Fundamental to the understanding of how rivers transform and shape our environment is the role of turbulence and complex, three-dimensional flow, such as vorticity, in sediment transport and erosion. However, classical sediment transport models (or formulae) are based, for the most part, on boundary shear stress and do not incorporate these natural phenomena. This is understandable given that the relationship between turbulence generation, intensity and form; the influence of turbulence on mobile sediment; and the magnitude and patterns of deposition and erosion are complex and difficult to quantify. Nevertheless, the failure to incorporate turbulence and complex, three-dimensional flow into existing models means that our understanding of sediment transport remains incomplete. The central hypothesis of this thesis is that vortical motion is the main factor in the development of local scour. To examine this, a comprehensive experimental approach was taken. This approach involved detailed measurements of the unique three-dimensional patterns of velocity, turbulence and bed morphology associated with flow in an open channel with and without the presence of submerged groyne-like structures (stream barbs and wing dikes) at both the laboratory and field scales. Using densely spaced velocity data and new techniques for processing and analyzing these data, it was possible to identify complex features of the flow field at both scales, such as the presence of vortex cores, and correlate these with changes in bed levels. These data provide a unique perspective of the spatial variability of velocity, turbulence and bed morphology in open channels (and in particular in channel bends, where flow is highly three-dimensional). In particular, it was found that, of the flow parameters analyzed, turbulent stresses were most correlated to scour in channel bends without the presence of structures. In contrast, vorticity was found to be the dominant factor in local scour hole development in the vicinity of submerged structures at both the laboratory and field scale. Such data are rare (if non-existent) in existing experimental research, particularly at the scale of a large natural river. This research also examines stream barb design and performance. Stream barbs (also known as submerged groynes or spur dikes) are a relatively novel approach to stream bank protection and are not common in Canada. The design and installation of stream barbs in a creek in Ottawa (Sawmill Creek) was undertaken to serve as a demonstration project for the use of these structures in a semi-alluvial channel, for which no such case studies exist. Three years of monitoring the site and the performance of these structures to reduce bank erosion and improve aquatic habitat have been carried out. Laboratory testing of stream barb performance was also undertaken and showed that with improper design, the outer bank in a channel bend may be more susceptible to erosion due to excessive local scour downstream of the barb. In particular, to avoid bank erosion downstream of the barb, barbs should be small, such that they create minimum flow obstruction, and include a bank key that is wider than the barb itself and extends in the downstream direction.

Fundamental to the understanding of how rivers transform and shape our environment is the role of turbulence and complex, three-dimensional flow, such as vorticity, in sediment transport and erosion. However, classical sediment transport models (or formulae) are based, for the most part, on boundary shear stress and do not incorporate these natural phenomena. This is understandable given that the relationship between turbulence generation, intensity and form; the influence of turbulence on mobile sediment; and the magnitude and patterns of deposition and erosion are complex and difficult to quantify. Nevertheless, the failure to incorporate turbulence and complex, three-dimensional flow into existing models means that our understanding of sediment transport remains incomplete. The central hypothesis of this thesis is that vortical motion is the main factor in the development of local scour. To examine this, a comprehensive experimental approach was taken. This approach involved detailed measurements of the unique three-dimensional patterns of velocity, turbulence and bed morphology associated with flow in an open channel with and without the presence of submerged groyne-like structures (stream barbs and wing dikes) at both the laboratory and field scales. Using densely spaced velocity data and new techniques for processing and analyzing these data, it was possible to identify complex features of the flow field at both scales, such as the presence of vortex cores, and correlate these with changes in bed levels. These data provide a unique perspective of the spatial variability of velocity, turbulence and bed morphology in open channels (and in particular in channel bends, where flow is highly three-dimensional). In particular, it was found that, of the flow parameters analyzed, turbulent stresses were most correlated to scour in channel bends without the presence of structures. In contrast, vorticity was found to be the dominant factor in local scour hole development in the vicinity of submerged structures at both the laboratory and field scale. Such data are rare (if non-existent) in existing experimental research, particularly at the scale of a large natural river. This research also examines stream barb design and performance. Stream barbs (also known as submerged groynes or spur dikes) are a relatively novel approach to stream bank protection and are not common in Canada. The design and installation of stream barbs in a creek in Ottawa (Sawmill Creek) was undertaken to serve as a demonstration project for the use of these structures in a semi-alluvial channel, for which no such case studies exist. Three years of monitoring the site and the performance of these structures to reduce bank erosion and improve aquatic habitat have been carried out. Laboratory testing of stream barb performance was also undertaken and showed that with improper design, the outer bank in a channel bend may be more susceptible to erosion due to excessive local scour downstream of the barb. In particular, to avoid bank erosion downstream of the barb, barbs should be small, such that they create minimum flow obstruction, and include a bank key that is wider than the barb itself and extends in the downstream direction.

