Engineering Commons^™

Skewed Approach Flow To The Spillway Of An Embankment Dam, C. I. Thornton, J. Ellis, F. Alsultan, C. Volt, R. Ettema

5th International Seminar on Dam Protections Against Overtopping

A contemporary activity in dam engineering is the raising of embankments to increase reservoir storage or flood level in a channel. For embankment dams, the raised position of the spillway must be located on a native soil/rock shoulder of the dam, to avoid geotechnical problems associated with possible embankment settlement. Consequently, for many sites, the approach flow entering a spillway likely will not be acceptably uniform, as the approach flow becomes increasingly skewed to reach the spillway’s entrance with the raised embankment. This concern raises the question of where to position the spillway’s ogee crest within the spillway entrance and …

Design Of A Wave Overtopping Simulator With Variability In Simulated Flows, N. Van Der Vegt, B. Hofland, J. J. Warmink, V. M. Van Bergeijk, S. J. M. H. Hulscher

5th International Seminar on Dam Protections Against Overtopping

A new experimental setup for conducting large- to full-scale wave overtopping experiments will be constructed at Delft University of Technology. This setup consists of an indoor Wave Overtopping Simulator (iWOS), a landward dike slope, and a transition to the toe. The iWOS, with a height of 3.25 meters, can release volumes of up to 2.67 m³/m of water. A key innovation is its controllable release valve, allowing variability in flow characteristics for the same overtopping volume.

The iWOS is designed based on established relationships between overtopping volume and flow characteristics at the landward crest of a dike. Computational Fluid Dynamics …

Enhancing Understanding Of Breach Processes Using Computational Fluid Dynamics And Laboratory Tests, K. V. Chua, M. Hassan, C. Goff, M. Morris, H. Haddad

5th International Seminar on Dam Protections Against Overtopping

Accurate prediction of dam breach processes is crucial for risk assessment and emergency response planning. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) offers a powerful tool for simulating such complex phenomena. However, the reliability of CFD models hinges on their validation against experimental data. This paper compares numerical simulations by the open-source code, OpenFOAM, to laboratory flume experiments to assess the accuracy of its predictions of dam breach overtopping processes.OpenFOAM is first being used to model the flow characteristics of two key stages of a dam breach experiment that took place in a physical laboratory setup. The two stages are the surface erosion …

Conclusions From The Performance Assessment Of Industry Applicable Internal Erosion Initiated Breach Prediction Models, Mark W. Morris, Jean-Robert Courivaud

5th International Seminar on Dam Protections Against Overtopping

The EDF funded Performance Assessment of Industry Applicable IE Initiated Breach Prediction Models project was initiated with a workshop at HERU in Stillwater in October 2019. In the following 4 years a team of modelers comprising both model developers and industry model users analyzed the performance of 6 different breach modelling codes against a range of different data sets, including hypothetical, field and real dam failure case studies. Each of the data sets reflected a dam or levee failure initiated by internal erosion, and which subsequently developed into an open breach. Modelers were required to simulate breach formation from the …

Can Computational Fluid Dynamics Be The Basis For The Next Generation Of Breach Models?, M. Hassan, K. V. Chua, C. Goff, S. Haeri, M. Morris, R. Coombs

5th International Seminar on Dam Protections Against Overtopping

Dam and embankment failures can have devastating consequences for communities, infrastructure, and the environment. Therefore, accurate modelling of dam and embankment breaches is crucial for effective flood risk assessment and emergency response planning to precisely estimate areas and people that are prone to risk and plan for reducing the damage to properties and the environment. Recently, many advances have been made to improve the accuracy of breach modelling, including the development of physically based one and two dimensional numerical models that takes into account the various processes that take place during the breach of an embankment dam or a flood …

Enhancing Embankment Dam And Levee Resilience Against Overtopping Erosion: The Muscatine Island Levee Project, W. R. Thompson, J. T. Leyh

5th International Seminar on Dam Protections Against Overtopping

HydroTurf® is an advanced revetment solution engineered to protect embankment dams and riverine levees from erosion caused by overtopping events. Its design provides an impermeable geomembrane protected by engineered turf with a high strength cementitious infill, resulting in a fiber reinforced high-strength concrete matrix. The system provides a durable and impermeable barrier against erosive forces.

