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Universidade Nacional da Irlanda em Galway -- Ciência sem Fronteiras
PI name & contact details:
School:
Professor Michael Hartnett
Dept Civil Engineering
National University of Ireland, Galway
Galway
Ireland
College of Engineering and Informatics
Has project been agreed with head (or
nominee) of proposed registration school?
YES
Research Centre / group affiliation:
Research group / centre website:
Ryan Institute (Environment, Marine & Energy)
Modelling and Informatics
http://www.ryaninstitute.ie/
PI website / link to CV:
http://www.nuigalway.ie/civileng/Staff/mikehartnett.html
Brief summary of PI research / research group / centre activity (2 or 3 lines max):
Dr. Hartnett is the Research Director of the Marine Modelling Centre. Activities within the centre include: deep
ocean water circulation modelling; estuarine and coastal circulation modelling; urban flood modelling; water
quality modelling; biological modelling; heavy metal modelling; wave climate modelling; data assimilation
Title & brief description of PhD project (suitable for publication on web):
Effects of aquaculture structures on flow regimes
Proper planning of aquaculture installations must consider interactions between the installation and
hydrodynamics.
The effects of aquaculture structures on flows will be investigated through a two-pronged approach.
Small-scale flow interactions between the structures and the surrounding waterbody will be studied
through physical model studies conducted in a tidal basin facility. The second approach is the use of
numerical models to investigate the far-field effects of the structures on hydrodynamic and transport
patterns. Two separate models are used: a two-dimensional, model (DIVAST); and a threedimensional, model (EFDC).
Laboratory studies in our tidal basin will investigate the local near-field effects of the aquaculture
structures and their significance. Scale model investigations of flows through bottom-feeding
aquaculture installations will also be conducted.
An existing two-dimensional depth integrated model will be refined to better predict hydrodynamics
and solute transport within suspended aquaculture farms. The numerical model will be refined to
include both the form drag imparted by the individual mussel droppers and the blockage effect that
the suspended canopy presents. The numerical model will be applied to a designated existing
aquaculture site. The effects of long-lines on hydrodynamics and solute transport will be analysed.
Flushing studies will also be used to study particle renewal terms in the embayment.
During this research the EFDC model will be amended to include the effects of a suspended canopy,
with free-stream flows developing beneath. The model will investigate effects of the canopy on the
vertical structure of the flow regime; retarded flows are likely to be developed within the canopy and
accelerated flows developed beneath the canopy. A case study will be conducted of numerical
simulations of baroclinic flows within a partially stratified estuary with large-scale aquaculture
developments. This development will have broader applications than just suspended canopy flows.
Natural and manufactured structural arrangements like kelp and sea grass beds, float breakwaters,
and wave and offshore wind energy extraction arrays will all influence local currents.
Version 2
Universidade Nacional da Irlanda em Galway -- Ciência sem Fronteiras
Unique selling points of PhD project in NUI Galway:
The Ryan Institute has a number of unique selling points in relation to marine modelling:
We have a unique tidal basin and associated equipment for scale modelling
Ryan Institute operates a coastal radar system which allows us to undertake extensive model
validation and develop data assimilation techniques
We have developed a very good relationship with IBM Research Ireland and are being funded by
them.
We have very good experience in operational modelling and running code on high performance
computers.
We are currently a partner in 2 EU marine related projects and have extensive collaborations with
groups across Europe.
Name & contact details for project queries, if different from PI named above:
Please indicate the graduates of which disciplines that should apply:
Civil Engineering ; Applied Mathematics
Ciência sem Fronteiras / Science Without Borders Priority Area:
Please indicate the specific programme priority area under which the proposed PhD project fits- choose only
one (tick box):
Engineering and other technological areas
X
Pure and Natural Sciences (e.g. mathematics, physics, chemistry)/Physical Sciences (Mathematics,
Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Geosciences)
Health and Biomedical Sciences / Clinical, Pré-clinical and Health Sciences
Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), Computing
Aerospace
Pharmaceuticals
Sustainable Agricultural Production
Oil, Gas and Coal
Renewable Energy
Minerals, Minerals Technology
Biotechnology
Nanotechnology and New Materials
Technologies for Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Disasters
Bioprospecting and Biodiversity
Marine Sciences
Creative Industry
New technologies in constructive engineering
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Universidade Nacional da Irlanda em Galway -- Ciência sem Fronteiras
Please indicate which of the following applies to this project (referring to Science Without Borders
arrangements):
Suitable only as a Full PhD (Y/N): _ _Y___
Available to candidates seeking a Sandwich PhD arrangement (Y/N): ___N__
Suitable for either/Don’t know: _____