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HEIndividual fellowship2022–2024

HYDROCOUPLE · A Coupled Finite Element Framework for Multi-Physics Environmental Flows

Horizon Europe — Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions

Duration
2022-09-01 → 2024-08-31
EU contribution
€226,751
Participants
2
Scheme
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF

Lines connect the coordinator with its partners.

Results in brief

A Coupled Finite Element Framework for Multi-Physics Environmental Flows

The overarching objective in HYDROCOUPLE is the development of new physics-based numerical models and numerical approximation methods to be used in hydrological studies. Our motivation is based on the observation that hydrological models used in Europe, and Norway in particular, is to a large extent based on historical data and knowledge. Due to changing climate conditions, the use of such data becomes less relevant as the current “average” conditions is far from the historical average. This has led to both severe floods and drought conditions sending energy costs in Norway to historic levels. Modeling techniques based on the numerical approximation of the underlying governing laws of physics, i.e., partial differential equations, allows us to develop models of higher fidelity that can inform decision makers with more reliable forecasts of hydrological conditions. Hence, HYDROCOUPLE has the potential to help optimize hydropower production, and subsequently lower energy costs for European consumers. On the other hand, high fidelity models can also be used to study floods and in the design of infrastructure and aid emergency managers during disasters when planning evacuations.

Data: CORDIS, © European Union

Project objective

HYDROCOUPLE proposes to develop (1) a new coupled finite element (FE) method for environmental flows, (2) goal-oriented adaptive mesh refinement strategies, and (3) to apply the new techniques to physical watersheds for verification of its capabilities as well as to demonstrate these. The project is a collaboration between three researchers, the applicant Eirik Valseth (currently at The University of Texas at Austin), Prof. Kent-Andre Mardal (The University of Oslo) and Prof. Ethan Kubatko (The Ohio State University). Many current approximation techniques for multiphysics phenomena, where two or more models (partial differential equations) govern the physics, focuses on the approximation of these as separate phenomena and prescribe appropriate interface conditions to exchange information between the models. Recent attention has been given to monolithically coupled methods (Kuchta et al. 2021), where all models are approximated simultaneously thanks to careful algorithm design and numerical analysis. HYDROCOUPLE will extend the theory of these monolithic coupling schemes to environmental flow problems and develop a FE framework for their corresponding numerical approximation. This developed framework can subsequently be applied in flood prediction and hydropower production planning as the models in environmental flows govern both overland and riverine flows which are critical in both applications. HYDROCOUPLE will also develop mesh-adaptive refinement techniques based on goal-oriented error estimation to ensure the high fidelity of its numerical approximations. Finally, the proposed framework will be verified against available data for existing watersheds to demonstrate its efficiency and accuracy to end users in industry and government. Working in the Section of Mechanics at the Department of Mathematics with a world renowned scientist will provide a perfect setting to integrate my knowledge and start my research career in Europe.

Original text from CORDIS.

Participants

  • UNIVERSITETET I OSLO · OsloCoordinatorNorway
  • THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY · ColumbusUnited States

Links

Data: CORDIS, © European Union