Research & Innovation
Advancing Water Resource Engineering through Experimental Studies and Computational Modeling
Storm Sewer Geyser Phenomena: Understanding and Mitigation
2022 - 2025 | PhD Dissertation
Experimental Geyser Eruptions
Geyser Eruption - Test 1
Geyser Eruption - Test 2
Geyser Eruption - Test 3
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Simulation
Wire-Mesh Sensor Measurements
Cross-Sectional Flow Analysis
Wire-mesh sensors capture the void fraction distribution in the horizontal pipe cross-section, providing detailed insights into the air-water flow patterns during geyser formation.
Related Publications
Dynamics of cyclic and violent geyser eruptions in storm sewer systems: an experimental and numerical approach
Journal of Hydraulic Research, 63(5), 558-577
Real-Time Air–Water Volume Fraction Prediction Using Deep Learning and High-Speed Imaging
World Environmental and Water Resources Congress 2025 (pp. 471-485)
Mechanistic Understanding of Field-Scale Geysers in Stormsewer Systems Using Three-Dimensional Numerical Modeling
Processes, 13(1), 32
Numerical Investigation of the Physical Mechanisms behind Geysers in Storm Sewer Systems: A Slug Analysis Based on a Computational Study of Geyser Eruptions
World Environmental and Water Resources Congress 2024 (pp. 835-845)
Experimental investigation of storm sewer geyser using a large-scale setup
Physics of Fluids, 36(5)
Experimental and numerical investigation of a small scale storm sewer geyser
Journal of Hydraulic Research, 62(1), 25-38
Research Methodology
Experimental Studies
Large-scale laboratory experiments using advanced instrumentation to capture the dynamics of geyser eruptions. Our setup includes high-speed cameras, pressure transducers, and flow measurement devices to analyze the complete cycle of geyser formation and eruption.
Key Equipment:
- Large-scale storm sewer model
- High-speed imaging systems
- Pressure and flow sensors
- Data acquisition systems
Numerical Modeling
Advanced computational fluid dynamics simulations using OpenFOAM and ANSYS to model the complex two-phase flow phenomena. These simulations help us understand the physical mechanisms and validate our experimental findings.
Modeling Approach:
- 3D transient simulations
- Volume of Fluid (VOF) method
- Turbulence modeling
- Air-water interface tracking
Solution Development
Design and testing of innovative retrofitting solutions including air release valves, flow control devices, and system modifications to prevent geyser formation while maintaining drainage efficiency.
Solutions Tested:
- Air release mechanisms
- Flow restriction devices
- Pipe geometry modifications
- Smart control systems
Key Research Findings
Geyser Formation Mechanisms
Identified the critical role of air entrapment and rapid pressure changes in triggering violent geyser eruptions. Our research revealed that specific geometric configurations and flow conditions create optimal conditions for air pocket formation.
Cyclic vs. Violent Eruptions
Distinguished between cyclic geysers (regular, predictable eruptions) and violent geysers (sudden, dangerous eruptions), establishing different formation criteria and mitigation strategies for each type.
Effective Retrofitting Solutions
Developed and validated multiple retrofitting approaches that can reduce geyser intensity by up to 90% while maintaining system drainage capacity. These solutions are practical for implementation in existing infrastructure.
Additional Research Areas
Biomedical Engineering
Magnetic drug targeting using nanoparticles in blood vessels. Research on optimizing drug delivery systems through computational fluid dynamics and magnetic field modeling.
Machine Learning Applications
Development of deep learning models for medical image analysis, including brain lesion detection, tumor segmentation, and diagnostic applications using convolutional neural networks.
Environmental Modeling
Climate impact analysis, COVID-19 environmental factors research, and sustainable engineering solutions for environmental challenges.
Signal & Image Processing
Advanced signal processing techniques for engineering applications, including fatigue analysis, medical diagnostics, and sensor data interpretation.
Research Impact & Recognition
Awards & Recognition
First Rank - Master's Degree
Urmia University of Technology (2016)Dissertation Year Fellowship
Florida International University (2024-2025)Guest Editor
Journal of Healthcare Engineering (2022-2024)Research Collaborations
Current Collaborations
Working with leading researchers and institutions to advance the understanding of complex fluid dynamics phenomena and develop practical solutions for real-world challenges.
Dr. Arturo Leon
Principal Investigator - Storm Sewer ResearchFlorida International University
International Research Network
Global collaborations in water resource engineeringMultiple institutions worldwide
Future Research Directions
- Smart monitoring systems for urban drainage
- AI-driven predictive models for geyser occurrence
- Climate change impact on storm sewer performance
- Sustainable retrofitting solutions
- Digital twin technology for water infrastructure