Multiphase flow dynamics are important in many naval and turbomachinery applications, where bubble interaction with low pressure, vortical structures can lead to undesirable cavitation effects. To better understand the underlying phenomena, a multiscale numerical framework is developed to simulate bubble laden flow in dynamic hydro propulsion systems. Several subproblems in...
Ice–ocean interactions have profound consequences for the ocean and climate, influencing the rate of sea level rise. Submarine melt is commonly parameterized using a three-equation formulation for the heat, salt, and momentum conservation equations coupled to a buoyant plume model, together called plume-melt theory. However, recent direct observations of terminus...
A sharp temperature front, oriented along the south-west corner of the leading edge of a Tropical Instability Wave (TIW) warm trough, was encountered at 0°N, 140°W on November 2, 2008 and detected by a 0.45°C increase in SST that occurred over 7 s. The distinct SST signal was observed at...
Tsunami inundation of coastal communities can impose a wide array of forces on the
built environment. Forces generated by tsunami-driven debris damming have the potential to
cause failure of coastal structures and further accumulate flow-entrained debris. Since tsunami-resilient design standards were adopted by ASCE in 2016, debris damming considerations have...
Reed Canarygrass (RCG) is an aggressive invader in aquatic ecosystems that swiftly modifies the environment and decreases biodiversity. A physical model was used to investigate the mechanisms by which RCG spreads. Experimental trials were implemented to examine feedbacks between a mid-channel patch of the flexible RCG, hydraulics, and bedform evolution...
Numerous physical and chemical processes are required for successful ignition of a flammable mixture, many of which have been well characterized. However, one aspect of the ignition process that has received limited consideration is understanding the temperature of the spark kernel. A spark kernel is the volume of heated gas...
Basin-scale superinertial oceanic tides have been observed globally to resonate with the continental shelf (e.g., the Patagonian Shelf) with a clear theoretical framework. However, the response of the shelf to atmospheric tides – another basin-scale forcing – has not been discussed. This study explores this response using a prominent S2...
This thesis describes the results of a linear stability analysis conducted on a simulated wind-forced ocean front. The ocean surface boundary layer regulates exchanges between the ocean and atmosphere, and the presence of turbulence in the surface layer can greatly impact climate and ocean life. Past research has shown that...
A wide variety of hydrodynamic theories are utilized to approximate a Wave Energy Converter’s (WEC) equation of motion. Numerous theories have been refined in order to improve numerical approximations of WEC dynamics. When incorporating refined hydrodynamic theories into numerical models, there are distinct impacts on WEC rigid body motions, cable...
This thesis assessed the passive, natural circulation, design for a Bi-Ca-CaH2 cooled microreactor based on initial figures of merit. The values for the figures of merit selected for this thesis were: the maximum temperature in the core should not be more than 150 K above the average core outlet temperature,...