The rheological properties of cement-based grouts play a key role in determining the final spread in grouted rock formations. Rheologically, cement grouts are known to be complex thixotropic fluids, but their steady flow behavior is often described by fitting the simple Bingham constitutive law to flow curve data. The resultant Bingham parameters are then used in grouting design of e.g. tunnels, to estimate the penetration length. Since cement grouts are thixotropic suspensions, the interpretation of their flow curves as obtained from flow sweeps in concentric cylinder rotational rheometers is often complicated by: the presence of wall slip, sedimentation and unstable flow at low shear rates. A systematic approach to study these effects within the constraints of the concentric cylinder geometry (Couette) and for different cement grout concentrations was carried out as part of the Licentiate research work. Of particular interest was the influence of geometry and flow sweep measurement interval on flow curves, including the characteristic unstable flow branch that appears at applied shear rates that are below the critical shear rate. The unstable flow branch observed below the critical shear rate has been described as a characteristic feature in the flow curves of thixotropic suspensions, e.g. cement grouts, laponite. From a practical standpoint, this information can then be readily used to improve rheological measurements of cement grouts. The existence of the critical shear rate below which no stable flow occurs, plus the complex wall slip phenomenon are then discussed by considering how they affect actual spread in rough and smooth rock fractures. Another major part of the research presented in this thesis relates to the measurement of model yield stress fluid (YSF), i.e. Carbopol, velocity profiles within the radial flow geometry. Radial flow between parallel plates, is an idealized fundamental flow configuration that is often used as a basis for grout spread estimation in planar rock fractures. Compared to other flow configurations with YSFs, e.g. channels, only a limited amount of work has presented analytical solutions, numerical models and especially experimental work for radial flow. Thus, as a first step towards more systematic studies of the plug flow region of YSFs in radial flow the current work presents the design, manufacture and for the first time velocity profile measurements that were conducted by using the pulsed Ultrasound Velocity Profiling (UVP) technique. The current observations for tests carried out with different disk spacings and flow rates show a distinct plug region, coupled with wall slip effects for the Carbopol model YSF fluid that was used. The theoretically predicted velocity profiles and the measured ones agree reasonably well, and the main discrepancies are discussed. Future studies, would then be targeted at improving the current experimental setup, for detailed measurements of the plug flow region along the radial length, which remains a challenging issue for studies on YSFs and engineering applications such as rock grouting design. / Cementbaserade injekteringsmedels reologiska egenskaper har en stor påverkan på strömning och inträngningslängd i sprickigt berg. Medlens reologi är komplex, inklusive tixotropi, men strömningen beskrivs ändå oftast med den enkla linjära Bingham modellen i injekteringssammanhang. De två parametrarna från denna modell, flytgräns och viskositet, används sedan inom injekteringsdesign, för t.ex. tunnlar och dammar, för att bedöma inträngningen. Eftersom cementbaserade medel är tixoptropa suspensioner försvåras utvärderingen vid mätning med konventionella rotationsviskometrar på grund av glidning vid fasta begränsningsytor, sedimentation/separation av partiklarna och instabila flöden vid låga deformationshastigheter. En systematisk mätprocedur för att studera ovanstående problem med rotationsviskometer och koncentriska cylindrar samt olika vanliga vattencementtal, har utförts inom ramen för detta licentiatarbete. Av särskilt intresse har varit att studera effekten av olika geometrier och tidsintervallet mellan mätningarna, inklusive den instabila delen av flödeskurvan då deformationshastigheten är lägre än ett kritiskt värde. Denna del av kurvan har i litteraturen beskrivits som karakteristisk för tixotropa suspensioner, som t.ex. cementbaserade injekteringsmedel. Praktiskt kan ovanstående kunskap användas för att förbättra mätningen av de reologiska egenskaperna. Existensen av en kritisk deformationshastighet under vilken det inte finns något stabilt flöde, i kombination med glidning vid fasta begränsningsytor, diskuteras särskilt med hänsyn till dess påverkan på faktisk inträngning i släta och råa bergsprickor. Ett annat fokus i licentiatarbetet har varit att studera icke-Newtonska modellvätskors (Carbopol) radiella strömning mellan parallella plattor. Denna typ av strömningsgeometri används ofta som en idealiserad konfiguration för strömning i bergsprickor. I jämförelse med andra enklare geometrier, finns endast en begränsad forskning utförd för denna geometri både då det gäller analytiska och numeriska beräkningar men framförallt då det gäller experiment. Som ett första steg inför en mer systematisk undersökning av icke-Newtonsk radiella strömning presenteras i detta arbete framtagandet av en fysisk laboratoriemodell där hastighetsprofilerna mellan plattorna för första gången visualiserats med hjälp av ultraljud. De utförda mätningarna med tre olika öppningar mellan plattorna sam tre olika värden på det konstanta flödet, visar på en distinkt plugg som är ett resultat av vätskans flytgräns samt glidning i gränsskiktet mellan vätskan och plattornas fasta begränsningsytor. En jämförelse mellan uppmätta hastighetsprofiler och analytiskt beräknade diskuteras där resultaten överensstämmer relativt väl, med beaktande av de långtgående förenklade antaganden som krävs för beräkningarna. Fortsatta studier kommer att fokuseras på att förbättra laboratoriemodellen för en mer detaljerad studie av icke-Newtonska vätskors strömning och hur pluggen utvecklas under den radiella inträngningen, vilket fortsättningsvis är av betydelse för design av injektering i bergsprickor. / <p>QC 20190521</p>

