Seminar - Jannette B. Frandsen - Water wave predictions with roots in the Lattice Boltzmann Eqn.

Thursday 17 May 2007, 1.10 - 1.50 pm
Civil Engineering Lecture Theatre 3

Jannette B. Frandsen
Associate Professor
Dept. of Ocean & Resources Engineering
University of Hawaii Manoa

Abstract:
The common theme of this research is to address the principle challenge and scientific issue in simulation of moving interfaces, especially free surface water waves, high Reynolds number flows and the fluid interaction with fixed and moving objects. Many large flexible structures exhibit unacceptable movement in water waves and wind fields. The fluid processes and the interaction between structure and fluid are typically nonlinear. The research theme is also a natural candidate for general control of vibration issues including damping device development. The present and former studies have also benefited educational and research efforts in the ocean and wind renewable energy sector as well as other topics of concern to the ocean and wind engineering community.

Development of numerical models to accurately capture nonlinearities at the free surface and bluff-body flows is important in advancing research in ocean engineering, aerodynamics and related sciences. This talk introduces and focuses on an alternative method to traditional numerical models, rooted in the Lattice Boltzmann equations, to examine the underlying physics of breaking waves, and bluff-body boundary layers. Highlight of achievements and work in progress will be demonstrated through a variety of test cases including the treatment of shocks (bores) and long wave run-up. Other research work and directions shall also be mentioned and discussed with the audience.

Biography
Jannette Frandsen received the B.Sc. from the Technical University of Denmark (1991) and the M.Sc. from Imperial College London (1996). She earned the doctorate at Cambridge University Engineering Department (2000). Hereafter she served as an assistant professor at Oxford and concurrently held a Junior Research Fellowship at Oriel College (1999-2002). Then she moved to USA and joined Louisiana State University as Assistant Professor of Civil Engrg. (2002-2005). Currently, she is an Associate Professor at the University of Hawaii, Department of Ocean and Resources Engineering. Underpinning her academic experience, she also worked in industry (1988-1995) as a structural/ocean engineer where she got involved with analysis of fixed offshore platforms and semi-submersibles. Her research interests are in the areas of fluid dynamics, nonlinear free-surface water waves, aerodynamics, fluid-structure interactions and control.