PhD in Civil Engineering (Water Resources): Development of a Shallow Water and Floating Debris Modelling System to Improve Understanding of Transport Dynamics of Debris and its Impact on Key Hydraulic Infrastructure

Award summary

100% fees covered, and a minimum tax-free annual living allowance of £18,622 (2023/24 UKRI rate).

Overview

The aim of this project is to develop a coupled multi-layer shallow water and floating debris modelling system to investigate the transport dynamics of debris and the impact on hydraulic structures in fluvial environments.

The hydrodynamic models currently used in engineering practice lack the capability to accurately model: a) linear features such as bridges, gates and weirs which act as obstructions to flow; b) floating debris; and c) dam breach formation. These features can heavily influence flow characteristics, flood risk and operation of infrastructure dangerous loading of structures and increased scour.

Hydrodynamic models based on the multi-layer shallow water equations have recently been developed to represent the effects of gates and bridges. These models will be further enhanced and validated for a range of realistic structures.

Floating debris can cause blockages in waterways. It can also cause damage to structures such as bridges and culverts. Floating debris can also be transported by dam break waves. However, most of the dam breach models are empirical and carry a significant level of uncertainty. In this work, physically-based dam breach models will be used to derive reliable input breach hydrographs for the hydrodynamic model.

Number of awards: 1

Start date: 6^th January 2025

Award duration: 3.5 Years

Sponsor: Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council – Doctoral Training Partnership EPSRC DTP 

Supervisors:

Lead Supervisor: Vassilis Glenis
Co-supervisor: Caspar Hewett

Eligibility criteria:

You must have, or expect to gain, a minimum 2:1 Honours degree or international equivalent in a subject relevant to the proposed PhD project (inc. engineering, mathematics, physics computing etc.). Enthusiasm for research, the ability to think and work independently, excellent analytical skills and strong verbal and written communication skills are also essential requirements.

This studentship is open to Home (UK) students only. Applicants whose first language is not English require an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in all sub-skills.

International applicants may require an ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) clearance certificate prior to obtaining their visa and to study on this programme.

How to apply

You must apply through the University’s Apply to Newcastle Portal

Once registered select ‘Create a Postgraduate Application’.

Use ‘Course Search’ to identify your programme of study:

• Search for the ‘Course Title’ using the programme code: 8040F
• Research Area: Civil Engineering (Water Resources)
• Select ‘PhD Civil Engineering (full time) as the programme of study

You will then need to provide the following information in the ‘Further Details’ section:

• A ‘Personal Statement’ (this is a mandatory field) - upload a document or write a statement directly in to the application form 
• The studentship code ENG136 in the ‘Studentship/Partnership Reference’ field 
• When prompted for how you are providing your research proposal - select ‘Write Proposal’. Then type in the title of the research project from this advert. You do not need to upload a research proposal.

In the ‘Supporting Documentation’ section please upload:

• Your CV

Contact details: vassilis.glenis@newcastle.ac.uk

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