Pauline MacKinnon

Current and turbulence measurement with collocated ADP and turbulence profiler data

This paper presents a current and turbulence measurement campaign conducted at a test site in an energetic tidal channel known as Strangford Narrows, Northern Ireland. The data was collected as part of the MaRINET project funded by the EU under their FP7 framework. It was a collaborative effort between Queens University Belfast, SCHOTTEL and Fraunhofer IWES. The site is highly turbulent with a strong shear flow. Longer term measurements of the flow regime were made using a bottom mounted Acoustic Doppler Profiler (ADP). During a specific turbulence measurement campaign, two collocated instruments were used to measure incoming flow characteristics: an ADP (Aquadopp, Nortek) and a turbulence profiler (MicroRider, Rockland Scientific International). The instruments recorded the same incoming flow, so that direct comparisons between the data can be made. In this study the methodology adopted to deploy the instruments is presented. The resulting turbulence measurements using the different types of instrumentation are compared and the usefulness of each instrument for the relevant range of applications is discussed. The paper shows the ranges of the frequency spectra obtained using the different instruments, with the combined measurements providing insight into the structure of the turbulence across a wide range of scales.

Student-centred investigation of hazards

This paper describes how an exercise has been developed at Queens University, Belfast in which groups of Level 2 students each investigate and report on a specific hazard by researching literature on relevant disasters that have occurred. The general format of the exercise was based on similar exercises previously held with Level 1 students where they reported on specific disasters. The new exercise required a wider availability of disaster related literature. It was necessary to identify appropriate hazards to be investigated, organise the schedule of activities and prepare documentation to make students fully aware of what was required of them. The services of four practising engineers were also obtained, all of whom made valuable contributions to the proceedings. The paper thus describes a unique teaching activity which aimed to develop knowledge, skills and understanding very relevant to a future career as a practising civil or structural engineer.