An��lise da flu��ncia em vigas de concreto armado simplesmente apoiadas usando o m��todo dos elementos finitos

Reinforced concrete creep is a phenomenon of great importance. Despite being appointed as the main cause of several pathologies, its effects are yet considered in a simplified way by the structural designers. In addition to studying the phenomenon in reinforced concrete structures and its current account used in the structural analysis, this paper compares creep strains at simply supported reinforced concrete beams in analytical and in experimental forms with the finite element method (FEM) simulation results. The strains and deflections obtained through the analytical form were calculated with the Brazilian code NBR 6118 (2014) recommendations and the simplified method from CEB-FIP 90 and the experimental results were extracted from tests available in the literature. Finite element simulations are performed using ANSYS Workbench software, using its 3D SOLID 186 elements and the structure symmetry. Analyzes of convergence using 2D PLANE 183 elements are held as well. At the end, it is concluded that FEM analyses are quantitative and qualitative efficient for the estimation of this non-linearity and that the method utilized to obtain the creep coefficients values is sufficiently accurate.

Second-order cyclostationarity-based detection and classification of LTE SC-FDMA signals for cognitive radio

Cognitive radio (CR) was developed for utilizing the spectrum bands efficiently. Spectrum sensing and awareness represent main tasks of a CR, providing the possibility of exploiting the unused bands. In this thesis, we investigate the detection and classification of Long Term Evolution (LTE) single carrier-frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA) signals, which are used in uplink LTE, with applications to cognitive radio. We explore the second-order cyclostationarity of the LTE SC-FDMA signals, and apply results obtained for the cyclic autocorrelation function to signal detection and classification (in other words, to spectrum sensing and awareness). The proposed detection and classification algorithms provide a very good performance under various channel conditions, with a short observation time and at low signal-to-noise ratios, with reduced complexity. The validity of the proposed algorithms is verified using signals generated and acquired by laboratory instrumentation, and the experimental results show a good match with computer simulation results.

Uma janela tropical: an��lise do desempenho luminoso de ambientes com aberturas sombreadas para o clima de Natal/RN

This master thesis introduces assessment procedures of daylighting performance in office rooms with shaded opening, recommendations for Natal-RN (Latitude 05,47' S, Longitude 35,11' W). The studies assume the need of window exterior shading in hot and humid climate buildings. The daylighting performance analyses are based on simulated results for three levels of illuminance (300,500 e 1000 lux) between 08h00 e 16h00, in rooms with 2,80 m height, 6 m large and 4 m, 6 m e 8 m depths, with a centered single opening, window wall ratio (20%, 40% e 60%), four orientations (North, East, South and West), and two types of sky (clear and partially cloudy). The sky characteristics were statistically determined based on hourly data from INPE-CRN solar and daylighting weather station. The lighting performance is resulted from dynamic computer simulation of 72 models using Troplux 3.12. The simulation results were assessed using a new parameter to quantify the use of interior daylighting, the useful percentage of daylight (PULN), which corresponds to the time fraction with satisfactory light, in accordance with the illuminance design. The passive zone depths are defined based on the PULN. Despite the failures of illuminance data from the weather station, the analyses ratified the high potential of daylighting for shaded rooms. The most influential variables on the lighting performance are the opening size and the illuminance of design, while the orientation is a little influential

A methodology for building energy modelling and calibration in warm climates

PEDRINI, Aldomar; WESTPHAL, F. S.; LAMBERT, R.. A methodology for building energy modelling and calibration in warm climates. Building And Environment, Australia, n. 37, p.903-912, 2002. Dispon��vel em: <http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=MImg&_imagekey=B6V23-45HWPGF-2-41&_cdi=5691&_user=687335&_pii=S0360132302000513&_origin=search&_coverDate=09%2F30%2F2002&_sk=999629991&view=c&wchp=dGLzVtb-zSkzV&md5=f6342003b53dd1448e30308d082ba957&ie=/sdarticle.pdf>. Acesso em: 04 out. 2010.

