ALVES, C. A. A study concerning homeostasis and population development of collagen fibers. 2017. 88 f. Tese (Doutorado em Física) – Centro de Ciências, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, 2017. / Submitted by Pós-Graduação em Física (posgrad@fisica.ufc.br) on 2017-11-21T16:35:18Z No. of bitstreams: 1 2017_tese_caalves.pdf: 8939939 bytes, checksum: 5cbf75fd845e26cdee776ee15fc2cfbf (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Giordana Silva (giordana.nascimento@gmail.com) on 2017-11-22T18:55:25Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 2017_tese_caalves.pdf: 8939939 bytes, checksum: 5cbf75fd845e26cdee776ee15fc2cfbf (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-11-22T18:55:25Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 2017_tese_caalves.pdf: 8939939 bytes, checksum: 5cbf75fd845e26cdee776ee15fc2cfbf (MD5) Previous issue date: 2017 / Collagen is a generic name for the group of the most common proteins in mammals. It confers mechanical stability, strength and toughness to the tissues, in a large number of species. In this work we investigate two properties of collagen that explain in part the choice by natural selection of this substance as an essential building material. In the first study the property under investigation is the homeostasis of a single fiber, i.e., the maintenance of its elastic properties under the action of collagen monomers that contribute to its stiffening and enzymes that digest it. The model used for this purpose is a onedimensional chain of linearly elastic springs in series coupled with layers of sites. Particles representing monomers and enzymes can diffuse along these layers and interact with the springs according to specified rules. The predicted lognormal distribution for the local stiffness is compared to experimental data from electronic microscopy images and a good concordance is found. The second part of this work deals with the distribution of sizes among multiple collagen fibers, which is found to be bimodal, hypothetically because it leads to a compromise between stiffness and toughness of the bundle of fibers. We propose a mechanism for the evolution of the fiber population which includes growth, fusion and birth of fibers and write a Population Balance Equation for that. By performing a parameter estimation over a set of Monte Carlo simulations, we determine the parameters that best fit the available data. / Collagen is a generic name for the group of the most common proteins in mammals. It confers mechanical stability, strength and toughness to the tissues, in a large number of species. In this work we investigate two properties of collagen that explain in part the choice by natural selection of this substance as an essential building material. In the first study the property under investigation is the homeostasis of a single fiber, i.e., the maintenance of its elastic properties under the action of collagen monomers that contribute to its stiffening and enzymes that digest it. The model used for this purpose is a onedimensional chain of linearly elastic springs in series coupled with layers of sites. Particles representing monomers and enzymes can diffuse along these layers and interact with the springs according to specified rules. The predicted lognormal distribution for the local stiffness is compared to experimental data from electronic microscopy images and a good concordance is found. The second part of this work deals with the distribution of sizes among multiple collagen fibers, which is found to be bimodal, hypothetically because it leads to a compromise between stiffness and toughness of the bundle of fibers. We propose a mechanism for the evolution of the fiber population which includes growth, fusion and birth of fibers and write a Population Balance Equation for that. By performing a parameter estimation over a set of Monte Carlo simulations, we determine the parameters that best fit the available data.

This paper presents a numerical model for the evaluation of the actual torque in Gerotor units. The model consists of two major modules: the pre-processor module and the HYGESim module. The preprocessor module consists of the geometric and the mechanical module. The geometric pre-processor module considers the CAD geometry of Gerotor with tolerances as input and it provides as output the geometric features needed to evaluate the rotor loading and the flow features. The mechanical preprocessor module evaluates the forces of interaction at the contact points between the rotors. The flow displaced by the unit is evaluated using a lumped parameter model whereas the lubricating gaps are evaluated by solving the Reynolds Equation. The main novel aspects consist of the evaluation of the frictional losses at various interfaces. An Elasto-Hydrodynamic Lubrication (EHL) approach is used to evaluate the frictional losses at the contact points between the rotors. Tests on a prototype Gerotor unit are performed for the model validation, particularly as pertains to the features of the shaft torque. Additionally, the paper comments on the distribution of the different torque loss contributions associated with the operation of the unit taken as reference.

This paper describes a high fidelity simulation model for GEROTOR pumps. The simulation approach is based on the coupling of different models: a geometric model used to evaluate the instantaneous volumes and flow areas inside the unit, a lumped parameter fluid dynamic model for the evaluation of the displacing action inside the unit and mechanical models for the evaluation of the internal micro-motions of the rotors axes. This paper particularly details the geometrical approach, which takes into account the actual geometry of the rotors, given as input as CAD files. This model can take into account the actual location of the points of contact between the rotors as well for the actual clearances between the rotors. The potentials of the model are shown by considering a particular GEROTOR design. A specific test set-up was developed within this research for the model validation, and comparisons in terms of steady-state pressure versus flow curves and instantaneous pressure ripples are shown for the reference pump.

