The use of ERS-1 crossovers and TOPEX/Poseidon repeat pass data for global sea surface variability studies

In previous sea-surface variability studies, researchers have failed to utilise the full ERS-1 mission due to the varying orbital characteristics in each mission phase, and most have simply ignored the Ice and Geodetic phases. This project aims to introduce a technique which will allow the straightforward use of all orbital phases, regardless of orbit type. This technique is based upon single satellite crossovers. Unfortunately the ERS-1 orbital height is still poorly resolved (due to higher air drag and stronger gravitational effects) when compared with that of TOPEX/Poseidon (T/P), so to make best use of the ERS-1 crossover data corrections to the ERS-1 orbital heights are calculated by fitting a cubic-spline to dual-crossover residuals with T/P. This correction is validated by comparison of dual satellite crossovers with tide gauge data. The crossover processing technique is validated by comparing the extracted sea-surface variability information with that from T/P repeat pass data. The two data sets are then combined into a single consistent data set for analysis of sea-surface variability patterns. These patterns are simplified by the use of an empirical orthogonal function decomposition which breaks the signals into spatial modes which are then discussed separately. Further studies carried out on these data include an analysis of the characteristics of the annual signal, discussion of evidence for Rossby wave propagation on a global basis, and finally analysis of the evidence for global mean sea level rise.

Charge effects on hindrance factors for diffusion and convection of solute in pores I

The transport of a spherical solute through a long circular cylindrical pore filled with an electrolyte solution is studied numerically, in the presence of constant surface charge on the solute and the pore wall. Fluid dynamic analyses were carried out to calculate the flow field around the solute in the pore to evaluate the drag coefficients exerted on the solute. Electrical potentials around the solute in the electrolyte solution were computed based on a mean-field theory to provide the interaction energy between the charged solute and the pore wall. Combining the results of the fluid dynamic and electrostatic analyses, we estimated the rate of the diffusive and convective transport of the solute across the pore. Although the present estimates of the drag coefficients on the solute suggest more than 10% difference from existing studies, depending on the radius ratio of the solute relative to the pore and the radial position of the solute center in the pore, this difference leads to a minor effect on the hindrance factors. It was found that even at rather large ion concentrations, the repulsive electrostatic interaction between the charged solute and the pore wall of like charge could significantly reduce the transport rate of the solute.

Magneto-vibratory separation of glass and bronze granular mixtures immersed in a paramagnetic liquid

A fluid-immersed granular mixture may spontaneously separate when subjected to vertical vibration, separation occurring when the ratio of particle inertia to fluid drag is sufficiently different between the component species of the mixture. Here, we describe how fluid-driven separation is influenced by magneto-Archimedes buoyancy, the additional buoyancy force experienced by a body immersed in a paramagnetic fluid when a strong inhomogeneous magnetic field is applied. In our experiments glass and bronze mixtures immersed in paramagnetic aqueous solutions of MnCl2 have been subjected to sinusoidal vertical vibration. In the absence of a magnetic field the separation is similar to that observed when the interstitial fluid is water. However, at modest applied magnetic fields, magneto-Archimedes buoyancy may balance the inertia/fluid-drag separation mechanism, or it may dominate the separation process. We identify the vibratory and magnetic conditions for four granular configurations, each having distinctive granular convection. Abrupt transitions between these states occur at well-defined values of the magnetic and vibrational parameters. In order to gain insight into the dynamics of the separation process we use computer simulations based on solutions of the Navier-Stokes' equations. The simulations reproduce the experimental results revealing the important role of convection and gap formation in the stability of the different states.

Experiments for CFD-modelling of cooling water and Insulation debris two-phase flow phenomena during loss of coolant accidents

The knowledge of insulation debris generation and transport gains in importance regarding reactor safety research for PWR and BWR. The insulation debris released near the break consists of a mixture of very different fibres and particles concerning size, shape, consistence and other properties. Some fraction of the released insulation debris will be transported into the reactor sump where it may affect emergency core cooling. Experiments are performed to blast original samples of mineral wool insulation material by steam under original thermal-hydraulic break conditions of BWR. The gained fragments are used as initial specimen for further experiments at acrylic glass test facilities. The quasi ID-sinking behaviour of the insulation fragments are investigated in a water column by optical high speed video techniques and methods of image processing. Drag properties are derived from the measured sinking velocities of the fibres and observed geometric parameters for an adequate CFD modelling. In the test rig "Ring line-II" the influence of the insulation material on the head loss is investigated for debris loaded strainers. Correlations from the filter bed theory are adapted with experimental results and are used to model the flow resistance depending on particle load, filter bed porosity and parameters of the coolant flow. This concept also enables the simulation of a particular blocked strainer with CFDcodes. During the ongoing work further results of separate effect and integral experiments and the application and validation of the CFD-models for integral test facilities and original containment sump conditions are expected.