Fundamental to the understanding of how rivers transform and shape our environment is the role of turbulence and complex, three-dimensional flow, such as vorticity, in sediment transport and erosion. However, classical sediment transport models (or formulae) are based, for the most part, on boundary shear stress and do not incorporate these natural phenomena. This is understandable given that the relationship between turbulence generation, intensity and form; the influence of turbulence on mobile sediment; and the magnitude and patterns of deposition and erosion are complex and difficult to quantify. Nevertheless, the failure to incorporate turbulence and complex, three-dimensional flow into existing models means that our understanding of sediment transport remains incomplete. The central hypothesis of this thesis is that vortical motion is the main factor in the development of local scour. To examine this, a comprehensive experimental approach was taken. This approach involved detailed measurements of the unique three-dimensional patterns of velocity, turbulence and bed morphology associated with flow in an open channel with and without the presence of submerged groyne-like structures (stream barbs and wing dikes) at both the laboratory and field scales. Using densely spaced velocity data and new techniques for processing and analyzing these data, it was possible to identify complex features of the flow field at both scales, such as the presence of vortex cores, and correlate these with changes in bed levels. These data provide a unique perspective of the spatial variability of velocity, turbulence and bed morphology in open channels (and in particular in channel bends, where flow is highly three-dimensional). In particular, it was found that, of the flow parameters analyzed, turbulent stresses were most correlated to scour in channel bends without the presence of structures. In contrast, vorticity was found to be the dominant factor in local scour hole development in the vicinity of submerged structures at both the laboratory and field scale. Such data are rare (if non-existent) in existing experimental research, particularly at the scale of a large natural river. This research also examines stream barb design and performance. Stream barbs (also known as submerged groynes or spur dikes) are a relatively novel approach to stream bank protection and are not common in Canada. The design and installation of stream barbs in a creek in Ottawa (Sawmill Creek) was undertaken to serve as a demonstration project for the use of these structures in a semi-alluvial channel, for which no such case studies exist. Three years of monitoring the site and the performance of these structures to reduce bank erosion and improve aquatic habitat have been carried out. Laboratory testing of stream barb performance was also undertaken and showed that with improper design, the outer bank in a channel bend may be more susceptible to erosion due to excessive local scour downstream of the barb. In particular, to avoid bank erosion downstream of the barb, barbs should be small, such that they create minimum flow obstruction, and include a bank key that is wider than the barb itself and extends in the downstream direction.

Fundamental to the understanding of how rivers transform and shape our environment is the role of turbulence and complex, three-dimensional flow, such as vorticity, in sediment transport and erosion. However, classical sediment transport models (or formulae) are based, for the most part, on boundary shear stress and do not incorporate these natural phenomena. This is understandable given that the relationship between turbulence generation, intensity and form; the influence of turbulence on mobile sediment; and the magnitude and patterns of deposition and erosion are complex and difficult to quantify. Nevertheless, the failure to incorporate turbulence and complex, three-dimensional flow into existing models means that our understanding of sediment transport remains incomplete. The central hypothesis of this thesis is that vortical motion is the main factor in the development of local scour. To examine this, a comprehensive experimental approach was taken. This approach involved detailed measurements of the unique three-dimensional patterns of velocity, turbulence and bed morphology associated with flow in an open channel with and without the presence of submerged groyne-like structures (stream barbs and wing dikes) at both the laboratory and field scales. Using densely spaced velocity data and new techniques for processing and analyzing these data, it was possible to identify complex features of the flow field at both scales, such as the presence of vortex cores, and correlate these with changes in bed levels. These data provide a unique perspective of the spatial variability of velocity, turbulence and bed morphology in open channels (and in particular in channel bends, where flow is highly three-dimensional). In particular, it was found that, of the flow parameters analyzed, turbulent stresses were most correlated to scour in channel bends without the presence of structures. In contrast, vorticity was found to be the dominant factor in local scour hole development in the vicinity of submerged structures at both the laboratory and field scale. Such data are rare (if non-existent) in existing experimental research, particularly at the scale of a large natural river. This research also examines stream barb design and performance. Stream barbs (also known as submerged groynes or spur dikes) are a relatively novel approach to stream bank protection and are not common in Canada. The design and installation of stream barbs in a creek in Ottawa (Sawmill Creek) was undertaken to serve as a demonstration project for the use of these structures in a semi-alluvial channel, for which no such case studies exist. Three years of monitoring the site and the performance of these structures to reduce bank erosion and improve aquatic habitat have been carried out. Laboratory testing of stream barb performance was also undertaken and showed that with improper design, the outer bank in a channel bend may be more susceptible to erosion due to excessive local scour downstream of the barb. In particular, to avoid bank erosion downstream of the barb, barbs should be small, such that they create minimum flow obstruction, and include a bank key that is wider than the barb itself and extends in the downstream direction.

