I here present a combined AVO analysis of P-P and P-S reflection data whose objective is to improve the identification of lithology by estimating the specific values of Poisson's ratio, [sigma], for each rock formation in a given geological model, rather than a contrast between formations. Limited knowledge on the elastic parameters of a given rock formation and difficulty regarding the availability and processing of P-S data constitute hindrances of lithology identification. Considering that ocean bottom seismology (OBS) has aided in solving the problem of P-S data availability, limited information on elastic parameters is still a challenge, and the focus of this thesis. The present analysis is based on Zoeppritz' solution for the P-P and P-S reflection coefficients, RPP and RPS, with a slight modification. We used the normalized P-S reflection coefficient; i.e., R'PS = RPS / sin [theta] for [theta] > 0, instead of RPS, where [theta] is the incident angle. By normalizing RPS, we avoid dealing with the absence of converted S-waves at small incident angles and enhance the similar linear behavior of the P-P and normalized P-S reflection coefficients at small angles of incidence. We have used the linearity of RPP and R'PS at angles smaller than 35 degrees to simultaneously estimate the average VP/VS ratio, the contrasts of P- and S-wave velocities, and the contrast of density. Using this information, we solve for Poisson's ratio of each formation, which may enable lithology discrimination. The feasibility of this analysis was demonstrated using nonlinear synthetic data (i.e., finite-difference data). The results in estimating Poisson's ratio yielded less than 5 percent error. We generalize this new combined P-P and P-S AVO analysis for dipping interfaces. Similarly to the nondipping interface case, our derivations show that the amplitude variation with offset (AVO) of P-P and P-S for a dipping interface can be cast into intercepts and gradients. However, these intercepts and gradients depend on the angle of the dipping interface. Therefore, we further generalize our analysis by including a migration step that allows us to find the dipping angle. Because seismic data is not available in terms of RPP and R'PS, this process includes recovery of reflection coefficients after migrating the data and correcting for geometrical spreading, as done by Ikelle et al. (1986 and 1988). The combination of all of these steps, namely geometrical-spreading correction, migration, and AVO analysis, is another novelty of this thesis, which leads to finding the specific values of Poisson's ratio of each rock formation directly from the seismic data.

Computational models of the flow-induced vibrations of the vocal folds are powerful tools that can be used in conjunction with physical experiments to better understand voice production. This thesis research has been performed to contribute to the understanding of vocal fold dynamics as well as several aspects of computational modeling of the vocal folds. In particular, the effects of supraglottal geometry have been analyzed using a computational model of the vocal folds and laryngeal airway. In addition, three important computational modeling parameters (contact line location, Poisson's ratio, and symmetry assumptions) have been systematically varied to determine their influence on model output. Variations in model response were quantified by comparing glottal width, frequency, flow rate, open quotient, pressures, and wave velocity measures. In addition, the glottal jet was qualitatively analyzed. It was found that for various supraglottal geometries (either symmetrically or asymmetrically positioned), there was little asymmetry of the vocal fold motion despite significant asymmetry in the glottal jet. In addition, the vocal fold motion was most symmetric when consistent jet deflection was present (even if asymmetric). Inconsistent deflection of the glottal jet led to slightly larger asymmetries in vocal fold motion. The contact line location was found to have minimal impact on glottal width, frequency, and flow rate. The largest influence of the contact line location was seen in predicted velocity fields during the closed phase and in the pressure profiles along the vocal fold surfaces. Variations in Poisson's ratio strongly affected vocal fold motion, with lower Poisson's ratios resulting in larger amplitudes. The model did not vibrate when a Poisson's ratio of 0.49999 was used. The response of a full model (with two vocal folds) was shown to vary slightly from that of a half model (one vocal fold and a symmetry boundary condition), the greatest difference being in the deflection and dissipation of the glottal jet. It was concluded that for many scenarios the half model will be sufficient for modeling vocal fold motion; however, a full model is suggested for studies of material asymmetry or glottal jet dynamics. Application of these results to computational models of the vocal folds will lead to improved modeling and understanding of vocal fold dynamics.

