Stochastic response characterisation of offshore wind turbine support structures

The remarkable rise in the size and power output of wind turbines in the last few years has necessitated designers to use larger diameter turbine blades. These large diameters collaborate with other wind turbine components ensuing in complex extreme load combinations on the support structures, leading to severe performance limitations. In order to address these aspects, an efficient reliability approach that considers fully coupled simulations in formulating the response models is highly beneficial. This project aims to develop such stochastic models, with a view to developing optimised design considerations for offshore wind turbine support structures. The models will initially focus on existing reliability levels and extend to consider varying target performance requirements.

The successful applicant will have an opportunity to work closely with colleagues from the Lloyd’s Register Foundation Centre for Safety and Reliability Engineering at the University of Aberdeen.

The successful candidate should have, or expect to have, an Honours Degree at 2.1 or above (or equivalent) in Mechanical / Civil / Aerospace engineering.

Knowledge of: Structural mechanics, numerical analysis, computer programming, structural reliability.