Vapor pressure, heat of vaporization, and liquid heat capacity are linked through fundamental thermodynamic relationships. These related properties are essential for the safe design of many industrial processes, and measurement and prediction of these properties remains an essential part of modern thermodynamics research. DIPPR uses the fundamental relationships connecting these properties as a prediction method for all three, referred to as "the derivative method." DIPPR regards values predicted using the derivative method as highly accurate, even when compared to more traditional predictions. Despite the widespread interest in improving understanding of these properties, many questions remain regarding their prediction. Foremost among these is the treatment of associating chemicals, defined here as any species with strong hydrogen bonding. Associating species have large intermolecular attraction that is hard to compensate for in traditional equation of state modeling. For this reason, using thermodynamic relationships to predict properties of associating species is often grossly inaccurate. Improving the prediction of thermodynamic properties for this group of chemicals has been a goal of thermodynamicists and engineers for over 70 years. In this work, we set out to solve the problem of association for prediction of these properties. We began with high-level quantum calculations to determine the extent of association in several family groups and tested these against experimental measurements of dicarboxylic acids. Next, we collected experimental values for a wide array of potentially associating species and carefully examined literature practices in reporting values these properties. We tested the applicability to advanced QSPR methods to the association problem. We discovered a highly accurate limit to liquid heat capacity for organic species. Finally, we test the abilities of advanced equations of state on associating chemicals. Based on these findings, several new methods were developed, and an updated approach to the derivative method was recommended to DIPPR. We have taken significant steps forward in DIPPR's ability to predict these properties. However, this work does not fully solve the problem of association in thermodynamic properties. In addition to the above work, significant work was performed in the field of autoignition, biomechanical sensors, and design of materials for non-linear optics.

In the present doctoral thesis, fundamental experimental and numerical studies are conducted for the laminar, atmospheric pressure, sooting, coflow diffusion flames of Jet A-1 and synthetic jet fuels. The first part of this thesis presents a comparative experimental study for Jet A-1, which is a widely used petroleum-based fuel, and four synthetically produced alternative jet fuels. The main goals of this part of the thesis are to compare the soot emission levels of the alternative fuels to those of a standard fuel, Jet A-1, and to determine the effect of fuel chemical composition on soot formation characteristics. To achieve these goals, experimental measurements are constructed and performed for flame temperature, soot concentration, soot particle size, and soot aggregate structure in the flames of pre-vaporized jet fuels. The results show that a considerable reduction in soot production, compared to the standard fuel, can be obtained by using synthetic fuels which will help in addressing future regulations. A strong correlation between the aromatic content of the fuels and the soot concentration levels in the flames is observed. The second part of this thesis presents the development and experimental validation of a fully-coupled soot formation model for laminar coflow jet fuel diffusion flames. The model is coupled to a detailed kinetic mechanism to predict the chemical structure of the flames and soot precursor concentrations. This model also provides information on size and morphology of soot particles. The flames of a three-component surrogate for Jet A-1, a three-component surrogate for a synthetic jet fuel, and pure n-decane are simulated using this model. Concentrations of major gaseous species and flame temperatures are well predicted by the model. Soot volume fractions are predicted reasonably well everywhere in the flame, except near the flame centerline where soot concentrations are underpredicted by a factor of up to five. There is an excellent agreement between the computed and measured data for the numbers of primary particles per aggregate and the diameters of primary particles. This model is an important stepping-stone in the drive to simulate industry-relevant and multi-dimensional flames of practical liquid fuels, with detailed chemistry and soot formation.

