Project Title: Characterization of stratification and near-bed dense layers in high-density sediment-laden flows
Doctoral Candidate: Eloah GARCIA ROSAS
Project Description: This research studies stratified, sediment-laden currents in coastal and marine environments, which pose threats to infrastructure such as wind turbines, pipelines, and submarine cables, as well as contribute to coastal retreat and beach instabilities. These flows are typically unsteady, dense, and often develop a concentrated basal near bed layer, yet their dynamics remain poorly understood due to the challenges of in-situ observation. To address this gap, the study combines innovative laboratory experiments with the development of a new multi-layer shallow water model. The experimental setup includes a rapidly tilting flume to reproduce an unsteady, uniform flow conditions, allowing for the study of sediment stratification. Also, lock-exchange experiments are conducted to examine high-density sediment-laden currents, such as turbidity flows. The collected dataset will be used to validate the newly developed model, which accounts for key processes affecting velocity and sediment concentration profiles. By improving the prediction of flow behaviour, this work will support more accurate vulnerability assessments for coastal and offshore infrastructure.