The aim of this dissertation is to summarize my research on the development of multifunctional multimaterial fibers that are designed and produced for sensing and modulation applications in wearable and biomedical fields. Fiber-shaped devices have gained significant attention due to their potential in human-machine interface applications. These devices can be woven into fabrics to create smart textiles or used as implantable probes for various biomedical purposes. To meet the requirements of human-machine interface, these fiber devices need to be flexible, robust, scalable, and capable of integrating complex structures and multiple functionalities. The thermal drawing technique has emerged as a promising method for fabricating such fiber devices. It allows for the integration of multiple materials and intricate microstructures, thereby expanding the functionality and applications of the devices. However, the range of materials and structures that can be integrated into these fiber devices is still limited, posing a constraint on their potential applications. To address this limitation, the dissertation focuses on expanding the range of materials and structures that can be integrated into multimaterial fiber devices. This involves the development and application of stretchable electrical and optical deformation fiber sensors by incorporating composite thermoplastic elastomers through the thermal drawing process (Chapter 2). Additionally, the dissertation explores the use of the thermal drawing technique to create multifunctional ferromagnetic fiber robots capable of navigation, sensing, and modulation in minimally invasive surgery (Chapter 3). Furthermore, the integration of nano-optoelectrodes and micro robotic chips on the fiber tip using the combination of thermal drawing and lab-on-fiber techniques is investigated (Chapter 4). The dissertation concludes with an overview of the research findings and potential future directions in the field of multifunctional multimaterial fiber devices (Chapter 5). / Doctor of Philosophy / Human-machine interface (HMI) is the technology that enables communication and interaction between humans and machines or computer systems. It plays a vital role in various domains, including consumer electronics, robotics, healthcare, virtual reality, and industrial automation. Fiber-shaped devices have recently emerged as a promising technology for HMI applications due to their flexibility, lightweight nature, and versatile functionality. These devices can be seamlessly integrated into wearable forms, such as clothing or accessories, and even implanted in the body, opening up a wide range of possibilities for HMI. In the past decades, significant progress has been made in developing multifunctional multimaterial fiber devices using the thermal drawing process (TDP). TDP allows for the fabrication of fibers with complex geometries and microstructures by heating and drawing a preform consisting of different materials. However, the current range of materials and structures that can be integrated into these fiber devices is still limited, which hinders their potential applications. This dissertation aims to expand the capabilities of multimaterial fiber devices by exploring new materials and structures that can be incorporated using TDP. The research focuses on three main areas. First, the development and application of stretchable electrical and optical deformation fiber sensors by integrating composite thermoplastic elastomers are explored (Chapter 2). This enables the sensing of various deformations, enhancing the functionality of the fiber devices. Second, the dissertation investigates the creation of multifunctional ferromagnetic fiber robots capable of navigation, sensing, and modulation in minimally invasive surgery (Chapter 3). These robots offer new possibilities for precise and controlled interventions. Lastly, the integration of nano-optoelectrodes and micro robotic chips on the fiber tip using a combination of thermal drawing and lab-on-fiber techniques is explored (Chapter 4). This allows for advanced optical sensing and remote-control capabilities at the fiber tip. Overall, these three aspects of the project broaden the capabilities and functionalities of multifunctional multimaterial fibers, making them highly versatile and suitable for a wide range of applications in wearable technology and biomedicine. These advancements have the potential to revolutionize the field of human-machine interface (HMI) by enabling seamless and intuitive communication, control, and feedback between humans and machines.

