Methods for Efficient Analysis of Vibro-Acoustic Problems

In this thesis, we present numerical techniques for analyzing vibro-acoustic problems that emerge from the coupling of elastic structures with fluid domains. The main analysis tool used for numerical modelling is the Finite Element Technique (FEM). By using FEM, the goal of our research was to either improve the already available techniques or...

Towards robust design optimization of automotive turbocharger rotor-bearing systems

In the competitive automotive market, the performance of turbochargers is constantly being pushed towards their theoretical optimum. One of the key components of the turbocharger is the rotor-bearing system, which determines the friction losses and noise output and furthermore affects the overall turbocharger efficiency, reliability and cost. In...

Experimental dynamic substructuring: Analysis and design strategies for vehicle development

Sound and vibration have a defining influence on our perception of product quality. They are especially well-known aspects in the automotive industry; a branch which sees, besides safety and driving comfort, ever-increasing expectations of the acoustic experience. After all, a smooth and silent driving experience appeals to a feeling of <i...

Mastering Electro-Mechanical Dynamics of Large Off-Shore Direct-Drive Wind Turbine Generators

The ever growing population of human beings on earth introduces the challenge of providing affordable, sustainable energy for everyone. Emerging markets, such as China, India or Brazil, quench their thirst for cheap energy by fossil fuels and nuclear power. At the same time researchers from all over the globe warn the public of the advent of a...

Coupled Simulations of Wind Turbines and Offshore Support Structures: Strategies based on the Dynamic Substructuring Paradigm

Large scale offshore wind power has been recognized as a key technology to increase the share of renewable energy. However, as this energy source is currently still relatively expensive, efforts are made to significantly reduce its costs. Cost reductions are to be achieved, for instance, by installing larger turbines in larger offshore wind...

Multiscale domain decomposition analysis of quasi-brittle materials

Computational material design is progressively gaining momentum in the engineering world. Recent breakthroughs in high performance computing and emerging multiscale algorithms have facilitated the simulation of materials at different scales of observation. In particular, the multiscale study of failure phenomena becomes crucial to assess the...

Optical monitoring and operational modal analysis of large wind turbines

Identification of the dynamic properties and the corresponding structural response of wind turbines is essential for optimizing the energy produced, ensuring safe and reliable operation and increasing the life-time of the system. As the sizes of modern wind turbines increase, their dynamic behaviors get more complicated and it becomes more...

Curvature Manipulation of Photomasks - Enhancing the imaging performance of immersion lithography equipment

This thesis investigates the feasibility of a photomask curvature manipulator in immersion lithography systems.

Model-Based Brake Control including Tyre Behaviour

The objective of the thesis is to develop a method for controlled braking of a vehicle. The brake pedal depression has been considered to be proportional to the intended deceleration. The brake controller is not aimed to replace a cruise control; it will have an anti-lock braking (ABS) function. The brake control is essentially designed to be a...

Dynamic Substructuring Methodologies for Integrated Dynamic Analysis of Wind Turbines

Bicycle Rider Control: Observations, Modeling & Experiments

Bicycle designers traditionally develop bicycles based on experience and trial and error. Adopting modern engineering tools to model bicycle and rider dynamics and control is another method for developing bicycles. This method has the potential to evaluate the complete design space, and thereby develop well handling bicycles for specific user...

High-speed Impact Modelling and Testing of Dyneema Composite

Dyneema (Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene – UHMW PE) is a high performance material that is used in many applications. These applications vary from leisure articles such as sails and kite wires to surgical wires and personal protection products. The reason that Dyneema outperforms many other materials is that it possesses a combination...

Modeling Strategies for Electro-Mechanical Microsystems with Uncertainty Quantification

Microsystems are very small sensors and actuators, manufactured with the same technology as computer chips. Well known applications of these machines are the acceleration sensors in the Wii game console and the iPhone. At the micrometer length scales of microsystems the physical forces behave different when compared to devices operating in the...

Dynamic response characterization of complex systems through operational identification and dynamic substructuring- An application to gear noise propagation in the automotive industry

This thesis deals with new methods, which can determine the dynamic response of a complex system identified in operation, based on the knowledge of its subsystem dynamics and excitation. In the first part of this thesis, the identification of component excitation and its transmission into the total system will be addressed. The identification of...

Computational fluid-structure interaction: Spatial coupling, coupling shell and mesh deformation

Inkjet printhead performance enhancement by feedforward input design based on two-port modeling

Inkjet technology is an important key-technology from an industrial point of view. Its ability to deposit various types of materials on a substrate in certain patterns makes it a very versatile technology. Though the performance criteria imposed by today's applications are quite tight already, future performance requirements will be even more...

Dynamics of the human pelvis: Identification methodology for low back pain diagnosis

This project finds its justification in the vast economic and social impact that musculoskeletal disorders have at a global level. Many cases of low back pain, which is the most relevant disorder among them, remain a mystery as far as their pathology is concerned. The assumption underlying this work is that, for those mysterious cases, the...

The Hydro-Support: An Elasto-Hydrostatic Thrust Bearing with Mixed Lubrication

The "classic" solution for the support of a translating lockgate, the wheelonrail support, has relatively high construction as well as inspection and maintenance costs. An alternative support which has previously been developed for use in the Prins WillemAlexander lock is the socalled "hydrosupport", a hydrostatic thrust bearing that slides on...