Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Forming technology'

Twin Screw Rheo Extrusion (TSRE) is a novel semisolid extrusion process developed at BCAST for producing simple profiles such as rods and wires of light alloys directly from melts with refined microstructures and improved mechanical properties. The process represents a shortened manufacturing route with great savings in investment, energy consumption and operation space. Research was carried out to investigate the feasibility of processing magnesium and aluminium alloys, to obtain the operations for the optimized microstructures and mechanical properties of the final product and to understand the mechanisms governing the evolution of microstructures. Experiments were conducted using an AZ91D magnesium alloy and several aluminium alloys on two specially made twin screw rheo extrusion machines and a range of conditions were tested. Results showed that the TSRE process was feasible for the AZ91D magnesium alloy and aluminium alloys, although modifications were required for processing aluminium alloys as the twin screw material used was found to react with aluminium. Analysis revealed that the extruded samples of both alloys had a uniform fine microstructure in both transversel and longitudinal directions and liquid segregation was limited, due to the application of intensive shearing during slurry making and extrusion. Low extrusion temperature was found to refine the structure and suppress the formation of the eutectic. The eutectic was easily dissolved upon heat treatment resulting in reasonable mechanical properties. Numerical analysis on thermal management was carried out and the results showed that a steady state thermal profile with a temperature gradient between the slurry feeding point and extrusion die could be established, promoting nucleation and preventing the formed solid particles from extensive growth during extrusion, which was confirmed by microstructural observations.

Doctor Scientiae
Ti – based AB and AB₂ hydride forming materials have shown to be very promising hydrogen storage alloys due to their reasonable reversible hydrogen storage capacity at near ambient conditions, abundance and low cost. However, these materials are not used extensively due to their poor activation performances and poisoning tolerance, resulting insignificant impeding of hydrogen sorption. The overall goal of this project was to develop the knowledge base for solid-state hydrogen storage technology suitable for stationary and special vehicular applications focussing mainly on Ti – based metal hydrides. In order to accomplish this goal, the project had a dual focus which included the synthesis methodology of Ti – based AB and AB₂ materials and the development of new surface engineering solutions, based on electroless plating and chemical vapour deposition on the surface modification of Ti – based metal hydride forming materials using Pd-based catalytic layers. TiFe alloy was synthesised by sintering of the Ti and Fe powders and by arc-melting. Sintered samples revealed three phases: TiFe (major), Ti₄Fe₂O, and β-Ti. Hydrogen absorption showed that the sintered material was almost fully activated after the first vacuum heating (400 °C) when compared to the arc-melted sample requiring several activation cycles. The increase in the hydrogen absorption kinetics of the sintered sample was associated with the influence of the formed hydrogen transfer catalyst, viz. oxygen containing Ti₄Fe₂O₁₋ₓ and β-Ti, which was confirmed by the XRD data from the samples before and after hydrogenation. The introduction of oxygen impurity into TiFe alloy observed in the sintered sample significantly influenced on its PCT performances, due to formation of stable hydrides of the impurity phases, as well as destabilisation of both β-TiFeH and, especially, γ-TiFeH₂. This finally resulted in the decrease of the reversible hydrogen storage capacity of the oxygen-contaminated sample. TiFe alloy was also prepared via induction melting using graphite and alumo-silica crucibles. It was shown that the samples prepared via the graphite crucible produced TiFe alloy as the major phase, whereas the alumo-silica crucible produced Ti₄Fe₂O₁-x and TiFe₂ as the major phases, and TiFe alloy as the minor one. A new method for the production of TiFe – based materials by two-stage reduction of ilmenite (FeTiO₃) using H₂ and CaH₂ as reducing agents was developed. The reversible hydrogen absorption performance of the TiFe – based material prepared via reduction of ilmenite was 0.5 wt. % H, although hydrogen absorption capacity of TiFe reported in the literature should be about 1.8 wt. %. The main reason for this low hydrogen capacity is due to large amount of oxygen present in the as prepared TiFe alloy. Thus to improve the hydrogen absorption of the raw TiFe alloy, it was melted with Zr, Cr, Mn, Ni and Cu to yield an AB₂ alloy. For the as prepared AB₂ alloy, the reversible hydrogen sorption capacity was about 1.3 wt. % H at P=40 bar and >1.8 wt.% at P=150 bar, which is acceptable for stationary applications. Finally, the material was found to be superior as compared to known AB₂-type alloys, as regards to its poisoning tolerance: 10-minutes long exposure of the dehydrogenated material to air results in a slight decrease of the hydrogen absorption capacity, but almost does not reduce the rate of the hydrogenation. Hydrogen storage performance of the TiFe-based materials suffers from difficulties with hydrogenation and sensitivity towards impurities in hydrogen gas, reducing hydrogen uptake rates and decreasing the cycle stability. An efficient solution to this problem is in modification of the material surface by the deposition of metals (including Palladium) capable of catalysing the dissociative chemisorption of hydrogen molecules. In this work, the surface modification of TiFe alloy was performed using autocatalytic deposition using PdCl₂ as the Pd precursor and metal-organic chemical vapour deposition technique (MO CVD), by thermal decomposition of palladium (II) acetylacetonate (Pd[acac]₂) mixed with the powder of the parent alloy. After surface modification of TiFe – based metal hydride materials with Pd, the alloy activation performance improved resulting in the alloy absorbing hydrogen without any activation process. The material also showed to absorb hydrogen after exposure to air, which otherwise proved detrimental.

Thesis (M.S. in Information Technology Management)--Naval Postgraduate School, September 2006.
Thesis Advisor(s): Alex Bordetsky. "September 2006." Includes bibliographical references (p. 79-81). Also available in print.

