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What we do?

We develop computational tools, methods, and algorithms and improve their reliability, efficiency, and flexibility to study complex problems in hydosystems (rivers, lakes, estuaries, hydraulic structure, etc.). Our special focus is on multi-physics hydro-environmental flows, where water interacts with air, sediments, ice, and many other natural and artificial substances. Besides, we work on the extreme flow conditions that occur e.g. during floods, tsunamis, storm surges, and debris avalanches. The overall goal of our works is to further our understanding of such complex flow systems through a combination of mathematical modelling, theoretical analysis, and experimental/ field measurements. Ultimately, such understanding will help mitigate the impact of water-related hazards on human lives and infrastructure, optimize engineering designs, and protect aquatic environments in the years to come.

Research domains

Environmental Hydraulics
Computational Fluid Mechanics and hydraulics
Multiphase Flows
Granular flow and sediment dynamics
Fluvial and Coastal Mechanics
Cold-region hydraulics

Current Project Themes

Multiphysics Numerics

High-performance and robust mesh-free particle methods for multiphysics systems

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Scientific Machine Learning

Physics-informed machine learning for scientific computing

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Fluvial Mechanics

Hydrodynamics and transport processes in river systems and climate change impact

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Granular Flows

Multiphase granular flows and sediment dynamics

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Ice Mechanics

Dynamics of river ice transport, interaction, and jamming

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Multiphysics Numerics

Our projects in this theme involve the development, enhancement, and implementation of mesh-free particle methods, esp. MPS (Moving Particle Semi-implicit) and SPH (smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics), and DEM (Discrete Element Method), for high-performance simulation of complex multiphase and free surface flow problems. Due to the ability of particle methods in dealing with large interfacial deformations/fragmentations, these methods are expected to be a serious alternative for conventional mesh-based numerical methods in many environmental, geophysical, and engineering applications. Our projects primarily focus on (1) convergence, stability, and accuracy, (2) Performance and efficiency, (3) Applicability for multiphysics problems, and (4) Engineering applications:

Convergence, stability and accuracy of particle methods: High-order techniques, particle regularization for MPS and SPH.
Computational performance and efficiency : Massively parallel CPUs and GPUs implications and multi-resolution techniques (space-dependent and phase dependent)
Applicability of particles methods for multiphysics problems: Free-surface flow, gas-liquid multiphase systems (dealing with highly localized surface tension and density discontinuity), solid-liquid multiphase systems (continuum-continuum and discrete-continuum particle methods), fluid-structure interaction (interaction with deformable structures, as well as multi rigid bodies).
Engineering applications particularly for complex problem in hydrosystems , e.g.: multiphase granular flows (flow-driven and gravity driven), air-water interaction and bubbly flows, ice-water dynamics, overland flood of Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids

An enhanced WC-MPS method with improved stability and accuracy

Computational performance and efficiency of particle methods

Particle methods for open-channel flows

MPS for multiphase jet of sand in water

FI-SPH and FI-MPS for multiphase flows (case of R-T instability)

Particle methods for two-phase dam-break

Example Publications:

Jandaghian, M. Krimi, A, & Shakibaeinia, A. (2021). Enhanced weakly-compressible MPS method for immersed granular flows. Advances in Water Resources , 103908. [DOI]
Jandaghian, M. Krimi, A, Zarrati A.R., & Shakibaeinia, A. (2021). Enhanced weakly-compressible MPS method for violent free-surface flows: Role of particle regularization techniques. Journal of Computational Physics 434 , 110202. [DOI]
Garoosi, F. & Shakibaeinia, A. (2021). Numerical simulation of Rayleigh-Bénard convection and three-phase Rayleigh-Taylor instability using a modified MPS method. Engineering Analysis with Boundary Elements , 123, 1-35. [DOI]
Jandaghian, M. & Shakibaeinia, A. (2020). An enhanced weakly-compressible MPS method for free-surface flows. Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering, 360 , 31 pages. [DOI]
Garoosi, F. & Shakibaeinia, A. (2020). Numerical simulation of entropy generation due to natural convection heat transfer using Kernel Derivative-Free (KDF) Incompressible Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (ISPH) model. International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, 150 , 33 pages. [DOI]
Krimi, A., Jandaghian, M. & Shakibaeinia, A. (2020). A WCSPH Particle Shifting Strategy for Simulating Violent Free Surface Flows. Water, 12(11) , 3189. [DOI]
Jafari Nodoushan, E., Shakibaeinia, A. & Hosseini, K. (2018). A multiphase meshfree particle method for continuum-based modeling of dry and submerged granular flows. Powder Technology, 335 , 258-274. [DOI]
Khanpour, M., Zarrati, A.R., Kolahdoozan, M., Shakibaeinia, A. & Jafarinik, S. (2016). Numerical modeling of free surface flow in hydraulic structures using Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics. Applied Mathematical Modelling, 40 (23-24), 9821-9834. [DOI]
Shakibaeinia, A. & Jin, Y.-C. (2012). MPS mesh-free particle method for multiphase flows. Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering, 229-232 , 13-26. [DOI]
Shakibaeinia, A. & Jin, Y.-C. (2011). MPS-Based Mesh-Free Particle Method for Modeling Open-Channel Flows. Journal of Hydraulic Engineering, 137 (11), 1375-1384. [DOI]
Shakibaeinia, A. & Jin, Y.C. (2010). A weakly compressible MPS method for modeling of open-boundary free-surface flows. International Journal for Numerical Methods in Fluids, 63 (10), 1208-1232. [DOI]

Physics-informed machine learning for scientific computing

Our research explores the powerful synergy between artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and traditional physics-based modeling. By integrating data-driven approaches with fundamental physical principles, we aim to enhance computational efficiency, improve predictive accuracy, and accelerate scientific discovery.scientific discovry.

