Thermal maturity modeling is widely used in basin modeling. Of the available models, Easy%Ro has gained acceptance. Thermal gradients (TG) at seventy wells in the Thrace Basin are calibrated against vitrinite reflectance (%Ro). A 90% confidence interval is used to assess the uncertainty. Best paleo-TG are obtained from the MSR curves. Comparison of the paleo-TG with the actual ones showed that thermal regime of the Thrace Basin did not dramatically change during geologic history. A correlation between geological and thermal properties of the basin is established. Thermal regime of the Thrace Basin is controlled by 1) basement edge affect / 2) crustal thickness variations ad basement heat flow / 3) lateral thermal conductivity variations within the stratigraphic column / 4) transient heat flow affect / and 5) influence of the tectonic features. Basement edge affect is traced at the steep northern margin. Central part of the basin demonstrates lower TG. THe Eocene Ceylan Formation with relatively lower thermal conductivity plays a thermal reducing role. Areas of high sediment influx are associated with low TG due to the transient effect of the immature sediments. Fault systems of the Thrace Basin do not possibly have influence on paleo-thermal gradients.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:23:03Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2009-03-03Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T19:49:35Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 bianconi_a_me_rcla.pdf: 724071 bytes, checksum: e4d7c4d70181487635bf52b5b318a870 (MD5) / A germinação de sementes representa uma etapa crítica para a sobrevivência da maioria das fanerógamas. Composição de gases, temperatura e água são os principais fatores ambientais limitantes do processo de germinação. Entre esses, a temperatura e a água exibem maior grau de flutuação, tanto em escala temporal como espacial, no ambiente terrestre, funcionando como importantes sinalizadores ambientais para a semente. Os objetivos deste trabalho foram fornecer a caracterização básica dos padrões germinativos de quatro cultivares (Carioca comum, Iapar 81, IPR Graúna e IPR Uirapuru) de Phaseolus vulgaris L. (Fabaceae); determinar as faixas ótimas de germinação para cada cultivar (experimentos em gradiente térmico com água destilada); realizar experimentos com interação dos fatores temperatura e potencial osmótico com soluções de polietilenoglicol 6000, visando à aplicação de modelos matemáticos baseados nos conceitos de graus-dia, psi-dia e na combinação destes dois conceitos (modelo psi-graus-dia), para se efetuar a comparação da resposta germinativa de tais cultivares. A cultivar IPR Graúna apresentou a faixa ótima com maior variação de distintas temperaturas (nove temperaturas), baseando-se na velocidade média de germinação; contrastando com a Iapar 81, que não apresentou uma faixa ótima, mas sim um único ponto ótimo (32,6ºC). Nenhuma das quatro cultivares apresentou germinação acima de 38,2ºC nem abaixo de 10,3ºC nos experimentos em gradiente térmico (água destilada). As temperaturas base obtidas pelo modelo de graus-dia variaram de 8,4 a 9,2ºC. Os ajustes (todos os R2s ≥ 0,70) ao modelo psi-graus-dia foram adequados para todas as cultivares, tanto na faixa supraótima quanto na infraótima. Assim sendo, ainda que mais estudos sejam necessários para melhorar a qualidade dos ajustes obtidos em relação... / Seed germination constitutes a crucial phase in relation to the life cycle of plant species. The composition of gases, temperature and water availability are the main environmental factors that may hinder several germination processes. Temperature and water availability, for example, are able to fluctuate considerably and may act as environmental “status’ indicators to the seeds. The present work was aimed at furnishing a basic characterisation of the germination patterns of four Phaseolus vulgaris cultivars, viz. “Carioca comum’, “Iapar 81”, “IPR Graúna” and IPR Uirapuru; assessing the optimum range of germination for each cultivar; conducting experiments in which the effects of temperature and osmotic potential were simultaneously analysed in order to deploy mathematical models concerning the concept of degree-days (thermal time) with the aim of comparing the germination response of such cultivars. “IPR Graúna’ exhibited a wider optimum range of temperature (nine distinct values) and “Iapar 81” presented only one temperature value as the optimum temperature (32.6ºC). The four cultivars did not germinate at temperatures higher than 38.2ºC and lower than 10.3ºC. The base temperatures derived from the application of the thermal time models varied from 8.4 to 9.2ºC. Regarding the hydrothermal-time model, the quality of the data fitting were deemed to be adequate (R2s ≥ 0.70) both in the suboptimum range and in the supra-optimum range. Other researches should be conducted in order to corroborate the present findings; nonetheless, the common bean cultivars were able to be compared and contrasted and exhibited, on the whole, a relatively homogenous... (Complete abstract click electronic access below)