Advanced high strength steel (AHSS) provides a lightweight material solution in response to the stringent regulation on fuel economy and greenhouse gas emissions in the automotive industry. Dual phase (DP) steels that consist of a hard martensite phase embedded in a soft ferrite matrix are the most widely used AHSS due to their simple microstructure, robust thermo-mechanical processing and attractive mechanical properties. However, DP steels are prone to deform heterogeneously with strong strain partitioning between phases. The addition of Vanadium in DP steels can form nano-precipitates of vanadium carbonitrides (V (C,N)) that strengthen the ferrite and thus reduce the strain partitioning. This study considered the influence of V (C,N) on the deformation and damage behavior of ferrite-martensite DP1300 steels at the microscopic level. The hardness of the embedded ferrite and martensite regions are determined through nano-hardness testing. In-situ uniaxial tension tests were conducted on DP steels with similar martensite volume fractions within a scanning electron microscope (SEM) chamber. Microscopic-digital image correlation (µDIC) was then employed to analyze the local strain partitioning between ferrite and martensite. Local damage events such as void formation at ferrite martensite island interfaces and in the martensite islands were observed and rationalized with the µDIC results. X-ray computed tomography (XCT) were conducted to quantitatively analyze the microstructure damage. It was found that vanadium addition helps refine the microstructure and improve mechanical compatibility between the two phases. The overall ductility of the steel is enhanced especially in terms of post-uniform elongation and true strain to fracture. / Thesis / Master of Applied Science (MASc)

The mobility of arsenic is controlled by the mineral source of arsenic and a host of biogeochemical factors such as pH, oxidation-reduction reactions, precipitation-dissolution reactions, adsorption-desorption processes, and the activity of microorganisms. In this study, sequential extraction and microscopic methods were used to evaluate arsenic partitioning in different phases in sediments and host rock at the Brinton arsenic mine (BAM) site. Results demonstrate spatial variability of arsenic in sediments, although the partitioning of arsenic in different phases was similar in both mine tailing and stream channel sediments. The sequential extraction results demonstrate that between 60 and 80 % of the total arsenic in sediments is associated with iron oxides, and an additional phosphate extraction showed that the majority (80%) of arsenic associated with the oxides is adsorbed. Imaging and analysis by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electron microprobe analysis (EMPA) show the presence of three arsenic bearing minerals, arsenopyrite, scorodite and arsenic-rich iron oxides, in both sediment and the host rock. In sediment, the minerals are present as individual grains, but in the host rock, they are present together, often with arsenopyrite at the core, surrounded by scorodite and/or elemental sulfur, which is rimmed by iron oxides. This spatial arrangement illustrates two weathering patterns of arsenopyrite, one that involves oxidation to form scorodite, which further dissolves to form arsenic-rich iron oxides; in this weathering series, sulfur presumably forms dissolved species which migrate away from the mineral. Another pattern, observed in several samples of host rock, involves formation of elemental sulfur in addition to scorodite and iron oxides. Results of this study have implications for arsenic mobility at the Brinton site and other mine sites where arsenic minerals are present. Although arsenopyrite is the main ore mineral, the main reservoir of arsenic in sediments is iron oxides. However, in the end it is the biogeochemical mechanism that releases arsenic from the mineral that will control arsenic mobility. In the case of iron oxides, desorption or reductive dissolution will promote arsenic release, whereas oxidizing conditions are required for arsenopyrite to release arsenic. / Master of Science

