Professor Hubert Chanson
Professor

Hubert Chanson

Email: 
Phone: 
+61 7 336 53516

Background

Hubert Chanson is Professor of Civil Engineering at the University of Queensland, where he has been since 1990, having previously enjoyed an industrial career for six years. His main field of expertise is environmental fluid mechanics and hydraulic engineering, both in terms of theoretical fundamentals, physical and numerical modelling. He leads a group of 5-10 researchers, largely targeting flows around hydraulic structures, two-phase (gas-liquid and solid-liquid) free-surface flows, turbulence in steady and unsteady open channel flows, using computation, lab-scale experiments, field work and analysis. He has published over 1,250 peer reviewed publications including two dozen of books. He serves on the editorial boards of International Journal of Multiphase Flow, Flow Measurement and Instrumentation, and Environmental Fluid Mechanics, the latter of which he is currently a senior Editor. He chaired the Organisation of the 34th IAHR World Congress in June 2011 and of the 22nd Australasian Fluid Mechanics Conference in December 2020, both held in Brisbane, Australia.

Availability

Professor Hubert Chanson is:
Available for supervision
Media expert

Fields of research

Civil engineering Engineering Turbulent flows Water resources engineering

Qualifications

  • Doctor of Philosophy, University of Canterbury
  • Doctoral Diploma of Engineering, The University of Queensland
  • Postgraduate Diploma of Nuclear Engineering, Institut National des Sciences et Techniques Nucleaires

Research interests

  • Industrial Two-Phase Flows

    In high-velocity turbulent flows, air bubbles are entrained at the free surface. This process (self-aeration) is caused by the turbulent velocity fluctuations acting next to the free surfaces. The presence of air within the flow increases the bulk of the flow, modifies the momentum shear layers and enhances the air-water gas transfer. The project is based upon new experimental investigations using large-scale experiments. The results enable a better understanding of the fluid mechanics of free-surface air-water flows.

  • Estuarine processes

    Investigation of the hydrodynamics and turbulent mixing in estuarine zones, under micro- and macro-tidal conditions. Field works. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), Physical modelling.

  • Mixing and dispersion in rivers and estuaries

    Turbulent mixing in small estuaries with application to water quality modeling

  • Engineering heritage

    History of technology. Historical development of hydraulic engineering and structures, includings dams, spillways, weirs, culverts ...

  • Non-Newtonian fluid dynamics

    Experimental and theoretical study of non-Newtonian fluid flows, including thixotropic fluid flows, dam break, debris flows.

  • Open Channel Flow and Hydraulic Engineering

    Open channel flows are encountered in a wide range of applications from large rivers to roof gutters including irrigation channels. New research investigations include the hydraulic jump flows, undular flows, weir overflow, stepped cascades and supercritical flows. Applications to hydraulic structures cover high-head spillways, stepped chutes, rubber dams, stilling basins and water quality prediction.

  • Hydraulic structures

    Design and operation of spillway systems, incl. high head structures, large dams and overflow sections.

  • Air entrainment in hydraulic structures and industrial applications

    Study of air entrainment and air-water flows in hydraulics structures, hydraulic systems, re-aeration plants and water treatment systems.

  • Tidal bores

    A tidal bore is a surge of water propagating upstream in an estuarine zone when the tidal flow turns to rising and rushes into a funnel shaped river mouth with shallow waters. The bore forms typically during the early flood tide when the tidal range exceeds 4-6 m and the estuary bathymetry amplifies the tidal range with a low freshwater level. Worldwide it is believed that over 450 estuaries are affected by a tidal bore, on all continents except Antarctica. The interactions between tidal bores and mankind are complex. Tidal bores can be dangerous, impacting adversely on man-made structures and endangering lives. They can be also a major touristic and sport attraction. The aim of this research is to characterise the turbulent properties of bore fronts including the coupling between free-surface and velocity fluctuations, and impacts on sedimentary processes and ecology.