This thesis project is the final part of the Master of Science degree in Industrial Design Engineering with specialisation in Production Design at Luleå University of Technology. The project was conducted at Scania Ferruform in Luleå through January to June of 2018. Ferruform currently produces the side members to Scania’s trucks in a traditional roll forming machine. The technology of roll forming has developed and today there is a new version of the technology called 3D roll forming, which allows for forming beams with variable cross sections. Forming side members with variable web dimensions would make it possible to produce side members that have optimised form, which allows for a weight reduction in the trucks and an increase in the customers payload. The objective of this project was to identify the benefits and the limitations of investing in 3D roll forming at Ferruform’s side member production and to investigate how the technology should be implemented. The study had two aims. The first aim was to present a proposal for the implementation of 3D roll forming in the side member production at Ferruform. The second aim was to design a project plan for Ferruform’s eventual further work of implementing 3D roll forming. A literature study was performed and resulted in a theoretical framework consisting of relevant theories regarding industrial design engineering, roll forming, organisational changes and sustainability. A description and analysis of the current state was made and included the side member production, the side member paint shop and the chassis line at Scania Södertälje. The current state was mainly described through conducting interviews and performing observations. Process flow analysis was then done to visualise and analyse the current state. The next step was to describe and analyse the future state, this was done taking advantage of the available knowledge at Ferruform and analysing the material from a benchmark performed before this thesis project started. The description and analysis of the current and future state resulted in a specification of requirements. Four concepts for the future side member production were designed and evaluated with a Pugh matrix. The evaluation resulted in choosing one of the concepts for further development. The final concept for the implementation consists of keeping the traditional roll forming machine and building a new production line for 3D roll forming. The 3D roll forming machine consists of a one-part machine which requires the side members to pass through the machine twice. The results of the thesis showed that the amount of side members that would enable profit by being produced with 3D roll forming, was lower than expected. The results of the thesis also show that there are many considerations and further investigations that need to be conducted before starting an implementation could be started. However, as relevant theories propose, it is concluded that 3D roll forming is a flexible production method which would make it possible for Scania to satisfy individual customer needs and also provide the company with a long-term solution for future customer needs.
Det här examensarbetet är den sista delen för en civilingenjörsexamen inom Teknisk design med inriktning mot Produktionsdesign vid Luleå tekniska universitet. Projektet utfördes på Scania Ferruform i Luleå under januari till juni 2018. Ferruform producerar sidobalkar till Scanias lastbilar i en traditionell rullformningsmaskin. Rullformningstekniken har dock utvecklats och idag finns det en ny version av tekniken som kallas 3D-rullformning och som möjliggör formning av balkar med variabla tvärsnitt. Genom att forma sidobalkar med variabla livbredder skulle det vara möjligt att producera balkar med optimerad form, vilket innebär en viktminskning av lastbilarna och en ökning i kundernas nyttolast. Syftet med projektet var att identifiera fördelar och nackdelar med att investera i 3D-rullformning i Ferruforms sidobalkstillverkning och undersöka hur tekniken borde implementeras. Studien hade två olika mål. Det första målet var att presentera ett förslag för implementeringen av 3D-rullformning i sidobalktillverkningen på Ferruform. Det andra var att ta fram en projektplan för Ferruforms eventuella fortsatta arbete med att implementera 3D-rullformning. En litteraturstudie utfördes för att ta fram en teoretisk referensram bestående av relevanta teorier inom teknisk design, rullformning, organisationsförändringar och hållbarhet. En beskrivning och analys av nuläget genomfördes och inkluderade sidobalkstillverkningen, sidobalksmåleriet och chassimonteringen på Scania Södertälje. Nuläget undersöktes främst genom intervjuer och observationer. Processflödesanalys användes för att visualisera och analysera nuläget. Nästa steg i projektet var att beskriva och analysera det framtida läget, detta gjordes genom att ta tillvara på den tillgängliga kunskapen hos personalen på Ferruform och genom att analysera det benchmarkingbesök som gjordes innan detta projekt påbörjades. Undersökningarna av nuläge och framtid resulterade i kravspecifikation. Fyra koncept för den framtida sidobalkstillverkningen togs fram och utvärderades med hjälp av metoden Pughs matris. Utvärderingen resulterade i att ett koncept valdes ut för att utvecklas ytterligare. Det slutliga konceptet för implementeringen består av den nuvarande, traditionella rullformningsmaskinen och uppbyggnaden av en ny produktionslina för 3D-rullformning. 3D-rullformningsmaskinen består av en maskindel, vilket kräver att sidobalkarna går igenom maskinen två gånger. Projektets resultat visade att mängden sidobalkar som skulle möjliggöra vinst genom att tillverkas med 3D-rullformning, var lägre än väntat. Resultaten visar också att det är många överväganden och vidare utredningar som krävs innan en implementering kan påbörjas. Dock har jag, precis som relevant teori föreslår, också dragit slutsatsen att 3D-rullformning är en flexibel produktionsmetod som skulle göra det möjligt för Scania att tillfredsställa individuella kundbehov och även förse företaget med en långsiktig lösning för framtida kundbehov.

Řešenou součástí je část kanálu pro odpadové odstřižky tiskařského stroje. Relativně jednoduchá součást vhodná k výrobě tvářením za studena. Diplomová práce navrhuje zhotovení komponenty lisováním. Po shrnutí základních teorií dále navrhuje varianty výroby. Pro vybranou sestavuje technologický postup a navrhuje kroky tváření. Návazně odvozuje návrh konstrukce postupového nástroje. V neposlední řadě se věnuje ekonomickému vyhodnocení výroby, ročnímu výrobnímu množství a vypočítává bod zvratu pro dané řešení.

In this thesis, we examine how Emergent Configurations are formed to manageThings and People for the purpose of achieving the user’s goal of repairing a coffeemachine in the dynamic environment of a smart office. We develop an architecturein the form of requirement and design artifacts as well as a realization of the GoalManager component in the Emergent Configuration Manager which is responsiblefor the forming of Emergent Configurations, using the novel Emergent ConfigurationIoT system engineering approach. To demonstrate the capability of the realizationwe developed multiple case scenarios which correspond to the context dynamicity ofa smart office environment. The results of this study introduce an architecture forthe Goal Manager component and demonstrate that the novel engineering approach,Emergent Configuration, is a feasible way of managing IoT systems in the smart officecategory.

In this thesis, we examine how Emergent Configurations are formed to manageThings and People for the purpose of achieving the user’s goal of repairing a coffeemachine in the dynamic environment of a smart office. We develop an architecturein the form of requirement and design artifacts as well as a realization of the GoalManager component in the Emergent Configuration Manager which is responsiblefor the forming of Emergent Configurations, using the novel Emergent ConfigurationIoT system engineering approach. To demonstrate the capability of the realizationwe developed multiple case scenarios which correspond to the context dynamicity ofa smart office environment. The results of this study introduce an architecture forthe Goal Manager component and demonstrate that the novel engineering approach,Emergent Configuration, is a feasible way of managing IoT systems in the smart officecategory.

Master`s thesis deals with unusual high-pressure-fluid forming technology – hydroforming. There are discussed factors, which are affecting forming process, and there are made conclusion of it for machine design process. There is also made an evaluation of tube hydroforming technology in nowadays. The objective of thesis is to design new forming machine for tube hydroforming and for use in bicycle frames design. The machine is to be determined for manufacturing series up to 1000 pieces. Based on calculations and discussion of hydroforming technology, the best design solution is chosen. Machine is designed as modular conception with pressure multiplication of forming fluid right in die cavity. There is no need to use high pressure pump for forming fluid, used in common machines for tube hydroforming. This leads to cost reduction and so the objective of thesis is accomplished.

