The purpose of this study was to investigate whether or not differing base metals and filler wires used during welding processes contributed to differing amounts of ultrafine particles (UFP) and nanoparticles being emitted during the welding procedure. The study was also conducted to determine UFP and nanoparticle exposure in the breathing zones of the welders as well as the breathing zones of pipefitters and fire watchers, who commonly sit 6ft behind the welding arc. In order to determine if UFP and NP exposures differed with base metal and filler wire, all welding processes utilized the same welding machine for metal inert gas (MIG), the same wire speed, and the same voltages during each welding process. The only variation in welding procedures were cover gases used, base metals, and filler wires. Measurements gathered during welding procedures were conducted in the breathing zone of the welder and pipefitters consisted of UFP measurements taken by two different condensation particle counters (CPC), which operated in synchrony at the start and cessation of the welding process. NP measurements were taken by a NanoScan Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer (SMPS) and were also placed in the breathing zone of the welder. Lastly, particle characterization measurements for transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) were gathered using a filter attached to a high flow pump, which was placed in the breathing zone of the welder. According to the results, base metal and filler wire do emit differing amounts of NP and UFP during the welding processes. Carbon steel emits the highest amount of nanoparticles, while stainless steel emits the second highest amount, and inconel emits the least. The results also concluded that welders are exposed to a greater concentration of nanoparticles and UFPs than those experienced by pipefitters who stand 6ft from the welding arc.

<p>This master thesis deals with problems in the arc length control in Pulsed MIG/MAG Welding. The main problem is that it is not possible to measure the arc length. In the present solution the voltage over both the electrode and the arc represents the arc length. </p><p>To improve the arc length control a model of the electrode melting has been built. One output from the model is the voltage over the electrode and with this voltage together with the measured voltage it is possible to calculate the voltage over just the arc. Then, having the arc voltage as a value of arc length the arc length control can be improved, which is showed in the end by simulations. Simulations with the present control system are compared with the new one, when the controller is able to control the arc voltage instead of the sum of both the electrode voltage and the arc voltage.</p>

Macrophages represent long lived immune cells that are remarkably resistant to apoptosis, which allows them to perform in highly stressful environments. Apoptosis resistance is a characteristic that develops during the differentiation process from monocytes to macrophages. However, the signaling pathways that mediate the development of macrophage antiapoptotic phenotype during differentiation remain mostly unknown. Because of their decreased susceptibility to cell death, macrophages are also key viral reservoirs during HIV infection. My research aims to understand the molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways that mediate cell survival during and after monocyte to macrophage differentiation and the involvement of the main families of antiapoptotic proteins, IAPs (inhibitors of apoptosis) and Bcl2 in this process. HIV accessory protein Vpr was used as an apoptotic stimulus, due to its death inducing abilities in other cell types. My results show that survival of macrophages is distinctively regulated during and after differentiation. I have identified a signaling pathway consisting of PI3K/Akt activation of NFκB that is important in survival of differentiating macrophages by specifically sustaining antiapoptotic Bcl-xL expression. However, once differentiated, Mcl-1, but not Bcl-xL is dependent on PI3K/Akt activation. Moreover, differentiated macrophages are resistant to the effect of HIV-Vpr, which is highly apoptotic for monocytes. In contrast, resistance to HIV-Vpr induced apoptosis of human macrophages is specifically mediated by antiapoptotic IAP proteins, with no involvement of the Bcl2 family, which maintains macrophage viability in the absence of any apoptotic stimuli. In addition to their antiapoptotic properties, IAPs are also important regulators of macrophage function. By using chemical compounds (SMAC mimetics) that target IAPs for degradation, I have shown that IAPs positively modulate LPS-induced IL10, IL-27 and MIG (monokine induced by IFNγ) production in human macrophages, by promoting TRAF2, JNK and p38 signaling and NFκB activation. In addition, IAPs also contribute to LPS-induction of CD80/CD86 costimulatory molecules. Overall, my results suggest that both IAPs and Bcl2 families contribute to survival of human macrophages and that IAPs are also involved in innate immune responses. Unraveling the mechanisms that control macrophage survival and function in various settings would provide therapeutic strategies aimed at eliminating cells when their survival is no longer beneficial for the host, as in the case of HIV infection or autoimmune diseases.