Research impacts

Hubert Chanson's publication record includes over 1250 international refereed papers and his work was cited over 6,500 times (WoS) to 22,500 times (Google Scholar) since 1990. His h-index is 43 (WoS), 47 (Scopus) and 75 (Google Scholar). Hubert Chanson has been active also as consultant for both governmental agencies and private organisations, and he delivered numerous invited keynotes worldwide. He chaired the Organisation of the 34th IAHR World Congress in Brisbane, Australia in June 2011 which attracted over 850 participants from more than 45 countries, and the Organisation of the 22nd Australasian Fluid Mechanics Conference in Brisbane, Australia in December 2020 which attracted over 250 participants, despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

His Internet home page is {http://www.uq.edu.au/~e2hchans}. He also developed a gallery of photographs website {http://www.uq.edu.au/~e2hchans/photo.html} that received more than 2,000 hits per months since inception. His open access publication webpage is the most downloaded publication record at the University of Queensland: {http://espace.library.uq.edu.au/list.php?browse=author&author_id=193}.

Search Professor Hubert Chanson’s works on UQ eSpace

968 works between 1988 and 2025
All (968) Journal Article (585) Book Chapter (41) Conference Publication (275) Book (19) Other Outputs (42) Edited Outputs (6)

641 - 660 of 968 works

2005

Journal Article

Physical Modelling and Scale Effects of Air-Water Flows on Stepped Spillways

Chanson, Hubert and Gonzalez, Carlos A. (2005). Physical Modelling and Scale Effects of Air-Water Flows on Stepped Spillways. Journal of Zhejiang University - Science A, 6 (3), 243-250. doi: 10.1007/BF02872325

Physical Modelling and Scale Effects of Air-Water Flows on Stepped Spillways

2005

Conference Publication

Tsunami Science

Chanson, Hubert (2005). Tsunami Science. Questacon's Innovation: A Showcase of Australia-Japan Cooperation, Parkes, ACT, 13th February, 2006.

Tsunami Science

2005

Conference Publication

Analytical Solution of Dam Break Wave with Flow Resistance: Application to Tsunami Surges

Chanson, Hubert (2005). Analytical Solution of Dam Break Wave with Flow Resistance: Application to Tsunami Surges. 31st IAHR Biennial Congress, Seoul, Korea, 11-17 September, 2005. Korea Water Resources Association.

Analytical Solution of Dam Break Wave with Flow Resistance: Application to Tsunami Surges

2005

Conference Publication

Air Entrainment and Velocity Redistribution in a Bottom Outlet Jet Flow

Toombes, L. and Chanson, H. (2005). Air Entrainment and Velocity Redistribution in a Bottom Outlet Jet Flow. 31th Biennial IAHR Congress, Seoul, Korea, 11-16 September, 2005. Seoul, Korea: Korea Water Resources Association.

Air Entrainment and Velocity Redistribution in a Bottom Outlet Jet Flow

2005

Journal Article

Commercial Search Engines, International Databases or Traditional Libraries?

Chanson, Hubert (2005). Commercial Search Engines, International Databases or Traditional Libraries?. Journal of Hydraulic Research, 43 (6), A85-A87.

Commercial Search Engines, International Databases or Traditional Libraries?

2005

Conference Publication

Acoustic Doppler velocimetry (ADV) in a small estuarine system: Field experience and "despiking"

Chanson, Hubert, Trevethan, Mark and Aoki, Shin-Ichi (2005). Acoustic Doppler velocimetry (ADV) in a small estuarine system: Field experience and "despiking". 31st IAHR Biennial Congress, Seoul, Korea, 11-16 September, 2005. Seoul, Korea: Korea Water Resources Association.

Acoustic Doppler velocimetry (ADV) in a small estuarine system: Field experience and "despiking"

2005

Journal Article

Should fieldwork be compulsory in hydraulic engineering courses?

Chanson, H. (2005). Should fieldwork be compulsory in hydraulic engineering courses?. Journal Of Hydraulic Research, 43 (2), A27-A30.

Should fieldwork be compulsory in hydraulic engineering courses?

2005

Conference Publication

Fluid dynamic treatment of thixotropic debris flows and avalanches

Chanson, Hubert and Coussot, Philippe (2005). Fluid dynamic treatment of thixotropic debris flows and avalanches. XXXI IAHR Congress. Water Engineering for the Future: Choices and Challenges (31st, 2005), Seoul, Korea, 11-17 September 2005. Seoul, Korea: Korea Water Resources Association.