The lymphatic system is responsible for several vital roles in human body, one of which is maintaining fluid and protein balance. There is no central pump in the lymphatic system and the transport of fluid against gravity and adverse pressure gradient is maintained by the extrinsic and intrinsic pumping mechanisms. Any disruption of the lymphatic system due to trauma or injury can lead to edema. There is no cure for lymphedema partly because the knowledge of the function of the lymphatic system is lacking. Thus, a well-developed model of the lymphatic system is crucial to improve our understanding of its function. Here we used a lumped parameter approach to model a chain of lymphangions in series. Equations of conservation of mass, conservation of momentum, and vessel wall force balance were solved for each lymphangion computationally. Due to the lack of knowledge of the parameters describing the system in the literature, more accurate measurements of these parameters should be pursued to advance the model. Because of the difficulty of the isolated vessel and in-situ experiments, we performed a parameter sensitivity analysis to determine the parameters that affect the system most strongly. Our results showed that more accurate estimations of active contractile force and physiologic features of lymphangions, such as length/diameter ratios, should be pursued in future experiments. Also further experiments are required to refine the valve behavior and valve parameters.

Thermal modeling is an important aspect of electric motor design. Numerous techniques exist to predict the temperatures in a motor, and they can be incorporated in the design of a thermal model for a new type of electric motor. This work discusses the available modeling techniques and determines which methods are applicable for medium-sized motors with either natural convection or forced convective cooling over irregular geometry. A time-dependant thermal model, with thermal transport parameters based upon geometric and simplified air flow information, is developed based on a discrete lumped parameter model with several modifications to improve accuracy. The model was completed with the aid of nine experiments, and the result is a thermal model that exhibits an absolute error of less than 6.1??C for the nine test runs at three different currents between 8.4 A rms and 28.2 A rms and three cooling levels, natural, 10.7 CFM and 24.4 CFM.

This paper describes a high fidelity simulation model for GEROTOR pumps. The simulation approach is based on the coupling of different models: a geometric model used to evaluate the instantaneous volumes and flow areas inside the unit, a lumped parameter fluid dynamic model for the evaluation of the displacing action inside the unit and mechanical models for the evaluation of the internal micro-motions of the rotors axes. This paper particularly details the geometrical approach, which takes into account the actual geometry of the rotors, given as input as CAD files. This model can take into account the actual location of the points of contact between the rotors as well for the actual clearances between the rotors. The potentials of the model are shown by considering a particular GEROTOR design. A specific test set-up was developed within this research for the model validation, and comparisons in terms of steady-state pressure versus flow curves and instantaneous pressure ripples are shown for the reference pump.

The work in this thesis is concerned with the generation of Lumped Parameter Models (LPM) for two, slender, torpedo shaped, X-fin craft. This process involves the use of CFD to simulate captive maneuvers that are normally performed using test equipment in the field. These captive maneuvers are refereed to as planar motion mechanisms (PMM), and when simulated through CFD are refereed to as virtual planar motion mechanisms (VPMM). The results from VPMM are used to determine the hydrodynamic derivatives that inform the LPM. There was some inconsistency in the VPMM data based on the frequency and amplitude that the VPMM was run. A brief study was run to look at this effect. Afterwards, Open and closed loop, autopilot assisted, maneuvers are implemented and performed using the LPM model through Simulink. Results of these maneuvers are analyzed for craft stability. Additionally, comparisons of LPM maneuvers to field data are performed. Critiques of the craft stability and effect of the autopilot are made. / Master of Science / The work carried out in this thesis involves the creation of a physics based model of an underwater craft. This physics based model is informed through characteristics determined by running computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. The benefit of such a model, is the simplification from CFD to a 6 degree of freedom (6-DOF) lumped parameter model (LPM). These physics models, LPM, are generated for two particular craft of interest. One craft is an existing design used by NUWC (named Tonnetto), while the other design is one generated to be similar in shape and size to the NUWC craft (named Hokie). Computer simulated maneuvers are carried out using these models to asses craft stability and performance. An autopilot is implemented into the models for some of these simulations to see its affects on the crafts performance. Additionally, these simulated maneuvers are compared to field data collected by NUWC.