Increasing consumer demand for fresh fishery products with minimized loss of their nutritional properties is forcing food industry to look for alternative technologies to maintain the fresh attributes, stability and safety of foods. Demand for fresh tuna fish is no exception, being a valuable source of nutrients with immense health benefits. However, this product is highly perishable and has been commonly implicated in scombroid (histamine) poisoning caused by microbial decarboxylation of histidine contained in high levels in the tissues of scombroid fishes. Current techniques are inadequate for the prevention of histamine formation in fresh fishery products and high pressure processing is a potential alternative for it can inactivate microorganisms and enzymes, without affecting (or only minimally altering) the quality characteristics of foodstuffs. Previous studies have shown a decrease in histamine formation after a high pressure treatment and this study focuses on the effect of high pressure on the histidine decarboxylase enzyme and selected histamine forming microorganisms involved in histamine formation.
Commercial histidine decarboxylase suspended in different media (buffer solution and fish slurry with and without added histidine) was submitted to different high pressure treatments (200--400 MPa) with distinct time durations (0--60 min) at room temperature (20°C--25°C). Enzymatic activity of pressure treated and control samples were then compared by measuring histamine formation. Results were similar in all media; a 200 MPa treatment increased the enzymatic activity a little more than 20% as time increased; a 300 MPa treatment increased activity over 20% at first, followed by a decrease in activity as time increased only to reach a level of residual activity similar or only slightly lower than control samples; and a 400 MPa treatment reduced enzyme activity as time increased to a level of 55% residual activity in a buffer solution where the greatest inactivation was observed.
Enzyme activation and inactivation were affected by a dual effect attributed to a pulse effect, which caused a shift in activity and was independent of the length of the treatment, and a pressure-hold effect, during which activation or inactivation followed first order kinetics. The enzyme appeared highly resistant to pressure in all media as observed from D-values (>2700 min) and pressure sensitivity of destruction rate (zp) values (>500 MPa).
Inactivation of non-pathogen histamine forming bacteria (HFB) Escherichia coli K12 and Bacillus megaterium was evaluated by inoculating cultures in a fish tissue homogenate. Surviving colonies were enumerated after the treatments observing inactivation described by the same dual effect described earlier. Pressures above 300 MPa achieved a significant destruction of E. coli K12 (> 4 log-cycles) while B. megaterium appeared highly resistant for only a 2 log-cycle reduction was observed after at the highest pressure treatment conditions (400 MPa, 20 min).
D-values for both microorganisms decreased as pressure increased being significantly smaller for E. coli K 12, which also appeared to be more sensitive to pressure changes as observed from the zp values (zp = 151.51 MPa and zp = 909.10 MPa for E. coli and B. megaterium respectively. Inactivation caused by the pulse effect appeared very effective for both microorganisms as pressure increased, particularly at 400 MPa (PE > 1.25).

The investigation of the interaction and kinetics of hydride forming materials under high frequency electromagnetic fields was undertaken in a joint research project between the University of Birmingham and C-Tech Innovation ltd. The improvement in the reaction rate of materials with hydrogen is a key step in the development of cost effective hydrogen storage technologies to make an effective fuel cell system for energy storage applications. The use of microwaves and radio frequency fields has been widely reported to improve reaction kinetics in a number of reactions and the evidence for improved diffusion rates suggests that electromagnetic fields could impact on this. C-Tech Innovation Ltd has a long track record in the development of microwave and radio frequency technologies and in the processing of materials using these technologies. The development of specific test and measurement equipment was a key objective of the project and has resulted in the development of a temperature controlled microwave /RF hybrid system to allow measurement of material sorption characteristics at controlled temperatures and pressures. Specifically the equipment allows the exposure of materials to high frequency electromagnetic fields at temperatures up to 800°C, under hydrogen or mixed gas atmospheres of 18 bar and with up to 2.5kW of applied electromagnetic radiation at 2 frequencies.

Manufacturing of aero engine components requires attention to residual stress and final shape of the product in order to meet high quality product standards.This sets very high demands on involved manufacturing steps to meet design requirements. Simulation of manufacturing processes can therefore be animportant tool to contribute to quality assurance.The focus in this work is on simulation of a manufacturing process chain comprising of sheet metal forming, welding and a stress relief heat treatment.Simulation of sheet metal forming can be used to design a forming tool design that accounts for the material behaviour, e.g. spring back, and avoid problems such as wrinkling, thinning and cracking. Moreover, the simulation can also show how the material is stretched and work hardened. The residual stresses after forming may be of local character or global depending on the shape that is formed. However, the heat affected zone due to welding is located near the weld.The weld also causes large residual stresses with the major component along the weld. It is found that the magnitude of the residual stresses after welding is affected by remaining stresses from the previous sheet metal forming. The final stress relieve treatment will relax these residual stresses caused by e.g. forming and welding. However, this causes additional deformations.The main focus of this study is on how a manufacturing process step affects the subsequent step when manufacturing a component of the nickel-based super alloy 718. The chosen route and geometry is a simplified leading edge of an exhaust case guide vane. The simulations were validated versus experiments. The computed deformations were compared with measurements after each manufacturing step. The overall agreement between experiments and measurement was good. However, not sufficiently accurate considering the required tolerance of the component. It was found from simulations that the residual stresses after each process affects the subsequent step. After a complete manufacturing process chain which ends with a stress relief heat treatment the residual stresses were not negligible. VIII Special experiments were performed for studying the stress relief in order to understand how the stresses evolve through the heat treatment cycle during relaxation. It was found that the stresses were reduced already during the beginning of the heating up sequence due to decreasing Young´s modulus and yield stress with increasing temperature. Relaxation due to creep starts when a certain temperature was reached which gave a permanent stress relief.

