Search

In dieser Masterarbeit werden die Zusammenhänge zwischen einer DSGSD – Deep-seated Gravita-tional Slope Deformation – und sekundären Hazards und Prozessen unterhalb des Gipfels des Reis-senschuhs im Schmirntal in Tirol, Österreich, untersucht. Die DSGSD bewegt sich mit einer durch-schnittlichen Versatzrate von 0,62 m pro Jahr und betrifft weite Teile des südöstlichen Hanges des Berges. Am unteren Ende drückt die Rutschung gegen eine steile Böschung, die vom Wildbach Ba-cheralmbach unterschnitten wird. Die Aktivität der DSGSD beeinflusst die Stabilität der Böschung und sie kollabiert regelmäßig in den Wildbach hinein, in dem Murgänge beobachtet werden kön-nen. Es ist bekannt, dass DSGSDs einen Einfluss auf die Stabilität von Hängen haben und dass Se-kundärprozesse wie Rutschungen häufiger passieren, wenn die DSGSDs aktiv sind. Dies wird durch die Veränderungen der Topographie der Hänge und die Störung ihrer Struktur erklärt, aber wurde bisher kaum im Detail untersucht. In dieser Studie wurde dieser Zusammenhang im Untersu-chungsgebiet mit Orthofotos, erstellten und gesammelten LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) Da-ten, Geländeuntersuchungen, Laboruntersuchungen von Geländeproben und Standsicherheitsprü-fungen untersucht. Die Analyse der LiDAR Daten aus verschiedenen Jahren hat gezeigt, dass die DSGSD eine Übersteilung der Böschung zwischen 2017 und 2020 verursacht. Daraufhin folgt ein Hangversagen im Jahr 2021. Die Standsicherheitsprüfungen haben gezeigt, dass die Veränderungen der Topographie zwischen 2017 und 2020 für eine Zunahme der Instabilität gesorgt haben. Model-lierte Hangwasserszenarien haben gezeigt, dass Teile des Hanges auch bei kompletter Sättigung des Hanges ohne die Veränderungen der Topographie stabil geblieben wären. Nach Veränderungen kommt es im gesamten Hang bei hohen Niveaus an Porenwasser zum Kollaps. Damit zeigt die Stu-die, dass die DSGSD die Wahrscheinlichkeit und Intensität von Hangversagen und Murgängen er-höht. Außerdem zeigt die Studie, This thesis investigates the interactions between a DSGSD – Deep-Seated Gravitational Slope De-formation – with secondary cascading hazards and processes below the summit of the Reis-senschuh mountain in the Schmirn Valley in Tyrol, Austria. In comparison to other DSGSDs, the Reissenschuh landslide moves with an average offset rate of 0.62 m per year and influences a large proportion of the southeastern slope of the mountain. At the bottom end, the landslide pushes against a steep scarp, which is being undercut by a torrent known as the Bacheralmbach. The activi-ty of the DSGSD influences the scarp’s stability and the scarp collapses regularly into the torrent, where debris flows are observed. It is known that DSGSDs have an influence on the stability of slopes they affect and that on those slopes secondary processes like slides occur more often when the DSGSDs are active. This is explained by the changes of the topography of the slopes and cause a distortion of the slope’s structure, but it is barely investigated in detail. In this study, this interac-tion was investigated at the study area with orthophotos, obtained and acquired terrestrial LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) data, field trips, laboratory-based analysis of material samples from the site and stability tests. The analysis of topographic LiDAR data of different years showed that the DSGSD causes over-steepening at the scarp between 2017 and 2020. This is followed by a slope collapse in 2021. Due to the stability tests, it became clear that these changes cause an increase in instability. Different slope water scenarios showed that parts of the scarp would have remained stable without the topographic changes, even during a full saturation of the slope. After the chang-es, the model shows collapses caused by high levels of pore water in the slope. Thus, the study concludes that the DSGSD increases the probability and intensity of slope collapses and debris flows. But likewise, it was found unlikely that, Daniel Kinker, Zusammenfassung in deutscher Sprache, Masterarbeit Universität Innsbruck 2024

The oxygen reduction reaction was investigated at 10 monolayers (MLs) of Pt electrodeposited on (Nb–Ti)2AlC substrate. Following the discussion of detailed kinetics and electrodeposition optimisation in the authors’ previous paper, the focus of this research was on stability testing. Previously performed optimisation results showed the best activity shown by 10 monolayers of Pt. Catalyst characterisation was performed by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. SEM, EDS and XPS analysis showed that the surface was covered with a homogeneous layer of Pt. TEM analysis of a cross-section confirmed the presence of Pt layer of thickness ∼3.5 nm, corresponding to the 10 MLs of Pt. Although the mass activity for the ORR at 0.8 V vs. RHE of 37.4 A g−1 was comparable with the best one for the Pt/C benchmark, US Department of Energy Protocols revealed excellent catalyst stability – the loss of electrochemically active surface area (EASA) was found to be only 9.3%.

