Abstract

The talk will introduce James' background in research (breaking ISWs/gravity currents), this will be followed by a number of case studies to give an idea of the scope of his daily work and the problems with the models as he sees it. Case studies include: Network modelling (urban flooding/aqueduct resilience study); and Fluvial modelling (Comrie Flood protection Scheme possible one other).

Bio

At undergraduate level James Studied Civil and Coastal Engineering at Plymouth University. Following this he pursued a PhD at the University of Dundee with Prof. Peter Davies as his supervisor. James' PhD was focused on breaking internal solitary waves (ISWs) using laboratory modelling, with an emphasis on the turbulent structures that arise due to the breaking ISW and the associated vertical entrainment and mixing. James' post-doctoral research was focussed on inclined dense jets and gravity currents developing over smooth and rough beds with an ambient background flow. On leaving academia James Joined Grontmij (now Sweco), in his role as hydraulic modeller he has analysed the combined or individual effect of pluvial, fluvial, coastal and network flooding in 1D and/or 2D for use in the production of various industry standard reports. Outside of work James is a husband, and father of two. When parenting commitments allows he also enjoys Rock climbing, Hill Walking and photography.