Dissertation deals with solution of production of set component „plastic porter for ammunition“. Component is made from high-density polyethylene with business marking LITEN ML 77, suggested series of 3 000 000 pieces. On the basis of literary study of plastics injection problems and necessary calculations, there was proposed injection form. This form is solved by means of normalised components from company Meusburger. There was chosen injection machine from company Arburg Allrounger 370 S 700 – 170.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 2007.
The entire dissertation/thesis text is included in the research.pdf file; the official abstract appears in the short.pdf file (which also appears in the research.pdf); a non-technical general description, or public abstract, appears in the public.pdf file. Title from title screen of research.pdf file (viewed on January 31, 2008) Vita. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, System Design and Management Program, 2007.
Includes bibliographical references (leaves 161-167).
External advice can be a valuable resource for founders of high technology startup companies. As with any resource, the pursuit and efficient use of the external advice resource is one of the greatest challenges for founders. This thesis examines how the founders of eleven US venture-backed high-tech companies leveraged external advice to their advantage. By aggregating data extracted from case-based interviews, the characteristics of advice are fully understood. In particular, insights are made into the types of advice these business focused founders received, the types of advisors they selected and considered influential to the development of their company and the way they were connected to these influential advisors. Organizing the data by companies' business characteristics enabled further insights to be drawn. Notably, there was a significant difference in a variety of the advice sought by first time founders compared with that of more experienced founding teams. First time founders received broader and more tactical advice than did experienced founders. Furthermore, first time founder's advisors were much more likely to act as coaches, instilling confidence and expending effort to mentor these first-timers into successful CEOs. Silicon Valley advisors and others affiliated with Silicon Valley companies were much more likely to introduce the founders to their influential network, which illustrates the rich entrepreneurial nature of Silicon Valley. There was no statistically significant difference in advice characteristics based on the size of their founding team or on type of their industry. Since the eleven companies are private and thriving, the selected performance metric was the amount of venture capital raised per year of existence.
(cont.) This less than ideal performance data clearly shows a positive correlation between the size and experience of the founding team with company performance. However, no correlation between company performance and industry and geography could be determined. Since the advice characteristics that were correlated with performance were similar to those of large experienced teams, it is reasonable to conclude that none of the advice characteristics are predictors of success. It follows rather that advice characteristics are more a reflection of the companies' business characteristics than itself a predictor of venture success.
by Nick Cravalho.
S.M.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, 2008.
Includes bibliographical references.
Otitis media (OM) is the most common specifically-treated childhood disease in the United States. The widespread use of systemic antibiotics against a disease of such high incidence is believed to be a driving force behind the observed increase in adaptive resistance among pathogenic bacteria in the nasopharynx. Local, sustained delivery of antimicrobial agents to the site of infection allows for higher drug concentrations and optimized release profiles than are permitted by systemic administration. Higher antimicrobial concentrations sustained for longer periods of time also allow for a faster and more complete eradication of OM bacteria (e.g., H. influenzae, S. pneumoniae), and minimize antibiotic exposure to other bacteria and natural flora in the nasopharynx and upper respiratory tract. We have developed in situ-forming hydrogels to serve as sustained release reservoirs for noninvasive trans-tympanic treatment of OM. A hydrogel that includes potentially synergistic chemical penetration enhancer (CPE) combinations and an antimicrobial sufficiently increases antimicrobial flux such that therapeutic levels can traverse the tympanic membrane (TM) within 12 hours, in vitro. We compare excised chinchilla TMs treated with ciprofloxacin (fluoroquinolone antibiotic) alone and with different combinations of sodium lauryl sulfate, limonene, and bupivacaine, with respect to resultant changes in TM electrical resistance and trans-TM ciprofloxacin flux. We also investigate the interactions of CPEs and local anesthetics with respect to both permeability enhancement and changes in nerve block potency and efficacy. Finally, we evaluate our hydrogel formulations in an in vivo chinchilla model of OM, and demonstrate early success in their ability to safely and effectively eradicate middle ear bacteria.
by Emmanuel J. Simons.
Ph.D.

The aim of this diploma thesis is to propose a production technology of a given part based on technological and economic factors. At first it is found, if the part is producible by fineblanking. The theoretical part of the diploma thesis is concerned with the description of the conventional sheet metal cutting theory, fineblanking theory and bending theory. In the practical part of the diploma thesis, four variants of cut-in plan are dealt with including the selection of the optimal one based on technological and economic calculations. It is the production of a PULL REAR iron made of the steel sheet 11 320.21, thickness of 3 mm and a production run of 75 000 pieces per year.

Master’s thesis fully fashioned within the frame of engineer study M-STM Manufacturing Technology and Management in Industry put literary study of bending technology. In the work is concept manufacture sidewall car for Fiat Ducato Valnik. Compare different technologies of manufacture press breaking, welding and casting. For the choose technology contains selection material, calculation parameters for project machinery and tools including of techno economic valorization.

The proliferation of modern wireless networks increases demand for high capacity and throughput in order to provide faster, more robust, efficient and broadband services to end users. Mobile WiMAX and LTE are examples of such networks in which for some cases they have exposed limited connectivity due to harsh environment. Relay stations are preferred to overcome problems of weak or no access for such network devices, that are placed in specific positions to maintain high quality of data transfer at low cost and provide the required connectivity anywhere anytime. These stations should be equipped with an antenna system capable of establishing communication between base station (backhaul link) and end users (access link). This thesis focuses on the design and development of a new antenna system that is suitable for a relay-based wireless network. Planar geometries of microstrip patch antennas are utilized. The antenna system comprises two antenna modules: a new design of a single antenna for access link and a new design of an antenna array for backhaul link realization. Both antenna specifications are compatible with the IEEE802.16j protocol standard. Hence, relay station should be capable of pointing its radiation pattern to the base station antenna, thus to achieve the desired radiation pattern of the relay station, a new beam-forming module is proposed, designed and developed to generate the proper radiation pattern. The beam-forming module incorporating digital phase shifters and attenuator chips is fabricated and tested. The optimization process using the Least Mean Square (LMS) algorithm is considered in this study to assign the proper phase and amplitude that is necessary to each radiation element excitation current, to produce the desired steered radiation pattern. A comprehensive study on the coupling effects for several relative positions between two new backhaul and access link antenna elements is performed. Two new antenna configurations for coupling reduction are tested and the simulated and measured results in terms of antenna radiation performances were compared and commented.

The thesis contains a theoretical analysis of the organizational structure of the company producing agricultular machinery. There is a description of the various company departments through the presentation of the product range to its main production processes. The practical part of the waste management solutions based on long-term statistics. Logistics and economic visions are presented in the final chapters.

The aim of this diploma thesis is processing the new technology of production single parts from metal plate „ Vanečka", which produced is yearly set 50000 pieces. Component of made in steel S235JRG1 (ČSN 41 1373) thickness 3 and 5 mm. Based on literary search rolling cutting and bending are designed two variants of production. Both variants use for cut - out cloak and face rolling cutting close - set on press LEN 63C. Different operation is bending. First variant includes bending in the bending tool, the other on press brake. Both variants is processed economics revaluation and consequently intended transition points.

The demand for higher throughput and lower latency in telecommunication systems is growing. Upcoming telecommunication systems will operate at higher frequencies (above 15 GHz) compared with previous systems (below 6 GHz). Antenna arrays will be employed in upcoming systems for increased link budget (coverage) and multiple input multiple output channels. This implies that narrow beams will be used. Beam tracking and beam steering is necessary to follow the user equipment. It is hypothesised that changing beam direction changes the channel condition for the communication link. In this work beam changes in data gathered with a 5G testbed is analysed at both 15 GHz and 28 GHz. The results show that the channel is indeed affected by beam changes. Statistical results of the conducted analysis are presented followed by specific examples on how the channel is affected by the beam changes. Knowledge on how the channel is affected by beam changes is of interest when designing systems for beam selection. The results show a nearly threefold increase of rank changes immediately after a beam change at 15 GHz. The probability for a rank change up or down is found to be equal. At 28 GHz the metric used for channel richness is singular value ratio. The statistical results show that the difference in singular value ratio before and after a beam change is increased by a factor 2. It is also shown that grating lobes may have a significant effect on the channel richness when changing beam direction.

