Digital Twin for fitness for service assessment of offshore wind turbines

A typical wind turbine is made up from a variety of materials, such as welded steel tower structure is either fixed or floating type. There are challenges associated with floating and fixed wind turbines due to various wind, waves and tidal loads. On the other side (top) of the steel tower, metallic nacelle and rotor structure are mounted. Passing wind causes the fibre reinforced composite rotor blades to rotate which then rotate the main rotor shaft and thus the generator coils that generate electric current.

The aim of this research is to develop a fully automated comprehensive computational framework that can be employed to establish the soundness of the structural integrity of the wind turbine and establish the fatigue life.

The main objectives are to:

·        Establish an integrated multibody and finite element model of wind turbine structures including rotor, nacelle, tubular tower, and foundation

·        Develop a wind-induced response model of wind turbine structures with different speeds and directions

·        Establish verification methodology to determine the accuracy of the proposed wind-induced response model by comparison with the existing field test data

·        Assess the impact of low stress range, wind direction and the blade rotating effect on the fatigue damage

·        Establish the best in class method to conduct the fatigue analysis

Selection will be made on the basis of academic merit. The successful candidate should have, or expect to obtain, a UK Honours degree at 2.1 or above (or equivalent) in Mechanical , or Civil Engineering. An Engineering or Applied Physics background with knowledge of CAD and finite element based modelling would be an advantage.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

Formal applications can be completed online: https://www.abdn.ac.uk/pgap/login.php

• Apply for Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering

• State name of the lead supervisor as the Name of Proposed Supervisor

• State ‘Self-funded’ as Intended Source of Funding

• State the exact project title on the application form

When applying please ensure all required documents are attached:

• All degree certificates and transcripts (Undergraduate AND Postgraduate MSc-officially translated into English where necessary)

• Detailed CV, Personal Statement/Motivation Letter and Intended source of funding

Informal inquiries can be made to Dr A Siddiq ([Email Address Removed]) with a copy of your curriculum vitae and cover letter. All general enquiries should be directed to the Postgraduate Research School ([Email Address Removed])