PhD position Flexible Floating Structure Modelling and Analysis

The transformation of our energy systems from fossil fuel-based to renable-based systems is calling for innovative solutions to harvest renewable energies at land, at sea and in space. Very flexible floating structures (VFFS) have been proposed to unlock the full potential of offshore floating photovoltaics. VFFS follow the wave elevation and allow for large structural deflections. Ballasting systems can prevent wind and currents from folding the leading edge. However, wrinkling is critical for the solar modules and can lead to structural collapse.

The overall aim of the multi-disciplinary FlexFloat project, which is a joint effort between the Numerical Analysis group at the Delft Institute of Applied Mathematics (DIAM) and the groups Ship and Offshore Structures, and Ship Hydromechanics at the Department of Maritime and Transport Technology (MTT), is to develop efficient VFFS design tools.

The task of this PhD project is to develop mathematical models and efficient computational tools for large deflection and wrinkling simulation of VFFS. Large deflections and wrinkling are geometrically nonlinear effects that require nonlinear fluid-structure interaction (FSI) simulations. The mathematical models and simulation tools shall be developed in the context of Isogeometric Analysis, which is particularly suited for this task.

The consortium has a long tradition in developing numerical simulation tools and is part of the international developer team of the open-source G+Smo (Geometry plus Simulation Modules) library, which forms the basis of this project. The PhD candidate will collaborate with other G+Smo developers as well as with the other members of the FlexFloat team.