Flash calculations are used for the dynamic simulation of vapor-liquid phase equilibria (VLE) in many chemical processes. When used to predict the composition of mixtures in VLE, the repeated applicatino of these flash calculations, particularly in dynamic cases can cause small inaccuracies to cascade. One way to prevent this, is to have strong predictions and initial guesses for what a mixture in equilibrium will look like. For this, stability tests can be employed. Stability tests require the minimisation of the tangent plane distance, which is derived from the excess Gibbs Energy. The VLE problem and stability tests have been approached from a viewpoint based in mathematical optimisation, not one based in thermodynamics. As such, this work provides a slightly different description of flash calculations and stability tests, and can serve as both an introduction to the problems, as well as an approach to the problem in a different way than is traditionally done. In this report, the tangent plane distance function has been studied and applied to an example to gain intuition on the problem, and different optimisation methods were considered for minimising this function. A stochastic- and a deterministic method were applied to the stability problem to gain a better understanding of which type of method will work better for minimising the tangent plane distance. Both methods seem sufficient, but the scalability to higher dimensions is lacking, especially in the deterministic case., Applied Mathematics

CO preferential oxidation (PROX) is an effective method to clean reformate H2 streams to feed low-temperature fuel cells. In this work, the PROX and CO oxidation reactions were studied on preformed Au nanoparticles (NPs) supported on TiO2 anatase. Preformed Au NPs were obtained from gold cores stabilized by dodecanethiols or trimethylsilane-dendrons. A well-controlled size of ca. 2.6 nm and narrow size distributions were achieved by this procedure. The catalysts were characterized by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and ex situ and in situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The XPS results showed that the preformed Au NPs exhibited high thermal stability. The different ligand-derived Au catalysts, as well as a conventional gold catalyst for comparison purposes, were loaded onto cordierite supports with 400 cells per square inch. The activity and selectivity of the samples were evaluated for various operation conditions. The catalyst prepared using dodecanethiol-capped Au NPs showed the best performance. In fact, CO conversions of up to 70% at 40% CO2 selectivity and 90% O2 conversion were observed operating at 363 K in H2-rich atmospheres. The performance of the best catalysts was subsequently tested on stainless steel microreactors. A 500-hour stability test was carried out under a real post-reformate stream, including 18 vol.% CO2 and 29 vol.% H2O. A mean CO conversion of ca. 24% was measured for the whole test operating at 453 K and a gas hourly space velocity (GHSV) of 1.3 × 104 h-1. These results reveal our dodecanethiol- and carbosilane-derived Au catalysts as extremely promising candidates to conduct a PROX reaction while avoiding deactivation, which is one of the major drawbacks of Au/TiO2 catalysts., Peer Reviewed, Postprint (published version)

Flash calculations are used for the dynamic simulation of vapor-liquid phase equilibria (VLE) in many chemical processes. When used to predict the composition of mixtures in VLE, the repeated applicatino of these flash calculations, particularly in dynamic cases can cause small inaccuracies to cascade. One way to prevent this, is to have strong predictions and initial guesses for what a mixture in equilibrium will look like. For this, stability tests can be employed. Stability tests require the minimisation of the tangent plane distance, which is derived from the excess Gibbs Energy. The VLE problem and stability tests have been approached from a viewpoint based in mathematical optimisation, not one based in thermodynamics. As such, this work provides a slightly different description of flash calculations and stability tests, and can serve as both an introduction to the problems, as well as an approach to the problem in a different way than is traditionally done. In this report, the tangent plane distance function has been studied and applied to an example to gain intuition on the problem, and different optimisation methods were considered for minimising this function. A stochastic- and a deterministic method were applied to the stability problem to gain a better understanding of which type of method will work better for minimising the tangent plane distance. Both methods seem sufficient, but the scalability to higher dimensions is lacking, especially in the deterministic case., Applied Mathematics

