Browsing by Subject "Angle"
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Item Novel tools for ultrafast spectroscopy(2011-12) Jarvis, Thomas William; Li, Elaine; Fink, Manfred; Keto, John; Lim, Sang-Hyun; Shih, Chih-Kang; Sitz, GregExciton dynamics in semiconductor nanostructures are dominated by the effects of many-body physics. The application of coherent spectroscopic tools, such as two-dimensional Fourier transform spectroscopy (2dFTS), to the study of these systems can reveal signatures of these effects, and in combination with sophisticated theoretical modeling, can lead to more complete understanding of the behaviour of these systems. 2dFTS has previously been applied to the study of GaAs quantum well samples. In this thesis, we outline a precis of the technique before describing our own experiments using 2dFTS in a partially collinear geometry. This geometry has previously been used to study chemical systems, but we believe these experiments to be the first such performed on semiconductor samples. We extend this technique to a reflection mode 2dFTS experiment, which we believe to be the first such measurement. In order to extend the techniques of coherent spectroscopy to structured systems, we construct an experimental apparatus that permits us to control the beam geometry used to perform four-wave mixing reflection measurements. To isolate extremely weak signals from intense background fields, we extend a conventional lock-in detection scheme to one that treats the optical fields exciting the sample on an unequal footing. To the best of our knowledge, these measurements represent a novel spectroscopic tool that has not previously been described.Item Stiffness and fatigue behavior of cross frames for steel bridge applications(2014-08) Battistini, Anthony David; Helwig, Todd Aaron, 1965-; Engelhardt, Michael D.Cross frames are critical for the stability of straight and curved steel bridges. Conventional cross frames are often fabricated from steel angles which are welded to gusset plates through one leg only. Due to this eccentric connection, these angles have substantial bending at the connection that can reduce the member stiffness and can potentially decrease fatigue performance. Because of the low buckling strength, cross frames with angle diagonals are often designed as tension-only systems, therefore increasing the necessary steel to be an effective brace. Improved behavior may result if concentric members are utilized. The increased buckling strength of tubes and double angles results in effective members in both compression and tension, and a single diagonal cross frame can provide effective bracing; however, a suitable connection must be developed. Tubes are often connected by slotting the tube in the center and welding to a gusset plate, which requires precise fabrication. Two proposed solutions that would connect easily to the ends of the member and seal the end of the tube include a steel casting and a T-stem connection. The dissertation studies the development of a steel casting for use in cross frame design and evaluates the performance of the various details described herein in regards to stiffness, strength, and fatigue. Additionally, the dissertation covers the behavior of single angle X and K frame configurations. To date, the determination of the single angle fatigue detail has been largely based on component tests only. The project incorporated full-scale cross frame fatigue tests to fully examine the interaction of the cross frame members with the overall structure. Results from currently used details and proposed connections provide insight to the live load behavior of these braces and multiple recommendations are made to improve the fatigue life. The project examined the stiffness behavior of current and proposed cross frame layouts with large-scale laboratory tests and computational modeling. From these results, a case study compares the fatigue analysis of a commercial structural software package to the stress ranges obtained in a three-dimensional finite element model. Suggestions on how to properly model the cross frames are given.