Research Studentship in Geotechnical Analysis and Design

Research Studentship in Geotechnical Analysis and Design

4-year DPhil (PhD) studentship starting October 2023

Project: ULS design of offshore wind turbine foundations in sand

Supervisor: Professor Chris Martin

When designing monopile foundations for offshore wind turbines in sandy soils, 3D finite element analysis (FEA) can be used to check both the serviceability limit state (SLS) and the ultimate limit state (ULS). In practice it is not possible to perform such analyses across a full windfarm due to numerical difficulties and lengthy run times at the large displacements required. This project will explore the potential for achieving more efficient ULS design of offshore wind turbine foundations in dense sands by using finite element limit analysis (FELA) to supplement conventional FEA-based design methods. FELA is a modelling technique that permits rapid optimization-based analysis of plastic collapse mechanisms for boundary value problems with complex loading, structural geometry and soil profiles.

The project will involve extensive coding and computationally intensive analyses. Suitable applicants could come from a range of backgrounds (engineering, physics, applied mathematics) provided they have interests in numerical methods and computational mechanics.

The successful applicant will be a member of the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Wind and Marine Energy Systems and Structures (WAMESS CDT), which is a collaboration between the Universities of Strathclyde, Oxford and Edinburgh. Further details of the WAMESS CDT programme can be found on the course page on the University’s graduate admissions website. The CDT is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, and is keen to attract applicants from a wide variety of backgrounds.

Eligibility

This studentship is funded by the WAMESS CDT and is open to both UK and International applicants, although fees will only be covered at the Home rate. For an outstanding applicant it may be possible to have International fees discounted to Home level, but there is extremely limited flexibility for this. Further details about fee status can be found here under the “Fee Status” tab.

Award Value

Course fees will be covered at the level set for Home students (£8960 p.a. for 2023/24), and a stipend (tax-free maintenance grant) will be paid at the enhanced rate applicable to WAMESS CDT students (£21845 p.a. for 2023/24).

Candidate Requirements

Candidates will be judged according to the following criteria:

·        A first class, or strong upper second class, honours degree in general engineering, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, or other relevant discipline such as physics or applied mathematics

·        Excellent mathematical and programming skills

·        Background in one or more relevant areas (geotechnical engineering, finite element analysis, software development)

·        Excellent written and spoken English communication skills

·        Excellent record of academic and/or professional achievement

Application Procedure

Informal enquiries are encouraged and should be addressed to Professor Chris Martin ([Email Address Removed]).

Formal applications are to be made using the online Graduate Application Form that is accessible through the WAMESS CDT course page (click the “Apply” button on the “How to Apply” tab).

When filling out the fields of the Graduate Application Form, please observe the following guidance.

On the “Course” tab:

·        Proposed field and title of research project: ULS design of offshore wind turbine foundations in sand

On the “Funding” tab:

·        Are you applying for an advertised studentship competition(s): Yes

·        Advertised reference code: 23ENGCI_CM

Application deadline: 14 July 2023

Start date: 25 September 2023