In the present doctoral thesis, fundamental experimental and numerical studies are conducted for the laminar, atmospheric pressure, sooting, coflow diffusion flames of Jet A-1 and synthetic jet fuels. The first part of this thesis presents a comparative experimental study for Jet A-1, which is a widely used petroleum-based fuel, and four synthetically produced alternative jet fuels. The main goals of this part of the thesis are to compare the soot emission levels of the alternative fuels to those of a standard fuel, Jet A-1, and to determine the effect of fuel chemical composition on soot formation characteristics. To achieve these goals, experimental measurements are constructed and performed for flame temperature, soot concentration, soot particle size, and soot aggregate structure in the flames of pre-vaporized jet fuels. The results show that a considerable reduction in soot production, compared to the standard fuel, can be obtained by using synthetic fuels which will help in addressing future regulations. A strong correlation between the aromatic content of the fuels and the soot concentration levels in the flames is observed. The second part of this thesis presents the development and experimental validation of a fully-coupled soot formation model for laminar coflow jet fuel diffusion flames. The model is coupled to a detailed kinetic mechanism to predict the chemical structure of the flames and soot precursor concentrations. This model also provides information on size and morphology of soot particles. The flames of a three-component surrogate for Jet A-1, a three-component surrogate for a synthetic jet fuel, and pure n-decane are simulated using this model. Concentrations of major gaseous species and flame temperatures are well predicted by the model. Soot volume fractions are predicted reasonably well everywhere in the flame, except near the flame centerline where soot concentrations are underpredicted by a factor of up to five. There is an excellent agreement between the computed and measured data for the numbers of primary particles per aggregate and the diameters of primary particles. This model is an important stepping-stone in the drive to simulate industry-relevant and multi-dimensional flames of practical liquid fuels, with detailed chemistry and soot formation.

O corpo humano pode interagir com as estruturas e estas interações são desenvolvidas através da aplicação de forças devido ao seu movimento. Uma estrutura pode sofrer alterações no seu comportamento dinâmico quando sujeita a cargas. Neste trabalho, o projeto e a construção de uma plataforma de forças é apresentado para medir as Forças de Reação do Solo (FRS) e aceleração para análise da marcha humana. A plataforma é constituída por duas placas colocadas lado a lado em relação à direção da caminhada, de modo que o sinal de força de cada pé pode ser adquirido separadamente em cada placa. A plataforma é projetada de forma a ser compatível com as frequências envolvidas nas medições. Cada placa tem três células de carga do tipo anel instrumentadas com strain gauges. A plataforma foi calibrada com um procedimento padrão e com uma nova metodologia utilizando redes neurais artificiais as incertezas dos parâmetros medidos (força e posicionamento x, y) foram avaliados. Um modelo de elementos finitos foi utilizado para avaliar as características dinâmicas da plataforma. Os resultados foram valores de frequência muito próximos aos medidos na análise experimental e confirmaram sua adequação ao uso, pois as frequências foram maiores do que as envolvidas na marcha humana. Características relevantes da FRS, como os picos de apoio de força, impulso e também a força de impacto, podem ser observadas a partir dos dados coletados. Os dados da FRS assim como os dados de aceleração medidos estavam condizentes com os valores apresentados na literatura. / The human body may interact with the structures and these interactions are developed through the application of forces due to its motion. A structure may undergo changes in their dynamic behavior when subjected to loads. In this work, the design of a force platform is presented to measure the Ground Reaction Force (GRF) and acceleration for human gait analysis. The platform consists of two plates placed side by side in relation to the direction of walking, so that the signal from each foot can be acquired in separate in each plate. The platform is designed in order to be compatible with the frequencies involved in the measurements. Each plate has three ring-type load cells instrumented with strain gauges. The platform was calibrated with a standard procedure and with a new methodology using artificial neural networks the uncertainties of the measured parameters (force and position x, y) were evaluated. A finite element model was used to evaluate the dynamic characteristics of the platform. The results were frequencies values very close to those measured in the experimental analysis and confirm its adequacy to the use, because the frequencies were higher than the frequencies involved in the human gait. Relevant characteristics of GRF like the peaks of support force, impulse and the impact force could be observed from the data collected. The data of GRF as well as the measured acceleration data were consistent with values presented in the literature.