Direct ethanol fuel cells are one of the most promising electrochemical energy conversion devices for portable, mobile and stationary power applications. However, more efficient and stable and less expensive electrocatalysts are still required. Interestingly, the electrochemical performance of the electrocatalysts toward the ethanol oxidation reaction can be remarkably enhanced by exploiting the benefits of structural and compositional sensitivity and control. Here, we describe the synthesis, characterization, and electrochemical behavior of cubic Pt–Sn nanoparticles. The electrochemical activity of the cubic Pt–Sn nanoparticles was found to be about three times higher than that obtained with unshaped Pt–Sn nanoparticles and six times higher than that of Pt nanocubes. In addition, stability tests indicated the electrocatalyst preserves its morphology and remains well-dispersed on the carbon support after 5000 potential cycles, while a cubic (pure) Pt catalyst exhibited severe agglomeration of the nanoparticles after a similar stability testing protocol. A detailed analysis of the elemental distribution in the nanoparticles by STEM-EELS indicated that Sn dissolves from the outer part of the shell after potential cycling, forming a ∼0.5 nm Pt skin. This particular atomic composition profile having a Pt-rich core, a Sn-rich subsurface layer, and a Pt-skin surface structure is responsible for the high activity and stability.

Current International Maritime Organization (IMO) and U.S. Coast Guard regulations require inclining tests of vessels to use three heel-measuring devices, one of which must be a pendulum. This is a problem since pendulums are required to be at least 10 feet in height and newer vessel designs are constrained by overhead clearance and deck space. To investigate this problem, this thesis examines five different stability test results that were submitted to the U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Center (MSC). The author identified and inputted random error into the independent variables used to calculate each vessel’s metacentric height (GM). The independent variables were then used in a Design of Experiment (DOE) to examine which factors had the strongest effect on GM. Of the factors analyzed, the device used to measure heel angle proved to be the most significant. The author then constructed three different miniature models to conduct inclining experiments in a controlled environment. The heel-measuring devices used during these experiments were a smartphone and pendulum. In all three miniature model experiments, the smartphone demonstrated better precision over the pendulum. This thesis recommends keeping current standards and regulations intact until further data and research are gathered., http://archive.org/details/testingstability1094559662, Lieutenant, United States Coast Guard, Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

Direct ethanol fuel cells are one of the most promising electrochemical energy conversion devices for portable, mobile and stationary power applications. However, more efficient and stable and less expensive electrocatalysts are still required. Interestingly, the electrochemical performance of the electrocatalysts toward the ethanol oxidation reaction can be remarkably enhanced by exploiting the benefits of structural and compositional sensitivity and control. Here, we describe the synthesis, characterization, and electrochemical behavior of cubic Pt–Sn nanoparticles. The electrochemical activity of the cubic Pt–Sn nanoparticles was found to be about three times higher than that obtained with unshaped Pt–Sn nanoparticles and six times higher than that of Pt nanocubes. In addition, stability tests indicated the electrocatalyst preserves its morphology and remains well-dispersed on the carbon support after 5000 potential cycles, while a cubic (pure) Pt catalyst exhibited severe agglomeration of the nanoparticles after a similar stability testing protocol. A detailed analysis of the elemental distribution in the nanoparticles by STEM-EELS indicated that Sn dissolves from the outer part of the shell after potential cycling, forming a ∼0.5 nm Pt skin. This particular atomic composition profile having a Pt-rich core, a Sn-rich subsurface layer, and a Pt-skin surface structure is responsible for the high activity and stability.

Nanocatalyst performance towards the ethanol oxidation reaction (EOR) for fuel cell applications can be enhanced by exploiting the benefits of structural and compositional sensitivity and control. We describe the synthesis and characterization of cubic Pt-Sn alloyed nanoparticles consisting of (100) faceted Pt-Sn nanoparticles with a core-shell structure, with a Pt-rich core and a Sn-rich shell. Stability tests indicated that this catalyst preserves its morphology and remains well-dispersed on the carbon support after 5,000 potential cycles, while a cubic (pure) Pt catalyst exhibited severe agglomeration of the nanoparticles after the same stability testing protocol. Analysis of the elemental distribution in the nanoparticles by STEM-EELS indicated that Sn dissolves from the outer part of the shell after potential cycling, forming a ~0.5 nm Pt skin. Finally, the activity of this bimetallic core-shell nanostructured electrocatalyst towards the EOR was investigated, exhibiting currents about three times higher than those of unshaped Pt-Sn nanoparticles and six times higher than Pt nanocubes.