Title: Methodological detection solution scaffolds response to mechanical stress, depending on the degree of hydration Objectives: Determining the extent of lateral deformation u scaffolds made of PVA polymer electrospinning technique. Identify the extent of differences in transverse deformation for different groups of nanofiber scaffolds made of PVA polymer electrospinning technique. Methods: Research scaffolds, we used a measuring device μ-tester, which has two jaws. For the measurement, we chose uniaxial tension test in -tester and record the fluorescence microscope was used with HD camera Olympus 320 for online video recording. Results: The results of this study showed that the ratio of the samples U: L and crosslinking time affects the degree of lateral deformation of the samples scaffolds. Samples scaffolds are compressible, some groups even reached the limits of incompressibility 0.5 Poisson's ratio. Keywords: Poisson, Poisson's ratio, scaffold, nanofiber scaffold, scaffold hydrated, electrospun scaffold, lateral deformation

This thesis describes a project in which algorithms are developed for the rapid and accurate solution of Poisson's equation in the presence of a dielectric boundary and multiple point charges. These algorithms are then used to perform Brownian dynamics simulations on realistic models of biological ion channels. An iterative method of solution, in which the dielectric boundary is tiled with variable sized surface charge sectors, provides the flexibility to deal with arbitrarily shaped boundaries, but is too slow to perform Brownian dynamics. An analytical solution is derived, which is faster and more accurate, but only works for a toroidal boundary. Finally, a method is developed of pre-calculating solutions to Poisson's equation and storing them in tables. The solution for a particular configuration of ions in the channel can then be assembled by interpolation from the tables and application of the principle of superposition. This algorithm combines the flexibility of the iterative method with greater speed even than the analytical method, and is fast enough that channel conductance can be predicted. The results of simulations for a model single-ion channel, based on the acetylcholine receptor channel, show that the narrow pore through the low dielectric strength medium of the protein creates an energy barrier which restricts the permeation of ions. They further show that this barrier can be removed by dipoles in the neck of the channel, but that the barrier is not removed by shielding by counter-ions. The results of simulations for a model multi-ion channel, based on a bacterial potassium channel, show that the model channel has conductance characteristics similar to those of real potassium channels. Ions appear to move through the model multi-ion channel via rapid transitions between a series of semi-stable states. This observation suggests a possible physical basis for the reaction rate theory of channel conductance, and opens up an avenue for future research.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:25:32Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2003-02-26Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T19:53:23Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 diniz_ec_me_rcla.pdf: 610866 bytes, checksum: 86834ae8acca4f4532e7d39107c9c8c7 (MD5) / Modelos de geração de precipitações são de extrema importância nos dias atuais, pois com o conhecimento do padrão de precipitação em certa área, pode-se planejar obras de forma a minimizar os efeitos das precipitações de grande intensidade. No presente trabalho, aplica-se o modelo de Neyman-Scott e, particularmente, o de Poisson na geração de precipitações de grande intensidade na região da Bacia do Tietê Superior, no Estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Essa região sofre anualmente com as enchentes devido às fortes precipitações e a alta densidade populacional nesta área. Para a aplicação dos modelos de distribuição espacial de precipitações Neyman-Scott e Poisson, foram considerados os dados coletados de 1980 a 1997 de uma rede pluviométrica constituída de treze pluviômetros. / Models related with precipitations generation have extremely importance nowadays because with the standard knowledge about an specific area, we can plan projects to minimize the effects caused by high intensity precipitations. At the present work, we applies Neyman-Scott s model and particularly the one from Poisson, in the precipitations generations with high intensity in the Superior Tietê Bays region, São Paulo state, Brazil. This region suffer annually with the floods due to the strong precipitations and the high human density. To use the Neyman-Scott and Poisson models related to spatial precipitations distribution, we have considered data collected during 1980 to 1997 from a pluviometric network consisted by thirteen rain gauges.

This paper is concerned with mesh refinement techniques for treating elliptic boundary value problems in domains with re- entrant edges and corners, and focuses on numerical experiments. After a section about the model problem and discretization strategies, their realization in the experimental code FEMPS3D is described. For two representative examples the numerically determined error norms are recorded, and various mesh refinement strategies are compared.