O corpo humano pode interagir com as estruturas e estas interações são desenvolvidas através da aplicação de forças devido ao seu movimento. Uma estrutura pode sofrer alterações no seu comportamento dinâmico quando sujeita a cargas. Neste trabalho, o projeto e a construção de uma plataforma de forças é apresentado para medir as Forças de Reação do Solo (FRS) e aceleração para análise da marcha humana. A plataforma é constituída por duas placas colocadas lado a lado em relação à direção da caminhada, de modo que o sinal de força de cada pé pode ser adquirido separadamente em cada placa. A plataforma é projetada de forma a ser compatível com as frequências envolvidas nas medições. Cada placa tem três células de carga do tipo anel instrumentadas com strain gauges. A plataforma foi calibrada com um procedimento padrão e com uma nova metodologia utilizando redes neurais artificiais as incertezas dos parâmetros medidos (força e posicionamento x, y) foram avaliados. Um modelo de elementos finitos foi utilizado para avaliar as características dinâmicas da plataforma. Os resultados foram valores de frequência muito próximos aos medidos na análise experimental e confirmaram sua adequação ao uso, pois as frequências foram maiores do que as envolvidas na marcha humana. Características relevantes da FRS, como os picos de apoio de força, impulso e também a força de impacto, podem ser observadas a partir dos dados coletados. Os dados da FRS assim como os dados de aceleração medidos estavam condizentes com os valores apresentados na literatura. / The human body may interact with the structures and these interactions are developed through the application of forces due to its motion. A structure may undergo changes in their dynamic behavior when subjected to loads. In this work, the design of a force platform is presented to measure the Ground Reaction Force (GRF) and acceleration for human gait analysis. The platform consists of two plates placed side by side in relation to the direction of walking, so that the signal from each foot can be acquired in separate in each plate. The platform is designed in order to be compatible with the frequencies involved in the measurements. Each plate has three ring-type load cells instrumented with strain gauges. The platform was calibrated with a standard procedure and with a new methodology using artificial neural networks the uncertainties of the measured parameters (force and position x, y) were evaluated. A finite element model was used to evaluate the dynamic characteristics of the platform. The results were frequencies values very close to those measured in the experimental analysis and confirm its adequacy to the use, because the frequencies were higher than the frequencies involved in the human gait. Relevant characteristics of GRF like the peaks of support force, impulse and the impact force could be observed from the data collected. The data of GRF as well as the measured acceleration data were consistent with values presented in the literature.

O corpo humano pode interagir com as estruturas e estas interações são desenvolvidas através da aplicação de forças devido ao seu movimento. Uma estrutura pode sofrer alterações no seu comportamento dinâmico quando sujeita a cargas. Neste trabalho, o projeto e a construção de uma plataforma de forças é apresentado para medir as Forças de Reação do Solo (FRS) e aceleração para análise da marcha humana. A plataforma é constituída por duas placas colocadas lado a lado em relação à direção da caminhada, de modo que o sinal de força de cada pé pode ser adquirido separadamente em cada placa. A plataforma é projetada de forma a ser compatível com as frequências envolvidas nas medições. Cada placa tem três células de carga do tipo anel instrumentadas com strain gauges. A plataforma foi calibrada com um procedimento padrão e com uma nova metodologia utilizando redes neurais artificiais as incertezas dos parâmetros medidos (força e posicionamento x, y) foram avaliados. Um modelo de elementos finitos foi utilizado para avaliar as características dinâmicas da plataforma. Os resultados foram valores de frequência muito próximos aos medidos na análise experimental e confirmaram sua adequação ao uso, pois as frequências foram maiores do que as envolvidas na marcha humana. Características relevantes da FRS, como os picos de apoio de força, impulso e também a força de impacto, podem ser observadas a partir dos dados coletados. Os dados da FRS assim como os dados de aceleração medidos estavam condizentes com os valores apresentados na literatura. / The human body may interact with the structures and these interactions are developed through the application of forces due to its motion. A structure may undergo changes in their dynamic behavior when subjected to loads. In this work, the design of a force platform is presented to measure the Ground Reaction Force (GRF) and acceleration for human gait analysis. The platform consists of two plates placed side by side in relation to the direction of walking, so that the signal from each foot can be acquired in separate in each plate. The platform is designed in order to be compatible with the frequencies involved in the measurements. Each plate has three ring-type load cells instrumented with strain gauges. The platform was calibrated with a standard procedure and with a new methodology using artificial neural networks the uncertainties of the measured parameters (force and position x, y) were evaluated. A finite element model was used to evaluate the dynamic characteristics of the platform. The results were frequencies values very close to those measured in the experimental analysis and confirm its adequacy to the use, because the frequencies were higher than the frequencies involved in the human gait. Relevant characteristics of GRF like the peaks of support force, impulse and the impact force could be observed from the data collected. The data of GRF as well as the measured acceleration data were consistent with values presented in the literature.