A reduction in pesticide effectiveness, in general, may be due to hydrolysis. The rate of hydrolysis is dependent on pH, pesticide chemistry, length of time in the spray tank and water temperature in the spray tank. The exposure of the spray tank to sunlight will also impact the rate of hydrolysis. The present work describes stability test of bentazon and dicamba in water under different conditions, such as pH, presence or absence of sunlight and different temperatures. Stability of bentazon and dicamba aqueous solution was assessed by exposing aqueous samples to different temperatures, different pH (4, 7 and 10) and presence or absence of sunlight. The stability study under laboratory conditions revealed high stability of both compounds in aqueous solution pH 10, when exposed to sunlight or darkness. Dicamba was stabile at pH 7, while in aqueous solution pH 3 degraded 30% of initial concentration of dicamba. Bentazon degraded more that 50% after two weeks at pH 4 and 7.

Tato práce je zaměřena na realizaci funkčních testů v rámci softwarového projektu v oblasti energetiky ve společnosti Unicorn. Teoretická část obecně popisuje projektové metodiky vývoje software a metodiku Rational Unified Process (RUP). Dále jsou v práci zahrnuty způsoby testování a model pro řízení kvality FURPS+. Poslední část uvádí funkční testy včetně popisu těch, které jsou použity k otestování vyvíjené aplikace. Praktickou část tvoří popis energetického projektu Nemo Link, vyvíjené aplikace Nemo Link Dispatch System (NDS), jednotlivých modulů aplikace, testovacího prostředí, použitých nástrojů a navržené metodologie pro testy. Na základě této metodologie jsou následně vykonány a vyhodnoceny jednotlivé zvolené testy., This work is focused on the implementation of functional tests within the software project in the field of energy in the company Unicorn. The theoretical part describes in general the project methodology of software development and the methodology Rational Unified Process (RUP). In addition, the test methods are included, and the quality management model FURPS+. The last section introduces functional tests, including a description of those that are used to test the developed application. The practical part consists of description of the energy project Nemo Link, developed application Nemo Link Dispatch System (NDS), individial application modules, test enviroment, used tools and designed test methodology. Based on this methodology, individual selected tests are performed and evaluated.

Tato práce je zaměřena na realizaci funkčních testů v rámci softwarového projektu v oblasti energetiky ve společnosti Unicorn. Teoretická část obecně popisuje projektové metodiky vývoje software a metodiku Rational Unified Process (RUP). Dále jsou v práci zahrnuty způsoby testování a model pro řízení kvality FURPS+. Poslední část uvádí funkční testy včetně popisu těch, které jsou použity k otestování vyvíjené aplikace. Praktickou část tvoří popis energetického projektu Nemo Link, vyvíjené aplikace Nemo Link Dispatch System (NDS), jednotlivých modulů aplikace, testovacího prostředí, použitých nástrojů a navržené metodologie pro testy. Na základě této metodologie jsou následně vykonány a vyhodnoceny jednotlivé zvolené testy., This work is focused on the implementation of functional tests within the software project in the field of energy in the company Unicorn. The theoretical part describes in general the project methodology of software development and the methodology Rational Unified Process (RUP). In addition, the test methods are included, and the quality management model FURPS+. The last section introduces functional tests, including a description of those that are used to test the developed application. The practical part consists of description of the energy project Nemo Link, developed application Nemo Link Dispatch System (NDS), individial application modules, test enviroment, used tools and designed test methodology. Based on this methodology, individual selected tests are performed and evaluated.

Tato práce je zaměřena na realizaci funkčních testů v rámci softwarového projektu v oblasti energetiky ve společnosti Unicorn. Teoretická část obecně popisuje projektové metodiky vývoje software a metodiku Rational Unified Process (RUP). Dále jsou v práci zahrnuty způsoby testování a model pro řízení kvality FURPS+. Poslední část uvádí funkční testy včetně popisu těch, které jsou použity k otestování vyvíjené aplikace. Praktickou část tvoří popis energetického projektu Nemo Link, vyvíjené aplikace Nemo Link Dispatch System (NDS), jednotlivých modulů aplikace, testovacího prostředí, použitých nástrojů a navržené metodologie pro testy. Na základě této metodologie jsou následně vykonány a vyhodnoceny jednotlivé zvolené testy., This work is focused on the implementation of functional tests within the software project in the field of energy in the company Unicorn. The theoretical part describes in general the project methodology of software development and the methodology Rational Unified Process (RUP). In addition, the test methods are included, and the quality management model FURPS+. The last section introduces functional tests, including a description of those that are used to test the developed application. The practical part consists of description of the energy project Nemo Link, developed application Nemo Link Dispatch System (NDS), individial application modules, test enviroment, used tools and designed test methodology. Based on this methodology, individual selected tests are performed and evaluated.