Immediate occupancy and functionality of critical facilities including hospitals, emergency operations centers, communications centers, and police and fire stations is of utmost importance immediately after a damaging earthquake, as they must continue to provide fundamental health, emergency, and security services in the aftermath of an extreme event. Although recent earthquakes have proven the acceptable performance of the structural system in such buildings, when designed according to recent seismic design codes, in many cases damage to the nonstructural components and systems was the main cause of disruption in their functionality. Seismic isolation is proven to be an effective technique to protect building structures from damaging earthquakes. It has been the method of choice for critical facilities, including hospitals in Japan and the United States in recent years. Seismic isolation appears to be an ideal solution for protecting the nonstructural components as well. While this claim was made three decades ago, the supporting research for freestanding (unanchored) equipment and contents (EC) is fairly new. With the focus on freestanding EC, this study investigates the seismic performance of sliding and wheel/caster-supported EC in fixed-base and base-isolated buildings. The study adopts a comparative approach to provide a better understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of using each structural system. The seismic response of sliding EC is investigated analytically in the first part of the thesis, while the response of EC supported on wheels/casters is examined through shake table experiments on two pieces of hospital equipment. The study finds base isolation to be generally effective in reducing seismic demands on freestanding EC, but it also exposes certain situations where isolation in fact increases demands on EC. Increasing the frictional resistance for sliding EC or locking the wheel/casters in the case of wheel/caster-supported EC is highly recommended for EC in base-isolated buildings to prevent excessive displacement demands. Furthermore, the study suggests several design probability functions that can be used by practicing engineers to estimate the peak seismic demands on sliding and wheel/caster-supported EC in fixed-base and base-isolated buildings. / Dissertation / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

<p>Diesel engines emit toxic gases like NOx and hydrocarbons. These gases need to be treated before they are released out the tailpipe. Thus, an aftertreatment system is installed which comprises of DOC, DPF and SCR. The DOC oxidizes the hydrocarbons and NO, the DPF traps the particulate matter and SCR reduces the NOx by reacting with NH3 at high temperatures. However, since NH3 is also a toxic gas, it cannot be released out the tailpipe in excess. It is important to inject an appropriate amount of NH3 so that it does not slip out the tailpipe. With increasingly stringent regulations on the emission limits of these toxic gases, control of SCR has become more necessary than before.</p> <p>In this thesis, the work done by previous members of the lab research group was improved upon. The objective remained the same, namely, keeping the NH3 slip under 50 ppm while maximizing NOx reduction. On initial inspection, it was realized that the entire controller had been designed and implemented in continuous time. Since the controller would be implemented digitally, with limited hardware sampling time, a discrete-time implementation as done via a DCU was created. The controller switched between two controllers – slip-based and storage-based. The slip-based controller was modified to include a feedforward term in the system so that the response time could be improved along with a feedback controller to eliminate any disturbances and steady-state error, using ammonia slip feedback as measured by an NH3 sensor. It aims at keeping the maximum ammonia slip under 50 ppm. The storage controller is a feedback controller which tries to limit the ammonia storage based on the values fed by a lookup table. This lookup table is a simplified table that determines the maximum ammonia storage at any given instant based on the catalyst bed temperature. The feedback controller gains for both controllers were determined based on a linearized plant model since the initial gains were ineffective with the discretized model. The initial switching mode controller that switches between slip control and storage control switched too frequently between the controllers, thereby affecting controller performance. A switching logic was implemented to limit the number of switches. A switch will be permitted only if the previous switch occurred over a certain time. By implementing all the subparts together in the controller, incremental improvements were prominent. In the end, the performance by implementing the proposed idea was distinctly better. The metrics considered for performance comparison are the number of switches and the ability to maximize slip up to 50 ppm. Parameter error was also studied as well and its effect on the controller performance was analyzed. The data when tested against sets of underestimated, overestimated and mixed estimates for the plant parameters resulted in the underestimated parameters to work within the scope of the objective. The controller was able to compensate for the underdosing. Overestimation caused overdosing in the system which led to spikes in the NH3 slip. Thus, it is better to underestimate the plant parameters than overestimate them.</p>

