
Overview
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
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
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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.
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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.
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Mixing and dispersion in rivers and estuaries
Turbulent mixing in small estuaries with application to water quality modeling
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Engineering heritage
History of technology. Historical development of hydraulic engineering and structures, includings dams, spillways, weirs, culverts ...
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Non-Newtonian fluid dynamics
Experimental and theoretical study of non-Newtonian fluid flows, including thixotropic fluid flows, dam break, debris flows.
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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.
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Hydraulic structures
Design and operation of spillway systems, incl. high head structures, large dams and overflow sections.
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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.
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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}.
Works
Search Professor Hubert Chanson’s works on UQ eSpace
2004
Conference Publication
Unsteady Two-Phase Flow Measurements in Surges and Dam Break Waves
Chanson, Hubert (2004). Unsteady Two-Phase Flow Measurements in Surges and Dam Break Waves. Fith International Conference on Multiphase Flow, ICMF'04, Yokohama, Japan, 30 May - 4 June, 2004. Japan: ICMF.
2004
Conference Publication
Analysis of Air Bubble Probability Distribution Functions in a Large-Size Dropshaft
Gualtieri, Carlo and Chanson, Hubert (2004). Analysis of Air Bubble Probability Distribution Functions in a Large-Size Dropshaft. 3rd International Symposium Two-Phase Flow Modelling and Experimentation, Pisa, Italy, 22-24 September, 2004.
2004
Book Chapter
Unsteady open channel flows: 2. Applications
Chanson, H. (2004). Unsteady open channel flows: 2. Applications. The Hydraulics of Open Channel Flow: An Introduction. (pp. 318-370) edited by Hubert Chanson. Oxford: Butterworth-Heinemann. doi: 10.1016/b978-075065978-9/50024-6
2004
Book Chapter
Advective diffusion
Chanson, Hubert (2004). Advective diffusion. Environmental Hydraulics of Open Channel Flows. (pp. 75-80) Oxford, United Kingdom: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/b978-075066165-2.50038-2
2004
Journal Article
Hydraulics of Stepped Chutes: the Transition Flow
Chanson, Hubert and Toombes, Luke (2004). Hydraulics of Stepped Chutes: the Transition Flow. Journal of Hydraulic Research, 42 (1), 43-54. doi: 10.1080/00221686.2004.9641182
2004
Journal Article
Enhancing Students' Motivation in the Undergraduate Teaching of Hydraulic Engineering: the Role of Field Works
Chanson, Hubert (2004). Enhancing Students' Motivation in the Undergraduate Teaching of Hydraulic Engineering: the Role of Field Works. Journal of Professional Issues in Engineering Education and Practice, 130 (4), 259-268. doi: 10.1061/(ASCE)1052-3928(2004)130
2004
Journal Article
Unsteady Air-Water Flow Measurements in Sudden Open Channel Flows
Chanson, Hubert (2004). Unsteady Air-Water Flow Measurements in Sudden Open Channel Flows. Experiments in Fluids, 37 (6), 899-909. doi: 10.1007/s00348-004-0882-3
2004
Conference Publication
Effects of Turbulence Manipulation in Skimming Flows: An Experimental Study
Gonzalez, Carlos A. and Chanson, Hubert (2004). Effects of Turbulence Manipulation in Skimming Flows: An Experimental Study. 15th Australasian Fluid Mechanics Conference, Sydney, Australia, 13-17 December, 2004. Sydney, Australia: University of Sydney.
2004
Book Chapter
Introduction to Part 1: Introduction to Open Channel Flows
Chanson, Hubert (2004). Introduction to Part 1: Introduction to Open Channel Flows. Environmental Hydraulics of Open Channel Flows. (pp. 3-10) edited by Hubert Chanson. Burlington, MA: Elsevier Butterworth-Heinemann. doi: 10.1016/B978-075066165-2.50033-3
2004
Conference Publication
Stepped Spillways for Embankment Dams: Review, Progress and Development in Overflow Hydraulics
Chanson, Hubert and Gonzalez, Carlos A. (2004). Stepped Spillways for Embankment Dams: Review, Progress and Development in Overflow Hydraulics. International Conference on Hydraulics of Dams and River Structures, Tehran, Iran, 26th - 28th April, 2004. LEIDEN: A A BALKEMA PUBLISHERS.
2004
Journal Article
Undular tidal bore dynamics in the Daly Estuary, Northern Australia
Wolanski, E, Williams, D, Spagnol, S and Chanson, H (2004). Undular tidal bore dynamics in the Daly Estuary, Northern Australia. Estuarine Coastal And Shelf Science, 60 (4), 629-636. doi: 10.1016/j.ecss.2004.03.001
2004
Journal Article
Hydraulic Engineering - Where to?
Chanson, H. (2004). Hydraulic Engineering - Where to?. Engineering World, 13 (8), 12-18.
2004
Journal Article
Compressibility of extra-high-velocity Aerated Flow: A discussion
Chanson, Hubert (2004). Compressibility of extra-high-velocity Aerated Flow: A discussion. Journal of Hydraulic Research, 42 (2), 213-215. doi: 10.1080/00221686.2004.9728384
2004
Conference Publication
Understanding Air-Water Mass Transfer at Rectangular Dropshafts
Chanson, Hubert (2004). Understanding Air-Water Mass Transfer at Rectangular Dropshafts. Canada: N R C Research Press. doi: 10.1139/S04-014
2004
Conference Publication
Mixing and Dispersion in Sub-Tropical Estuarine System: Field Works and Experience at Eprapah Creek (Australia)
Ferris, John, Chanson, Hubert and Brown, Richard (2004). Mixing and Dispersion in Sub-Tropical Estuarine System: Field Works and Experience at Eprapah Creek (Australia). Ninth International Symposium on River Sedimentation ISRS04, Yichang, China, 18-21 October, 2004. China: Tsinghua University Press.
2004
Book Chapter
Free-surface aeration in dam break waves: an experimental study
Chanson, H. (2004). Free-surface aeration in dam break waves: an experimental study. Hydraulics of Dams and River Structures. (pp. 25-32) edited by F Yazdandoost and J Attari. United Kingdom: Taylor & Francis.
2004
Book Chapter
Recent Advances in Stepped Spillway Design: Air-Water Flow on Stepped Chutes, Embankment Dam Stepped Spillway and Other Considerations
Chanson, H. and Gonzalez, C. A. (2004). Recent Advances in Stepped Spillway Design: Air-Water Flow on Stepped Chutes, Embankment Dam Stepped Spillway and Other Considerations. Fluvial, environmental and coastal developments in hydraulic engineering : proceedings of the International Workhop on State-of-the-art Hydraulic Engineering, 16-19 February 2004, Bari, Italy. (pp. 81-97) edited by Mossa, Michele, Yasuda, Youichi and Chanson, Hubert. London, England: Balkema; Taylor & Francis.
2004
Book Chapter
Air Entrainment in Hydraulic Engineering
Chanson, Hubert (2004). Air Entrainment in Hydraulic Engineering. Fluvial, Environmental & Coastal Developments in Hydraulic Engineering. (pp. 17-63) edited by Michele Mossa, Youichi Yasuda and Hubert Chanson. Leiden, The Netherlands: A.A. Balkema Publishers.
2004
Book Chapter
Revision exercises
Chanson, Hubert (2004). Revision exercises. Environmental Hydraulics of Open Channel Flows. (pp. 177-182) Oxford, United Kingdom: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/b978-075066165-2.50043-6
2004
Journal Article
Coastal Observations: Baie de Saint-Brieuc (France)
Chanson, Hubert (2004). Coastal Observations: Baie de Saint-Brieuc (France). Shore and Beach, 72 (1), 27-28.
Funding
Current funding
Supervision
Availability
- Professor Hubert Chanson is:
- Available for supervision
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Available projects
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Turbulence and energy dissipation on stepped spillways
In recent years, the design floods of a number of dams were re-evaluated and the revised flows were often larger than those used for the original designs. In many cases, occurrence of the revised design floods would result in dam overtopping because of the insufficient storage and spillway capacity of the existing reservoir. A number of overtopping protection systems were developed for embankments and earthfill dams. These include concrete overtopping protection systems, timber cribs, sheet-piles, riprap and gabions, reinforced earth, Minimum Energy Loss weirs, and the precast concrete block protection systems developed by the Russian engineers (http://www.uq.edu.au/~e2hchans/over_st.html). Recent studies demonstrated a strong correlation between air entrainment, stepped chute hydrodynamics and turbulence. The findings imply that the rate of energy dissipation on stepped spillways might be drastically affected by the interactions between entrained air and flow turbulence.