Evacuation processes can be evaluated using different simulation models. However, recently, microscopic simulation models have become a more popular tool for this purpose. The objectives of this study are to model multiple evacuation scenarios and to compare the INTEGRATION microscopic traffic simulation model against the MATSim mesoscopic model. Given that the demand was the same for both models, the comparison was achieved based on three indicators: estimated evacuation time, average trip duration, and average trip distance. The results show that the estimated evacuation times in both models are close to each other since the Origin-Destination input file has a long tail distribution and so the majority of the evacuation time is associated when travelers evacuate and not the actual evacuation times. However, the evaluation also shows a considerable difference between the two models in the average trip duration. The average trip duration using INTEGRATION increases with increasing traffic demand levels and decreasing roadway capacity. On the other hand, the average trip duration using MATSim decreases with increasing traffic demand and decreasing the roadway capacity. Finally, the average trip distance values were significantly different in both models. The conclusion showed that the INTEGRATION model is more realistic than the MATSim model for evacuation purposes. The study concludes that despite the large execution times of a microscopic traffic simulation, the use of microsimulation is a worthwhile investment. / Master of Science / In recent decades, evacuation processes have become very valuable to protect people’s lives during disasters. Traffic engineers have developed different computer program tools to enhance the evacuation process. These tools can be categorized into three different groups: microscopic, macroscopic, and mesoscopic simulations. However, microscopic simulation tools have recently become more popular. The objectives of this thesis are to model multi-evacuation scenarios and to compare the INTEGRATION microscopic traffic simulation tool against the MATSim mesoscopic tool, given that the demand was the same for both tools. The demand describes the total number of vehicles that need to be evacuated. The tools were compared based on three indicators: estimated evacuation time, average trip duration, and average trip distance. The results show that, since the demand file has a large number of trips, the estimated evacuation times for both tools are similar. The average trip duration is generally computed by dividing the total travel time of all vehicles that need to finish their trips by the total number of vehicles. The results show that the average trip durations for the tools are different. The average trip duration using INTEGRATION increases with a decrease in the network capacity (number of vehicles within a specific distance). In contrast, the average trip duration using MATSim decreases with a decreasing network capacity. The average trip distance is computed by dividing the total travel distance by the total number of vehicles. The average trip distance values were significantly different for these tools. The results show that the INTEGRATION tool is more realistic than the MATSim tool and that it is able to capture the congestion effects in the network.

Recent advances in the optimization of fixed time traffic signals have demonstrated a move towards the use of genetic algorithm optimization with traffic network performance evaluated via stochastic microscopic simulation models. This dissertation examines methods for improved optimization. Several modified versions of the genetic algorithm and alternative genetic operators were evaluated on test networks. A traffic simulation model was developed for assessment purposes. Application of the CHC search algorithm with real crossover and mutation operators were found to offer improved optimization efficiency over the standard genetic algorithm with binary genetic operators. Computing resources are best utilized by using a single replication of the traffic simulation model with common random numbers for fitness evaluations. Combining the improvements, delay reductions between 13%-32% were obtained over the standard approaches. A coding scheme allowing for complete optimization of signal phasing is proposed and a statistical model for comparing genetic algorithm optimization efficiency on stochastic functions is also introduced. Alternative delay measurements, amendments to genetic operators and modifications to the CHC algorithm are also suggested.

Grinding is a complex material removal process with a large number of parameters influencing each other. In the process, the grinding wheel surface contacts the workpiece at high speed and under high pressure. The complexity of the process lies in the multiple microscopic interaction modes in the wheel-workpiece contact zone, including cutting, plowing, sliding, chip/workpiece friction, chip/bond friction, and bond/workpiece friction. Any subtle changes of the microscopic modes could result in a dramatic variation in the process. To capture the minute microscopic changes in the process and acquire better understanding of the mechanism, a physics-based model is necessary to quantify the microscopic interactions, through which the process output can be correlated with the input parameters. In the dissertation, the grinding process is regarded as an integration of all microscopic interactions, and a methodology is established for the physics based modeling. To determine the engagement condition for all micro-modes quantitatively, a virtual grinding wheel model is developed based on wheel fabrication procedure analysis and a kinematics simulation is conducted according to the operational parameters of the grinding process. A Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is carried out to study the single grain cutting under different conditions to characterize and quantify the grain-workpiece interface. Given the engagement condition on each individual grain with the workpiece from the physics-based simulation, the force, chip generation, and material plastic flow can be determined through the simulation results. Therefore, the microscopic output on each discrete point in the wheel-workpiece contact zone can be derived, and the grinding process technical output is the integrated product of all microscopic interaction output. From the perspective of process prediction and optimization, the simulation can provide the output value including the tangential force and surface texture. In terms of the microscopic analysis for mechanism study, the simulation is able to estimate the number of cutting and plowing grains, cutting and plowing force, probability of loading occurrence, which can be used as evidence for process diagnosis and improvement. A series of experiments are carried out to verify the simulation results. The simulation results are consistent with the experimental results in terms of the tangential force and surface roughness Ra for dry grinding of hardened D2 steel. The methodology enables the description of the 'inside story' in grinding processes from a microscopic point of view, which also helps explain and predict the time dependent behavior in grinding. Furthermore, the process model can be used for grinding force (or power) estimation for multiple-stage grinding cycles which includes rough, semi-finish, finish, and spark out. Therefore, the grinding process design can be carried out proactively while eliminating 'trial and error'. In addition, the grinding wheel model itself can be used to guide the recipe development and optimization of grinding wheels. While the single grain micro-cutting model can be used to study the mechanism of single grit cutting under various complex conditions, it can also be used to derive the optimal parameters for specific grains or process conditions.