The Muscatine Island Levee Improvement Project, situated along the Mississippi River in Iowa, exemplifies the application of HydroTurf. This initiative aimed to enhance flood protection for approximately 30,000 acres of commercial, industrial, and residential areas. A critical component was the construction of a hardened controlled …

The Overcome Project: Overall Perspective And Progress, Jean-Robert Courivaud, Mark W. Morris, Maxime Boucher, Laurent Del Gatto, Christophe Picault, Kamal El Kadi Abderrezzak, Rafael Morán Moya, Miguel Angel Toledo

5th International Seminar on Dam Protections Against Overtopping

The OVERCOME project is an applied research project that aims to provide the dam and dike engineering profession with an easy-to-use, physically based numerical tool that represents overtopping erosion and failure of homogeneous embankments made up of coarse-grained, gap-graded soils. This project began in 2018 and is scheduled for completion in 2028, and was initiated by EDF and CNR, who are the two main owners of embankment dams in France. To achieve this objective, the OVERCOME project is based on an extensive program of experimental tests of various dimensions. The interpretation of these tests will be used to define a …

Proceedings Of The 5th International Seminar On Dam Protections Against Overtopping, Protections 2025

5th International Seminar on Dam Protections Against Overtopping

Editors: Sherry Hunt, Bryan Heiner, Tony Wahl, Brian Crookston

Data-Driven D Region Model (D3r) Svdd: Software Version Description Document (Svdd), James Vincent Eccles

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

This is the Software Version Description Document of the Data-Driven D Region (D3R) model. There are 2 main distributions: (a) D3R designed for containerized deployments (D3Rc) and (b) D3R designed for testing and development. These two distributions are maintained in parallel, and this document describes both. The D3R for containerization is typically provided to customers. The D3R model is a physics-based model for calculating electron density profiles across the D Region ionosphere altitudes (50 km to 95 km) and E Region altitudes (95 km to 120 km) for any given geolocation. The model has two main programs: one to solve …

A Numerical Investigation Of The Performance Of Damaged Concrete Barriers Under Sequential Vehicular Impacts, Ashesh Pokhrel, Andrew D. Sorensen, Mohsen Zaker Esteghamati

Civil and Environmental Engineering Student Research

Concrete median barriers are prone to damage from low-velocity impacts. However, there is a limited understanding of how damage from initial impacts affects barriers’ long-term performance and whether they maintain safe continued service or must be replaced. Therefore, this paper evaluates the performance of the concrete barriers under sequential low-velocity impact using finite-element analysis. Crash test simulations were performed by impacting the concrete barrier twice with an 80,000 lb (36-ton) tractor-trailer at a target impact velocity and angle. The first impact’s velocities varied between 30 mph (48 kmph) and 54 mph (87 kmph) at 10◦ , 15◦ , and 20◦ …

Evaluating The Effects Of Oxidative Stress On Primary Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells, Sophia Hessami

Student Research Symposium

Introduction

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss worldwide, affecting 200 million adults over the age of 40

• Affects subretinal layers: retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), Bruch’s membrane, and choroid (Fig. 1)

Problem: Early mechanisms of AMD are not well understood; oxidative stress is often cited as a key contributing factor to the development of AMD.3 Current studies neglect to use primary RPE cells when investigating oxidative stress.

Oxidative Stress occurs when there is an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and cellular antioxidant defenses

• Overabundance of ROS results in damage to tissue and …

Data Science For Engineers, Heidi Moulton

Student Research Symposium

30% of USU undergraduate students participate in some sort of research, and for engineering students this often means generating large amounts of data.