Introducing consultant outpatient clinics to community settings to improve access to paediatrics:an observational impact study

Objectives - In line with a national policy to move care ‘closer to home’, a specialist children's hospital in the National Health Service in England introduced consultant-led ‘satellite’ clinics to two community settings for general paediatric outpatient services. Objectives were to reduce non-attendance at appointments by providing care in more accessible locations and to create new physical clinic capacity. This study evaluated these satellite clinics to inform further development and identify lessons for stakeholders. Methods - Impact of the satellite clinics was assessed by comparing community versus hospital-based clinics across the following measures: (1) non-attendance rates and associated factors (including patient characteristics and travel distance) using a logistic regression model; (2) percentage of appointments booked within local catchment area; (3) contribution to total clinic capacity; (4) time allocated to clinics and appointments; and (5) clinic efficiency, defined as the ratio of income to staff-related costs. Results - Satellite clinics did not increase attendance beyond their contribution to shorter travel distance, which was associated with higher attendance. Children living in the most-deprived areas were 1.8 times more likely to miss appointments compared with those from least-deprived areas. The satellite clinics’ contribution to activity in catchment areas and to total capacity was small. However, one of the two satellite clinics was efficient compared with most hospital-based clinics. Conclusions - Outpatient clinics were relocated in pragmatically chosen community settings using a ‘drag and drop’ service model. Such clinics have potential to improve access to specialist paediatric healthcare, but do not provide a panacea. Work is required to improve attendance as part of wider efforts to support vulnerable families. Satellite clinics highlight how improved management could contribute to better use of existing capacity.

Hybrid multi-objective optimization and hybridized self-organizing response surface method

Numerical optimization is a technique where a computer is used to explore design parameter combinations to find extremes in performance factors. In multi-objective optimization several performance factors can be optimized simultaneously. The solution to multi-objective optimization problems is not a single design, but a family of optimized designs referred to as the Pareto frontier. The Pareto frontier is a trade-off curve in the objective function space composed of solutions where performance in one objective function is traded for performance in others. A Multi-Objective Hybridized Optimizer (MOHO) was created for the purpose of solving multi-objective optimization problems by utilizing a set of constituent optimization algorithms. MOHO tracks the progress of the Pareto frontier approximation development and automatically switches amongst those constituent evolutionary optimization algorithms to speed the formation of an accurate Pareto frontier approximation. Aerodynamic shape optimization is one of the oldest applications of numerical optimization. MOHO was used to perform shape optimization on a 0.5-inch ballistic penetrator traveling at Mach number 2.5. Two objectives were simultaneously optimized: minimize aerodynamic drag and maximize penetrator volume. This problem was solved twice. The first time the problem was solved by using Modified Newton Impact Theory (MNIT) to determine the pressure drag on the penetrator. In the second solution, a Parabolized Navier-Stokes (PNS) solver that includes viscosity was used to evaluate the drag on the penetrator. The studies show the difference in the optimized penetrator shapes when viscosity is absent and present in the optimization. In modern optimization problems, objective function evaluations may require many hours on a computer cluster to perform these types of analysis. One solution is to create a response surface that models the behavior of the objective function. Once enough data about the behavior of the objective function has been collected, a response surface can be used to represent the actual objective function in the optimization process. The Hybrid Self-Organizing Response Surface Method (HYBSORSM) algorithm was developed and used to make response surfaces of objective functions. HYBSORSM was evaluated using a suite of 295 non-linear functions. These functions involve from 2 to 100 variables demonstrating robustness and accuracy of HYBSORSM.

