The automotive industry's search for stronger lighter materials has been hampered in its desire to make greater use of Magnesium alloys by their poor formability below 150°C. One current challenge is to identify the complex structure and deformation mechanisms at work and determine which of these are primary contributors to the nucleation of defects. Orientation Imaging Microscopy has been the most accessible tool for microstructural analysis over the past 15 years. However, using OIM to analyze defect nucleation sites requires prior knowledge of where the defects will occur because once the defects nucleate the majority of microstructural information is destroyed. This thesis seeks to contribute to the early detection of nucleation sites via three mechanisms: 1. Detection of cracks that have already nucleated, 2. Detection of surface topography changes that may indicate imminent nucleation and 3. Beam control strategies for efficiently finding areas of interest in a scan. Successive in-situ OIM scans of a consistent sample region while strain is increased, while using the three techniques developed in this thesis, will be employed in future work to provide a powerful defect analysis tool. By analyzing retrieved EBSD patterns we are able to locate defect / crack sites via shadowing on the EBSD patterns. Furthermore, topographical features (and potentially regions of surface roughening) can be detected via changes in intensity metrics and image quality. Topographical gradients are currently only detectable in line with the beam incidence. It is therefore suggested that the tensile specimens to be examined are orientated such that the resulting shear bands occur preferentially to this direction. The ability to refine the scan around these areas of interest has been demonstrated via an off-line adaptive scan routine that is implemented via the custom scan tool. A first attempt at a defect detection framework has been outlined and coded into MATLAB. These tools offer a first step to accessing the information about defect nucleation that researchers are currently seeking.

Deformation twinning in Magnesium alloys both facilitates slip and forms sites for failure. Currently, basic studies of twinning in Mg are facilitated by electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) which is able to extract a myriad of information relating to crystalline microstructures. Although much information is available via EBSD, various problems relating to deformation twinning have not been solved. This dissertation provides new insights into deformation twinning in Mg alloys, with particular focus on AZ31. These insights were gained through the development of new EBSD and related machine learning tools that extract more information beyond what is currently accessed.The first tool relating to characterization of deformed and twinned materials focuses on surface topography crack detection. The intensity map across EBSD images contains vital information that can be used to detect evolution of surface roughness and crack formation, which typically occurs at twin boundaries. The method of topography recovery resulted in reconstruction errors as low as 2% over a 500 μm length. The method was then applied to a 3 μm x 3 μm area of twinned Tantalum which experienced topographic alterations. The topography of Ta correlated with other measured changes in the microstructure. Additionally, EBSD images were used to identify the presence of cracks in Nickel microstructures. Several cracks were identified on the Ni specimen, demonstrating that cracks as thin as 34 nm could be measured.A further EBSD based tool developed for this study was used to identify thin compression twins in Mg; these are often missed in a traditional EBSD scan due to their size relative to the electron probe. This tool takes advantage of crystallographic relationships that exist between parent and twinned grains; common planes that exist in both grains lead to bands of consistent intensity as a scan crosses a twin. Hence, twin boundaries in a microstructure can be recognized, even when they are associated with thin twins. Proof of concept was performed on known twins in Inconel 600, Tantalum, and Magnesium AZ31. This method was then used to search for undetected twins in a Mg AZ31 structure, revealing nearly double the number of twins compared with those initially measured by standard procedures.To uncover the driving forces behind deformation twinning in Mg, a machine learning framework was developed to leverage all of the data available from EBSD and use that to create a physics based models of twin nucleation and growth. The resultant models for nucleation and growth were measured to be up to 86.5% and 96.1% accurate respectively. Each model revealed a unique combination of crystallographic attributes that affected twinning in the AZ31.

Zirconia has been established as a promising material for dental implants. Various surface treatment methods have been utilized to promote better osseointegration and improve the success rate of dental implants. However, a better understanding of the influences of topographic characteristics on cell attachment, proliferation, and differentiation is needed. Different surface topographic zirconia specimens, As sintered, Mild rough, Moderate rough, and Rough zirconia groups were fabricated with sandblasting method in various distances and stages. The surface texture, microstructure, and wettability were inspected with the optical profiler, SEM, and contact angle measurement respectfully. Human primary osteoblast cells were cultured on the four groups of zirconia with different surface modifications in 24 well plates and on plates without test material as control. Crystal violet and triton X-100 solution were used to evaluate cell attachment efficiency at 9 hours and proliferation rate at 7, 14, and 21 days after seeding. ALP activity was measured with fluorometric assay. The expression of osteocalcin was measured with an ELISA kit. Alizarin red staining was conducted to evaluate the mineralization. The cell morphologies were inspected under SEM after cell fixation and critical point drying process. The data were analyzed with one-way ANOVA for experiment on each time interval and two-way ANOVA for all time points. Tukey post hoc test was used for pairwise comparison. P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Topographic parameters and contact angle measured in As sintered, Mild rough, Moderate rough, and Rough surface groups were as follow: Sa = 0.23, 0.50, 2.13, 5 µm, Sal = 49.88, 21.20, 30.42, 49.87 µm, Sdq = 64.64, 248.60, 511, 734.66 µm/mm, Sk = 0.7, 1.54, 4.19,16 µm, Spk = 0.31, 0.64, 1.47, 5.13 µm, Svk = 0.35, 0.71, 5.96, 6.18 µm respectively, and contact angle = 64.6°, 55.2°, 43.5°, 38.6° respectively. The result showed that Rough zirconia group induced the highest cell attachment efficiency at 9 hours (p<.001). As sintered zirconia group promoted significant cell proliferation rate at 21 days (p<.001) while Rough zirconia group drastically down-regulated cell proliferation (p<0.001). The most elevated levels of ALP, osteocalcin, and mineralization expressions at 21 days were found in the Moderate rough group with significant differences (p<.001, p<.001, p<.001 accordingly) Within the limitations of this in vitro study, it can be concluded 1) the modified microroughened zirconia surfaces of Sa 5 µm would promote human osteoblast attachment but down-regulate cell proliferation, 2) the As sintered zirconia surface would stimulate cell proliferation, and 3) the microroughened surfaces of Sa 2 µm would up-regulate osteoblast differentiation. These findings could be incorporated into designing and fabricating the dental implant surfaces for optimal osseointegration.

No description available.

Eutrophication is a global problem that has a major impact on aquatic ecosystems. Over the past 50 years, the nutrient content of lakes and streams has increased as a result of urban development and agricultural sources. It can cause health problems for both humans and animals through direct contact or when consumed. In addition, it can result in the extinction of aquatic organisms. By studying the topography, soil chemistry, hydrology and human impact of areas, we can understand how nutrients are transported from their sources of origin to surface water, where they increase nutrient content. Understanding this is crucial to identify and prioritise areas that require action to reduce the effects of eutrophication. The purpose of this study was to trace potential sources of dispersion of nutrients to the surface water through analysis of these. The site chosen for the study was the area of Tvärålund where the stream Sjöbäcken and lake Tväråträsket are located, where 11 sampling points were also placed. These had the purpose of proving any emissions from ancillary activities. The results indicate that only one of the selected sampling points was contaminated from active point sources (individual sewers) while the remaining points showed a constant increase supported by a linear relationship between distance from the reference point and measured concentration.

Mars has an intriguing topographic and crustal dichotomy that divides the planet into a Northern Hemisphere and a Southern Hemisphere. The biggest question is to understand how this dichotomy was formed and what are the implications to the interior evolution of the planet. This study uses topography and gravity data obtained from the Mars Global Surveyor satellite observations in a crustal thickness program written by Mark Wieczorek. This program uses an algorithm that incorporates spherical harmonic coefficients of topography and gravity and calculates the Moho topography given a set of user-input parameters; it also generates crustal thickness maps. I modified the code to produce gravity misfit maps for interpretation of crustal and mantle structures. Experiments were performed to test various parameters in the program and observe their effects on the resulting crustal thickness. The algorithm assumes a uniform density for the crust and mantle. A crustal density of 2900 kg/m3 and a mantle density of 3500 kg/m3 were used to represent a basaltic crust and an olivine mantle, derived from petrologic studies of meteorites assumed to have originated from Mars. As the crustal density is held constant while varying the mantle density (and vice versa), it is the total density contrast that changes the crustal thickness; the larger the density contrast, the smaller the crustal thickness. Higher-order terms in the algorithm equation were also tested. Results show that the higher-order terms do not affect the overall crustal thickness by much thus are negligible. In modeling the crustal thickness, a minimum crustal thickness of 5 km was used to anchor the topography so that the resulting crust do not have negative or zero thickness. By using this minimum thickness, there is about 40 km thickness difference between the Northern Lowlands and the Southern Highlands. Crustal thickness and gravity misfit maps show a plume-like track from the South Pole to the Tharsis Rise region, consistent with the theory proposed by Zhong (2010) on a mantle plume track. A ring-like feature in the misfit maps resembles a regional-scale impact crater that may have created the Borealis Basin in the Northern Lowlands, also consistent with current hypotheses about the formation of the Northern Lowlands. A result of Airy isostacy (with only the linear terms in topography) is that the Moho topography will be related to the surface topography with a scale factor depending on the crust-mantle density contrast. Isostatic studies here reveal that Mars may be more or less isostatic at spherical harmonic degree-1 wavelength scale where as at spherical harmonic degree-2, an impact-like structure is revealed just east of the Tharsis Rise region, suggesting a possible impact. Due to the non-uniqueness of gravity, these models have a limited constraint on the crustal thickness and further studies involving a seismometer are needed to get a more precise look into Mars' interior. / Master of Science

