Scanning probe microscopy was employed to characterize the piezotronic effect in both longitudinal and transverse force sensing modes in CdSe, and GaN nanowires, respectively. Both experimental results show exponential response of their conductivity change to applied forces. Theoretical models are also presented to explain this mechanism and quantify the relationship, where strain induced piezoelectric polarization changes the metal-semiconductor Schottky barrier height. An in-situ method based on SPM is developed to characterize the triboelectric process, including tribo-charge intensity, multi-cycle friction effect, as well as its surface diffusion. Beyond that, effect of external electric field was investigated as an approach to manipulate the polarization and intensity. Finally, a concept of self-powered motion sensing technology is developed and demonstrated experimentally with nanometer resolution, long working distance as well as high robustness. It provides a promising solution for application areas that need ultra-low power consumption devices.

This thesis focuses on the electrical output of polyaniline films subjected to uniaxial strain in hydrochloric acid solutions. Polyaniline belongs to novel class of materials known as conducting polymers. Alternating single and double bonds in the backbone of conducting polymers allow them to transmit electric charge when they are doped with negatively charged ions. Modifying the degree of doping and other electrical/chemical treatments allow conducting polymers to exhibit conducting, semi-conducting, or insulating electrical properties. Resilient mechanical properties, good processability, and low cost make conducting polymers good candidates for applications traditionally held by metals and semi-conductors. When tensile strain is applied to polyaniline in an electrolyte solution, the material selectively absorbs negatively charged ions. This charge imbalance produces a measurable electrical output. Theoretical models based on Fick’s second law of diffusion were compared against experimental results to determine fundamental material properties such as diffusivity and ion solubility in polyaniline. These properties were used to quantify polyaniline as a sensor material based on characteristics including sensitivity, accuracy, precision, range, linearity, and error. Films were cast from solutions of polyaniline powder (Mn = 65,000) in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone solvent, with thicknesses ranging from 2.72 to 158 µm.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-12-12T17:38:33Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Filipe - RESUMO.pdf: 27146 bytes, checksum: 965d13a57f8850f7f5953eb1442cb7ab (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-09-18 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / This paper discusses the implementation of some control strategies, without making use of mechanical sensors, for motor drives commonly used in white goods. In this way, initially, it is made a literature review about the system to be controlled, explaining about the different types of engines, discussing its details and classification, focusing particularly on permanent magnet synchronous motors. Thus, in order to facilitate the understanding of the control system, it is presented both the machine model as the known methods to control it. Then, a brief introduction to vector control with constant torque angle, which is the control approach used in this work. Thus, knowing the particularities involved in motor control, and knowing the problems inherent in the use of mechanical sensors at the control designs, it is presented various techniques that do not use these devices. Further, it is explained about the classification, advantages and restrictions related to these approaches, discussing three of them in a more specific way: using sliding mode approach; by adaptive models and neural networks. These respective techniques were simulated and then implemented on a trial bench, developed to analyze their characteristics facing pre-defined conditions in the machine drive. Finally, the results obtained were analyzed and discussed, based on similar implementations arranged in the literature. / O presente trabalho aborda a implementação de algumas estratégias de controle, sem fazer uso de sensores mecânicos de rotação, para o acionamento de motores comumente utilizados em produtos da linha branca. Deste modo, inicialmente, faz-se uma revisão bibliográfica acerca do sistema a ser controlado, explanando sobre os tipos de motores existentes, discutindo seus detalhes e classificação, focando particularmente, nos motores síncronos de ímãs permanentes. Com isso, visando facilitar o entendimento do sistema de controle em questão, apresenta-se tanto o modelo da máquina quanto os métodos conhecidos para controlá-la. Em seguida, é feita uma breve introdução ao controle vetorial com ângulo de torque constante, que é a abordagem de controle utilizada neste trabalho. Assim, sabendo das particularidades envolvidas no controle do motor, e conhecendo os problemas inerentes à utilização de sensores mecânicos nos projetos de acionamento, apresentam-se diversas técnicas que não fazem uso destes dispositivos. Na sequência, explana-se sobre a classificação, vantagens e restrições relacionadas a estas abordagens, discutindo três delas de forma mais específica: por modos deslizantes; por modelos adaptativos e por redes neurais. Essas respectivas técnicas foram simuladas e, posteriormente, implementadas em bancada experimental, desenvolvida para analisar suas características frente à condições pré-definidas no acionamento da máquina. Por fim, os resultados obtidos foram analisados, e discutidos, com base em implementações semelhantes dispostas na literatura.