A Coupled Finite Element Framework for Multi-Physics Environmental Flows

Project Information

HYDROCOUPLE

Grant agreement ID: 101061623

DOI

10.3030/101061623

Project terminated on 31 December 2022

EC signature date 1 July 2022

Start date 1 September 2022

End date 31 August 2024

Funded under

• Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)

Total cost

No data

EU contribution

€ 226 751,04

Coordinated by

UNIVERSITETET I OSLO
Norway

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - HYDROCOUPLE (A Coupled Finite Element Framework for Multi-Physics Environmental Flows)

Reporting period: 2022-09-01 to 2024-08-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

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.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

While the project was terminated extremely early as the PI got a permanent position as associate professor, we have made significant advancements. At the time of conclusion, we were focused on WP2 T2.1 “Extend and analyze the monolithic coupling scheme to one- and two-dimensional flow models in environmental fluid mechanics”, and no subsequent task was initiated. To develop our numerical methodology, we were dependent on accurate computerized descriptions of the domains of hydrological interest, i.e. finite element meshes that are used as input to compute numerical approximations. To this end, we developed a technique to import geometry from a hydrological modeling software into our finite element solver, See Figure 1 for an example of a discretization of the forest north of Oslo.
Figure 1 Mesh of "Nordmarka" north of Oslo(attached)

To also aid the development of other hydrological simulations, contributions to other mesh generation capabilities were also made in https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jocs.2022.101856. This work has already been incorporated by other researchers who has been in contact with us in their research. Since the modeling of these phenomena is highly dependent on the available data as well as the uncertainty in this data, some focus was also given to the study of uncertainties in numerical models of hydrological systems: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cma.2022.115873.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

As the project was ended after only four months, no tangible results other than the two publications were delivered. However, the work has spurred significant interest from the Norwegian hydrology community and initial results are promising. The project participants have continued the work and are seeking funding from other sources to add the required manpower needed to ensure its successful completion. Hence, the key to future uptake and success is funding and continued research.