Les enrobés bitumineux ont été utilisés habituellement dans des constructions routières et récemment sous les ballasts des ferroviaires. Sa grande rigidité aux températures relativement basses de l’ambiance et à haute fréquence explique son application répandue en Europe du nord. Ce matériau a été étudié au niveau global par à la fois des essais empiriques, expérimentaux et des approches analytiques. Pourtant, l’enrobé bitumineux possède un structure interne hétérogène et complexe qui peut-être engendrer des comportements complexe. Les analyses au niveau local permettent alors de compléter les connaissances de ses comportements.De nos jours, la méthode des éléments discrets est connue comme un outil numérique répandu dans le domaine granulaire. Elle peut modéliser son comportement à travers des modèles locaux et fournir des informations de sa structure interne. Une part, cette méthode considère que les particules sont quasi-solides. Son déplacement est régi par les lois de mouvement. L’autre part, le chevauchement au niveau de contact entre particules est admis. L’interpénétration des particules est calculée par les lois de contact locaux associées. Cette thèse constitue une maquette numérique des enrobés bitumineux dont les particules isolées s’interagissent à travers des lois d’interaction à distance. Cette maquette prend en compte la granulométrie des granulats (>1mm) et son rapport volumique vis-à-vis du mastic constitué par des grains (<1mm), le liant et des vides. Les granulats (>1mm) seuls sont modélisés par des particules numériques, tandis que du mastic est pris en compte par des lois d’interaction. Au premier lieu, une simulation élastique est réalisée afin de reproduire des comportements asymptotiques élastiques d’un enrobé bitumineux de référence de type GB3 qui apparaissent lors des conditions extrêmes (fréquence ou température). Des lois d’interaction élastiques ont appliqué à la maquette numérique créée. Sur deux directions normale et tangentielles, les raideurs du ressort et leur rapport sont constantes.Ensuite, les simulations viscoélastiques sont réalisées pour reproduire le comportement viscoélastique du même matériau de référence. Au premier temps, une loi d’interaction de type Kelvin-Voigt est utilisée pour mettre en évidence qualitativement l’application d’une loi viscoélastique. Ensuite, le comportement viscoélastique globale est modélisé à niveau des particules par quelques lois d’interaction de type 1KV1R (un Kelvin-Voigt et un ressort en série) repartant au réseau d’interaction de la maquette numérique. Les raideurs des ressorts prenant en compte la géométrie de l’interface de particules sont constantes pour toutes les modèle de 1KV1R. Cependant, des viscosités des amortisseurs sont différentes. Certaines hypothèses sont examinées pour distribuer ses viscosités dans le réseau d’interaction. A la fin des études, les analyses des efforts internes sont réalisées. / Bituminous mixtures have traditionally been used in road constructions and recently under railway ballast. Its high rigidity at relatively low ambient temperatures and high frequency explains its widespread application in northern Europe. This material has been studied at the global level by both empirical, experimental and analytical approaches. However, the asphalt has a heterogeneous internal structure and complex which may cause complex behavior. The analysis at the local level then make it possible to supplement the knowledge of its behaviors.Nowadays, the method of discrete elements is known as a numerical tool spread in the granular field. It can model its behavior through local models and provide information about its internal structure. On the one hand, this method considers that the particles are quasi-solid. Its displacement is governed by the laws of motion. On the other hand, the overlap at the particle contact level is allowed. The interpenetration of the particles is calculated by the associated local contact laws. This thesis constitutes a numerical model of bituminous mixes whose isolated particles interact through laws of interaction at a distance. This model takes into account the granulometry of the aggregates (> 1 mm) and its volume ratio with respect to the mastic constituted by grains (<1 mm), the binder and voids. The aggregates (> 1 mm) alone are modeled by numerical particles, while mastic is taken into account by laws of interaction.First, an elastic simulation is performed in order to reproduce the elastic asymptotic behaviors of a reference bituminous mix of GB3 type that appear during extreme conditions (frequency or temperature). Elastic interaction laws have applied to the created numerical model. In both normal and tangential directions, the stiffness of the spring and its ratio are constant.Then, the viscoelastic simulations are performed to reproduce the viscoelastic behavior of the same reference material. At first, a Kelvin-Voigt interaction law is used to qualitatively highlight the application of a viscoelastic law. Then, the global viscoelastic behavior is modeled at the level of the particles by some laws of interaction of type 1KV1R (a Kelvin-Voigt and a spring in series) leaving again to the network of interaction of the numerical model. The stiffness of the springs taking into account the geometry of the particle interface is constant for all models of 1KV1R. However, the viscosities of the dashpots are different. Some hypotheses are examined to distribute its viscosities in the interaction network. At the end of the studies, the analysis of the internal efforts are carried out.