Master’s thesis submit a concept for belt drive cover manufactured by ČSN 411320.21, a 1.5 mm thick material for series 10 000 pieces. On the basis of manufacturing method are presented problems around drawing, the parameters, used machine with tool design. For deep drawing operations were carried out control, computing technology, a hydraulic pres CTH 250 selection, designed set of drawing tools, simulation by AutoForm software, a technical economic evaluation, break-even point and supported by drawing documentation.

The project developed in terms of engineering study of field N2307-00 Engineering Technology submits a design of components from plastic production technology – centre ring of labels on CD. In literary study there are summarized the basics of technology issues in elaboration of plastics injection into the metal form. The work includes production of component technology assessment and design of component production technology. Furthermore, the work includes the design of constructional solutions injection form, the option of suitable material of injection and the injection machine as well as the economic classification of production. As part of this diploma work is also considerations process of injection through the use of simulation program Moldex3D. This work is supported by appropriate drawing and appended documentation.

Aus der Einleitung: "Um Kosten in der Produktentwicklung weiter zu minimieren und gleichzeitig die Qualität der zu fertigenden Produkte zu gewährleisten, nehmen virtuelle Methoden in der Produktentwicklung einen immer größeren Stellenwert ein (Stelzer & Eigner, 2009). An die Maßhaltigkeit von umgeformten Blechteilen werden ständig höhere Anforderungen gestellt. Die Ursachen für Maßabweichungen an gefertigten Blechteilen resultieren maßgeblich aus den Berechnungsmodellen, die das System Werkzeug-Blechteil-Umformmaschine bisher in der Virtuellen Produktentwicklung noch nicht vollständig und exakt abbilden können. Mehrere Zyklen händischer Änderungen an den Umformwerkzeugen sind heute noch die Regel. Dieser Prozess wird bei der Blechumformung als Einarbeitungsphase bezeichnet und wird von Spezialisten des Werkzeugbaus unter Nutzung von unscharfem Erfahrungswissen durchgeführt. Der Zyklus der manuellen Einarbeitungsphase im Bereich des Werkzeugbaus steht den wirtschaftlichen Forderungen zum schnelleren Serienanlauf und zur Kostensenkung entgegen. Hier kann die Verkürzung des Einarbeitungsprozesses dienlich sein."

This thesis explains how to determine and eliminate the causes of quality problems in the production of connectors and small electronic components for the automotive industry. The process of making these components is carried out by use of both high speed and low speed metal stamping presses. There are descriptions of the different designs of editing punches, stamping dies, trimming and molding tools and how unplanned issues can occur during the production process. It addresses all the customer requirements for quality end products, listing the type of material, finishes and technology used for the production of individual components as well as their functionality, durability, and economic impacts. All examples of changes in the design or technology of metal stamping presses are based on many years of practical experience and most of them can be successfully applied in other similar type of instrument production.

A problem is not a problem anymore if no solution exists; therefore, in the present dissertation, a novel manufacturing technique, the In Situ Forming of a Liquid Infused Preform (ISFLIP), is proposed as a solution to some typical problems that manufacturing of Fibre Reinforced Polymer (FRP) parts through Vacuum Infusion (VI) involves, such as not taking advantage of the full potential of FRPs, long processing times and lack of reproducibility. ISFLIP is a hybrid process between VI and diaphragm forming in which a flat preform of a stack of reinforcement fabrics is firstly impregnated with a low viscosity matrix and, then, formed over a mould while the matrix is still in the low viscosity state. Being focused on high performance FRPs and shell components, from simple to complex double curvature shapes, a number of trade-offs between VI and diaphragm forming were overcome to lay the foundations from which ISFLIP ability to manufacture FRP components has been proven. In order to adopt a VI manufacturing methodology that fitted ISFLIP targets, important contributions to more general VI have also been made in terms of part quality optimization, addressing the major concern that void content is in VI, with competitive manufacturing times. An effective vacuum degassing procedure in which bubble formation is enhanced through high speed stirring, and a non-conventional filling and post-filling strategy are proposed for this purpose. Eventually, void content was virtually eliminated and post-filling time minimized without affecting fibre content. In ISFLIP, textile preforms are formed together with a series of auxiliary materials (plastic films and sheets, textile fabrics and knitted meshes), most of them showing different in-plane deformation mechanisms. Forming performance of preforms, as well as final part quality, are severely affected by interactions between all these materials different in nature. Uncertainties on this respect and an initial evaluation of attainable shapes were also addressed to define a more focused research plan to the final goal, still distant, of implementing ISFLIP in a real production environment. Results obtained throughout the research project give cause for reasonable optimism in ISFLIP potential and future prospects.
Un problema deja de ser un problema si no existe solución; por lo tanto, en esta disertación, una novedosa técnica de fabricación, el Conformado In Situ de una Preforma Infusionada con resina Líquida (ISFLIP, por sus siglas en inglés), se propone como solución a algunos problemas típicos relacionados con la fabricación de piezas de Polímero Reforzado con Fibra (FRP) a través de la Infusión por Vacío (VI), problemas tales como el desaprovechamiento de todo el potencial de los FRPs, largos tiempos de procesado y falta de reproducibilidad. ISFLIP es un proceso híbrido entre la VI y el conformado por membrana elástica en el que una preforma plana formada a partir de un apilado de tejidos de refuerzo es en primera instancia impregnada con una resina de baja viscosidad y, entonces, conformada sobre un molde mientras que la matriz permanece todavía en el estado de baja viscosidad. Estando centrado en los FRPs de altas prestaciones y en componentes con formas tipo concha, desde curvaturas simples hasta formas con doble curvatura complejas, un número importante de compensaciones entre la VI y el conformado por membrana se han ido superando para asentar las bases a partir de las cuales se ha probado la capacidad de ISFLIP para fabricas componentes de FRP. Con la vista puesta en implementar una metodología de fabricación por VI que cumpliese los objetivos definidos para ISFLIP, también se han realizado importantes contribuciones de carácter más general relacionadas con la VI en términos de optimización de parámetros de calidad de las piezas, abordando la gran preocupación que la porosidad final supone en la VI, y consiguiendo unos tiempos de fabricación competitivos. Con este propósito se han propuesto un proceso de desgasificación por vacío muy efectivo en el que se favorece la nucleación de burbujas mediante la agitación a alta velocidad, y una prometedora y no convencional estrategia de llenado y post-llenado de la preforma. Finalmente, se consiguió virtualmente eliminar la porosidad atrapada en las piezas, minimizando el tiempo de post-llenado sin afectar la fracción de fibra contenida. En ISFLIP las preformas textiles se conforman junto con una serie de materiales auxiliares (films y hojas plásticas, mallas y tejidos textiles), que muestran diferentes mecanismos de deformación en plano. El conformado de las preformas y el acabado final de las piezas se ve severamente afectado por todas las interacciones entre todos estos materiales diferentes en naturaleza. También se han abordado las incertidumbres que surgen al respecto y una evaluación inicial de las geometrías abarcables para definir un plan de investigación más concreto con el que poder afrontar la meta final, todavía distante, de implementar ISFLIP en un entorno productivo real. Los resultados obtenidos a lo largo de este proyecto de investigación permiten ser razonablemente optimistas en cuanto al potencial de ISFLIP y sus expectativas.

