Projects
NExt generation methodologies for the flexible operation and oPTimUm maintenance of hydraulic turbomachiNEs KU Leuven
Modular multi-channel hydraulic structural testing equipment with closed-loop control. Ghent University
The execution of contemporary large scale structural tests on an internationally competitive level requires a flexible test setup consisting of at least three hydraulic actuators with fatigue rating, fast closed-loop control by external deformation measurements and a real time control module that enables the concerted active control of all actuators in real time with minimum lag.
Scientific assistance with the implementation of the seagoing behavior in the ship maneuvering simulators of the Hydraulic Laboratory Ghent University
Flanders Hydraulics Research wishes to upgrade its ship manoeuvring simulators with the possibility to simulate the behaviour of ships in seaway. However, seakeeping is not an isolated issue, as it is closely related to weather conditions (3D wind, 3D currents) and also to dynamic water levels (tide, time dependent currents). The implementation requires continuous dedication and follow-up in combination with a certain specialisation. This ...
Fundamental relations between spatiotemporal fish behaviour and hydraulic conditions in anthropogenically impacted streams Ghent University
In this project, the migration routes and behaviour of two fish species near hydraulic structures in the Albert channel will be investigated by means of rigorous monitoring and modelling. Fundamental knowledge on fish behaviour in relation to hydraulic conditions in these structures will be developed in order to determine the preferred and disturbing conditions to fish migration.
Light quality effects on hydraulic characteristics and anatomy of ornamentals differing in their photosynthetic pathways (C3 versus CAM) Ghent University
LED as light source will be introduced in high-technology greenhouses or related plant factories. Effects on plant physiological processes are however hardly studied. This study addresses the differential effect of light wavelengths on leaf and shoot hydraulic efficiency and how this affects assimilation and growth performance of ornamental plants. Effects of hydraulic conductance and stomatal morphology/density in a range of light qualities ...
Unveiling the relative contribution of carbon starvation and hydraulic failure in relation to the water use strategy of angiosperm species during drought induced tree mortality. Ghent University
As global change-type droughts are expected to lead to increasing forest mortality events, this research will focus on hydraulic failure and carbon starvation in different functional tree types subjected to different drought intensities. Special attention will be paid to internal CO2 as a carbon storage pool enabling woody tissue photosynthesis, a feature which has often been overlooked in mortality studies.
Exploring the phloem translocation pathway by quantifying phloem hydraulic conductivity and gradients in phloem turgor and osmotic pressure in both trees and herbs Ghent University
Gradients in phloem turgor and osmotic pressure will be measured by aphid stylets in herbaceous species and trees. Both the magnitude of these gradients and their response to changing environmental conditions (light/dark and drought stress) will be quantified. Finally, the gradient dynamics will be related to the overall plant behaviour by applying a mechanistic model describing carbon and water transport.
Numerical study and experimental validation of a 2D model hydraulic model for a coupled modeling of river ecosystems using the STRIVE package Ghent University
Aquatic plants have a significant impact on water flow, sedimentation and nutriëntdynamiek in laaglandriviren. In addition to a temporal variation in vegetation development occurs throughout the year also a strong spatial heterogeneity. For the study of cascade and feedback effects in the river ecosystem is a need for a geïntigreerde modeling process in which the various interactions are incorporated. The purpose of this dissertation is to ...
Dynamic variations in tree hydraulic properties and its implications for water transport dynamics Ghent University
THe objective of this project is to unravel the mechanisms and eco(physio)logical consequences of dynamic variations in tree hydraulic properties (hydraulic capacitance and conductance) on whole tree water transport dynamics in coniferous, diffuse porous and ring porous trees. Experimental evidence will be collected over daily and seasonal cycles and will be translated into a mechanistic water flow and storage model.