No description available.

In Sweden, prefabrication in the construction industry is a very common system. In prefabricated structures, there are various kinds of connections and generally many hinged connections. Therefore, it is of high interest to study the behavior of the prefabricated buildings in relation to the connections. Two main theories that can be used to evaluate our structures are the non-linear finite element analysis (NLFEA) and the second order effects. These two theories help to study the real behavior of the structures. Software that can apply these two theories is the ATENA-GiD. Therefore, it was very interesting to explore this software and find out how it can be used for prefabricated buildings. For this reason, a simplified ten-storey building was studied which had been also used in Lindwall’s and Wester’s (2016) master thesis. Various cases were chosen for this building. The building was studied either with monolithic walls or with vertical slip connection between the prefabricated walls. Also, the hollow core (HC) slabs were modelled in two ways and the supports of the columns were modelled in three ways. Even when each slab was modelled with two materials (solid concrete for the upper and lower layer with smeared reinforcement for the lower layer and modified concrete in order to compensate for the voids), the increase in the time for analysis was not important. Also, the cracking was not extensive thanks to the relatively low wind load. The slip joint between the walls didn’t lead to the different displacement between the walls. It was found that the hinged support in the columns was modelled by using the upwind line of the base. In non-linear analysis cases, the model of the structure gave 20% larger displacements than in linear analysis cases which means that the cracking had an important influence on the second order effects despite that the cracking was not extensive. The reduction of the stiffness of the walls to 40% accounting for cracked sections in additional linear analyses to according to the Eurocode 2 was a conservative choice for this building. The most remarkable result was that when the supports of the columns were modelled with hinges there was smaller displacement than when the supports were fixed. The reason for this was the negative displacements due to the buckling of the columns of the first storey. Moreover, for the linear cases, there was a much smaller displacement (5mm) than Lindwall and Wester (2016) (17mm) and this was possibly due to the way that the hinges were modelled in my building. It is interesting to investigate other ways to model the hinges in ATENA-GiD as well as other ways to model the connections between the HC slabs and the perimetric beams. Also, the effect of creep through the modulus of elasticity could be analyzed. Finally, it would be interesting to include foundations in the model to study the possible need for anchorages.

<p>This thesis focuses on the tectonomorphologic evolution of the Central Andean Puna Plateau and its eastern foreland. The collective findings of fault-slip and tectonomorphic analyes help in understanding the mechanical behavior of non-collisional orogens at convergent plate boundaries and result in an improved Neogene tectonic record of the Central Andes.</p> <p>Fault-slip analysis indicates Neogene WNW-ESE horizontal shortening of the thickened crust of the Puna Plateau and Eastern Cordillera and simultaneous lateral gravitational spreading. The less thickened of Pampean Ranges continue to undergo horizontal shortening only. The importance of N-S extension in the kinematics of elevated parts of the Central Andes is underscored by the strike-slip components on prominent dip-slip faults. Strain axis configurations in the southern Central Andes are generally controlled by (1) overall WNW-ESE horizontal shortening imposed by plate convergence and (2) differences in crustal thickness, i.e., gravitational potential energy. Therefore, a geodynamic interpretations in which still increasing elevation and crustal thickness significantly influence upper-crustal kinematics of the southern Central Andes is suggested.</p> <p>To allow regional-scale tectonomorphic studies, including Valley-Width-to-Valley-Height (Vf) ratio and the Transverse-Topographic-Symmetry (T-) factor, an Esri ArcGIS compatible software tool was developed. This Geographical Information System (GIS)-based tool, was coded in Python to enable conversion to other ArcGIS versions. This herein presented first version of the tool is fully functioning and drastically reduces the otherwise long processing times.</p> <p>A qualitative main basin symmetry description, Mountain-Front-Sinuosity (Smf) indices, and Vf-ratios of second-order drainage basins, indicate ubiquitous Quaternary deformation on reverse and thrust faults in the southern Central Andes. The recorded Quaternary deformation strongly influences Quaternary landform development, as shown by main drainage basin asymmetries and second-order drainage basins shapes. However, non-systematic T-factor distribution for second-order basins indicates that basin asymmetry is subject to litholigcal variations.</p> / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

