The Dragforce project is a joint initiative between the University of Dundee, Bruce Anchors Ltd. and the University of Aberdeen, and is funded by the partners and the Energy Technology Partnership scholarship scheme. Drag embedment anchors (DEA) have been used as a cost-effective solution for mooring floating oil and gas activity for many years. Floating renewable infrastructure requires more devices, at closer spacing, such that anchor points must be closer together. This means that anchors must be shown to be capable of holding the resulting inclined tensile loads, including the possibility of out-of-plane loading, which is a current and pressing uncertainty. Further, for continued use, a more custom designed anchor could be developed in order to best exploit the most advantageous features identified in the existing designs, and this would also require testing prior to deployment. This project therefore aims to level-up current DEA technology into specialised, calibrated solutions capable of reliably anchoring floating offshore energy generators.
The PhD will start as soon as possible and last 3.5 years. Funding covers a tax free stipend and fees to UK levels. The work will involve carrying out small scale physical modelling in the laboratories at the University of Dundee, which will include training and experience in centrifuge modelling techniques. It is also expected that the successful applicant spend some time on secondment at the offices of Bruce Anchors in Aberdeen (https://acteon.com/moorings-anchors/bruce-anchor ). This therefore represents a valuable opportunity for a young engineer to gain both model testing and research training and experience at the University as well as gaining the practical engineering development working on live projects, with a PhD at the end to make the successful candidate really stand out for their future career.
We are looking to recruit someone with a good first degree in civil, mechanical or general engineering (or related subject) and a passion for progressing a career in the offshore renewables sector. Knowledge of soil mechanics would be an advantage. You should ideally be a good problem-solver, and able to develop your own ideas within the context of the project team.
To apply, please contact the principal supervisor Dr Andrew Brennan ([Email Address Removed]) directly in the first instance to discuss.
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