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
-
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}.
Works
Search Professor Hubert Chanson’s works on UQ eSpace
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
Edited Outputs
Hydraulics: The Next Wave
Hubert Chanson and John Macintosh eds. (2004). Hydraulics: The Next Wave. 8th National Hydraulic Engineering Conference, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia, 13-16 July, 2004. Brisbane, Australia:
2004
Book Chapter
Mixing in estuaries
Chanson, Hubert (2004). Mixing in estuaries. Environmental Hydraulics of Open Channel Flows. (pp. 144-176) Oxford, United Kingdom: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/b978-075066165-2.50042-4
2004
Journal Article
Coastal Observations: the Enshu Coast (Japan)
Chanson, Hubert and Aoki, Shin-ichi (2004). Coastal Observations: the Enshu Coast (Japan). Shore and Beach, 72 (1), 19-20.
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
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
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
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
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
Funding
Current funding
Supervision
Availability
- Professor Hubert Chanson is:
- Available for supervision
Before you email them, read our advice on how to contact a supervisor.
Supervision history
Current supervision
-
Doctor Philosophy
A Study of Turbulent Secondary Flows in Partially Filled Smooth Circular Pipes
Principal Advisor
-
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
Wind Loads on Buildings in Experimentally Simulated Thunderstorm Downburst Outflows
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Matthew Mason
-
Doctor Philosophy
Simulating local wind conditions within complex cityscapes
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Matthew Mason
Completed supervision
-
2022
Doctor Philosophy
Modelling Air-Water Turbulence and Properties in Unsteady Breaking Bore
Principal Advisor
-
2020
Doctor Philosophy
Hydrodynamics of Tidal Bores: Turbulent Propagation and Sediment Transport
Principal Advisor
-
2018
Doctor Philosophy
A Study of Turbulence: the Unsteady Propagation of Bores and Surges
Principal Advisor
-
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
-
-
2014
Doctor Philosophy
Modelling Turbulent Mixing and Sediment Process Beneath Tidal Bores: Physical and Numerical Investigations
Principal Advisor
-
2014
Doctor Philosophy
Effects of tidal bores on turbulent mixing: a numerical and physical study in positive surges
Principal Advisor
-
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
-
2012
Master Philosophy
Hydraulic Modelling of Unsteady Open Channel Flow: Physical and Analytical Validation of Numerical Models of Positive and Negative Surges
Principal Advisor
-
2008
Doctor Philosophy
A Basic Study of Turbulence and Turbulent Mixing in a Small Subtropical Estuary
Principal Advisor
-
2005
Doctor Philosophy
AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF FREE-SURFACE AERATION ON EMBANKMENT STEPPED CHUTES
Principal Advisor
-
2002
Doctor Philosophy
WATER TREATMENT BY AERATION CASCADES
Principal Advisor
-
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
Need help?
For help with finding experts, story ideas and media enquiries, contact our Media team: