PhD Positions in Ecohydraulics, CFD Modeling, and Experimental Fluid Mechanics for Invasive Carp Management
Explore innovative bubble deterrent technologies to manage invasive carp using cutting-edge experiments and CFD modeling. Contribute to both laboratory and field-scale applications to enhance aquatic ecosystem protection.
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Project Description
Project Overview
Invasive carp threaten the ecology and economy of the Mississippi River Basin. Bubble deterrent systems offer a promising non-physical control method, but their design and field effectiveness require detailed study. This interdisciplinary 3-year research involves hydraulic flume experiments, CFD model development, and field-scale modeling to improve deterrent technology application.
What You Will Do
Two PhD students will lead efforts in experimental and computational domains. The experimental candidate will design and conduct flume tests using advanced instruments such as PIV, ADV, and high-speed imaging to characterize bubble plume flow and acoustic signals. The computational candidate will develop 3D CFD models with multiphase flow and acoustic coupling, validate with lab data, and apply models to field-scale environments like lock and dam structures.
Expected Outcomes
Outcomes include novel experimental datasets, validated CFD tools, and site-specific design recommendations for resource managers. Students will gain expertise in ecohydraulics and environmental fluid dynamics, publish peer-reviewed papers, and engage with real-world invasive species challenges.
Why This Matters
This research addresses a critical resource management challenge by advancing control methods for invasive carp, thus protecting aquatic ecosystems and economic interests across a major US river basin. Integrating experiments and modeling improves the scalability and applicability of deterrent technologies in natural water bodies.
Entry Requirements
How to Apply
Eligibility
Supervisor Profile
Dr. Brandon Sansom leads the Ecohydraulics Laboratory focusing on experimental ecohydraulics and fish passage technologies. His work integrates advanced hydraulic experimentation to address aquatic invasive species. Dr. Binbin Wang heads the Environmental Fluid Dynamics Laboratory with expertise in CFD modeling of multiphase flows and environmental fluid mechanics. Both are respected researchers in their fields with collaborative ties to USGS and resource agencies.