Em um incêndio, pilares de aço inseridos em paredes apresentam uma resposta termoestrutural diferente daqueles isolados, de modo que a compartimentação oferece um aumento de sua resistência ao fogo. Poucos estudos foram desenvolvidos até o presente momento para avaliar o desempenho de pilares em contato com paredes, sendo que aqueles já realizados apresentaram respostas que ainda deixam dúvidas sobre esses elementos. Diante disso, este trabalho propõe analisar, em contexto numérico, o comportamento de pilares de aço isolados e inseridos em paredes sujeitos à ação térmica, a partir do uso do código computacional ABAQUS versão 6.14. A modelagem termoestrutural, considerando a parede somente como elemento de compartimentação, promoveu resultados pouco consistentes, o que leva a concluir que a alvenaria influencia na resposta estrutural de pilares em situação de incêndio. Por essa razão, ao inserir molas que controlam o deslocamento axial das paredes na modelagem numérica, os resultados alcançados passaram a ser mais representativos. Análises complementares a respeito da influência do fator de carga e do nível de rigidez axial e rotacional na resistência ao fogo dos pilares também foram realizadas. Para todos os modelos, constatou-se a influência negativa do fator de carga quando aumentado. Quanto à restrição axial, foi verificado que sua presença possui maior influência na resistência ao fogo em comparação com sua intensidade, uma vez que a elevação desse parâmetro não afetou o tempo crítico dos pilares, para a maior parte dos casos analisados. Em relação à rigidez rotacional, ela se mostrou favorável para a resistência ao fogo. Além do mais, a pesquisa contou com uma avaliação do método simplificado da ABNT NBR 14323:2013 para cálculo da evolução da temperatura em perfis de aço. Concluiu-se que ele apresenta melhores resultados para os pilares com aquecimento uniforme na seção transversal. Por essa razão, foi proposta uma nova metodologia de cálculo de temperatura para pilares em contato com paredes, validada por meio de testes numéricos. / In a fire situation, steel columns embedded on walls demonstrate a different thermo- structural response from those isolated, so that the subdivision offers an increase of its fire resistance. Few studies have been developed in order to evaluate the performance of columns in contact with walls, and those already performed showed results that still leave doubts about these elements. Therefore, this work proposes to analyze, in a numerical context, the behavior of isolated and embedded on walls steel columns in fire using the software ABAQUS 6.14 as a modeling tool. The thermo-structural modeling, considering the wall only as a compartmentation element, has presented poor results, which leads to the conclusion that the masonry has influence on the structural response of columns subjected to fire situation. For this reason, when inserting springs in order to control the axial displacement of the walls in numerical modeling, the obtained results were satisfactory. Further analyzes in respect of the load factor influence and the level of axial and rotational stiffness on the fire resistance of columns were also performed. For all the models, it was verified a negative influence of the load factor when increased. However, when it comes to the axial restriction, it was verified that its presence had more influence in the fire resistance of the structural element despite of its intensity, once the increase of this parameter did not affect the critical time of the columns, for most cases analyzed. In respect to rotational stiffness, it was proven favorable to the fire resistance. In addition, this research employed the simplified method presented in the ABNT NBR 14323: 2013 to calculate the temperature evolution in steel profiles. It was concluded that it presents good results only for the columns with uniform heating in the cross section. For this reason, a new methodology to calculate the temperature of columns in contact with wall was proposed, validated by numerical tests.

