PhD position: Partitioning of Water and Sediment at River Bifurcations

Published by for Delft University of Technology

PhD position: Partitioning of Water and Sediment at River Bifurcations

The Dutch Rhine bifurcates into 2 branches about 10 km downstream of where the Rhine River enters the Netherlands. Another bifurcation is located at about 10 km downstream of the first bifurcation. At such a bifurcation the water discharge and sediment discharge in the upstream branch are distributed over the 2 downstream branches. The partitioning is determined by the geometric characteristics of the bifurcation point, the presence of bars and bends, the sediment flux and bed surface sediment and their grain size distributions, and the flow duration curve. The stability of a bifurcation point (i.e. whether both downstream branches remain open) is still an open question, yet important for flood safety of the downstream branches of the Dutch Rhine. This is because the levees in the downstream branches are designed based on an agreed partitioning ratio of the water discharge, which makes it important that the partitioning ratio will remain constant in the future.
The objective of the research project is threefold: (1) to understand the partitioning of water and sediment at bifurcations in lowland rivers, (2) to create insight on the morphodynamic adjustment at bifurcations, and (3) to develop tools and propose measures that enable controlling the partitioning of water and sediment at bifurcations.
The method comprises the analysis of field and lab data, the use of conceptual or analytical models to gain insight on the fundamental mechanisms, 1D numerical models, and more complex 2D/3D morphodynamic models. Although the bifurcations in the upper Rhine delta are the focus, also bifurcations in the lower delta of the Rhine branches, and bifurcations in the Mississippi and Ayerawady river will be studied.
Daily advisor of the project is Dr Ralph Schielen and co-advisor is Dr Astrid Blom. A practitioner group, consisting of members affiliated with the various water management authorities, and consultancies will warrant the link to practice. This project is part of a research program Rivers2Morrow (www.rivers2morrow.nl), which is funded by the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management. Aim of the program is to study the long term development of lowland rivers (especially the Rhine-Meuse delta) under climate change. A close connection and collaboration with other PhD students within the program is foreseen.

REQUIREMENTS

If applying for the PhD position, the candidate is required to have an MSc degree in Civil Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or a related field. In particular, the preferred candidate has a strong interest in mathematical modelling, numerical coding, and a better understanding of fluvial processes. He/she is communicative, curious, eager to learn, and able to work in a multi-disciplinary team of scientists.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Fixed-term  contract: Temporary.

TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, a discount for health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. The minimum salary mentioned is the salary in your first year. The salary mentioned as the maximum will be your salary in your fourth year.
As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment; an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor; and a Doctoral Education Programme aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills. Please visit www.tudelft.nl/phd for more information.

LINK TO DETAILS

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Industry experience

Education: Masters

Seniority: Expert, Engineer, Consultant

Years of experience: 1 to 5 years

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