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Understanding the physics of mixing for two fluids is a complicated problem and has always been an interesting phenomenon to study. Surface discharge is the oldest, least expensive and simplest way of discharging industrial or domestic wastewater into rivers and estuaries. Because of the lower degree of dilution in surface discharges, critical conditions are more likely to occur. Having a better understanding of the mixing phenomenon in these cases will help to predict the environmental effects more accurately. In this study, surface discharges of jets into waterbodies with or without crossflows were investigated numerically and experimentally. Three-dimensional (3-D) Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) models were developed for studying the surface discharge of jets into water bodies using different turbulence models. Reynolds stress turbulence models and spatially filtered Large Eddy Simulation (LES) were used in the numerical models. The effects of inclusion of free surface water in the CFD models on the performance of the numerical model results were investigated. Numerical model results were compared with the experimental data in the literature as well as the experimental works performed in this study. Experimental works for buoyant and non-buoyant surface discharge of jets into crossflow and stagnant water were conducted in this study. A new setup was designed and built in the Civil Engineering Hydraulics Laboratory at the University of Ottawa to perform the desired experiments. Stereoscopic Particle Image Velocimetry (Stereo-PIV) was used to measure the instantaneous spatial and temporal 3-D velocity distribution on several planes of measurement downstream of the jet with the frequency of 40 Hz. Averaged 3-D velocity distribution was extracted on different planes of measurement to show the transformation of the velocity vectors from a “jet-like” to a “plume-like” flow regime. Averaged 3-D velocity distribution and streamlines illustrated the flow transformation of the surface jets. Experimental results detected the formation and evolution of vortices in the surface jet’s flow structure over the measurement zone. Additional turbulent flow characteristics such as the turbulent kinetic energy (k), turbulent kinetic energy dissipation rate (ϵ), and turbulent eddy viscosity (υt) were calculated using the measured time history of the 3-D velocity field.

A theoretical study has been conducted to investigate the effect of flat bars supports on the dynamic response of a heat exchanger U-tube. The tube is modelled using three dimensional, six degrees of freedom per node straight beam finite elements. A new method, the stiffness method, is introduced to compute the impact forces at the supports. It is compared with the previously used external force method. Modal analysis is employed to investigate the modal energy dissipation in the higher modes. Time response of the U-tube is analysed using a Fast Fourier Transform algorithm. The effects of clearance, excitation magnitude, and mode coupling through friction at the supports are investigated. / Thesis / Master of Engineering (ME)

The objective of this research is to create a computationally efficient seismic analysis framework for cold-formed steel (CFS) framed-buildings supported by hysteretic nonlinear models for CFS members and screw-fastened connections. Design of CFS structures subjected to lateral seismic forces traditionally relies on the strength of subassemblies subjected to lateral loading of systems, such as strapped/sheathed shear walls and diaphragms, to provide adequate protection against collapse. Enabling performance-based seismic design of CFS buildings requires computationally efficient and accurate modeling tools that predict the nonlinear cyclic behavior of CFS buildings, the individual CFS components and connections. Such models should capture the energy dissipation and damage due to buckling and cross-sectional deformations in thin-walled CFS components subjected to cyclic loads such as those induced by earthquakes. Likewise, models for screw-fastened CFS connections should capture the energy dissipation and damage due to tilting, bearing, or screw shear when subjected to cyclic loading. In this dissertation, an analysis framework for CFS structures that captures the nonlinear cyclic behavior of critical components including axial members, flexural members, and screw fastened connections is presented. A modeling approach to simulate thin-walled behavior in CFS members is introduced where parameters were developed using results from an experimental program that investigated the cyclic behavior and energy dissipation in CFS axial members and flexural members. Energy dissipation and cyclic behavior of CFS members were characterized for members experiencing global, distortional and local buckling. Cyclic behavior and energy dissipation in thin steel plates and members was further investigated through finite element analysis in ABAQUS to provide a strategy for modeling steel columns cyclic behavior including local buckling. Model parameters were developed as generalized functions of the hysteretic energy dissipated and slenderness. The capabilities of the analysis framework are demonstrated through simulations of CFS wood sheathed shear wall cyclic responses validated with experimental results from full scale shear wall tests. / Ph. D.

