PhD position on the high-fidelity coupled simulation of floating wind turbines

Floating wind turbines aerodynamics is a rapidly growing research field. Wind turbines that are placed on a floating support structure experience unsteady aerodynamics, which can negatively affect rotor performance and fatigue loads. There is a need to better understand the dynamic response of a floating wind turbine subjected to nonlinear metocean conditions.

The PhD candidate will develop and apply a high-fidelity computational framework to compute the dynamic response of a floating wind turbine subjected to nonlinear wind and wave conditions. The candidate will work with the tools developed by Whiffle, a SME company specialised in high-resolution weather forecasting. The company has developed a GPU-resident atmospheric simulation programme (GRASP) able to perform Large Eddy Simulations (LES). The ASPIRE interface of GRASP will be coupled to the engineering model OpenFAST and will provide a GPU-based model for the dynamics of floating wind turbines. The coupled library preCICE, developed by the University of Stuttgart, will test different coupling schemes for projecting forces between the two solvers. The coupled framework will be verified and validated with the results of other numerical methods (e.g. free-wake vortex model) and experimental data obtained at Politecnico di Milano. It will then be used to generate a high-fidelity data set for training a surrogate model. The possibility to correct OpenFAST hydrodynamic data based on the high-fidelity results will also be investigated.

The PhD candidate will work as part of the project DataFlowt, “Physics-informed data-driven modelling and control of floating wind turbines”, funded by the Dutch national research council under the Talent Programme Vidi scheme. The candidate will work in a vibrant research group and will interface with ongoing large research projects in the field, e.g. STEP4WIND (step4wind.eu), as well as engage with the activities of the Floating Renewables Lab at TU Delft.

We are specifically looking for researchers with a relevant background and strong interest in high-fidelity computational fluid dynamics, aerodynamics, hydrodynamics, metocean conditions, and wind energy. Does this project excite you? Then you might be the right candidate for this position. A short description of your motivation and an up-to-date curriculum vitae is required to apply for this position.

-  An MSc. degree in aerodynamics, wind energy, offshore engineering, aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, scientific computing, or a related field;

-  Fundamental knowledge in the field of numerical techniques and fluid dynamics, knowledge in wind energy and fluid-structure interactions is a plus;

-  Experience with GPU-based models is a plus;

-  You enjoy working independently: Creativity, auto-didactic capabilities, and a strong research-oriented attitude;

-  Fluency in English;

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2541 per month in the first year to € 3247 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. For international applicants we offer the Coming to Delft Service and Partner Career Advice to assist you with your relocation.

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

The Faculty of Aerospace Engineering at Delft University of Technology is one of the world’s most highly ranked (and most comprehensive) research, education and innovation communities devoted entirely to aerospace engineering. More than 200 science staff, around 250 PhD candidates and over 2,700 BSc and MSc students apply aerospace engineering disciplines to address the global societal challenges that threaten us today, climate change without doubt being the most important. Our focal subjects: sustainable aerospace, big data and artificial intelligence, bio-inspired engineering and smart instruments and systems. Working at the faculty means working together. With partners in other faculties, knowledge institutes, governments and industry, both aerospace and non-aerospace. Working in field labs and innovation hubs on our university campus and beyond.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering.

The Department of Flow Physics and Technology (FPT) is one of four departments composing Aerospace Engineering. Fundamental research is performed in the Aerodynamics section. Aircraft design, propulsion systems and their integration are the main topics in the FPP section. Wind energy systems, from small wind turbines to large offshore farms, are the objective of the research of the Wind Energy Section. The department operates comprehensive laboratories, equipped with modern wind tunnels and state-of-the-art measurement systems.

The Wind Energy Section facilitates the development of wind energy technology and the expansion of the use of wind power through research and education.

In its research activities there is a focus on large multi megawatt offshore wind turbines and offshore wind farms, though urban and airborne wind power is also addressed. Both technology development aspects as well as fundamental aspects are present in the research program. With respect to educational courses, the BSc and MSc level are offered for Aerospace students, SET students and for the European Wind Energy Master (EWEM) students.

For more information about this position, please contact Dr. Axelle Viré, [email protected]

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply before 8-10-2022 via the application button and upload your motivation and CV.

• A pre-employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.
• Applying for an exemption for specific research and educational areas is an obligatory part of the selection procedure for this vacancy. This exemption must be obtained from the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW) before an employment contract is agreed upon. Click here for more information.
• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated.

