The root systems of five tree species (Populus deltoides × nigra clone DN-177, Juglans nigra, Quercus rubra, Picea abies, and Thuja occidentalis) are described following non-intrusive imaging using ground penetrating radar (GPR). This research aimed to 1) assess the utility of GPR for in situ root studies and 2) employ GPR to estimate tree root biomass and distribution in an agroforestry system in southern Ontario, Canada. The mean coarse root biomass estimated from GPR analysis was 54.1 ± 8.7 kg tree-1 (± S.E.; n=12), within 1 % of the mean coarse root biomass measured from matched excavations. The vertical distribution of detected roots varied among species, with T. occidentalis and P. abies roots concentrated in the top 20 cm and J. nigra and Q. rubra roots distinctly deeper. I evaluate these root systems based on their C storage potential and complementary root stratification with adjacent crops.

The root systems of five tree species (Populus deltoides × nigra clone DN-177, Juglans nigra, Quercus rubra, Picea abies, and Thuja occidentalis) are described following non-intrusive imaging using ground penetrating radar (GPR). This research aimed to 1) assess the utility of GPR for in situ root studies and 2) employ GPR to estimate tree root biomass and distribution in an agroforestry system in southern Ontario, Canada. The mean coarse root biomass estimated from GPR analysis was 54.1 ± 8.7 kg tree-1 (± S.E.; n=12), within 1 % of the mean coarse root biomass measured from matched excavations. The vertical distribution of detected roots varied among species, with T. occidentalis and P. abies roots concentrated in the top 20 cm and J. nigra and Q. rubra roots distinctly deeper. I evaluate these root systems based on their C storage potential and complementary root stratification with adjacent crops.

<p> This report examines the dynamic response of a 0. 5 metre pilot scale rotating biological contactor when operated under transient influent conditions. Experimental data are presented for two modes of operation: carbon oxidation and carbon oxidation plus nitrification. During the carbon oxidation experimental runs, a 2.0 metre RBC was operated in parallel with the 0.5 metre RBC, thus allowing comparisons in the performance of the units. </p> <p> When the 0. 5 metre RBC was operated under nitrifying conditions, it was found that the effluent filterable TKN responded positively to influent variations in filterable TKN loading, TKN concentration and hydraulic loading. Transfer f unction noise models were developed which successfully predicted the time varying effluent TKN response. The response in effluent filterable TKN was predicted most precisely by influent TKN loading. Models based on influent TKN concentration and flow were not as precise in predicting effluent response. The effluent response of the 0.5 metre RBC was found to be greater than the response of activated sludge pilot units when operated at similar levels of removal. </p> <p> When the 0. 5 metre RBC was operated in the carbon oxidation 'mode, significant effluent responses were observed for carbon loading and concentration. Little correlation was found between influent flow and effluent carbon concentration. Operating under identical conditions, the 2.0 m RBC showed significant responses to carbon loading, carbon concentration and flow. </p> / Thesis / Master of Engineering (MEngr)

Actuellement, l’industrie automobile est à la recherche d’une meilleure solution pour l’allégement de la structure de véhicule afin de diminuer la consommation de carburant et par conséquent diminuer les émissions nocives de CO2. Les aciers à très haute résistance (THR) mécanique permettent d’obtenir les tôles d’acier à section diminué avec les mêmes ou meilleurs propriétés fonctionnels. Les aciers Dual-Phase (DP), constitués majoritairement d’une phase ductile, la ferrite, et d’une phase dure, la martensite, occupent une place importante en tant que matériaux de structure destinés au challenge préoccupant l’industrie automobile. Une bonne résistance à l’endommagement est exigée pour leur utilisation en tant que des pièces de structures et de renfort pour l’automobile. Il a été bien établi que la résistance à l’endommagement des ces aciers Dual-Phase est contrôlée par leur microstructure. Ce travail de thèse s’est inscrit dans une logique de compréhension des mécanismes d’endommagement d’un acier Dual-Phase modèle, le DP 780, en fonction de différents paramètres microstructuraux. Deux mécanismes d’endommagement ont été identifiés pour l’acier DP 780 : la décohésion de l’interface ferrite/martensite et la formation de cavités autour des carbures, dans la martensite revenue. Un modèle qualitatif de mécanisme d’endommagement a été développé afin de pouvoir prédire l’endommagement de l’acier DP 780. Ce modèle qualitatif, développé pour l’acier DP 780, servira de base d’approfondissement de modèles plus élaborés et quantitatifs permettant la compréhension et la prédiction de l’endommagement des aciers Dual-Phase, de façon générale / In the automotive industry current environmental concerns require that the vehicle fuel consumption and CO2 emissions should be reduced as much as possible. It is therefore advantageous to reduce the weight of body in white components by replacing existing parts with higher strength, thinner gauge alternatives with equivalent or improved functional properties. Dual Phase (DP) steels are a class of high-strength low-alloy steels characterized by a microstructure consisting of martensite and ferrite. Dual Phase steels combine high strength levels with good ductility. Thus, DP steels are potentially very attractive for the automobile industry. In addition to the required high strength and ductility, DP steel has to be cold formed into complex shapes. It appears that DP steel damage behaviour is very complex and cannot be predicted using existing models based on standard mechanical properties. This work is concerned with the study of microstructural evolution and investigation of the relation between the microstructure and damage mechanisms in a reference DP 780 steel. Two damage mechanisms have been identified in this DP steel: ferrite/martensite interface decohesion and void formation at tempered carbides. A simple modeling for qualitative description of the observed damage formation mechanisms is proposed. This modeling permits a basic understanding of the experimentally observed trends and could be used as the starting point for a more detailed analysis in future