During the past decade, Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs), particularly Nickel-Titanium (NiTi) alloys, have received increasing attention mainly because of their promising role to be integrated into multifunctional systems for actuation, morphing, and sensory capabilities in a broad variety of applications including biomedical, aerospace and seismological engineering. The unique performance of all the novel devices developed by SMAs relies on either the shape memory effect or pseudoelasticity, the two distinctive properties of SMAs. Both these unique properties are based on the inherent capability of SMAs to have two stable lattice structures at different stress or temperature conditions, and the ability of changing their crystallographic structure by a displacive phase transformation between a high-symmetry austenite phase and a low-symmetry martensite phase, in response to either mechanical or thermal loading. These properties make them a superior candidate for using as damping materials under high-strain-rate loading conditions in different engineering fields. SMA materials used in the most applications are polycrystalline in nature. In polycrystalline SMAs at the bulk-level, in addition to the phase transformation at the lattice-level, the thermomechanical response is also highly sensitive to the microstructural properties. In this work, the microstructure, as well as defects, such as dislocations and the stacking faults, are studied in the NiTi crystalline structure. In addition, the performance of NiTi under shock wave loading and vibrations, and their energy dissipation capabilities are examined using computational modeling, globally and locally. The effect of graphitic and metal structures, as reinforcements, on the performance of NiTi matrix composites under static and shock stress wave loading conditions is also investigated at the atomistic scale. / PHD / During the past decade, Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs), particularly Nickel-Titanium (NiTi) alloys, have received increasing attention mainly because of their promising role to be integrated into multifunctional systems for actuation, morphing, and sensory capabilities in a broad variety of applications including biomedical, aerospace and seismological engineering. The unique performance of all the novel devices developed by SMAs relies on their ability of changing their crystallographic structure by a displacive phase transformation between a high-symmetry austenite phase and a low-symmetry martensite phase, in response to either mechanical or thermal loading. These properties make them a superior candidate for using as damping materials in different engineering fields. In this work, the microstructure, as well as defects are studied in the NiTi crystalline structure. In addition, the performance of NiTi under shock wave loading and vibrations, and their energy dissipation capabilities are examined using computational modeling, globally and locally. The effect of graphitic and metal structures, as reinforcements, on the performance of NiTi matrix composites under static and shock stress wave loading conditions is also investigated at the atomistic scale.

Title: Viscousand elastic properties of soft tissue"in situ" Goals and methods: The aim of this thesis is to measure the viscoelastic properties of human soleus muscle and Achilles tendonin vivo and post mortem in situ. It is a pilot study that uses myotonometry as the method of measurement. Based on the response of connective tissues on deformation made by tip of myotonometer, resp. its viscoelastic properties, curves in graphsare created. Three main described parameters of thecurveare steepness, deflection and its surface area. Main goal of the experiment is to compare properties of different types of tissue and their potential differences while denervated or innervated. Results of this study may help with better understanding of the soft tissues behavior in response to manual therapeutic contact. The study also describes the differences between in vivo and post mortem tissue properties that may be help further studies which use post mortem tissues to predict in vivo behavior. Results: Soft tissues in vivo have higher viscosity. In comparison, post mortem tissues have significantly higher stiffness and energy dissipation than in vivo. Elasticproperties of denervated soft tissue manifest with approx. 7 secondsdelay. Viscoelastic properties of muscle tissueshow changes depending on deeper...

