Research Associate in Computational Structural Engineering for Offshore Wind Engineering

Location: South Kensington campus

About the role:

We are seeking a highly motivated researcher with a background in computational structural or mechanical engineering and finite element modelling to join our team developing geometric digital twins for offshore wind turbine support structures, funded by a major EPSRC Open Plus Fellowship project led by Dr Adam Jan Sadowski. You will be primarily working on interpreting the predicted structural behaviour of high-fidelity models obtained from high resolution 3D point clouds of real tower structures, on which you will undertake parametric studies, Eurocode 3 tolerance assessments and perform detailed computational shell buckling analyses. Ultimately, your research will contribute to improved design approaches and fabrication tolerance control specifically for wind turbine towers.

What you would be doing:

You will join a team of primarily structural engineers working at Imperial’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering collaborating with Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy. Your work would combine advanced computational structural engineering, point cloud processing and tolerance assessments. Specifically, you will:

• Undertake advanced finite element analyses of ‘real’ structural geometries under multiple realistic load conditions
• Assess surface imperfection data within the context of buckling-relevant tolerances of EN 1993-1-6 and incorporate it into models
• Investigate parametric dependencies including effects of material, length and boundary imperfections, including through Monte Carlo modelling
• Develop idealised but realistic models of imperfections governing real tower construction details and assess their influence on the structural buckling capacity and on practical assessment of tolerances during the fabrication phase
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of structural engineers, mechanical engineers and HPC specialists to ensure maximum impact including through dissemination in high impact journals.

What we are looking for:

• A PhD (or be near its completion) in Structural or Mechanical Engineering
• Knowledge of ABAQUS (preferably) or ANSYS, including Eurocode 3 design principles
• Knowledge of Matlab or Python and some HPC principles
• Excellent verbal communication skills and the ability to deal with a wide range of people
• Excellent written communication skills and the ability to write clearly and succinctly for publication

What we can offer you:

• Participation in a high-impact UK-led project with international collaborators that aims to develop the next generation of computational analysis tools for the study of massive-scale offshore metal wind support structures.
• The opportunity to apply your knowledge to further the state-of-the-art in offshore structural engineering and give your CV a unique multidisciplinary dimension.
• The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to continue science for humanity.
• Grow your career: gain access to Imperial’s sector-leading dedicated career support for researchers as well as opportunities for promotion and progression.
• Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 39 days off a year and generous pension schemes).
• Be part of a diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources to support your personal and professional wellbeing.

Further Information

This is a fixed-term full-time post for 24 months.

If you require any further details about the role, please contact Dr Adam Jan Sadowski  a.sadowski@imperial.ac.uk.

Any queries regarding the application process should be directed to Briony Webb at b.webb@imperial.ac.uk.   

Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as Research Assistant.

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