PhD Scholarship in Coastal Engineering (Wave-Vegetation Interaction)

Applications are invited for a 3-year PhD fellowship within the general field of coastal engineering at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU), Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, section for Fluid Mechanics, Coastal and Maritime Engineering.

The PhD project will play an integral part of the project “Marine advection and dissipation in the vegetated coastal environment”, financed by the Independent Research Fund Denmark. 

The project will involve active research collaboration between national Danish partners DTU and DHI, as well as with international partners University College Dublin, Ireland and Northeastern University, USA.

Responsibilities

The PhD project involves developing a flexible vegetation model within the OpenFOAM platform, where vegetation stems are represented as nonlinear flexible beams. Key stages and tasks will include: 

• Developing and validating a one-way coupling model (prescribed wave-induced flow causing stem deflection) using existing measurements with regular waves.
• Extending the model to full two-way coupling, allowing feedback from flexible vegetation on wave-induced flow.
• Applying the fully-coupled model to simulate interactions under both regular and irregular wave conditions at realistic, field-relevant scales.
• Developing a practical correction model to account for energy dissipation by flexible (vs. rigid) vegetation
• Original research on wave-induced forces and potential failure modes of vegetation, supporting restoration feasibility studies (e.g. seagrass survival under seasonal/site-specific conditions). 

Qualifications

Ideal candidates will have: 

• MSc degree (or equivalent (120 ECTS points)) in civil or mechanical engineering.
• Background or strong interest in one or more of the following:
  • Hydrodynamics (wave or coastal)
  • Structural mechanics (nonlinear beam theory, fluid-structure interaction)
• Desire to develop interdisciplinary expertise across hydrodynamics and structural mechanics.
• Experience with or willingness to learn:
  • Programming (e.g. C++, Python, Matlab)
  • OpenFOAM (beneficial, not required)
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. 

Further information 

Further information may be obtained from Professor David R. Fuhrman (drfu@dtu.dk). 

Application procedure 

To apply, please read the full job advertisement 

DTU Civil and Mechanical Engineering develops and utilizes science and technical knowledge for the benefit of society and sustainable development. We undertake research, education, innovation, and scientific advice of the highest quality within building design and processes, building construction and safety, building energy and installation, solid mechanics, fluid mechanics, materials technology, manufacturing engineering, engineering design and thermal energy systems. 

Technology for people

DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.

Advert information