In composite beam design, headed stud shear connectors are commonly used to transfer longitudinal shear forces across the steel¿concrete interface. Present knowledge of the load¿slip behavior and the shear capacity of the shear stud in composite beam are limited to data obtained from the experimental push-off tests. For this purpose, an effective numerical model using the finite element method to simulate the push-off test was proposed. The model has been validated against test results and compared with data given in the current Code of Practices, i.e., BS5950, EC4, and AISC. Parametric studies using this model were preformed to investigate variations in concrete strength and shear stud diameter. The finite element model provided a better understanding to the different modes of failure observed during experimental testing and hence shear capacity of headed shear studs in solid concrete slabs

Polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell (FC) stacks require elastomeric gaskets for each cell to keep the reactant gases within their respective regions[1]. If any gasket degrades or fails, the reactant gases can leak or mix with each other directly during operation or standby, affecting the overall operation and performance of the FC. The elastomeric gaskets used as FC seals are exposed to a range of environmental conditions, and concurrently, subjected to mechanical compression between the bipolar plates forming the cell. The combination of mechanical stress and environmental exposure may result in degradation of the seal material[2] over a period of time. In order to address the durability and make reliability predictions, the long-term stability of the gaskets in FC assemblies is critical. The aim of this study is to investigate the performance of elastomeric seals in a simulated FC environment in the presence of mechanical stresses. The overall scope of the study includes mechanical and viscoelastic properties characterization, and lifetime durability predictions based on an accelerated characterization approach. With the help of finite element analysis software, ABAQUS, a fixture was designed to perform strain-based accelerated characterization of seal material in air, deionized (DI) water, 50v/50v ethylene glycol/water solution, and 0.1M sulfuric acid solution. Dogbone samples were strained to different levels in the custom fixture and submerged in liquid solutions at 90°C and in air at 90°C and 120°C. It was observed that mechanical properties such as tensile strength, strain to break, 100% modulus, crosslink density, and tensile set degrade due to aging and the extent of change (increase or decrease) depends significantly on the strain level on the specimen. Trouser tear tests were conducted on reinforced specimens in air and deionized water (DI) to evaluate the tear resistance of an elastomeric seal material intended for proton exchange membrane fuel cells. Plots relating the crack growth rate with tearing energy were obtained at various temperatures and provided significant insight into the rate and temperature dependence of the tearing strength of the seal material. Stick-slip crack propagation was observed at all temperatures and loading rates, although the behavior was suppressed significantly at low loading rates and high temperatures. Crack growth rate versus tearing energy data at different temperatures was shifted to construct a master curve and an estimate on the threshold value of tear energy was obtained which may be helpful in designing components where material tear is of concern. Strain energy release rate (SERR) value, calculated using the J-integral approach for a pre-existing crack in ABAQUS, was used to estimate the crack growth rate in a given seal cross-section to predict lifetime. In order to assess the viscoelastic behavior and to investigate the long term stress relaxation behavior of the seal material, compression stress relaxation (CSR) tests were performed on molded seals, called as SMORS, over a range of environmental conditions using a custom-designed fixture. The effect of temperature and environment was evident on material property changes and presented in terms of momentary properties and stress relaxation behavior. Various mechanisms involved in material degradation, chain scission and crosslinking, were suggested and insights were gained into how cure state and level of antidegradants in a material dictate the material behavior during the first phase of environmental exposure leading to change in material properties. Ring samples made of silicone were also tested using the fixture to obtain insight additional into material degradation due to aging. Results presented from testing on SMORS showed a lot more variation in data as compared to neat silicone rings due to the complexity involved in making SMORS. For understanding the deformation behavior of an elastomeric seal and its sealing performance, finite element characterization of seal cross-section was carried out on O-ring and SMORS cross-section. The effect of a seal's layout on distribution and magnitude of contact stresses and contact width was investigated for the O-ring and the information obtained thereby helped to analyze a complex assembly such as SMORS, where several interfaces and boundary conditions are involved. Stress/strain profiles were generated to visualize their concentration and distribution in the seal cross-section. Frictionless and rough interfacial conditions between seal material and platens were assumed and it was found that its effect on contact width and peak contact pressure was insignificant. Results obtained from FEA on SMORS were validated through comparison with contact mechanics approach and experimental data and it was found that Lindley's equation correlates well with experimental data whereas ABAQUS overestimates the load values at a given compression. Lindley's approach may be used to develop contact pressure profiles that may help estimate peak contact pressure at a given time so leaking can be avoided. / Ph. D.