Estudio num��rico y experimental de fen��menos hidrodin��micos que ocurren en bombas centr��fugas como turbinas

La tendencia mundial de administrar y operar a distancia las centrales hidroel��ctricas est�� obligando a los expertos a replantear los estrategias de monitoreo y diagn��stico de sus m��quinas -- Esto ha conducido tambi��n, a reducir el personal experto que reside in-situ y que se encarga de operar y mantener los sistemas t��cnicos, y adem��s de atender cualquier eventualidad que pueda ocurrir -- Por eso, desde hace ya varios a��os se han venido desarrollando sistemas expertos que puedan suplir las deficiencias del recurso humano -- Pero aunque tales sistemas han alcanzado niveles interesantes de independencia, a��n requieren del acompa��amiento de un experto que pueda interpretar las evidencias, emitir un diagn��stico y tomar una decisi��n -- Un ejemplo de los aspectos que a��n se deben perfeccionar, es el se las falsas alarmas que llegan a producir el efecto ���cry wolf��� y que terminan por inactivar el sistema -- Otra forma de enfrentar esta nueva din��mica de operaci��n es la de subcontratar el servicio de diagn��stico t��cnico, que puede dar resultados aceptables, pero no siempre en el caso de centrales hidroel��ctricas -- Las centrales por lo general se encuentran en sitios remotos y en ocasiones blindadas por condiciones geogr��ficas y climatol��gicas por lo que no es posible reaccionar r��pidamente para atender una eventualidad cuando el experto y sus instrumentos no est��n cerca -- Una soluci��n que resulta conveniente es de hecho, la centralizaci��n de la experticia para los servicios de monitoreo y diagn��stico t��cnico, soportados por una plataforma port��til e idealmente no-invasiva, que permanezca siempre junto a las m��quinas y que pueda ser consultada on-line -- De este modo una cantidad reducida de expertos tendr��n acceso permanente a las variables o s��ntomas que definen el estado t��cnico de la maquinaria; ellos se encargar��n de analizar las se��ales sintom��ticas, evaluar los resultados, emitir juicios y elaborar reportes ejecutivos que finalmente llegar��n a manos del administrador o persona encargada de la operaci��n -- Esta alternativa aliviar�� molestias relacionadas con los procesos de monitoreo y diagn��stico: instrumentaci��n/sens��rica, cableado, acondicionamiento de se��ales, adquisici��n digital de datos, procesamiento de se��ales, administraci��n y gesti��n de equipos, reporte de resultados, recomendaciones, etc. -- Este proyecto propone en dos etapas, el dise��o de una plataforma tecnol��gica que pueda soportar la alternativa mencionada -- En detalle, el dise��o de un sistema integrado de adquisici��n de datos que adem��s de ser port��til, modular y escalable, adecuado para monitoreo de las principales variables de diagn��stico de una central hidroel��ctrica; que aunque no incorpore un sistema experto, si ofrece las herramientas de an��lisis, diagn��stico y toma de decisiones del estado del arte

Influ��ncia de vari��veis arquitet��nicas no desempenho energ��tico de hot��is no clima quente e ��mido da cidade de Natal/RN

This master thesis aims to assess the influence of the design decisions on the energy building performance of hotels. The research is based on the integration of field study and computer simulation. Firstly, a detailed field study is carried out to identify the characteristics of hotels in Natal, Rio Grande do Norte. The items assessed are occupancies, light and equipment densities, types of air conditioning, total and monthly energy consumption, among others. A second and more comprehensive field study is carried out to identify the range of occurrence of architectural variables, with a larger number of buildings. A base case is modelled in VisualDOE, based on the first field study. Then, a first set of simulations are run to explore the sensitivity of the variables on the energy consumption. The results analyses were the base of a second set of simulations, which combined the most influential variables. The results of 384 models were assessed, and the impacts of design decisions were quantified. The study discusses tendencies and recommendations, as well as the methods advantages and disadvantages

Optimised wheat root architecture for increased yield and yield stability in the face of a changing climate.

This project provided information, selection techniques and strategies to facilitate the development of high-yielding, stay-green wheat varieties for Australian growers through: a) Improved understanding of the relationships between seminal root traits and other root- and shoot-related traits in determining high-yielding, stay-green phenotypes. b). Molecular markers and rapid phenotypic screening methods that allow selection in breeding programs and identification of genetic regions controlling favourable traits. c). Identification of traits leading to high-yielding, stay-green phenotypes for particular target populations of environments using computer simulation studies.

