Mathematical and numerical modelling of flexible piezoeletric membranes for ocean energy

Loughborough University is a top-ten rated university in England for research intensity (REF2014) and an outstanding 66% of the work of Loughborough’s academic staff who were eligible to be submitted to the REF was judged as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’, compared to a national average figure of 43%.

In choosing Loughborough for your research, you’ll work alongside academics who are leaders in their field. You will benefit from comprehensive support and guidance from our Graduate School, including tailored careers advice, to help you succeed in your research and future career.

Find out more: http://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/supporting-you/research/

Project Detail:
This project is to develop a numerical simulator of an electromechanical wave energy converter.

The UK Department of Energy and Climate Change estimate that wave and tidal stream energy has the potential to meet up to 20% of the UK’s current electricity demand. Piezoelectric converters able to extract energy from the motion of the ocean have been proposed by our research group as an ingenious solution to harness such potential.

The Department of Mathematical Sciences at Loughborough University have recently developed the first coupled mathematical model available in the literature to reproduce the behaviour of the converter and predict its power output. Now, the model results need to be validated with experimental and numerical methods.

The successful applicant will develop novel computational fluid dynamics models to solve the system of coupled partial differential equations that describe the motion of an incompressible fluid (water) and the displacement and electric charge of the piezoelectric structure. The successful applicant will work closely with an existing PhD student, who is currently optimising the mathematical model.

The project is in collaboration with the world leading Science and Enterprise park at Loughborough University. As such, this project offers an excellent opportunity to develop computational models with a strong impact on the world outside academia.

Links to find out more www.renzilab.com

This is an open call for candidates who are sponsored or who have their own funding. If you do not have funding, you may still apply, however Institutional funding is not guaranteed. Outstanding candidates (UK/EU/International) without funding will be considered for funding opportunities which may become available in the School.

Entry requirements:
Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2:1 Honours degree (or equivalent) in Mathematics or Engineering (Electrical/Civil/Mechanical).

A relevant Master’s degree and / or experience in one or more of the following will be an advantage:
- Fluid mechanics
- Computational Fluid Dynamics
- Optimisation

All students must also meet the minimum English Language requirements - http://www.lboro.ac.uk/international/applicants/english/

Contact details:
Name: Dr Emiliano Renzi
Email address: [Email Address Removed]
Telephone number: +44(0)1509 223186

How to apply:
All applications should be made online at http://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/apply/research/. Under programme name please select Mathematical Sciences and quote reference number: MA/ER-1/2017.

Application details:
Reference number: MA/ER-1/2017
Preferred Start date (if any): 1st January 2018

Supervisors:
Primary supervisor: Dr Emiliano Renzi
Secondary supervisor: Dr Marco Discacciati