Associate Professor  Jaan H.  Pu
University of Bradford UK,  UK

Title: Numerical Simulation of Flow Patterns Around Triple Square Pier: Vortices Formation

Abstract:

This keynote speech presents our experience in comprehensive flow turbulence numerical investigation via a hydrodynamic example around triple square piers in an open channel, focusing on vortex formation and flow separation phenomena. A three-dimensional Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model was presented using the Volume of Fluid (VOF) method and a k-ε turbulence closure model. The model incorporates over 2 million nodes and elements with a multi-zone hexahedral mesh strategy to simulate complex fluid-structure interactions under steady-state flow conditions. Flow patterns were analysed across both vertical and horizontal planes, revealing key hydrodynamic behaviours such as the reverse flow zones, and the evolution of wake vortices ascending toward the surface. Distinct lateral and vertical velocity shifts were observed, particularly downstream of the initial pier, attributed to negative pressure gradients and obstructed flow effects. The simulations captured both high-velocity zones near the lateral sides and low-velocity, recirculating regions near the bed. The model was validated against experimental data from prior studies under identical conditions, demonstrating a satisfactory match in most regions, although a slight overestimation of free surface velocities was noted due to vortex interactions. The results indicate the capability of the presented numerical model to reproduce real-world turbulent flow features around grouped piers with practical implications for scour prediction, flood modelling, and sediment management. Future extensions should include adaptive turbulence modelling and deformable bed configurations to improve realism and predictive performance in environmental hydraulics applications.

Biography:

Since 2017, Dr Jaan H. Pu have been appointed as an Associate Professor in Civil Engineering at University of Bradford, UK. His research interests and publications cover a range of interdisciplinary studies between Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), civil and hydraulic engineering topics, including hydrodynamics, hydrological and environmental management areas. Up to date, he has 110 publications (8 edited/authored books, 4 book chapters, 83 peer-reviewed journal articles, and 15 conference publications), as a result from his international and national collaborated research. Among his journal publications, four of them have been the top-cited paper in their respective journals; two of them have been the top-cited or viewed paper; two of them have been awarded with the Editor-choice article prize; and another one has won a prestige Best Institution Publication award at University of Bradford. He has also been appointed as Associate Editor for Frontiers in Environmental Science (Impact Factor: 3.3), and for Frontiers in Built Environment (Impact Factor: 2.2); and Member of Editorial Board for Journal of Groundwater Science and Engineering, and for Fluid Dynamics and Materials Processing. He has been the Lead Guest-Editor for 7 special issues for various journals (in Frontiers in Environmental Science; Fluid Dynamics and Materials Processing; and Fluids). His research conducted currently and within the past decade during his international academia career was funded by the Kazakhstan’s, China’s and UK’s research authorities (totalled to a value of £1.5m).