Recent Projects:

AI-enable hydrodynamic modelling for real-time flood forecasting (A project in collaboration with ECCC)
Machine learning for particle methods: Enhancing and accelerating the mesh-free particle methods leveraging supervised learning and reinforcement learning (RL) techniques

ML-based Hydrodynamic super-resolution (down-scaling)

ML-based boundary treatment in particle methods

Fluvial Mechanics

Our projects in this theme are on the study of hydrodynamics, sediment transport, water quality, ice dynamics, and climate change impacts in fluvial environments. They use numerical modelling in combination with experimental and theoretical analysis to provide a better understanding of the relevant physical phenomena. Such understanding is an essential element in the efficient design of fluvial infrastructure, sustainable management of rivers and estuaries, and prevention and mitigation of related hazards (e.g., floods).

Recent Projects:

A numerical framework for study of hydrodynamics, sediment/contaminant transport, ice processes and water quality and climate change impact in lower Athabasca River : This research contributes to the Alberta/Environment Canada's joint oil-sand monitoring program and aims to develop and implementing a numerical modeling framework capable of 1-D, 2-D and 3-D simulation flow hydrodynamics and sediments/contaminants transport for Athabasca River and tributaries near oil-sand regions under current and future climate scenarios (in both open-water and ice-covered conditions). The ultimate goal of this study is to characterize and quantify the effect of contaminants initiated from anthropogenic and natural sources on lower Athabasca River ecosystem.
Modelling contaminant transport in Ottawa River and the impact on the drinking water sources :

An integrated modelling platform for flood impact forecasting : This project works on the development of automatically connection of hydrodynamic, hydrologic, climate models for prediction of flood characteristics (water level, flood extend, etc) in real-time and long-term. The primary case study if Ottawa River systems.

Study of flow structure and and morphodynamic of river channel confluences .:

Modelling hydrodynamic & transport processes (case: Athabasca River)

Modelling sediment and contaminant transport (Case: Athabasca River)

3D modelling of river hydrodynamics and transport processes

2D hydrodynamic and water quality modelling (case: Ottawa River)

Numerical study of river confluence morphodynamics

Water quality modelling in cold-region rivers

Example Publications:

Taghipour, M., Shakibaeinia, A., Sylvestre, E., Tolouei, S. & Dorner, S. (2019). Microbial risk associated with CSOs upstream of drinking water sources in a transboundary river using hydrodynamic and water quality modeling. Science of the Total Environment, 683 , 547-558. [DOI]
Dibike, Y., Shakibaeinia, A., Eum, H., Il, Prowse, T. & Droppo, I. (2018). Effects of projected climate on the hydrodynamic and sediment transport regime of the lower Athabasca River in Alberta, Canada. River Research and Applications, 34 (5), 417-429. [DOI]
Dibike, Y.B., Shakibaeinia, A., Droppo, I.G. & Caron, E. (2018). Modelling the potential effects of Oil-Sands tailings pond breach on the water and sediment quality of the Lower Athabasca River. Science of the Total Environment, 642 , 1263-1281. [DOI]
Shakibaeinia, A., Dibike, Y.B., Kashyap, S., Prowse, T.D. & Droppo, I.G. (2017). A numerical framework for modelling sediment and chemical constituents transport in the Lower Athabasca River. Journal of Soils and Sediments, 17 (4), 1140-1159. [DOI]
Kashyap, S., Dibike, Y., Shakibaeinia, A., Prowse, T. & Droppo, I. (2017). Two-dimensional numerical modelling of sediment and chemical constituent transport within the lower reaches of the Athabasca River. Environmental Science and Pollution Research International, 24 (3), 2286-2303. [ DOI]
Nazari-Giglou, A., Jabbari-Sahebari, A., Shakibaeinia, A. & Borghei, S.M. (2016). An experimental study of sediment transport in channel confluences. International Journal of Sediment Research, 31 (1), 87-96. [ DOI]
Shakibaeinia, A., Kashyap, S., Dibike, Y.B. & Prowse, T.D. (2016). An integrated numerical framework for water quality modelling in cold-region rivers: A case of the lower Athabasca River. Science of The Total Environment, 569-570 , 634-646. [ DOI]
Shakibainia, A., Majdzadeh, T.M. & Zarrati, A.R. (2010). Three-dimensional numerical study of flow structure in channel confluences. Canadian Journal of Civil Engineering, 38 (5), 772-781. [ DOI]

Granular flows and sediment dynamics

The flow of granular materials plays a critical role in industrial, geophysical, and environmental processes for example in sediment transport, landslides, debris flow, mining processes, and lunar and Martian surface processes. Our projects in this theme focus on the development of multiphase granular flow models based on the mesh-free continuum (e.g., MPS and SPH) and discrete (e.g. DEM) numerical models. Our numerical works are also supported by some complementary experimentation.