Controlled growth of carbon nanotubes for high performance nanoelectronics

Unique electrical and mechanical properties of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) have made them one of the most promising candidates for next-generation nanoelectronics. Efficient utilization of the exceptional properties of SWNTs requires controlling their growth direction (e.g., vertical, horizontal) and morphologies (e.g., straight, junction, coiled). ^ In this dissertation, the catalytic effect on the branching of SWNTs, Y-shaped SWNTs (Y-SWNTs), was investigated. The formation of Y-shaped branches was found to be dependent on the composition of the catalysts. Easier carbide formers have a strong tendency to attach to the sidewall of SWNTs and thus enhance the degree of branching. Y-SWNTs based field-effect transistors (FETs) were fabricated and modulated by the metallic branch of the Y-SWNTs, exhibiting ambipolar characteristics at room temperature. A subthreshold swing of 700 mV/decade and an on/off ratio of 105 with a low off-state current of 10-13 A were obtained. The transport phenomena associated with Y- and cross-junction configurations reveals that the conduction mechanism in the SWNT junctions is governed by thermionic emission at T > 100 K and by tunneling at T < 100 K. ^ Furthermore, horizontally aligned SWNTs were synthesized by the controlled modification of external fields and forces. High performance carbon nanotube FETs and logic circuit were demonstrated utilizing the aligned SWNTs. It is found that the hysteresis in CNTFETs can be eliminated by removing absorbed water molecules on the CNT/SiO2 interface by vacuum annealing, hydrophobic surface treatment, and surface passivation. SWNT “serpentines” were synthesized by utilization of the interaction between drag force from gas flow and Van der Waals force with substrates. The curvature of bent SWNTs could be tailored by adjusting the gas flow rate, and changing the gas flow direction with respect to the step-edges on a single-crystal quartz substrate. Resistivity of bent SWNTs was observed to increase with curvature, which can be attributed to local deformations and possible chirality shift at curved part. ^ Our results show the successful synthesis of SWNTs having controllable morphologies and directionality. The capability of tailoring the electrical properties of SWNTs makes it possible to build an all-nanotube device by integrating SWNTs, having different functionalities, into complex circuits. ^

Integrated surface-ground water modeling in wetlands with improved methods to simulate vegetative resistance to flow

In topographically flat wetlands, where shallow water table and conductive soil may develop as a result of wet and dry seasons, the connection between surface water and groundwater is not only present, but perhaps the key factor dominating the magnitude and direction of water flux. Due to their complex characteristics, modeling waterflow through wetlands using more realistic process formulations (integrated surface-ground water and vegetative resistance) is an actual necessity. This dissertation focused on developing an integrated surface – subsurface hydrologic simulation numerical model by programming and testing the coupling of the USGS MODFLOW-2005 Groundwater Flow Process (GWF) package (USGS, 2005) with the 2D surface water routing model: FLO-2D (O’Brien et al., 1993). The coupling included the necessary procedures to numerically integrate and verify both models as a single computational software system that will heretofore be referred to as WHIMFLO-2D (Wetlands Hydrology Integrated Model). An improved physical formulation of flow resistance through vegetation in shallow waters based on the concept of drag force was also implemented for the simulations of floodplains, while the use of the classical methods (e.g., Manning, Chezy, Darcy-Weisbach) to calculate flow resistance has been maintained for the canals and deeper waters. A preliminary demonstration exercise WHIMFLO-2D in an existing field site was developed for the Loxahatchee Impoundment Landscape Assessment (LILA), an 80 acre area, located at the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wild Life Refuge in Boynton Beach, Florida. After applying a number of simplifying assumptions, results have illustrated the ability of the model to simulate the hydrology of a wetland. In this illustrative case, a comparison between measured and simulated stages level showed an average error of 0.31% with a maximum error of 2.8%. Comparison of measured and simulated groundwater head levels showed an average error of 0.18% with a maximum of 2.9%. The coupling of FLO-2D model with MODFLOW-2005 model and the incorporation of the dynamic effect of flow resistance due to vegetation performed in the new modeling tool WHIMFLO-2D is an important contribution to the field of numerical modeling of hydrologic flow in wetlands.

Thermodynamic description and phase transformation of highly symmetrical monoatomic structures

Based on theoretical considerations an explanation for the temperature dependence of the thermal expansion and the bulk modulus is proposed. A new equation state is also derived. Additionally a physical explanation for the latent heat of fusion is presented. These theoretical predictions are tested against experiments on highly symmetrical monatomic structures. ^ The volume is not an independent variable and must be broken down into its fundamental components when the relationships to the pressure and temperature are defined. Using zero pressure and temperature reference frame, the initial parameters, volume at zero pressure and temperature[V°], bulk modulus at zero temperature [K°] and volume coefficient of thermal expansion at zero pressure[α°] are defined. ^ The new derived EoS is tested against the experiments on perovskite and epsilon iron. The Root-mean-square-deviations (RMSD) of the residuals of the molar volume, pressure, and temperature are in the range of the uncertainty of the experiments. ^ Separating the experiments into 200 K ranges, the new EoS was compared to the most widely used finite strain, interatomic potential, and empirical isothermal EoSs such as the Burch-Murnaghan, the Vinet, and the Roy-Roy respectively. Correlation coefficients, RMSD's of the residuals, and Akaike Information Criteria were used for evaluating the fitting. Based on these fitting parameters, the new p-V-T EoS is superior in every temperature range relative to the investigated conventional isothermal EoS. ^ The new EoS for epsilon iron reproduces the preliminary-reference earth-model (PREM) densities at 6100-7400 K indicating that the presence of light elements might not be necessary to explain the Earth's inner core densities. ^ It is suggested that the latent heat of fusion supplies the energy required for overcoming on the viscous drag resistance of the atoms. The calculated energies for melts formed from highly symmetrical packing arrangements correlate very well with experimentally determined latent heat values. ^ The optical investigation of carhonado-diamond is also part of the dissertation. The collected first complete infrared FTIR absorption spectra for carhonado-diamond confirm the interstellar origin for the most enigmatic diamonds known as carbonado. ^

Integrated Surface-Ground Water Modeling in Wetlands With Improved Methods to Simulate Vegetative Resistance to Flow

This dissertation focused on developing an integrated surface – subsurface hydrologic simulation numerical model by programming and testing the coupling of the USGS MODFLOW-2005 Groundwater Flow Process (GWF) package (USGS, 2005) with the 2D surface water routing model: FLO-2D (O’Brien et al., 1993). The coupling included the necessary procedures to numerically integrate and verify both models as a single computational software system that will heretofore be referred to as WHIMFLO-2D (Wetlands Hydrology Integrated Model). An improved physical formulation of flow resistance through vegetation in shallow waters based on the concept of drag force was also implemented for the simulations of floodplains, while the use of the classical methods (e.g., Manning, Chezy, Darcy-Weisbach) to calculate flow resistance has been maintained for the canals and deeper waters. A preliminary demonstration exercise WHIMFLO-2D in an existing field site was developed for the Loxahatchee Impoundment Landscape Assessment (LILA), an 80 acre area, located at the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wild Life Refuge in Boynton Beach, Florida. After applying a number of simplifying assumptions, results have illustrated the ability of the model to simulate the hydrology of a wetland. In this illustrative case, a comparison between measured and simulated stages level showed an average error of 0.31% with a maximum error of 2.8%. Comparison of measured and simulated groundwater head levels showed an average error of 0.18% with a maximum of 2.9%.

The effects and extent of 1,1,1-trichloroethane vapor concentration exposure on workers during solvent vapor degreasing

This study attempted to determine if an excessive amount of 1,1,1 - Trichloroethane was released into the air, the acute effects of exposure and the cause(s) of excessive use. The types of degreasing equipments which were tested in this study are straight vapor and the vapor spray machines. The instruments utilized to obtain the data for this study are Gastech Haline Detector, Organic Vapor Monitor Badge and Personal Sampling Pump. Readings were taken on three different tanks. The data accumulated by this study were obtained during actual cleaning operation. During testing, increased exposure was detected due to exceeding the rate of removal, downward drafts were blowing right over the top of a degreaser and, in some cases, poor general ventilation caused solvent vapor to be blown out of the tank and into the workers' breathing zone, affecting excessive vapor drag out and solvent loss. The results show that, since the characteristics of solvent 1,1,1 - Trichloroethane are well suited to vapor degreasing requirements, by using proper procedures and maintenance, 1,1,1 - Trichloroethane emission during vapor degreasing can be controlled at levels well below the industrial hygiene standard established by OSHA for safe and healthful conditions.

Estudo da redução de arrasto induzido por polímeros em escoamentos internos turbulentos em dutos

The flows turbulent and laminar are present in various applications of engineering and one of the villain of energy loss big is the surface friction. Currently, there are several research aimed for the study of reducing drag (DR) with the objective of developing effective methods to reduce the friction. Regardless of numerous research carried out until today, the phenomenon DR still remains in study not it is fully understood. This paper studied the drag reduction by polymer induction in turbulent internal flows in ducts. We constructed a testing bench to perform the analysis of drag reduction, the bench has basically two manometers with a 8.5 psi full scale, a peripheral pump 0.5 HP, an acrylic tank, valves and tubes pvc and is situated in the Laboratory Fluid Mechanics UFRN. Were used as polymer additives to polyethylene glycol 4000, the Polyox WSR N60K, Polyox WSR 301 and Polyox WSR 205. The rationale for the choice of these polymers is their wide application in situations requiring greater energy efficiency, such as the addition reducing polymers for the jet used by the fire department to achieve greater distances. The induced drag reduction polymers is investigated from the turbulent flow analysis, with Reynolds number in a range between 2×104

Estudo da redução de arrasto induzido por polímeros em escoamentos internos turbulentos em dutos

