Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Wisconsin--Madison, 1969. / Typescript. Vita. eContent provider-neutral record in process. Description based on print version record. Includes bibliography.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Wisconsin--Madison, 1969. / Typescript. Vita. eContent provider-neutral record in process. Description based on print version record. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.Phil.)--Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, 2007. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 62). Also available in electronic version.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Washington State University, May 2007. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Syracuse University, 2006. / "Publication number AAT 3241611."

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Washington, 2000. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 100-108).

This thesis explores the possibility of an algebraic formulation of non-relativistic quantum theory in which certain paradoxes associated with non-locality may be resolved. It is shown that the localisation of a free quantum mechanical wave function at large time coincides approximately with the localisation of an ensemble of classical particles having the same momentum range. This result is used to give a formal definition of spatially separating states and spatially separating particles. We then study certain C*-algebras on which expectation values converge in an infinite time limit. By considering such algebras which contain local observables it is possible to introduce states at infinity as limits of states described by wave functions. In such a state at infinity there is zero probability of a position measurement finding the system in any bounded region in configuration space. It is shown that a C*-algebra exists on which any coherent superposition of spatially separating states will converge in an infinite time limit to a mixture of disjoint states. This allows us to obtain an asymptotic resolution of de Broglie's paradox and the Einstein, Podolsy and Rosen paradox. These results are obtained for the simplest types of quantum systems i.e. a one particle system without spin having configuration space IRn and a system consisting of two such particles which may be distinguished from each other.

Gas-liquid pipe flows are extremely important in many industries, one of which is the oil/gas industry which is where the motivation for this work comes from. In subsea natural gas pipelines the gas is compressed before being pumped through the pipe at high pressure. As it flows through the pipe some of the gas condenses into a low density mixture of hydrocarbon liquids. When gas and liquid flow together there are several possible flow regimes that can occur depending on the velocity of the gas and liquid, one of which is slug flow where the liquid forms a series of plugs (slugs) separated by relatively large gas pockets. The occurrence of slug flow is a major concern in the oil and gas industry due to the difficulty of dealing with large changes in the oil and gas flow rates at the exit of the pipe. We develop a hydraulic theory to describe the occurrence and structure of slugging in two-layer-gas-liquid flow generated by prescribed, constant, upstream flow rates in each layer. We will investigate how small-amplitude disturbances affect the flow in order to study the stability of spatially uniform solutions. We will then consider the existence of periodic travelling wave solutions numerically in order to investigate the influencing factors that may lead to a transition from stratified flow to slug flow. We then solve the governing equations numerically as an initial value problem in order to improve our understanding of how and why slugs form and are able to compare our solutions to those predicted by the periodic travelling wave theory. Finally, we investigate the effects of non-horizontal channels with small, slowly varying inclination on the development of slug flow by re-writing our equations in terms of a curvilinear co-ordinate system. From this we find that the height of the layer of liquid increases with the angle of the channel and our solutions are significantly different to those in the horizontal case.

This thesis provides a depth-averaged analytical and numerical approach to the mathematical simulation of thin-film flow on a flat inclined plane relevant to gravity-driven flows subject to high surface shear. Motivated by modelling thin-film structures within an industrial context, wave structures are investigated for flows with moderate inertial effects and small film depth aspect ratio e. Approximations are made assuming a Reynolds number, Re ~O (1/e) and a depth-averaged approach used to simplify the governing Navier-Stokes equations. A classical, parallel, Stokes flow is expected in the absence of any wave disturbance based on a local quadratic profile; in this work a generalised approach, which includes inertial effects, is solved. Flow structures are identified and compared with studies for Stokes flow in the limit of negligible inertial effects. Both two-tier and three-tier wave disturbances are constructed to study film profile evolution subject to shear at the free surface. An evaluation of film profiles is given from a paramet- ric study for wave disturbances with increasing film Reynolds number. An evaluation of standing wave and transient film profiles is undertaken which identifies new profiles not previously predicted when inertial effects are neglected. A revised integral boundary layer model incorporating a more general cubic velocity profile is also introduced, to better capture fluid re- circulation associated with a capillary region, and is developed to provide a better understanding of the internal flow dynamics within the thin-film layer. Notably, the wavelength and amplitude of the capillary ripples are analysed. The effect of the boundary conditions between the fluid and the plane is undertaken to simulate slip properties of various substrates over which the fluid may flow. A Navier slip condition is proposed at this boundary and its effect on the wave structure is examined both with and without the inclusion of inertia. The corresponding film dynamics are analysed with increased slip at the fluid-plane boundary and the effect on the wave structures formed are discussed. In a subsequent chapter solitary wave structures are investigated through a study of gravity-driven flow structures as associated with an oscillating inlet. The effects of increasing the film Reynolds number of these flows is evaluated together with an investigation of the stability characteristics relevant to inlet frequency and inertial effects. The effect of surface shear on solitary waves is examined, both as a stabilising and a destabilising factor on perturbations introduced at the inlet. A final section provides an overview of the outcomes from this study.

A major industrial use of pyrotechnic compositions is as delay fuses in electric detonators. Suitable delay times may be achieved through (i) choice of chemical components (ii) adjustment of composition of the system chosen and, finally, (iii) adjustment of the length of fuse used. This study forms part of a survey of binary fuel/oxidant combinations in an attempt to provide some fundamental information on the first step above: (i) choice of chemical components. The complete survey has included studies of a single fuel in combination with one of a variety of oxidants, and studies of the oxidation of one of several different fuels separately by barium peroxide and strontium peroxide. This study is part of this second approach and the fuels chosen were iron and zinc powders, mainly for chemical reasons (including the potential for use of thermomagnetometry on the iron systems), but also for possible environmental advantages. The mixed oxide products of pyrotechnic combustion could also have some scientific and/or commercial value. The techniques used included thermal analyses of mixtures and their individual components, and measurements of temperature-time profiles during combustion. Thermodynamic and kinetic information was obtained under a variety of conditions and scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction and microprobe analyses provided additional information. Possible mechanisms of reactions are discussed in detail. The practical conclusions were that any potential use which the Fe/peroxide systems may have as delay compositions, with burning-rates of from 3-30 mm s⁻¹, is offset by the susceptibility of the oxidants to reaction with water and CO₂ in the atmosphere. The Zn/BaO₂ and Zn/SrO₂ systems did not burn under compaction, and combustion of uncompacted powders was erratic. Zinc liquid (and probably zinc vapour) take part in the reaction and the gaseous nature of the combustion makes zinc-fuelled pyrotechnic systems unsuitable for delay applications. All the techniques used showed the heterogeneity of the solid residues of combustion. If these residues were to be of any value, they would need further conventional treatment involving grinding of the residue, possible adjustment of compositions, and calcining to produce uniform materials.