This master thesis deals with problems in the arc length control in Pulsed MIG/MAG Welding. The main problem is that it is not possible to measure the arc length. In the present solution the voltage over both the electrode and the arc represents the arc length. To improve the arc length control a model of the electrode melting has been built. One output from the model is the voltage over the electrode and with this voltage together with the measured voltage it is possible to calculate the voltage over just the arc. Then, having the arc voltage as a value of arc length the arc length control can be improved, which is showed in the end by simulations. Simulations with the present control system are compared with the new one, when the controller is able to control the arc voltage instead of the sum of both the electrode voltage and the arc voltage.

No description available.

Macrophages represent long lived immune cells that are remarkably resistant to apoptosis, which allows them to perform in highly stressful environments. Apoptosis resistance is a characteristic that develops during the differentiation process from monocytes to macrophages. However, the signaling pathways that mediate the development of macrophage antiapoptotic phenotype during differentiation remain mostly unknown. Because of their decreased susceptibility to cell death, macrophages are also key viral reservoirs during HIV infection. My research aims to understand the molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways that mediate cell survival during and after monocyte to macrophage differentiation and the involvement of the main families of antiapoptotic proteins, IAPs (inhibitors of apoptosis) and Bcl2 in this process. HIV accessory protein Vpr was used as an apoptotic stimulus, due to its death inducing abilities in other cell types. My results show that survival of macrophages is distinctively regulated during and after differentiation. I have identified a signaling pathway consisting of PI3K/Akt activation of NFκB that is important in survival of differentiating macrophages by specifically sustaining antiapoptotic Bcl-xL expression. However, once differentiated, Mcl-1, but not Bcl-xL is dependent on PI3K/Akt activation. Moreover, differentiated macrophages are resistant to the effect of HIV-Vpr, which is highly apoptotic for monocytes. In contrast, resistance to HIV-Vpr induced apoptosis of human macrophages is specifically mediated by antiapoptotic IAP proteins, with no involvement of the Bcl2 family, which maintains macrophage viability in the absence of any apoptotic stimuli. In addition to their antiapoptotic properties, IAPs are also important regulators of macrophage function. By using chemical compounds (SMAC mimetics) that target IAPs for degradation, I have shown that IAPs positively modulate LPS-induced IL10, IL-27 and MIG (monokine induced by IFNγ) production in human macrophages, by promoting TRAF2, JNK and p38 signaling and NFκB activation. In addition, IAPs also contribute to LPS-induction of CD80/CD86 costimulatory molecules. Overall, my results suggest that both IAPs and Bcl2 families contribute to survival of human macrophages and that IAPs are also involved in innate immune responses. Unraveling the mechanisms that control macrophage survival and function in various settings would provide therapeutic strategies aimed at eliminating cells when their survival is no longer beneficial for the host, as in the case of HIV infection or autoimmune diseases.

Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Centro Tecnológico, Programa de Pós Graduação em Engenharia Mecânica, Florianópolis. 2011 / Made available in DSpace on 2012-10-26T05:25:57Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 296879.pdf: 2168064 bytes, checksum: c70733c9f5414d3ed8db24924ecaa95b (MD5) / Este trabalho trata do estudo feito sobre a aplicabilidade da polaridade negativa no processo MIG/MAG. Os desenvolvimentos são divididos em duas partes. A primeira parte é focada no uso em conjunto das polaridades positiva e negativa como estratégia para aumentar a produtividade e alcançar características específicas almejadas em procedimentos de revestimento por soldagem como, por exemplo, a baixa diluição. Na literatura clássica o processo MIG/MAG com polaridade negativa é definido como instável e apresenta muitos respingos. Trabalhos mais recentes mostram que para determinada faixa de corrente e gás de proteção é possível conseguir cordões sem defeitos utilizando somente a polaridade negativa no processo MIG/MAG. Entretanto, os resultados apresentados nestas literaturas são de deposito sobre chapa e cordões de alta convexidade, o que dificilmente reflete uma situação de aplicação real. A alta convexidade do cordão de solda e a conseqüente baixa penetração fazem com que os resultados não apresentem perspectiva de aplicação em soldagens de união. Nem mesmo em soldagens de revestimento onde baixa penetração é uma condição favorável é possível utilizar a polaridade negativa. Devido à convexidade da solda, a realização de cordões lado a lado resulta em falhas de fusão. Para solucionar estes problemas de soldagem foi desenvolvida uma estratégia de troca de polaridade sincronizada com a posição da tocha no movimento de tecimento. A polaridade negativa é aplicada na região central do cordão de solda enquanto que a polaridade positiva é usada nas regiões laterais. Desta maneira é possível fazer uso da polaridade negativa para aumentar a taxa de deposição e diminuir a penetração garantindo que, com a polaridade positiva, não ocorram pontos de falha de fusão nas laterais dos cordões. Na segunda parte do trabalho a polaridade negativa é aplicada na soldagem de uma peça da indústria automotiva nas mesmas condições de um posto de trabalho industrial. A velocidade de soldagem alcançada é da ordem de processos de alta produtividade como o MIG/MAG duplo arame. As soldas foram aprovadas pela norma interna da empresa que cedeu as peças para os ensaios. Neste tipo de aplicação a polaridade negativa mostrou colaborar com o aumento da velocidade de soldagem sem o aparecimento de defeitos que desqualificassem a solda. De maneira geral para algumas aplicações de revestimento e soldagem de união de chapas finas, a soldagem MIG/MAG pode ser utilizada com polaridade de eletrodo negativo mediante aplicação de técnicas que minimizem as falhas / This dissertation is a research on the applicability of negative polarity using GMAW processes. This research is divided into two parts. The first part is based on the combined use of positive and negative polarity as a strategy to achieve specific characteristics that are desired in overlay welding process, as an example the low dilution process. In classic literature the GMAW process with negative polarity is defined as unstable and as a result presents a lot of spatter. Recent studies show that, for a certain range of current and gas protection, it is possible to obtain weld seams without defects using only the negative polarity on GMAW processes. However, the results presented in these literatures are on deposit sheet and strands of high convexity, which hardly reflects a real application. The high convexity of a weld and the resulting low penetration, results in a low applicability in join welding. Not even in overlay welding, which low penetration is a favorable condition, it is possible to use negative polarity. Due to welding convexity, the realization of stands side by side results in a fusion failure. To solve the problem of this welding process it was developed a strategy of changing polarity in synchronized parameters with the torch trajectory on weaving motion. The negative polarity is applied to the central part of the weld seam while the positive polarity is applied to the borders. This way it is possible to use the negative polarity to increase the deposition rate and therefore decrease the penetration, and with positive polarity ensure that points of fusion failure will not occur on the borders of the weld bead. In the second part of this work, the negative polarity is applied to the automotive welding industry under the same terms as an industrial work station. The welding speed achieved is compared to high speed productive processes such as GMAW double wired. The welds were approved by the company's internal regulations, which also gave the parts for testing purposes. To this type of application the negative polarity showed to be efficient with an increase on welding speed without been disqualified by welding defects occurrences. However for some applications of overlay and thin metal union, the GMAW can be used with negative polarity electrode by applying techniques that minimize these types of failures

O objetivo deste trabalho é analisar a influência dos parâmetros de um sistema mecanizado de soldagem, composto por uma tocha TIG e outra MAG em tandem, sobre a geometria do cordão de solda resultante. Os resultados obtidos foram comparados com soldas realizadas pelos processos TIG e MAG operando isoladamente. Os testes foram executados por meio de simples deposição de cordões sobre chapas de aço ao carbono AISI 1010 com espessura de 6,3 mm. Os parâmetros analisados foram: corrente de soldagem e distância da ponta do eletrodo até a peça no processo TIG, velocidade de alimentação de arame e tensão do arco no processo MAG, além de velocidade de soldagem e distância entre as tochas. Os cordões de solda foram executados em um dispositivo de soldagem mecanizado, que permite a variação da velocidade de soldagem, distância da ponta do eletrodo TIG e a distância entre as tochas. Os ajustes de corrente e tensão de soldagem foram feitos em duas fontes de potência separadas, ambas do tipo transformador-retificador, uma para cada tocha, devido às diferentes curvas características de cada processo. Através do projeto de experimento fatorial fracionado, foram avaliados os efeitos de dois níveis, um mínimo e outro máximo, mais quatro réplicas dos seus níveis intermediários, resultando em 20 experimentos para cada processo de soldagem. Os valores dos resultados finais indicam uma diferença ao utilizar uma tocha TIG para pré-aquecer o material base, porém, estatisticamente, essa diferença não é significativa entre os processos TIG e MAG em tandem e MAG convencional para a faixa de parâmetros de soldagem adotada. / This study aims to investigate the influence of process parameters of a mechanized welding system, comprising a GTAW torch and a GMAW torch in tandem configuration, on the geometry of the resulting weld bead, performed using GTAW and GMAW welding processes in tandem. The results were compared with weld beads performed by conventional GTAW and GMAW welding processes. The tests were conducted performing bead-on-plate deposits over AISI 1010 6,3 mm thick carbon steel plates. GTAW current, GMAW wire feed speed, GTAW arc length, GMAW voltage, welding speed and the distance between GTAW and GMAW torches were the analyzed parameters. The weld beads were performed in a mechanized welding bench, which allows the variation of speed, distance between torches and arc length of the GTAW torch. Current and voltage adjustments were made in two separate transformer-rectifier power sources, one for each welding torch, due to their different characteristic curves of each process. Through the fractional factorial design of experiment, the effects of two different levels for each parameter were analyzed, plus four replicates of the average values of these levels, resulting in 20 experiments for each welding process. The results show a difference on the weld bead geometry using a GTAW torch to preheat the base metal, however, this difference is not statistically significant between GTAW and GMAW welding process in tandem and GMAW welding process for the adopted range of welding parameters.

