Integrated model of wave-temperature diffusion in the ocean environment

Applications are invited for a 3.5-year MPhil/PhD studentship. The studentship will start on 1^st October 2021.

Project Description 

This multidisciplinary research project aims to investigate the effect of water waves on temperature diffusion in the ocean, with application to biofouling of Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) devices. Biofouling is the accumulation of organisms on structures in contact with water, and has the potential to impact both efficiency and normal functioning of ORE devices. Given that the growth of organisms depends strongly on water temperature, an understanding of this topic at scales relevant to ORE devices is critical.

The project involves development of innovative mathematical models to describe the diffusion of temperature in marine environments under the action of waves. The resulting models will be used to investigate how bulk temperature propagates under realistic ocean conditions. This will lead to an integrated view of the heat/wave dynamics related to complex marine environments, with and without ORE devices present.

While biofouling analysis of ORE devices lies at the heart of this project, an improved understanding of temperature diffusion by water waves has a wide range of applications to the ecology of coral reefs, cooling of underwater datacentres, and calibration of satellite data for underwater measurements, all of which present serious global challenges. 

This project is an interdisciplinary collaboration between the Universities of Plymouth and Edinburgh, as well as partners at the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 

The University of Plymouth was ranked 11^th globally in Marine/Ocean Engineering in 2020 by ARWU. The successful applicant will join a vibrant community of researchers centred around the marine environment.

Eligibility

Applicants should have (at least) a first or upper-second class honours degree in an appropriate subject and preferably a relevant MSc or MRes qualification.

If you wish to discuss this project further informally, please contact Dr Simone Michele ([Email Address Removed]). However, applications must be made in accordance with the details shown below.

General information about applying for a research degree at the University of Plymouth and to apply for this position please visit: https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/student-life/your-studies/research-degrees

Please mark it FAO Doctoral College and clearly state that you are applying for a PhD studentship within the School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics.

For more information on the admissions process email the Doctoral College, [Email Address Removed]

The closing date for applications is 19^th April 2021. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview the week beginning 3^rd May 2021. We regret that we may not be able to respond to all applications. Applicants who have not received an offer of a place by 31^st May should consider their application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.