A Graph-based, Probabilistic Framework for Novel Aerospace Technology Evaluation and Selection

Technology selection is ubiquitous in all manners of complex systems engineering, design and everyday business operations. Technologies are often complex entities shrouded in uncertainty, assumptions and interpretation. Therefore, quantifying their effect (i.e. outcome) becomes challenging for several reasons. First, as simulations may not be...

Naturally fractured reservoir characterization: Advanced workflows for discrete fracture network modeling

Natural fractures in subsurface rocks are a source of heterogeneity that impacts flow and transport behaviour. The presence of fracture discontinuities needs to be modelled explicitly due to observed deviations from the continuum assumption of porous media. The departures are due to both individual properties (such as aperture, infill, and...

Rearranging Phylogenetic Networks

Advances in graph signal processing: Graph filtering and network identification

To the surprise of most of us, complexity in nature spawns from simplicity. No matter how simple a basic unit is, when many of them work together, the interactions among these units lead to complexity. This complexity is present in the spreading of diseases, where slightly different policies, or conditions,might lead to very different results;...

Configraphics: Graph Theoretical Methods for Design and Analysis of Spatial Configurations

This dissertation reports a PhD research on mathematical-computational models, methods, and techniques for analysis, synthesis, and evaluation of spatial configurations in architecture and urban design. Spatial configuration is a technical term that refers to the particular way in which a set of spaces are connected to one another as a network....

Distributed Graph Filters

We have recently seen a surge of research focusing on the processing of graph data. The emerging field of signal processing on graphs focuses on the extension of classical discrete signal processing techniques to the graph setting. Arguably, the greatest breakthrough of the field has been the extension of the Fourier transform from time signals...

System Identification in Dynamic Networks

Systems in engineering such as power systems, telecommunication systems, and distributed control systems are becoming more complex and interconnected. Many of these systems are part of the foundation of modern society and their seamless operation is paramount. However, the increasing complexity and size of the systems poses real engineering...

Images of cooperation: A methodological exploration in energy networks

To ensure dependable, affordable, and sustainable use of energy, stakeholders in energy production, distribution, and consumption are increasingly seeking for cooperation. They aim to jointly tackle large energy projects in an environmental context that is changing at an increasing rate, towards increasing complexity. Cooperation is seen as a...

Dam break modelling, risk assessment and uncertainty analysis for flood mitigation

In this thesis a range of modelling techniques is explored to deal effectively with flood risk management. In particular, attention is paid to floods caused by failure of hydraulic structures such as dams and dikes. The methods considered here are applied for simulating dam and dike failure events, flood water routing in downstream areas, and...

Fundamental Properties of Wireless Mobile Ad-hoc Networks

Wireless mobile ad-hoc networks are formed by mobile devices that set up a possibly short-lived network for communication needs of the moment. Ad-hoc networks are decentralized, self-organizing networks capable of forming a communication network without relying on any fixed infrastructure. Each node in an ad-hoc network is equipped with a radio...

On the behaviour of classes of min-max-plus systems

Discrete Event Systems are systems, the time evolution of which can be described by the occurence of events. Well-known examples of DESs are manufacturing systems and transportation networks. An important class of DESs can be described by the so-called (max,+) algebra, in which, compared to the usual arithmetic, the operator + is replaced by the...