Les voies ferrées sont endommagées par les chargements dynamiques répétés issus du passage des trains, en particulier pour les trains à grandes vitesses. Structures multicouches complexes, ces voies sont constituées : de rails en acier, de semelles en élastomère, des traverses de béton, d’une couche de ballast et d’une sous-couche. L’étude du comportement mécanique d’une voie ferrée (de chaque composant à la structure entière) est donc étroitement liée à l’amélioration de la sécurité ferroviaire, ainsi qu’à l’efficacité de ce mode de transports.Ce travail de thèse se focalise sur l’étude des semelles sous rail et de la sous-couche en grave bitumineuse. Ces deux composants ont été choisis pour leurs similarités en termes de comportement mécanique non linéaire et capacité de dissipation d’énergie. Ce manuscrit est divisé en trois chapitres.Dans le cadre de ce premier chapitre le modèle d’intégrale par convolution (modèle-CI) est choisi pour modéliser le comportement mécanique du matériau élastomère de la semelle. Le modèle-CI est une extension naturelle de la théorie de la viscoélasticité linéaire, car basé sur l'extension du principe de superposition Boltzmann ; la séparation des contraintes proposée par ce modèle, a été observée expérimentalement par de nombreux auteurs.Le deuxième chapitre concerne l’étude du comportement mécanique du matériau élastomérique qui compose les semelles sous-rail et de modélisation pour prédire le comportement non-linéaire et la capacité d'absorption d'énergie d'une structure semelle.Le modèle de comportement (modèle-CI) permet de représenter de façon très fiable la partie chargement de la semelle (erreur de 1 % pour la rigidité). Pour la partie déchargement, la représentation est un peu moins bonne : la déformation résiduelle "numérique" est de 2,2 % alors qu'expérimentalement elle n'est que de 0,4 %, ce qui conduit à une erreur de prédiction sur l'énergie dissipée de 37.5 %. La comparaison entre les résultats numériques et expérimentaux in-situ montrent que le modèle utilisé permet de décrire assez correctement la réponse de la semelle au passage d'un train dans les limites d’erreur de prédiction de la déformation résiduelle.Ce modèle-CI doit être utilisé sur le modèle géométrique 3D complet de la semelle, les approches simplifiées (2D, semelle sans rainure) conduisent à des prédictions fortement erronées.Le troisième chapitre se focalise sur l’étude du matériau de type asphalte utilisé pour la couche sous-ballast des voies ferrées. Des cubes de “Matériaux Virtuels” ont été réalisés en disposant aléatoirement des inclusions sphériques monodisperses rigides dans un volume de matrice au comportement hyper-élastique. L’influence du diamètre et de la fraction volumique de ces inclusions sur le comportement mécanique d’une structure a été étudiée numériquement et expérimentalement en utilisant un plan d’expérience de type Doehlert. Cette approche de « Matériaux Virtuels » a permis d’avoir une correspondance exacte entre les géométries des spécimens numériques et expérimentaux sur les 7 échantillons testés.L’analyse des surfaces de réponses a montré que les deux paramètres observés F_max et E_% sont fortement corrélés aux valeurs de V_fr. L’influence du diamètre des inclusions, par contre, est très faible.Enfin, les simulations par éléments finis ont permis d’étudier la répartition interne des contraintes et déformations. Les résultats ont été présentés pour l’échantillon V0225-D08 : la chaine d’effort a été visualisée à l’intérieur de la matrice et présente des contraintes de Von Mises jusqu’à 8 fois celles obtenues dans la matrice.Dans l’étude proposée, le diamètre et la forme des inclusions ont été fixés. Il serait intéressant de faire varier ces paramètres en utilisant la même méthodologie. Par ailleurs, les récentes avancées en termes de fabrication additive permettent d’imaginer la construction d’échantillons hétérogènes complexes. / Repetitive dynamic loads caused by passing trains can damage a railway track, especially at high speeds. The complex multilayer structure of the modern track consists of: stainless steel rails, elastomeric rail pads, concrete sleepers, track ballast and sub-ballast layers. Investigation of the mechanical behaviour of the railway track structure (as the whole and by parts) can have a great importance for the improvement of safety and efficiency of railway transportation.In the present study rail pad and bituminous mixture (BM) sub-ballast layers of a standard