Voiced communication plays a fundamental role in society. Voice research seeks to improve understanding of the fundamental physics governing voice production, with the eventual goal of improving methods to diagnose and treat voice disorders. For this thesis, three different aspects of voice production research were studied. First, porcine vocal fold medial surface geometry was determined, and the three-dimensional geometric distortion induced by freezing the larynx, especially in the region of the vocal folds, was quantified. It was found that porcine vocal folds are qualitatively geometrically similar to canine and human vocal folds, as well as commonly used models, and that freezing of tissue in the larynx causes distortion of around 5%. Second, a setup of multiple high-resolution cameras and a stereo-endoscopy system simultaneously recorded positions on the superior surface of synthetic, self-oscillating vocal fold models to estimate the error in the measurement of the three-dimensional location by the stereo-endoscopy system. The error was found to be low in the transverse plane, whereas the error was relatively large in the inferior-superior direction, suggesting that the stereo-endoscope is applicable for in vivo measurements of absolute distances of the glottis in the transverse plane such as glottal length, width, and area. Third, a function for strain-varying Poisson's ratio for silicone was developed from experimental data. It is anticipated that the findings herein can aid voice researchers as they study voice production, leading to improved voice care.

Ossos trabeculares possuem uma microestrutura porosa e podem ser modelados como um sólido elástico linear, heterogêneo e anisotrópico. A microtomografia tridimensional por raios-x (&#956CT) tem sido mundialmente utilizada para a caracterização de osso trabecular em pesquisas relacionadas à qualidade óssea e a doenças do metabolismo ósseo como a osteoporose. Na literatura existem poucas investigações sobre a influência de diferentes subvolumes amostrais na caracterização de propriedades mecânicas de osso trabecular humano através de &#956CT e ensaio mecânico computacional pelo método de Elementos Finitos. Nesta investigação doze vértebras humanas da região lombar foram utilizadas para a caracterização das propriedades mecânicas do osso trabecular através de &#956CT e modelagem computacional por elementos finitos. Uma amostra cúbica virtual com 18,5 mm de lado foi extraída de cada vértebra e quatro cubos menores centrais foram obtidos a partir dela com reduções de 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% do volume original de cada cubo. A abordagem Direct Mechanics por meio de análise de elementos finitos foi realizada através do Software FAIM (v6.0, Numerics88 Solutions Ltd). Os valores médios nas três direções principais de carregamento para os módulos de Young, Poisson e Torção obtidos foram, respectivamente, E1 = 294 MPa , E2 = 258 MPa , E3 = 153 MPa, G23 = 86 MPa, G31 = 103 MPa, G12 = 100 MPa, v21 = 0,121, v31 = 0,076, v12 = 0,137, v32 = 0,077, v13 = 0,141 e v23 = 0,140. O teste estatístico de Kruskal - Wallis ANOVA fator único foi aplicado com os procedimentos de comparação aos pares (teste de Tukey) mostrou que E1 &#8800 E3, E2 &#8800 E3 e E1 = E2. Isso indica que há a tendência para duas direções diferentes de carregamento mecânico nas amostras de osso trabecular das vértebras humanas analisadas, caracterizando uma simetria transversalmente isotrópica. Entretanto, os autovalores da matriz M (tensor anisotropia) expressaram uma tendência da microestrutura trabecular das vértebras humanas para a simetria ortotrópica, mostrando que a análise do fabric não classifica adequadamente a simetria da estrutura. A avaliação dos parâmetros microestruturais mostrou a tendência de um aumento do grau de conectividade das trabéculas a medida que ocorre uma redução dos subvolumes analisados (100% para 20% ou em milímetros de 18,5 para 3,7) acompanhado de um acréscimo dos valores da fração de volume ósseo. Esta tendência reforça a ideia de analisar-se as possíveis variações dos parâmetros morfométricos e mecânicos em domínios específicos. Em outras palavras, uma avaliação local com a escolha de volumes menores dos parâmetros microestruturais fração de volume, conectividade, espessura trabecular, separação trabecular, número trabecular e parâmetros