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Tidal bore processes in estuaries
When a river mouth has a flat, converging shape and when the tidal range exceeds 6 to 9 m, the river may experience a tidal bore (http://www.uq.edu.au/~e2hchans/tid_bore.html). A tidal bore is basically a series of waves propagating upstream as the tidal flow turns to rising. It is a positive surge. As the surge progresses inland, the river flow is reversed behind it. The best historically documented tidal bores are probably those of the Seine river (France) and Qiantang river (China). The mascaret of the Seine river was documented first during the 7th and 9th centuries AD, and in writings from the 11th to 16th centuries (http://www.uq.edu.au/%7Ee2hchans/mascaret.html). It was locally known as "la Barre". The Qiantang river bore, also called Hangzhou bore, was early mentioned during the 7th and 2nd centuries BC, and it was described in 8th century writings. The bore was then known as "The Old Faithful" because it kept time better than clocks. A tidal bore on the Indus river might have wiped out the fleet of Alexander the Great. Another famous tidal bore is the "pororoca" of the Amazon river observed by Pinzon and La Condamine in the 16th and 18th centuries respectively. The Hoogly (or Hooghly) bore on the Gange was documented in 19th century shipping reports. Smaller tidal bores occur on the Severn river near Gloucester, England, on the Garonne and Dordogne rivers, France, at Turnagain Arm and Knik Arm, Cook Inlet (Alaska), in the Bay of Fundy (at Petitcodiac and Truro), on the Styx and Daly rivers (Australia), and at Batang Lupar (Malaysia). In the present study, physical modelling will be used to reprodduced full-scale observations and to gain new insights in the unsteady hydrodynaics. The results will provide some new understanding of mixing processes in tidal-bore-affected estuaries.
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Turbulence in unsteady rapidly-varied open channel flows
In water supply channels, the brusque operation of control gates may induce large unsteady flow motion called surges. Such a rapid operation of gates must often be restricted, although it may be conducted to scour silted channels and sewers. Herein a physical study will be conducted under controlled flow conditions to study the turbulent mixing in the very-close vicinity of a rapidly opening/closing gate, with a focus on the unsteady transient mixing induced by the gate operation. The processes are associated with large Reynolds stress levels. A succession of rapid closure and opening of undershoot gates may provide optimum conditions to scour silted canals, and the present study will provide some detailed insights into the physical processes.
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Hydrodynamics of fish-friendly culverts
Man-made instream structures (e.g. dams and road crossings) have contributed to major declines in native fish numbers, with > 6,000 barriers to fish migration occurring in NSW alone. Recognising this, this project will integrate data on the swimming ability of Australian fish species with culvert hydraulic modelling to better understand fish requirements in and around road crossings. These data will strengthen national design guidelines and provide the tools engineers and planners need to balance fish migration with effective water management.
This project will provide data on the ability of Australian fish to successfully ascend through road crossings (culverts). These data will be used to develop National recommendations for ‘fish-friendly’ road crossing designs which better integrate the requirements of native fish with the need for cost-effective water management around roads.
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Turbulence, energy dissipation and air entrainment in hydraulic Jumps
In an open channel, the transformation from a supercritical flow into a subcritical flow is a rapidly varied flow with large turbulent fluctuations, intense air entrainment, and substantial energy dissipation called a hydraulic jump. New experiments will be conducted to quantify its fluctuating characteristics in terms of free-surface and two-phase flow properties for a wide range of Froude numbers at relatively large Reynolds numbers. Although te time-averaged free-surface profile presents a self-similar profile, the longitudinal movements of the jump will be documented, for both fast and very slow fluctuations for all Froude numbers. The air–water flow measurements will quantify the intense aeration of the roller and the strong interactions between the jump roller turbulence and free-surface fluctuations.
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Air bubble entrainment in plunging jets
Plunging jet flows are employed to produce some gas-liquid interface, typically to dissolve gas in liquid. They are bottlenecks in minerals and food processing, biotechnology and waste-water treatment. The mechanisms of air bubble entrainment by circular plunging jets will be investigated in the light of new experimental evidence. The results will be obtained in the developing flow region. While void fraction distributions follow closely an advective diffusion theory, the bubble count rate distribution exhibit consistently a maximum in the inner side of the void fraction peak indicating some bubble-turbulence coupling. Both intrusice phase-detection probe measurements and high-speed video imaging of the bubbly flow will be conducted with void fractions up to 40%.