The aim of this project is to design the most suitable technology for manufacturing of the set component. The project contains theoretical and practical part. The theoretical part deals with division of polymer material and the description of the technology suitable for production of the set component. The practical part concentrates on the mould design of the set component including calculations and needed technological parameters of injection moulding operation.

Aus der Einleitung: "Um Kosten in der Produktentwicklung weiter zu minimieren und gleichzeitig die Qualität der zu fertigenden Produkte zu gewährleisten, nehmen virtuelle Methoden in der Produktentwicklung einen immer größeren Stellenwert ein (Stelzer & Eigner, 2009). An die Maßhaltigkeit von umgeformten Blechteilen werden ständig höhere Anforderungen gestellt. Die Ursachen für Maßabweichungen an gefertigten Blechteilen resultieren maßgeblich aus den Berechnungsmodellen, die das System Werkzeug-Blechteil-Umformmaschine bisher in der Virtuellen Produktentwicklung noch nicht vollständig und exakt abbilden können. Mehrere Zyklen händischer Änderungen an den Umformwerkzeugen sind heute noch die Regel. Dieser Prozess wird bei der Blechumformung als Einarbeitungsphase bezeichnet und wird von Spezialisten des Werkzeugbaus unter Nutzung von unscharfem Erfahrungswissen durchgeführt. Der Zyklus der manuellen Einarbeitungsphase im Bereich des Werkzeugbaus steht den wirtschaftlichen Forderungen zum schnelleren Serienanlauf und zur Kostensenkung entgegen. Hier kann die Verkürzung des Einarbeitungsprozesses dienlich sein."

This studio-based project explores a method of working that assigns agency to paint and process within the medium of painting. Underpinning this exploration is the notion that process driven making could potentially pose as a per formative event. Choreographed yet contingent, the practice investigates the relationship between the potentiality inherent within media and the extent to which this is affected by temporal/ external factors in the determining of outcome. A dialogue between the intentional and the contingent is initiated through a systematic approach that involves manipulation of the constituent elements of paint and the implementation of procedure and protocols as a means to activate conditions of possibility. Central to the research concerns are issues surrounding the ability of media to articulate itself, determine its own temporality and of process and content to operate conterminously. The images produced evidence this investigation as both enquiry and consequence.

The Diploma Thesis deals with the technology of manufacturing the titan exhaust for a two-stroke engine. It includes a description of the manufacturing procedure. It analyzes in detail the forming issue of sheet-metal parts in order to eliminate the spring-back effect, and it finds possible solutions to this problem.

The Master's thesis, written during the study of M-STM Manufacturing Technology and Management in Industry, is focused on the concept of the production technology of a pin. The thesis includes a description of forming and machining technology in terms of possibilities of their application in the production of the pin. Furthermore, by comparing both technologies and preliminary economic evaluations of production, it leads to the choice of the production method. This production method is then described, and the description contains the production process steps including the creation of the CNC program. The conclusion of the thesis is devoted to the technical and economic evaluation of the production concept.

The purpose of this work is to introduce explicit finite element method (FEM) and to familiarize with commercial software tools witch are capable to perform simulations. The technological conditions and the scope of application of roller burnishing are described in subsequent part. The simulation model of roller burnishing was created. Software ANSYS LS-DYNA was used to make computations. The results of simulation and technical and economical benefits of roller burnishing are presented in the conclusion.

The master thesis deals with the design and production of the mold for vacuum forming. Specifically, how the existing and new mold materials affect their design and, consequently, their production technology. The thesis contains a brief description of the principle of vacuum molding. Technological and design principles of designing molds. Furthermore, the realization of the solution variants and the simulation of their production. The solved variants are subsequently evaluated from a technical and economic point of view.

Working at elevated temperature has its challenges due to the high level of complexity whenthe tribosystems operate under harsh conditions, commonly resulting in an increase on thefriction and thermal softening that goes into severe adhesion, severe abrasion and materialtransfer. Despite considerable research, there is a lack of research on tribology applied to hightemperature processes.  The aim of this project is to understand the tribological behavior of tool steel sliding againstaluminum under lubrication conditions working at high temperature. Salt-based, graphite-based, and polymer-based lubricants were evaluated as they are commonly used for aluminum forming. The cleanability of the lubricants after being subjected to elevated temperatures is also studied. High temperature tribological tests were carried out in a reciprocating sliding flat-on-flat configuration for 15 seconds. Optical microscope, SEM and EDS were performed to analyze the specimens after the tribological tests. Then a cleanability study was done to evaluate the cleanability of the lubricants and the effect of temperature on the cleanability of the lubricant. The concentration of the lubricants played an important role in the lubricant’s friction stability and dispersion, particularly for the polymer-based and graphite-based lubricants. Under the tested conditions the salt-based lubricant was ineffective as it showed high and unstable friction. The 10 wt.% polymer-based lubricant concentration presented severe adhesion and material transfer from the aluminum onto the tool steel.  The effect of temperature on the cleanability of the lubricants was correlated to the temperature in which the lubricants start to degrade. Nevertheless, the best cleanability was achieved when using ethanol as a cleaning agent in combination with high pressure spraying, and wirebrush techniques. Mild and high alkaline agents had poor cleanability abilities resulting insurface damage and corrosion on the tool steel.

This thesis submits a proposal production technology of single parts from sheet steel No. 11 305, thickness of 2 mm, made from a semi-finished product with a diameter of 246 mm, production run of 50 000 pieces per year. To manufacture the component a technology of hydromechanical drawing is proposed. On the basis of a literary study and calculations a drawing tool was designed, fixed in hydraulic press LPS 4000. To prepare a semi-finished product, flange trimming, and hole punching, a sheet metal cutting is used.

The project, which was done within the scope of engineering’s study shows the proposal of new technology and production organization of a part “PC cover” – a piece done by deep drawing technology from steel sheet of material 11 321. The study shows some of production operations such as cutting, bending, drawing and shearing, included production method solving. In the project were solved also necessary technological calculations and constructional drafts of forming tool. The whole work covers a complex solution of problems related to production of PC cover together with technological disposition of workplace which represents effective layout, distribution and designing of workplace and machines, used for production of the part in a workshop

The Master´s thesis is elaborated within the framework of graduate´s study by institute of The Engineering technology and composed the technology of fineblanking process. The required component is made by stainless steel 17 240. The technological and constructional proportions were designed and calculated for required technology. The tool cuts out for one stroke one component, and is designed for mechanical three-active press MFA 1600 made by Feintool. The material’s strip of the scroll is situated in single sided rewinders QOPJ 160/650, and managed through leveling machines QRVP 160 into tools. The total force of press is 1600 kN. The main functional parts tools are made by steel 19 436, 19 437.