There are several benets of electrohydraulic power steering systems, as compared to hydraulicpower steering systems where the pump is driven directly by the engine of the vehicle. Someof these benets are increased eciency and improved steering performance. The purpose ofthis project is to create a simulation model of the electrohydraulic power steering system inSimulink, excluding the hydraulic circuit. The model should thus consist of the electric motor,the drive electronics, the control system, the hydraulic pump as well as the communication andinterface to the master simulation system in which the model will be used.As a start a mathematical model of the motor is derived. Then the motor controller includingtwo current controllers and a speed controller is developed. The switching signals for the threephase bridge that drives the motor are calculated using space vector modulation. The motordrives a hydraulic pump, which is modeled using data sheet eciency curves. Finally a thermalmodel of the drive is developed. To fulll real time requirements, a lumped parameter approachis chosen. The nal model is exported as a Functional Mock-up Unit, which is a black-boxencapsulation of the complete simulation model.The simulation model is compared to measurement data to conrm its validity. Thesecomparisons shows that the dynamic response of the motor and its controller are close to themeasured values and that the thermal model adequately corresponds to the thermal tests. Thehydraulic pump model varied from measurements more than the other sub-modules. It was,however, seen as acceptable. Overall the system response was satisfactory, but naturally a lotof future improvements and new features could be made to improve the model. / Det finns flera fördelar med elektrohydraulisk servostyrning, där hydraulpumpen drivs av en el-motor, jämfört med hydraulisk servostyrning, där pumpen drivs direkt av fordonets förbränningsmotor. Några av dessa fördelar är ökad effektivitet och förbättrad styrprestanda. Syftet med detta projekt är att skapa en Simulink-modell av ett elektrohydraulisk system för servostyrning, exklusive hydraulkretsen. Modellen ska alltså bestå av delmodeller för elmotorn, drivelektroniken, styrsystemet, hydraulpumpen samt kommunikation med den övergripande simuleringsplattformen.Inledningsvis beskrivs en matematisk modell av elmotorn och efter det utvecklas motorstyrningen, bestående av två strömregulatorer samt en hastighetsregulator. Spänningen från strömregulatorerna uppnås genom space vector-modulation, som beräknar de pulskvoter som krävs för att uppnå denna spänning. Elmotorn driver en pump. Denna pump modelleras med hjälp av data från pumpens datablad. Slutligen modelleras drivelektronikens termiska egenskaper med ett termiskt nätverk. Den slutliga modellen omsluts av en Functional Mock-up Unit somintegreras i den övergripande simuleringsplattformen.

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The present research work has been carried out to develop a unified knowledge-based hybrid methodology combining regression-based, lumped parameter and finite element analyses that can be implemented in the initial phase of vehicle design resulting in a superior side crash performance. As a first step, a regression-based model (RBM) is developed between the injury parameter Thoracic Trauma Index (TTI) of the rear SID and characteristic side impact dynamic response variables such as rear door velocity (final) and intrusion supplementing an existing RBM for front TTI prediction. In order to derive the rear TTI RBM, existing public domain vehicle crash test data provided by NHTSA has been used. A computer-based tool with a Graphical User Interface (GUI) has been developed for obtaining possible solution sets of response variables satisfying the regression relations for both front and rear TTI. As a next step in the formulation of the present hybrid methodology for vehicle side impact safety design, a new Lumped Parameter Model (LPM) representing NHTSA side impact is developed. The LPM developed consists of body sub-systems like B-pillar, front door, rear door and rocker (i.e. sill) on the struck side of the vehicle, MDB, and “rest of the vehicle” as lumped masses along with representative nonlinear springs between them. It has been envisaged that for the initial conceptual design to progress, the targets of dynamic response variables obtained from RBM should yield a set of spring characteristics broadly defining the required vehicle side structure. However, this is an inverse problem of dynamics which would require an inordinate amount of time to be solved iteratively. Hence a knowledge-based approach is adopted here to link the two sets of variables i.e., the dynamic response parameters (such as average door and B-pillar velocities, door intrusion, etc.) and the stiffness and strength characteristics of the springs present in LPM. In effect, this mapping is accomplished with the help of an artificial neural network (ANN) algorithm (referred to as ANN_RBM_LPM in the current work). To generate the required knowledge database for ANN_RBM_LPM, one thousand cases of LPM chosen with the help of the Latin Hypercube technique are run with varying spring characteristics. The goal of finding the desired design solutions describing vehicle geometry in an efficient manner is accomplished with the help of a second ANN algorithm which links sets of dynamic spring characteristics with sets of sectional properties of doors, B-pillar and rocker (referred as ANN_LPM_FEM in the current work). The implementation of this approach requires creation of a knowledge database containing paired sets of spring characteristics and sectional details just mentioned. The effectiveness of the hybrid methodology comprising both ANN_RBM_LPM and ANN_LPM_FEM is finally illustrated by improving the side impact performance of a Honda Accord finite element model. Thus, the unique knowledge-based hybrid approach developed here can be deployed in real world vehicle safety design for both new and existing vehicles leading to enormous saving of time and costly design iterations.