Mechanical vibrations are inevitable in drilling operations. Torsional stick-slip vibrations are vibrations that occur in drilling columns, which are produced by periodic variations of torque and characterized by large fluctuations in the speed of the drill bit. These vibrations are dangerous, primarily by the cyclical characteristic of the phenomenon that by the amplitude of the same, which can cause fatigue of the pipe, failures in the components of the drill string, deformations in the walls of the well, excessive wear of the drill, low rate of penetration, and collapse of the drilling process. The frequency of these unwanted oscillations can be reduced by the application of automatic control techniques. The objective of this study is to evaluate through numerical simulations, the application of conventional control techniques, such as proportional-integral control (PI), and nonlinear, as the sliding mode control (SMC) and the input-output linearization control (IOLC), to eliminate the presence of stick-slip oscillation in drilling columns. The controllers are designed primarily to maintain a constant speed of rotation system, by manipulating engine torque, thereby inferentially control the speed of the drill, thus providing optimum operation conditions, beyond preserving system stability. Results of simulations using drill string torsional models of two degrees of freedom (2-DOF) and four degrees of freedom (4-DOF) show the performance of the proposed control systems, which are analyzed and qualitatively compared. / Vibrações mecânicas são inevitáveis nas operações de perfuração. Vibrações torcionais stick-slip são vibrações que ocorrem em colunas de perfuração, as quais são produzidas pelas variações periódicas de torque e caracterizadas por grandes oscilações da velocidade da broca. Estas vibrações são prejudiciais, mais pela característica cíclica do fenômeno que pela amplitude da mesma, podendo originar fadiga da tubulação, falhas nos componentes da coluna de perfuração, deformações nas paredes do poço, desgaste excessivo da broca, baixa taxa de penetração e, inclusive, colapso do processo de perfuração. A frequência destas oscilações indesejadas pode ser reduzida pela aplicação de técnicas de controle automático. O objetivo deste trabalho é avaliar, mediante simulações numéricas, a aplicação de técnicas de controle convencional, como o controle proporcional-integral (PI), e não linear, como o controle por modos deslizantes (SMC) e o controle por linearização entrada-saída (IOLC) para eliminar a presença de oscilações stick-slip em colunas de perfuração. Os controladores são desenvolvidos principalmente para manter constante a velocidade do sistema de rotação, mediante a manipulação do torque do motor, para assim controlar inferencialmente a velocidade da broca, fornecendo desta maneira condições ótimas de operação, além de preservar a estabilidade do sistema. Resultados das simulações, usando modelos torcionais de uma coluna de perfuração de dois graus de liberdade (2-DOF) e de quatro graus de liberdade (4-DOF), mostram o desempenho dos sistemas de controle propostos, os quais são analisados e comparados qualitativamente.

Low cycle fatigue is an important valving parameter of materiale which are exposed random alternate strain during their operation. The alternate strain in that material is caused by temperature fluctuations during operation and outages such as aircraft engines. Tests of low cycle fatigue were performed on samples of superalloy Inconel 738LC at stable room temperature at 23°C. The actual experiment took place at certain intervals, consisting of cycling itself, and observing changes in surface relief by light and electron microscopy. There was observed significant surface relief at an early stage of low cycle fatigue. We compared results of measurement with other different observation methods.