Tato práce je zaměřena na realizaci funkčních testů v rámci softwarového projektu v oblasti energetiky ve společnosti Unicorn. Teoretická část obecně popisuje projektové metodiky vývoje software a metodiku Rational Unified Process (RUP). Dále jsou v práci zahrnuty způsoby testování a model pro řízení kvality FURPS+. Poslední část uvádí funkční testy včetně popisu těch, které jsou použity k otestování vyvíjené aplikace. Praktickou část tvoří popis energetického projektu Nemo Link, vyvíjené aplikace Nemo Link Dispatch System (NDS), jednotlivých modulů aplikace, testovacího prostředí, použitých nástrojů a navržené metodologie pro testy. Na základě této metodologie jsou následně vykonány a vyhodnoceny jednotlivé zvolené testy., This work is focused on the implementation of functional tests within the software project in the field of energy in the company Unicorn. The theoretical part describes in general the project methodology of software development and the methodology Rational Unified Process (RUP). In addition, the test methods are included, and the quality management model FURPS+. The last section introduces functional tests, including a description of those that are used to test the developed application. The practical part consists of description of the energy project Nemo Link, developed application Nemo Link Dispatch System (NDS), individial application modules, test enviroment, used tools and designed test methodology. Based on this methodology, individual selected tests are performed and evaluated.

Tato práce je zaměřena na realizaci funkčních testů v rámci softwarového projektu v oblasti energetiky ve společnosti Unicorn. Teoretická část obecně popisuje projektové metodiky vývoje software a metodiku Rational Unified Process (RUP). Dále jsou v práci zahrnuty způsoby testování a model pro řízení kvality FURPS+. Poslední část uvádí funkční testy včetně popisu těch, které jsou použity k otestování vyvíjené aplikace. Praktickou část tvoří popis energetického projektu Nemo Link, vyvíjené aplikace Nemo Link Dispatch System (NDS), jednotlivých modulů aplikace, testovacího prostředí, použitých nástrojů a navržené metodologie pro testy. Na základě této metodologie jsou následně vykonány a vyhodnoceny jednotlivé zvolené testy., This work is focused on the implementation of functional tests within the software project in the field of energy in the company Unicorn. The theoretical part describes in general the project methodology of software development and the methodology Rational Unified Process (RUP). In addition, the test methods are included, and the quality management model FURPS+. The last section introduces functional tests, including a description of those that are used to test the developed application. The practical part consists of description of the energy project Nemo Link, developed application Nemo Link Dispatch System (NDS), individial application modules, test enviroment, used tools and designed test methodology. Based on this methodology, individual selected tests are performed and evaluated.

Tato práce je zaměřena na realizaci funkčních testů v rámci softwarového projektu v oblasti energetiky ve společnosti Unicorn. Teoretická část obecně popisuje projektové metodiky vývoje software a metodiku Rational Unified Process (RUP). Dále jsou v práci zahrnuty způsoby testování a model pro řízení kvality FURPS+. Poslední část uvádí funkční testy včetně popisu těch, které jsou použity k otestování vyvíjené aplikace. Praktickou část tvoří popis energetického projektu Nemo Link, vyvíjené aplikace Nemo Link Dispatch System (NDS), jednotlivých modulů aplikace, testovacího prostředí, použitých nástrojů a navržené metodologie pro testy. Na základě této metodologie jsou následně vykonány a vyhodnoceny jednotlivé zvolené testy., This work is focused on the implementation of functional tests within the software project in the field of energy in the company Unicorn. The theoretical part describes in general the project methodology of software development and the methodology Rational Unified Process (RUP). In addition, the test methods are included, and the quality management model FURPS+. The last section introduces functional tests, including a description of those that are used to test the developed application. The practical part consists of description of the energy project Nemo Link, developed application Nemo Link Dispatch System (NDS), individial application modules, test enviroment, used tools and designed test methodology. Based on this methodology, individual selected tests are performed and evaluated.