Modelling nonlinear coastal dynamics under extreme conditions

This Modelling nonlinear coastal dynamics under extreme conditions project at University of Dundee aims to develop a model to study the effect of climate change on design of coastal systems.

For this Modelling nonlinear coastal dynamics under extreme conditions Modelling nonlinear coastal dynamics under extreme conditions project at University of Dundee University of Dundee , the successful candidate must have a MSc degree (or equivalent) in Ocean Eng., Mechanical Eng., Civil Engineering, Mathematics or related disciplines with a strong background in Fluid Mechanics; knowledge of Marine Hydrodynamics and Naval Architecture are desirable. Previous experience of using hydrodynamics computational approaches and software, as applied to marine renewable energy, is highly preferred.

Context

The coastal dynamics are significantly influenced by climate change, including sea-level rise and the intensification of extreme oceanic events. The increasing sea-level rise poses two significant challenges for coastal areas: (i) immediate impacts on low-lying unprotected regions, and (ii) deeper water depth and intensified events leading to more extreme storm surges. These surges enable larger nonlinear waves, typically breaking farther offshore, to approach and impact coastal structures and infrastructure. This introduces novel types and magnitudes of ocean loads, previously unaccounted for and not well-understood for future developments. Not designed to withstand such severe loads, the exposed structures and infrastructure collapse. Traditional design approaches of coastal structures, infrastructure and defence systems are not fit for the climate change effects, necessitating a deeper understanding of ocean dynamics in coastal areas amid these climate shifts.

The aim of this project will be reached by

• obtaining a realistic understanding of coastal dynamics under extreme oceanic events, 

• assessing the shortcomings of traditional design approaches under extreme conditions. A model will be developed based on the Green-Naghdi theory to capture the nonlinear coastal dynamics under extreme conditions, considering the projected sea-level rise and extreme events in coastal areas. The model will be validated and verified, and then utilized in practical cases.