Distorções geométricas em partes metálicas unidas através de soldagem a arco elétrico são consequências inerentes ao processo devido ao elevado fluxo de calor necessário para fusão dos metais de base e adição (quando houver). Embora inevitáveis, estas distorções podem ser reduzidas ou eliminadas através do prévio conhecimento do comportamento da junta de acordo com energia aplicada, características geométricas, propriedades do material, entre outros fatores, possibilitando assim a redução de custos com possíveis retrabalhos por meio de alterações de projeto ou ações que as previnam durante a soldagem. Este trabalho utilizou a metodologia de Projeto de Experimentos para avaliar o efeito da energia de soldagem, espessura da aba e espessura da alma na distorção angular em juntas de filete soldadas pelo processo MIG/MAG com modo de transferência curto-circuito. Foi aplicada a Análise de Variância para as distorções angulares das amostras e identificou como significativo o efeito linear da energia de soldagem, o efeito quadrático da espessura da aba e a interação dos fatores energia de soldagem e espessura da aba na distorção angular de juntas de filete. Observou-se mínimas distorções para a combinação de maior energia de soldagem e menor espessura de aba, sendo mínimas também as distorções angulares para a combinação de menor energia de soldagem e maior espessura de aba, independente da espessura da alma para as condições estudadas. Através das macrografias das amostras, identificou-se que razão entre a área total do metal de solda e espessura da aba que gera maior distorção angular é aproximamente 5, com menores distorções angulares para valores inferiores e superiores a esse. Através de um modelo numérico, demonstrou-se que o gradiente de temperatura na aba da junta não determina a máxima distorção angular, e sim a máxima temperatura atingida na superfície inferior da aba, com máxima distorção angular obtida para a amostra que atingiu aproximadamente 425 ºC em ponto na superfície inferior da aba e paralelo à margem do cordão. Por fim, para distorções angulares em função da razão entre a energia de soldagem conduzida pela aba e espessura de aba ao quadrado, observou-se que a distorção angular é crescente até atingir 15,00 J/mm³, e menores distorções angulares para relações superiores a esse valor. / Welding deformation on metallic parts joined by electric arc welding are inherent consequences of the process due to the high heat flux required for melting the base and filler metals (when used). Although unavoidable, these deformations can be reduced or eliminated through prior knowledge of joint behavior in accordance with applied heat input (welding energy), geometric characteristics, material properties, among other factors, thus reducing costs with possible rework through design changes or actions that prevent them during welding. This work uses a methodology proposed by Experimental Design theories to evaluate the effect of heat input, flange thickness and web thickness on angular distortion in fillet joints welded by the GMAW process with short-circuit transfer mode. Was applied Analysis of Variance for the angular distortions of the test specimens and there are significant the linear effect of heat input, the quadratic effect of flange thickness and the interaction of heat input and flange thickness on the angular distortion of fillet joints, observing minimum distortion for the combination of higher heat input and lower flange thickness, and also angular distortions for the combination of lower heat input and higher flange thickness, regardless of the thickness of the web are minimal. Through the macrographs of the samples, it was identified that the ratio of a region of the weld metal to the flange thickness that generates the greatest angular distortion is approximately 5, with smaller angular distortions for lower values and higher than that. Through a numerical model, it has been shown that the temperature gradient in the flange does not determine the maximum angular distortion, but the maximum temperature reached in the lower surface of the flange, with maximum angular distortion obtained for the sample that reached approximately 425ºC in point on the surface bottom of the flange and parallel to the edge of the weld bead. Finally, for angular distortions as a function of the ratio between the heat input conducted by the flange and the squared flange thickness, it was observed that the angular distortion is increasing until reaching 15,00 J/mm³, and smaller angular distortions for higher relations to this value.

Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência e Engenharia de Materiais, Florianópolis, 2013 / Made available in DSpace on 2013-12-05T23:06:35Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 317573.pdf: 7905885 bytes, checksum: 56ee398155c110cd734a9f9ab715b5a1 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013 / O presente trabalho teve por finalidade elaborar os procedimentos para a soldagem robotizada pelo processo MIG/MAG de coletor de escapamento, fabricado a partir de chapas conformadas em aço inoxidável ferrítico. O material de base usado foi um aço inoxidável ferrítico AISI 441 com espessura de 1,8 mm, o material de adição utilizado foi arame eletrodo de aço inoxidável AWS ER 430Ti com diâmetro de 1,0 mm. Empregaram-se três tipos de gases de proteção, a saber: misturas de argônio com 4% de CO2, 15% de CO2 e 2% de O2. Os experimentos objetivaram determinar as condições de soldagem que produzem uma solda satisfatória, sob os aspectos de estabilidade do arco e de dimensões e geometria do cordão. Primeiro, foi realizada a deposição de cordões sobre chapa plana bead on plate de 60 x 150 mm de largura e comprimento, respectivamente, para estabelecer as melhores condições para obter um arco estável. Nesta etapa foram variados apenas os valores do arc trim (ajuste do comprimento do arco) e DBCP (distância bico de contato peça), mantendo-se as demais variáveis fixas. Em seguida, foram feitas soldagens na posição plana, em junta sobreposta, para determinar as condições que resultam em um cordão de geometria e tamanho satisfatórios. As seções transversais às soldas foram submetidas à análise microestrutural, metalografia quantitativa, medição de dureza e ensaios de corrosão intergranular. Nestes ensaios constatou-se, como esperado, que ao diminuir o valor de arc trim ocorre um aumento na velocidade do arame, o que diminui o comprimento e a tensão do arco. Ao utilizar uma maior DBCP, há um aumento significativo na tensão do arco. Os valores de microdureza não tiveram variação significativa nas três regiões que compõem a solda, ou seja, zona de fusão, ZAC (zona afetada pelo calor) e metal de base. Nas análises realizadas em relação ao tamanho de grão na região da ZAC, notou-se moderado crescimento de grão. As condições mais adequadas para a soldagem foram arc trim de -8, DBCP de 12 mm e gás de proteção Ar + 2% de O2. Com elas a soldagem transcorreu sem curtoscircuitos, e os cordões de solda obtidos tiveram aspecto uniforme e ficaram livres de descontinuidades.<br> / Abstract : The present work aims to develop MIG/MAG arc welding procedures for automated applications for lap joints in ferritic stainless steel used in automotive exhaust manifolds. The base material used was ferritic stainless steel type AISI 441 with a thickness of 1.8 mm and the filler material used was a wire AWS ER 430Ti stainless steel with a diameter of 1.0 mm. The tests were conducted using three different kinds of shielding gas: Argon with 4% CO2, Argon with 15% CO2 and Argon with 2% O2. The experiments were designed in order to determinate the welding conditions that produce the best arc stability, bead geometry and bead dimensions. To establish the best conditions for obtaining a stable arc, welding beads were deposited on flat steel sheet specimens (bead on plate) measuring 60 mm width and 150 mm length. In those tests, were varied only the values of the arc trim (arc length adjustment) and the CTWD (contact tip to work distance), keeping constant the other variables. Afterward, welds were made in the flat position in lap joint, in order to study the conditions which resulted in a satisfactory bead geometry and size. The welding cross sections were analyzed through metallographic tests, micro-hardness, intergranular corrosion tests and grain size measurements. It was verified, as expected, that by decreasing the value of arc trim there was an increase in the wire speed, which reduced the arc length. The microhardness values have not changed significantly in the three main regions of the weld, comprising the weld metal, or fusion zone, HAZ (Heat-affected zone) and the base metal. Analyses undertaken in the HAZ region revealed a moderate grain growth. The welding parameters that resulted in the best welding conditions were arc trim -8, DBCP 12 mm and shielding gas Argon with 2% O2. With this condition, the process was performed without short circuiting and the weld beads had uniform appearance and absence of discontinuities.