mecânicos (Módulos de Young, Poisson e Torção) podem melhorar o prognóstico da resistência óssea, a qual prediz o risco de fratura de estruturas de osso esponjoso com precisão. Quando as propriedades mecânicas estão associadas com informações microestruturais por &#956CT são gerados mais parâmetros para se avaliar a qualidade óssea no diagnóstico de doenças do metabolismo ósseo. Portanto, a microtomografia de raios-X e análise de elementos finitos oferecem uma técnica não-invasiva com grande potencial para a avaliação da qualidade óssea. / Trabecular bone structures have a porous microstructure and can be modeled as linear elastic solid with a heterogeneous and anisotropic structure. The X-ray microtomography (&#956CT) has been used worldwide for the characterization of trabecular bone and its relationship with bone quality in metabolism diseases such as osteoporosis. In the literature there are few investigations regarding the influence of trabecular samples subvolumes in the assessment of microstructure and mechanical properties using &#956CT and finite element analysis. In this investigation twelve human vertebraes were used for the characterization of mechanical properties of trabecular bone using CT and computational modeling by finite elements. A cube sample with 18.5 mm sides was computationally extracted from each vertebrae and four smaller central cubes were obtained from it, with a 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% reduction from the original volume. The Direct Mechanics approach by finite element analysis was performed through the FAIM Software (v6.0, Numerics88 Solutions Ltd.). The mean values on three main directions of loading for Youngs Modulus, Poissons Modulus and Shears Modulus, were: E1 = 294 MPa , E2 = 258 MPa , E3 = 153 MPa G23 = 86 MPa, G31 = 103 MPa e G12 = 100 MPa, v21 = 0,121, v31 = 0,076, v12 = 0,137, v32 = 0,077, v13 = 0,141 e v23 = 0,140. The Kruskal-Wallis One Way Analysis of Variance on Ranks was applied with pairwise multiple comparison procedures (Tukey Test) showing that E1 &#8800 E3, E2 &#8800 E3 e E1 = E2. This indicates that there are two different main directions of loading on the trabecular bone samples of human vertebrae which is related to a transversely isotropic symmetry. However the eigenvalues of the matrix M (tensor anisotropy) expressed a tendency to orthotropic symmetry of the trabecular microstructure of human vertebrae, showing that the fabric assumption does not adequately classify the symmetry of the structure. The assessment of microstructural properties showed a tendency to increase the connectivity of the trabeculae with the reduction of the analyzed subvolumes (100% to 20% or 18.5 mm to 3.7 mm) as well as an increase of the bone volume fraction values. Those results highlight the idea that mechanical properties are better described in local regions. In other words, a local assessment of the microstructure parameters volume fraction, connectivity, trabecular thickness, trabecular separation, trabecular number and mechanical parameters (Youngs Modulus, Poissons Modulus and Shears Modulus) can improve the prediction of bone strength, which predicts the risk of cancellous bone fracture accurately. When the mechanical properties are associated with microstructural information more bone quality parameters are generated for the diagnosis of bone metabolism diseases and they can predict the fracture risk of cancellous bone structures with higher accuracy. Therefore, the X-ray microtomography and finite element analysis offer a non-invasive technique with great potential for the assessment of bone quality.

In this thesis we will investigate how the SBP-SAT finite difference method behave with and without an interface. As model problem, we consider the heat equation with piecewise constant coefficients. The thesis is split in two main parts. In the first part we look at the heat equation in one-dimension, and in the second part we expand the problem to a two-dimensional domain. We show how the SAT-parameters are chosen such that the scheme is dual consistent and stable. Then, we perform numerical experiments, now looking at the static case. In the one-dimensional case we see that the second order SBP-SAT method with an interface converge with an order of two, while the second order SBP-SAT method without an interface converge with an order of one.