The role of computational fluid dynamics in understanding shipwreck site formation processes

Shipwreck sites are open systems, allowing the exchange of material and energy across system boundaries. Physical processes dominate site formation at fully submerged wreck sites, and in turn influence chemical and biological processes at many stages of site formation. Scouring presents a fundamental yet poorly understood threat to wreck sites, and the processes and patterns of erosion and deposition of sediments and artefacts at wreck sites are poorly understood. This seminar investigates the use of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to calculate fluid flow around wreck sites, in order to understand site formation and better inform in-situ preservation.