PhD Research Project: Experimental and numerical investigation of patchy roughness in rivers

Recent flooding events in both Australia and the UK have raised the profile and importance of flood risk management in the public and political arenas. Robust flood risk management relies on rigorous river flow modeling. An improved understanding the physical processes which occur within open channel flow is necessary if the modelling of river flow is to be improved. This project will adopt a twin track approach to examine the impact of patchy roughness on river flow and conveyance capacity. 3-D numerical models of flow through a laboratory flume exhibiting patchy roughness (grass, stones) will be developed to elucidate the precise flow mechanisms. These models will be validated using extensive experimental data sets. The modelling techniques will then be applied to full-scale river reaches to develop recommendations for river management under climate change scenarios. The project has the support of two UK-based engineering consultancies.

Funding Notes

A fully-funded studentship, which includes tax-free Doctoral Stipend of £14,296* per annum, is available for Home/EU and Overseas students on this Joint PhD programme between the University of Birmingham and the University of Melbourne for October 2017 start. For engineering students who are to be hosted by the University of Melbourne, the scholarship rate will be $AUD26,388 p.a. and will include provision for a return trip to Birmingham.

*subject to inflationary variation