The project, which have been created within the framework study of engineering branch N2301-2, submit technology project of presswork – car reinforcement from material H 220 P and concept of multi-tool set design for pressing operations 1, 2 and 3. Technology process was designed in six operations, based on literary study of blanking and drawing technology. Multi-tool set is design in according with transfer press Müller Weingarten 1250T-1, which was chosen on the basis of advantageousness calculation. Project includes technical and economical evaluation of elaborated technology whit two other variants of production.

The master’s thesis elaborates an optimum proposal of the production technology of a cutting – a part made of steel plate 11 320.3. The theoretical part represents the problematic issue of cutting technology and on the basis of this part was designed a production of components in processual tool. The processual tool is composed of normalized components and is resolved by using a easel, which is attached into the eccentric press LEXN 100 C (producer Toma Industries) with the nominal drawing force of 1000 kN. The press was chosen on the basis of technological calculations. The work contains necessary calculations, economical evaluation and design documentation of the cutting tool for the components production. The last part contains the technical and economic evaluation of the recently designed technology.

Les systèmes de communications sans fils actuels imposent des contraintes très sévères en termes de la capacité du canal, la qualité de transmission tout en gardant les niveaux d'interférences et multi-trajets assez faibles. De telles contraintes ont rendu les antennes multifaisceaux un élément essentiel dans ces systèmes. Parmi les techniques permettant de réaliser une antenne multifaisceaux (sans avoir recours aux systèmes à balayages électroniques), un réseau d'antennes élémentaires est associé à un réseau d'alimentation (une matrice) à formation de faisceau (Beam Forming Network-BFN). Parmi les différents types de ces matrices, la matrice de Butler a reçu une attention particulière. Ceci est dû au fait qu'elle est théoriquement sans pertes et qu'elle emploie un nombre minimum de composants (coupleurs et déphaseurs) afin de générer l'ensemble de faisceaux orthogonaux demandé (avec l'hypothèse que le nombre de faisceau est une puissance de 2). Néanmoins, la matrice de Butler a un problème de conception majeur. Ce problème réside dans la structure de la matrice qui renferme des croisements ce qui a été adressé par différents travaux de recherches dans la littérature. Les Guide Intégré au Substrat (GIS) offrent des caractéristiques intéressants pour la conception des composants microondes et millimétriques faciles à intégrer sur un même support avec d'autres composants planaires. Les composants à base de GIS combinent les avantages des guides d'ondes rectangulaires, comme leur grand facteur de qualité Q, leur faibles pertes tout en étant compatible avec les technologies à faibles coûts comme le PCB et le LTCC. Vus ses caractéristiques attrayants, la technologie GIS devient un bon candidat pour la réalisation des matrices multifaisceaux faciles à intégrer avec d'autres systèmes en technologies planaires ou à base de guide GIS. Dans cette thèse, de nouveaux composants passifs sont développés en exploitant la technologie GIS en multicouches en vue de la réalisation d'une matrice de Butler 4x4 compacte et large bande. Les composants recherchés sont donc des coupleurs et des déphaseurs ayant des performances large bande en termes des amplitudes des coefficients de transmissions et les phases associés tout en gardant de faibles niveaux de pertes et de bonnes isolations. Différents techniques pour l'implémentation de déphaseurs large bande en technologie GIS sont présentés. Une nouvelle structure à base d'une propagation composite : main gauche main droite (Composite Right/Left- Handed, CRLH) dans un guide d'onde est proposée. La structure consiste d'un guide d'onde monocouche ayant des fenêtres inductives et des fentes transversales à réactances capacitives pour synthétiser l'inductance parallèle et la capacité série main gauche, respectivement. La structure est adaptée pour les réalisations de déphaseurs compacts en technologie GIS. Bien que les pertes d'insertions restent dans le même ordre de grandeur de celles des structures CRLH à base d'éléments non-localisés, ces niveaux de pertes restent relativement grands par rapport aux applications nécessitant plusieurs déphaseurs. Les déphaseurs à bases de GIS ayant des longueurs égales et des largeurs variables sont ensuite abordés. Ce type de déphaseur est effectivement très adapté à la technologie GIS qui permet des réalisations de parcours avec différentes formes (parcours droits, courbés, coudés, ..) tout en assurant des différences de phase large bande. Afin de satisfaire de faibles pertes d'insertions pour une large dynamique de phase, la longueur de ces déphaseurs est en compromis avec les variations progressives des différentes largeurs associées aux valeurs de déphasages requises. Une transition large bande, double couche et à faible perte est ainsi proposée. La transition est analysée à partir de son circuit électrique équivalent afin d'étudier les performances en termes de l'amplitude et la phase du coefficient de transmission par rapport aux différents paramètres structurels de la transition. Cette transition est ensuite exploitée pour développer un déphaseur à trois couches, large bande, en GIS. La structure consiste effectivement d'un guide d'onde replié à plusieurs reprises sur luimême selon la longueur dans une topologie trois couches à faibles pertes. De nouveaux coupleurs double couche en GIS sont également proposés. Pour les applications BFNs, une structure originale d'un coupleur large bande est développée. La structure consiste de deux guides d'onde parallèles qui partagent leur grand mur ayant une paire de fentes inclinées et décalées par rapport au centre de la structure. Une étude paramétrique détaillée est faite pour étudier l'impact des différents paramètres des fentes sur l'amplitude et la phase du coefficient de transmission. Le coupleur proposé a l'avantage d'assurer une large dynamique de couplage ayant des performances larges bandes en termes des amplitudes et les phases des coefficients de transmission avec de faibles pertes et de bonnes isolations entre le port d'entré et celui isolé. D'autre part, contrairement à d'autres travaux antérieurs et récents qui souffraient d'une corrélation directe entre la phase en transmission et le niveau de couplage, la structure proposée permet de contrôler le niveau de couplage en maintenant presque les mêmes valeurs de phase en transmission pour différents niveaux de couplage. Ceci le rend un bon candidat pour les BFNs déployant différents coupleurs telle la matrice de Nolen. Une deuxième structure originale d’un coupleur bibande est également proposée. La structure consiste de deux coupleurs concentriques en guide nervuré intégré au substrat avec un motif innovant de démultiplexage à base de GIS. Ce coupleur a été développé conjointement avec M. Tarek Djerafi de l’Ecole Polytechnique de Montréal dans un cadre de collaboration avec le Prof. Ke Wu. Finalement, pour l'implémentation de la matrice de Butler, la topologie double couche est explorée à deux niveaux. Le premier consiste à optimiser les caractéristiques électriques de la matrice, tandis que le second concerne l'optimisation de la surface occupée afin de rendre la matrice la plus compacte possible sans dégrader ses performances électriques. D'une part, la structure double couche présente une solution intrinsèque au problème de croisement permettant ainsi une plus grande flexibilité pour la compensation de phase sur une large bande de fréquence. Ceci est réalisé par une conception adéquate de la surface géométrique sur chaque couche de substrat et optimiser les différentes sections de GIS avec les différents parcours adoptés. La deuxième étape consiste effectivement à optimiser la surface sur chaque couche en profitant de la technologie GIS. Ceci consiste à réaliser des murs latéraux communs entre différents chemin électrique de la matrice en vue d'une compacité optimale. Les deux prototypes de matrices de Butler 4x4 sont optimisés, fabriqués et mesurés. Les résultats de mesures sont en bon accord avec ceux de la simulation. Des niveaux d'isolations mieux que - 15 dB avec des niveaux de réflexions inférieurs à -12 dB sont validés expérimentalement sur plus de 24% de bande autour de 12.5 GHz. Les coefficients de transmission montrent de faibles dispersions d'environ 1 dB avec une moyenne de -6.8 dB, et 10° par rapport aux valeurs théoriques, respectivement, sur toute la bande de fréquence
