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173
Additive manufacturing processes offer extensive advantages for the design freedom of structures through layer-by-layer production. This enables high weight savings as well as the integration of functions such as cooling channels. This technology thus offers great potential to contribute to a sustainable future. The pioneer among these manufacturing processes is the powder bed fusion of metals with laser beams (PBF-LB/M). This process is characterised by high laser scanning speeds and highly localised heat input, which have a strong effect on the microstructure and thus also on the mechanical properties. For example, the austenitic steel 316L exhibits a cellular structure at the subgrain level. This microstructure feature leads to higher yield strengths and comparable ductility to conventionally processed 316L. In addition to the traditional applications of 316L steel in the petrochemical and nuclear industries, this enables new applications such as medical stents or bipolar plates for fuel cells with proton exchange membranes. However, the layer-by-layer production with high scanning speeds and localised heat input induces cooling rates in the order of 106 K.s-1. The large temperature gradients and the shrinkage restraints of each weld bead and layer lead to the development of complex residual stress fields. These reduce the material performance and can even lead to premature failure. Thus, the fatigue properties are severely affected by rapid crack growth or prematurely developing cracks. Furthermore, specimens may warp during PBF-LB/M or immediately when the components are separated from the build plate. Therefore, residual stress is one of the main disadvantages of PBF-LB/M, making it difficult for this technology to be more widely accepted in the industry. Based on the current state of the literature, the procedure for determining residual stress employing diffraction methods, the influence of the component geometry, as well as the inter-layertime (ILT) on residual stress and, lastly, suitable heat treatment strategies for relaxing residual stress in PBF-LB/M/316L, were identified as insufficiently researched areas.
Determining residual stress is a major challenge. X-ray and neutron diffraction are particularly suitable for filigree structures, which can preferably be produced using PBF-LB/M. Here, the microscopic strain of the lattice planes is used to calculate the macroscopic residual stress. These methods are nondestructive and allow the spatial resolution of the bi-axial and tri-axial residual stress. In the present work, in-situ neutron diffraction tensile tests were performed to analyse the micromechanical behaviour of PBF-LB/M/316L. The suitability of the lattice planes for calculating the macroscopic residual stress was investigated. The (311) lattice plane was found to be the best option for determining the macroscopic residual stress in PBF-LB/M/316L. Furthermore, it was shown that the Kröner model can be used to calculate the X-ray diffraction constants despite the texture. Currently, both aspects are common practices in the determination of residual stress. The results presented here support the validity of this approach and increase the confidence in the experimentally determined residual stress, which has a positive effect on the assessment of quality concerning the safety of a component manufactured by PBF-LB/M.
The geometry of a structure manufactured by PBF-LB/M determines the component stiffness and influences the thermal gradients during manufacture and ultimately the residual stress. The effect of smaller or larger dimensions (larger than 10 mm) on the residual stress is rarely considered. To investigate this aspect, representative test specimens with different thicknesses and lengths were produced. Hence, the influence of the geometry i.e., component stiffness on the residual stress was evaluated. The residual stress was determined using X-ray and neutron diffraction. The analysis of the residual stress showed that an increase in thickness leads to overall higher residual stress. In addition, it was shown that increasing the sample dimension leads to smaller residual stress gradients. Above a threshold value of a few millimetres, no significant change in the residual stress was observed.
The ILT is inherent in every PBF-LB/M construction job and influences the thermal gradients during production and thus the residual stress. A change in wall thickness in a geometrically complex structure or a variation in the number of specimens in the construction process leads directly to a change in the ILT. To simulate this, specimens with different ILT were produced. The residual stress was determined by X-ray and neutron diffraction. The use of a short ILT resulted in higher surface residual stress, but lower volume residual stress. Here, the surface residual stress and the residual stress in the volume showed contrary behaviour. This was attributed to the complex heat conduction during the process, as shown by the thermographic measurements.
To avoid distortion of the specimens or real components upon separation from the build plate or during post-processing steps, stress relief annealing is usually performed after the PBF-LB/M process. Based on standards for heat treatment of welded austenitic steels, heat treatments were performed at low (450 °C for four hours) and high (800 °C and 900 °C for one hour) temperatures. The results show that the heat treatment at 450 °C relaxed the residual stress by only 5 %. This low relaxation is due to the stability of the cell structures. The high-temperature heat treatment showed that 900 °C is required to dissolve the cell structure and achieve a relaxation of about 85 %. This result is in good agreement with the standards for stress relief annealing of welded austenitic steels.
168
The current practice of operating and maintaining deteriorating structural systems ensures acceptable levels of structural reliability, but it is not clear how efficient it is. Changing the current prescriptive approach to a risk-based approach has great potential to enable a more efficient management of such systems. Risk-based optimization of operation and maintenance strategies identifies the strategy that optimally balances the cost for controlling deterioration in a structural system with the achieved risk reduction. Inspections and monitoring are essential parts of operation and maintenance strategies. They are typically performed to reduce the uncertainty in the structural condition and inform decisions on future operation and maintenance actions. In risk-based optimization of operation and maintenance strategies, Bayesian updating is used to include information contained in inspection and monitoring data in the prediction of the structural reliability. All computations need to be repeated many times for different potential inspection and monitoring outcomes. This motivates the development of robust and efficient approaches to this computationally challenging task.
The reliability of deteriorating structural systems is time-variant because the loads on them and their capacities change with time. In most practical applications, the reliability analysis of deteriorating structural systems can be approached by dividing their lifetime into discrete time intervals. The time-variant reliability problem can then be represented by a series of time-invariant reliability problems. Using this methodology as a starting point, this thesis proposes a novel approach to compute the time-variant reliability of deteriorating structural systems for which inspection and monitoring data are available. The problem is formulated in a nested way in which the prediction of the structural condition is separated from the computation of the structural reliability conditional on the structural condition. Information on the structural condition provided by inspections and monitoring is included in the reliability assessment through Bayesian updating of the system deterioration model employed to predict the structural condition. The updated system reliability is obtained by coupling the updated deterioration model with a probabilistic structural model utilized to calculate the failure probability conditional on the structural condition. This approach is the first main outcome of this thesis and termed nested reliability analysis (NRA) approach. It is demonstrated in two numerical examples considering inspected and monitored steel structures subject to high-cycle fatigue.
An alternative – recently developed – approach, which also follows the strategy of discretizing time, describes deteriorating structural systems with hierarchical dynamic Bayesian networks (DBN). DBN combined with approximate or exact inference algorithms also enable the computation of the time-variant reliability of deteriorating structural systems conditional on information provided by inspection and monitoring data. In this thesis – as a proof of concept – a software prototype is developed based on the DBN approach, which can be used to assess the reliability of a corroding concrete box girder for which half-cell potential measurements are available. This is the second main outcome of this thesis.
Both approaches presented in this thesis enable an integral reliability analysis of inspected and monitored structures that accounts for system effects arising from (a) the correlation among deterioration states of different structural elements, (b) the interaction between element deterioration and system failure, and (c) the indirect information gained on the condition of all unobserved structural elements from inspecting or monitoring the condition of some structural elements. Thus, both approaches enable a systemwide risk-based optimization of operation and maintenance strategies for deteriorating structural systems.
The NRA approach can be implemented relatively easily with subset simulation, which is a sequential Monte Carlo method suitable for estimating rare event probabilities. Subset simulation is robust and considerably more efficient than crude Monte Carlo simulation. It is, however, still sampling-based and its efficiency is thus a function of the number of inspection and monitoring outcomes, as well as the value of the simulated event probabilities. The current implementation of the NRA approach performs separate subset simulation runs to estimate the reliability at different points in time. The efficiency of the NRA approach with subset simulation can be significantly improved by exploiting the fact that failure events in different years are nested. The lifetime reliability of deteriorating structural systems can thus be computed in reverse chronological order in a single subset simulation run.
The implementation of the DBN approach is much more demanding than the implementation of the NRA approach but it has two main advantages. Firstly, the graphical format of the DBN facilitates the presentation of the model and the underlying assumptions to stakeholders who are not experts in reliability analysis. Secondly, it can be combined with exact inference algorithms. In this case, its efficiency neither depends on the number of inspection and monitoring outcomes, nor on the value of the event probabilities to be calculated. However, in contrast to the NRA approach with subset simulation, the DBN approach with exact inference imposes restrictions on the number of random variables and the dependence structure that can be implemented in the model.
166
The present work is intended to make a contribution to the monitoring of civil engineering structures. The detection of damage to structures is based on the evaluation of spatially and temporally distributed hybrid measurements. The acquired data can be evaluated purely geometrically or physically. It is preferable to do the latter, since the cause of damage can be determined by means of geometrical-physical laws in order to be able to intervene in time and ensure the further use of the structures. For this reason, the continuum mechanical field equations in conjunction with the finite element method and hybrid measurements are combined into a single evaluation method by the adjustment calculation. This results in two challenges.
The first task deals with the relationship between the finite element method and the method of least squares. The finite element method solves certain problem classes, which are described by a system of elliptical partial differential equations. Whereas the method of least squares solves another class of problems, which is formulated as an overdetermined system of equations. The striking similarity between both methods is known since many decades. However, it remains unresolved why this resemblance exists. The contribution is to clarify this by examining the variational calculus, especially with regard to its methodological procedure. Although the well-known Gauss-Markov model within the method of least squares and the finite element method solve inherently different problem classes, it is shown that both methods can be derived by following the same methodological steps of the variational calculus. From a methodical viewpoint, this implies that both methods are not only similar, but actually the same. In addition, it is pointed out where a possible cross-connection to other methods exists.
The second task introduces a Measurement- and Model-based Structural Analysis (MeMoS) by integrating the finite element method into the adjustment calculation. It is shown in numerical examinations how this integrated analysis can be used for parameter identification of simple as well as arbitrarily shaped structural components. Based on this, it is examined with which observation types, with which precision and at which location of the structure these measurements must be carried out in order to determine the material parameters as precisely as possible. This serves to determine an optimal and economic measurement set-up. With this integrated analysis, a substitute model of a geometrically complex structure can also be determined. The issue of the detection and localisation of damage within a structure is studied by means of this structural analysis. The Measurement and Model-based Structural Analysis is validated using two different test setups, an aluminum model bridge and a bending beam.
160
For almost 150 years it is known that hydrogen has a deleterious effect on the mechanical properties of metallic components. Nowadays, the problem of hydrogen assisted degradation is highly relevant in energy related fields due to the massive use of steel as a structural component in these applications and its sensitivity to hydrogen. Since the discovery of hydrogen assisted cracking (HAC), researchers studied intensively and suggested possible explanations and mechanisms in order to define how hydrogen is affecting the material. In general, it is considered that hydrogen changes the mechanical properties more in terms of ductility (deformation capacities) than in strength (load capacities). Hydrogen concentration is one of three crucial factors in the degradation process, together with the microstructure of the material and the internal/external mechanical load. The relatively high concentration of hydrogen resulting in this loss of ductility can originate during production or before service (e.g. welding processes) and during service (i.e. catholically protected systems to eliminate corrosion processes in sour environments).
In parallel to the theoretical work, tremendous efforts were, and are still, invested in searching for a proper method to elucidate, map and quantify the hydrogen in the microstructure, which is the basis for this work. For steels, the focus is mainly on the observations of diffusion processes and the interaction of hydrogen with the microstructure
in regions with high local stresses/strains (for example around evolving cracks). The challenge for reaching this goal arises from the fact that accurate indication of hydrogen by means of position, unlike heavier atoms, can be made only by mass spectrometry or by interaction with another element (e.g. silver decoration, special coating and resonant nuclear reaction by nitrogen). In addition to this, the difficulty recording the hydrogen behavior while it rapidly diffuses through the material, leaving only the unpredicted failure, should be taken into account.
Although using powerful characterization methods, models and computational simulations, the key to defining the mechanisms behind HAC is still under debate and not fully understood. The relationship between material and hydrogen is determined by three factors, i.e., the material structure and microstructure – determining the physical properties, the mechanical load applied on the material and the hydrogen concentration. It is well known that in order to have a complete definition of HAC these three factors must be examined locally with the minimal scale and the maximal resolution reachable. The major gap is the lack in such a characterization method or a technique by which one has the ability to detect and observe the hydrogen in the metallic microstructure. The commonly used techniques nowadays are capable of characterization of the microstructure without the ability to observe the hydrogen distribution. Global hydrogen concentration and localized hydrogen observation are possible by some techniques which are incapable of indicating a change in the structure or microstructure therefore a comprehensive overview can be gained only by combining several methods.
In the presented research, secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) was adopted as the main tool to detect and locally map the hydrogen distribution in two types of duplex stainless steel grades: EN 1.4462 (standard 2205 duplex stainless steel) and EN 1.4162 (2101 lean duplex stainless steel). The term duplex stainless steel (DSS) refers to the austenitic-ferritic microstructure of the steel where the combination of physical and mechanical properties of the two phases is achieved. The DSS was selected as a case study for this work due to the wide use of this grade in many energy and the lack of knowledge on hydrogen behavior in two-phase containing microstructures. ToFSIMS was exploited in-situ and ex-situ in three experimental approaches during or following
an electrochemical charging procedure. This type of hydrogen charging was selected as it simulated a procedure of cathodic protection of most sub-water oil and gas extraction and delivery systems. The experimental procedures were:
1. Ex-situ charging followed by ToF-SIMS imaging for basic understanding of hydrogen distribution.
2. Ex-situ charging followed by in-situ mechanical loading to obtain information on hydrogen behavior around a propagating crack.
3. In-situ permeation of hydrogen through a steel membrane inside the ToF-SIMS to obtain information on diffusion behavior of hydrogen in a two-phase microstructure.
The comprehensive view of the effect of hydrogen on steel was gained by using supplementary methods, such as high resolution scanning electron microscopy (HR-SEM), focused ion beam (FIB) and electron back-scattered diffraction (EBSD). The state of the art in this work lies in applying both: in-situ experimental approaches and data treatment of the ToF-SIMS raw data. The data treatment includes the combination of data from several sources (data fusion).
The results for the ex-situ charging followed by static sample imaging and data fusion showed that when the analyzed surface is directly exposed to the electrolyte the degradation is pronounced differently in the ferrite, austenite and interface. The degradation mechanisms in the ferrite and austenite were reflected by the formation of cracks on the surface of both, where a high concentration of hydrogen was obtained. This result supports the assumption that hydrogen is attracted to highly deformed regions. The advantage of using in-situ charging/permeation in comparison to ex-situ charging is that the effect of hydrogen on the ferrite and austenite phases when the hydrogen is evolving from within the microstructure is realized, in comparison to when the analyzed surface is initially exposed directly to the electrolyte. In both experiments the ferrite was observed as a fast diffusion path for the hydrogen. The faster diffusion of hydrogen through the ferrite is expected due to the higher diffusion coefficient, however, a direct proof for the diffusion sequence in this scale was never shown. Most significant results were achieved by the ‘core’ experiments of this research. These experiments included the design of a novel dynamic mechanical loading device to apply an external load during SIMS imaging of a hydrogen precharged-notched sample. For the first time it was shown that plastic deformation induced by applying a mechanical load is resulting in a redistribution of hydrogen locally around the notch.
159
Safety evaluation of truss structures depends upon the determination of the axial forces and corresponding stresses in axially loaded members. Due to presence of damages, change in intended use, increase in service loads or accidental actions, structural assessment of existing truss structures is necessary. This applies particularly to iron and steel trusses that are still in use, including historic and heritage monuments. Precise identification of the stresses plays a crucial role for the preservation of historic trusses. The assessment measures require non–destructiveness, minimum intervention and practical applicability.
The axial forces in truss structures can be estimated by static calculations using the method of joints, method of sections or finite element method, if accurate information about parameters such as external loads, geometrical characteristics, mechanical properties, boundary conditions and joint connections are known. However, precise information about these parameters is difficult to be obtained in practice. Especially in the cases of historic constructions, reasonable assumptions about the uncertain parameters may not be acquired.
Motivated by the preservation of existing truss−type constructions composed of axially loaded slender members, the present work aims to develop a non–destructive methodology to identify the axial forces or corresponding stress states in iron and steel truss structures. The approach is based on vibration measurements and the finite element method combined with optimization techniques.
After a state of the art review, numerical and experimental studies were carried out on three partial systems of truss–type structures. The investigated systems included single bars, a two–bar truss−like system and a five–bar truss. They were developed step–by–step as built–up truss−type constructions that are constituted of individual members connecting at joints. The examined aspects included the effects of structural loading on the dynamic performance of truss structures, modelling of joint connections, mode pairing criteria, selection of updating parameters and definition of an objective function, as well as the use of different optimization techniques.
Concerning the axial force effects on the structural dynamic responses, the effects of the stress stiffening become more complicated for multiple–member truss systems with increasing complexity. The coexistence of both compressive and tensile forces in trusses has counteracting effects on the modal parameters. These effects cause variation of natural frequencies and interchange of modes when the loads or corresponding member forces are changed. To examine the axial force effects on the structures at different stress states, in the numerical study and laboratory experiments, loads were applied progressively to the investigated truss−like systems.
Regarding the modelling of joints for truss–type structures, the joint flexibility affects the structural dynamic responses. Therefore, the numerical models of truss−type structures include joint models with variable rotational springs to represent semi–rigid connections.
Considering the mode pairing criterion, the mode pairing is performed by adapting an enhanced modal assurance criterion with the calculation of the modal strain energy. The criterion allows the selection of desired clusters of degrees of freedom related to specific modes. With respect to the model updating strategies, the selection of updating parameters and the choice of an appropriate objective function are identified to be significantly important. In addition, three different optimization techniques were applied to compare their suitability for the inverse axial force identification and estimation of joint flexibility of truss structures. The results of the numerical study and laboratory tests show that nature–inspired optimization methods are considered as promising techniques.
A methodology consisted of a two–stage model updating procedure using optimization techniques was proposed for the determination of multiple member axial forces and estimation of the joint flexibility of truss–type structures. In the first stage optimization, the validation criterion is based on the experimentally identified global natural frequencies and mode shapes of the truss. Additionally, the axial forces in selected individual members of the truss are used. They are estimated from the natural frequencies and five amplitudes of the corresponding local mode shapes of the members using an analytically−based algorithm. Based on the results of the identified axial forces in the first stage, a second optimization procedure for the joint stiffnesses is performed. In this stage, the modal parameters of the global natural frequencies and mode shapes are used as validation criterion.
From the results of the laboratory experiments, the identified axial forces by the proposed methodology agree well with the experimentally measured axial forces of the investigated systems at different stress states. Moreover, based on the numerical verification, the identified joint stiffnesses indicate reasonably the joint flexibility in relation to the pinned or rigid conditions.
To assess the relevance of the proposed methodology on existing structures in real−life conditions, an in–situ experiment was carried out on a historic Wiegmann–Polonceau truss in the city of Potsdam. The in–situ experiment shows that uncertainties relating the mechanical and geometrical properties of historic trusses as well as the experimental sensor setup can influence the accuracy of the axial force identification. In the present work, recommendations are given for the development of a guideline of measuring concepts and assessment strategies applied to existing truss structures. The intention is to integrate the proposed methodology as part of the Structural Health Monitoring for historic truss–type constructions.
155
High-strength steels are favoured materials in the industry for production of safe and sustainable structures. The main technology used for joining the components of such steel is fusion welding.
Steel alloy design concepts combined with advanced processing technologies have been extensively investigated during the development of High-Strength Low-Alloy (HSLA) steels. However, very few studies have addressed the issue of how various alloy designs, even with limited microalloy addition, can influence the properties of high-strength steel welds. In high-strength steel welding practices, the challenges regarding microstructure evolution and the resulting mechanical properties variation, are of great interest. The main focus is the debate regarding the role of microalloy elements on phase transformation and weld performance. Limited Heat Affected Zone (HAZ) softening and limited austenite grain coarsening are significant design essentials, but the primary goal is to ensure excellent toughness and tensile properties in the steel weld. To achieve this purpose, microalloy elements such as Ti, Nb, or V were intentionally added to modern high-strength steels. The focus of this work was to understand the mechanical properties of HSLA steels resulting from differences in alloy design after joining by modern welding processes.