ballasted railway track were considered for investigation. These parts of the track were chosen for their similarities in the mechanical behaviour (nonlinearity and energy dissipation) and function (reduction of the dynamic part of load, an influence on the load distribution).The first chapter reviews the main aspects of the mechanical behaviour of elastomeric materials and covers the common theoretical approaches, appropriate for the modelling of this behaviour. The Convolution Integral approach (CI-model) was chosen to represent the mechanical behaviour of a rail pad material as a natural extension of theory of linear viscoelasticity, based on extension of the well-established Boltzmann Superposition Principle.The second chapter is devoted to study of elastomeric material of a rail pad and to numerical modelling of a whole elastomeric rail pad structure subjected to common track loads. Special attention was given to possibility of the model to describe the nonlinearity of the mechanical behaviour and capability of energy dissipation.Sufficient conformity between experimental and numerical results was established on loading part of a Force vs Displacement curve (an error of 1 % was obtained for the stiffness value) for the quasi-static loading, while prediction of the residual compression displacement remains poor, especially in the first loading cycle (2.2% of the macroscopic strain against 0.4% in experiment). The observed discrepancy led to poor prediction of the dissipated energy (an error of 37.5 % was found). Comparison between results of the numerical simulation and in situ experimental measurements has shown that the FE model is capable to describe dynamic behaviour of a rail pad structure to within the error of prediction of the residual compression displacement.Possible ways to simplify the numerical model, discussed in the second chapter, generally lead to high overestimation (2D plain strain and 3D grooveless models) or underestimation (2D plain stress model) of the rail pad mechanical behaviour.The third chapter of the thesis is connected to the study of a BM material, used on a railway track as a sub-ballast layer. Influence of size and volume fraction of monodisperse spherical inclusions, randomly packed into a cubic matrix, on the mechanical behaviour of obtained composite structure were investigated using “Virtual Material” approach. This approach allows numerical study of a theoretical case without losing connection with a real experiment (by means of direct geometrical correspondence). Parameters of 7 specimens were chosen in accordance with Doehlert experimental design.Analysis of “response surfaces” has shown that both F_max and E_% have a strong dependence on the value of V_fr and almost no dependence on the value of D.Stress/strain concentrations were analyzed using FE method on example of V0225-D08 specimen. This allows to find and to visualize load-bearing chains going through the matrix. Von Mises stress in load-bearing chains is almost 8 times higher than the average in the matrix.More complex models (real and numerical) in terms of problem discretization (more than one inclusions’ fraction, different inclusions’ shapes, etc.) can be developed and studied in the similar way. Moreover, the recent progress in additive manufacturing technologies shows potential to create complex heterogeneous specimens with an increased precision.

O dimensionamento das câmaras dissipadoras para válvulas dispersoras demanda um estudo sobre a interação da operação destes elementos, não somente para um ponto de operação, mas também para a faixa operativa do conjunto, que compreende a faixa de operação da válvula e da câmara de dissipação. Os limites sobre responsabilidade assumem um cenário onde as dimensões da câmara podem não ser adequadas à operação da válvula, e vice-versa. Isto porque durante o processo de dissipação de energia, ocorrem grandes turbulências que podem gerar erosão na estrutura dissipadora. A interação entre a operação das válvulas dispersoras e as dimensões da câmara dissipadora é complexa porque o dimensionamento de um elemento está associado ao outro. Assim, as dimensões necessárias para dissipação de energia na câmara dependem de dados da válvula, resultando em uma interdependência de dados para a dissipação de energia adequada. O dimensionamento do conjunto deve levar em consideração a interdependência de operação dos elementos, caso contrário o funcionamento do sistema poderá ser inadequado devido