FACULTY OF SCIENCE AND ENVIRONMENT
SCHOOL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
Funded PhD Research Studentship:
Combined wind and wave loading of floating offshore wind turbine structures
Supervisors
Martyn Hann
Deborah Greaves
Gregorio Iglesias
Dave Simmonds
Neil James
Project Description
As offshore wind energy moves further offshore and into deeper water, new support
structures need to be developed. Floating wind turbine structures are extremely
complex, due to the need to resolve the coupled interaction of atmospheric
turbulence and ocean waves, the arbitrary geometric complexity of floating
structures, the inherent two-phase nature of such flows, and the dominant role of
complex nonlinear phenomena such as turbulence and free surface effects. Such
complex problems may be tackled by laboratory scale experiments or numerical
simulation.
In his project, we investigate wind wave interaction for floating wind turbine design
and analysis. The developments required to wave tank test facilities and to
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to do this are explored. Building on the
capabilities of Plymouth University’s COAST laboratory, the use of a wind generation
system for combined wind, wave and current loading measurements on floating wind
turbine structures will be investigated. A CFD model will be developed in order to
inform the design of the combined wind and wave system.
The successful applicant will have an interest in marine renewable energy. They will
also need a willingness to develop both scaled experimental testing and CFD
modelling, and explore how each approach can be used to inform and improve the
results obtained from the other approach. They will join the COAST research group,
a leading team of coastal and ocean engineering researchers containing specialists
in field and laboratory experimentation, numerical modelling and theoretical analysis.
The COAST laboratory is a world class hydrodynamics laboratory used for the
testing of marine renewable energy devices and concepts. It includes a deep and
shallow water ocean basin and two flumes, each with wave and current generation
facilities. CFD simulations will be conducted using Plymouth University’s recently
upgraded High Performance Computing capability.
Eligibility
Applicants should have a minimum of a first class or upper second class bachelor
degree. Applications from candidates with a relevant Masters qualification will be
welcomed.
Funding
The studentship is supported for 3 years and includes full-time Home/EU tuition fees
plus a stipend of £13,863 per annum. The studentship will only fully fund those
applicants who are eligible for Home/EU fees with relevant qualifications. Applicants
normally required to cover overseas fees will have to cover the difference between
the Home/EU and the overseas tuition fee rates (approximately £9,950 per annum).
For further information on the project or for an informal discussion, please contact
Martyn Hann at martyn.hann@plymouth.ac.uk.
For an application form and full details on how to apply, please visit
www.plymouth.ac.uk/postgraduate. Applicants should send a completed application
form, CV and a covering letter detailing their suitability to Ms Rebecca Rose, Room
305 Link Building, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA or via
email to scienvresearch@plymouth.ac.uk.
Closing date for applications: 7th January 2015
Start date: 1st April 2015
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview in January 2015. We regret that we
may not be able to respond to all applications. Applicants who have not received an
offer of a place by February 2015 should consider their application has been
unsuccessful on this occasion.
REF: FUNDING SOURCE/SUPERVISOR INITIALS/DEADLINE