Porous and Free-Surface Gravity Currents
A mixed theoretical and experimental approach is used to understand gravity flows in porous media and free surfaces. The research activity is carried out in collaboration with the laboratory of Prof. Sandro Longo at the University of Parma. PhD Dissertation Collaboration with: Prof. Sandro Longo (University of Parma), Prof. Vittorio Di Federico (University of Bologna).
Shear-Thinning Flow in Fractured Media
We aim to comprehend the interplay between Complex fluid rheology of Shear-Thinning Fluids (e.g., biopolymers) and the pore-scale heterogeneity on fracture-scale hydraulic behaviour. A generalized non-linear Reynolds equation is solved with a fine volume scheme to produce a stochastic analysis of the flow features at the pore- and Darcy scale via Monte Carlo simulations and metamodeling techniques. PhD Dissertation Collaboration with: Prof. Mario Putti (University of Padua), Prof. Yves Mèheust (University of Rennes), and Prof. Vittorio Di Federico (University of Bologna).
Anomalous Transport in Geological Fractures
We analyse hydrodynamic transport in geological fractures adopting an upscaled model able to predict transport quantities of interest without resorting to direct transport simulation. A stochastic analysis is conducted to comprehend the impact of fracture heterogeneities on breakthrough curves, dispersion coefficient, mean displacement and variance.
Collaboration with: Prof. Marco Dentz (IDAEA-CSIC), Prof. Yves Méheust (University of Rennes), and Prof. Vittorio Di Federico (University of Bologna).
GEONEAT
The MSCA project GEONEAT aims to implement a multiscale model for flow and heat transfer from the pore to the field scale. We explore the potential of complex fluids to infer geological reservoir parameters using an information-theoretic approach to inverse modeling.
Framework Programme: Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) G.A. 101111216
E.U. Contribution: € 265 099,20
Start Date: 01/03/2024 Expected End Date: 28/02/2027
Collaboration with: Prof. Daniel M. Tartakovksy (Stanford University), Prof. Yves Mèheust (University of Rennes), and Prof. Vittorio Di Federico (University of Bologna).
Role: Principal Investigator
Past Projects
StopUP
The goal of StopUP is to minimise pollution from urban runoff by creating a better understanding of pollutant sources and pathways. StopUP will provide innovative monitoring and treatment technologies and tools to enable end users to apply existing and new Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS).
Framework Programme: Horizon Europe Food, Bioeconomy Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment G.A. 101111216
E.U. Contribution: € 3.766.439,75
Start Date: 01/09/2022 End Date: 31/08/2025
Collaboration with: partners of the StopUP projects.
Role: Postdoctoral Researcher (from 01/11/2022 to 29/03/2023)
GST4Water
GST4Water is an industrial research project funded by the European Community through the financial sponsorship of the Emilia-Romagna Region (POR FESR 2014–2020). The project, whose goal was the development of hardware and software solutions for the sustainable management of water resources, saw the cooperation of 5 research laboratories (Terra & Acqua Tech and MechLav of the University of Ferrara, CIRI-EA and CIRI-EC University of Bologna and ENEA Environmental Laboratory) and the involvement of 5 business partners (CADF SpA, Xeo4 srl, SO.GE.SE SCSD, Starplast srl and VerdeAlto srl).
Programme: POR FESR Emilia Romagna 2014-2020
E.U. Contribution: € 976.951,86
Start Date: 01/04/2016 End Date: 31/03/2018
Collaboration with: partners of the GST4Water projects.
Role: Predoctoral Fellow (from 01/07/2017 to 31/07/2018)
Brigaid
BRIGAID is a 4-year project (2016-2020) under EU Horizon2020 aimed to effectively bridge the gap between innovators and end-users in resilience to floods, droughts and extreme weather.
Europe is particularly prone to these natural hazards and evidence is now ever stronger that damages will increase. Evaluations also show a huge potential to reduce these risks through adaptation strategies.
Programme: POR FESR Emilia Romagna 2014-2020
E.U. Contribution: € 7.739.805,79
Start Date: 01/05/2016 End Date: 30/04/2020
Collaboration with: partners of the Brigaid projects.
Role: Unit Member (from 01/07/2017 to 30/04/2020)
Alessandro Lenci 