The status of whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis), a foundation and keystone species and a pioneer establisher at alpine treeline, is threatened by the invasive and exotic fungal pathogen (Cronartium ribicola) that causes white pine blister rust in five-needled pines. Originally thought to be limited to moderate environments, the disease is now found extensively throughout colder and dryer regions east of the Continental Divide, including alpine treeline. My research objective was to determine how blister rust infection of treeline whitebark pine varies across Glacier National Park. I present findings from field sampling conducted in July 2008 in Glacier National Park, Montana. Thirty plots were randomly placed at 6 different treeline study sites on the eastern slopes of the Continental Divide. Vegetative and geomorphic characteristics, along with presence/absence and level of blister rust intensity, were detailed within each plot. Vegetation measurements included conifer composition, tree island dimensions and windward growth patterns, evidence and intensity of blister rust, as well as shelter type. Field-measured topographic characteristics included elevation, aspect, and slope. In addition, high resolution GPS-derived DEMs were created at each plot in order to model the land surface and calculate detailed environmental variables in a GIS. Environmental and blister rust intensity variables were used to determine spatial correlates of blister rust infection at treeline. The resulting blister rust prediction model (P < 0.001, F(4,25) = 6.79, R2 = 0.52, Adjusted R2 = 0.44) suggests that areas exhibiting increased wind speed, northwest facing slopes, high flow accumulation rates, and close proximity to perennial streams have a higher likelihood of blister rust intensity, specifically total canker density. Results of this research may contribute to the understanding of the dynamics of this disease, and prove useful in whitebark ecosystem management and conservation. / Master of Science

Mars is one of the most intriguing planets in the solar system. It is the fourth terrestrial planet and is differentiated into a core, mantle and crust. The crust of Mars is divided into the Southern highlands and the Northern lowlands. The largest volcano in the solar system, Olympus Mons is found on the crustal dichotomy boundary. The presence of isolated volcanism on the surface suggests the importance of internal activity on the planet. In addition to volcanism in the past, there has been evidence of present day volcanic activity. Convective upwelling, including decompression melting, has remained an important contributing factor in melting history of the planet. In this thesis, I investigate the production of melt in the mantle for a Newtonian rheology, and compare it with the melt needed to create Tharsis. In addition to the melt production, I analyze the 3D structure of the mantle for a stagnant lithosphere. I vary different parameters in the Martian mantle to understand the production of low or high degree structures early on to explain the crustal dichotomy. This isothermal structure in the mantle contributes to the geoid and topography on the planet. I also analyze how much of the internal density contributes to the surface topography and areoid of Mars. In contrast to Mars, Ceres is a dwarf planet in the Asteroid belt. Ceres is an icy body and it is unclear if it is differentiated into a core, mantle and crust yet. However, studies show that it is most likely a differentiated body and the mantle consists of ice and silicate. The presence of brucite and serpentine on the surface suggests the presence of internal activity. Being a massive body and also believed to have existed since the beginning of the solar system, studying Ceres will shed light on the conditions of the early solar system. Ceres has been of great interest in the scientific community and its importance has motivated NASA to launch a mission, Dawn, to study the planet. Dawn will collect data from the dwarf planet when it arrives in 2015. In my modeling studies, I implement a similar technique on Ceres, as followed on Mars, and focus on the mantle convection process and the geoid and topography. The silicate-ice mixture in the mantle gives rise to a non-Newtonian rheology that depends on the grain size of the ice particle. The geoid and topography observed for different differentiated scenarios in my modeling can be compared with the data from the Dawn mission when it arrives at Ceres in 2015. / Ph. D.