às turbulências e altas velocidades, que podem gerar cavitação e erosão das estruturas dissipadoras. Os danos na estrutura dissipadora podem causar paradas de geração de energia das usinas hidrelétricas e acidentes nas regiões localizadas a jusante desta estrutura. O dimensionamento adequado do conjunto válvula e câmara dissipadora e o conhecimento de sua faixa operativa admissível pode ser feito com auxílio de simulações numéricas e ensaios em modelo reduzido de forma a prever o comportamento adequado do protótipo. Desta forma, as simulações numéricas em CFD possibilitam maior seletividade dos casos que serão ensaiados em modelo reduzido, proporcionando maior assertividade nestes ensaios. / The sizing of valves and chambers for dissipating purpose demands a study about the interaction between these elements, not only from an operation point of view but also the whole operating range of the set, which comprehends the operating range of the valve and the dissipating chamber. The limits of liability assume a scenario where the dimensions of the chamber may be not suitable for operation of the valve, and vice-versa. This is because during dissipating energy process, major turbulences occur which may cause erosion in the dissipating structure. The interaction between the dissipating valve and the dissipating chamber dimensions is complex because the sizing of an element is associated to other. Thus, the required dimensions to dissipate energy on the chamber rely on valve data, resulting in data interdependency required for adequate energy dissipation. The set sizing must consider the operation interdependency of both elements otherwise the system operation may be inadequate due to turbulence high flow velocities, which may cause cavitation and erosion of the dissipating structures. Damages on the dissipating structure may cause energy generation interruption of hydroelectric power plants and accidents on the regions located downstream this structure. The adequate sizing of the set valve and dissipating chamber as well as the information regarding its operating range can be done with the aid of numerical simulations and physical model tests in order to predict the behavior of the prototype. Therefore, numerical simulations in CFD allow more selectivity of the cases which will be tested in a physical model, proportioning higher assertiveness on those tests.

Diese Arbeit ermöglicht ein detailliertes Verständnis der Schwingungsdynamik und Kupplungen in einem Basenpaar-Modellsystem und in künstlichen DNA-Oligomeren bei verschiedenen Hydratationsgraden. Durch die Verwendung von nichtlinearer ultraschneller IR Pump-Probe Spektroskopie sind die Schwingungsbewegungen hydratisierter DNA und die schnellsten Veränderungen in den DNA-Wasser-Wechselwirkungen und Hydrationsgeometrien direkt zugänglich. 2-pyridone/2-hydroxypyridine ist ein Modellsystem für die gekoppelte intermolekularen Wasserstoffbrücken, deren Struktur der von DNA-Basenpaaren ähnelt. In Dichlormethan existiert das Molekül als ein zyklischer 2-Pyridon-Dimer, deren Vorkommern durch NMR-und 2D-FTIR Spektroskopie verifiziert wurde. Die beobachteten kohärente Oszillationen aufgrund niederfrequenter Wellenpaketbewegungen der Dimere können für die Dynamik und räumliche Geometrie der Basenpaare in den DNA-Molekül relevant sein. Transiente Schwingungsspektren eines poly[d(A-T)]:poly[d(A-T)] Film erlauben die Zuordnung von verschiedenen NH-Streckbanden zu einer bestimmten Schwingung der Nukleinbasen und ermöglichen deren Abgrenzung zu den Beiträgen von OH-Streckschwingungen des umgebenden Wassers. Bei einem niedrigen Hydratisierungsgrad verändern die restlichen, an die Phosphatgruppen gebundenen Wassermoleküle, ihre Ausrichtung auf ultraschnellen Zeitskalen nicht. Im Fall vollständig hydratisierter DNA ist die Dynamik der Wasserhülle dem Verhalten des reinen Wassers ähnlicher und man beobachtet spektrale Diffusion der OH-Streckschwingung im Subpikosekundenbereich sowie einen Zerfall der Schwingungsanisotropie durch Molekülrotation und/oder Energietransfer. Die Wassermoleküle der Phosphat-Hydratationshülle dienen als effiziente Wärmesenke für Überschussenergie aus der DNA, wobei die Energietransferzeiten im fs-bereich liegen. Im Gegensatz dazu erfolgt Energietransport innerhalb der DNA auf einer langsameren Zeitskala von 20 ps. / This thesis provides a detailed understanding of vibrational dynamics and couplings in a base pair model system and artificial DNA oligomers at different levels of hydration. By using nonlinear ultrafast infrared pump-probe spectroscopy, the basic vibrational motions of hydrated DNA and the fastest changes in the DNA–water interactions and hydration geometries are directly accessed. 