To begin, three microalloyed S690QL steels (Nb, Ti, and Ti+V addition) were investigated. Optical microscopy confirmed that similar mixtures of tempered bainite and martensite predominated the parent microstructure in the three steels, different types of coarse microalloy precipitates were also visible. These precipitates were analysed by using a thermodynamic-based software and then identified by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). Results of mechanical testing revealed that all three steels performed above the standard toughness and tensile strength values, but with varied yielding phenomena. During the welding operation, each of the three steels was joined by using the same filler material. The fused weld metal was influenced by the high dilution of microalloyed elements in the base metal, this was significantly pronounced during the modified spray arc welding technique. As a result, the Nb-containing steel exhibited sufficient amounts of alloy pick-up to transition the microstructure in the weld metal from acicular ferrite to bainite as cooling rate was increased, leading to reduced toughness. This was not observed with the other two steels.
A second focus was made on the microstructure Evolution and toughness properties of the coarse and fine grained HAZ as welding parameters changed. In order to characterise the microstructure and austenite grain growth behaviour, physical simulations were conducted. The microalloy precipitates were found to be a dominant factor restricting the austenite grain coarsening. The extent of Austenite coarsening in the HAZ is closely related to the type and volume fraction of each microalloy precipitate.
Among the three steels, the Ti-containing HAZ exhibited the smallest extent of grain growth due to the sufficient amount of stable Ti-rich precipitates. Microalloy Addition also markedly influenced the subsequent phase transformation in the HAZ. The formation of intragranular acicular ferrite was promoted by Ti-rich precipitate, acting as favourable nucleation sites of ferrite. This structure enhanced the HAZ toughness owing to fine, high-angle boundaries of ferrite plates. The synergistic effect of Nb and Mo elements was beneficial to improve the HAZ toughness at fast cooling rates by promoting fine lower bainite formation. At high heat input, large upper bainite was formed which caused reduced toughness.
The final set of experimental work was concentrated on understanding the HAZ softening mechanisms that influenced variations in the tensile properties of the welded joints. The tensile failure in the softened HAZ or base material depended on the welding parameters and the type of steel being joined. In Ti-containing steel, increased heat Input extended the softened zone width, which caused a significant decrease in hardness and then resulted in failure in this area. Therefore, limited heat Input was used to shift failure position to base material. But this was not observed in the other two steels.
Hence, small differences in microalloy addition exhibited large variation in tensile properties. Among the three steels, Ti-containing welds were found to have the most pronounced softening, followed by Ti+V-containing welds and finally Nb-containing welds. This varied softening phenomenon was related to two significant processes supported by the results of additional dilatometry simulation: phase transformation and tempering behaviour. In the Ti-containing steel, the phase Transformation product ferrite was large-sized, as a consequence of initial large austenite grains. This led to the decreased corresponding hardness of the Ti-containing steel. Furthermore, lower tempering resistance in Ti-containing steel as compared to Nb-containing steel, resulted in additional softening effect in the softened HAZ. Therefore, steel alloy identification and heat Input during welding were critical, proven by the experimentation within the same S690QL steel grade.
This work emphasised the influence of microalloy elements on weld microstructure and mechanical properties in welded joints. Knowledge of this delicate balance between steel alloy design and appropriate welding parameters is critical for the end product. Thus, this work provides specific recommendations and results to ensure proper welding practice and steel design of microalloyed high-strength steels.
154
Pharmacologically active compounds are omnipresent in contemporary daily life, in our food and in our environment. The fast and easy quantification of those substances is becoming a subject of global importance. The fluorescence polarization immunoassay (FPIA) is a homogeneous mix-and-read format and a suitable tool for this purpose that offers a high sample throughput. Yet, the applicability to complex matrices can be limited by possible interaction of matrix compounds with antibodies or tracer.
Caffeine is one of the most frequently consumed pharmacologically active compounds and is present in a large variety of consumer products, including beverages and cosmetics. Adverse health effects of high caffeine concentrations especially for pregnant women are under discussion. Therefore, and due to legal regulations, caffeine should be monitored. Automated FPIA measurements enabled the precise and accurate quantification of caffeine in beverages and cosmetics within 2 min. Samples could be highly diluted before analysis due to high assay sensitivity in the low μg/L range. Therefore, no matrix effects were observed.
The antiepileptic drug carbamazepine (CBZ) is discussed as a marker for the elimination efficiency of wastewater treatment plants and the dispersion of their respective effluents in surface water. The development of a FPIA for CBZ included the synthesis and evaluation of different tracers. Using the optimum tracer CBZ-triglycine-5-(aminoacetamido) fluorescein, CBZ concentrations in surface waters could be measured on different platforms: one sample within 4 min in tubes or 24 samples within 20 min on microtiter plates (MTPs). For this study, a commercially available antibody was used, which led to overestimations with recovery rates up to 140% due to high cross-reactivities towards CBZ metabolites and other pharmaceuticals.
For more accurate CBZ determination, a new monoclonal antibody was produced. In this attempt, methods for improving the monitoring during the production process were successfully applied, including feces screening and cell culture supernatant screening with FPIA. The new monoclonal antibody is highly specific for CBZ and showed mostly negligible cross-reactivities towards environmentally relevant compounds. Measurements at non-equilibrium state improved the sensitivity and selectivity of the developed FPIA due to slow binding kinetics of the new antibody. Additionally, this measure enables for CBZ determination over a measurement range of almost three orders of magnitude. The comprehensively characterized antibody was successfully applied for the development of sensitive homogeneous and heterogeneous immunoassays.
The new antibody made the development of an on-site measurement system for the determination of CBZ in wastewater possible. After comprehensive optimization, this automated FPIA platform allows the precise quantification of CBZ in wastewater samples only pre-treated by filtration within 16 min. Recovery rates of 61 to 104% were observed. Measurements in the low μg/L range are possible without the application of tedious sample preparation techniques.
Different FPIA platforms including MTPs, cuvettes and tubes were successfully applied. For the choice of the right format, the application field should be considered, e.g. desired sample throughput, usage for optimization or characterization of antibodies or if a set-up for routine measurements is sought for. For high sample throughput and optimization, FPIA performance on MTPs is advantageous. The best results for the application to real samples were obtained using kinetic FP measurements in cuvettes.
152
Trans-Zearalenone(ZEN)is a non-steroidal estrogenic mycotoxin which frequently contaminates cereal grains worldwide. Ingestion of food and feed containing ZEN causes numerous mycotoxicoses in animals and possibly humans with pronounced estrogenic effects. Due to the trans-configurated double bond, ZEN isomerizes to the cis-configuration upon the influence of light. This work investigates the instrumental analysis, metabolism and toxicity of ZEN and cis- ZEN. The first part focused on the determination of ZEN in edible oils. Due to a maximum level of 400 µg/kg ZEN in the European Union (EU), reliable analytical methods are needed. A comprehensive method comparison proved dynamic covalent hydrazine chemistry (DCHC) to be the most suitable approach. Thus, an automated solid phase extraction (SPE) coupled online to high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was developed with the novelty of a covalent SPE step comprising the DCHC principle. The automated online system allows an accurate, selective and reliable quantification of ZEN in edible oils in compliance with EU performance criteria while significantly reducing workload and thereby personnel costs. In contrast to ZEN, reference standards and analytical methods are missing for cis- ZEN which causes a lack of data on the occurrence, fate and risks of cis-ZEN. Therefore, a native and an isotopically labeled cis-ZEN standard were synthesized and implemented in an existing stable isotope dilution analysis HPLC tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) method. Using this method, a large extent of cis-ZEN formation was observed for ZEN contaminated maize germ oils when exposed to daylight which confirms that cis-ZEN can be a relevant food contaminant and should be considered in the analysis of food and feed. Furthermore, this work investigated the in vitro phase I metabolism of ZEN and cis-ZEN in rat and human liver microsomes by using HPLC-MS and -MS/MS analyses. The metabolic pathways of cis-ZEN were found to be essentially similar to ZEN including reduction and oxidation reactions generating α- and β-cis- zearalenol as well as 13- and 15-OH-cis-ZEN. A previously unidentified oxidative metabolic pathway for both isomers of ZEN results in the formation of cis-ZEN-11,12-oxide and ZEN-11,12-oxide in human liver microsomes. The estrogenicity of cis-ZEN and its reductive metabolites was assessed using the E-Screen assay. cis-ZEN proved to be slightly more estrogenic than ZEN. Biotransformation of cis-ZEN to β-cis-ZEL corresponds to a detoxification, whereas metabolism to α-cis-ZEL resembles a metabolic activation as its estrogenicity considerably exceeds that of cis-ZEN. The catecholic metabolites can be expected to show a decreased estrogenicity as demonstrated for 15-OH- ZEN. Independent of the estrogenic effects, the catecholic and epoxidic metabolites identified in this work can be expected to act genotoxic and carcinogenic. The epoxides in particular could fundamentally change the widely accepted view of ZEN causing adverse effects exclusively through endocrine disrupting actions.
148
Low-alloyed heat-resistant steels have a fundamental contribution to the currently applied steel grades in pressurized and temperature loaded components like membrane walls(water walls)or pressure vessels. Here, the main advantages of the low-alloy concept can be used in terms of superior high temperature mechanical properties, workability and decreased amounts of expensive alloy elements. The main challenge for the future is to further increase the power plant thermal efficiency independent of the type of power plant concept, i.e. fossil-fired or nuclear power plant, where the material selection can directly affect reduction of CO2 emissions.
In power plant design, welding is the most applied manufacturing technique in component construction. The necessary weld heat input causes metallurgical changes and phase transitions in the heat affected zone (HAZ) of the base materials and in the deposited weld metal. The weld joint can absorb hydrogen during welding or in later service - This absorption can cause degradation of mechanical properties of the materials, and in certain loading conditions, hydrogen-assisted cold cracks can occur. This cracking phenomenon can appear time delayed due to the temperature dependency of the hydrogen diffusion and
the presence of a “critical” hydrogen concentration. Additionally, each specific weld microstructure shows a certain hydrogen diffusion and solubility that contribute to susceptibility of the cracking phenomenon. Therefore hydrogen cannot be neglected as possible failure effect, which was identified recently in the case of T24 creep-resistant tubeto-tube weld joints. It is necessary to identify and assess the hydrogen effect in weld joints of low-alloyed steel grades for to improve further early detection of possible failures.
For each specific weld joint microstructure, it is necessary to separate the interdependencies between mechanical load and the hydrogen concentration. The
diffusivity and solubility must be considered to identify hydrogen quantities in the material at any given time. In this case, the effects of mechanical loading were dealt with independently. For the characterization of the mechanical properties, hydrogen charged tensile specimens were investigated for the base materials and thermally simulated HAZ
microstructures. The hydrogen diffusion was characterized with the permeation technique at room temperature and at elevated temperature ranges up to 400°C - It was investigated by interpreting the hydrogen effusion behavior with carrier gas hot extraction technique (CGHE). For realistic determination of the hydrogen diffusion coefficients, an improved
method was developed encompassing accelerated specimen heating and hydrogen determination via mass spectrometer (MS). Simultaneously, the corresponding temperature
dependent trapped and total hydrogen concentrations were determined.
The determined experimental results showed increased susceptibility to the hydrogen affected
degradation of the HAZ compared to the base material, which is independent of the investigated alloy composition. In particular, the martensitic coarse grain HAZ is the most susceptible microstructure to hydrogen-affected degradation. The results of the tensile
tests allowed the definition of consistent microstructure specific failure criteria (envelope curves) versus quantified hydrogen concentrations for the reactor pressure vessel 16MND5 steel (20MnMoNi-5-5) and the creep-resistant T24 steel (7CrMoVTiB10-10). The procedure of quantifying hydrogen concentrations in HAZ microstructures is novel and supports a new method of analysis for hydrogen degradation effects. Further investigations with the T22
steel (10CrMo9-10), as compared to the creep-resistant T24 steel (7CrMoVTiB10-10),
confirmed the beneficial effect of Vanadium as an alloying element to improve the resistance to degradation. In general, Mn-Mo-Ni base material grades show a higher resistance compared to Cr-Mo steels that do not include Vanadium alloying.
The investigations showed the decreased diffusion coefficient of the HAZ microstructure compared to the base material microstructure. This is caused by the stronger trapping effects that are present which simultaneously increase the hydrogen solubility as well. In
general, trapping effects above 100°C are negligible. It is noted that after testing the T24 grade, these trapping effects were observed above 100°C and must be considered. At elevated temperatures, the calculated hydrogen diffusion coefficients are sometimes greater than those in literature. This is primarily due to the unique applied specimen heating procedure resulting in a varied hydrogen effusion from the specimen.
The significance of the obtained results can be characterized in three perspectives. First, the direct comparison of the degradation was possible in terms of microstructure-specific hydrogen effects on the mechanical properties. Second, consistent failure criteria were established to quantify degradation vs. the hydrogen concentration. Third, the determination of more accurate hydrogen diffusion coefficients is now available.
From a scientific point of view, important contributions were made to further interpret the hydrogen effects on the macroscopic mechanical properties, with respect to the alloy composition and the microstructure. From a procedural standpoint, the mentioned deviation in the elevated temperature diffusion coefficients can be caused by the calculation method. This can be an explanation for the reported data scatter in the references.
In terms of an economic view, the presented experimental results contribute to a safe and reliable weld workability of the steel grades. Thus, the identified temperature levels of hydrogen trapping can be applied in the definition of minimum preheat, interpass or postheat temperatures. In addition, recommendations for suitable dehydrogenation heat treatment (DHT) procedures, with accurate temperature values and holding times, can be derived from these results. In the future, the application of the mechanical and diffusion data is intended to support numerical analysis methods to provide an improved prediction of hydrogen effects on material degradation in weld microstructures.
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Non-destructive testing (NDT) is regarded as one of the key elements in ensuring quality of engineering systems and their safe use. A failure of NDT to detect critical defects in safetyrelevant components, such as those in the nuclear industry, may lead to catastrophic consequences for the environment and the people. Therefore, ensuring that NDT methods are capable of detecting all critical defects, i.e. that they are reliable, is of utmost importance. Reliability of NDT is affected by human factors, which have thus far received the least amount of attention in the reliability assessments. With increased use of automation, in terms of mechanised testing (automation-assisted inspection and the corresponding evaluation of data), higher reliability standards are believed to have been achieved. However, human inspectors, and thus human factors, still play an important role throughout this process, and the risks involved in this application are unknown. The overall aim of the work presented in this dissertation was to explore for the first time the risks associated with mechanised NDT and find ways of mitigating their effects on the inspection performance. Hence, the objectives were to (1) identify and analyse potential risks in mechanised NDT, (2) devise measures against them, (3) critically address the preventive measures with respect to new potential risks, and (4) suggest ways for the implementation of the preventive measures. To address the first two objectives a risk assessment in form of a Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) was conducted (Study 1). This analysis revealed potential for failure during both the acquisition and evaluation of NDT data that could be assigned to human, technology, and organisation. Since the existing preventive measures are insufficient to defend the system from identified failures, new preventive measures were suggested. The conclusion of the study was that those preventive measures need to be carefully considered with respect to new potential risks, before they can be implemented, thus serving as a starting point for further empirical studies. To address the final two objectives, two preventive measures, i.e. human redundancy and the use of automated aids in the evaluation of NDT data, were critically assessed with regard to potential downfalls arising from the social interaction between redundant individuals and the belief in the high reliability of automated aids. The second study was concerned with the potential withdrawal of effort in sequential redundant teams when working collectively as opposed to working alone, when independence between the two redundant individuals is not present. The results revealed that the first redundant inspector, led to believe someone else will conduct the same task afterwards, invested the same amount of effort as when working alone. The redundant checker was not affected by the information about the superior experience of his predecessor and—instead of expected withdrawal of effort—exhibited better performance in the task. Both results were in contradiction to the hypotheses, the explanations for which can be found in the social loafing and social compensation effects and in the methodological limitations. The third study examined inappropriate use of the aid measured in terms of (a) agreement with the errors of the aid in connection to the frequency of verifying its results and in terms of (b) the overall performance in the task. The results showed that the information about the high reliability of the aid did not affect the perception of that aid’s performance and, hence, no differences in the actual use of the aid were to be expected. However, the participants did not use the aid appropriately: They misused it, i.e. agreed with the errors committed by the aid and disused it, i.e. disagreed with the correct information provided by the aid, thereby reducing the overall reliability of the aid in terms of sizing ability. Whereas aid’s misuse could be assigned to low propensity to take risks and reduced verification behaviour because of a bias towards automation, the disuse was assigned to the possible misunderstanding of the task. The results of these studies raised the awareness that methods used to increase reliability and safety, such as automation and human redundancy, can backfire if their implementation is not carefully considered with respect to new potential risks arising from the interaction between individuals and complex systems. In an attempt to minimise this risk, suggestions for their implementation in the NDT practice were provided.
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This thesis addresses numerical simulations of self-compacting concrete (SCC) castings and suggests a novel modelling approach that treats reinforcement zones in a formwork as porous media.
As a relatively new field in concrete technology, numerical simulations of fresh concrete flow can be a promising aid to optimise casting processes and to avoid on-site casting incidents by predicting the flow behaviour of concrete during the casting process. The simulations of fresh concrete flow generally involve complex mathematical modelling and time-consuming computations. In case of a casting prediction, the simulation time is additionally significantly increased because each reinforcement bar occurring in succession has to be considered one by one. This is particularly problematic when simulating SCC casting, since this type of concrete is typically used for heavily reinforced structural members. However, the wide use of numerical tools for casting prediction in practice is possible only if the tools are user-friendly and simulations are time-saving.
In order to shorten simulation time and to come closer to a practical tool for casting prediction, instead to model steel bars one by one, this thesis suggests to model zones with arrays of steel bars as porous media. Consequently, one models the flow of SCC through a reinforcement zone as a free-surface flow of a non-Newtonian fluid, propagating through the medium. By defining characteristic parameters of the porous medium, the influence on the flow and the changed (apparent) behaviour of concrete in the porous matrix can be predicted. This enables modelling of any reinforcement network as a porous zone and thus significantly simplifies and fastens simulations of reinforced components’ castings.
Within the thesis, a computational model for SCC flow through reinforced sections was developed. This model couples a fluid dynamics model for fresh concrete and the macroscopic approach for the influence of the porous medium (formed by the rebars) on the flow. The model is implemented into a Computational Fluid Dynamics software and validated on numerical and experimental studies, among which is a large-scale laboratory casting of a highly reinforced beam. The apparent rheology of concrete within the arrays of steel bars is studied and a methodology to determine unknown input parameters for the porous medium is suggested. Normative tables defining characteristic porous medium parameters as a function of the topology of the rebar zone for different reinforcement cases are generated. Finally, the major contribution of this work is the resulting numerical package, consisting of the numerical solver and the parameter library. The thesis concludes on the ability of the porous medium analogy technique to reliably predict the concrete casting behaviour, while being significantly easier to use and far less time consuming than existing tools.
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In order to meet the goal of reducing CO2 emissions, automotive industry places significant importance on downsizing components to achieve greater efficiency through lower weight and reduced friction. As friction reductions are associated with energy efficiency and wear protection with resource conservation, ever greater attention has been given to adamantine carbon-
based coatings and high-alloyed steels. Such applications are, however, associated with high production costs and energy expenditures, as well as many technical difficulties. Therefore a key issue in meeting the goals of friction reduction, wear protection and development of comprehensive lightweight strategies is whether or not the functional profiles of state-of-the art alloys can be enhanced by affordable solutions.
The running-in phase of mechanical systems is inevitable and, from a tribological standpoint, critical for the lifetime of such systems, though receives little attention and is poorly understood.
The growth of micro-cracks accelerates premature material failure and wear during this phase of heightened friction. With this in mind, the ultimate goal of this current work is to transfer the running-in phase into the final step of the mechanical finishing process through the targeted pre-conditioning of novel, high toughness steel bearings without thermo-chemical treatments and compare these to conventional, case-hardened steels. Two mechanisms were
investigated:
a. Cold work hardening and
b. Chemical tribofilm formation.
Steels that showed a tendency toward work hardening and tribofilm formation in previous testing were chosen for this investigation. Thorough characterization of the chosen Steels was carried out before any pre-conditioning techniques were applied. The widely used 20MnCr5, seen as a reference gear steel, underwent case-hardening and subsequent deep freezing treatments in an attempt to yield discrete sample groups with respect to residual austenite.
