Mining of Deep-Seabed Nodules Using a Coandă-Effect-Based Collector

We present an effective design of a hydraulic, polymetallic nodule collector, which fundamentally depends on the Coandă effect in harvesting nodules. The design was first developed based on 2D numerical simulations conducted using a computational fluid dynamics tool, ANSYS FLUENT. Following that, the design was tested in full-scale experiments,...

Full-scale experiments on a coandă-effect-based polymetallic-nodule collector

Polymetallic nodules are potato-sized rock accretions that form on vast areas of the abyssal plains of the global ocean. These nodules are rich in commercially precious metals, such as nickel, cobalt and copper, making them a target for potential future deep-sea exploitation. Generally, polymetallic nodules are partially buried in the seabed...

Breaching Flow Slides and the Associated Turbidity Currents: Large-Scale Experiments and 3D Numerical Modelling

Underwater slope failure is a common problem in the fields of geotechnical, dredging and hydraulic engineering, posing a major risk to submerged infrastructure and flood defences along coasts, rivers, and lakes. The term ‘flow slide’ refers to a specific, complex failure mechanism of underwater slopes, which occurs when a substantial amount of...

Breaching Flow Slides and the Associated Turbidity Current

This paper starts with surveying the state-of-the-art knowledge of breaching flow slides, with an emphasis on the relevant fluid mechanics. The governing physical processes of breaching flow slides are explained. The paper highlights the important roles of the associated turbidity current and the frequent surficial slides in increasing the...