Thesis (M.App.Sc.) - Carleton University, 2007. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 159-162). Also available in electronic format on the Internet.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Western Australia, 2007.

Thesis (M.S.)--Joint Program in Oceanography/ Applied Ocean Science and Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, 2005. / Bibliography: p.63-65.

Thesis (M.S. in Meteorology)--Naval Postgraduate School, March 2005. / Thesis Advisor(s): Philip A. Durkee. Includes bibliographical references (p. 77-78). Also available online.

Thesis (M.S.) -- University of Texas at Dallas, 2007. / Includes vita. Includes bibliographical references (p. 43)

Thesis (I.M.E.S.)--Baylor University, 2009. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 45-48).

Thesis (I.M.E.S.)--Baylor University, 2009. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 107-118).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Canterbury, 2009. / Typescript (photocopy). "Fire engineering research thesis August 2009." Includes bibliographical references (p. 411-421). Also available via the World Wide Web.

Turbulent buoyant jets are a major feature in fire hazards. The solution of the Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equations through computational fluid dynamic (CFD) techniques allow such flows to be simulated. The use of Reynolds averaging requires an empirical model to close the set of equations, this is known as the turbulence model. This thesis undertakes to investigate linear and nonlinear approaches to turbulence modelling and to apply the knowledge gained to the simulation of compartment fires. The principle contribution of this work is the reanalysis of the standard k- ε turbulence model and the implementation and application of more sophisticated models as applied to thermal plumes. Validation in this work, of the standard k- ε model against the most recent experimental data, counters the established view that the model is inadequate for the simulation of buoyant flows. Examination of previous experimental data suggests that the measurements were not taken in the self-similar region resulting in misleading comparisons with published numerical solutions. This is a significant conclusion that impacts of the general approach taken to modelling turbulence in this field. A number of methods for modelling the Reynolds stresses and the turbulent scalar fluxes have been considered and, in some cases for the first time, are applied to nonisothermal flows. The relative influence of each model has been assessed enabling its performance to be gauged. The results from this have made a valuable contribution to the knowledge in the field and have enabled the acquired experience to be applied to the simulation of compartment fires. The overall conclusion drawn from this thesis is that for the simulation of compartment fires, the most appropriate approach with current computational resources, is still the buoyancy corrected standard k- ε model. However, the turbulence scalar flux should be modelled by the generalised gradient diffusion hypothesis (GGDH) rather than the eddy-diffusivity assumption.

abstract: A thorough understanding of Europa's geology through the synergy of science and technology, by combining geologic mapping with autonomous onboard processing methods, enhances the science potential of future outer solar system missions. Mapping outlines the current state of knowledge of Europa's surface and near sub-surface, indicates the prevalence of distinctive geologic features, and enables a uniform perspective of formation mechanisms responsible for generating those features. I have produced a global geologic map of Europa at 1:15 million scale and appraised formation scenarios with respect to conditions necessary to produce observed morphologies and variability of those conditions over Europa's visible geologic history. Mapping identifies areas of interest relevant for autonomous study; it serves as an index for change detection and classification and aids pre-encounter targeting. Therefore, determining the detectability of geophysical activity is essential. Activity is evident by the presence of volcanic plumes or outgassing, disrupted surface morphologies, or changes in morphology, color, temperature, or composition; these characteristics reflect important constraints on the interior dynamics and evolutions of planetary bodies. By adapting machine learning and data mining techniques to signatures of plumes, morphology, and spectra, I have successfully demonstrated autonomous rule-based response and detection, identification, and classification of known events and features on outer planetary bodies using the following methods: 1. Edge-detection, which identifies the planetary horizon and highlights features extending beyond the limb; 2. Spectral matching using a superpixel endmember detection algorithm that identifies mean spectral signatures; and 3. Scale invariant feature transforms combined with supervised classification, which examines brightness gradients throughout an image, highlights extreme gradient regions, and classifies those regions based on a manually selected library of features. I have demonstrated autonomous: detection of volcanic plumes or jets at Io, Enceladus, and several comets, correlation between spectral signatures and morphological appearances of Europa's individual tectonic features, detection of ≤94% of known transient events on multiple planetary bodies, and classification of similar geologic features. Applying these results to conditions expected for Europa enables a prediction of the potential for detection and recommendations for mission concepts to increase the science return and efficiency of future missions to observe Europa. / Dissertation/Thesis / Ph.D. Geological Sciences 2013