This thesis presents a thermal gradient gas chromatography (TGGC) system that is implemented on a micro-scale. The GC column is approximately 20 cm long and is fabricated out of silicon with 21 nickel thin-film heaters evenly placed along the length of the column. Computational heat transfer models using ANSYS Mechanical APDL predict heating and cooling rates up to 32,000 deg C/min and 3,600 deg C/min, respectively. These results are verified through testing an experimental silicon channel. A PI controller which uses resistance measurements to calculate thin-film temperature is used for obtaining dynamic thermal gradient control. This controller is shown to possess a characteristic rise time of approximately 0.3 seconds with less than 4% overshoot and precision to within less than a degree. These characteristics present this system as a highly favorable candidate for a micro-GC column with resolution similar to that of conventional GC.

The easiest and most effective way to influence the separation process in gas chromatography (GC) is achieved by controlling the temperature of the chromatographic column. In conventional GC, the temperature along the length of the column is constant at any given time, T(t). In my research, I investigated the effects of temperature gradients on GC separations as a function of time and position, T(t,x), along the column. This separation mode is called thermal gradient GC (TGGC). The research reported in this dissertation highlights the fundamental principles of axial temperature gradients and the separation potential of the TGGC technique. These goals were achieved through the development of mathematical models and instrumentation that allowed study of the effects of axial temperature gradients. The use of mathematical models and computer simulation facilitated evaluation of different gradient profiles and separation strategies prior to development of the instrumentation, providing theoretical proof of concept. Three instruments capable of generating axial temperature gradients, based on convective cooling and resistive heating, were developed and evaluated. Unique axial temperature gradients, such as nonlinear and moving sawtooth temperature gradients with custom profiles were generated and evaluated. The results showed that moving sawtooth temperature gradients allowed continuous analysis and were well-suited for comprehensive GCxGC separations. The use of custom temperature profiles allowed unique control over the separation power of the system, improving separations, as well as selectively increasing the peak capacity and signal-to-noise. A direct comparison of TGGC with conventional GC methods showed that TGGC produces equivalent separations to temperature programmed GC. This technology holds great promise for performing smart separations in which the column volume is most efficiently utilized and optimum separations can be quickly achieved. Moreover, precise control of the elution of compounds can be used to greatly reduce method development time in GC. This feature can be automated using feedback to develop efficient separations with minimum user intervention. This technology is of special interest in micro-GC systems, which allows relatively easy incorporation of resistive heating elements in the micro-column design.

The Varina-Enon Bridge is a cable-stayed, precast, segmental, post-tensioned box girder bridge located in Richmond, Virginia. Inspectors noticed flexural cracking in July of 2012 that prompted concerns regarding long-term prestress losses in the structure. Prestress losses could impact the future performance, serviceability, and flexural strength of the bridge. Accurately quantifying prestress losses is critical for understanding and maintaining the structure during its remaining service life. Long-term prestress losses are estimated in the Varina-Enon Bridge using two methods. The first utilizes a time-dependent staged-construction analysis in a finite element model of the full structure to obtain predicted prestress losses using the CEB-FIP '90 code expressions for creep and shrinkage. The second method involves collecting data from instrumentation installed in the bridge that is used to back-calculate the effective prestress force. The prestress losses predicted by the finite element model were 44.9 ksi in Span 5, 47.8 ksi in Span 6, and 45.3 ksi in Span 9. The prestress losses estimated from field data were 50.0 ksi in Span 5, 48.0 ksi in Span 6, and 46.7 ksi in Span 9. The field data estimates were consistently greater than the finite element model predictions, but the discrepancies are relatively small. Therefore, the methods used to estimate the effective prestress from field data are validated. In addition, long-term prestress losses in the Varina-Enon Bridge are not significantly greater than expected. / Master of Science / Post-tensioned concrete uses stressed steel strands to apply a precompression force to concrete structures. This popular building technology can be used to create lighter, stiffer structures. Over time, the steel strands experience a reduction in force known as prestress losses. Accurately quantifying prestress losses is critical for understanding and maintaining a structure during its remaining service life. The Varina-Enon Bridge is a cable-stayed, prestressed box girder bridge located in Richmond, Virginia. Inspectors noticed cracking in July of 2012 that prompted concerns regarding long-term prestress losses in the structure. Prestress losses were estimated using two methods. The first method utilized a computer model of the full bridge. The second method used data from sensors installed on the bridge to back calculate prestress losses. It was found that the prestress losses estimated from field data were slightly greater than, but closely aligned with, the computer model results. Therefore, it was concluded that the Varina-Enon Bridge has not experienced significantly more prestress losses than expected.

