Planar laser-induced fluorescence image of a multiphase (air-bubble) plume. Captured by graduate student D.-G. Seol.
Research Projects
Estuary Mixing Processes on the Texas Coast
Investigates the formation and development of large, two-dimensional coherent structures in coastal flows and their prediction using two-dimensional coastal numerical models.
"Laboratory studies of mixing processes in estuaries and coastal flows on the Texas coast." Funded by the Texas NOAA Sea Grant College Program, March 2006 to February 2008, $305,351. Co-PIs: K.-A. Chang and P. Lynett. Graduate students: F. Nicolau del Roure and K. Whilden.
IREE: Summer Research Internship in Germany Program
Develops a model for foreign exchange programs for U.S. engineering students through a summer research exchange with the University of Karlsruhe. The research projects involve laboratory methods in environmental fluid mechanics, and study the topics of shallow flow stability and stratified shear flows. Students are hosted for three months by the Institute for Hydromechanics at the University of Karlsruhe and complete a research report to obtain independent study credit toward their degree. In preparation for the internship, students attend one semester of college-level German language and participate in weekly meetings with Dr. Socolofsky to prepare them for their summer work. Two undergraduate students (Kathryn Hagan and Bryan Alldredge) and one graduate student (Duncan Bryant) participated in summer 2007. The project is expected to continue in summer 2008, with added cooperation with the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).
"IREE: Experimental studies of mixing and transport in the environment as a model for student foreign exchange programs." Funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation, International Research and Education in Engineering (IREE), CBET-0637034, September 2008 to December 2007, $33,939. Undergraduate students: K. Hagan and B. Alldredge. Graduate Student: D. Bryant.
Turbulence, Coherent Structures, and Intermittency in Multiphase Plumes
Applies particle image velocimetry and laser induced fluorescence to measure turbulent mixing processes in multiphase plumes and derives sub-grid scale turbulence closure schemes for large eddy simulation models. The teaching component develops course materials in environmental fluid mechanics and an international exchange program for undergraduate students in civil and environmental engineering.
"CAREER: The role of turbulence, coherent structures, and intermittency for controlling transport in multiphase plumes in the environment." Funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation, CTS-0348572, March 2004 to February 2009, $400,000. Undergraduate students: C. Bergmann, T. Starling, R. Ramirez, and M. Posey. Graduate students: T. Bhaumik, D.-G. Seol, and D. Bryant.
Publications:
Seol, D.-G., Bhaumik, T., Bergmann, C., and Socolofsky, S. A. (2007). "Particle image velocimetry measurements of the mean flow characteristics in a bubble plume." Journal of Engineering Mechanics, 133(6), 665-676.
Seol, D.-G., and Socolofsky, S. A. (2007). "Vector post-processing algorithm for phase discrimination of two-phase PIV." Experiments in Fluids, 45(2), 223-239.
Socolofsky, S. A., and Bhaumik, T. (2007). "Dissolution of direct ocean carbon sequestration plumes using an integral model approach." Journal of Hydraulic Engineering, in press.
Socolofsky, S. A., Bhaumik, T., and Seol, D.-G. (2007). "Double-plume integral models for near-field mixing in multiphase plumes." Journal of Hydraulic Engineering, 134(6), 772-783.
Bryant, D., Seol, D.-G., and Socolofsky, S. A. (2007). 5th Int. Symp. Environ. Hydr.
Seol, D.-G., Bryant, D., and Socolofsky, S. A. (2007). 5th Int. Symp. Environ. Hydr.
Seol, D.-G., and Socolofsky, S. A. (2007). Conf. Hydr. Meas. Exp. Meth. 2007.
Bergmann, C., Seol, D.-G., Bhaumik, T., and Socolofsky, S. A. (2004). 4th Int. Symp. Environ. Hydr.
Exchange Processes through Tidal Inlets on the Texas Coast
Investigates the role of large, two-dimensional coherent structures for controlling mass exchange between estuaries and the open coast. Focused on the development and evolution of the starting-jet vortices associated with tides through narrow inlets. Performed both particle image velocimetry (PIV) and dye visualization experiments of a range of inlet designs and flow regimes. Identified coherent structures in the experimental data using the swirling strength. Used thresholds of swirling strength to quantify the time-evolution of eddy size, location, vorticity, circulation, and up-welling. Experiments were conducted both at the Haynes Coastal Engineering Laboratory at Texas A&M University and at the Institute for Hydromechanics at the University of Karlsruhe.
"Laboratory studies of exchange processes through tidal inlets on the Texas coast." Funded by the Texas NOAA Sea Grant College Program, March 2004 to February 2006, $207,010. Co-PI: K.-A. Chang. Graduate student: F. Nicolau del Roure.
Publications:
Nicolau del Roure, F., Socolofsky, S. A., and Chang, K.-A. (2007). "Laboratory experiments of tidal jet vortices through idealized barotropic inlets," Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans, in review.