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
2002
Other Outputs
Whirlpools: Experiencing Naruto Whirlpools
Chanson, Hubert (2002, 01 01). Whirlpools: Experiencing Naruto Whirlpools IAHR Newsletter 28-19.
2001
Journal Article
Teaching Hydraulic Design in an Australian Undergraduate Civil Engineering Curriculum
Chanson, Hubert (2001). Teaching Hydraulic Design in an Australian Undergraduate Civil Engineering Curriculum. Journal of Hydraulic Engineering, 127 (12), 1002-1008. doi: 10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9429(2001)127:12(1002)
2001
Journal Article
Caractéristiques diphasiques des écoulements sur les coursiers en marches d'escalier
Chanson, H. (2001). Caractéristiques diphasiques des écoulements sur les coursiers en marches d'escalier. Houille Blanche: revue internationale de l'eau, 87 (8), 16-28. doi: 10.1051/lhb/2001084
2001
Other Outputs
Experimental investigations of air entrainment in transition and skimming flows down a stepped chute: application to embankment overflow stepped spillways
Chanson, H. and Toombes, L. (2001). Experimental investigations of air entrainment in transition and skimming flows down a stepped chute: application to embankment overflow stepped spillways. Civil Engineering Research Report Brisbane, Qld, Australia: The University of Queensland. doi: 10.14264/11096
2001
Journal Article
Characteristics of skimming flow over stepped spillways (vol 126, pg 862, 2000)
Chanson, H (2001). Characteristics of skimming flow over stepped spillways (vol 126, pg 862, 2000). Journal of Hydraulic Engineering-Asce, 127 (1), 90-90.
2001
Conference Publication
A transition flow regime on stepped spillways? The facts
Chanson, H. (2001). A transition flow regime on stepped spillways? The facts. 29th Annual Congress of the International-Association-of-Hydraulic-Engineering-and-Research (IAHR), Beijing, China, 16-21 September 2001. Beijing, China: Tsinghua University Press.
2001
Conference Publication
A Transition Flow Regime on Stepped Spillways : The Facts
Chanson, Hubert (2001). A Transition Flow Regime on Stepped Spillways : The Facts. 29th IAHR Congress, Beijing, China, 16/21 September 2001. Beijing, China: Tsinghua University Press.
2001
Conference Publication
Strong Interactions Between Free-Surface Aeration and Turbulence Down a Staircase Channel
Chanson, Hubert and Toombes, Luke (2001). Strong Interactions Between Free-Surface Aeration and Turbulence Down a Staircase Channel. 14th Australasian Fluid Mechanics Conference, Adelaide University, Adelaide, South Australia, 10-14 December, 2001.
2001
Journal Article
Two-phase flow properties of stepped spillway flows
Chanson H. (2001). Two-phase flow properties of stepped spillway flows. Houille Blanche (8), 16-28.
2001
Conference Publication
Void-Fraction and Acoustic Characteristics of Gas Bubbles Entrained by a Circular Plunging Jet
Manasseh, Richard and Chanson, Hubert (2001). Void-Fraction and Acoustic Characteristics of Gas Bubbles Entrained by a Circular Plunging Jet. 4th International Conference on Multiphase Flow, ICMF'01, New Orleans, USA, June, 2001.
2001
Journal Article
Hydraulic Design of Stepped Spillways and Downstream Energy Dissipators
Chanson, Hubert (2001). Hydraulic Design of Stepped Spillways and Downstream Energy Dissipators. Dam Engineering, 11 (4), 205-242.
2001
Conference Publication
Interaction Between Free-Surface Aeration and Cavity Recirculation in Skimming Flows Down Stepped Chutes
Matos, Jorge, Yasuda, Youichi and Chanson, Hubert (2001). Interaction Between Free-Surface Aeration and Cavity Recirculation in Skimming Flows Down Stepped Chutes. 29th IAHR Congress, Beijing, China, 16-21 September 2001. Beijing, China: Tsinghua University Press.
2001
Journal Article
The role of environmental fluid mechanics in water systems
Chanson, H. (2001). The role of environmental fluid mechanics in water systems. International Federation for Environmental Management System, 1 (1), 1-26.
2001
Journal Article
A Hydraulic Study of Roman Aqueduct and Water Supply
Chanson, Hubert (2001). A Hydraulic Study of Roman Aqueduct and Water Supply. Australian Journal of Water Resources, 5 (2), 217-220.
2001
Conference Publication
The Role of Environmental Fluid Mechanics in Water System Management
Chanson, Hubert (2001). The Role of Environmental Fluid Mechanics in Water System Management. 1st International Conference International Federation for Environmental Management System (IFEMS'01), Tsurugi, Japan, 10 January - 2 February, 2001.
2001
Journal Article
Historical Development of Stepped Cascades for the Dissipation of Hydraulic Energy
Chanson, Hubert (2001). Historical Development of Stepped Cascades for the Dissipation of Hydraulic Energy. Transactions, Newcomen Society for the Study of the History of Engineering and Technology, 71 (2), 295-318.
2001
Conference Publication
Dam Break Wave with Significant Energy Dissipation : Two Case Studies
Chanson, Hubert and Aoki, Shin-ichi (2001). Dam Break Wave with Significant Energy Dissipation : Two Case Studies. 29th IAHR Congress, Beijing, China, 16-21 September, 2001. BEIJING: TSINGHUA UNIVERSITY PRESS.
2001
Other Outputs
Audit of the design review of the Melton dam secondary spillway system
Chanson, H. (2001). Audit of the design review of the Melton dam secondary spillway system. Brisbane, QLD, Australia: The University of Queensland. doi: 10.14264/83885
2001
Conference Publication
Flow Field in a Tidal Bore: a Physical Model
Chanson, Hubert (2001). Flow Field in a Tidal Bore: a Physical Model. 29th IAHR Congress, Beijing, China, 16-21 September, 2001. 29th IAHR Congress: Tsinghua University Press.
2001
Conference Publication
Strong interactions between free-surface aeration and turbulence down a stair case channel
Chanson, H. and Toombes, L. (2001). Strong interactions between free-surface aeration and turbulence down a stair case channel. 14th Australasian Fluid Mechanics Conference, Adelaide, Australia, 9-14 December 2001. Adelaide, SA: Casual Productions.
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
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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
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
Turbulence in hydraulic jump roller: hydrodynamics versus aerodynamics
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Matthew Mason
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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 Loads on Buildings in Experimentally Simulated Thunderstorm Downburst Outflows
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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