Dynamic behavior of geomembrane systems in pressure waterways

Geomembrane systems are used as rehabilitation measure to improve the durability and energy efficiency of hydraulic structures by mitigating water losses, prevent water-based chemical actions and increase energy efficiency. Although the application of geomembrane liners in pressure waterways is very promising and is poised to gain importance in the next years and decades, research and development are still needed to integrate in the design the concepts of fluid-membrane interactions and the resulting flow-induced deformations. In fluid-membrane interactions, the fluid flow affects the motion and deformation of the membrane, and the membrane, in turn, affects the flow of the fluid. This interaction can lead to complex phenomena, such as the formation of wrinkles, the buckling of the membrane, and the formation of vortices. The aim of the research project is to assess the dynamic behavior of geomembrane systems for enhanced applications in pressure waterways accounting for fluid-membrane interactions.