Large populations o+ black grass bugs, Labops hesperius Uhler, have been observed on extensive acreages o+ range lands. These bugs cause severe damage to the range grasses, lowering their palatability and productivity. This study was to determine whether morphological differences among breeding lines o+ grass species or interspecific hybrids could be correlated with the feeding behavior o+ black grass bugs. I+ so, plant breeders should be able to develop resistant cultivars. To explore this possibility, cultivars and synthetics o+ range grasses, representing the genera, Agropyron, Dactylis, Phalaris and Poa, were exposed to di++erent instar stages was examined under a scanning electron microscope. Leaf pubescence (trichomes) varied in density and size and appeared to be associated with resistance of plants in the genera, Agropyron, to the Labops nymphs (instar stages II and III> but had no relation with the feeding behavior of adult black grass bugs. Plant leaves of the general, Dactylis and Phalaris, were smooth (few and small if any trichomes> and were the least preferred of any of the grasses by all stages of the bugs. Trichomes on leaves of other genera were varied in density and size. Based on percent damage, preference by the nymphs was for the species with intermediate sized trichomes. The adult bugs showed no discrimination in their feeding behavior. Field grown plants developed more trichomes per unit leaf area and appeared to have thicker surface waxes than the same species grown in the greenhouse. For this reason, nymph feeding habits may be different in the field than in the greenhouse. Future studies should perhaps investigate (1) first stage nymph activity on field plants and (2) palatability and/or chemical differences of the grasses.

From June to November 2007, a microscopic analysis was conducted on the activated sludge from eleven selected wastewater treatment plants (WWTP's) belonging to the City of Cape Town. The primary objective was the identification of the dominant and secondary filamentous organisms. Other important criteria included were the floe character, diversity, filament index (Fl) and identification of the protozoan and metazoan communities. The operational data determined from routine analyses of the sludge, influent and effluent were used to assess the relationship of the filamentous population to wastewater characteristics and to compare this with previous findings. Fl values of >3 and dissolved sludge volume indices (DSVI's) of >150 were chosen as representing the possibility of bulking conditions being present. The five most prevalent dominant filaments were Type 0092, Type 1851, actinomycetes, Microthrix parvicella and Type 021N, being present in 74%, 31%, 22%, 17% and 14% of samples respectively. Type 0092 did not appear to be associated with bulking in any of the WWTP's, although it was often incidentally present as a co-dominant species when bulking conditions existed. All three WWTP's with the Modified Ludzack-Ettinger configuration harboured Type 1851 as the major dominant species, irrespective of whether the plants treated domestic or industrial effluent. Conditions suggestive of bulking were present in two of these WWTP's. Contrary to expectations, Type 1851 was often found as a dominant species where domestic waste was the primary influent. Type 021N and actinomycetes were strongly implicated when bulking occurred. The overgrowth of these filaments appeared to be related to factors such as nutrient deficiency (Type 021N) or the presence of large amounts of low molecular weight substances in the influent. Microthrix parvicella did not cause major bulking problems. There was a strong association between low levels of nitrates/nitrites in the clarifier supernatant and good phosphorous removal, irrespective of the configuration of the WWTP. The converse was also true. / Thesis ((M. Environmental Science))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.

