Events Calendar

Understanding the Complex Flow of Extreme Ocean Waves Interacting with the Built Environment

Speaker: Patrick Joseph Lynett, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Dept. of Civil Engineering, Coastal & Ocean Engineering Division, Texas A&M University

Abstract: This presentation will summarize recent field work, physical modeling, and numerical studies of ocean wave evolution in shallow water and the interaction of these waves with coastal infrastructure. In experimental work through the NSF NEESR program, long wave breaking over a longshore-variable, shallow water shelf has been examined in detail. An extensive and novel set of experimental data is obtained. Through the use of this data, a new set of depth-integrated equations, including turbulent and rotational physics, are calibrated. This model permits high confidence simulations of the turbulent dynamics necessary to predict hydrodynamic forces and processes such as scalar or sediment transport. Example applications of this developed numerical model will be shown, including tsunami flow around individual buildings in a “real” city, storm wave impacts on coastal bridges and levees, and long-wave-induced turbulent circulations inside the Ports of LA/Long Beach. Finally, future research directions and opportunities for collaboration will be discussed.

Location: Kaprielian Hall (KAP) - 209

Audiences: Everyone Is Invited

Contact: Evangeline Reyes