Date of Award

2016

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

College/School

College of Science and Mathematics

Department/Program

Mathematical Sciences

Thesis Sponsor/Dissertation Chair/Project Chair

Eric Forgoston

Committee Member

Lora Billings

Committee Member

Ashwin Vaidya

Abstract

In this work, we have developed an experimental flow tank that can produce realistic ocean-like flows, including multi-gyre flows. By generating controllable ocean-like flow fields, we can study the flows to gain a better understanding of ocean dynamics. In particular, we use particle image velocimetry and finite-time Lyapunov exponents to determine the location of the Lagrangian Coherent Structures that determine transport in complex fluid flows. This understanding is useful for designing control algorithms and for optimizing the use of autonomous vehicles operating in the stochastic and time-dependent ocean environment.

File Format

PDF

Included in

Mathematics Commons

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