Aerodynamically Alleviated Marine Vehicles (AAMV): Development and Experimental Validation of a Mathematical Model of the Dynamics of high speed marine vehicles with aerodynamic surfaces

We are looking to recruit a postgraduate student to undertake a PhD project that aims to further develop the research on AAMV (aerodynamically alleviated marine vehicles) started within the department in 2004, with an output of 2 PhD theses, prestigious journal papers (Proceedings of Royal Society, Intl J Maritime Eng), conference papers and MSc theses.
The AAMV system of equations of equilibrium developed in Colluis a modified version of the long-form Savitsky model to estimate the hydrostatic and hydrodynamic forces acting on the hull, in order to take into account the aerodynamic forces generated by the aerodynamic surface of the AAMV. The model is capable to estimate the equilibrium attitude, given the geometrical and inertial characteristics of the AAMV. It has been numerically implemented in MATLAB.

The main aims of the projects are:
1. Validation of the Cranfield AAMV model through scaled model experiments in the recently commissioned Cranfield wave tank lab,
2. User-friendly MATALB GUI to use and improve the AAMV EoE model,
3. Journal and conference papers in collaboration with the supervisor

The suggested tasks are:
4. Study of the AAMV system of Equation of Equilibrium in Collu:
a. Further development and refinement
b. Numerical implementation of the mathematical model developed, eventually producing a Matlab GUI
5. Literature review on towing tank tests techniques
6. Planning of experimental tests in order to check the Equation of Equilibrium model developed
7. Scale model and towing tank test set up + experiments and data collection
8. Data analysis, comparing the math model with experimental results
9. Comparison of the AAMV EoE model numerical results and the experimental results: further improvement of the AAMV EoE

Desirable attributes:
1. Demonstrated ability to conduct independent, critical and systematic research into literature and other sources of information, possibly on wing in ground effect vehicles and/or high speed marine vehicles;
2. Demonstrated ability to numerically implement mathematical models in MATLAB, eventually developing a graphical user interface;
3. Previous experience of wave tank experiments;
4. A commitment to applied research and an interest in supporting the development of this new field of research, hybrid between high speed marine vehicles and wing in ground effect vehicles.

Entry Requirements

1. A 1st or upper 2nd class honours degree in engineering, Master's degree, or equivalent in a relevant discipline (preferably Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering, Ocean Engineering, Aeronautical/Aerospace engineering);
2. Ability and experience in working both independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team;
3. Strong written and oral communication skills, including an ability to publish and present results of scientific research and to communicate effectively in a variety of scientific and non-scientific forums.