Academic Report:The wonderful, paradoxical and vexing world of stable and unstable behaviour
Speaker:Prof. BryanKarney
Time:2016 .11.1 9:00-11:00AM
Location:Teach 4-102
Abstract:
On our dynamic planet we are surrounded by systems that can be characterized as stable or unstable depending on a variety of conditions. This talk with explore the implications of these modes of behaviour drawing examples from fluid flow, terrestrial climate systems, atmospheric and oceanographic circulation, sociology, biology and personal experience. The goal will be to explore the complex role these transitions play, and the implication this behaviour has for the performance of engineered systems.
Brief Bio:
Bryan Karney graduated from UBC with a degree in Bio-Resource Engineering in 1980 and his Ph.D. in Civil Engineering in 1984. He is a professor of Civil Engineering and the Associate Dean of Cross Disciplinary Programs at the University of Toronto. He is a principal of consulting firm HydraTek & Associates. Bryan has over 30 years of direct experience in providing hydraulic and hydraulic transient services on a wide range of fluid pipe systems, including water , wastewater, oil, gas, and jet fuel. Bryan has spoken and written widely on subjects related to water resource systems, energy issues, hydrology, climate change, engineering education and ethics. He has written or co-written numerous journal papers and articles, including being a co-author of the book “Comprehensive Water Distribution Systems Analysis Handbooks for Engineers and Planners”. Bryan has won a number of teaching and research awards including being a finalist in the TVO’s best lecturer competition.