Implante neural controlado em malha fechada

One of the challenges to biomedical engineers proposed by researchers in neuroscience is brain machine interaction. The nervous system communicates by interpreting electrochemical signals, and implantable circuits make decisions in order to interact with the biological environment. It is well known that Parkinson���s disease is related to a deficit of dopamine (DA). Different methods has been employed to control dopamine concentration like magnetic or electrical stimulators or drugs. In this work was automatically controlled the neurotransmitter concentration since this is not currently employed. To do that, four systems were designed and developed: deep brain stimulation (DBS), transmagnetic stimulation (TMS), Infusion Pump Control (IPC) for drug delivery, and fast scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV) (sensing circuits which detect varying concentrations of neurotransmitters like dopamine caused by these stimulations). Some softwares also were developed for data display and analysis in synchronously with current events in the experiments. This allowed the use of infusion pumps and their flexibility is such that DBS or TMS can be used in single mode and other stimulation techniques and combinations like lights, sounds, etc. The developed system allows to control automatically the concentration of DA. The resolution of the system is around 0.4 ��mol/L with time correction of concentration adjustable between 1 and 90 seconds. The system allows controlling DA concentrations between 1 and 10 ��mol/L, with an error about +/- 0.8 ��mol/L. Although designed to control DA concentration, the system can be used to control, the concentration of other substances. It is proposed to continue the closed loop development with FSCV and DBS (or TMS, or infusion) using parkinsonian animals models.

Desenvolvimento de prot��tipo de aplicativo m��vel em Android�� para o controle e acompanhamento nutricional da sa��de ��ssea em mulheres menop��usicas

Following a drop in estrogen in the period of menopause some women begin to lose bone mass more than 1% per year reaching the end of five years with loss greater than 25%. In this regard, factors such as older age, low calcium intake and premature menopause favor the onset of osteoporosis. Preventive methods such as nutritional counseling to a proper diet and the support of technology through applications that assess dietary intake are essential. Thus, this study aimed to develop an application for Android�� platform focused on the evaluation of nutritional and organic conditions involved in bone health and risks for developing osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. To achieve this goal we proceeded to a study of 72 women aged 46-79 years, from the physical exercise for bone health of the Laboratory for Research in Biochemistry and Densitometry the Federal Technological University of Paran�� program. Data were collected in the second half of 2014 through tests Bone Densitometry and Body Composition, Blood Tests, Anthropometric data and Nutrition Assessment. The study included women with a current diagnosis of osteopenia or osteoporosis primary, aged more than 45 years postmenopausal. For the assessment of bone mineral density and body composition used the device Absorptiometry Dual Energy X-ray (DXA) brand Hologic Discovery TM Model A. For anthropometric assessment was included to body mass, height, abdominal circumference, Waist circumference and hip circumference. The instrument for assessing food consumption was used Recall 24 hours a day (24HR). The estimated intake of energy and nutrients was carried from the tabulation of the food eaten in the Software Diet Pro 4��. In a sub sample of 30 women with osteopenia / osteoporosis serum calcium and alkaline phosphatase tests were performed. The results demonstrated a group of women (n = 30) average calcium intake of 570mg / day (�� 340). The analysis showed a mean serum calcium within the normal range (10,20mg / dl �� 0.32) and average values and slightly increased alkaline phosphatase (105.40 U / L �� 23.70). Furthermore, there was a significant correlation between the consumption of protein and the optimal daily intake of calcium (0.375 p-value 0.05). Based on these findings, we developed an application early stage in Android�� platform operating system Google��, being called OsteoNutri. We chose to use Java Eclipse�� where it was executed Android�� version of the project; choice of application icons and setting the visual editor for building the application layouts. The DroidDraw�� was used for development of the three application GUIs. For practical tests we used a cell compatible with the version that was created (4.4 or higher). The prototype was developed in conjunction with the Group and Instrumentation Applications Development (GDAI) of the Federal Technological University of Paran��. So this application can be considered an important tool in dietary control, allowing closer control consumption of calcium and dietary proteins.

