In currently used shear rheometers, shear stress is inferred from a measurement of either total force or total torque. These methods are subject to experimental errors due to uncontrolled flow at the sample boundaries. Such errors can be avoided by measuring the shear stress locally, in the region of controllable flow, using a shear stress transducer. A new sliding plate rheometer for molten plastics has been developed to incorporate a recently developed shear stress transducer. The rheometer operates at temperatures up to 250$ sp circ$C. Static and dynamic calibrations showed that the shear stress transducer sensitivity is stable and that its frequency response is suitable for the study of molten plastics. This rheometer was equipped with a computer controlled servohydraulic linear actuator, which provided wide flexibility in shear history selection. Digital data acquisition and signal processing enabled the use of the discrete Fourier transform for nonlinear viscoelastic property determination. Important differences were observed between the locally measured shear stress and values inferred from total force in both large amplitude oscillatory shear and in reciprocating exponential shear tests. For these property measurements, free boundary errors can dominate the dynamics of total force measurements.

This work is focussed on the equilibrium properties of r-mer fluids and their mixtures with particular emphasis on the limiting case of polymer mixtures. / The Flory-Patterson-Prigogine corresponding states theory of Polymer Solutions is corrected for non-randomness and extended to multicomponent multigroup systems. / A novel equipment for vapor sorption measurements in concentrated polymer solutions is described. With this equipment five polymer-polymer-solvent and one block copolymer-solvent systems have been studied. The Flory-Huggins (chi) interaction parameters for the polymer pairs have been determined. / The experimental data have been treated with the non-random new Flory theory. Interactional constants for the polymer pairs have been determined. A new interaction parameter has been introduced which considerably simplifies the treatment of ternary systems. / Two new statistical-thermodynamic theories of the fluid state have been developed and tested against existing experimental data.

During the game of squash, the transfer of thermal energy to the squash ball is integral to increase the bounce height of the ball. This investigation involves the transfer of thermal energy to squash balls of the same brand and specification to observe the effect on hang time. Preliminary work involved determining the specific heat capacity of the squash balls. On completing the investigation, the results showed a linear relationship between the thermal energy applied and the hang time.

Thermal Conductivity studies can provide fundamental information regarding the symmetry of the superconducting energy gap. To perform this kind of experiment, we need to use a very low temperature environment. Also a special mount has been to designed and constructed for the thermal conductivity measurements. This mount will allow holding the sample in different directions with respect to the applied magnetic field. The results are consistent with Wiedemann-Franz law to within 2.5\%. We also discuss a series of thermal conductivity experiments to shed additional light on the symmetry of the superconducting order parameter in the unconventional superconductor PrOs4Sb12.

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Acid treatment, especially at high temperatures, is very challenging since HCl is really corrosive to the metal equipment. The use of HCl is associated with face dissolution, corrosion, and iron precipitation. Organic acids are weak and less corrosive than HCl but they have a limitation, which means that they can't be used at high concentrations. The next option would be chelating agents. Chelating agents are used in well stimulation, iron control during acidizing, and removal of inorganic scales. Chelates such as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), N-(hydroxyethyl)-ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (HEDTA), L- glutamic acid-N, N diacetic acid (GLDA), and nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) are used in high-pressure/high-temperature oil and gas wells. GLDA is environmentally friendly, which makes it favorable. One of the concerns with these chelates is their thermal stability at high temperatures because if they degrade at high temperatures, they may lose their functionality. This study describes the thermal stability of these chelates, thermal degradation products, and some methods to improve their stability. The thermal stability is determined by measuring the concentration before and after heating using a complexo-metric titration utilizing FeCl₃ as a titrant. The degradation products are identified using Mass Spectrometry (MS). A series of experiments were run in the lab at varying temperatures (300 to 400°F) up to 12 hours, and the results shows chelates are not stable at temperatures greater than 350°F. Furthermore, chelates with two nitrogen atoms are more stable than those with one nitrogen atom. Iminodiacetic acid (IDA), acetic acid, and [alpha]-hydroxy acids are the decomposition products. There is a layer of black deposition after the chelates are heated, which is analyzed using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Some coreflood tests are conducted using these degraded chelates to investigate the effect of these solid precipitates on the permeability of carbonate and sandstone cores. Increasing ionic strength and raising pH results in a higher thermal stability. Some salts such as, NH₄Cl, KCl, Csformate, and NaBr are added to chelate solutions to enhance stability.

Solar thermal systems have great potential to replace or reduce the dependence of conventional fossil fuel based heating technologies required for space and water heating. Specifically solar domestic hot water systems can contribute 50-75% of the annual thermal load. To date residential users have been slow to purchase and install systems, primarily due to the large monetary investment required to purchase and install a system. Recent innovations in materials design and manufacturing techniques, offer opportunities for the development of absorber plate designs that have the potential to reduce cost, increase efficiency and reduce payback periods. Consequently, this design study was conducted in conjunction with industrial partners to develop an improved absorber based on roll bond manufacturing that can be produced at reduced cost with comparable or greater thermal efficiency. / Thesis (Master, Mechanical and Materials Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2012-09-13 12:36:58.588

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