To make sound decisions about the remaining life of a structure, the precise calculation of the prestress losses is very important. In post-tensioned structures, the prestress losses due to creep and shrinkage can cause serviceability issues and can reduce flexural capacity. The Varina-Enon Bridge is a cable-stayed, precast, segmental, post-tensioned box girder bridge located in Richmond, Virginia. Observation of flexural cracks in the bridge by inspectors promoted a study regarding long-term prestress losses in the structure. For understanding and sustaining the structure throughout its remaining service life, accurately quantifying prestress losses is important. Two approaches are used to predict long-term prestress losses on the Varina-Enon Bridge. The first approach involves a finite element computer model of the bridge which run a timedependent staged-construction analysis to obtain predicted prestress losses using the CEB-FIP '90 code expressions for creep and shrinkage. The second approach involves the compilation of data from instrumentation mounted in the bridge to back calculate the effective prestress force. The analysis using the computer model predicted the prestress losses as 44.6 ksi in Span 5, 47.9 ksi in Span 6, 45.3 ksi in Span 9, and 45.9 ksi in Span 11. The prestress losses estimated from field data were 50.0 ksi in Span 5, 48.0 ksi in Span 6, 46.7 ksi in Span 9, and 49.1 ksi in Span 11. It can be seen that relative to the results of field data estimations, the finite element analyses underestimated prestress loss, but given the degree of uncertainty in each form of estimation, the results are considered to fit well. / Master of Science / In order to apply a precompression force to concrete structures, post-tensioned concrete employs stressed steel strands. To construct lighter, stiffer structures, this popular building technology can be used. The steel strands undergo a reduction in force known as prestress losses over time. To make good decisions about the remaining life of a structure, the precise calculation of the prestress losses is very important. The Varina-Enon Bridge is a post-tensioned concrete box-girder bridge in Richmond Virginia. In July of 2012, observation of flexural cracks in the bridge by the inspectors promoted a study regarding long-term prestress losses in the structure. Two techniques are used to predict long-term prestress losses for this bridge. A computer model of the bridge is used in the first method to calculate losses using the design code. In order to measure prestress losses, the second technique used data from sensors mounted on the bridge. It was found that the estimation of losses closely matched those predicted at the time of the bridge construction and the computer model results. Based on this the final conclusion is made that the prestress loss in the Varina-Enon Bridge is not significantly more than expected.

