About the Project
Renewable wind energy has seen increasing adoption due to technological maturity, established infrastructure and relative cost competitiveness, which positions it amongst the preferred paradigms to deal with the energy crisis and environmental issues. The global wind power capacity has surpassed 300 GW, in particular, the UK is one of the top countries to generate wind power. In 2015, approximately 17% of electricity in the UK was generated by wind turbines. It was estimated to maintain the offshore wind turbine due to failure will result in £9000 loss per day, including £4000 of energy generation by stopping wind turbine running. This research would benefit a variety of offshore renewable energy sector, to develop the monitoring strategy for fatigue induced damage of cables under the sea environment.
The composite structure has been widely used for industry such as aerospace, automotive and sustainable energy due to its characteristics of light weight, high stiffness and strength. However, the damage of structure, for instance, due to fatigue, is always a challenge to resolve, in particular at relatively harsh environment. Floating offshore wind turbine is novel concept and the cable is a main concern in this research work to be monitored for their health condition when subjected to fatigue load by sea wave.
The research focuses on such main aspects: (1) Composite design (blade and dynamic cable) and manufacturing with sensors integrated/printed (2) Structural health monitoring of cables underneath the sea and blade, (3) damage assessment sea wave fatigue load for blade and dynamic cables using both experimental tests and numerical modelling on fatigue and monitoring analysis
This research would solve a variety of structural health issues for industrial applications who need to be monitored at a relatively harsh environment for offshore renewable energy, but would potentially benefit to automotive, aerospace, civil infrastructure sectors as well. This will benefit UK government’s funding strategy on renewable energy etc. as well as EU such as H2020 funded projects.
The ideal candidate for this project will have a bachelor or master degree in Mechanical or Materials engineering, and have studied composite materials, fracture mechanics, non-destructive technology, finite element analysis, Matlab, signal processing, all of which are desirable but not essential.
Qualifications:
Degree (2.1 min) in Mechanical Engineering.
You will be a motivated and dynamic person, with a demonstrable capability to conduct independent research.
Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of proficiency to IELTS 6.5 with minimum score 5.5 in each band or equivalent.
Why apply?
By joining the Faculty of Science and Engineering based at the University of Chester’s Thornton Science Park, you will:
· Have your tuition fees bursary.
· Become part of a cohort of graduates working in a major research and innovation hub for the North West.
· Work on a 66-acre site with state-of-the-art laboratories and industrial facilities.
· Research and study in a working science park with a number of science and technology-based companies located on site.
· Gain a first-hand insight into working in a professional and career-focused environment.
· Finish in a strong position to enter a competitive job market in the UK and overseas.
Studentship
This is a PhD fees bursary towards your studies and will effect from October 2019 (preferred), or February 2020, and may be available for a period of up to 3 years. Year on year renewal of the bursary will dependent upon satisfactory progress being made as evidenced by the relevant annual progress review. The bursary covers 100% of the tuition fees.
Application process
A completed University of Chester Postgraduate Research Degree (PhD) application form including contact details of two referees (at least one must be familiar with your most recent academic work).
Candidates should apply online (the website link offered)
Further information
Prospective applicants are encouraged to initially contact Dr Yu Shi to discuss the project further. Dr Shi’s contact details are:
E: [Email Address Removed]
T: 01244 517351
For general enquiries contact Postgraduate Research Admissions, University of Chester at [Email Address Removed]
Funding Notes
Studentship
This is a PhD fees bursary towards your studies and will effect from October 2019 (preferred), or February 2020, and may be available for a period of up to 3 years. Year on year renewal of the bursary will dependent upon satisfactory progress being made as evidenced by the relevant annual progress review. The bursary covers 100% of the tuition fees.
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