Modelado orientado a objetos del sistema de control de la presi��n arterial en pacientes sometidos al tratamiento de hemodi��lisis

Se ha realizado el modelado orientado a objetos del sistema de control cardiovascular en situaciones de di��lisis aplicando una analog��a el��ctrica en el que se emplean componentes conectados mediante interconexiones. En este modelado se representan las ecuaciones diferenciales del sistema cardiovascular y del sistema de control barorreceptor as�� como las ecuaciones din��micas del intercambio de fluidos y solutos del sistema hemodializador. A partir de este modelo se ha realizado experiencias de simulaci��n en condiciones normales y situaciones de hemorragias, transfusiones de sangre y de ultrafiltraci��n e infusi��n de fluido durante tratamiento de hemodi��lisis. Los resultados obtenidos muestran en primer lugar la efectividad del sistema barorreceptor para compensar la hipotensi��n arterial inducida por los episodios de hemorragia y transfusi��n de sangre. En segundo lugar se muestra la respuesta del sistema de control ante diferentes tasas de ultrafiltraci��n durante la hemodi��lisis y se sugieren valores ��ptimos para la adecuada operaci��n.

Modelling human behaviour and event detection from videos

Automatic analysis of human behaviour in large collections of videos is gaining interest, even more so with the advent of file sharing sites such as YouTube. However, challenges still exist owing to several factors such as inter- and intra-class variations, cluttered backgrounds, occlusion, camera motion, scale, view and illumination changes. This research focuses on modelling human behaviour for action recognition in videos. The developed techniques are validated on large scale benchmark datasets and applied on real-world scenarios such as soccer videos. Three major contributions are made. The first contribution is in the area of proper choice of a feature representation for videos. This involved a study of state-of-the-art techniques for action recognition, feature extraction processing and dimensional reduction techniques so as to yield the best performance with optimal computational requirements. Secondly, temporal modelling of human behaviour is performed. This involved frequency analysis and temporal integration of local information in the video frames to yield a temporal feature vector. Current practices mostly average the frame information over an entire video and neglect the temporal order. Lastly, the proposed framework is applied and further adapted to real-world scenario such as soccer videos. A dataset consisting of video sequences depicting events of players falling is created from actual match data to this end and used to experimentally evaluate the proposed framework.

Spatiotemporal neuromodulation therapies engaging muscle synergies improve motor control after spinal cord injury.

Electrical neuromodulation of lumbar segments improves motor control after spinal cord injury in animal models and humans. However, the physiological principles underlying the effect of this intervention remain poorly understood, which has limited the therapeutic approach to continuous stimulation applied to restricted spinal cord locations. Here we developed stimulation protocols that reproduce the natural dynamics of motoneuron activation during locomotion. For this, we computed the spatiotemporal activation pattern of muscle synergies during locomotion in healthy rats. Computer simulations identified optimal electrode locations to target each synergy through the recruitment of proprioceptive feedback circuits. This framework steered the design of spatially selective spinal implants and real-time control software that modulate extensor and flexor synergies with precise temporal resolution. Spatiotemporal neuromodulation therapies improved gait quality, weight-bearing capacity, endurance and skilled locomotion in several rodent models of spinal cord injury. These new concepts are directly translatable to strategies to improve motor control in humans.

Implementa����o da rotina de unfolding para determina����o de distribui����o de tamanho de gr��os esf��ricos via distribui����o de interceptos lineares e de ��rea de se����o

Na unfolding method of linear intercept distributions and secction ��rea distribution was implemented for structures with spherical grains. Although the unfolding routine depends on the grain shape, structures with spheroidal grains can also be treated by this routine. Grains of non-spheroidal shape can be treated only as approximation. A software was developed with two parts. The first part calculates the probability matrix. The second part uses this matrix and minimizes the chi-square. The results are presented with any number of size classes as required. The probability matrix was determined by means of the linear intercept and section area distributions created by computer simulation. Using curve fittings the probability matrix for spheres of any sizes could be determined. Two kinds of tests were carried out to prove the efficiency of the Technique. The theoretical tests represent ideal cases. The software was able to exactly find the proposed grain size distribution. In the second test, a structure was simulated in computer and images of its slices were used to produce the corresponding linear intercept the section area distributions. These distributions were then unfolded. This test simulates better reality. The results show deviations from the real size distribution. This deviations are caused by statistic fluctuation. The unfolding of the linear intercept distribution works perfectly, but the unfolding of section area distribution does not work due to a failure in the chi-square minimization. The minimization method uses a matrix inversion routine. The matrix generated by this procedure cannot be inverted. Other minimization method must be used

Otimiza����o e an��lise mec��nica de pastas geopolim��ricas para uso em po��os sujeitos �� inje����o c��clica de vapor