This allowed for a more thorough investigation into the effects of residual austenite on the properties of this material. The high-performance alternative steels, 36NiCrMoV1-5-7 (hot working steel) and 45SiCrMo6 (spring steel), were heat treated as recommended by their respective manufacturers, and were not case-hardened. The selection of materials with and materials without case-hardening allows for an investigation into whether or not case-hardening is even necessary to deliver acceptable friction behaviour and wear performance. Elemental
analyses were conducted by multiple methods to ensure accurate results. Residual Austenite contents of the steels and the depth profiles of residual stresses were determined by X-Ray diffraction (XRD), for 20MnCr5 ranging from approximately 6 – 14 vol.%, and under 2 vol.% for
the alternative alloys. Hardness profiles were taken from the testing surfaces into the material core. The carburization of 20MnCr5 led to higher hardness and the greater concentration of carbon in the carburization zone more representative of a hardened SAE E52100, or
100Cr6/102Cr6, than of a non-case-hardened 20MnCr5. Residual stresses from machining and case-hardening were measured directly at the sample surface. The high-performance Steels fulfilled manufacturer expectations in terms of elemental content, with hardness values between
50 – 55 HRC and strongly martensitic microstructure character. With characterization of the chosen materials complete, the materials could then be subjected to pre-conditioning.
The first pre-conditioning method involved targeted generation of cold work hardening as induced boundary layers to protect the contact zone against wear. Work hardening was identified both by variations in residual stress profiles, i.e. the introduction of beneficial compressive residual stresses, and hardness increases in the contact zone, providing enhanced wear resistance. Parameters for work hardening were further optimized to reduce damage to the surface substrates of the treated materials. The second pre-conditioning method involved
the targeted generation of chemically reactive tribolayers (tribofilms) on twin disk testing rigs.
The lubrication strategies were based on:
a. CaCO3, which is predominant in engine oils, and
b. MoDTC, which is commonly used in engine and gear oils.
The films generated in pre-conditioning were analyzed by SEM-EDX with Element-Mapping, Raman spectroscopy, and XPS to elucidate their molecular composition and concentration on the sample surfaces. The combination of these methods of analysis gave a clear indication that 104 cycles were sufficient to generate stable and lasting tribofilms. CaO and CaCO3 were the main components of the tribofilm from the first lubricant package, while MoS2, MoO2 and MoO3
were the main components from the second lubricant package.
Finally, slip-rolling endurance testing (T = +120 °C, 107 cycles, approximately 19 days in
a factory fill engine oil) was carried out on all materials. It was shown that both pre-conditioning methods could achieve significant reductions in friction and wear during testing at up to and including P0Mean =1.94 GPa (P0Max = 2.91 GPa, FN = 2,000 N). Ultimately, this research showed that:
1. non-case-hardened high-performance steels offer competitive wear performance and better friction behaviour than the case-hardened 20MnCr5.
2. pre-conditioning led to COF reductions to under 7/10 and wear coefficient reductions to an astonishing 1/10 of the original values for the untreated steels under mixed/boundary lubrication.
3. the observed improvements to friction behaviour and wear performance are indicative of
a technically simple, cost- and energy-efficient pre-conditioning strategy that may prove
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The aim of this thesis was the development of switchable information carriers based on shape memory polymers (SMPs) and the investigation of their durability. Deployed as a new kind of security label, such technology may be an effective tool to prevent counterfeiting and product piracy.
Thermoplastic as well as thermoset SMPs turned out to be applicable as a specific substrate for the fabrication of switchable information carriers. In particular, a physically cross-linked and semi-crystalline poly(ester urethane) (PEU), and a chemically cross-linked epoxy-based polymer were investigated. Both SMPs were able to undergo distinct changes in shape upon triggering, which is commonly known as the shape memory effect (SME).
A key step for the fabrication of switchable information carriers was the development of a suitable technique for a surface-specific coloring of the polymeric base material. In particular, it was necessary to have a thin coat of paint in order to assure sufficient surface contrasts within the subsequently laser-engraved barcodes (e.g. quick response (QR) codes). In detail, coloring was conducted by diffusion of staining solutions, based on organic dyes, into the polymeric matrix. As a result of properly selected exposure times, homogenous layers of paint having thicknesses of about 100 μm, could be produced.
In order to obtain room temperature stable, temporary shapes with non-decipherable code information, various programming procedures were applied to the information carriers. These were either based on tensile or on compressive deformation. For instance, when using plane steel plates in the course of compressive deformation, code areas were randomly distorted. By contrast, selective distortions could be achieved using a steel ball type indenter. However, the triggering of the SME resulted in almost complete shape recoveries. As a result, the information carriers could reliably be switched back to readable states.
Before the developed information carriers can be brought onto the market, it is important to evaluate their durability against various environmental impacts. Artificial weathering was conducted exemplarily on blue and black colored QR code carriers based on PEU. Various scenarios were selected: exposure to UVA irradiation and aging in aqueous solution. In both cases, the durability was investigated at temperatures below and above the switching temperature of the employed SMP. It turned out, that the limiting factor for the usage of switchable information carriers was a lack of contrast and thus was dye-related. In the case of UV irradiation, the color of the dyes started fading, culminating in unreadable QR codes. For hydrolytic degradation, the non-colored code regions were stained in the course of aging. This originates from the fact that the organic dyes used for coloring were soluble in water. As a consequence, they were able to diffuse easily in and out of the swollen polymeric matrix. For both scenarios, aging at elevated temperature caused acceleration of the observed effects. However, the shape memory properties of the PEU were only slightly influenced by the applied aging scenarios.
Next, an additional thermo-responsive security feature was added to the information carriers. Therefore, thermochromic pigments (T-PIGs) were embedded into a PEU matrix. However, in contrast to the organic dyes, the size of the thermochromics microcapsules was too large to diffuse into the polymeric matrix. Thus, another procedure for a surface-specific coloring of the PEU was developed. This mainly included the preparation of a PEU-paste doped with T-PIG by solution mixing. The thermochromic paste was deposited by means of a solvent casting technique as thin layer atop the PEU plaque. After solvent evaporation, tightly connected PEU/PEU-T-PIG laminates were obtained. Beyond that, the layer thickness was adjustable by using a doctor blade for the paste deposition. Subsequent laser ablation finalized the QR code carriers. These were readable at room temperature, but unreadable above the color switching temperature of the employed T-PIGs due to a lack of contrast. Hence, the obtained multifunctional information carriers were characterized by distinct shape memory properties and tunable color switching performances. Furthermore, the combination of several T-PIGs having different colors and switching temperatures resulted in surfaces with multiple and unique temperature-dependent changes in color. Besides that, information carriers with temporarily concealed information could be obtained by covering the QR code with an additional layer doped with T-PIG.
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In this thesis, an alternative approach to the well-known optical time domain reflectometry (OTDR) technique is presented. A thorough analysis regarding distributed backscatter measurement in optical fibres is provided and its prospects for optical fibre sensing applications are demonstrated and discussed. The measurement approach is referred to as incoherent optical frequency domain reflectometry (I-OFDR): the frequency response of the fibre under test is measured and transferred into its time domain equivalent using inverse Fourier transform. This general technique has been studied and used for the measurement of nonlinear scattering effects in optical fibres. The requirements, limitations and prospects for general backscatter measurement, however, are different and have not been studied in detail prior to this work. Distributed sensing using Rayleigh scattering and reflective events in the fibre is first demonstrated using I-OFDR with remarkable measurement resolution. The incoherent detection technique allows for measuring singlemode fibres as well as multimode fibres. The first part of this work deals with the theoretical analysis and optimized implementation of the frequency domain approach. Necessary signal processing and its impact on the time domain response are presented. Sources of deviation from the linearity of the I-OFDR system are identified and an optimized laboratory setup is introduced; the crucial impact of the source coherence is thoroughly discussed. Suitable system parameters for the I-OFDR approach are defined: the system dynamic range and sensitivity are determined. A technique to suppress the dynamic range-limiting signal originating from strong reflections in the fibre is suggested. It is demonstrated that the I-OFDR technique has advantages over OTDR in terms of implementation for high-resolution measurement, measurement accuracy and signal stability. These advantages and measurement possibilities specific to the frequency domain approach are utilized for spatially resolved sensing applications in the second part of this work: A low optical loss polymer optical fibre (POF) is for the first time studied and analyzed for distributed strain sensing. The backscatter level dependence on strain in the fibre can be used to detect and locate strained fibre sections. Also, a correlation algorithm is proposed and demonstrated to measure length changes along the fibre with mm-resolution by correlating the typical backscatter signature of this fibre type. The fibre type is analyzed in detail regarding cross-sensitivities to temperature, relative humidity as well as mode propagation influences. The proposed sensing principles in combination with the highresolution I-OFDR allow for promising distributed sensing applications. Special interest is expressed by the structural health monitoring (SHM) sector since the fibre can measure strain values exceeding 100 %. Another sensing technique, specific to I-OFDR, is proposed for quasi-distributed and dynamic measurement of length changes and optical power changes at reflective events along the fibre. Precise calculation of the positions and reflected powers of multiple reflections can be conducted in parallel from the measurement of a few sampling points of the complex-valued frequency response. That allows for measuring with an increased repetition rate up to 2 kHz or at μm-scale length changes resolution at lower measurement frequencies. The approach is demonstrated in the laboratory and in a field application by measuring the deformation of a masonry building on a seismic shaking table. The I-OFDR exhibits competitive performance for general high-resolution backscatter measurement and the proposed optical fibre sensor principles may have promising prospects in the structural health monitoring (SHM) sector.
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A new safety characteristic named “dustiness” according to the German guideline VDI 2263 – part 9 is investigated. Dustiness describes the tendency of a powder to form airborne dust by a prescribed mechanical stimulus. Dusts often behave differently in a dust/air mixture or in the case of a dust explosion, even if they have comparable physical properties such as particle size and density. In order to look into the effects of dustiness on dust cloud Formation and explosion properties experiments and simulations in a 75 L vertical dust Dispersion glass tube apparatus were carried out. In a second step industrial-scale experiments were carried out in a 50 m³ silo.
Experiments showed that particle size and density are not the only factors which influence dustiness, since the chosen dusts with comparable densities and particle size distributions showed very different behavior in the flow. Other dust properties such as particle shape, specific surface area, humidity and agglomeration processes have an influence which can outweigh size and density. Preliminary explosion experiments showed that dustiness has an influence on the reduced explosion pressure and pressure rise in a vented 75 L test apparatus. In order to verify the results for applications in the process industries further tests with different settings were carried out in industrial-scale experiments. First dust concentration
measurements were done in order to evaluate the reproducibility of filling processes.
Experiments showed that single tests differed by 30 % and more from the average depending on dust sample and filling method. First explosion experiments with a worst-case
scenario in terms of high turbulence and homogenous dust distribution showed that the maximum reduced explosion pressures were well below the calculated values. Reduced
explosion pressures and rates of pressure rise of the hree tested dust were as their Explosion characteristics pmax and KSt let suggest.
The Euler/Lagrange and the Euler/Euler approaches were compared simulating dust/air mixtures. Especially sedimentation and the ability of the approaches to simulate the tendency of dust to stay airborne were investigated. The Euler/Lagrange approach is better
suited for simulating local dust concentrations, particle size distributions and particle forces.
With the Euler/Euler method it is possible to achieve fast solutions for one specified diameter.
The computational fluid dynamics code ANSYS CFX R14 was used for all simulations.
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Shape memory polymers (SMPs) can change their shape on application of a suitable stimulus. To enable such behavior, a ‘programming’ procedure fixes a deformation, yielding a stable temporary shape. In thermoresponsive SMPs, subsequent heating triggers entropy-elastic recovery of the initial shape. An additional shape change on cooling, i.e. thermoreversible two-way actuation, can be stimulated by a crystallization phenomenon. In this thesis, cyclic thermomechanical measurements systematically determined (1) the shape memory and (2) the actuation behavior under constant load as well as under stress-free conditions. Chemically cross-linked, star-shaped polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane polyurethane (SPOSS-PU) hybrid polymer networks and physically cross-linked poly(ester urethane) (PEU) block copolymers were investigated around the melting and crystallization temperatures of their polyester soft segments. (1) The SPOSS-PUs showed excellent shape fixities and recoverabilities of almost 100% at high cross-linking density, while PEUs exhibited pronounced shape memory properties at increased soft segment content. Furthermore, two-fold programmed SPOSS-PU specimens were able to recover their initial shape in two thermally separated events. Even a neck, which formed during deformation of SPOSS-PUs with high soft segment content, was reversed. (2) In PEUs, globally oriented crystallization on cooling drove expansion of the sample, in particular at high soft segment content and after application of a strong deformation. Melting reversed that orientation; the PEU sample contracted and thereby completed the thermoreversible actuation cycle. Under load, multiple polymorphic phase transitions enabled two successive expansion and contraction steps, while under stress-free conditions various geometric shape changes, including the increase and decrease of PEU sample length and thickness as well as twisting and untwisting could be experimentally witnessed. Such actuation technology allows for entirely new applications, enabling mimicry of reversible, bidirectional and repeated organic movements.
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A novel optical detection method for partial discharge in HV/EHV cable terminations has been proposed. Optical sensor fibres integrated into the HV equipment provide high sensitivity as well as immunity to electromagnetic interference and enable therefore on-line monitoring in electromagnetically noisy environment. The availability of optically transparent silicone rubbers that meet strict dielectric and mechanical criteria is a crucial prerequisite for the implementation of this method. The optically transparent silicone rubbers can be applied for the fabrication of a modern rubber stress cone as well as for the development of a new optical sensing element sensitive to PD activities. In this thesis, AC dielectric strength behaviour and mechanical properties of three types of commercially available silicone rubbers were investigated. One of the characterized silicone rubbers was a translucent type whereas the two others were optically transparent types, however with different chemical curing reactions. The measurements of tensile strength and elongation at break were carried out according to the ISO 37 standard. For investigation of the dielectric strength Eb behaviour of the virgin and modified silicone rubbers, a new methodology was developed. It is, at the same time, highly reliable and efficient, saves time and reduces material consumption in comparison to previously reported methodologies. The key component of this methodology is a specifically developed test facility. Furthermore, the methodology comprises determinations for easy preparation and handling of high-quality test specimens. This test method provides various advantages over other methods that have previously been used for measurement of the fundamental quantity Eb value of silicone rubbers. Both technical and economic demands are satisfied. The new facility also enables cost-effective routine tests in material research laboratories. The high quality of the obtained test results was verified by statistical analysis based on the 2-parameter Weibull distribution function. The investigations revealed that the virgin translucent silicone rubber has a large elastic region with an acceptable plastic deformation and also provides an AC 50 Hz dielectric strength of approximately 24 kV/mm for 0.5 mm thickness. These values enable considering the tested translucent silicone as replacement material for an opaque elastomer that is currently used for a rubber stress cone of HV cable accessories Unfortunately, its optical transmittance is poor compared to optically clear transparent silicone rubbers. On the other hand, the mechanical properties of virgin transparent silicone rubbers do not comply with those demanded from push-on stress cones. In particular, their elongation at break is considered too low for that application. However they provide the AC dielectric strength values in either 28 kV/mm or 29 kV/mm for 0.5 mm thickness, which are higher than those of the translucent type. Moreover, it was found that the post-curing process does not provide a positive impact on the ultimate elongation of silicone rubbers. Hence, the elongation at break of virgin transparent silicone rubbers must be improved before they can be used as insulating material for a rubber stress cone. In addition, the influence of mechanical tensile stress on the dielectric strength of the virgin translucent silicone rubber was investigated. The results show that mechanical tensile stress does not negatively influence on dielectric strength of such silicone rubber, so it can be well-operated under combined electrical and mechanical stresses. Beside the improvement of optical PD detection performance in the translucent silicone insulation materials, the influence of fluorescent dye’s modification was investigated. The results indicate that the commercially available fluorescent dyes of 0.02 wt. % mixed into the translucent silicone polymer do not negatively influence on the Eb value of such silicone material. So an optically compatible silicone rubber is perfectly suitable for the fabrication of novel fluorescent silicone optical fibres, which can be integrated into the modified transparent rubber stress cones of HV cable terminations. The final outcomes of this investigation are experimentally substantiated recommendations for future revision of IEC 60243-1, especially the chapter dealing with the determination of AC dielectric strength of silicone rubbers. Recommendations and suggestions for further investigations are addressed in the final chapter of this thesis.
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Black fungi are recently described microorganisms and amongst the most stress-tolerant eukaryotes currently known. They are a taxonomically diverse, but morphologically similar group of filamentous fungi that share two distinct signature characteristics, i.e. melanisation of the cell wall and compact colony morphology, which confer them passive, constituent extremotolerance. Albeit morphologically undifferentiated, black fungi show extensive phylogenetic and ecological diversity. Due to their persistence in unfavourable niches, they are ubiquitous on deserts and in glaciers and are permanent settlers of rock and other atmosphere-exposed material surfaces as well as man-made environments like salterns, humidifiers and dishwashers, and thus widespread in temperate regions worldwide. Some members are devastating opportunistic pathogens of invertebrates or vertebrates, including humans; others show symbiotic potentials with co-occurring microorganisms in extreme ecosystems. Beside their interest for fundamental biology, black fungi are important for several applied applications, e.g. in biotechnology, astrobiology, bioremediation and material preservation. Despite recent advances in the study of these fungi, many biological questions remain to be clarified regarding the molecular mechanisms underlying persistence, their physiology and nutritional modes, and their specific interactions with putative symbiotic partners. Models for pathogenic and halotolerant black fungi are established; however, no model was yet available for rock- and material-inhabiting ones. This thesis introduces the strain Knufia petricola A95 as a suitable model to study rockinhabiting lifestyle. For this purpose, the strain was characterised at the physiological and molecular levels by phenotype microarrays, growth experiments and genome analyses as well as further methods. Cell- wall mutants of K. petricola A95 isolated during the course of this study were described and included in the comparative analysis to investigate effect of melanisation on physiology and stress tolerance. Direct comparisons were also performed between the model strain and the phylogenetically distant but ecologically, biogeographically and morphologically highly similar rock inhabitant Coniosporium apollinis. Preliminary observations of a model biofilm of K. petricola A95 and the photosynthetic cyanobacterium Nostoc punctiforme ATCC 29133 are introduced to study symbiotic interactions of rock-inhabiting microorganisms. Data presented here are a contribution to the understanding of ecophysiology and extremotolerance of rock-inhabiting black fungi.
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Thermal and Dynamic Glass Transition in Ultrathin Films of Homopolymers and a Miscible Polymer Blend
(2014)
Nowadays nanoscale thin polymer films are widely used in many fields like coatings, membranes, sensors, electronic devices and so on. Meanwhile, a lot of research work has evidenced the fact that many physical properties (glass transition, crystallization, dewetting, physical aging, etc.) of ultrathin polymer films show strong deviations from their bulk behavior. Since the aforementioned properties of polymer are closely related to their application and functionality, the discrepancies motivated us to obtain a more complete understanding of how nanoscale confinement affects the physical properties of polymer. The research work presented in this thesis is focused on understanding how the free surface (air- polymer interface), the polymer-substrate interface and the film thickness influence the glass transition temperature (Tg) and the related segmental dynamics (α-relaxation process) in both homopolymers and miscible polymer blends of thin films. Complementary experimental techniques including Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Capacitive Scanning Dilatometry (CSD), Broadband Dielectric Spectroscopy (BDS) and Specific Heat Spectroscopy (SHS) have been used to investigate the glass transition of thin polymer films from both the thermodynamic and the kinetic point of view. In the thesis the film thickness dependence of Tg and segmental dynamics of different thin polymer films have been investigated. For ultrathin polycarbonate (PC) films capped between two aluminum (Al) layers an increase of both the glass transition temperature (Tg) and Vogel temperature (T0) with decreasing film thickness (d) was observed when the thickness became lower than 20 nm. The segmental relaxation time at a fixed temperature was found to increase for the ultrathin PC film of 19 nm measured by BDS, whereas no thickness dependency of the segmental dynamics was detected within the experimental error limit for the PC films supported on silicon dioxide (SiO2) (10-192 nm) in the SHS measurements. These properties are discussed in terms of the thin film geometry and the relevant interfacial interaction between the polymer and the substrate. In the case of thin polystyrene (PS) films with high molecular weight (Mw), Tg is decreasing with reducing film thickness while the segmental dynamics is independent of film thickness. Moreover, the effects of the Mw and the annealing protocol performed on thin PS films on their Tg and segmental dynamics is studied. In the part of thin poly(vinyl methyl ether) (PVME) films, no thickness dependence of the segmental dynamics was observed in the SHS measurements. The last part of the thesis was concentrated on the thin films of a miscible polymer blend, PS/PVME with the weight fraction of 50/50. It was observed that the segmental dynamics became faster with reducing the film thickness. This phenomenon is explained in terms of surface enrichment of PVME in the polymer blend system where PVME has a lower surface energy than PS. The segmental dynamics of the PVME-enriched free surface layer are faster than the bulk dynamics. Such free surface effect becomes so predominant with reducing the film thickness that it affects the segmental dynamics of the whole films detected by SHS using differential AC chip-based calorimetry. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was used to probe the surface composition in order to confirm such surface enrichment phenomena.
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Ultrasonic guided waves offer a wide range of applications in fields such as non-destructive testing, structural health monitoring or material characterization. They can be excited in thin-walled structures and propagate over comparably long distances. Due to their complex and dispersive propagation behavior, numerical methods are often required in order to analyze the guided wave modes that can be excited in a given structure and to simulate their interaction with defects. In the work presented in this thesis, highly efficient numerical methods have been developed that are specifically optimized for guided wave problems. The formulation is based on the Scaled Boundary Finite Element Method (SBFEM). The SBFEM is a semi-analytical method which evolved from the concept of Finite Elements but requires the discretization of the boundary of the computational domain only. To compute dispersion curves and mode shapes of guided waves, only the cross-section of the waveguide is discretized in the Finite Element sense, while the direction of propagation is described analytically. The wavenumbers of guided wave modes and the corresponding mode shapes are obtained as the eigenvalues and eigenvectors of a frequency-dependent Hamiltonian matrix. For the discretization, higher-order spectral elements are employed, leading to very low computational costs compared to traditional Finite Elements. Particular formulations are presented for plate structures as well as axisymmetric waveguides, where only the throughthickness direction has to be discretized. For the cases where the waveguide is embedded in or coupled to a quasi-infinite medium, a dashpot boundary condition is proposed in order to account for the effect of waves being transmitted into the surrounding medium. Though this approach is not exact, it leads to sufficiently accurate results for practical applications, while the computational costs are typically reduced by several orders of magnitude compared to other Finite Element based approaches. As a particular application, an experimental set-up for material characterization is discussed, where the elastic constants of the waveguide’s material are obtained from the analysis of waves propagating through the waveguide. A novel solution procedure is proposed in this work, where each mode of interest is traced over the required frequency range. The solutions are obtained by means of inverse iteration. To demonstrate the potential of the SBFEM for non-destructive testing applications, the interaction of guided wave modes with cracks in plates is simulated in the time domain for several examples. Particularly for the modeling of cracked structures, the SBFEM is very well suited, since the side-faces of the crack do not require discretization and the stress-singularity at the crack tip does not introduce additional difficulties. Hence, the computational costs can be reduced by typically a factor 100 compared to traditional Finite Elements and the meshing is straightforward.
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Austenitic welds and dissimilar welds are extensively used in primary circuit pipes and pressure vessels in nuclear power plants, chemical industries and fossil fuelled power plants because of their high fracture toughness, resistance to corrosion and creep at elevated temperatures. However, cracks may initiate in these weld materials during fabrication process or stress operations in service. Thus, it is very important to evaluate the structural integrity of these materials using highly reliable non- destructive testing (NDT) methods. Ultrasonic non-destructive inspection of austenitic welds and dissimilar weld components is complicated because of anisotropic columnar grain structure leading to beam splitting and beam deflection. Simulation tools play an important role in developing advanced reliable ultrasonic testing (UT) techniques and optimizing experimental parameters for inspection of austenitic welds and dissimilar weld components. The main aim of the thesis is to develop a 3D ray tracing model for quantitative evaluation of ultrasonic wave propagation in an inhomogeneous anisotropic austeniticweld material. Inhomogenity in the anisotropic weld material is represented by discretizing into several homogeneous layers. According to ray tracing model, ultrasonic ray paths are traced during its energy propagation through various discretized layers of the material and at each interface the problem of reflection and transmission is solved. The influence of anisotropy on ultrasonic reflection and transmission behaviour in an anisotropic austenitic weld material are quantitatively analyzed in three dimensions. Theultrasonic beam directivity in columnar grained austenitic steel material is determined three dimensionally using Lamb’s reciprocity theorem. The developed ray tracing model evaluates the transducer excited ultrasonic fields accurately by taking into account the directivity of the transducer, divergence of the ray bundle, density of rays and phase relations as well as transmission coefficients. The ray tracing model is able to determine the ultrasonic wave fields generated by a point source as well as finite dimension array transducers.
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Grain refinement is an important opportunity to improve mechanical properties of fusion welds and the weldability (cracking sensitivity) of the base metal. In this thesis, grain refinement was achieved for aluminium welds by additions of a grain refiner. For this purpose, inserts consisting of aluminium base metal and small additions of commercial Al Ti5B1 grain refiner were cast, deposited in base metal plates, and fused in a gas tungsten arc (GTA) welding process. As a result, higher grain refiner additions increased the weld’s titanium and boron content resulting in a significant decrease in the weld metal mean grain size up to 86%. This grain size reduction led to a transition from predominantly columnar to equiaxed grain shape (columnar to equiaxed transition CET). The grain refinement was thereby found to be strongly dependent upon the base metal chemical composition. Accordingly, the grain refining efficiency was the highest in commercial pure Al (Alloy 1050A, Al 99.5), followed by Alloy 6082 (Al Si1MgMn) and Alloy 5083 (Al Mg4.5Mn0.7). In this regard, the parameters P and Q were applied to investigate the influence of alloying elements on the supply of constitutional undercooling during solidification and on final grain size. Also, WDS (wavelength dispersive x-ray spectroscopy) and TEM (transmission electron microscopy) analysis found an increasing number of particles rich in Ti and B. These substrates are probably TiB2 particles coated by Al3Ti likely nucleating Al grains during solidification. The variation in torch speed showed that increasing torch speeds support the CET effect leading to many small and equiaxed grains at high torch speed. To give explanations for this observation, the thermal conditions, that are controlled by welding parameters such as torch speed, were determined with temperature measurements via thermocouples. These measurements revealed that solidification parameters like solidification growth rate, cooling rate, (local) thermal gradient and solidification time vary significantly along the solidification front (from weld centreline to weld fusion line). In a further step, the solidification parameters were related to the corresponding grain size and shape. On the basis of this comparison, an analytical approach was used to model the CET. This allowed the prediction of critical values for both solidification growth rate and thermal gradient, at which the CET occurs in aluminium weld metal. The influence of grain refinement on the weld mechanical properties was investigated in tensile tests. Accordingly, the ductility of Alloy 5083 welds was increased through grain refinement whereas no improvement in weld metal strength was observed. Furthermore, tear tests with notched specimens revealed for Alloy 1050A that the resistance against initiation and propagation of cracks in the weld metal can be enhanced through grain refinement. In addition, when welding Alloy 6082, weld metal grain refinement prevented the formation of centreline solidification cracking that was present only in welds with unrefined grain structure. On the basis of the above experiments, the Ti/B contents needed in commercial filler wires or rods to allow optimum weld metal grain refinement were estimated. Accordingly, this work gives specific recommendations to filler material producers through a simple calculation that considers the influence of base alloy and welding process. The results show that the Ti/B contents defined by the corresponding standards for filler alloys are too low to allow weld metal grain refinement.
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The objective of this Ph.D. thesis is the development and validation of a VTOL-based (Vertical Take Off and Landing) micro-drone for the measurement of gas concentrations, to locate gas emission sources, and to build gas distribution maps. Gas distribution mapping and localization of a static gas source are complex tasks due to the turbulent nature of gas transport under natural conditions [1] and becomes even more challenging when airborne. This is especially so, when using a VTOL-based micro-drone that induces disturbances through its rotors, which heavily affects gas distribution. Besides the adaptation of a micro-drone for gas concentration measurements, a novel method for the determination of the wind vector in real-time is presented. The on-board sensors for the flight control of the micro-drone provide a basis for the wind vector calculation. Furthermore, robot operating software for controlling the micro-drone autonomously is developed and used to validate the algorithms developed within this Ph.D. thesis in simulations and real-world experiments. Three biologically inspired algorithms for locating gas sources are adapted and developed for use with the micro-drone: the surge-cast algorithm (a variant of the silkworm moth algorithm) [2], the zigzag / dung beetle algorithm [3], and a newly developed algorithm called “pseudo gradient algorithm”. The latter extracts from two spatially separated measuring positions the information necessary (concentration gradient and mean wind direction) to follow a gas plume to its emission source. The performance of the algorithms is evaluated in simulations and real-world experiments. The distance overhead and the gas source localization success rate are used as main performance criteria for comparing the algorithms. Next, a new method for gas source localization (GSL) based on a particle filter (PF) is presented. Each particle represents a weighted hypothesis of the gas source position. As a first step, the PF-based GSL algorithm uses gas and wind measurements to reason about the trajectory of a gas patch since it was released by the gas source until it reaches the measurement position of the micro-drone. Because of the chaotic nature of wind, an uncertainty about the wind direction has to be considered in the reconstruction process, which extends this trajectory to a patch path envelope (PPE). In general, the PPE describes the envelope of an area which the gas patch has passed with high probability. Then, the weights of the particles are updated based on the PPE. Given a uniform wind field over the search space and a single gas source, the reconstruction of multiple trajectories at different measurement locations using sufficient gas and wind measurements can lead to an accurate estimate of the gas source location, whose distance to the true source location is used as the main performance criterion. Simulations and real-world experiments are used to validate the proposed method. The aspect of environmental monitoring with a micro-drone is also discussed. Two different sampling approaches are suggested in order to address this problem. One method is the use of a predefined sweeping trajectory to explore the target area with the micro-drone in real-world gas distribution mapping experiments. As an alternative sampling approach an adaptive strategy is presented, which suggests next sampling points based on an artificial potential field to direct the micro-drone towards areas of high predictive mean and high predictive variance, while maximizing the coverage area. The purpose of the sensor planning component is to reduce the time that is necessary to converge to the final gas distribution model or to reliably identify important parameters of the distribution such as areas of high concentration. It is demonstrated that gas distribution models can provide an accurate estimate of the location of stationary gas sources. These strategies have been successfully tested in a variety of real-world experiments in different scenarios of gas release using different gas sensors to verify the reproducibility of the experiments. The adaptive strategy was also successfully validated in simulations using predefined sweeping trajectories as reference criteria. The results of this Ph.D. thesis reflect the applicability of gas-sensitive microdrones in a variety of scenarios of gas release. Effective counteractive measures can be set in motion after accidents involving gas emissions with the aid of spatially resolved gas concentration and wind data collected with micro-drones. Monitoring of geochemically active regions, landfills, CO2 storage facilities, and the localization of gas leaks are further areas of application.
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Before the development of computational science, heat conduction problems were mainly solved by analytical techniques. Analytical solutions are exact solutions of differential equations; the investigated physical phenomena, for instance the temperature, are solved locally for one single point independently of the rest of the investigated structure resulting in extremely short computational times. These analytical solutions are however only valid for some simple geometries and boundary conditions making their applications for complex industrial geometries directly not possible. Numerical techniques, such as the Finite Element Method, enable overcoming this problem. However, the numerical simulation of the structural heat effect of welding for complex and large assemblies requires high computational effort and time. Therefore, the wide application of welding simulation in industry is not established, yet. The aim of this study is to combine the advantages of analytical and numerical simulation methods to accelerate the calibration of the thermal model of structure welding simulation. This is done firstly by calibrating automatically the simulation model with a fast analytical temperature field solution and secondly by solving the welding simulation problem numerically with the analytically calibrated input parameters. In order to achieve this goal, the analytical solution of the heat conduction problem for a point source moving in an infinite solid was extended and validated against reference models until a solution for a volumetric heat source moving on a thin small sheet with several arbitrary curved welding paths was found. The potential of this analytical solution by means of computational time was subsequently demonstrated on a semi-industrial geometry with large dimensions and several curved welds. The combined method was then transferred to an industrial assembly welded with four parallel welds. For this joint geometry, it was possible to apply the extended analytical solution. The calibration of the simulation model was done automatically against experimental data by combining the extended fast analytical solution with a global optimisation algorithm. For this calibration, more than 3000 direct simulations were required which run in less computational time than one corresponding single numerical simulation. The results of the numerical simulation executed with the analytically calibrated input parameters matched the experimental data within a scatter band of ± 10 %. The limit of the combined method is shown for an industrial assembly welded with eight overlap welds. For this joint geometry, a conventional numerical approach was applied, since no analytical solution was actually available. The final simulation results matched the experimental data within a scatter band of ± 10 %. The results of this work provide a comprehensive method to accelerate the calibration of the thermal model of the structure welding simulation of complex and large welded assemblies, even though within limitation. In the future, the implementation of this method in a welding simulation tool accessible to a typical industrial user still has to be done.
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Generally accepted quality criteria for the comparison of immunoassays are still missing and assay conditions vary greatly between different laboratories. To address this problem, the influence of different parameters on the overall assay performance was assessed, specifically for different enzyme immunoassays (EIAs) for the anthropogenic markers caffeine (CAF) and carbamazepine (CBZ). Special emphasis was dedicated to the parameters temperature, assay format and enzyme-substrate combination. The temperature parameter was systematically studied for all incubation steps of the direct EIA formats employing the photometric horseradish peroxidase (HRP) substrate 3,3’,5,5’- tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) and the fluorometric HRP substrate 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propionic acid for both analytes. A temperature decrease only during the competition step led to an increase in assay sensitivity by a factor of 10 to 15 for CBZ and CAF, respectively, independent of the enzyme substrate used. Room temperature experiments yielded the smallest coefficients of variations, minimizing the edge effect. The influence of the assay format on different performance parameters was studied with the determination of CAF in consumer products. In addition to the HRP substrates, the enzyme alkaline phosphate (AP) and its chromogenic substrate para-nitrophenyl phosphate and a fluorescent substrate, 4-methylumbelliferyl phosphate, were employed. Seven quality criteria were defined and validated to compare these immunoassays. The evaluation of the four criteria (sensitivity, measurement range, relative dynamic range and goodness of fit) for the standard curves revealed that the direct format is superior to the indirect format, with the HRP TMB format showing the best performance. Three additional criteria for an applicationdriven analysis of real samples, in this case CAF-containing beverages and cosmetics, confirmed this result in terms of accuracy as well as intra- and inter-plate precision. The enzyme-substrate combination was investigated when several direct CBZ assays were applied to the analysis of water samples; here, three HRP assays and four AP assays were studied, along with luminescence detection. The HRP assays reached better sensitivities and lower quantifiable concentrations compared to the AP assays. Only the HRP assays and the chemiluminescent AP juice assay fulfilled the requirements for the four criteria applied to standard curves; all other AP assays were not considered for application to real samples based on these criteria. The AP juice assay can only be employed for influent samples whereas all HRP assays are applicable to influent and effluent wastewater samples according to intra- and inter-plate precision. Furthermore, the HRP assays alone are suitable for surface water analysis; here, the chromogenic HRP TMB assay yielded the best results, as any type of water sample can be quantified with high precision. Whether these quality criteria, derived here for standard curves as well as their application to real samples, can be transferred to other immunoassay formats for quality assurance remains to be shown.
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Investigation of an active air sampling strategy for biocides, PCBs and PAHs at low air change rates
(2013)
The aim of this study was to develop a low volume air sampling strategy for biocides, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) at low air change rates. Firstly a method of measurement for the GC-MS-MS system had to be created before an adsorbent for the air sampling of these compound classes was selected in elution experiments with target compound solutions. The key requirements for the adsorbent were that it had to engender a faster and easier work-up process while reducing solvent consumption, as it is not the case for the frequently used polyurethane foam (PUF) and XAD adsorbents. Using the selected adsorbent, air sampling quality was tested and compared with the one of PUF in experiments performed in a Micro-Chamber/Thermal Extractor™ (μ- CTE™, Markes International) with target compound solutions. To achieve air sampling under the aforementioned conditions the influences of temperature, air circulation, air change rate and relative humidity on the emission behavior of the selected biocides, PCBs and PAHs were investigated. This investigation was carried out with self soaked wood samples in low volume air sampling experiments in a μ-CTE, 23 l and 24 l emission test chambers and 27 l showcases. Furthermore, an active air sampling strategy for biocides, PCBs and PAHs at low air change rates was successfully tested in a 24 l emission test chamber. Sampling volumes of 24-50 l were tested with the developed low volume air sampling strategy with limits of quantification between 1-27 μg m-3. A styrene divinylbenzene polymer was selected as a suitable adsorbent and sampling of at least 100 ng μl-1 of biocides, PCBs and PAHs without breakthroughs were possible with 200 mg of this polymer. This corresponds to a concentration range of 3000-6250 μg m-3 for these low sampling volumes. The low volume air sampling method developed in this study was successfully applied in projects investigating real wood samples in the μ-CTE as well as in low volume indoor air samples. In these experiments the applicability of the method was partly compared with a method using a different adsorbent.
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Novel routes in flame retardancy of bisphenol A polycarbonate/impact modifier/aryl phosphate blends
(2013)
The massive use of electronic engineering products accompanied by high demands on fire safety has led to increasing interest in environmentally friendly flame retardancy of bisphenol A polycarbonate (PC) based materials. In this work, novel routes for enhancing the flame retardancy of PC/Impact Modifier/Aryl phosphate were studied with respect to pyrolysis (TG, TG-FTIR, ATR-FTIR, NMR), flammability (LOI and UL 94) and fire behavior (cone calorimeter at different irradiations). To improve charring of PC/ABSPTFE+Aryl phosphate, the exchange of bisphenol A bis(diphenyl phosphate) (BDP) with novel aryl phosphates was proposed. Two novel flame retardants were synthesized: 3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexylbisphenol-bis(diphenyl phosphate) (TMC-BDP) and bisphenol A- bis(diethylphosphate) (BEP). TMC-BDP was more stable than BDP, thus gave a potential to increase the chemical reactions between the components of the PC/ABSPTFE+Aryl phosphate, whereas more reactive BEP was expected to increase the cross linking activity with the polymer matrix. Nevertheless, the corresponding blends did not enhance the flame retardancy compared to PC/ABSPTFE+BDP. BEP in PC/ABSPTFE preferred to cross-link with itself instead of with PC, thus it showed poor fire protection performance. TMC-BDP gave as good results as BDP in PC/ABSPTFE material. The results delivered evidence that BDP possesses a high degree of optimization in PC/ABSPTFE system. To provide a novel impact modifier improving not only mechanical properties but also the fire retardancy of PC/BDP material, the replacement of highly flammable acrylonitrilebutadiene- styrene (ABS) with silicon acrylate rubber (SiR) with high content of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) was studied. In PC/SiRPTFE/BDP the replacement of ABS is beneficial, but PDMS worsened the BDP gas phase and condensed phase action. PDMS reacted also with PC during combustion. PDMS-PC and PDMS-BDP interactions led to silicon dioxide. In fact, the inorganic residue of PC/SiRPTFE/BDP contributed to fire residue and greatly improved the LOI of about 10 % in comparison to PC/ABSPTFE+BDP system. Thus, the use of SiR with high PDMS content is proposed as replacement of ABS in PC/Impact Modifier/BDP blend. To enhance the fire protection, the PC/SiRPTFE/BDP was combined with several adjuvants: (i) layered fillers: talc and organically modified layered silicate (LS), (ii) metal hydroxides: magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)2) and boehmite (AlO(OH)), (iii) metal oxides and carbonate: magnesium oxide (MgO) and silicium dioxide (SiO2) and calcium carbonate (CaCO3) as well as (iiii) hydrated metal borates: zinc borate (ZnB), calcium borate (CaB) and magnesium borate (MgB). It was demonstrated that the blend PC/SiRPTFE/BDP+filler is very sensitive to chemical (e.g. hydrolysis) and physical (e.g. viscosity) effects. Additionally,the large deformations of PC/SiRPTFE/BDP materials make difficult to optimize the char. Overall, the ZnB, MgB and CaB are proposed for enhancing the flame retardancy of PC/SiR/BDP with respect to flammability results, reduction of fire hazard and maximum of heat release rate. The results of this work enable the understanding of various mechanisms controlling the fire behavior and thus effective selection of the most appropriate flame retardant, impact modifier and inorganic fillers for producing fire resistant PC based polymers.
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The reduced size of nanoparticles (diameter < 100 nm) confers them high specific surface areas and permeability through many biological pathways resulting in high interaction with biological systems. Therefore, in the recent years, nanoparticles (NPs) have increasingly found many applications in biomedical research. Herein, silica-based NPs are among the most promising candidates for biomedical studies due to their relative low toxicity and the possibility of functional variability. The main focus of this thesis work has been the synthesis and characterisation of novel hybrid NPs with enhanced properties for biomedical studies. More specifically, suppression of protein adsorption and achievement of highly fluorescent NPs in serum-rich media are well focused. First, a chemical strategy for the preparation of highly fluorescent silica nanoparticles by covalent attachment of Alexa dyes and subsequent shielding by an additional pure silica shell is well presented. These nanoparticles were investigated by Dynamic light scattering (DLS), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and fluorescence spectroscopy, the latter includes determination of absolute fluorescence quantum yields of such scattering suspensions with an integrating sphere setup and the assignment of fluorescence intensity values. At low shelling extension core-shell fluorescent silica nanoparticles show smooth surfaces and high quantum yields, even comparable to those for free dyes. However, by increasing the amount of shell precursor, nanoparticle surfaces show raspberry morphologies and decay of the quantum yields. Secondly, two different types of novel silica-poly(ethylene glycol) hybrid nanoparticles (H- SiO2-PEG and G- SiO2@PEG) have been synthesized by use of the same polymer precursor: Here the influence of concentration of the polymer precursor poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether-3-(triethoxysilyl) propyl urethane (mPEG-IPTES) on the particle properties was scrutinised. For polymer grafted NPs, the concentration of polymer precursor increases the PEG density and the hydrophobicity of the NPs surface. On the other hand, for condensated NPs, the polymer precursor influences the size, but not the density of polymer chains on the NPs surface, which indicates that PEG on the surface of the NPs effectively reduces the adsorption of Bovine serum albumin (BSA). Finally, the influence of polymer length on the ability to repel BSA adsorption onto nanoparticles is reported. SNPs@PEG with different molecular weights (mPEG: 350, 2000 and 5000 g/mol) were synthesized by nucleophilic substitution of tosylated mPEG to aminated silica nanoparticles (chemical grafting). The resulted hybrid nanoparticles were consistently characterized by DLS, TEM, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). BSA at different concentrations were used as a model protein to study the protein-corona formation after adsorption onto the pristine and modified nanoparticles (SNPs@PEG). For pristine SNPs and SNPs@PEG (MW = 350 g/mol), zeta potential at different incubation times (0, 24 and 48 h) show a dynamic evolution of the nanoparticle-protein corona. Conversely, for SNPs@PEG with MW ≥ 2000 g/mol, a significant suppression of corona formation and time evolution was observed. In resume, protein corona is strongly influenced by the adsorption inhibition of PEG surfaces.
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Characterization of Polymer Nanocomposites based on Layered Double Hydroxide and Carbon Nanotubes
(2013)
Polymer based nanocomposites by melt blending of synthesized ZnAl-Layered Double Hydroxide (ZnAl-LDH) and Polyolefines [Polypropylene (PP) and Polyethylene (PE)] and also Polylactide (PLA) with MgAl-LDH and multi-walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNT) were investigated. The LDH was organically modified by using a surfactant sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate (SDBS) to increase the interlayer spacing of the LDH, so that polymer chains can intercalate the inter layer galleries. Some amount of maleic anhydride grafted PP and PE were incorporated in the nanocomposites based on PP and PE respectively to enable the interaction of the non-polar polymers (PP and PE) with the LDH. The resulting morphology was investigated by a combination of Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC), Small and Wide-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS and WAXS) and broadband dielectric relaxation spectroscopy (BDS). In case of LDH based nanocomposites (PP, PE and PLA), the homogeneity of the nanocomposites and the average number of stack size (4 – 7 layers) were determined using scanning micro focus SAXS (BESSY II). DSC investigations of PP and PE based LDH nanocomposites showed a linear decrease in crystallinity as a function of filler concentration. The extrapolation of this decreasing dependence to zero estimates a limiting concentration of 40 wt% and 45 wt% respectively. Above this amount of LDH the crystallinity of the polymers is completely suppressed. This finding is in agreement with WAXS investigations where the area below the crystalline reflections and amorphous halo were calculated and used to estimate the degree of crystallinity. PLA/LDH nanocomposites presented a little different behavior, the crystallinity of the polymer at first increases and then decreases as a function of LDH concentration. In this case the crystallinity will be suppressed at around 15 wt%. The dielectric spectra of the nanocomposites based on PP/LDH and PE/LDH show several relaxation processes which are discussed in detail. The intensity of the dynamic glass transition increases with the concentration of LDH. This is attributed to the increasing concentration of the exchanged anion dodecylbenzene sulfonate (SDBS) which is adsorbed at the LDH layers. Therefore, a detailed analysis of the β-relaxation provides information about the structure and the molecular dynamics in the interfacial region between the LDH layers and the polymer matrix which is otherwise dielectrically invisible (low dipole moment, non-polar). In case of PLA/LDH, three relaxation processes related to dynamic glass transition and one localized fluctuations were identified and analyzed in detail to understand the morphology. For this system, one dynamic glass transition process originates from the fluctuations of the interfacial molecules, second from the PLA matrix (polar polymer, C=O in the main chain) and the third from segments confined between the intercalated LDH sheets. Additional thermal investigations were carried out for PP/LDH and PLA/LDH samples. The increase in the rigid amorphous fraction (RAF) was observed in both the cases. This is attributed to the polymer molecules which are in close proximity to LDH sheets, as they hinder their mobility. This is analyzed in detail and related to the BDS results. PLA based MWCNT nanocomposites were investigated by BDS as initial result. The findings showed that between 0.5 and 1 wt% of CNT, a percolating network of the nanotubes is formed which leads to DC conductivity. This is due to the high aspect ratio of the CNTs and also the van der Waals interaction between the nanotubes which forms a network leading to conductivity.
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Due to the growing environmental awareness worldwide, containment provisions for CO2 emissions in mobility systems and increasing performance requirements the demands on mechanical systems and their materials continuously rise. These high demands require the implementation of new technical approaches, for example of light-weight strategies in automotive powertrains, and directly raise questions about the suitability of the most promising technical solution. Two basic parameters, the surface hardness of the tooth flanks and the core fatigue strength of the tooth root, illustrate exemplarily increasing demands on material grades used for gear wheels in automotive powertrains. In addition to light-weight strategies, a reduction in friction and an increase of the fatigue lifetime are two other major development directions to strive the mentioned targets. It is clear that any kind of solution must show an equal application profile, preferably an improvement, compared to the state-of- the-art solutions. For tribological systems, the following paths may offer lower friction and higher load carrying capabilities: 1. Alternative base oils and additives (such as esters, polyglycols), 2. Thin film coatings (e.g. DLC) and/or 3. Novel steel metallurgies. In previous investigations on the slip-rolling resistance of thin film coatings (a-C, ta-C, Zr(C,N)) the substrates were mainly made of the bearing steels 100Cr6H and Cronidur 30. Applying contact pressures of up to P0max = 2.9 GPa (FN = 2,000 N), the samples were tested up to 10 million load cycles in endurance tests. The aim of the present work is to broaden the research by varying the input parameters. Newly developed engine oil mixtures, high performance thin film coatings and alternative steel solutions are intensively investigated in highly stressed slip-rolling contacts at lubricant temperatures of 120°C. Specifically, in using new steel metallurgies, i.e. the high toughness and high strength steels V300 and NC310YW (Aubert & Duval) as well as CSS-42L (Latrobe Specialty Steel Company), in combination with thin film coatings, even if they compete in the uncoated state, the Hertzian contact pressures could be increased up to P0max = 4.2 GPa (FN = 5,000 N) without any surface failures of coating or substrate. It was shown that selected thin film coatings can minimize the wear rates down to nearly ‘zero-wear’ in highly stressed contacts [Woy08] [Woy11]. In addition, the studies revealed not only the high potential in slip-rolling resistance, but also a possible friction reduction down to 0.047 by use of uncoated steels with increased toughness. Compared to steels like 100Cr6H and Cronidur 30 this means a reduction in friction of approximately 40% under identical testing conditions. Different test series with newly developed base oil-additive formulations were investigated with specific emphasis on the frictional behavior of selected bio-no-tox EP/AW additives and friction modifiers. Additional influencing factors like the structural and surface conditions of the steels/coatings before and after the tests were analyzed by means of REM, EDX, XRD and TEM.
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Up to now only little knowledge has been recorded about the fire behavior and flame retardancy of wood-plastic composites (WPCs). The use of WPCs has increased continuously in recent years. Especially in their main field of application as a decking material, WPCs present a big share of the market. To date no flame-retarded solution has been introduced for WPC materials that fulfils the necessary requirements. But flameretarded materials are indispensable, especially for indoor use and the protection of escape routes. In this study basic knowledge about the fire behavior of WPCs is investigated first. Second, the effectiveness and mode of action of different flame-retardant additives is investigated. Special attention is drawn to products made of WPC material. Therefore WPC was further investigated in its main field of application as decking boards. The fire behavior of materials and products was investigated by means of cone calorimeter measurements as well as radiant panel tests. Furthermore numerical simulations were carried out to study the effects of various thermal material properties on burning behavior. Thermal decomposition was studied using thermogravimetric methods and spectroscopic investigations. Against this background, models for thermal decomposition pathways were built for combinations of WPC material with different flame retardants. WPCs show burning behavior similar to that of pure wood samples with an increased heat release rate due to polymeric fractions. It is shown that all investigated flame retardants had a positive effect on the burning behavior of WPCs. The best results were achieved by the flame retardants ammonium polyphosphate, Paxymer and expandable graphite. Especially in combination with red phosphorus, expandable graphite was highly effective because red phosphorus stabilized formed residue. Apart from the influence of flame retardants, other influencing factors like geometry and moisture content also played an important role concerning the flame retardancy of WPC decking boards. Indeed, hollow decking boards offer a reduced amount of combustible material, but their flame spread is increased in comparison to solid samples.
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This thesis investigated gas sensing by means of surface plasmon resonance enhanced ellipsometry. Surface plasmons were excited in a 40 - 50 nm gold layer by a He-Ne-laser using the Kretschmann configuration, which was arranged on a self-made copper measuring cell. A fixed angle of incidence and the ellipsometric parameter Δ as the measured value were used to monitor changes in the gas phase. Different types of gases were investigated: flammable (hydrocarbons and hydrogen), oxidising (oxygen and ozone), toxic (carbon monoxide) and inert (helium and nitrogen). The gas types can be distinguished by their refractive indices, whereas the sensor responds instantly relative to the reference gas with an increase or a decrease in Δ. Diluting the analyte gas with a reference gas (nitrogen or air) allowed the detection limits to be determined, these lay in the low % range. The sensor stability was also enhanced as well as the sensitivity by modifying the gold layers with a 3-10 nm additional layer. These additional layers consisted of the inorganic materials TiO2, ZrO2, MgF2 and Fe: SnO2 which were deposited by different coating processes. Surface investigations were made of every utilised layer: scanning electron microscope and atomic force microscope measurements for surface topology and spectroscopic ellipsometry mapping to determine the optical constants and the layer thicknesses. All applied materials protected the gold layer from contaminations and thus prolonged the life span of the sensor. Furthermore, the detection limits were reduced significantly, to the low ppm range. The material Fe: SnO2 demonstrates a special behaviour in reaction with the toxic gas carbon monoxide: Due to the iron doping, the response to carbon monoxide is extraordinary and concentrations below 1 ppm were detected. In order to approach a future application in industry, the sensor system was adapted to a stainless steel tube. With this measuring arrangement, pulse and pressure experiments could be performed. The probable mechanisms occuring at the sensor surface and feasible applications in the future are discussed in this thesis.
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The most important results of the dissertation are: 1. Systematic experimental investigations of the vapour-plasma plume generated during deep penetration high-power (10÷20 kW) ytterbium fiber laser beamwelding of low-alloyed mild steel plates were carried out. 2. It was confirmed experimentally that free electron temperature and concentration in the laser- induced welding plasma plume are negligibly low (Т < 4500 К,ne < 10 15 cm-3). On the basis of these values it can be affirmed that absorption and refraction of high power fiber laser radiation in the welding plasma plume are not able to influence the welding quality in this case. 3. It was shown that the vapour-plasma welding plume is composed of the welding plasma generated in a relatively small area (5-10 mm height) near the metal surface and of an extensive upper part (up to 60-70 mm height) which consists of a small condensed metal vapour particle cloud and is able to absorb electromagnetic radiation. 4. Average condensed metal vapour particle diameter in the welding plume was measured experimentally to vary from 80 nm to 110 nm depending on the welding plume height as well as on the welding process parameters. Volume particle concentration in the cloud on the welding plume axis has a value of about 1010 cm-3. 5. Extinction of the probe laser radiation in the upper part of the welding plume is mainly caused by absorption in the small condensed metal vapour particles. The extinction coefficient at the probe radiation wavelength of 1.3 μm was measured experimentally to have a value of about a few units per meter which is much higher than the inverse Bremsstrahlung absorption coefficient in the welding plasma plume calculated for this radiation wavelength. 6. Shielding gas (Ar or He) supplied to the welding area leads to intensive cooling of the welding plasma in the lower part of the welding plume down to its complete suppression. However, due to the more intensive metal vapour condensation process in the colder medium above the keyhole, the upper part influence can become even stronger. 7. Total attenuation of the high-power fiber laser beam propagating through the whole welding plume height to the metal surface was estimated to be about 10%. Considering the spatial dynamics of the probe light extinction signals it was concluded that the effect of metal vapour condensation over the keyhole during deep penetration high-power fiber laser metal welding is able to significantly worsen of the laser beam power stability when the beam reaches the keyhole inlet.
87
Saprotrophic basidiomycetes decompose wood in aerobic environments and can cause economic damage. The availability of nitrogen is determining for decomposition, and diazotrophic bacteria might enhance the nitrogen availability by fixation of atmospheric N2. Simultaneous decomposition by basidiomycetes and diazotrophs may intensify decomposition, because N2 fixation requires ATP, which could be provided during cellulose decomposition. In this study, the interaction was analysed by measurements of the nitrogen content and the δ15N values in biomass. Besides, the activity of basidiomycetes, influenced by different nitrogen sources, was determined. The analysis of the nitrogen content in biomass of Oligoporus placenta and Trametes versicolor proved the efficient uptake of organic nitrogen by wood-decomposing fungi even if only traces were available. In the presence of urea and ammonium chloride, the growth of T. versicolor was intensified. At cultivations in a 15N2/O2 atmosphere, the diazotrophic bacteria Azotobacter croococcum, Beijerinckia acida and Novosphingobium nitrogenifigens covered 1 to 13% of the nitrogen in their biomass by N2 fixation. If basidiomycetes and diazotrophs were co-cultivated, only B. acida fixed N2 and transferred it to both fungi. A. croococcum and N. nitrogenifigens did not coexist with the fungi. The effects of the nitrogen sources, i.e., organic nitrogen in the medium, organic nitrogen in sapwood and N2 from air, on the biomass of the mentioned basidiomycetes were determined in experiments according to full-factorial experimental plans. Organic nitrogen in the medium increased the growth of both basidiomycetes significantly. In additional experiments, the nitrogen source in the medium was replaced by an inoculum of B. acida. Then, atmospheric N2 supported the bacterial growth, which caused a significant decrease of basidiomycetal biomass compared to N2-free conditions. The presence of B. acida increased the biomass of T. versicolor to a low extent, but had no effect on the biomass of O. placenta. In contrast to the previously mentioned organisms, Hypholoma fasciculare and proteobacteria occur together in nature. In experiments, the growth of biomass of H. fasciculare and proteobacteria was supported by organic nitrogen, urea and ammonium chloride. The N2 fixation of the bacteria was significant but amounted to a low extent and was therefore explained by adsorption and not by nitrogenase activity. Competition between H. fasciculare and proteobacteria for the same nitrogen sources appeared more probable than N enrichment by diazotrophic activity.
86
Saprotrophic basidiomycetes decompose wood in aerobic environments and can cause economic damage. The availability of nitrogen is determining for decomposition, and diazotrophic bacteria might enhance the nitrogen availability by fixation of atmospheric N2. Simultaneous decomposition by basidiomycetes and diazotrophs may intensify decomposition, because N2 fixation requires ATP, which could be provided during cellulose decomposition. In this study, the interaction was analysed by measurements of the nitrogen content and the δ15N values in biomass. Besides, the activity of basidiomycetes, influenced by different nitrogen sources, was determined. The analysis of the nitrogen content in biomass of Oligoporus placenta and Trametes versicolor proved the efficient uptake of organic nitrogen by wood-decomposing fungi even if only traces were available. In the presence of urea and ammonium chloride, the growth of T. versicolor was intensified. At cultivations in a 15N2/O2 atmosphere, the diazotrophic bacteria Azotobacter croococcum, Beijerinckia acida and Novosphingobium nitrogenifigens covered 1 to 13% of the nitrogen in their biomass by N2 fixation. If basidiomycetes and diazotrophs were co-cultivated, only B. acida fixed N2 and transferred it to both fungi. A. croococcum and N. nitrogenifigens did not coexist with the fungi. The effects of the nitrogen sources, i.e., organic nitrogen in the medium, organic nitrogen in sapwood and N2 from air, on the biomass of the mentioned basidiomycetes were determined in experiments according to full-factorial experimental plans. Organic nitrogen in the medium increased the growth of both basidiomycetes significantly. In additional experiments, the nitrogen source in the medium was replaced by an inoculum of B. acida. Then, atmospheric N2 supported the bacterial growth, which caused a significant decrease of basidiomycetal biomass compared to N2-free conditions. The presence of B. acida increased the biomass of T. versicolor to a low extent, but had no effect on the biomass of O. placenta. In contrast to the previously mentioned organisms, Hypholoma fasciculare and proteobacteria occur together in nature. In experiments, the growth of biomass of H. fasciculare and proteobacteria was supported by organic nitrogen, urea and ammonium chloride. The N2 fixation of the bacteria was significant but amounted to a low extent and was therefore explained by adsorption and not by nitrogenase activity. Competition between H. fasciculare and proteobacteria for the same nitrogen sources appeared more probable than N enrichment by diazotrophic activity.
85
The present thesis provides a contribution to the solution of the inverse heat conduction problem in welding simulation. The solution strategy is governed by the need that the phenomenological simulation model utilised for the direct solution has to provide calculation results within short computational time. This is a fundamental criterion in order to apply optimisation algorithms for the detection of optimal model parameter sets. The direct simulation model focuses on the application of functional-analytical methods for solving the corresponding partial differential equation of heat conduction. In particular, volume heat sources with a bounding of the domain of action are applied. Besides the known normal and exponential distribution, the models are extended by the introduction of parabolically distributed heat sources. Furthermore, the movement on finite specimens under consideration of curved trajectories has been introduced and solved analytically. The calibration of heat source models against experimental reference data involves the simultaneous adaptation of model parameters. Here, the global parameter space is searched in a randomised manner. However, an optimisation pre-processing is needed to get information about the sensitivity of the weld characteristics like weld pool dimension or objective function due to a change of the model parameters. Because of their low computational cost functional-analytical models are well suited to allow extensive sensitivity studies which is demonstrated in this thesis. For real welding experiments the applicability of the simulation framework to reconstruct the temperature field is shown. In addition, computational experiments are performed that allow to evaluate which experimental reference data is needed to represent the temperature field uniquely. Moreover, the influence of the reference data like fusion line in the cross section or temperature measurements are examined concerning the response behaviour of the objective function and the uniqueness of the optimisation problem. The efficient solution of the inverse problem requires two aspects, namely fast solutions of the direct problem but also a reasonable number of degrees of freedom of the optimization problem. Hence, a method was developed that allows the direct derivation of the energy distribution by means of the fusion line in the cross section, which allows reducing the dimension of the optimisation problem significantly. All conclusions regarding the sensitivity studies and optimisation behaviour are also valid for numerical models for which reason the investigations can be treated as generic.
83
Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) has been applied for the analysis of biomolecules due to its high sensitivity, wide linear dynamic range, and multielement capabilities. However, outside the elemental MS community the potential of this technique, e.g. for life sciences applications, is not yet fully exploited. Thus, the development of ICP-MS-based (immuno) assays for a wide range of medical (cancer diagnostics, cisplatin toxicity studies), biochemical (DNA microarray, single cell analysis), and environmental (analysis of comestible goods) applications was accomplished by utilization of chemical labels. Laser ablation (LA)-ICP-MS was employed for the direct analysis of solid samples like microarrays and thin tissue sections. An immunoassay was developed for ochratoxin A (OTA) determination in wine, and ICP-MS detection was compared to conventional photometry by gold nanoparticle tagging and horseradish peroxidase, respectively. Detection limits of the assay were optimized to 0.003 μg L-1, and the quantification range was 0.01–1 μg L-1 for both methods. For LA-ICP-MS-based DNA microarray detection, gold nanoparticle tags were specifically introduced via a streptavidin-biotin linkage. In immunohistochemistry (IHC), up to 20 tumor markers are routinely evaluated for one patient and thus, a common analysis results in a series of time consuming staining procedures. Hence, LA-ICP- MS was elaborated as a detection tool for a novel, multiplexed IHC analysis of tissue sections. Different lanthanides were employed for the simultaneous detection of up to three tumor markers (Her 2, CK 7, and MUC 1) in a breast cancer tissue. Additionally, iodine was employed as a labeling reagent, and a new LA-ICP-MS method for single cell and cell nucleus imaging was developed at 4 μm laser spot size. Iodine was also applied as a new internal standard for tissue samples. Moreover, Pt-protein complexes separated by an optimized 1D and 2D gel electrophoresis were analyzed by LA-ICP-MS. The high spatial resolution of this technique was further demonstrated in a current study of cisplatin toxicity and renal protective strategies in rat kidney tissue by detecting platinated proteins.
77
The motivation of this study was to pursue effective eco-friendly and economical flame retarded polymer materials. With wide-ranging advantages such as improved fire and physical properties, halogen-free and relatively low cost, layered silicate / epoxy nanocomposite (EP_LS) was targeted for high efficiency of flame retardancy. One main goal of this study was to increase the understanding of the flame retardancy phenomenon in EP_LS by assessing the shielding effect of the protection layer experimentally and quantitatively. Another main goal of this study was to optimize the flame retardancy by the shielding effect in EP_LS.
71
Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites of ubiquitously occurring moulds. Through the consumption of contaminated foods, they can cause acute or chronic intoxications in humans. Here, it is demonstrated how covalent hydrazine chemistry can be used to improve the performance of instrumental methods for the quantification of trace level food mycotoxins. In the case of the Alternaria mycotoxin tenuazonic acid, pre-column derivatisation with 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine resolved chromatographic issues due to the chemical properties of the analyte and allowed for its rapid, sensitive and selective quantification in cereals and beer by high performance liquid chromatography- ion-trap two stage mass spectrometry (HPLC-IT-MS2). Tenuazonic acid could be detected for the first time in beer and buckwheat flour. Although the encountered levels were too low to cause acute intoxications, the frequency of contamination indicated possible health risks due to chronic exposure. In a second scenario, dynamic covalent hydrazine chemistry (DCHC) was exploited for a novel extraction and cleanup method applicable to the Fusarium mycotoxin zearalenone occurring in edible oils. Zearalenone was extracted by hydrazone formation on a hydrazinefunctionalised polymer resin and subsequently released hydrolytically for quantification by HPLC-fluorescence detection (HPLC- FLD). The high selectivity of the approach allowed for the omission of MS detection and immunoaffinity cleanup. The DCHC method was superior to previously published methods in terms of handling efforts, cost, precision and selectivity and is well suited for the monitoring of the current European maximum level for zearalenone in refined maize oil. In the second part of the dissertation, possible degradation routes of Alternaria mycotoxins upon storage and bread baking are discussed. In the frame of a kinetic study, it was shown that tenuazonic acid is degraded by two parallel processes, deacetylation and epimerisation, when stored in aqueous solution (half-life at 25 °C ~ 74 days). The primary degradation product deacetyl tenuazonic acid was less stable than its parent compound and degraded rapidly in beverage matrices. In model baking experiments it was furthermore revealed that alternariol, alternariol monomethyl ether and altenuene are stable under typical baking conditions. A newly identified degradation route, which is based on a sequence of hydrolysis and decarboxylation, caused only minor substance losses (< 1 %). Still, the degradation products could be detected in commercial rusk and crispbread by HPLC-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS).
69
Different amino group carrying surfaces, prepared by spin coating, self-assembly and plasma polymerization, were successfully investigated by XPS and NEXAFS. Amino groups were derivatized with the widely used primary amino group tags, PFB and TFBA, prior to analysis. Primary amino group quantification was then carried out according to the spectroscopic data. The gas-phase derivatization reactions of PFB and TFBA were also studied in order to understand their reaction behaviour, the spectral differences they cause and the time required for reaction completion. For the determination of maximum reaction yields of gas-phase surface derivatizations, a set of liquid-phase derivatization reactions was carried out. The selected amino compounds with a different degree of steric hindrance were reacted with PFB and TFBA. The yields (78-89%) were accepted as the upper limit of the gas- phase surface derivatizations. Thin films were prepared by spin coating of 4,4’-methylenebis(2,6-diethylaniline) on Si wafers and were reacted with the markers at 50ºC. The saturation time was found to be 15 min. for both reactions. XPS measurements showed the formation of a CF3 or C-F peak and a BE shift of the corresponding C=N group indicating a successful reaction. The NEXAFS results supported the XPS data by showing a sharp π*(C=N) resonance. The CF3 and C-F resonances were observed in the σ* region. The yields of the reactions were calculated from the component areas of the high resolution XP N1s spectra and from the [F]/[N] ratios. The surface amino groups were calculated from the stoichiometry and from the XP survey scans. The results were consistent with each other and showed a yield of 80-90% for PFB and 60-70% for TFBA. Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of different terminal groups were prepared and investigated with XPS and NEXAFS. The spectral properties of aliphatic and aromatic SAMs were compared to the reference surfaces of poly(allylamine) and 4,4’-methylenebis(2,6-diethylaniline) spin coated on Si wafers. NEXAFS was used to determine the orientation of SAMs. An angle resolved NEXAFS was applied at the C K-edge in order to prove a successful SAM deposition on Au. The intense peaks in the difference spectra are due to the polarization dependence in the orbital responsible for the NEXAFS resonance showing a successful bond/functional group orientation. The gas-phase surface derivatization of two amino terminated SAMs, 4-aminophenylbutane-1-thiolate and 11- amino-1-undecanethiol, were studied. 4-aminophenylbutane-1-thiolate was derivatized with TFBA whereas 11- amino-1-undecanethiol with PFB at room temperature for 90 min. The stoichiometrical data were compared to the atomic percentages obtained from the XPS spectra and the results were consistent with each other. The yields of the reactions (60-80%) were obtained from the high resolution N1s spectra. Since a certain number of spectra had to be acquired to reach reasonable S/N ratios, a considerable danger of beam damage in the NEXAFS measurements occurs. The potential radiation damage effects on the C and N K- edge of 11-amino-1-undecanethiol film on Au was studied. The spectral differences before and after 1 h radiation exposure were investigated. The intensities of resonances related to unsaturated species such as C=C and C=N were increased for the C K-edge spectra. The NEXAFS N K-edge spectra of 11-amino-1-undecanethiol film showed no significant irradiation effect. Plasma deposited allylamine samples were successfully investigated by XPS and NEXAFS. Primary amino group quantification on plasma deposited allylamine surfaces was carried out by derivatization after plasma deposition. TFBA and PFB showed side reactions when plasma polymerization was used. Due to the radical mechanisms, C- F bond cleavages followed by HF releases occurred resulting in a second peak formation in XP F1s spectra. PFB derivatized surfaces suffer more from the C-F bond cleavage since fluorinated aromatic molecules are highly susceptible to nucleophilic aromatic substitution. Potential X-ray beam damage of TFBA was studied by a 10 h XPS measurement and showed a fluorine degradation. Due to the short measurement times, X-ray beam damage can be neglected. Since HF release on the TFBA surfaces are lower in percentage, it was used as the marker reagent for the coupling reactions. A series of samples deposited at 20W, 0.5 duty cycle and 15 Pa were derivatized to determine the time required for saturation (90 min.). Plasma polymerized allylamine samples with different duty cycle, power and pressure values were prepared in order to study the effects of external plasma parameters on the primary amino group retention. The [CF3] area percentages, obtained from the high resolution XP C1s spectra, vs. plasma parameter variations were compared. Duty cycle, power and pressure variation experiments showed the same trend on amino group retention. The more the plasma conditions move from mild to hard, the more rearrangements occur on the surface. Milder plasma conditions promote the retention of amino groups originating from the allylamine monomer. QEA (Quantitative Elemental Analysis) and PFA (Peak Fit Analysis) methods were used for the quantification of surface amino groups, depending on the XPS data. The results of two data evaluation methods were compared by using a Youden plot showing no deviation. NEXAFS was used along with XPS in order to study plasma parameter effects on amino groups. As being sensitive against unsaturated moieties, NEXAFS was successfully applied to plasma deposited allylamine surfaces. An increase in fragmentation rate due to a variation in plasma parameters was followed by intensity changes in NEXAFS C K-edge spectra. An inter-laboratory comparison of hydroxyl group determination on plasma surfaces was carried out. Hydroxyl groups on polypropylene foil, treated with oxygen plasma at 100 W for 90 s, were coupled with TFAA. The surfaces were investigated with XPS and the [OH] amount on the surfaces was calculated by QEA and PFA methods showing a 33% deviation between the two methods. CD-XPS is applied successfully in order to determine different functional groups on the thin film surfaces. However, a validated derivatization procedure, which can be easily applied in each lab, should be established. The used hardware and the peak fitting procedures of XPS should be defined in detail for the validation. The sample inhomogeneity and the effects of beam damage play a role on the deviations of the results. The surface thickness should be optimized for consistency. By the derivatization reactions, the surface amino groups are successfully quantified. As the next step, the studied surfaces can be used for potential biological applications, such as coupling the available amino groups with DNA or stem cells.
64
This thesis reports on the development of a system for distributed strain measurement in silica optical fibers. The system was developed to provide a solution for monitoring the structural health of river embankments with a measurement length > 5 km and a spatial resolution < 5 m. It is based on stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS), a nonlinear optical effect which converts the mechanical strain of an optical fiber into a frequency shift of the backscattered light of an optical signal. The measurement technique that is employed and significantly advanced within this work is the Brillouin optical frequency domain analysis (BOFDA). Prior to this work, this technique had been presented as a laboratory setup providing its proof of concept; however, at this development stage, the technique had been limited in performance, theoretical foundation, integrability and robustness for real-life applications when compared to the state-of-the-art Brillouin optical time domain analysis (BOTDA). The thesis comprises the theoretical background of the measurement system, advancements regarding its implementation into a practically applicable device – including the proposal of techniques for performance enhancements in signal processing – as well as the evaluation of the system performance in experimental studies. First, the physical nature of SBS in optical fibers is analyzed. Here, special focus is set on the frequency domain properties of the interaction between the optical signals, which provides a deep understanding of the system behaviour in the special case of distributed measurements in the frequency domain. The BOFDA technique is then presented with a thorough analysis from a system point of view and considerations on its implementation in a practical setup. The laboratory setup is presented with all components and different aspects of advancement in accuracy and efficiency over the state of development prior to this work, along with representative measurement results. As the major advancement regarding the system implementation, a digital approach to frequency domain measurements is presented, with a system description, a demonstrator setup and measurement results. A detailed analysis of the physical occurrences within the system that lead to a limitation of its spatial resolution is given, founding on the description of SBS earlier in the thesis. It comprises a novel point of view on the measurement artifacts that degrade frequency domain measurements of SBS; a connection to corresponding studies that apply to the BOTDA technique is made. From here, a novel approach to overcome the limitations by means of signal correction in post-processing is presented. Finally, the application of the measurement system in dike monitoring is presented. A method for integrating optical fibers into geotextiles is introduced, together with considerations on the coating material and handling on construction sites. By presenting several experimental tests in the laboratory and the field, the feasibility of the system for monitoring of the structural health of river embankments is confirmed. With the advancements achieved within this work, the BOFDA technique meets the specifications in accuracy and resolution of state-of-the-art BOTDA devices, while offering new perspectives in terms of dynamic range, robustness and cost efficiency.
63
Experimental investigation and CFD simulation of organic peroxide pool fires (TBPB and TBPEH)
(2010)
Time averaged mass burning rate (m˙′′f ), flame length (H), temperature (T ), irradi- ance (E) and surface emissive power (SEP ) of TBPB (tert -butyl peroxybenzoate) and TBPEH (tert-butyl peroxy-2-ethylhexanoate) pool fires are measured for six pool di- ameters (d = 0.059 m, 0.107 m, 0.18 m, 0.5 m, 1 m and 3.4 m) at BAM in house and outside test facility. The measured heats of combustion (–Δhc) of TBPB and TBPEH are 30113 kJ/kg and 34455 kJ/kg and the specific heat capacities at constant pressure (cp) are 1.8 kJ/(kg K) and 2.1 kJ/(kg K) respectively. The measured m˙′′f of TBPB and TBPEH pool fires are in the range of 0.37 kg/(m2 s)≤ m˙ ′′ f ≤ 0.83 kg/(m2 s) and show little dependence on the pool diameter d, and are four to sixty times higher (for d = 1 m) than that of hydrocarbon pool fires. It is shown that the mass burning rates of the investigated organic peroxides can be represented as an exponential function of the self-accelerating decomposition temperature (SADT). Low SADT implies that the organic peroxide pool fires burn at a much higher m˙′′f than hydrocarbon pool fires. Fuel Froude numbers (Frf) of TBPB and TBPEH are 5 to 100 times (depending on d) higher than for hydrocarbon pool fires. Due to higher Frf the H of TBPB and TBPEH (measured with a S-VHS Videocamera) are found to be two times larger (d = 1 m) than corresponding pool fires of hydrocarbons. Heskestads flame length correlation predicts the Hd (d = 3.4 m) of TBPB and TBPEH pool fires much better than Thomas and Fay correlations. The measured time averaged flame temperatures T (d = 3.4 m) for TBPB and TBPEH pool fires are in the range of 1400 K ≤ T ≤ 1500 K and are 200 K to 300 K higher than for JP-4, kerosene and gasoline. The irradiances of the TBPB and TBPEH pool fires measured by radiometers are E (Δy/d = 0.3) = 45 kW/m2 and E = 98 kW/m2 which are two to ten times higher in comparison to the corresponding n-pentane, super gasoline and diesel pool fires. So the thermal safety distances for organic peroxide pool fires are larger by a factor four in comparison to the hydrocarbon pool fires. An infrared thermography system is used for the determination of SEP of TBPB and TBPEH pool fires. The values of surface emissive power for TBPB and TBPEH are SEP (d = 3.4 m) = 196 kW/m2 and SEP = 258 kW/m2 and thus the SEP are by a factor of approximately two higher than for hydrocarbon pool fires. A self-sustained pulsating Hd (’W’-Effect) is found in TBPB pool flames and is further analysed to explain the reason of occurance on the basis of chemical structure of the fuel and discontinuous heat flux back from flame to the liquid pool. CFD simulations of TBPB and TBPEH pool fires at d = 0.18 m, 0.5 m, 1 m, 3.4 m and 8 m are carried out using the Unsteady Reynolds Averaged Navier Stokes (URANS) equa- tions. The three-dimensional geometries have been discritized with unstructured hybrid grids, with the number of cells in the range of 1 million. Depending on the grid resolu- tion and the pool diameter time steps of 0.0001 s ≤ Δt ≤ 0.01 s for the CFD simulations are used. For solving the discritized equations a finite volume based implicit solver AN- SYS CFX has been used. For modelling the combustion, stoichiometric combustion for both peroxides are assumed. The temperature dependence of the reaction rate has been determined by the Arrhenius approach. For modelling the combustion eddy dissipation concept (EDC) model has been used. For turbulence buoyancy modified k- � and SAS (Scale Adaptive Simulation) turbulence models are used. For the thermal radiation and soot mass fraction discrete transfer radiation model and Magnusson soot model have been used. A new method is suggested for the prediction of mass burning rate (m˙′′f ) by CFD simula- tion. Both peroxide pool fires show approximately constant mass burning rate indepen- dent of d whereas m˙′′f of TBPEH are under predicted at the beginning but show relatively good agreement with measurements for large pool diameters (d = 1 m). In case of TBPB the CFD simulation over predicts the mass burning rate m˙′′f of small TBPB pool fires and shows a continuous decrease with d. CFD predicts the flame length H close to the measured data provided that the constants in Thomas equation are modified. The CFD predicted time averaged surface emission flame temperatures of TBPB and TBPEH pool fires (d = 3.4 m, 1437 K and 1542 K) are in good agreement with the measured time averaged flame temperatures. The CFD predicted SEP for TBPB and TBPEH pool fires (d = 3.4 m, 217 kW/m2 and 288 kW/m2) are also in agreement with the measured values. From the CFD predicted irradiance ECFD it is possible to determine the thermal safety distances from large pool fires of hydrocarbons and organic peroxides.
60
Slip-rolling resistance of novel Zr(C,N) thin film coatings under high Hertzian contact pressures
(2010)
The present work was carried out within the framework of my four years activities as a scientific co-worker in the Working Group Tribological Optimization; Failure Analysis; Extreme Exposure in the division Tribology and Wear protection (VI.2) of the BAM Federal Institute for Materials Research and testing in Berlin, Germany and generously funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG WO521/6-1). First of all, I would like to express my sincere thanks to my supervisor Dr.-Ing. Mathias Woydt, head of the aforementioned working group, who gave me the opportunity to start my professional development, initiated and intensively supported this PhD work as well as accepted to take part in thesis committee. Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Walter Reimers, Chairman of the Institute for Materials Science and Technology of the Technical University of Berlin (TU Berlin), is also gratefully thanked for his interest in the thesis subject, for helpful comments and suggestions as well as for agreeing to participate in the referee of this work. I would like to thank also Prof. Dr.-Ing. Claudia Fleck, Chairman of the Material Engineering Department (Fachgebiet Werkstofftechnik) of the Technical University Berlin (TU Berlin), for assuming the chairmanship of the thesis committee. All the staff of the tribology division is also greatly acknowledged for bringing a pleasant working environment. Dr. Dirk Spaltmann is particularly thanked for the helpful discussions as well as for his assistance in English formulation. Dipl.-Ing. Manuel Reichelt and my bureau colleague Dr.-Ing. Géraldine Theiler will find here my many thanks for promoting constantly a good working atmosphere. Sigrid Binkowski and Dipl.-Ing. Norbert Kelling are also gratefully acknowledged for their constant and helpful technical support. André Otto is also thanked for his substantial administrative support. My sincere thanks go to Dr. rer. nat. (and “by the way” world and olympic champion in eights rowing) Ilona Dörfel (BAM V.1, Composition and Microstructure of Engineering Materials) for performing the highly relevant TEM investigations as also Heidemarie Rooch, and Ing. Wolfgang Gesatzke for the specific preparation of the samples. Furthermore, I greatly appreciate the contributions of Dr.-Ing. Vasile-Dan Hodoroaba, Birgid Strauß, Sigrid Benemann and Dipl.-Phys. Thomas Wirth (BAM VI.4) for their valuable contributions in microscopy analysis and to Dr.-Ing. Eric Wild (TU Berlin) for the substantial residual stress analysis of the coatings. Acknowledgement is also due to Dr. Thomas Chudoba from ASMEC GmbH for performing hardness measurements with his QCSM module. Thanks are surely extended to Fundación Tekniker, specifically Josu Goikoetxea and Dr. Javier Barriga for the manufacturing of the coatings in industrial deposition chambers and to the machining shop BAM Z.5 for the specimens preparation. Last, but by no means the least, I would like to thank all my friends for their support and to all the people who helped me directly or indirectly in my doctoral work and/or for my pleasant German adaptation. My very special thanks (du fond du coeur) go to my beloved parents Marie-Hélène (What is Tribology?) and Gérard (I miss you so much) and “of course” to my bright (and sometimes nerve-racking) sister Sophie, for everlasting encouragement and plenty of good advices in a wide range of domains. Ania, especially for your contribution in the decision of pursuing my “German experiment”.
59
Plasma chemical methods are well suited for introducing functional groups to the surface of chemically inert polymers such as polyolefins. However, a broad variety of functional groups is often formed. Unfortunately, for further chemical processing such as grafting of molecules for advanced applications a highly dense and monotype functionalized polyolefin surface is needed. Therefore, the main task was to develop a selective surface functionalization process, which forms preferably one type of functional groups at the surface in high and variable concentration. Amongst the novel plasma methods, the under-water plasma process (UWP) is one of most attractive to solve the problem of monotype functionalization. Such plasma is an efficient source of ions, electrons, UV-radiation, high frequency shock waves, radicals such as hydroxyl radical and reactive neutral molecules such as hydrogen peroxide, hydrogen and oxygen. It was found that underwater plasma and the closely related glow discharge electrolysis are interesting new methods for polymer surface functionalization. An effective modification into the topmost surface chemistry of polymer layer was observed by the collective effect of wet-chemistry, electrochemistry, atmospheric gas discharges, irradiation, and shock waves. Underwater capillary discharge was seen more effective in -OH functionalization and was largely seen as a flow dominated process because of the shock wave turbulences. Using such water-based plasma a fraction of 25-40% of all O-functional groups was produced as OH-groups in comparison to <10% OH produced in the oxygen low- pressure plasma. The exact concentration of the OH functionality was studied by TFAA gas phase derivatization and measuring the respective fluorine concentration by photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). In contrast to established gas phase glow discharge processes, the water phase absorbs and therefore limits the particle and radiation energy and thus the energy input into the polymer. Extensive oxidation, degradation, cross-linking and radical formation in the polymer is more limited than under gas plasma exposure because of the liquid water environment, which moderates high energetic plasma species. The variety of plasma produced species in the water phase is also much smaller because of the limited reaction possibilities of the plasma with water. The possibility to admix a broad variety of chemical additives makes underwater plasma additionally highly attractive for the chemist. At last, the water removes all low-molecular weight oxidized products formed by plasma-induced polymer degradation. Hydrogen peroxide and the catalyst (Fe-ZSM5) should influence or increase the equilibrium concentration of OH radicals in the underwater process. It was supposed that these radicals play the most important role for OH functionalization of polyolefin surfaces. Hydrogen peroxide was believed to be the most prominent precursor for OH group formation in the UWP. The catalyst should modulate the steady state of OH group formation and recombination, and thus accelerate the functionalization. This was confirmed by an increased oxidation rate. Owing to the detection limit of XPS the C-O bond selectivity was defined as clearly resolvable subpeak within the C1s signal assigned to C-OH, C-O-C and other singly C-O bonded species. This bondamounts 47 C-O bonds/100 O atoms with pure UWP system and enhances to a maximum of the 81 C-O bonds/100 O atoms using the Fe-ZSM5 catalyst system. Therefore, this method exhibits a great progress for a start. However, after TFAA derivatization the fraction of desired OH groups could not be significantly increased. In the continuation acetic acid, acrylic acid, maleic and itaconic acid were used as additive monomers. The chemical selectivity in -COOH bond formation using bi-carboxylic additives was seen inferior. Acetic acid is not a chemically polymerizing monomer but it could polymerize by monomer/molecular fragmentation and recombination to a cross linked layer. The other monomers form preferably water-soluble polymers on a preferred chemical way. Only the fragmented fraction of these monomers could form an insoluble coating by cross linking to substrate. The XPS analysis was used to track the alterations in COO- bond percentage on the PP surface. To identify the -COOH groups on substrate surface unambiguously, which have survived the plasma polymerization process, the gas phase derivatization with trifluoroethanol was performed. A much higher yield in COOH groups was achieved using the glow discharge electrolysis and acrylic acid.
49
With increasing environmental awareness and the general need to economise on the use of fossil fuels, there is growing pressure for industry to produce lighter, more efficient, gas turbine engines. One such material that will help to achieve these improvements is the intermetallic gamma titanium aluminide (γ-TiAl) alloy. At only half the density of current nickel-based superalloys its weight saving capability is highly desirable, however, its mechanical properties have not yet been fully explored especially, when it is to be considered for structural components in aeronautical gas turbine engines. Critical components in these engines typically experience large variations in temperatures and multiaxial states of stress under non-isothermal conditions. These stress states are known as tri-axial thermo-mechanical fatigue (TMF). The work presented here investigates the effects these multi-axial stresses, have on a γ- TiAl, (Ti-45Al-5Nb-0.2B-0.2C) alloy under TMF conditions. The uniaxial, torsional and xialtorsional TMF behaviour of this γ-TiAl alloy have been examined at 400 – 800oC with strain amplitudes ranging from 0.15% to 0.7%. The tests were conducted at both thermomechanical in-phase (IP) and out-of-phase (OP). Selected tests additionally contained a 180 seconds hold period. Fatigue lifetimes are strongly influenced by the strain amplitude, a small increase in amplitude reduces the lifetime considerably. The uniaxial IP tests showed significantly longer fatigue lifetimes than of all the tests performed. Torsional loading although have shorter fatigue lifetimes than the uniaxial IP loading they have longer fatigue lifetimes than the uniaxial OP loading. The non-proportional axial-torsional 90 degree OP test is most damaging which resulted in a shorter lifetime than the uniaxial OP test with the same Mises equivalent mechanical strain amplitude. A hold period at maximum temperatures reduced the lifetime for all tests regardless of the temperature-strain history. The effects of TMF on the microstructure were also investigated. For all types of tests intergranular fracture is predominant. Failure is strongly influenced by environmental conditions. This study compares TMF results of TiAl with previous TMF investigations on the nickelbased alloys IN 738 and Nimonic 90. IN 738 shows similar TMF behaviour to γ-TiAl in that uniaxial IP loading has the longest fatigue lifetimes. Nimonic 90 shows the opposite behaviour to both of these alloys. A lifetime model developed for this near-γ-TiAl alloy, successfully describes all temperaturestrain TMF loading conditions over the test temperature range, with the use of a single loading parameter. The loading parameter is based on the plastic work per cycle, and is not only dependant on the mean tensile stress but also on the maximum principal stress. The loading parameter responds to various strain-temperature-paths differently. It describes the lifetime relation between uniaxial IP and OP loading, axial and torsional loading and the hold period effect.
40
The objective of the present thesis is to make advancements in understanding solidification crack formation in aluminum welds, by investigating in particular the aluminium 6060/4043 system. Alloy 6060 is typical of a family of Al-Mg-Si extrusion alloys, which are considered weldable only when using an appropriate filler alloy such as 4043 (Al-5Si). The effect of 4043 filler dilution (i.e. weld metal silicon content) on cracking sensitivity and solidification path of Alloy 6060 welds are investigated. Afterwards, cracking models are developed to propose mechanisms for solidification crack initiation and growth. Cracking Sensitivity. Building upon the concept that silicon improves weldability and that weldability can be defined by a critical strain rate, strain rate-composition combinations required for solidification crack formation in the Al- 6060/4043 system were determined using the newly developed Controlled Tensile Weldability (CTW) test utilizing local strain extensometer measurements. Results, presented in a critical strain rate – dilution map, show a crack – no crack boundary which reveals that higher local strain rates require higher 4043 filler dilution to avoid solidification cracking when arc welding Alloy 6060. Using the established crack - no crack boundary as a line of reference, additional parameters were examined and their influence on cracking characterized. These parameter influences have included studies of weld travel speed, weld pool contaminants (Fe, O, and H), and grain refiner additions (TiAl3 + Boron). Each parameter has been independently varied and its effect on cracking susceptibility quantified in terms of strain rate – composition combinations. Solidification Path. Solidification path of the Al-6060/4043 system was characterized using thermal analysis and phase identification. Increasing 4043 filler dilution from 0 to 16% in Alloy 6060 arc welds resulted in little effect on thermal arrests and microstructure, no effect on solidification range, refinement in grain size from 63 to 51 μm, centerline columnar grains disappearance, and decreased cooling rate from 113 to 89 °C/s. Moreover, in order to make direct comparison with literature, castings of controlled mixtures of alloys 6060 and 4043 were also investigated, thereby simulating weld metal composition under controlled cooling conditions. Castings showed a different trend than welds with small increases in silicon content (i.e. increase in 4043 filler dilution) resulting in huge effect on microstructure, no effect on liquidus temperature, drop in solidus temperature from 577°C to 509°C, increase in quantity of interdendritic constituent from 2% to 14%, and different phase formation. Binary β-Al5FeSi, Mg2Si, and Si phases are replaced with ternary β-Al5FeSi, π−Al8FeMg3Si6, and a low melting quaternary eutectic involving Mg2Si, π, and Si. Also, variation of the cooling conditions in castings revealed the existence of a critical cooling rate, above which the solidification path and microstructure undergo a major change. Cracking Model. Implementing the critical conditions for cracking into the Rappaz-Drezet-Gremaud (RDG) model revealed a pressure drop in the interdendritic liquid on the order of 10-1 atm, originating primarily from straining conditions. Since, according to literature, a minimum of 1,760 atm is required to fracture pure aluminum liquid (theoretical), this demonstrates that cavitation as a liquid fracture mechanism is not likely to occur, even when accounting for dissolved hydrogen gas. Instead, a porosity-based crack initiation model has been developed based upon pore stability criteria, assuming that gas pores expand from pre-existing nuclei. Crack initiation is taken to occur when stable pores form within the coherent dendrite region, critical to crack initiation being weld metal hydrogen content. Following initiation, a mass-balance approach developed by Braccini et al. (2000) revealed that crack growth is controlled by local strain rate conditions. Finally, a simplified strain partition model provides a link between critical strain rates measured across the weld and predicted at grain boundaries within the mushy zone. Although based on simplified assumptions, predicted and measured critical strain rate values are of the same order of magnitude. However, because of a longer mushy zone experienced at higher 4043 filler dilution related to a reduction in cooling rate, these models predict a lower weldability with increasing filler dilution, in contradiction with experimental observations. Combining the crack initiation and growth models suggests that hydrogen and strain rate, respectively, determine crack formation. An hypothetical hydrogen – strain rate map defines conceptually the conditions for cracking, suggesting better weldability at low weld metal hydrogen content. With the aid of the modified varestraint test (MVT) and a controlled hydrogen contamination system, results, presented in the form of ram speed – hydrogen map, revealed that hydrogen has little effect on crack growth, providing support to the proposed cracking models. However, a drop in weldability corresponding to the peak in weld metal hydrogen supersaturation suggests a different solidification cracking mechanism, where cavitation supports crack growth.
36
Most of the research on Hydrogen Assisted Cold Cracking (HACC) in high strength steel welds conducted over the last several decades has focused on single-pass welds, especially considering materials with yield strengths of about 700 MPa. Most of the weld procedure specifications, guidelines and standards targeted at HACC avoidance recommend preheating procedures. Application of such regulations to multi-pass welds of modern high strength structural steels with yield strengths of up to 1300 MPa is very limited. Actually there is no decent knowledge and only an empirical experience how to weld such joints in real components subjected to a respective shrinkage restraint. Consequently, an increasing number of failure cases, partly of catastrophic dimensions, have been reported in the present decade. The present contribution is targeted to close this knowledge gap by elucidating the principal effects of various inhomogeneous Hydrogen Removal Heat Treatment (HRHT) procedures on the HACC avoidance in high strength structural steel welds. As a typical representative in the upper yield strength range of this category of materials, a S 1100 QL weld using UNION X96 filler wire has been chosen. The results were achieved by indirectly coupled thermal, structural and hydrogen diffusion finite element modeling of HACC in single-layer and five-layer welded V-bevelled butt joints with plate thicknesses of 20.0 mm and 12.0 mm, respectively, at realistic restraint conditions and have been partly been confirmed by respective Instrumented Restraint Cracking (IRC) Tests. The numerical simulations are based on the interacting three local effects on HACC, i.e. local microstructure, local mechanical load and local hydrogen concentration. HACC has thus been regarded as a cracking phenomenon occurring, if the local mechanical load in a specific microstructure exceeds the limit for the respective hydrogen concentration. The various heat treatments proposed in literature, guidelines, specifications and standards, i.e. sole preheating, controlled interpass temperature, combined preheating and controlled interpass temperature application as well as postheating have been investigated with respect to their effects on the mechanical loading of the butt joints in terms of stresses and strains as well as on the hydrogen removal capabilities. As a particular item, a numerical model for Hydrogen Assisted Stress Corrosion Cracking (HASCC) has been developed further that it can be applied to HACC, in order to study, how such heat treatments influence crack initiation and propagation. By such modeling procedures as the most important results have been achieved: I. Further development and adaptation of a model for hydrogen assisted cracking to HACC and usage validation of the model for this material. II. Evaluation of the effects of pre- and postheating as well as interpass temperature on the stress-strain distribution in multi-pass welds. III. Clarification of the difference between single- and multi-pass welding with respect to stress-strain and hydrogen distribution as well as to HACC initiation and propagation. IV. Establishment of practical hydrogen removal heat treatment diagrams. V. Assessment of the effects of the amount of hydrogen picked up during welding on crack location and propagation.
35
The behavior of amorphous polymers in contact with gas atmospheres is still an area of both fundamental scientific and applied industrial research. Applications range from the use as barrier materials or protective coatings to active layers in sensor applications (‘artificial nose’) and the large field of gas separation membranes. In all these applications, high concentrations of small penetrant molecules may lead to a plasticization of the polymer. This effect is utilized in processing applications, where supercritical carbon dioxide (CO2) can be used as a plasticizer.4 The phenomenon of penetrant induced plasticization of glassy polymers is also observed in gas separation membranes.5 In the process of natural gas sweetening, the CO2 content of the gas mixture is reduced by separation of the CO2 from the fuel gas methane (CH4) to avoid corrosion of pipelines and to enhance the fuel value. Solubility and diffusivity of the respective gas determine the separation performance of the membrane material, i.e., the permselectivity. Both parameters are connected to the internal structure of the polymer and its free volume. To achieve high throughputs, e.g. to enhance costeffectiveness, it is desirable to increase the CO2 solubility and mobility. However, the observed plasticization and the associated relaxations in the polymer matrix change its structure and free volume, and thereby affect the selectivity of the material.6 In addition, other properties of the polymer are influenced, e.g. a reduction of glass transition temperature,7 yield stress8 and creep compliance9 have been observed. The origin and mechanism of these structural relaxations are poorly understood, as are the factors that influence solubility and mobility of the plasticizing penetrant. This lack of knowledge leads to a development of new or optimized materials, which is in part determined by trial and error. A deeper understanding of the phenomena that accompany gas sorption on the molecular level is therefore needed to control material properties and enable a targeted design of functional materials. Therefore, in this work, laboratory experiments are combined with detailed atomistic molecular simulations. Modelling. In detailed atomistic molecular modeling, the interactions of an assembly of atoms, e.g. a polymer molecule, are calculated according to known physical laws. Several established analysis methods allow an indirect determination of certain properties of such assemblies, others can even be directly calculated.10 However, CPU-power limits both the size and the simulation time of such assemblies. The size of the simulated packing models used in this work (_ 5000 atoms) ranges among the larger models found in the literature. Forcefield based Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations are calculated in femtosecond steps, but reliable results are usually not obtained until a nanosecond of net simulation time has been performed. Millions of interactions need to be calculated, making the time effort for these ‘virtual experiments’ comparable to laboratory experiments. However, increasing speed of single processors and the possibility of parallel processing will further reduce the evaluation times for such simulations in the future. The goal of computer simulations is therefore to establish reliable methods to predict material properties. Properties of new materials could then be assessed by simulations first and only the most promising materials need to be synthesized for further testing, reducing the expense of trial and error. Although some methods already exist to predict polymer/gas properties from simulations, which show well agreeing results in ideal circumstances, they frequently fail when applied to less moderate conditions, e.g., high penetrant concentrations, long time scales, large penetrants etc. The aforementioned gas induced plasticization of polymers presents such a case where the gap of time scales between experiment and available simulation time amounts to several orders of magnitude. The time scale of simulations is limited to a few nanoseconds and therefore it is not possible to directly simulate relaxations of the glassy matrix as they are observed experimentally. Experiments, on the other hand, yield results of the real macroscopic system, and though molecular details cannot be observed individually, the accumulated effects permit the analysis through models on a statistical or phenomenological basis. It is the aim of this work to survey new approaches of a combined analysis of experimental and modelling results and to establish, where possible, a convergence of boundary conditions or, alternatively, an identification and isolation of comparable aspects of these seemingly incompatible methods of research. To this effect, phenomenological models are utilized as a means of interpretation of experimental data as well as to construe modelling results.
34
Bone diseases, such as osteoporosis and osteoarthritis, are the second most prevalent health problem worldwide. In Germany approximately 5 millions people are affected by arthritis. Investigating biomineralization processes and bone molecular structure is of key importance for developing new drugs for preventing and healing bone diseases. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) [2] was the primary technique used due to its advantages in characterising poorly ordered and disordered materials [3]. Compared to all the diffraction techniques that widely applied in structural investigations, the usefulness of NMR is independent of long range molecular order. This makes NMR an outstanding technique for studies of complex/amorphous materials. Conventional NMR experiments (single pulse, spin-echo, cross polarization (CP) [4], etc.) as well as their modifications and high-end techniques (2D HETCOR [5], REDOR [6], etc.) were used in this work. Combining the contributions from different techniques enhances the information content of the investigations and can increase the precision of the overall conclusions. Also XRD, TEM and FTIR were applied to different extent in order to get a general idea of nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite crystallite structure. Results: - A new approach named “Solid-state NMR spectroscopy using the lost I spin magnetization in polarization transfer experiments” [7] has been developed for measuring the transferred I spin magnetization from abundant nuclei, which is normally lost when detecting the S spin magnetization. - A detailed investigation of nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite core was made to prove that proton environment of the phosphates units and phosphorus environment of hydroxyl units are the same as in highly crystalline hydroxyapatite sample. - Using XRD it was found that the surface of the hydroxyapatite nanocrystals is not completely disordered, as it was suggested before, but resembles the hydroxyapatite structure with HPO4 2-(and some CO3 2-) groups instead of PO4 3- groups and water instead of OH- groups. - The organic-mineral interface of bone was studied in order to clarify which organic molecules are in the closest spatial proximity to the bone mineral phase and to investigate the influence of the organic matrix on the mineral formation. It was found that most probably these molecules are glycosaminoglycan rather than a protein.
31
The objective of this work is to demonstrate the practical application and sensitivity of ultrasound as a high frequency Dynamic Mechanical Analysis DMA technique for the characterisation of polymers. Conventional DMA techniques are used to determine thermo mechanical behaviour of polymers by typically employing dynamic shear or tensile loading modes at defined frequencies between 0.1 and 50 Hz. Sound waves may also be employed for DMA applications and depending on type of wave propagated, shear G´, G´´ and longitudinal L´, L´´ storage or loss modulus and tan (δ) may be determined from the measured acoustic parameters sound velocity and amplitude. The primary advantage of ultrasound DMA is that due to the compact sensor size it can easily be integrated into most manufacturing processes. To demonstrate the sensitivity of ultrasound to variations in the viscoelastic properties of polymers, the acoustic properties of a cured epoxy with an observed glass transition temperature of 86 °C (tan(δ) peak, 1Hz) were monitored in a temperature range from 20 to 200 °C and compared to conventional DMA results. The influence of measurement frequency, dispersion, hysteresis, reflections at material boundaries, and changes in material density on the measured sound velocity and amplitude were taken into account. To support conclusions a wide range of experimental data was evaluated using sensors operating in the frequency ranges 400 to 800 kHz and 3 to 6 MHz. The ultrasound results are compared to the tensile moduli E´, E´´ and tan(δ) measured using a conventional DMA technique operating at 0.1 to 33 Hz. Using different evaluation strategies such as the Williams Landel Ferry WLF equation it was possible to study the sensitivity of wave propagation to variations in the viscoelastic behaviour of a polymer. Taking advantage of this background knowledge, further experimental results are presented with the aim of demonstrating the sensitivity of this technique for cure monitoring applications and to the material transformations: gelation and vitrification. For this purpose an epoxy resin was cured at a range of constant temperatures whereby the curing reaction and the corresponding change in viscoelastic properties were monitored. Analysis techniques employed included ultrasound at 3 to 6 MHz, Differential Scanning Calorimeter DSC and Rheometry at 1 Hz. All results were summarised and presented graphically. Additionally an Arrhenius relationship was employed enabling direct comparison of results obtained from analysis techniques based on different working principles. Using this information, it was possible to demonstrate the practical application and the sensitivity of this technique to even small changes in viscoelastic properties of polymers.
30
The ability to reliably predict the amount and type of salts within a wet masonry is one of the most important and challenging subjects in the field of non-destructive combat of salt attack and preserving buildings and monuments of historical or archaeological value. To investigate the potential value of complex resistivity (CR) measurements for the early detection of salt and moisture related stone altering, a controlled salt type and concentration experiment series has been performed and a new procedure of an image based effective impedance modelling developed. Complex resistivity magnitude and phase measurements in the frequency range of 1 mHz to 100 Hz were acquired on a wide variety of wholly and partially brine saturated building stone samples. Deteriorating agents NaCl, Na2SO4, CaCl2 and MgSO4 were used. Since water and salt are not measured directly, the method is incapable of deducing possible building damages lacking a priori information. In the case of saturated materials, and provided thorough calibration data are available, a reliable estimate of salt concentration is possible from the measured resistivity magnitude. Additional indication on the dominant cation in the solution can be obtained from the measured resistivity phase, which is significantly higher the lower its valency. Furthermore, the measurements reported in this study give an important guide to the limitations of CR in obtaining pore surface area and pore throat estimates. For wet porous materials, in which polarization occurs due to complex surface conduction, the dominant pore throat and amount of specific surface affect its polarizability. Sandstones, sand-limestones and aerated concretes are more qualified observation objects (pore throats between 20 and 100 μm), whereas for bricks (pore sizes often < 5 μm) the method seems far less favorable. For those materials, which exhibit a Cole-Cole (C-C) type of relaxation, the phase peak is observed to decrease significantly with pore throat size and to occur at higher frequencies. The predicted power-law correlation between the C-C relaxation time and characteristic length scale (pore throat size for consolidated materials) is supported by the presented data. The experimental salinity study reveals how responsive polarization (in terms of imaginary conductivity) is to changing the ionic concentration or composition of the pore fluid. The properties of the electrical double layer and particularly its chemical composition are most likely the crucial controlling factors. The imaginary conductivity is observed to increase for most materials up to fluid salinities of about 1 S/m - a fact, that may be attributed to a mechanism of ion saturation within the electrical double layer; further ion supply seems to counteract this leading to ion-ion interactions, which decrease ionic mobility. CR measurements on partially saturated samples demonstrate the method’s sensitivity to water content. For most materials the imaginary conductivity component decreased significantly faster than the real component. Independent of the pore fluid and even though its salinity naturally increased during the evaporative drying procedure, the normalized saturation exponent of the quadrature component was about twice as high as the real one especially for clay-rich sandstones. The results revealed diverse behavior such as decreases and increases in relaxation time with saturation. In some cases a suppression of a distinctive relaxation curve at low saturations was observed. The results indicate, that contrary to conclusions from recent related studies, the correlation between a C-C relaxation time and hydraulic properties may be limited. In order to infer information on the charge distributions within the EDL, zeta-potentials and surface charge densities were obtained from electroacoustic measurements on particle suspension containing the same amounts and types of salt like used in the brine saturation CR study. The results add weight to the assumption that there is some universal positive relationship between zeta-potential and imaginary conductivity. A notable dependence of imaginary conductivity on diffuse layer surface charge was only observed in case of one sandstone (Cottaer), this being the material with the most abundant clay content. An image based effective impedance modelling approach revealed the fact that, even though it is not able to factor scale effects in, it is helpful to study general microstructural implications on CR responses. It was observed, that an increasing salt concentration (that creates a shrinking electrical double layer) reduces the peak phase and moves it towards higher frequency. The same effect would have an increasing fluid conductivity for a otherwise fixed microstructure. For some combinations of material and salt, however, in the experimental work the peak phase was observed to shift towards lower frequency: a phenomenon that could not be explained with the modelling. Therefore, it is assumed that chemical properties, like ion mobilities or other surface chemistry properties (ionexchange processes) must be regarded to conclusively explain surface conductivity mechanisms. Other experimental observations like the alteration of CR spectra at desaturation could likewise be modelled. If these models truly mimic the effective electrical properties, the results give new implications on the effective medium behavior. Concluding, the author values the complex resistivity method as a possible effective non-destructive testing (NDT) tool for a wide range of building stones. Depending on pore size and saturation important additional information can be obtained. In all cases, a priori information and calibration data are essential, that is, CR should not be treated as a stand-alone method. Further measurements are needed to develop a more complete model of the electrical double layer and its alteration with changing salinity and ion types.
27
This thesis proposes a design of experiment for testing and evaluation of the equipment and the methods used in manual mine clearance. The thesis is based on several metal detector trials and a trial of manual demining methods. The core of this dissertation comprises four metal detector trials performed in Germany and Croatian in 2003 and 2005. The purpose of these trials was to investigate the feasibility of the tests described in the CWA (Comité Européende Normalisation/CEN/Workshop Agreement) 14747:2003, the standard for testing metal detectors for humanitarian demining. The goals of the trials were: to find an appropriate design of experiment for testing metal detectors; to establish the use of ROC diagrams (Receiver Operating Characteristics) and POD curves (Probability of Detection) in the analysis of the experimental results; and to gain practical experience in organising and conducting metal detector trials. Apart of this thesis is devoted to a trial of manual demining methods performed in Mozambique in 2004. The main goal of that trial was to compare the speed of various manual demining methods, including the most common excavation methods. The outcome of this work is the proposals and recommendations for an update of the standard for testing metal detectors CWA 14747:2003. Maximum detection height measurements were performed as a part of the metal detector trial carried out in Croatiain2005. The results reveal a high variability of the maximum detection height. This high variability needs to be taken into account in all experiments. Apart of the variability is caused by the differences between the operators and by the setup of the metal detector. It is therefore recommended that two kinds of experiments with the maximum detection height as a response variable are defined in the next update of CWA 14747:2003. The first kind should include the setup, the soil and the operator as factors in the design of experiment. The in-soil measurements with the same detector should be performed with repeated setups and with several operators. The second kind of experiments should be experiments evaluating the influence of other predictor variables. In those experiments, it is recommended to perform one-factor or multiple-factor in-air measurements with the operators and the setup as a block. The main part of the metal detector trials described in this thesis was the detection reliability tests. Detection reliability tests as described in CWA14747:2003 come closest to representing the real field conditions in demining. They include many environmental influences and, most importantly, many of the human factor influences. However, each test design is a compromise between fully representative conditions and cost effectiveness. In this thesis, a fractional factorial design based on the Graeco-Latin square is proposed as a solution to the experimental problem. The results are reported in the form of ROC diagrams and POD curves. The crossover design enables each operator to work with fewer detector models with in a certain time. The variations of the design enabled an unbiased comparison of detectors in each soil and with each target model separately. It is recommended that the solutions proposed in this thesis be incorporated in the standard CWA14747:2003. It has been shown that maximum detection heights measurements provide the information about the best possible performance of a metal detector in are liability test.
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This thesis presents a new strategy and a spatial method for the geometric calibration of 3D measurement devices at the micro-range, based on spatial reference structures with nanometer-sized landmarks (nanomarkers). The new method was successfully applied for the 3D calibration of scanning probe microscopes (SPM) and confocal laser scanning microscopes (CLSM). Moreover, the spatial method was also used for the photogrammetric self-calibration of scanning electron microscopes (SEM). In order to implement the calibration strategy to all scanning microscopes used, the landmark-based principle of reference points often applied at land survey or at close-range applications has been transferred to the nano- and micro-range in the form of nanomarker. In order to function as a support to the nanomarkers, slopeshaped step pyramids have been developed and fabricated by focused ion beam (FIB) induced metal deposition. These FIB produced 3D microstructures have been sized to embrace most of the measurement volume of the scanning microscopes. Additionally, their special design allows the homogenous distribution of the nanomarkers. The nanomarkers were applied onto the support and the plateaus of the slope-step pyramids by FIB etching (milling) as landmarks with as little as several hundreds of nanometers in diameter. The nanomarkers are either of point-, or ring-shaped design. They are optimized so that they can be spatially measured by SPM and CLSM, and, imaged and photogrammetrically analyzed on the basis of SEM data. The centre of the each nanomarker serves as reference point in the measurement data or images. By applying image processing routines, the image (2D) or object (3D) coordinates of each nanomarker has been determined with subpixel accuracy. In contrast to the spatial reference structures applied for the spatial calibration method introduced here, present calibration methods for scanning microscopes use sequential measurements of 2D lattice and height step structures. This means that the determination of the scale factor for the height measurement yields an average value for the full scan area. Thus, the height scale factor remains independent of the lateral scanning position, and, therefore, it will be impossible to determine the coupling of the lateral coordinate axes and the z-axis as a shear factor with the sequential calibration method. On this account, an affine geometrical model has been used here, that allows for scale factors in all space directions, and, for coupling between all coordinate axes. With the help of the correlative analysis of the measurement data of all measurement methods applied (SPM, CLSM and photogrammetric SEM), for the first time, all scale factors, as well as the linear coupling of the probes used for the height measurement could be determined dependent on the lateral scanning position. It could be shown that the scanning movement of the SPM and the CLSM is erroneous. Due to hysteresis effects and guidance errors of the scanning generators, due to errors and peculiarities of the control cycle, and because of misaligned attachment of the probe with respect to the scanning plane, the measurement coordinate system is not identical to the ideal reference coordinate system. Scale and orthogonality of the measurement coordinate system have to be calibrated and corrected, in order to maintain the traceability to the SI-unit meter, and, therefore, to allow for quantitative dimensional 3D measurements. However, the correlative analysis of the SPM, CLSM and photogrammetric SEM measurement data after 3D calibration resulted in mean residues in the measured coordinates of as little as 13 nm. Without the coupling factors the mean residues are up to 6 times higher. By taking into account the orthogonality of the measurement coordinate axes when performing a 3D calibration, a comparative and quantitative analysis of 3D scanning microscopy has been made possible.
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A new algorithm for detection of longitudinal crack-like indications in radiographic images is developed in this work. Conventional local detection techniques give unsatisfactory results for this task due to the low signal to noise ratio (SNR ~ 1) of crack-like indications in radiographic images. The usage of global features of crack-like indications provides the necessary noise resistance, but this is connected with prohibitive computational complexities of detection and difficulties in a formal description of the indication shape. Conventionally, the excessive computational complexity of the solution is reduced by usage of heuristics. The heuristics to be used, are selected on a trial and error basis, are problem dependent and do not guarantee the optimal solution. Not following this way is a distinctive feature of the algorithm developed here. Instead, a global characteristic of crack-like indication (the estimation function) is used, whose maximum in the space of all possible positions, lengths and shapes can be found exactly, i.e. without any heuristics. The proposed estimation function is defined as a sum of a posteriori information gains about hypothesis of indication presence in each point along the whole hypothetical indication. The gain in the information about hypothesis of indication presence results from the analysis of the underlying image in the local area. Such an estimation function is theoretically justified and exhibits a desirable behaviour on changing signals. The developed algorithm is implemented in the C++ programming language and testet on synthetic as well as on real images. It delivers good results (high correct detection rate by given false alarm rate) which are comparable to the performance of trained human inspectors.
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The epoxy/metal interface regions are recognized as crucial for the mechanical reliability of composite materials. In particular, the spatial stress distribution is governed by modulus variations, which may result from the physical-chemical interactions between epoxy and the metal surface. The properties of the interphase between bulk polymer and metal were analyzed in nanometer scale. It was aimed to characterize the stiffness gradient of the polymeric interphase, which was formed by a thermoset being cured in contact with a metal surface.
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Many new technologies are based on applications in extreme conditions, such as at low temperatures or in hydrogen environment. This involves new requirements on material properties, in particular regarding their operability and reliability. To fulfil this demand, the tribological behaviour of PTFE- and PEEK-matrix composites filled with carbon fibres were investigated at cryogenic temperatures and in hydrogen by means of surface analyses. For a better understanding of the tribological behaviour, and because of the temperature-dependent characteristics of polymer materials, thermal and mechanical properties of selected composites were initially investigated at low temperatures. Thermal shock experiments as well as cryo- and hydrogen treatments were carried out. Different coefficients of thermal expansion within the composite lead to debondings of particles, particularly in the case of PTFE materials. Tensile tests indicate that the YOUNG'S modulus increases at T= 77 K compared to room temperature. However, this improvement at low temperatures is moderate for PEEK composite which is already under its glass transition at room temperature. In the main investigation, tribological experiments were carried out at first at T= 77 K to observe the influence of the matrix, fillers and fibres on the material behaviour comparing to room temperature. The reduction of the friction coefficient and wear at low temperatures has been attributed to the low temperature properties of the polymer in particular due to the higher YOUNG'S modulus at T= 77 K. Whereas at room temperature friction and wear depend strongly of the CF content, the quantity of fillers and fibres does not have a significant effect on the tribological behaviour at low temperatures. At T= 77 K, the tribological behaviour of PTFE and PEEK composites is mainly influenced by the matrix. PEEK composites have a better tribological performance than PTFE materials especially regarding the wear resistance. Furthermore, the influence of the cryogenic medium was determined with experiments carried out in LN2 (T= 77 K), LH2 (T= 20 K) and LHe (T= 4.2 K), as well as in helium at T= 77 K and hydrogen at room temperature. The thermal properties of the cryogenic medium have a significant influence on the tribological performances of the composites. Due to the lower frictional heat at low sliding speed, the effect of low temperatures on the tribological behaviour of these composites was more clearly detected in this case, with a change in wear mechanism from mainly adhesive to more abrasive. Experiments in LN2 give the best friction and wear performance at low as well as at high sliding speed. The behaviour of these composites in LHe does not benefit from the low temperature properties of polymers due to the low heat of evaporation of LHe. The influence of hydrogen was particularly seen after the tribological experiments performed in LH2 on the surface of the disc. The reduction effect of hydrogen may have an influence on the tribochemical reactions which appear during sliding, enhancing the formation of iron fluorides, but no influence of the metal fluorides on the tribological performance could be determined in this study.
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In this work the influence of shock waves on organic liquids with and without bubbles is investigated. The experiments were performed in a new experimental setup with the help of high speed photography and pressure measurements. The apparatus consisted of a cylindrical autoclave with a bubble generator at its bottom. For the creation of a detonation wave a tube was installed on the top of the autoclave. The following parameters were varied: The distance between neighboring bubbles, the composition of the gaseous mixture inside the bubbles, the initial pressure of the system, the initial bubble size, and the organic liquid (cyclohexane, 2-ethylhexanal, cumene, and methanol). Two different types of bubble explosion were observed. Their main difference is the length of their ignition delay. The bubble explosion type I takes place during the first oscillation after the shock wave impact. Further important results about this type of explosion refer to: - the explosion range in relation to the composition of the gas mixture within the bubble as well as to the initial bubble size. - the direct ignition of a bubble by a shock wave emitted by a nearby bubble explosion. Such a phenomenon is experimentally observed for the first time. - the shock induced ignition of gas bubbles containing an initially non explosive fuel-lean gas mixture. Optical recordings of jet penetration into the bubble prove that shock wave induced enrichment in vapor of the surrounding liquid is an important stage before the ignition. - the observation of bubble explosion type I in all the investigated liquids. - the mechanism of bubble explosion type I. The bubble explosion type II takes place with much longer ignition delay. It was observed under certain conditions only. An explosion mechanism is proposed on the basis of the experimental results. According to this mechanism, even non explosive fuel-rich gaseous bubbles can become explosive due to partial condensation of the fuel. A further group of results refer to cavitation phenomena inside the liquid and to shock induced phenomena on the surface. Additionally, the explosion limits of gaseous cyclohexane in pure oxygen at elevated pressures and temperatures were determined. The safety engineering aspects of the experimental results are discussed.
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Modelling and simulation of light propagation in non-aged and aged step-index polymer optical fibres
(2005)
This thesis discusses theoretical and practical aspects of modelling of light propagation in non-aged and aged step-index polymer optical fibres (POFs). Special attention has been paid in describing optical characteristics of non-ideal fibres, scattering and attenuation, and in combining application-oriented and theoretical approaches. The precedence has been given to practical issues, but much effort has been also spent on the theoretical analysis of basic mechanisms governing light propagation in cylindrical waveguides. As a result a practically usable general POF model based on the raytracing approach has been developed and implemented. A systematic numerical optimisation of its parameters has been performed to obtain the best fit between simulated and measured optical characteristics of numerous non-aged and aged fibre samples. The model was verified by providing good agreement, especially for the non-aged fibres. The relations found between aging time and optimal values of model parameters contribute to a better understanding of the aging mechanisms of POFs.
4
Replacement of expensive duplex stainless steel and conventional carbon steel by a new generation of supermartensitic stainless steel has been taken into account since the last decade corresponding to the "Fitness for Purpose" concept in order to meet the technical- economical challenge for transportation flowlines of unprocessed oil and gas products in offshore technology, in particular. Supermartensitic stainless steels can provide appropriate material properties such as: improved strength-to-weight ratio, enhanced useful corrosion resistance as well as application at relatively low cost. With decreased carbon content and increased molybdenum content compared to traditional martensitic stainless steel, hydrogen assisted stress corrosion cracking (HASCC) problems have been found during service caused by hydrogen being taken up during from sour service environments by cathodic protection. Hydrogen assisted cold cracking in supermartensitic stainless steel can also occur during fabrication welding with hydrogen picked up during welding, since this steel is relatively crack-susceptible by hydrogen. Therefore, effects of hydrogen assisted cracking (HAC), i.e. HASCC and HACC, on characteristic susceptibility of girth welds of supermartensitic stainless steel pipelines are studied in the present thesis by numerical modelling, which is developed using a available commercial finite element program. Firstly, numerical modelling for simulation of HASCC based on the NACE-TM 0177-96 approach is carried out for providing a basic understanding of the crack propagation behaviour. Secondly, a two dimensional finite element according to the gauge length cross-section of the orbitally welded pipeline is created for numerical modelling in order to calculate the time to failure of welded the component exposed to the NACE electrolyte solution with various H2S saturation. Externally applied loads of a series of constant strain rates and of the load history of full scale testing are also taken into account. Finally, numerical modelling is carried out under three specific aspects, i.e. thermal analysis, structural analysis, and hydrogen diffusion analysis, in order to simulate HACC in supermartensitic stainless steel pipelines welded orbitally by four layers of matching filler wires with an interpass temperature of 40°C.
2
Novel fibre optic sensor (FOS) systems maintaining fibre Bragg gratings (FBG) are finding wide application for health monitoring of large-scale structures such as dams, bridges, towers, as well as aircrafts, robots, automotive vehicles, and in composite technology. The principal advantage of such type of sensors is that the measured information is wavelength encoded (an absolute quantity). The main advantages include small size, immunity against electromagnetic field, good resolution, high sensitivity, and possibility to work in adverse environment. Especially small dimensions of the sensor allow its application for investigation of composite materials. The use of sensors enables to get information in areas, where other sensors would affect the structure or the material. On the other hand, it is important to keep signal stability of the sensor to the measured value of interest and obtain reliable data. Intimate embedment produces, however, additional perturbations affecting optical fibre sensor such as general mechanical stress, microbending, bending, and point-wise transverse load, which result in such undesirable sensor signal changes as attenuation, birefringence, spectrum broadening, sideband increasing, or small wavelength shift. No reliable knowledge about those effects and their consequences to the measured signal could be found in literature. This lack of knowledge led to the motivation of this work. The thesis discusses behaviour of uniform short-period fibre Bragg grating signal under before mentioned perturbing influences. The main accent is made onto theoretical and experimental study of additional mechanical perturbations: point-wise transverse indentation, and microbending, arising at sensor operation depending on the grating integration type and measurement purpose. Response of this type of gratings (unapplied and integrated in/on the object to be mesaured) to the axial strain and composite-integrated gratings to the temperature is also investigated. Problems arising from the sensor fixing on/in the object to be measured are considered.