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Hydraulics of stepped spillways
In recent years, the design floods of a number of dams were re-evaluated and the revised flows were often larger than those used for the original designs. In many cases, occurrence of the revised design floods would result in dam overtopping because of the insufficient storage and spillway capacity of the existing reservoir. A number of overtopping protection systems were developed for embankments and earthfill dams. These include concrete overtopping protection systems , timber cribs, sheet-piles, riprap and gabions, reinforced earth, Minimum Energy Loss weirs, and the precast concrete block protection systems developed by the Russian engineers. New physical tests will be a conducted ina a large-size facility to optiise present design guidelines.
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Hydrodynamics of tidal bores - Impact on ecology
When a river mouth has a flat, converging shape and when the tidal range exceeds 6 to 9 m, the river may experience a tidal bore {http://www.uq.edu.au/~e2hchans/tid_bore.html}. A tidal bore is basically a series of waves propagating upstream as the tidal flow turns to rising. It is a positive surge. As the surge progresses inland, the river flow is reversed behind it. New research into the unsteady hydrodynamics of tidal bores and postive surges will be investigated ina large-size physical model. This study aims to characterise the impact of tidal bores on the turbulent dispersion of fish eggs and on water quality.
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Accidental spillway release and dam break waves
Flood waves resulting from dam breaks and flash floods have been responsible for numerous losses. In the present study, sudden flood releases were investigated down a initially dry waterway, while additional tests may be conducted on an initially filled waterway. oth Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluid flows may be considered.
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A study of turbulence and influence of anthropogenic inputs in small subtropical estuaries
Dispersion of matter in natural river systems is of considerable importance, particularly in relation to the transport of nutrients, sediment and toxicants into ecosystems as a result of stormwater runoff and wastewater discharges. The project aims to improve our basic understanding of turbulent mixing and the influence of anthropogenic releases in small subtropical estuaries, and to develop improved predictive models to assist with the management and monitoring of natural ecosystems. This will be achieved through a Ph.D. research project integrating basic water engineering and environmental sciences. The project is part of an active cross-institutional multidisciplinary research effort.
Supervision history
Current supervision
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Doctor Philosophy
Turbulence in hydraulic jump roller: hydrodynamics versus aerodynamics
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Matthew Mason
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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
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Doctor Philosophy
A Study of Turbulent Secondary Flows in Partially Filled Smooth Circular Pipes
Principal Advisor
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Doctor Philosophy
Simulating local wind conditions within complex cityscapes
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Matthew Mason
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Doctor Philosophy
Wind loading of buildings in non-traditional atmospheric boundary layers
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Matthew Mason
Completed supervision
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2022
Doctor Philosophy
Modelling Air-Water Turbulence and Properties in Unsteady Breaking Bore
Principal Advisor
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2020
Doctor Philosophy
Hydrodynamics of Tidal Bores: Turbulent Propagation and Sediment Transport
Principal Advisor
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2018
Doctor Philosophy
A Study of Turbulence: the Unsteady Propagation of Bores and Surges
Principal Advisor
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2017
Doctor Philosophy
Free-Surface Aeration, Turbulence, and Energy Dissipation on Stepped Chutes with Triangular Steps, Chamfered Steps, and Partially Blocked Step Cavities
Principal Advisor
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2014
Doctor Philosophy
Modelling Turbulent Mixing and Sediment Process Beneath Tidal Bores: Physical and Numerical Investigations
Principal Advisor
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2014
Doctor Philosophy
Effects of tidal bores on turbulent mixing: a numerical and physical study in positive surges
Principal Advisor
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2013
Doctor Philosophy
Air-Water Flow Properties on Stepped Spillways for Embankment Dams: Aeration, Energy Dissipation and Turbulence on Uniform, Non-Uniform and Pooled Stepped Chutes
Principal Advisor
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2012
Master Philosophy
Hydraulic Modelling of Unsteady Open Channel Flow: Physical and Analytical Validation of Numerical Models of Positive and Negative Surges
Principal Advisor
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2008
Doctor Philosophy
A Basic Study of Turbulence and Turbulent Mixing in a Small Subtropical Estuary
Principal Advisor
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2005
Doctor Philosophy
AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF FREE-SURFACE AERATION ON EMBANKMENT STEPPED CHUTES
Principal Advisor
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2002
Doctor Philosophy
WATER TREATMENT BY AERATION CASCADES
Principal Advisor
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2022
Doctor Philosophy
On the aerodynamics of two-dimensional rectangular cylinders: an experimental study in steady and accelerating winds
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Matthew Mason
Media
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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