University of Catania

University of Catania

Research group

  • Prof. Rosaria Musumeci – Associate Professor
  • Prof. Enrico Foti – Full Professor
  • Prof. Luca Cavallaro – Associate Professor
  • Dr. Martina Stagnitti – Researcher
  • Dr. Emanuele Savoca – PhD student

Main Research topics

Marine and coastal engineering

  • Experimental and numerical investigations on stability and hydraulic performances of harbour and coastal defence structures.
  • Building of AI-based tools for safe navigation in port areas.

Sustainability and environmental adaptation

  • Probabilistic assessment of the performances of upgrading solutions for existing rubble-mound breakwaters, based on the results of experimental and numerical data.
  • Experimental and numerical investigations on devices for generating energy from wave motion in coastal regions.
  • Assessment of the efficacy of nature-based solutions for the protection from coastal flooding and erosion based on numerical investigation and field activities.

Marine science and oceanography

  • Experimental and numerical investigations on the interactions between waves, currents, and sandy bottoms.
  • Experimental and numerical investigations on the dynamics of gravity currents in marine environments.
  • Development of novel laboratory measurement techniques, based on the use of of innovative materials.

FACILITY

The hydraulic laboratory of the University of Catania consists of a large room equipped with installations and tools used for the experimental study of phenomena such as the interaction between waves and structures (e.g., port defense works, harbor docks, devices for generating energy from wave motion), the interaction between waves and currents, gravity currents in the presence of waves, solid transport induced by waves and currents, and hydrodynamics within pressurized pipes, as well as for the development of experimental measurement techniques based on the use of innovative materials and novel technologies.

Wave basin: A 18.00 m x 3.60 m x 1.20 m wave basin can be used for the simulation of regular and irregular wave motion and superimposed currents.

Figure 1. Wave generation in the wave basin at the hydraulic laboratory of the University of Catania.

Figure 2. Physical model inside the wave basin at the hydraulic laboratory of the University of Catania.

Flume n. 1: A 10.00 m x 0.50 m x 0.70 m flume can be used for the 2D simulation of regular wave motion.

Figure 3. 2D flume for the generation of regular waves at the hydraulic laboratory of the University of Catania.

Flume n. 2: A 4.00 m x 0.15 m x 0.50 m flume can be used for the 2D simulation of steady currents.

Pipe networks: High-pressure pipe networks can be used for experiments on pipes made of various materials.

Reference Person

Rosaria Ester MUSUMECI

Associate Professor

Università degli Studi di CATANIA

Via Santa Sofia, 64 Catania (CT)

rosaria.musumeci@unict.it