Dr Tim Marjoribanks

MSci PhD PGCAP

  • Director of Student Experience
  • Senior Lecturer in Water Engineering

Research and expertise

My research focuses primarily on the application of numerical models and analysis methods in order to better understand the hydrodynamics of open channel flows. In particular, I am interested in simulating eco-hydrodynamic processes and much of my work has focusses on understanding the dynamic interaction between flow and vegetation within rivers and coastal environments. My broader research interests include fluvial geomorphology, natural flood management and flow-sediment-ecology relationships.

My research uses a combination of high resolution computational fluid dynamics modelling, simplified analytical models, flume experiments and fieldwork to provide an integrated approach.

Current research activity

  • Combined field measurement and modelling of saltmarsh vegetation patches
  • Understanding the reconfiguration of stems with non-uniform geometry and biomechanics
  • Assessing swimming pool circulation efficiency and its impact on public health

Recently completed research projects 

  • “Reducing uncertainty in flood prediction: the representation of vegetation in hydraulic models” (PDRA, NERC)

Recent publications

  • Marjoribanks, T.I., Lague, D., Hardy, R.J., Boothroyd, R.J., Leroux, J., Mony, C., Puijalon, S. (2019) Flexural rigidity and shoot reconfiguration determine wake length behind saltmarsh vegetation patches, Journal of Geophysical Research: Earth Surface, 24(8), 2019JF005012, DOI: 10.1029/2019jf005012.
  • Boothroyd, R.J., Hardy, R.J., Warburton, J, Marjoribanks, T.I. (2019) The importance of riparian plant orientation in river flow: implications for flow structures and drag, Journal of Ecohydraulics, 3(2), DOI: 10.1080/24705357.2019.1573648
  • Marjoribanks, T.I., Hardy, R.J., Lane, S.N., Tancock, M.J. (2017) Patch-scale representation of vegetation within hydraulic models, Earth Surface Processes and Landforms, 42(5), pp.699-710, DOI: 10.1002/esp.4015.
  • Boothroyd, R.J., Hardy, R.J., Warburton, J., Marjoribanks, T.I. (2017) Modeling complex flow structures and drag around a submerged plant of varied posture, Water Resources Research, 53(4), DOI: 10.1002/2016WR020186.
  • Marjoribanks, T.I., Hardy, R.J., Lane, S.N., Parsons, D.R. (2016) Does the canopy mixing layer model apply to highly flexible aquatic vegetation? Insights from numerical modelling, Environmental Fluid Mechanics, 17(2), pp.277-301, DOI:10.1007/s10652-016-9482-z.

Teaching

I contribute to learning and teaching activities across the Schools programmes including:

Undergraduate

  • Water Engineering modules including topics on pipe flows and open channel flows
  • River flow measurement component of the residential field course
  • Supervision of dissertations on topics aligned to my research interests

Postgraduate

  • Water and the Natural Environment as part of the WEDC Masters programmes
  • Supervision of dissertations on topics aligned to my research interests

Profile

I graduated from Durham University in 2009 with an MSci in Natural Sciences (Mathematics and Geography). I then undertook a PhD at the same institution (2009-2013) on the subject of ‘High resolution modelling of flexible, submerged vegetation in rivers’. Following my PhD I worked as a post-doctoral research associate on a NERC-funded project for three years before joining Loughborough University in August 2016. 

Professional affiliations

  • Member, International Association for Hydro-Environment Engineering and Research
  • Member, British Society for Geomorphology
  • Fellow, Higher Education Academy

Awards

  • CGRG Jean-Claude Dionne award (2011) for best student oral presentation at the international Coherent Flow Structures conference (Vancouver)

External activities

  • Reviewer for 18 international journals and funding bodies.

Key collaborators

My research and enterprise activities are conducted with a range of academic and stakeholder partners, including:

  • Durham University
  • CNRS, University de Rennes
  • Leibniz Universitat Hannover
  • Pool Sentry Ltd.