PhD Studentship: Wave Devouring Propulsion for Marine Decarbonisation

Start date: 30/09/2024 

Sponsored by EPSRC and Cranfield University, this DTP studentship will provide a bursary of up to £20,000 (tax free) plus fees* for three years. 

Fee status of eligible applicants: UK

Duration *:  3 years 

1^st Supervisor: Dr Liang Yang   

2^nd Supervisor: Dr Liyun Lao

This exciting fully funded PhD is sponsored by EPSRC, with an enhanced stipend of £20,000 per annum (with fees covered). This project will develop the new technology for wave-based thrust harvesting for various floating platforms for marine decarbonisation. 

Main text

Ocean waves possess a vast amount of energy ripe for utilisation. The UK urgently needs renewable energy solutions to achieve its Net Zero goals. The push to reduce CO2 emissions from shipping is supported by global agreements, national security concerns, economic benefits, public health, and ethical obligations. A notable innovation aimed at decarbonising shipping is the flapping foil, a wave-powered propulsion device that enables self-propulsion without fuel. This eco-friendly propulsion method transforms wave energy into thrust through submerged flapping foils, creating what is known as Wave Devouring Propulsion (WDP). This technology has the potential to reduce fuel consumption in the shipping industry by 15%. 

This PhD project aims to refine and expand the theory of wave-based thrust harvesting across diverse floating platforms such as floating wind turbines, floating solar panels, cargo ships, and Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs), employing both computational and experimental methodologies.

Cranfield's expertise in energy and sustainability encompasses a broad spectrum of potential energy solutions, from our evolving focus on hydrogen to our increasing reliance on renewable energy sources. The transforming energy landscape offers exciting opportunities and the potential for the UK to lead in new technologies and services related to low-carbon energy and power generation.

This project will collaborate with the marine industry by participating in the Partnership for Research in Marine Renewable Energy (PRIMaRE) and the newly established UK National Clean Maritime Research Hub.

In this project, you will be supervised by a multidisciplinary team of academics in the fields of energy engineering, computational fluid dynamics, and multiphase fluid mechanics. You will join an enthusiastic, friendly, and supportive group of PhD students and postdocs who are all working on various experimental and numerical fluid projects within the Fluids and Structures Group.

Entry requirements

You should have a first-class or 2.1 honours undergraduate degree, or Masters degree (with Merit or Distinction), in a related field such as (but not limited to) Engineering, Physical Sciences, and Mathematics. Experimental experience would be an advantage but not required as full training will be given.

Funding

To be eligible for this funding, applicants must be classified as a home student. We require that applicants are under no restrictions regarding how long they can stay in the UK.

How to apply

For further information please contact: Dr Liang Yang
Name: Liang Yang
Email: liang.yang@cranfield.ac.uk
Phone: +44 (0) 1234 758032

If you are eligible to apply for this studentship, please complete the online application form.

Keywords: Wave Devouring Propulsion, Decorbornisation, Fluid-Structure Interaction, Numerical simulation

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