Computational resources have developed to the level that, for the first time, it is becoming possible to apply large-eddy simulation (LES) to turbulent flow problems of realistic complexity. Many examples can be found in technology and in a variety of natural flows. This puts issues related to assessing, assuring, and predicting the quality of LES into the spotlight. Several LES studies have been published in the past, demonstrating a high level of accuracy with which turbulent flow predictions can be attained, without having to resort to the excessive requirements on computational resources imposed by direct numerical simulations. However, the setup and use of turbulent flow simulations requires a profound knowledge of fluid mechanics, numerical techniques, and the application under consideration. The susceptibility of large-eddy simulations to errors in modelling, in numerics, and in the treatment of boundary conditions, can be quite large due to nonlinear accumulation of different contributions over time, leading to an intricate and unpredictable situation. A full understanding of the interacting error dynamics in large-eddy simulations is still lacking. To ensure the reliability of large-eddy simulations for a wide range of industrial users, the development of clear standards for the evaluation, prediction, and control of simulation errors in LES is summoned. The workshop on Quality and Reliability of Large-Eddy Simulations, held October 22-24, 2007 in Leuven, Belgium (QLES2007), provided one of the first platforms specifically addressing these aspects of LES.

Over the past two decades, the use of fiber lasers in engineering applications has gradually become established as an engineering discipline on its own. The development of fiber lasers is mainly the result of studies from various domains like photonics, optical sensing, fiber optics, nonlinear optics, and telecommunication. Though many excellent books exist on each of these subjects, and several have been written specifically to address lasers and fiber lasers, it is still difficult to find one book where the diverse core of subjects that are central to the study of fiber laser systems are presented in simple and straight forward way.

Fiber Lasers: Fundamentals with MATLAB Modelling, is an introduction to the fundamentals of fiber lasers. It provides clear explanations of physical concepts supporting the field of fiber lasers. Fiber lasers’ characteristics are analyzed theoretically through simulations derived from numerical models. The authors cover fundamental principles involved in the generation of laser light through both continuous-wave (CW) and pulsing. It also covers experimental configuration and characterization for both CW and Q-switching. The authors describe the simulation of fiber laser systems and propose numerical modelling of various fiber laser schemes. MATLAB® modelling and numerical computational methods are used throughout the book to simulate different fiber laser system configurations.

This book will be highly desirable and beneficial for both academics and industry professionals to have ample examples of fiber laser approaches that are well thought out and fully integrated with the subjects covered in the text. This book is written to address these needs.

Table of Contents

1. Fundamentals of Fiber Lasers. 2. Optical Fibers. 3.Rare-Earth Ions and Fiber Laser Fundamentals. 4. Mathematical Methods for Fiber Lasers. 5. Continuous-Wave Silica Fiber Lasers. 6. Q-switched Fiber Laser. 7. Narrow Linewidth Fiber Lasers. 8. High-Power Fiber Lasers.

The second Workshop on "Quality and Reliability of Large-Eddy Simulations," QLES2009, was held at the University of Pisa from September 9 to September 11, 2009. Its predecessor, QLES2007, was organized in 2007 in Leuven (Belgium). The focus of QLES2009 was on issues related to predicting, assessing and assuring the quality of LES. The main goal of QLES2009 was to enhance the knowledge on error sources and on their interaction in LES and to devise criteria for the prediction and optimization of simulation quality, by bringing together mathematicians, physicists and engineers and providing a platform specifically addressing these aspects for LES. Contributions were made by leading experts in the field. The present book contains the written contributions to QLES2009 and is divided into three parts, which reflect the main topics addressed at the workshop: (i) SGS modeling and discretization errors; (ii) Assessment and reduction of computational errors; (iii) Mathematical analysis and foundation for SGS modeling.

The second Workshop on "Quality and Reliability of Large-Eddy Simulations", QLES2009, was held at the University of Pisa from September 9 to September 11, 2009. Its predecessor, QLES2007, was organized in 2007 in Leuven (Belgium). The focus of QLES2009 was on issues related to predicting, assessing and assuring the quality of LES. The main goal of QLES2009 was to enhance the knowledge on error sources and on their interaction in LES and to devise criteria for the prediction and optimization of simulation quality, by bringing together mathematicians, physicists and engineers and providing a platform specifically addressing these aspects for LES. Contributions were made by leading experts in the field. The present book contains the written contributions to QLES2009 and is divided into three parts, which reflect the main topics addressed at the workshop: (i) SGS modeling and discretization errors; (ii) Assessment and reduction of computational errors; (iii) Mathematical analysis and foundation for SGS modeling.

Computational resources have developed to the level that, for the first time, it is becoming possible to apply large-eddy simulation (LES) to turbulent flow problems of realistic complexity. Many examples can be found in technology and in a variety of natural flows. This puts issues related to assessing, assuring, and predicting the quality of LES into the spotlight. Several LES studies have been published in the past, demonstrating a high level of accuracy with which turbulent flow predictions can be attained, without having to resort to the excessive requirements on computational resources imposed by direct numerical simulations. However, the setup and use of turbulent flow simulations requires a profound knowledge of fluid mechanics, numerical techniques, and the application under consideration. The susceptibility of large-eddy simulations to errors in modelling, in numerics, and in the treatment of boundary conditions, can be quite large due to nonlinear accumulation of different contributions over time, leading to an intricate and unpredictable situation. A full understanding of the interacting error dynamics in large-eddy simulations is still lacking. To ensure the reliability of large-eddy simulations for a wide range of industrial users, the development of clear standards for the evaluation, prediction, and control of simulation errors in LES is summoned. The workshop on Quality and Reliability of Large-Eddy Simulations, held October 22-24, 2007 in Leuven, Belgium (QLES2007), provided one of the first platforms specifically addressing these aspects of LES.

This book presents the case for Project-Based Learning within Socio-Technical Systems in Engineering Education. The book highlights the importance of projects as Socio-Technical Systems as a means for supporting and enhancing international accreditation of engineering programs. Practical examples illustrate how Socio-Technical Systems are brought into the educational environment through Project-Based Learning. The book goes on to discusses the impact this may have on Engineering Education practice. The work presented will enable engineering educators to develop curricula that can respond to societal needs, while also enhancing teaching and learning. It offers an approach to engineering education that centers on engaging scholars in projects that are located within socio-technical systems. University, government and industry leaders will gain from this book as it provides insight into strategic planning and partnership-building for Engineering Education. We hope this book will further foster deep scholarship of research to ready engineering faculties for engaging responsibly with their surrounding communities. Features: Offers applications of Project-Based Learning (PBL) in Engineering Education Matches elements of Socio-Technical Systems in Higher Engineering Education, with the Exit Level Outcomes (ELOs) required by professional engineering bodies Provides practical examples for the establishment of project environments within an academic faculty Shows examples in the success of execution of projects involving engineering educators, researchers, program developers, government agencies and industry partners Presents a framework to develop Project-Based Learning in Engineering Education that addresses Socio-Technical requirements and will enable engineering educators to collaboratively develop engineering curricula with industry that will respond to societal needs