Orientador: Victor José Mendes Cardoso / Banca: Fábio Socolowski / Banca: Gustavo Habermann / Resumo: A germinação de sementes representa uma etapa crítica para a sobrevivência da maioria das fanerógamas. Composição de gases, temperatura e água são os principais fatores ambientais limitantes do processo de germinação. Entre esses, a temperatura e a água exibem maior grau de flutuação, tanto em escala temporal como espacial, no ambiente terrestre, funcionando como importantes sinalizadores ambientais para a semente. Os objetivos deste trabalho foram fornecer a caracterização básica dos padrões germinativos de quatro cultivares (Carioca comum, Iapar 81, IPR Graúna e IPR Uirapuru) de Phaseolus vulgaris L. (Fabaceae); determinar as faixas ótimas de germinação para cada cultivar (experimentos em gradiente térmico com água destilada); realizar experimentos com interação dos fatores temperatura e potencial osmótico com soluções de polietilenoglicol 6000, visando à aplicação de modelos matemáticos baseados nos conceitos de graus-dia, psi-dia e na combinação destes dois conceitos (modelo psi-graus-dia), para se efetuar a comparação da resposta germinativa de tais cultivares. A cultivar IPR Graúna apresentou a faixa ótima com maior variação de distintas temperaturas (nove temperaturas), baseando-se na velocidade média de germinação; contrastando com a Iapar 81, que não apresentou uma faixa ótima, mas sim um único ponto ótimo (32,6ºC). Nenhuma das quatro cultivares apresentou germinação acima de 38,2ºC nem abaixo de 10,3ºC nos experimentos em gradiente térmico (água destilada). As temperaturas base obtidas pelo modelo de graus-dia variaram de 8,4 a 9,2ºC. Os ajustes (todos os R2s ≥ 0,70) ao modelo psi-graus-dia foram adequados para todas as cultivares, tanto na faixa supraótima quanto na infraótima. Assim sendo, ainda que mais estudos sejam necessários para melhorar a qualidade dos ajustes obtidos em relação... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: Seed germination constitutes a crucial phase in relation to the life cycle of plant species. The composition of gases, temperature and water availability are the main environmental factors that may hinder several germination processes. Temperature and water availability, for example, are able to fluctuate considerably and may act as environmental "status' indicators to the seeds. The present work was aimed at furnishing a basic characterisation of the germination patterns of four Phaseolus vulgaris cultivars, viz. "Carioca comum', "Iapar 81", "IPR Graúna" and IPR Uirapuru; assessing the optimum range of germination for each cultivar; conducting experiments in which the effects of temperature and osmotic potential were simultaneously analysed in order to deploy mathematical models concerning the concept of degree-days (thermal time) with the aim of comparing the germination response of such cultivars. "IPR Graúna' exhibited a wider optimum range of temperature (nine distinct values) and "Iapar 81" presented only one temperature value as the optimum temperature (32.6ºC). The four cultivars did not germinate at temperatures higher than 38.2ºC and lower than 10.3ºC. The base temperatures derived from the application of the thermal time models varied from 8.4 to 9.2ºC. Regarding the hydrothermal-time model, the quality of the data fitting were deemed to be adequate (R2s ≥ 0.70) both in the suboptimum range and in the supra-optimum range. Other researches should be conducted in order to corroborate the present findings; nonetheless, the common bean cultivars were able to be compared and contrasted and exhibited, on the whole, a relatively homogenous... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Mestre

Temperature gradient causes volume change (elongation/shortening) in concrete structures. If the movement of the structure is restrained, significant stresses may occur on the structure. These stresses may be so significant that they can cause considerable cracking at structural components of large concrete structures. Thus, during the design of a concrete structure, the actual temperature gradient in the structure should be obtained in order to compute the stress distribution on the structure due to thermal effects. This study focuses on the implementation of a solution procedure for coupled thermal and structural analysis with finite element method for such structures. For this purpose, first transient heat transfer analysis algorithm is implemented to compute the thermal gradient occurring inside the concrete structures. Then, the output of the thermal analysis is combined with the linear static solution algorithm to compute stresses due to temperature gradient. Several, 2D and 3D, finite elements having both structural and thermal analysis capabilities are developed. The performances of each finite element are investigated. As a case study, the top floor of two L-shaped reinforced concrete parking structure and office building are analyzed. Both structures are subjected to heat convection at top face of the slabs as ambient condition. The bottom face of the slab of the parking structure has the same thermal conditions as the top face whereas in the office building the temperature inside the building is fixed to 20 degrees. The differences in the stress distribution of the slabs and the internal forces of the vertical structural members are discussed.

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