The flows turbulent and laminar are present in various applications of engineering and one of the villain of energy loss big is the surface friction. Currently, there are several research aimed for the study of reducing drag (DR) with the objective of developing effective methods to reduce the friction. Regardless of numerous research carried out until today, the phenomenon DR still remains in study not it is fully understood. This paper studied the drag reduction by polymer induction in turbulent internal flows in ducts. We constructed a testing bench to perform the analysis of drag reduction, the bench has basically two manometers with a 8.5 psi full scale, a peripheral pump 0.5 HP, an acrylic tank, valves and tubes pvc and is situated in the Laboratory Fluid Mechanics UFRN. Were used as polymer additives to polyethylene glycol 4000, the Polyox WSR N60K, Polyox WSR 301 and Polyox WSR 205. The rationale for the choice of these polymers is their wide application in situations requiring greater energy efficiency, such as the addition reducing polymers for the jet used by the fire department to achieve greater distances. The induced drag reduction polymers is investigated from the turbulent flow analysis, with Reynolds number in a range between 2×104

Independent Projects Environmental Studies 2010: From Climate Change Laggard to Leader: Policy recommedations for Newfoundland and Labrador

Dyer, along with many others reflecting international consensus in the scientific community, argues that countries must be carbon neutral by 2050 to avoid the worst impacts of climate change (Dyer, 2008, p. xii). to accomplish this by 2050, we need to act now: governments need to cooperate with the scientific community to ensure our society makes the changes to combat climate change. How is Canada reacting to this situation? As describes by the Sierra Club of Canada, "federal government continues to drag its feet, and delay any action to reduce emissions" (2008, p. 18). Given this federal reluctance, individual provinces must act to reduce emissions. While some provinces take a required action, primarily Quebec and British Columbia, others, like Newfoundland and Labrador, contribute little in terms of emissions reductions. Newfoundland and Labrador is ranked as "poor"-among the worst performers regarding climate change policy in the country-by the David Suzuki Foundation in a cross Canada evaluation of various provincial climate change policies (David Suzuki Foundation, 2008, p. 9). The Province of Newfoundland is not doing enough to address climate change. In this paper I argue that to improve this situation, the province could follow the example of the two leading jurisdictions, Quebec and British Columbia, to refine and introduce its own hybrid policy that directly affects decision making processes. But, this can be complicated when convincing the government that it is important to accept stronger policy. The government must consider what climate change impacts Newfoundland and Labrador experiences and willconinue to experience and what Newfoundland and Labrador is contributing to the problem of climate change. To evaluate these issues of climate change, I first survey the positive policies Newfoundland and Labrador is currently implementing/ discussing and then outline action taken by the provincial environment leaders, Quebec and British Columbia.Then I describe the strong pieces in the Quebec and British Columbia climate change action plan that Newfoundland and Labrador can emulate. Finally, I consider if thes polices are politically feasible for the government of Newfoundland and labrador. Hence, this paper aims to give a blueprint of what Newfoundland and Labrador has to act on to make itself an environmental leader.

Annotated record of the detailed examination of Mn deposits from COCOTOW Expedition stations in the intersection of the Siqueiros Transform Fault and the East Pacific Rise

A near-bottom geological and geophysical survey was conducted at the western intersection of the Siqueiros Transform Fault and the East Pacific Rise. Transform-fault shear appears to distort the east flank of the rise crest in an area north of the fracture zone. In ward-facing scarps trend 335° and do not parallel the regional axis of spreading. Small-scale scarps reveal a hummocky bathymetry. The center of spreading is not a central peak but rather a 20-40 m deep, 1 km wide valley superimposed upon an 8 km wide ridge-crest horst. Small-scale topography indicates widespread volcanic flows within the valley. Two 0.75 km wide blocks flank the central valley. Fault scarps are more dominant on the western flank. Their alignment shifts from directions intermediate to parallel to the regional axis of spreading (355°). A median ridge within the fracture zone has a fault-block topography similar to that of the East Pacific Rise to the north. Dominant eastward-facing scarps trending 335° are on the west flank. A central depression, 1 km wide and 30 m deep, separates the dominantly fault-block regime of the west from the smoother topography of the east flank. This ridge originated by uplift due to faulting as well as by volcanism. Detailed mapping was concentrated in a perched basin (Dante's Hole) at the intersection of the rise crest and the fracture zone. Structural features suggest that Dante's Hole is an area subject to extreme shear and tensional drag resulting from transition between non-rigid and rigid crustal behavior. Normal E-W crustal spreading is probably taking place well within the northern confines of the basin. Possible residual spreading of this isolated rise crest coupled with shear drag within the transform fault could explain the structural isolation of Dante's Hole from the remainder of the Siqueiros Transform Fault.