Faculty of science and environment

Supervisors: Martyn Hann
Deborah Greaves
Gregorio Iglesias
Dave Simmonds
Neil James

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.

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.

The studentship is supported for 3 years and includes full-time Home/EU tuition fees plus a stipend of £14,863 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 £10,800 per annum).

For further information on the project or for an informal discussion, please contact Martyn Hann atmartyn.hann<στο>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 Miss Francesca Niedzielski, Room 305 Link Building, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA or via email to scienvresearch<στο>plymouth.ac.uk.

Closing date for applications: 8^th June 2015

Start date: 1^st October 2015

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview in June 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 8^th July 2015 should consider their application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.