Prof T O'Donoghue, Prof D Pokrajac, Dr D Van der A
Applications accepted all year round
Self-Funded PhD Students Only
About the Project
The swash zone is the cross-shore region of beach covered by flow uprush and flow backwash following wave breaking. Swash is an example of a set of environmental flows that are characterised by the sudden arrival of a high-velocity, highly turbulent and aerated water bore, which subsequently collapses on a beach slope. Other examples include dambreak-generated surge and post-breaking tsunami in shallow water. Swash flow can be highly energetic and have major influence on the sediment dynamics and shaping of the beach face. Predicting the sediment response for such highly-unsteady flow conditions is very challenging, but critically important for the prediction of beach response to high storm waves. The PhD project will build on recent research at Aberdeen focused on hydrodynamics and sediment transport in dambreak-generated swash on beaches. The research will comprise experimental and numerical study. Its main focus will be on the sediment transport aspects, using detailed process-focused laboratory experiments to inform the development of better predictive models. The experiments will employ the excellent facilities and measurement capability within the Fluid Mechanics Laboratory at the University of Aberdeen.
The successful candidate should have, or expect to have, an Honours Degree at 2.1 or above (or equivalent) in civil or mechanical engineering or other relevant physical science.
Knowledge of: An excellent first degree in engineering or related discipline that includes fluid mechanics will provide the essential knowledge.
Prior knowledge of the following would be beneficial but is not essential: sediment transport mechanics; shallow water flow modelling; 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
Related publications from Aberdeen include:
1. Barnes, M.P., O’Donoghue, T., Alsina, J. and Baldock, T.E. (2009). Direct bed shear stress measurements in bore-driven swash, Coastal Engineering, 56, 853-867.
2. O’Donoghue, T., Pokrajac, D and Hondebrink, L.J. (2010). Laboratory and numerical study of dambreak-generated swash on impermeable slopes, Coastal Engineering, 57 (5), 513-530
3. Kikkert, G., O’Donoghue, T., Pokrajac, D. and N.Dodd (2012). Experimental study of bore-driven swash hydrodynamics on impermeable rough slopes, Coastal Engineering, 60 (1), 149-166.
4. Kikkert, G., Pokrajac, D., O’Donoghue, T. and K. Steenhauer (2013). Experimental study of bore-driven swash hydrodynamics on permeable rough slopes. Coastal Engineering, 79, 42-56.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE:
This project is advertised in relation to the research within the Environmental and Industrial Fluid Mechanics Research Group in the School 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 Prof T O'Donoghue (t.odonoghue@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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