Model Development and Quantifications of Coupled Near-shore Processes Impacted By Climate Change
This project focuses on developing advanced models to simulate complex coastal processes unique to Singapore’s environment — marked by dense urbanisation, limited land, and low-lying coastal zones. The research seeks to quantify how near-shore dynamics evolve and interact under the influence of climate change, contributing to more accurate predictions and resilient coastal planning.
Research Goals
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Develop advanced CFD models to simulate coupled near-shore processes.
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Integrate CFD models with phase-resolving, potential-flow-based models for efficiency and accuracy.
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Conduct experiments in the NUS Hydraulic Laboratory and TCOMS Large-Scale Ocean Basin to validate and refine numerical models.
Why It Matters
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Addresses how climate change may intensify coastal processes such as waves, currents, and erosion.
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Provides tools for designing and planning sustainable coastal infrastructure by accurately assessing interactions between coastal environments and man-made structures.
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Generates insights vital for implementing climate-resilient coastal protection measures to safeguard communities along Singapore’s shores.
Latest Research Highlights
- Developed a high-fidelity numerical model of Rhizophora mangrove roots with an integrated sediment transport module to simulate flow and sediment dynamics under both uniform and oscillary flow conditions.
- Created a physics-based model that accurately reproduces wave decay patterns and energy loss, validated through laboratory and field-scale simulations. The model successfully predicts spectral shape and energy loss during real storm events on the Atchafalaya inner shelf without adjusting rheological parameters.
Meet the Team
Meet the researchers and collaborators driving this project — combining expertise and innovation to build a more resilient coastline.
Principal Investigator (PI):
Assistant Professor Li Yuzhu, Pearl
National University of Singapore,
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering,
College of Design and Engineering
Co-Principal Investigator (Co-PI):
Professor Koh Chan Ghee
National University of Singapore,
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering,
College of Design and Engineering
Co-Principal Investigator (Co-PI):
Dr Ooi Seng Keat
National University of Singapore,
College of Design and Engineering,
Tropical Marine Science Institute
Research Fellow:
Dr Duan Yanchong
National University of Singapore,
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering,
College of Design and Engineering
Research Fellow:
Dr Hu Zhengyu
National University of Singapore,
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering,
College of Design and Engineering
Research Fellow:
Dr Liao Xin
National University of Singapore,
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering,
College of Design and Engineering
PhD Student:
Carlos Perez Moreno
National University of Singapore,
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering,
College of Design and Engineering
PhD Student:
Rune Dirk Willen
National University of Singapore,
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering,
College of Design and Engineering
PhD Student:
Zhang Luoning
National University of Singapore,
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering,
College of Design and Engineering
More Projects from the H1 Domain
Explore other ongoing research initiatives under the Coastal Protection and Flood Resilience Institute (CFI) that advance Singapore’s resilience to sea-level rise, extreme weather, and coastal flooding.
Download CFI's project booklet for more information on each project
CFI Singapore Tranche 1 and 2
If you wish to reach out regarding a specific project, please email CFI Singapore at cfisg@nus.edu.sg