Recent Projects:

A high-performance particle method for multiphase granular flows and sediment dynamics
CFD-DEM modelling of multiphase granular flows :

Experimental study of sub-aerial and submerged granular collapses and landslides

Numerical modelling of overland flow of non-Newtonian mining tailing slurries, in an event of tailing dam-breach.

Continuum-based mesh-free particle modelling of immersed granular flows

Mesh-free particle modelling of sub-aerial and submerged granular slides

Mesh-free particle modelling of flow-driven granular flows and sediment transport

Experimental bench-marking of gravity-driven sub-aerial and submerged granular flows

Eulerian & Lagangian models for non-Newtonian flow of mining tailing (in an event of dam breach)

CFD-DEM modelling of submerged granular flows

Example Publications:

Jandaghian, M. Krimi, A, & Shakibaeinia, A. (2021). Enhanced weakly-compressible MPS method for immersed granular flows. Advances in Water Resources , 103908. [DOI]
Mahdi, A., Shakibaeinia, A. & Dibike, Y.B. (2020). Numerical modelling of oil-sands tailings dam breach runout and overland flow. Science of the Total Environment, 703, 10 pages. [DOI]
Pilvar, M., Pouraghniaei, M.J. & Shakibaeinia, A. (2019). Two-dimensional sub-aerial, submerged, and transitional granular slides. Physics of Fluids, 31 (11), 15 pages. [DOI]
Jafari Nodoushan, E., Shakibaeinia, A. & Hosseini, K. (2018). A multiphase meshfree particle method for continuum-based modeling of dry and submerged granular flows. Powder Tech., 335 , 258-274. [DOI]
Amaro-Junior, R.A., Pereira, L.S., Cheng, L.Y. & Shakibaeinia, A. (2019). Polygon wall boundary model in particle based method: application to brumadinho tailings dam failure. Paper presented at the 25th ABCM International Congress of Mechanical Engineering, Uberlândia, MG - Brazil. [PDF]
Tajnesaie, M., Shakibaeinia, A. & Hosseini, K. (2018). Meshfree particle numerical modelling of sub-aerial and submerged landslides. Computers and Fluids, 172 , 109-121. [DOI]
Khanpour, M., Zarrati, A.R., Kolahdoozan, M., Shakibaeinia, A. & Amirshahi, S.M. (2016). Mesh-free SPH modeling of sediment scouring and flushing. Computers & Fluids, 129 , 67-78. [DOI]
Shakibaeinia, A. & Jin, Y.-C. (2012). Lagrangian multiphase modeling of sand discharge into still water. Advances in Water Resources, 48 , 55-67. [DOI]
Shakibaeinia, A. & Jin, Y.-C. (2011). A mesh-free particle model for simulation of mobile-bed dam break. Advances in Water Resources, 34 (6), 794-807. [DOI]

Ice mechanics and cold-regions hydraulics

Ice processes (e.g. ice formation and breakup and transport), play a curtail role in hydrodynamic, morphodynamic, sediment/contaminant transport, and water quality of cold region rivers. They can be the source of the most devastating floods. The goal of our researches in this area is to provide a better understanding of river ice processes (especially the dynamic of river ice), the effects on fluvial processes, and also to develop new tools and techniques to facilitate such understanding.

Recent Projects:

Numerical modelling of ice processes, and their effect on water quality and sediment /contaminate transport
Fully Lagrangian continuum-based and discrete-based models for ice dynamics

Ice flow estimation from space (using satellite imagery data) for validation of numerical models

3D numerical modelling of ice jam initiation condition
Ice control strctures (ICS) effectiveness assessment through numerical and experimental modelling

Continuum-based (2D & 3D) modelling of river ice dynamics

Fully Lagrangian discrete-based modelling of ice dynamics

1D modelling of river ice processes their impact on hydrodynamics and transport regimes

Ice flow estimation from space (using satellite imagery data) for validation of numerical models

Example Publications:

Junior, R. A. A., Mellado-Cusicahua, A., Shakibaeinia, A., & Cheng, L. Y. (2021). A fully Lagrangian DEM-MPS mesh-free model for ice-wave dynamics.Cold Regions Science and Technology, 103266. [DOI]
Amaro-Junior, R., Mellado-Cusicahua, A., Shakibaeinia, A. & Cheng, L. (2019). A fully Lagrangian mesh-free numerical model for river ice dynamic. Paper presented at the 20th Workshop on the Hydraulics of Ice Covered Rivers (CRIPE), Ottawa, Ontario,Canada. [PDF]
Shakibaeinia, A., Kashyap, S., Dibike, Y.B. & Prowse, T.D. (2016). An integrated numerical framework for water quality modelling in cold-region rivers: A case of the lower Athabasca River. Science of The Total Environment, 569-570 , 634-646. [DOI]