PhD Studentship: Reliability based Design Optimisation of Floating Offshore Wind Turbine Support Structures

Reference

ENG1547

Closing Date

Thursday, 14th July 2022

Department

Engineering

Supervisor: Dr Lin Wang

Project description: 

The vast majority of offshore wind resources are located in deep water regions. As the conventional offshore wind technology is restricted to shallow waters, there is a need for developing floating wind turbines (FWTs) that enables using this vast amount of energy.

Floating offshore wind energy technology is in early-stage development. One of the largest barriers to further development of FWTs is their greater cost relative to bottom-fixed offshore wind turbines. One way to lower the cost of FWT technologies is through the increased reliability (i.e. reduced probability of failure) of FWT support structures, which are exposed to the harsh marine environment with great uncertainties in wind, wave and current loads.

This PhD project will look into the improvement of reliability and the reduction of cost of FWT support structures, through the development of an efficient and robust reliability-based design and optimisation framework that is capable of efficiently and robustly achieving optimal design to meet target reliability.

The PhD position is available from 1st October 2022. This studentship will include the payment of tuition fees for Home Students, as well as a stipend equivalent to RCUK rates (currently at £15,609 p.a. tax free for 2021/22) awarded to the suitable candidate. 

We are seeking talented candidates with:

•First or upper second class degree in mechanical/aerospace/structural/renewable energy or related scientific discipline. 

•First rate analytical and numerical skills, with a well-rounded academic background.

•Ability to use finite element modelling and to simulate structural dynamics 

•Background with relevant packages (CATIA/SOLIDWORKS, ANSYS/ABAQUS, MATLAB)

•A driven, professional and self-dependent work attitude is essential

•The ability to produce high quality presentations and written reports

Please apply here-

https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/pgstudy/how-to-apply/apply-online.aspx  

When applying for this studentship, please include the reference number within the personal statement section of the application. This will help in ensuring your application is sent directly to the academic advertising the studentship.

Contact details for further information:   Dr Lin Wang, [email protected]