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This dissertation has been submitted to the Faculty of Technology and Science of Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the technical Ph. D. degree.

The project underlying this thesis has been carried out from August 1991 to April 1994 at the Institute of Mechanical Engineering at Aalborg University. The project has been supervised by Professor, Dr. techn. Niels Olhoff to whom I am most indebted for his vivid engagement, inspiring and supporting guidance, immense competence, and his time demanding efforts in providing good research conditions and facilities for our research group. I am also most indebted to my friend and collegue, Associate Professor, Ph. D. John Rasmussen for many invaluable suggestions, support, collaborations, and inspiring discussions.