Investigating WW1 wrecks in the Irish Sea

A group of researchers from Ireland, Wales, Denmark and Australia have been awarded 15 days ship time on the Research Vessel Celtic Voyager by the Marine Institute (Ireland). The group led by Dr Ruth Plets (University of Ulster) aims to acquire high-resolution sonar and optical data which will be used for research into archaeological, biological and physical processes, 3D visualization and cultural heritage management of a number of World War 1 wrecks.

My primary role in the project will be to conduct computational fluid dynamic (CFD) modelling at select wreck sites with a view to understanding fluid flow, scouring and preservation issues, with the aim of creating effective management strategies.

Read the full article here. 

Example of flow patterns around a shipwreck generated using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) (image:Thomas Smyth)

Online seminar: Sand dunes, Shipwrecks and Space

I recently gave a presentation as part of Flinders University 'Environment Matters!' seminar series.

The seminar and presentation slides can be viewed online or downloaded here. 

My first foray into marine archaeology

Shortly after completing my PhD last year I was presented the opportunity to use the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) techniques I've been predominantly applying over coastal dunes, to the marine environment.

In collaboration with Dr Rory Quinn, from the University of Ulster, we simulated the fluid dynamics around a shipwreck on the Arklow Bank, Ireland. The simulations confirmed that flow velocity and turbulence are both amplified by the presence of the wreck, causing changes in the morphology of the flow regime, causing changes in the morphology of the flow regime.

The study has recently been published in the Journal or Archaeological Science. Please click here for the full article.