Floating wind turbines aerodynamics is a rapidly growing research field. Wind turbines that are placed on a floating support structure experience unsteady aerodynamics, which can negatively affect rotor performance and fatigue loads. There is a need to better understand the dynamic response of a floating wind turbine subjected to nonlinear metocean conditions.

The PhD candidate will develop and apply a high-fidelity computational framework to compute the dynamic response of a floating wind turbine subjected to nonlinear wind and wave conditions. The candidate will work with the tools developed by Whiffle, a SME company specialised in high-resolution weather forecasting. The company has developed a GPU-resident atmospheric simulation programme (GRASP) able to perform Large Eddy Simulations (LES). The ASPIRE interface of GRASP will be coupled to the engineering model OpenFAST and will provide a GPU-based model for the dynamics of floating wind turbines. The coupled library preCICE, developed by the University of Stuttgart, will test different coupling schemes for projecting forces between the two solvers. The coupled framework will be verified and validated with the results of other numerical methods (e.g. free-wake vortex model) and experimental data obtained at Politecnico di Milano. It will then be used to generate a high-fidelity data set for training a surrogate model. The possibility to correct OpenFAST hydrodynamic data based on the high-fidelity results will also be investigated.

The PhD candidate will work as part of the project DataFlowt, “Physics-informed data-driven modelling and control of floating wind turbines”, funded by the Dutch national research council under the Talent Programme Vidi scheme. The candidate will work in a vibrant research group and will interface with ongoing large research projects in the field, e.g. STEP4WIND (step4wind.eu), as well as engage with the activities of the Floating Renewables Lab at TU Delft.

We are specifically looking for researchers with a relevant background and strong interest in high-fidelity computational fluid dynamics, aerodynamics, hydrodynamics, metocean conditions, and wind energy. Does this project excite you? Then you might be the right candidate for this position. A short description of your motivation and an up-to-date curriculum vitae is required to apply for this position.

-  An MSc. degree in aerodynamics, wind energy, offshore engineering, aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, scientific computing, or a related field;

-  Fundamental knowledge in the field of numerical techniques and fluid dynamics, knowledge in wind energy and fluid-structure interactions is a plus;

-  Experience with GPU-based models is a plus;

-  You enjoy working independently: Creativity, auto-didactic capabilities, and a strong research-oriented attitude;

-  Fluency in English;

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2541 per month in the first year to € 3247 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. For international applicants we offer the Coming to Delft Service and Partner Career Advice to assist you with your relocation.

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

The Faculty of Aerospace Engineering at Delft University of Technology is one of the world’s most highly ranked (and most comprehensive) research, education and innovation communities devoted entirely to aerospace engineering. More than 200 science staff, around 250 PhD candidates and over 2,700 BSc and MSc students apply aerospace engineering disciplines to address the global societal challenges that threaten us today, climate change without doubt being the most important. Our focal subjects: sustainable aerospace, big data and artificial intelligence, bio-inspired engineering and smart instruments and systems. Working at the faculty means working together. With partners in other faculties, knowledge institutes, governments and industry, both aerospace and non-aerospace. Working in field labs and innovation hubs on our university campus and beyond.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering.

The Department of Flow Physics and Technology (FPT) is one of four departments composing Aerospace Engineering. Fundamental research is performed in the Aerodynamics section. Aircraft design, propulsion systems and their integration are the main topics in the FPP section. Wind energy systems, from small wind turbines to large offshore farms, are the objective of the research of the Wind Energy Section. The department operates comprehensive laboratories, equipped with modern wind tunnels and state-of-the-art measurement systems.

The Wind Energy Section facilitates the development of wind energy technology and the expansion of the use of wind power through research and education.

In its research activities there is a focus on large multi megawatt offshore wind turbines and offshore wind farms, though urban and airborne wind power is also addressed. Both technology development aspects as well as fundamental aspects are present in the research program. With respect to educational courses, the BSc and MSc level are offered for Aerospace students, SET students and for the European Wind Energy Master (EWEM) students.

For more information about this position, please contact Dr. Axelle Viré, [email protected]

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply before 8-10-2022 via the application button and upload your motivation and CV.

• A pre-employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.
• Applying for an exemption for specific research and educational areas is an obligatory part of the selection procedure for this vacancy. This exemption must be obtained from the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW) before an employment contract is agreed upon. Click here for more information.
• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated.