Stability of numerical schemes on staggered grids

This paper considers the stability of explicit, implicit and Crank-Nicolson schemes for the one-dimensional heat equation on a staggered grid. Furthemore, we consider the cases when both explicit and implicit approximations of the boundary conditions arc employed. Why we choose to do this is clearly motivated and arises front solving fluid flow equations with free surfaces when the Reynolds number can be very small. in at least parts of the spatial domain. A comprehensive stability analysis is supplied: a novel result is the precise stability restriction on the Crank-Nicolson method when the boundary conditions are approximated explicitly, that is, at t =n delta t rather than t = (n + 1)delta t. The two-dimensional Navier-Stokes equations were then solved by a marker and cell approach for two simple problems that had analytic solutions. It was found that the stability results provided in this paper were qualitatively very similar. thereby providing insight as to why a Crank-Nicolson approximation of the momentum equations is only conditionally, stable. Copyright (C) 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

An implicit technique for solving 3D low Reynolds number moving free surface flows

This paper describes the development of an implicit finite difference method for solving transient three-dimensional incompressible free surface flows. To reduce the CPU time of explicit low-Reynolds number calculations, we have combined a projection method with an implicit technique for treating the pressure on the free surface. The projection method is employed to uncouple the velocity and the pressure fields, allowing each variable to be solved separately. We employ the normal stress condition on the free surface to derive an implicit technique for calculating the pressure at the free surface. Numerical results demonstrate that this modification is essential for the construction of methods that are more stable than those provided by discretizing the free surface explicitly. In addition, we show that the proposed method can be applied to viscoelastic fluids. Numerical results include the simulation of jet buckling and extrudate swell for Reynolds numbers in the range [0.01, 0.5]. (C) 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The Stern-Gerlach Phenomenon According to Classical Electrodynamics

We present a description of the Stem-Gerlach type experiments using only the concepts of classical electrodynamics and the Newton`s equations of motion. The quantization of the projections of the spin (or the projections of the magnetic dipole) is not introduced in our calculations. The main characteristic of our approach is a quantitative analysis of the motion of the magnetic atoms at the entrance of the magnetic field region. This study reveals a mechanism which modifies continuously the orientation of the magnetic dipole of the atom in a very short time interval, at the entrance of the magnetic field region. The mechanism is based on the conservation of the total energy associated with a magnetic dipole which moves in a non uniform magnetic field generated by an electromagnet. A detailed quantitative comparison with the (1922) Stem-Gerlach experiment and the didactical (1967) experiment by J.R. Zacharias is presented. We conclude, contrary to the original Stern-Gerlach statement, that the classical explanations are not ruled out by the experimental data.

Reversible and irreversible magnetization components behavior in Ni nanowires

Polycrystalline Ni nanowires were electrodeposited in nanoporous anodized alumina membranes with mean diameter of approximately 42 nm. Their magnetic properties were studied at 300 K, by measurements of recoil curves from demagnetized state and also from saturated state. M(rev) and M(irr) components were obtained and M(rev)(M(irr)) H curves were constructed from the experimental data. These curves showed a behavior that suggests a non-uniform reversal mode influenced by the presence of dipolar interactions in the system. A qualitative approach to this behavior is obtained using a Stoner-Wohlfarth model modified by a mean field term and local interaction fields. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Investigation of AISI 1040 steel corrosion H(2)S solution containing chloride ions by digital image processing coupled with in electrochemical techniques

This paper presents a study of AISI 1040 steel corrosion in aqueous electrolyte of acetic acid buffer containing 3.1 and 31 x 10(-3) mol dm(-3) of Na(2)S in both the presence and absence of 3.5 wt.% NaCl. This investigation of steel corrosion was carried out using potential polarization, and open-circuit and in situ optical microscopy. The morphological analysis and classification of types of surface corrosion damage by digital image processing reveals grain boundary corrosion and shows a non-uniform sulfide film growth, which occurs preferentially over pearlitic grains through successive formation and dissolution of the film. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A conformal invariant growth model

We present a one-parameter extension of the raise and peel one-dimensional growth model. The model is defined in the configuration space of Dyck (RSOS) paths. Tiles from a rarefied gas hit the interface and change its shape. The adsorption rates are local but the desorption rates are non-local; they depend not only on the cluster hit by the tile but also on the total number of peaks (local maxima) belonging to all the clusters of the configuration. The domain of the parameter is determined by the condition that the rates are non-negative. In the finite-size scaling limit, the model is conformal invariant in the whole open domain. The parameter appears in the sound velocity only. At the boundary of the domain, the stationary state is an adsorbing state and conformal invariance is lost. The model allows us to check the universality of non-local observables in the raise and peel model. An example is given.

Optical Characterization and Optimization of Display Components : Some Applications to Liquid-Crystal-Based and Electrochromics-Based Devices

This dissertation is focused on theoretical and experimental studies of optical properties of materials and multilayer structures composing liquid crystal displays (LCDs) and electrochromic (EC) devices. By applying spectroscopic ellipsometry, we have determined the optical constants of thin films of electrochromic tungsten oxide (WOx) and nickel oxide (NiOy), the films’ thickness and roughness. These films, which were obtained at spattering conditions possess high transmittance that is important for achieving good visibility and high contrast in an EC device. Another application of the general spectroscopic ellipsometry relates to the study of a photo-alignment layer of a mixture of azo-dyes SD-1 and SDA-2. We have found the optical constants of this mixture before and after illuminating it by polarized UV light. The results obtained confirm the diffusion model to explain the formation of the photo-induced order in azo-dye films. We have developed new techniques for fast characterization of twisted nematic LC cells in transmissive and reflective modes. Our techniques are based on the characteristics functions that we have introduced for determination of parameters of non-uniform birefringent media. These characteristic functions are found by simple procedures and can be utilised for simultaneous determination of retardation, its wavelength dispersion, and twist angle, as well as for solving associated optimization problems. Cholesteric LCD that possesses some unique properties, such as bistability and good selective scattering, however, has a disadvantage – relatively high driving voltage (tens of volts). The way we propose to reduce the driving voltage consists of applying a stack of thin (~1µm) LC layers. We have studied the ability of a layer of a surface stabilized ferroelectric liquid crystal coupled with several retardation plates for birefringent color generation. We have demonstrated that in order to accomplish good color characteristics and high brightness of the display, one or two retardation plates are sufficient.

Um estudo de percolação em barragens de terra, em regimes permanente e transiente, com a aplicação do método de elementos finitos

Este trabalho apresenta um estudo de fluxo de água em barragens de terra, em regimes permanente e transiente, com a utilização do Método de Elementos Finitos. No estudo de fluxo em regime permanente duas formas de abordar o problema são apresentadas e comparadas. A primeira considera, para a discretização da malha de elementos finitos, somente a região saturada, de maneira que a linha freática é obtida através de ajustes desta malha de elementos finitos. A segunda considera toda a região saturada-insaturada, sendo discretizado todo o domínio físico da barragem. A malha de elementos finitos não é modificada ao longo das iterações e a linha freática é obtida por interpolação dentro dos elementos, em função dos valores nodais do potencial de pressões. O desenvolvimento teórico das equações utilizadas para as duas formas de abardagem é apresentado, mostrando onde elas diferem entre si. No estudo de fluxo em regime transiente é utilizado apenas o esquema de malha fixa de elementos finitos.

Análise dinâmica de vigas assimétricas em curva com parede fina e aberta submetidas a ação de carga móveis

Fundamentalmente, o presente trabalho faz uma análise elástica linear de pontes ou vigas curvas assimétricas de seção transversal aberta e de parede fina, com propriedades físicas, geométricas e raio de curvatura constantes ao longo do eixo baricêntrico. Para tanto, utilizaram-se as equações diferenciais de VLASOV considerando o acoplamento entre as deformações nas direções vertical, transversal, axial de torcão nal. Na solução do sistema de quatro equações com derivadas parciais foi utilizado um apropriado método numérico de integração (Diferenças Finitas Centrais). A análise divide-se, basicamente, em dois tipos: análise DINÂMICA e ESTATICA. Ambas são utilizadas também na determinação do coeficiente de impacto (C.M.D.). A primeira refere-se tanto na determinação das características dinâmicas básicas (frequências naturais e respectivos modos de vibração), como também na determinação da resposta dinâmica da viga, em tensões e deformações, para cargas móveis arbitrárias. Vigas com qualquer combinação das condições de contorno, incluindo bordos rotulados e engastados nas três direções de flexão e na torção, são consideradas. 0s resultados da análise teórica, obtidos pela aplicação de programas computacionais implementados em microcomputador (análise estática) e no computador B-6700 (análise dinâmica), são comparados tanto com os da bibliografia técnica como também com resultados experimentais, apresentando boa correlação.

Avaliação de métodos numéricos para precificação de derivativos: aplicação ao mercado brasileiro

Os objetivos deste trabalho foram (i) rever métodos numéricos para precificação de derivativos; e (ii) comparar os métodos assumindo que os preços de mercado refletem àqueles obtidos pela fórmula de Black Scholes para precificação de opções do tipo européia. Aplicamos estes métodos para precificar opções de compra da ações Telebrás. Os critérios de acurácia e de custo computacional foram utilizados para comparar os seguintes modelos binomial, Monte Carlo, e diferenças finitas. Os resultados indicam que o modelo binomial possui boa acurácia e custo baixo, seguido pelo Monte Carlo e diferenças finitas. Entretanto, o método Monte Carlo poderia ser usado quando o derivativo depende de mais de dois ativos-objetos. É recomendável usar o método de diferenças finitas quando se obtém uma equação diferencial parcial cuja solução é o valor do derivativo.

An online platform for real-time sensor data collection, visualization, and sharing

Sharing sensor data between multiple devices and users can be^challenging for naive users, and requires knowledge of programming and use of different communication channels and/or development tools, leading to non uniform solutions. This thesis proposes a system that allows users to access sensors, share sensor data and manage sensors. With this system we intent to manage devices, share sensor data, compare sensor data, and set policies to act based on rules. This thesis presents the design and implementation of the system, as well as three case studies of its use.

Performance and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens with different growth potential and submitted to heat stress

In order to evaluate the effects of broiler genotype and of heat exposure on performance, carcass characteristics, and protein and fat accretion, six hundred one-day-old male broilers were randomly assigned in a 2 x 3 factorial arrangement, according to the following factors: genetic group (selected and non-selected broilers) and pair-feeding scheme (Ad(32) - reared under heat stress and fed ad libitum; Ad(23) - reared at thermoneutrality and fed ad libitum; Pf(23) - reared at thermoneutrality and pair fed with Ad(32)), with a total of six treatments with four replicates of 25 birds each. Independent of pair-feeding scheme, selected broilers showed better feed conversion, higher carcass yield, and lower abdominal fat deposition rate. However, as compared to non-selected broilers, they reduced more intensively feed intake when heat exposed, which promoted significant breast-yield decrease, and more pronounced changes on carcass chemical composition. These findings allows concluding that, in both genetic groups, both environmental temperature and feed-intake restriction influence abdominal fat deposition rate and other carcass characteristics; however, the impact of heat exposure on broiler performance is more noticeable on the selected line.

Desenvolvimento de antenas de microfita e antenas DRA Broadband

The search for ever smaller device and without loss of performance has been increasingly investigated by researchers involving applied electromagnetics. Antennas using ceramics materials with a high dielectric constant, whether acting as a substract element of patch radiating or as the radiant element are in evidence in current research, that due to the numerous advantages offered, such as: low profile, ability to reduce the its dimensions when compared to other devices, high efficiency of ratiation, suitability the microwave range and/or millimeter wave, low temperature coefficient and low cost. The reason for this high efficiency is that the dielectric losses of ceramics are very low when compared to commercially materials sold used in printed circuit boards, such as fiberglass and phenolite. These characteristics make ceramic devices suitable for operation in the microwave band. Combining the design of patch antennas and/or dielectric resonator antenna (DRA) to certain materials and the method of synthesis of these powders in the manufacture of devices, it s possible choose a material with a dielectric constant appropriate for the design of an antenna with the desired size. The main aim of this work is the design of patch antennas and DRA antennas on synthesis of ceramic powders (synthesis by combustion and polymeric precursors - Pe- chini method) nanostructured with applications in the microwave band. The conventional method of mix oxides was also used to obtain nanometric powders for the preparation of tablets and dielectric resonators. The devices manufactured and studied on high dielectric constant materials make them good candidates to have their small size compared to other devices operating at the same frequency band. The structures analyzed are excited by three different techniques: i) microstrip line, ii) aperture coupling and iii) inductive coupling. The efficiency of these techniques have been investigated experimentally and compared with simulations by Ansoft HFSS, used in the accurate analysis of the electromagnetic behavior of antennas over the finite element method (FEM). In this thesis a literature study on the theory of microstrip antennas and DRA antenna is performed. The same study is performed about the materials and methods of synthesis of ceramic powders, which are used in the manufacture of tablets and dielectric cylinders that make up the devices investigated. The dielectric media which were used to support the analysis of the DRA and/or patch antennas are analyzed using accurate simulations using the finite difference time domain (FDTD) based on the relative electrical permittivity (er) and loss tangent of these means (tand). This work also presents a study on artificial neural networks, showing the network architecture used and their characteristics, as well as the training algorithms that were used in training and modeling some parameters associated with the devices investigated

Análise e síntese de antenas e superfícies seletivas de frequência utilizando computação evolucionária e inteligência de enxames

The frequency selective surfaces, or FSS (Frequency Selective Surfaces), are structures consisting of periodic arrays of conductive elements, called patches, which are usually very thin and they are printed on dielectric layers, or by openings perforated on very thin metallic surfaces, for applications in bands of microwave and millimeter waves. These structures are often used in aircraft, missiles, satellites, radomes, antennae reflector, high gain antennas and microwave ovens, for example. The use of these structures has as main objective filter frequency bands that can be broadcast or rejection, depending on the specificity of the required application. In turn, the modern communication systems such as GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications), RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and WiMAX, whose services are highly demanded by society, have required the development of antennas having, as its main features, and low cost profile, and reduced dimensions and weight. In this context, the microstrip antenna is presented as an excellent choice for communications systems today, because (in addition to meeting the requirements mentioned intrinsically) planar structures are easy to manufacture and integration with other components in microwave circuits. Consequently, the analysis and synthesis of these devices mainly, due to the high possibility of shapes, size and frequency of its elements has been carried out by full-wave models, such as the finite element method, the method of moments and finite difference time domain. However, these methods require an accurate despite great computational effort. In this context, computational intelligence (CI) has been used successfully in the design and optimization of microwave planar structures, as an auxiliary tool and very appropriate, given the complexity of the geometry of the antennas and the FSS considered. The computational intelligence is inspired by natural phenomena such as learning, perception and decision, using techniques such as artificial neural networks, fuzzy logic, fractal geometry and evolutionary computation. This work makes a study of application of computational intelligence using meta-heuristics such as genetic algorithms and swarm intelligence optimization of antennas and frequency selective surfaces. Genetic algorithms are computational search methods based on the theory of natural selection proposed by Darwin and genetics used to solve complex problems, eg, problems where the search space grows with the size of the problem. The particle swarm optimization characteristics including the use of intelligence collectively being applied to optimization problems in many areas of research. The main objective of this work is the use of computational intelligence, the analysis and synthesis of antennas and FSS. We considered the structures of a microstrip planar monopole, ring type, and a cross-dipole FSS. We developed algorithms and optimization results obtained for optimized geometries of antennas and FSS considered. To validate results were designed, constructed and measured several prototypes. The measured results showed excellent agreement with the simulated. Moreover, the results obtained in this study were compared to those simulated using a commercial software has been also observed an excellent agreement. Specifically, the efficiency of techniques used were CI evidenced by simulated and measured, aiming at optimizing the bandwidth of an antenna for wideband operation or UWB (Ultra Wideband), using a genetic algorithm and optimizing the bandwidth, by specifying the length of the air gap between two frequency selective surfaces, using an optimization algorithm particle swarm

Estudos e projetos de filtro interdigital em microfita para aplicação prática ao transponder do satélite ITASAT

This work shows a theoretical analysis together with numerical and experimental results of transmission characteristics from the microstrip bandpass filters with different geometries. These filters are built over isotropic dielectric substrates. The numerical analysis is made by specifical commercial softwares, like Ansoft Designer and Agilent Advanced Design System (ADS). In addition to these tools, a Matlab Script was built to analyze the filters through the Finite-Difference Time-Domain (FDTD) method. The filters project focused the development of the first stage of filtering in the ITASAT s Transponder receptor, and its integration with the others systems. Some microstrip filters architectures have been studied, aiming the viability of implementation and suitable practical application for the purposes of the ITASAT Project due to its lowspace occupation in the lower UHF frequencies. The ITASAT project is a Universityexperimental project which will build a satellite to integrate the Brazilian Data Collect System s satellite constellation, with efforts of many Brazilian institutes, like for example AEB (Brazilian Spatial Agency), ITA (Technological Institute of Aeronautics), INPE/CRN (National Institute of Spatial Researches/Northeastern Regional Center) and UFRN (Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte). Comparisons were made between numerical and experimental results of all filters, where good agreements could be noticed, reaching the most of the objectives. Also, post-work improvements were suggested.