though differing significantly from the other two groups in only two domains of life: contacts with friends, and physical health.

We try to explain the mathematical theory of thin liquid film evolution. We start with introducing physical processes in which thin film evolution plays an important role. Derivation of the classical thin film equation and existing mathematical theory in the literature are also introduced. To explain the thin film evolution we derive a new family of degenerate parabolic equations. We prove results on existence, uniqueness, long time behavior, regularity and support properties of solutions for this equation. At the end of the thesis we consider the classical thin film Cauchy problem on the whole real line for which we use asymptotic equipartition to show H^1(R) convergence of solutions to the unique self-similar solution.

Static characteristics and rotordynamic coefficients were experimentally determined for a four-pad tilting-pad journal bearing with ball-in-socket pivots in loadbetween- pad configuration. A frequency-independent [M]-[C]-[K] model fit the measurements reasonably well, except for the cross-coupled damping coefficients. Test conditions included speeds from 4,000 to 12,000 rpm and unit loads from 0 to 1896 kPa (0 to 275 psi). The test bearing was manufactured by Rotating Machinery Technology (RMT), Inc. Though it has a nominal diameter of 101.78 mm (4.0070 in.), measurements indicated significant bearing crush with radial bearing clearances of 99.6 μm (3.92 mils) and 54.6 μm (2.15 mils) in the axes 45º counterclockwise and 45º clockwise from the loaded axis, respectively. The pad length is 101.6 mm (4.00 in.), giving L/D = 1.00. The pad arc angle is 73º, and the pivot offset ratio is 65%. The preloads of the loaded and unloaded pads are 0.37 and 0.58, respectively. A bulk-flow Navier-Stokes model was used for predictions, using adiabatic conditions for the bearing fluid. Because the model assumes constant nominal clearances at all pads, the average of the measured clearances was used as an estimate. Eccentricities and attitude angles were markedly under predicted while power loss was under predicted at low speeds and very well predicted at high speeds. The maximum detected pad temperature was 71ºC (160ºF) and the rise from inlet to maximum bearing temperature was over predicted by 10-40%. Multiple-frequency force inputs were used to excite the bearing. Direct stiffness and damping coefficients were significantly over predicted, but addition of a simple stiffness-in-series model substantially improved the agreement between theory and experiment. Direct added masses were zero or negative at low speeds and increased with speed up to a maximum of about 50 kg; they were normally greater in the unloaded direction. Although significant cross-coupled stiffness terms were present, they always had the same sign. The bearing had zero whirl frequency ratio netting unconditional stability over all test conditions. Static stiffness in the y direction (obtained from steadystate loading) matched the rotordynamic stiffness Kyy (obtained from multiple-frequency excitation) reasonably at low loads but poorly at the maximum test load.

The modern trends in lubrication aim at reducing the oil quantity in tribological applications. As a consequence, the film thickness in the contact zone decreases significantly and can reach the order of magnitude of a few nanometres. Hence, the surface separation is ensured by very few lubricant molecules. Atomistic simulations based on the Molecular Dynamics method are used to analyze the local behavior of these severely confined films. A particular attention is paid to the occurrence of wall slip: predictive models and analytical laws are formulated to quantify and predict this phenomenon as a function of the surface-lubricant pair or the local operating conditions in a contact interface. Then, the coupling between Molecular Dynamics simulations and macroscopic models is explored. The classical lubrication theory is modified to include slip effects characterized previously. This approach is employed to study an entire contact featuring a nano-confined lubricant in its center, showing a severe modification of the film thickness and friction. Finally, the lubricant quantity reduction is pushed to the limits up to the occurrence of local film breakdown and direct surface contact. In this scenario, atomistic simulations allow to understand the relationship between the configuration of the last fluid molecules in the contact and the local tribological behavior.

Thèse numérisée par la Division de la gestion de documents et des archives de l'Université de Montréal