Abstract
Sediment-Laden Density Currents: Multiscale Insights and Multidisciplinary Applications
Particle-laden flows are common in both environmental and industrial contexts. When particle sizes are sufficiently small to remain suspended over long periods, their presence can result in bulk density differences, complicating predictions and modeling efforts. This talk begins with a numerical study of hyperpycnal plumes in an idealized geophysical setting, focusing on the trade-offs between grid resolution and physical resolvability that limit field-scale prediction models. Next, we delve into a detailed computational fluid dynamics analysis of sediment-laden turbidity currents. We explore a flow regime where bulk density effects and particle settling are equally significant, leading to diverse deposition patterns. Additionally, we examine how particle size influences shear instability at the particle-laden interface. This leads to our third topic: the separation of particle-laden flows between inclined plates or within tubes, known as the Boycott effect. Our non-modal analysis of transient flow instability reveals a strong dependence of shear instability on particle size. These insights offer valuable guidance for optimizing design in various industrial applications, including wastewater treatment, biomedical testing, and analytical chemistry.
Biography
Yi-Ju Chou, Professor, National Taiwan University
Yi-Ju Chou obtained his PhD degree from the Civil and Environmental Engineering Dept at Stanford University in 2009, majoring in environmental fluid mechanics with a minor in computational and mathematical engineering. He worked as a postdoctoral scholar at Stanford University during 2009 to 2011 and then moved to the Institute of Applied Mechanics at National Taiwan University, where he became an assistant professor during 2011-2016, associate professor during 2016-2020, and full professor since 2020.
Dr. Chou’s research group is dedicated to advancing analytical and computational methodologies to study complex flow phenomena in industrial and environmental settings. The group’s primary focus lies in flow scenarios involving sediment transport, flow instabilities, multiphases, and turbulence. In the realm of computation, Dr. Chou’s group is actively engaged in the development of rapid flow prediction utilizing various data-driven approaches. The applications of their research span across multiple disciplines including hydraulics, biomedical testing, industrial applications, and design techniques crucial to defense technology.