Effect of Vegetation Patch on Compound Channel Flows

Many natural rivers and man-made channels have a compound cross-section, which comprises one deep main channel bounded with one or two shallow floodplains, where various vegetation exists. Compound channels play an increasingly important role in flood risk management, river ecological restoration, urban river landscape design, and water environmental protection. Vegetation (like herbs, shrubs and trees) on floodplains influences the flow field and related phenomena, like erosion and sedimentation, nutrients, pollutant transport, and life of microorganisms.

Vegetation patch widely exists on floodplains and varies in size and distribution, and its interaction with flow is very complex. Influence of vegetation patch on compound channel flow is unknown.

This proposal is systemically to study the impact of various vegetation patches on flows in an asymmetric compound through novel flume experiments with the vegetation modelled under various submergences, types and configurations. The detailed flow structure can be studied through measurement of 3D velocity field by ADV. Then numerical modelling, e.g. 3D RANS or LES, can be used to study for a wide range of scenarios. The research outcome will understand the flow structure of such realistic vegetated flow and provide key dataset for modelling, which will advance the core knowledge gap and provide some practical guidance on river flood risk and environment management.

The primary aim is to understand the flow structure of vegetation patch and its impact on the velocity, flow resistance and discharge of compound channel flow.

For more information about doctoral scholarship and PhD programme at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU): Please visit:
http://www.xjtlu.edu.cn/en/admissions/phd/entry-requirements.html

http://www.xjtlu.edu.cn/en/admissions/phd/feesscholarships.html

Requirements:
The candidate should have a first class or upper second class honors degree, or a master’s degree (or equivalent qualification), in Civil Engineering or related fields. The ideal candidate will have some knowledge of hydraulics and flow measuring techniques. Previous experiences in numerical modelling would be advantageous. The successful candidate should be highly self-motivated and be prepared for laboratory work and CFD modelling. Evidence of good spoken and written English is essential. The candidate should have an IELTS score of 6.5 or above, or an equivalent qualification, if the first language is not English. This position is open to all qualified candidates irrespective of nationality.

Degree:
The student will be awarded a PhD degree from the University of Liverpool (UK) upon successful completion of the program.

How to Apply:
Interested applicants are advised to email [Email Address Removed] the following documents and copy [Email Address Removed] (please put the project title in the subject line).

• CV
• Two reference letters with company/university letterhead
• Personal statement outlining your interest in the position
• Proof of English language proficiency (an IELTS score of above 6.5 or equivalent is required
• Verified school transcripts in both Chinese and English (for international students, only the English version is required)
• Verified certificates of education qualifications in both Chinese and English (for international students, only the English version is required)

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Dr. Xiaonan Tang ([Email Address Removed] ), whose personal profile is linked below,
http://www.xjtlu.edu.cn/en/departments/academic-departments/civil-engineering/staff/xiaonan-tang