Data Science for Engineers is a series of four modules that introduce students to data processing, visualization, and graphing in the Python programming language using Pandas DataFrames and Juypter Notebooks.

The modules are intended for students with a basic understanding of programming in Python, specifically those who have taken CS 1400 Introduction to Computer Science.

Establishing Mixed-Biofilm Systems: To Transform Waste Into Value-Added Products, Jessica Silva Cuero

Student Research Symposium

The bioeconomy, which leverages biological agents such as microbes to convert waste (e.g., agricultural waste, wastewater, etc.) into valuable resources (Fig 1.), offers a sustainable solution to global waste challenges while generating new economic opportunities.

Measuring The Dynamics Of Snowflakes, Jameson Chamberlain

Student Research Symposium

Transport dynamics of small spherical particles are reasonably understood. However, there is a lack of research on the impacts of how a snowflake’s shape or morphology affects fall speed.

Effect Of Shear Stresses On Microalgae Biofilm Productivity, Tansley Mazurkiewicz, Jacob Watkins

Student Research Symposium

Algae harvested from the Central Valley Water Reclamation Facility was cultivated in nine 27-gallon Rotating Algae Biofilm Reactors (RABRs) to study the effect of shear forces on biofilm productivity. These bench- scale RABRs, with panel entry angles ranging from 0° to 90°, were designed using computational fluid dynamics. Each acrylic panel had dimensions of 0.220x2.5x12 inches with v-shaped grooves (each with an angle of 90°) running the length of each panel. Three depths of v- grooves were tested in triplicate, these depths being 0.055 in, 0.11 in, and 0.165 in. The RABRs were run with a peripheral velocity of 0.1225 …

Spray Science: Visualizing Droplet Behavior At Different Pressures, Phoenix Sestak

Student Research Symposium

Fluid mechanics is an important part of modern technology. Many designs in engineering are influenced by how we can manipulate fluids and their flows. One application of fluid manipulation can be seen in pressurized sprays. These sprays are present in industries like agriculture and transportation.

Reducing Biochemical Oxygen Demand In Carbon Rich Wastewater Using Rotating Algae Biofilm Reactors, J. Dietrich Storrer, Jared Maughan, Autumn Kirkham, Isaac Smart, Gavin Sherwood

Student Research Symposium

The USU Frulact Project aims to reduce the Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) in wastewater from the Frulact facility in Logan, Utah. By using Rotating Algae Biofilm Reactors (RABRs) combined with activated sludge, the project seeks to break down pollutants and lower BOD levels. This innovative system also explores the potential of algae for bioproducts. Ultimately, the project works toward cleaner water, healthier ecosystems, and sustainable solutions for wastewater treatment.

Low-Cost Orchard Vehicle Location Tracker, Kobe Yost

Student Research Symposium

GPS signal often fails under the canopy of orchards.

This research provides a solution to harvest location tracking without solely relying on the use of GPS.

Reliable speed and distance tracking results in accurate yield mapping and orchard management.

Effects Of Uv Radiation On Algae Biofilms Of Rotating Algae Biofilm Reactors, Rebecca Sweeten

Student Research Symposium

Goal: Discover effects of UV-A and UV-B radiation on the biofilm production of algae using a Rotating Algae Biofilm Reactor (RABR)

Method: Expose 3 RABRs in triplicate to UV-A, UV-B, and PAR to identify differences in biomass, nutrient uptake and pH levels.

Results: RABR’s under UV-B light have the highest productivity

Flow Characterization Past ​ Large Arrays Of Oscillating 2d Airfoils, Yi-Cheng Chen

Student Research Symposium

Oscillating or rotating array structures at distinct frequencies are prevalent in natural systems and engineering applications.

• Flow Control in Engineering Systems:

Arrays of vibrating plates can be used to manipulate free-shear and boundary layer flows, reduce drag, or delay flow separation in aerodynamics and hydrodynamics.