2-pyridone/2-hydroxypyridine is used as a model molecule for coupled intermolecular hydrogen bonds with a structure resembling a DNA base pair. In dichloromethane the molecule predominantly exists as a cyclic 2-pyridone dimer as determined using a combined NMR and 2D FTIR approach. The observed coherent oscillations due to low-frequency hydrogen bond wavepacket motions of the dimers are expected to be relevant for the dynamics and spatial geometry of base pairs in DNA molecule. Transient vibrational spectra of a poly[d(A-T)]:poly[d(A-T)] film enabled the assignment of different NH stretching bands to particular nucleobase vibrations, also discerning them from the OH stretching contributions of the surrounding water. At a low hydration level, residual water molecules, bound to the phosphate groups, do not alter their orientation on ultrafast time scales. In the case of fully hydrated DNA, the dynamics of the water shell are closer to those of bulk liquid water with a sub-picosecond spectral diffusion and a loss of vibrational anisotropy as a result of molecular rotation and/or energy transfer. The water shell around the phosphates serves as a efficient heat sink accepting excess energy from DNA in a femtosecond time domain, whereas the energy transfer within DNA occurs on the time scale of 20 ps.

Un nouveau matériau d’âme à base de fibres enchevêtrées et réticulées a été précédemment développé dans le but d’améliorer certaines propriétés des structures sandwichs dont l’amortissement vibratoire. Cependant, son comportement mécanique et vibratoire doit être optimisé afin de l’utiliser dans le domaine aérospatial. Plusieurs paramètres morphologiques entrent en jeu lors de sa fabrication. L’objectif de cette thèse est de développer un modèle numérique permettant de mieux comprendre le comportement de ce matériau enchevêtré réticulé. Le comportement d’un volume élémentaire représentatif de fibres de carbone enchevêtrées et non-réticulées est d’abord étudié en compression par éléments finis. La géométrie numérique du réseau de fibres s’appuie sur les données morphologiques du matériau réel. Les simulations numériques permettent de suivre, au cours de la compression confinée, l’évolution des différents paramètres, tels que la distribution des orientations des fibres, la distance entre contacts ou la fraction volumique. Ces résultats constituent une base robuste pour le développement du modèle numérique du matériau enchevêtré et réticulé qui est ensuite utilisé pour modéliser le comportement mécanique en cisaillement, et en particulier pour simuler et expliquer les boucles d’hystérésis observées expérimentalement. A la fin de ce travail, une étude numérique est proposée afin de décrire l’influence des différents paramètres morphologiques sur la rigidité en compression et en cisaillement du matériau enchevêtré réticulé. / A new core material based on entangled and cross-linked fibers has been previously developed in order to improve certain properties of sandwich structures including vibration damping. However, its behavior must be optimized for use in the aerospace field. Several morphological parameters can be modified during the manufacturing process. The aim of this thesis was to develop a numerical model to better understand the behavior of this entangled cross-linked material. The behavior of a representative volume element of entangled carbon fibers without cross-links is first studied in compression using finite element. The numerical geometry of the fiber network relies on the morphological parameters of a real sample. Numerical simulations make it possible to follow, during the confined compression, the evolution of the different parameters, such as the distribution of fiber orientations, the distance between contacts or the volume fraction. These results provide a robust basis for developing the numerical model of the entangled cross-linked material which is then used to model the mechanical behavior in shear, and in particular to simulate and explain the hysteresis loops observed experimentally. At the end of this work, a numerical study is proposed to study the influence of different morphological parameters on the compressive stiffness and shear stiffness of the entangled cross-linked material.