Developing seabed scour assessment and prediction tools using computational fluids dynamics modelling

Project Description

Ireland's expansive marine resource has the potential to provide significant economic growth through the development of critical infrastructure such as offshore renewable energy installations. However, seabed hydrodynamics, morphodynamics and, in particular, scour (the process of seabed erosion due to shear stresses generated by currents/waves) represent significant geological risks to the stability of such infrastructure from an environmental and engineering perspective. Predicting scour can be difficult due to vagaries about hydrodynamic conditions. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is an advanced modelling technique that solves problems of fluid flow. The DeMo project will primarily use CFD modelling, validated by traditional seabed mapping results, to help better understand seabed hydrodynamics and scour development in the Irish Sea. A MEngSc candidate will be dedicated to the DeMo project and the project will draw on expertise at the Irish Centre for Research in Applied Geoscience to develop a scour prediction tool and methodology using CFD. This tool and scour assessment methodology will support sustainable marine infrastructure development and project de-risking through engagement with industry partners such as ARUP and GDG, who are directly involved in such projects.