Stochastic response characterisation and reliability driven optimisation of floating wind turbines

These projects are open to students worldwide, but have no funding attached. Therefore, the successful applicant will be expected to fund tuition fees at the relevant level (home or international) and any applicable additional research costs. Please consider this before applying. 

As the wind turbine installations move to deep-water environments, there is an increasing focus on the design considerations for floating wind turbines (FWTs). The uncertainties existing at various levels in the geometric and material variables, combined with complex probabilistic aerodynamic and hydrodynamic loads lead to many research challenges in studying the stochastic response of FWTs [1-2]. There is a need to develop computationally efficient performance evaluation approaches considering the nonlinear dependencies between the stochastic variables accurately. This, when combined with cost-based considerations, can lead towards optimal design basis.

This PhD research will aim to develop innovative reliability- based optimisation schemes for efficient design of FWT systems. The project will rationally combine outputs from fully coupled simulations with stochastic models, leading to target reliability basis for component optimisation. The performance computations will consider a wide range of failure conditions through suitable surrogate (machine learning) models for efficient system representation. The models will initially focus on existing reliability levels and later extend to consider varying target performance requirements. An understanding of the underlying reliability of these structures is essential for developing rational safety factors and this research will also contribute in this direction. 

Essential Background:

Decisions will be based on academic merit. The successful applicant should have, or expect to obtain, a UK Honours Degree at 2.1 (or equivalent) in Aerospace/ Civil / Marine/ Mechanical engineering and knowledge of Structural mechanics, numerical analysis, computer programming, optimisation, structural reliability

Application Procedure:

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

You should apply for Engineering (PhD) to ensure your application is passed to the correct team for processing.

Please clearly note the name of the lead supervisor and project title on the application form. If you do not include these details, it may not be considered for the studentship.

Your application must include: A personal statement, an up-to-date copy of your academic CV, and clear copies of your educational certificates and transcripts.

Please note: you DO NOT need to provide a research proposal with this application.

If you require any additional assistance in submitting your application or have any queries about the application process, please don't hesitate to contact us at pgrs-admissions@abdn.ac.uk