Multibeam antennas have become a key element in nowadays wireless communication systems where increased channel capacity, improved transmission quality with minimum interference and multipath phenomena are severe design constraints. These antennas are classified in two main categories namely adaptive smart antennas and switched-beam antennas. Switched-beam antennas consist of an elementary antenna array connected to a Multiple Beam Forming Network (M-BFN). Among the different M-BFNs, the Butler matrix has received particular attention as it is theoretically lossless and employs the minimum number of components to generate a given set of orthogonal beams (provided that the number of beams is a power of 2). However, the Butler matrix has a main design problem which is the presence of path crossings that has been previously addressed in different research works. Substrate Integrated Waveguide (SIW) features interesting characteristics for the design of microwave and millimetre-wave integrated circuits. SIW based components combine the advantages of the rectangular waveguide, such as the high Q factor (low insertion loss) and high power capability while being compatible with low-cost PCB and LTCC technologies. Owing to its attractive features, the use of SIW technology appears as a good candidate for the implementation of BFNs. The resulting structure is therefore suitable for both waveguide-like and planar structures. In this thesis, different novel passive components (couplers and phase shifters) have been developed exploring the multi-layer SIW technology towards the implementation of a two-layer compact 4×4 Butler matrix offering wideband performances for both transmission magnitudes and phases with good isolation and input reflection characteristics. Different techniques for the implementation of wideband fixed phase shifters in SIW technology are presented. First, a novel waveguide-based CRLH structure is proposed. The structure is based on a single-layer waveguide with shunt inductive windows (irises) and series transverse capacitive slots, suitable for SIW implementations for compact phase shifters. The structure suffers relatively large insertion loss which remains however within the typical range of non-lumped elements based CRLH implementations. Second, the well-known equal length, unequal width SIW phase shifters is discussed. These phase shifters are very adapted for SIW implementations as they fully exploit the flexibility of the SIW technology in different path shapes while offering wideband phase characteristics. To satisfy good return loss characteristics with this type of phase shifters, the length has to be compromised with respect to the progressive width variations associated with the required phase shift values. A twolayer, wideband low-loss SIW transition is then proposed. The transition is analyzed using its equivalent circuit model bringing a deeper understanding of its transmission characteristics for both amplitude and phase providing therefore the basic guidelines for electromagnetic optimization. Based on its equivalent circuit model, the transition can be optimized within the well equal-length SIW phase shifters in order to compensate its additional phase shift within the frequency band of interest. This twolayer wideband phase shifter scheme has been adopted in the final developed matrix architecture.This transition is then exploited to develop a three-layer, multiply-folded waveguide structure as a good candidate for compensated-length, variable width, low-loss, compact wideband phase shifters in SIW technology. Novel two-layer SIW couplers are also addressed. For BFNs applications, an original structure for a two-layer 90° broadband coupler is developed. The proposed coupler consists of two parallel waveguides coupled together by means of two parallel inclined-offset resonant slots in their common broad wall. A complete parametric study of the coupler is carried out including the effect of the slot length, inclination angle and offset on both the coupling level and the transmission phase. The first advantage of the proposed coupler is providing a wide coupling dynamic range by varying the slot parameters allowing the design of wideband SIW Butler matrix in two-layer topology. In addition, previously published SIW couplers suffer from direct correlation between the transmission phase and the coupling level, while the coupler, hereby proposed, allows controlling the transmission phase without significantly affecting the coupling level, making it a good candidate for BFNs employing different couplers, such as, the Nolen matrix. A novel dual-band hybrid ring coupler is also developed in multi-layer Ridged SIW (RSIW) technology. This coupler has been jointly developed with Tarek Djerafi in a collaboration scenario with Prof. Ke Wu from the Ecole Polytechnique de Montréal. The coupler has an original structure based on two concentric rings in RSIW topology with the outer ring periodically loaded with radial, stub-loaded transverse slots. A design procedure is presented based on the Transverse Resonance Method (TRM) of the ridged waveguide together with the simple design rules of the hybrid ring coupler. A C/K dual band coupler with bandwidths of 8.5% and 14.6% centered at 7.2 GHz and 20.5 GHz, respectively, is presented. The coupler provides independent dual band operation with low-dispersive wideband operation. Finally, for the Butler matrix design, the two-layer SIW implementation is explored through a two-fold enhancement approach for both the matrix electrical and physical characteristics. On the one hand, the two-layer topology allows an inherent solution for the crossing problem allowing therefore more flexibility for phase compensation over a wide frequency band. This is achieved by proper geometrical optimization of the surface on each layer and exploiting the SIW technology in the realization of variable width waveguides sections with the corresponding SIW bends. On the other hand, the two-layer SIW technology is exploited for an optimized space saving design by implementing common SIW lateral walls for the matrix adjacent components seeking maximum size reduction. The two corresponding 4×4 Butler matrix prototypes are optimized, fabricated and measured. Measured results are in good agreement with the simulated ones. Isolation characteristics better than -15 dB with input reflection levels lower than -12 dB are experimentally validated over 24% frequency bandwidth centered at 12.5 GHz. Measured transmission magnitudes and phases exhibit good dispersive characteristics of 1dB, around an average value of -6.8 dB, and 10° with respect to the theoretical phase values, respectively, over the entire frequency band

The project developed as a part of continuing master’s program in the field of M-STG Mechanical engineering technologies introduces a technological proposal of producing a side panel of computer case. Based on the research of published studies on the topic of surface forming and methods of production of shape openings in sheet-metal, we chose the variant of production of parts using punch press and press brake and selected appropriate material – steel with protective zinc and aluminum coating. Based on the research of published studies on the topic of computer cases we processed analyses of shape designs and chose optimal variant, for which we prepared calculations of production costs in comparison with other proposals.