Computational Modelling of Flow and Transport

The unit MFTBP covers: (1) an in-depth analysis of the hydrodynamic and transport processes; (2) the theory and techniques to numerically solve the hydrodynamic and transport equations; (3) the theory and tools to describe and calculate the hydraulic loads and bed protection.

MFTBP: The unit is organised around three main topics:

Fundamentals of free surface flows and transport processes:

The first block treats the mathematical description of unsteady flow with free surface in open channels based on the principles of conservation of mass and momentum, including long waves, tidal basins and flood waves in rivers. Further to this, transport of dissolved matter due to advection and diffusion is covered in depth. Specifically, the underlying transport processes on the basis of which shear stress, bed roughness, logarithmic velocity profile, dispersion, turbulent diffusivity and mixing are described, but also the associated two-dimensional (horizontal) and three-dimensional (vertical) flow structures, are treated.

Computational modelling of flow and transport

In the second block elementary notions and techniques from numerical analysis are addressed for the approximation of solutions to partial differential equations (PDEs), with particular attention to the numerical accuracy and stability. This block is also an introduction to finite difference methods for constructing numerical solution of parabolic and hyperbolic PDEs. These equations describe a large variety of transport processes and wave propagation phenomena arising in hydraulic engineering. Emphasis is laid upon the assessment of the introduced uncertainty while using different numerical schemes in terms of the numerical diffusion and dispersion, along with measures to prevent wiggles. Lastly, a class of numerical methods is introduced for solving one-dimensional shallow water equations, principally aiming at the simulation of unsteady free surface flows in seas, estuaries, rivers, channels and lakes. Of crucial importance is the knowledge concerning the abilities and limitations of the commonly used practices related to approximating the equations of long waves.

Loads and protection

In this third block hydraulic loads and protections are introduced. Bed protections, filter layers, stability, porous flows are introduced. Also a 5-step design principle is introduced. Fundamental principles of physics are combined with data based (hydraulic) engineering principles and rules of thumb to facilitate engineering decisions on loads and protection.