Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Peridynamic Modeling Of Coupled Mechanical Deformations And Transient Flow In Unsaturated Soils, Rami Jabakhanji

Open Access Dissertations

A coupled peridynamic model for mechanical deformations and transient moisture flow in unsaturated soils is developed. The model is capable of simulating the emergence and evolution of cracks triggered by volumetric strains in the soil which are associated with changes in moisture content. The development of our model is motivated by the need for a tool to analyze and evaluate the impact of dessication cracks on the movement of moisture and the mechanical properties of soils at the field scale. The model is based on the peridynamic reformulation of elasticity proposed by Silling for simulating the deformation of bodies with …

Observation-Based Algorithm Development For Subsurface Hydrology In Northern Temperate Wetlands, Chun-Mei Chiu

Open Access Dissertations

This study investigates wetland subsurface hydrology, as well as biogeochemistry - which is strongly influenced by water and temperature dynamics - as these interactions are expected to be highly significant, yet remain poorly represented in current ecosystem and climate models.

Northern wetlands have received widespread public attention due to steadily increasing summer mean global temperatures, extreme precipitation events and higher rates of natural greenhouse gas emissions, as well as the significant impacts on them due to human activities. The goal of my graduate research has been to improve quantification of the role of subsurface hydrology in northern wetlands by using …