Title of the project
Intra-wave modelling of the effect of different shoreface nourishment sand grain sizes on cross-shore morphodynamics
Type
PhD research
Duration
2026-20230
Persons involved
A. Usulumarthi (PhD Candidate)
Dr.ir. J.J. van der Werf (Promotor)
Prof.Dr. K.M. Wijnberg (co-promotor & hierarchical manager)
Dr.ir. G.H.P. Campmans (co-promotor & daily supervision)
Funding of the project
NWO
Summary of the research
PhD project is part of the research project Sand nourishment strategies for sustainable coastal ecosystems (SOURCE). Shoreface nourishments are a popular measure to minimize coastal retreat, and this research investigates the cross-shore sand transport and morphodynamics involved. This is done by developing detailed 2DV OpenFOAM models that include intra-wave hydrodynamics, allowing wave bottom boundary layer processes, turbulence, sand mixing, and the effects of wave breaking to be studied. Using such models, the research aims to improve the fundamental understanding of the small-scale processes that govern cross-shore sand transport under a range of wave conditions, and in particular the role of different grain sizes in shoreface nourishments. With this improved understanding, the research ultimately seeks to deliver parametric formulations for net sediment transport in the shoreface region, thereby improving the capability to reliably predict the morphological development and impact of coastal nourishments.
Keywords
Shoreface nourishment, Sediment transport, Cross-shore nourishment morphodynamics, Intra-wave sand grain scale modelling, OpenFOAM 2DV models
More information
Contact: Anirudh Usulumarthi
Room: Horst w-219
Email: Anirudh.usulumarthi@utwente.nl