Earth as a fundamental aspect of the existing conditions of a site has/can/should have agency in design, both historically and today. The aim of this study is to describe the agency of earth in design as a common premise between the disciplines of architecture and landscape architecture. The thesis question is "how can the earth on site have agency on the design?" Thinking of the physical earth, specifically the topography, as one of the basic structures of the existing conditions, the earth should be taken as the most important condition that both architecture and landscape architecture use and share; both disciplines have to deal with context; they both have to deal with surroundings, and then work within systems that exist around them. As landscape architecture has been incredibly important to civilization throughout history, this project looks at different ways that earth has agency in design through important periods of history, from Greeks to contemporary design. While there are many examples in which designers have worked with the existing topography, there are other cases across cultures where people have drastically altered topography. Thinking about those designs, there are many possible answers to this thesis question from using existing hills to making mountains. This thesis explores the creation of an artificial mound, as a monument to indigenous people, in order to revive the missed parts of the earth and empower the ground. The thesis rethinks the whole ground, protecting the earth by turning excavated soil into an important earthwork. The design is not only about creating an earthwork for people, it also transforms invisible earth into a visible structure. Based on the practices of Native American mound builders, the earthwork stands for the values of diversity and equality in the US, creating a gathering space for all people made of the native earth/soil. / Master of Landscape Architecture / Earth as one of the existing materials of a site constantly affects the process of the design. This study focuses on describing and improving the use and understanding this material shared by the disciplines of architecture and landscape architecture. As landscape architecture has been incredibly important to civilization throughout history, this project looks at different ways that earth has affected design through important periods of history, from Greeks to modern design. Considering many examples in which designers have worked with the current land, there are other cases across cultures where people have changed earth. Thinking about different designs, there are many possible answers to this thesis question from using existing hills to making mountains. This design is an artificial mound as a monument to indigenous people and it is about reviving the missed parts of the earth in order to empower the ground, rethinking the whole earth and protecting it, turning it into an important earthwork that is not only about something for people but also making it into something which in invisible situations it cannot be. Based on the tradition of Native American mound builders, part of this thesis is to affirm the value of diversity and equality in the US, through creating a gathering space for all people that pays special attention to indigenous culture.

Bacterial biofilms are communities of micro-organisms encased a self-produced extracellular matrix. While they form readily in a nature, biofilm formation in man-made systems have economic and health consequences. Prior research demonstrated that topographical features comprised of uniform, micro-meter sized particles hindered the biofilm formation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa), an opportunistic human pathogen. The goal of the present work is to 1) further develop a potential anti-biofilm coating by improving its robustness and 2) study the mechanism(s) by which surface topography hinders biofilm formation. The robustness of a topographical coating comprised of an array of silica particles is improved by the introduction of silica bridges through a sol-gel reaction. To study the mechanism(s), specifically, we hypothesized that the motion, or surface motility, of P. aeruginosa is hindered by the presence of micro-meter scale obstacles via physical obstruction. To test this, we analyzed the behavior of single P. aeruginosa cells at micron-scale spatial resolutions using time-lapse fluorescence microscopy, image analysis, and particle tracking techniques. We fabricated various types of micron-scale topography with curvature (particle arrays) and recti-linear features (vertical steps) and varied the critical dimension within the range of 0.5 – 10 µm which spans the dimensions of a typical P. aeruginosa cell. We found that there was a threshold feature size of 1-2 µm at which bacterial surface motility is drastically impacted. On positively curved topography (particle arrays), we found that the frequent obstacles reduced the average speed of a bacterium from 6.2  0.3 µm per 5 min on a flat surface to 2.1  0.3 µm per 5 min on an array of 2 µm particles. Furthermore, we observed that bacteria often move in-between particles, suggesting that bacteria have difficulty climbing over tall obstacles. To further investigate P. aeruginosa's ability to cope with topography, we examined the effect of recti-linear features (vertical steps) on surface motility. We found that step heights > 0.9 µm drastically reduced the probability of crossing and that the average speed when approaching the step is reduced by a factor of 2. Interestingly, we find that bacteria have a slight preference to traverse down which is against the direction of gravity in our system. In summary, these results offer insights into how a surface motile bacterium copes with a topographical surface. Our data indicate that the topography of a surface can impede the surface motility of bacterium and thus, may be an important mechanism by which topography prevents biofilm formation. / Doctor of Philosophy / Bacteria and other micro-organisms can grow on surfaces such as medical devices and cause infections. Other examples of where bacteria can grow are on drains and pipes causing clogging, and on the hulls of ships, thus increasing drag. The goal of the current work is to investigate material coatings that resist the attachment and growth of bacteria on surfaces. We demonstrate that changing the roughness of the surface can reduce the number of bacteria found on the surface. More specifically, we have made surfaces covered with spheres that are approximately the same size as a bacterium, about 1 micrometer (10x smaller than the diameter of hair). We find that the spheres act as physical obstacles that block bacteria from moving on a surface. These results suggest that changing the micro-scale geometry of a surface may reduce the rate of infections on medical devices or hinder the growth of bacteria in other systems