Fluid dynamic treatment of thixotropic debris flows and avalanches

2005

Journal Article

Discussion of "Two-phase flow characteristics of stepped spillways" by Robert M. Boes and Willi H. Hager

Chanson, H. (2005). Discussion of "Two-phase flow characteristics of stepped spillways" by Robert M. Boes and Willi H. Hager. Journal Of Hydraulic Engineering, 131 (5), 419-421. doi: 10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9429(2003)131

Discussion of "Two-phase flow characteristics of stepped spillways" by Robert M. Boes and Willi H. Hager

2005

Journal Article

Tidal Bore, Aegir, Pororoca, Mascaret. Quid? Where? When? How? Why?

Chanson H. (2005). Tidal Bore, Aegir, Pororoca, Mascaret. Quid? Where? When? How? Why?. Houille Blanche (3), 103-114. doi: 10.1051/lhb:200503014

Tidal Bore, Aegir, Pororoca, Mascaret. Quid? Where? When? How? Why?

2005

Conference Publication

Air entrainment and velocity redistribution in a bottom outlet jet flow

Toombes, Luke and Chanson, Hubert (2005). Air entrainment and velocity redistribution in a bottom outlet jet flow. Korea Water Resources Association.

Air entrainment and velocity redistribution in a bottom outlet jet flow

2005

Journal Article

Continuous or Catastrophic Solid-Liquid Transition in Jammed Systems

Coussot, Philippe, Roussel, Nicolas, Jarny, Sebastien and Chanson, Hubert (2005). Continuous or Catastrophic Solid-Liquid Transition in Jammed Systems. Physics of Fluids, 17 (1) 011704, 011704-1. doi: 10.1063/1.1823531

Continuous or Catastrophic Solid-Liquid Transition in Jammed Systems

2005

Journal Article

The 1786 Earthquake-Triggered Landslide Dam and Subsequent Dam-Break Flood on the Dadu River, Southwestern China

Chanson, Hubert (2005). The 1786 Earthquake-Triggered Landslide Dam and Subsequent Dam-Break Flood on the Dadu River, Southwestern China. Geomorphology, 71 (3-4), 437-440. doi: 10.1016/j.geomorph.2005.04.017

The 1786 Earthquake-Triggered Landslide Dam and Subsequent Dam-Break Flood on the Dadu River, Southwestern China

2005

Conference Publication

Experimental Study of Turbulence Manipulation in Stepped Spillways: Implications on Flow Resistance in Skimming Flows

Gonzalez, Carlos A. and Chanson, Hubert (2005). Experimental Study of Turbulence Manipulation in Stepped Spillways: Implications on Flow Resistance in Skimming Flows. 31st IAHR Biennial Congress, Seoul, Korea, 11-16 September, 2005. Republic of Korea: Korea Water Resources Association.

Experimental Study of Turbulence Manipulation in Stepped Spillways: Implications on Flow Resistance in Skimming Flows

2005

Journal Article

Preliminary measurements of turbulence and environmental parameters in a sub-tropical estuary of Eastern Australia

Chanson, Hubert, Brown, Richard, Ferris, John, Ramsay, Ian and Warburton, Kevin (2005). Preliminary measurements of turbulence and environmental parameters in a sub-tropical estuary of Eastern Australia. Environmental Fluid Mechanics, 5 (6), 553-575. doi: 10.1007/s10652-005-0928-y

Preliminary measurements of turbulence and environmental parameters in a sub-tropical estuary of Eastern Australia

2005

Journal Article

Discussion: Modeling a Washout of Dams by A. L. Rozov.

Chanson, Hubert (2005). Discussion: Modeling a Washout of Dams by A. L. Rozov.. Journal of Hydraulic Research, 43 (4), 435-438.

Discussion: Modeling a Washout of Dams by A. L. Rozov.

2005

Conference Publication

Tidal Bore Processes in the Baie du Mont Saint Michel (France): Field Observations and Discussion

Chanson, Hubert (2005). Tidal Bore Processes in the Baie du Mont Saint Michel (France): Field Observations and Discussion. 31st IAHR Biennial Congress, Seoul, Korea, 11-17 September, 2005. Republic of Korea: Korea Water Resources Association.

Tidal Bore Processes in the Baie du Mont Saint Michel (France): Field Observations and Discussion

2005

Conference Publication

Flow Resistance and Design Guidelines for Embankment Stepped Chutes

Gonzalez, C. A. and Chanson, H. (2005). Flow Resistance and Design Guidelines for Embankment Stepped Chutes. 115th Queensland Water Symposium (IEAust Water Panel), Brisbane, Australia, 23-24 Novebmber 2005. Qld: Water Panel, Engineers Australia Queensland Division.