In this thesis, we have investigated the effects of the radiatively-driven microscopic diffusion of iron, carbon, nitrogen and oxygen in a typical $eta$~Cephei star. We thought that it was possible that microscopic diffusion could explain recent puzzling observations in some $eta$~Cephei stars, such as a wide range of observed frequencies ($ u$~Eri and 12~Lac), the existence of low metallicity $eta$~Cephei stars (observed in the SMC and the LMC), as well as hybrid $eta$~Cephei-SPB stars ($gamma$~Peg, $psi$~Cen), and unexplained carbon, nitrogen and oxygen abundance ratios ($delta$~Cet, $eta$~Cep, $xi^1$~CMa, V2052~Oph and to a lesser extent $ u$~Eri). In order to tackle the role of radiative forces and microscopic diffusion in $eta$~Cephei stars, we had to implement them in our stellar evolution code. In this process, we also had to add the effects of mass loss through stellar winds in order to remove surface abundance anomalies and numerical instabilities. We have shown that the radiative forces are able to sustain iron against gravity in $eta$~Cephei stars, that radiatively-driven microscopic diffusion is important in the external layers of $eta$~Cephei stars, and that it induces the accumulation of a significant amount of iron in the driving region of the pulsation modes, which is the iron convective zone at 200,000~K. This accumulation leads to an enhancement of the opacity and thus favors the $kappa$-mechanism responsible for the excitation of the pulsation modes. We have shown through parametric studies that indeed more modes become unstable. Our latest computations, involving a full evolutionary study, confirm the results of our parametric studies. This provides an explanation for the wide range of frequencies observed in some $eta$~Cephei stars. It can also explain the existence of the hybrid $eta$~Cephei-SPB pulsators, because the accumulation of iron broadens the instability strips for both the $eta$~Cephei and SPB stars. The exsitence of low metallicity $eta$~Cephei stars is also explained since microscopic diffusion can locally increase the iron in the driving region, creating at least a few unstable modes. Another important result from our work is that microscopic diffusion happens very early in the evolution of $eta$~Cephei stars, in fact as soon as the star is born. It would be interesting to check if the same is true for less massive stars, as it is usually assumed that they are homogeneous during the pre-main sequence. Our results for carbon, nitrogen and oxygen show that radiative forces could possibly explain the observed excess of nitrogen. They could offer a reasonable alternative to the usual argument of rotational mixing.

The analysis of grade crossing safety has long focused on vehicle-train crashes using statistical models based on crash data. The potential crashes generated by vehicle-vehicle rear-end conflicts have often been ignored. The interaction of different traffic attributes on safety performance of a grade crossing is also not well-understood. The primary objective of this thesis is to model the causal relationship of vehicle-vehicle interactions by developing the operation logic of gate-equipped grade crossing using a commercially available microscopic simulation package that models human driver behaviors. The simulation-generated vehicle trajectory data allows detail safety performance analysis on vehicle-vehicle interaction over time as they approach the track. A dual-gate equipped crossing at Kitchener, Ontario is selected as the study area. Initially, logic modifications are made to the simulation package (VISSIM) in order to accurately model the grade crossing segment. A two-step calibration is used in this thesis. Firstly, model input parameters for a signalized intersection from literature are used to model typical car-following behavior along this type of roadway. Secondly, parameters used to model drivers’ decision and reaction when approaching crossing is fine tuned through data collection and calibration. After incorporating all the modifications to the simulation package, validation is undertaken by comparing model-generated speed profiles to on-site observed speed profile. The established model is tested for its safety performance sensitivity through varying three traffic attributes in the simulation: (i) percentage of bus, (ii) total traffic volume, (iii) percentage of cars in the center lane of a 2-lane approach. Four safety performance measures were selected. The overall results indicate that the established model is functional and reliable in modeling grade crossing vehicles interactions at gated crossings. In the absence of a train, vehicles’ reduction in speed in the vicinity of a crossing results in traffic flow turbulence that increases the opportunity for high risk rear-end vehicle interactions. The sensitivity test revealed that the spillback behavior of vehicles due to the stopping behaviors of buses increases risk in the upstream section. Also, overloading of vehicles into the network indeed improves safety as the effect of differential speed diminishes. Among the four selected safety performance measures, DRAC seems to reflect problems with rear-end vehicle interactions in the vicinity of a crossing as a function of the traffic attributes considered in this research.