About the Project
Seabeds covered with vegetation such as seagrass protect against coastal erosion due to their ability to attenuate wave energy and demobilise suspended sediments. In addition they are of ecological importance by providing shelter, nutrients and nursery areas for wide variety of marine species. Although substantial research has been done to understand the hydrodynamic processes over vegetated beds in steady unidirectional flows, very little work has been done on unsteady wave-induced flows, despite the prevalence of vegetation in many coastal environments.
The PhD project will study the detailed hydrodynamic processes of wave induced flows over vegetation covered beds in the 20-m long random wave flume at the University of Aberdeen. The experiments will involve a range of wave conditions and different varieties of artificial vegetation to systematically study the hydrodynamic processes within and above the vegetation canopy. The measurements will focus on detailed water particle velocity measurements using Particle Image Velocimetry and Laser Doppler Velocimetry, building on Aberdeen’s extensive experience with these optical measurement techniques applied to rough bed wave hydrodynamics. The measurements will be used to develop analytical models to predict the flow over vegetation covered sea beds.
The successful candidate should have, or expect to have, an Honours Degree at 2.1 or above (or equivalent) in engineering or related discipline that includes fluid mechanics will provide the essential knowledge.
Essential background: civil or mechanical engineering; other relevant physical science.
Prior knowledge of the following would be beneficial but is not essential: sea wave mechanics; environmental fluids mechanics, laboratory measurements in fluid mechanics.
Funding Notes
This project is for self-funded students only. There is no funding attached to this project. The successful applicant will be expected to pay Tuition Fees and living expenses, from their own resources, for the duration of study.
References
Aberdeen has a strong research track record in hydrodynamics in oscillatory and wave-induced flows. Example publications:
1. Van der A, D., O’Donoghue, T., Davies, A.G. and J.S. Ribberink (2011). Experimental Study of Turbulent Boundary Layer in Acceleration-Skewed Oscillatory Flow. Journal of Fluid Mechanics, vol 684, 251-283.
2. Kikkert, G.A., O’Donoghue, T., Pokrajac, Dodd, N., 2011. Experimental study of bore-driven swash hydrodynamics on impermeable rough slopes, 60, 149-166.
3. Van der A, D., O’Donoghue, T. and Ribberink, J.S. (2010). Measurements of sheet flow transport in acceleration-skewed oscillatory flow and comparison with practical formulations, Coastal Engineering, 57 (3), 331-342.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE:
This project is advertised in relation to the research areas of the discipline of Engineering.
Formal applications can be completed online: http://www.abdn.ac.uk/postgraduate/apply. You should apply for Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering, to ensure that your application is passed to the correct College for processing.
NOTE CLEARLY THE NAME OF THE SUPERVISOR AND EXACT PROJECT TITLE YOU WISH TO BE CONSIDERED FOR ON THE APPLICATION FORM. Applicants are limited to applying for a maximum of 2 projects. Any further applications received will be automatically withdrawn.
Informal inquiries can be made to Dr D Van Der A (d.a.vandera@abdn.ac.uk) with a copy of your curriculum vitae and cover letter. All general enquiries should be directed to the Graduate School Admissions Unit (cpsgrad@abdn.ac.uk).
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