Abstract Non-destructive evaluation of multilayer media represents an electromagnetic inverse problem, usually solved with analysis techniques in the time and frequency domains. The time- domain analysis technique depends directly on the accurate detection of reflected peaks measured by ground-penetrating radar (GPR), which limits this technique when the reflected pulses overlap with each other or the transmitted signal. Therefore, this paper presents a new practical methodology to obtain the antenna design requirements (operating frequency and temporal response) that avoid overlapping reflected pulses. The major finding is that the proposed methodology enables the production of specific antennas for the analyzed homogeneous and low-loss dielectric multilayer problem, serving as a practical guide for GPR antenna design. A typical pavement example is analyzed to apply the methodology, and, as a result, an ultra-wideband (UWB) directive antenna with tolerable dispersion is obtained according to the design specifications. Finally, the antenna simulations were compared and validated with measurements.

Resumo Este artigo aborda modelos de plasticidade aplicados ao concreto em um framework teórico que visa generalizar a formulação de modelos constitutivos para a análise fisicamente não lineare de estruturas. Nesse sentido, é descrito o arcabouço teórico para a implementação computacional da teoria matemática da plasticidade, detalhando as formulações de modelos capazes de descrever o comportamento inelástico do concreto. As superfícies de carga associadas aos critérios Drucker Prager e Ottosen são destacadas. Além disso, é descrito o algoritmo de mapeamento de retorno “Cutting Plane”, necessário à integração de relações constitutivas que governam o comportamento do material no contexto da plasticidade computacional. Finalmente, são apresentadas simulações numéricas, como os testes de compressão diametral, tração direta e flexão de três pontos. Os resultados dessas simulações são comparados com os da literatura para verificar a estabilidade e a precisão do modelo.

Abstract This article presents a study of the plasticity model applicability to concrete in a theoretical framework that generalizes the formulation of constitutive models for physically nonlinear analysis of structures. In this sense, the theoretical framework for the computational implementation of the plasticity mathematical theory is described, detailing the models formulations capable to describe the inelastic behavior of concrete. The loading surfaces associated to Drucker Prager and Ottosen criterion are highlighted. Furthermore, the Cutting Plane return mapping algorithm, necessary to the integration of constitutive relations that govern the behavior of the material in the context of computational plasticity, is described. Finally, numerical simulations are presented, such as the direct tension loading and three-point bending tests. The results of these simulations are compared with those from the literature to verify the model stability and accuracy.

Zinc electrowinning is performed with the application of a current through insoluble electrodes (Pb - Ag), causing the electrolysis of zinc sulfate, with or without impurities, and zinc deposition on the cathode of aluminum. The impurities can reduce the current efficiency and increase the energy consumption in zinc electrolysis. In this work, the effect of nickel and magnesium on zinc electrodeposition was studied using the electrochemical techniques of galvanostatic deposition and cyclic voltammetry. Additions of nickel, magnesium or both cations in zinc sulfate electrolyte resulted in a marginal increase in current efficiency. Addition of nickel or magnesium polarizes the cathode; however, the extent of polarization in the presence of magnesium is more than that of nickel. Addition of magnesium to the zinc electrolyte caused zinc reduction at a more negative potential. The addition of nickel to the zinc electrolyte increased the current density of the anodic peaks, thus increasing the dissolution of zinc and hydrogenated phases. The addition of nickel to the zinc and magnesium solutions decreased the nucleation loop, facilitating zinc deposition.