Oil wells subjected to cyclic steam injection present important challenges for the development of well cementing systems, mainly due to tensile stresses caused by thermal gradients during its useful life. Cement sheath failures in wells using conventional high compressive strength systems lead to the use of cement systems that are more flexible and/or ductile, with emphasis on Portland cement systems with latex addition. Recent research efforts have presented geopolymeric systems as alternatives. These cementing systems are based on alkaline activation of amorphous aluminosilicates such as metakaolin or fly ash and display advantageous properties such as high compressive strength, fast setting and thermal stability. Basic geopolymeric formulations can be found in the literature, which meet basic oil industry specifications such as rheology, compressive strength and thickening time. In this work, new geopolymeric formulations were developed, based on metakaolin, potassium silicate, potassium hydroxide, silica fume and mineral fiber, using the state of the art in chemical composition, mixture modeling and additivation to optimize the most relevant properties for oil well cementing. Starting from molar ratios considered ideal in the literature (SiO2/Al2O3 = 3.8 e K2O/Al2O3 = 1.0), a study of dry mixtures was performed,based on the compressive packing model, resulting in an optimal volume of 6% for the added solid material. This material (silica fume and mineral fiber) works both as an additional silica source (in the case of silica fume) and as mechanical reinforcement, especially in the case of mineral fiber, which incremented the tensile strength. The first triaxial mechanical study of this class of materials was performed. For comparison, a mechanical study of conventional latex-based cementing systems was also carried out. Regardless of differences in the failure mode (brittle for geopolymers, ductile for latex-based systems), the superior uniaxial compressive strength (37 MPa for the geopolymeric slurry P5 versus 18 MPa for the conventional slurry P2), similar triaxial behavior (friction angle 21�� for P5 and P2) and lower stifness (in the elastic region 5.1 GPa for P5 versus 6.8 GPa for P2) of the geopolymeric systems allowed them to withstand a similar amount of mechanical energy (155 kJ/m3 for P5 versus 208 kJ/m3 for P2), noting that geopolymers work in the elastic regime, without the microcracking present in the case of latex-based systems. Therefore, the geopolymers studied on this work must be designed for application in the elastic region to avoid brittle failure. Finally, the tensile strength of geopolymers is originally poor (1.3 MPa for the geopolymeric slurry P3) due to its brittle structure. However, after additivation with mineral fiber, the tensile strength became equivalent to that of latex-based systems (2.3 MPa for P5 and 2.1 MPa for P2). The technical viability of conventional and proposed formulations was evaluated for the whole well life, including stresses due to cyclic steam injection. This analysis was performed using finite element-based simulation software. It was verified that conventional slurries are viable up to 204��F (400��C) and geopolymeric slurries are viable above 500��F (260��C)

Modos projetuais de simula����o: uso de ferramentas de simula����o t��rmica no processo projetual de arquitetura

This thesis aims to describe and demonstrate the developed concept to facilitate the use of thermal simulation tools during the building design process. Despite the impact of architectural elements on the performance of buildings, some influential decisions are frequently based solely on qualitative information. Even though such design support is adequate for most decisions, the designer will eventually have doubts concerning the performance of some design decisions. These situations will require some kind of additional knowledge to be properly approached. The concept of designerly ways of simulating focuses on the formulation and solution of design dilemmas, which are doubts about the design that cannot be fully understood nor solved without using quantitative information. The concept intends to combine the power of analysis from computer simulation tools with the capacity of synthesis from architects. Three types of simulation tools are considered: solar analysis, thermal/energy simulation and CFD. Design dilemmas are formulated and framed according to the architect s reflection process about performance aspects. Throughout the thesis, the problem is investigated in three fields: professional, technical and theoretical fields. This approach on distinct parts of the problem aimed to i) characterize different professional categories with regards to their design practice and use of tools, ii) investigate preceding researchers on the use of simulation tools and iii) draw analogies between the proposed concept, and some concepts developed or described in previous works about design theory. The proposed concept was tested in eight design dilemmas extracted from three case studies in the Netherlands. The three investigated processes are houses designed by Dutch architectural firms. Relevant information and criteria from each case study were obtained through interviews and conversations with the involved architects. The practical application, despite its success in the research context, allowed the identification of some applicability limitations of the concept, concerning the architects need to have technical knowledge and the actual evolution stage of simulation tools