Flow Resistance and Design Guidelines for Embankment Stepped Chutes

2005

Conference Publication

Experimental Study of Turbulence Manipulation in Stepped Spillways. Implications on Flow Resistance in Skimming Flows

Gonzalez, C. A. and Chanson, H. (2005). Experimental Study of Turbulence Manipulation in Stepped Spillways. Implications on Flow Resistance in Skimming Flows. 31st IAHR Biennial Congress, Seoul, Korea, 11-16 September, 2005. Seoul, Korea: Korea Water Resources Association.

Experimental Study of Turbulence Manipulation in Stepped Spillways. Implications on Flow Resistance in Skimming Flows

2005

Conference Publication

Experimental study of turbulence manipulation in stepped spillways. Implications on flow resistance in skimming flows

Gonzalez, Carlos A. and Chanson, Hubert (2005). Experimental study of turbulence manipulation in stepped spillways. Implications on flow resistance in skimming flows. Korea Water Resources Association.

Experimental study of turbulence manipulation in stepped spillways. Implications on flow resistance in skimming flows

Current funding

  • 2023 - 2026
    Diving into the Desert. Indigenous and Future Floodplain Management
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant

Past funding

  • 2019 - 2022
    Understanding pollutant transport in estuaries and coastal rivers (ARC Discovery Project administered by the Queensland University of Technology)
    Queensland University of Technology
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2020
    Fish Passage Culvert Research - Upstream fish passage in standard box culvert hydraulic engineering
    Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2018
    Hydrodynamics of stepped spillways: energy dissipation and reaeration performances
    Universities Australia - Germany Joint Research Co-operation Scheme
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2019
    Designing effective fish-friendly waterway culverts: integration of hydrodynamics and swimming performance
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2016
    Optimum design of hydraulic structures in rural and urban Australia: dealing with floods and droughts
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2011 - 2014
    A study of turbulence and influence of anthropogenic inputs in small subtropical estuaries
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2008 - 2010
    Turbulence and energy dissipation in stepped spillways and urban drainage systems
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2003 - 2006
    A Basic Study of Mixing and Dispersion in Riverine and Estuarine Systems in South-East Queensland
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2003 - 2004
    A Basic Study of Mixing and Dispersion in Estuarine Zones
    Australian Academy of Science
    Open grant
  • 2000
    Acoustic signature measurement: application to industrial multiphase flows.
    ARC Australian Research Council (Small grants)
    Open grant
  • 1997
    Collaborative visit to Laboratoire de Mecanique des Fluides et Acoustique Ecole Centrale de Lyon, France
    UQ Travel Grants Scheme
    Open grant
  • 1995
    Hydraulic design of stepped channels and spillways
    UQ External Support Enabling Grant
    Open grant

Availability

Professor Hubert Chanson is:
Available for supervision

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Supervision history

Current supervision

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Turbulence in hydraulic jump roller: hydrodynamics versus aerodynamics

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Associate Professor Matthew Mason

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Hydrodynamic Modelling and Turbulence Manipulation of Low Velocity Zones in Box Culverts to Assist Upstream Passage of Small Body Mass Fish

    Principal Advisor

  • Doctor Philosophy

    A Study of Turbulent Secondary Flows in Partially Filled Smooth Circular Pipes

    Principal Advisor

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Simulating local wind conditions within complex cityscapes

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Associate Professor Matthew Mason

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Wind Loads on Buildings in Experimentally Simulated Thunderstorm Downburst Outflows

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Associate Professor Matthew Mason

Completed supervision

Enquiries

Contact Professor Hubert Chanson directly for media enquiries about:

  • Air-water flow, re-oxygenation
  • Air-water gas transfer
  • Dams and engineering
  • Engineering - dams
  • Engineering - sewers
  • Engineering - spillways
  • Engineering - weirs
  • Engineering heritage dams, hydraulics, spillways
  • Floods - engineering
  • Floods and engineering
  • Fluid mechanics
  • Heritage dams - engineering
  • Hydraulic structures
  • Hydraulics
  • Hydrodynamics
  • Metrology
  • Sewers - engineering
  • Spillway design
  • Weirs

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