The thesis considers three-dimensional analyses of fractures and wellbores in low-permeability petroleum/geothermal reservoirs, with a special emphasis on the role of coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical processes. Thermoporoelastic displacement discontinuity and stress discontinuity methods are elaborated for infinite media. Furthermore, injection/production-induced mass and heat transport inside fractures are studied by coupling the displacement discontinuity method with the finite element method. The resulting method is then used to simulate problems of interest in wellbores and fractures for related to drilling and stimulation. In the examination of fracture deformation, the nonlinear behavior of discontinuities and the change in status from joint (hydraulically open, mechanically closed) to hydraulic fracture (hydraulically open, mechanically open) are taken into account. Examples are presented to highlight the versatility of the method and the role of thermal and hydraulic effects, three-dimensionality, hydraulic/natural fracture deformation, and induced micro earthquakes. Specifically, injection/extraction operations in enhanced geothermal reservoirs and hydraulic/thermal stimulation of fractured reservoirs are studied and analyzed with reference to induced seismicity. In addition, the fictitious stress method is used to study three-dimensional wellbore stresses in the presence of a weakness plane. It is shown that the coupling of hydro-thermo-mechanical processes plays a very important role in low-permeability reservoirs and should be considered when predicting the behavior of fractures and wellbores.

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Adult attitudes toward the Barbie dolls are ambivalent, with many saying they encourage a variety of undesirable tendencies. This paper looks at the dramatic play that actually occurs with the dolls, much of it involving the normal behavior that one would expect in children who are becoming enculturated through imitation of the adult behavior they see around them. But also common is play that most adults would think of as unconventional or deviant. To what extent are parents, particularly mothers, aware of this? How does this play relate to enculturation? Does it serve other functions? And what implications does it have for the age at which children should be given Barbies and the need for adult supervision or instruction of the children? This thesis describes the types of play engaged in and considers possible answers to the questions raised above. / Department of Anthropology

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 2007. / The entire dissertation/thesis text is included in the research.pdf file; the official abstract appears in the short.pdf file (which also appears in the research.pdf); a non-technical general description, or public abstract, appears in the public.pdf file. Title from title screen of research.pdf file (viewed on February 27, 2008) Vita. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.A.)--Georgia State University, 2007. / Title from file title page. Chris Kocela, committee chair; Paul Schmidt, Michael Galchinsky, committee members. Electronic text (95 p. : ill. 9some col.)) : digital, PDF file. Description based on contents viewed Nov. 16, 2007. Includes bibliographical references (p. 78-81).

Thesis (M.A.)--University of North Texas, Dec., 2007. / Title from title page display. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph.D. )--Edith Cowan University, 2006. / Submitted to the Faculty of Regional Professional Studies. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.A.)--Bowling Green State University, 2008. / Document formatted into pages; contains v, 92 p. : ill. (some col.) Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Duquesne University, 2008. / Title from document title page. Abstract included in electronic submission form. Includes bibliographical references (p. 217-231) and index.

Thesis (M.A.)--Auburn University, 2008. / Abstract. Vita. Includes bibliographical references (p. 56-57).