• Wave Mitigation Structures:

Arrays of oscillating structures may dissipate energy in coastal areas, reducing the impact of waves on structures or preventing erosion

• Biological Studies:

Simulations of synchronized oscillating arrays can provide insights into fish schooling behavior and hydrodynamic benefits in nature.

• Advanced Cooling Systems:

Oscillating plates in fluid environments …

Atomic-Scale Mechanisms Of The Insulator-To-Conductor Transition In Al-Substituted Llzo Solid Electrolytes For All-Solid-State Lithium Metal Batteries, Takmil Sakir

Student Research Symposium

Why to use Lithium Metal Anode and Solid Electrolyte:

We can have a lighter and safer battery, and we may go 10 times longer with a single charge!

Evaluating Embodied Carbon Emissions Of Post-Seismic Steel Framed Buildings, Nicholas Leavitt

Student Research Symposium

The carbon emissions of earthquake damage repairs is on average 40% of a building's total carbon emissions in 50 years.

Induction Of Diabetic Cardiomyopathy In A Three-Dimensional Myocardial Model, Maelyn Andreasen

Student Research Symposium

Diabetic cardiomyopathy: Impairs and damages heart tissue through chronic exposure to hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, in diabetic individuals

The Effects Of The Action Rate And Binding Density On Sensitivity In Lateral Flow, Mona Soroush

Student Research Symposium

Lateral Flow Assays (LFAs) offer rapid diagnostics, yet sensitivity remains a critical limitation. This study used a mathematical framework—the Convection-Diffusion-Reaction (CDR) equation—to optimize sensitivity by adjusting parameters such as flow velocity (U), association and dissociation rates (k_on and k_off), and nanoparticle valency. Our simulation results closely matched literature data (Berli & Kler, 2016), demonstrating significant enhancements in sensitivity with optimized parameters.

Production And Decay Of Sheared Turbulence In A Turbulence Box, Ankit Gautam

Student Research Symposium

Introduction

• Turbulence
• Irregular flow with eddies, swirls, and flow instabilities

Preparing A Bioreactor For Avian Cell Culture, Joshua Bell, Taylor Davis, Payton Larsen, Abbie Smith, Joshua Thompson

Student Research Symposium

This project, in collaboration with Upside Foods and Thermo Fisher, focuses on optimizing a 50L bioreactor for avian cell growth. Thermo Fisher has assembled the bioreactor while Upside Foods has provided design specifications and avian specific growth media.

Bioremediation Of Toxic Water Using Algal Biofilms, Aaron Burt, Tyanna Doran, Darren Fillmore, Isaac Trejo

Student Research Symposium

Rotary Algae Biofilm Reactors (RABRs):

• Emerging technology in wastewater treatment.
• Rotating cylinder in wastewater enables algae to form a biofilm
• Yields more biomass than traditional planktonic algal growth

Development Of Bone Cutter, Jocelynn Burton, Austin Taylor, Will Pendleton, Erica Shulsen, Jessica Tobler

Student Research Symposium

Osteoarthritis affects 3.4% of the general population and is associated with age, obesity, genetics, and female sex. Different techniques exist to treat osteoarthritis, such as autographing, total joint replacement, and joint fusion.

Effects Of Inhibitor Diffusion And Threshold Limits On Edge Detection With Reaction-Diffusion Equations, Zachary Hastings

Student Research Symposium

The purpose of this project is to model edge detection using the Nomura et al's¹ reaction-diffusion equation. Edge detection is an important visual processing tool for human sight, allowing for object detection and visual enhancement. This project explored the effects of inhibitor diffusion, D_i, and threshold limits, a, on edge detection in this model. This project also discovered the limit of Nomura et al's¹ model on the simultaneous detection of multiple edges in a step-wise intensity gradient and attempted to overcome that limitation.

Simulating Low Gravity Particle Dynamics, Ryan Lewis

Student Research Symposium

• Vibrating motors prevent particle arches from forming and clogging nozzle.
• A metal mesh under the nozzle creates an evenly dispersed stream.
• Nozzle is static dissipative to ensure particles have consistent path through the charging section.