🎓 Discover PhD and Master's programmes at leading universities worldwide — Sign up free to save searches and get email alerts
Sign In Register Free
DU

Large Deformation Numerical Modelling of Drag Embedment Anchors for Floating Offshore Wind

Durham University Offshore Wind CDT
✓ Fully Funded 🎓 Civil Engineering 🎓 Geotechnical Engineering 🎓 Mechanical Engineering 🎓 Mechanics 🎓 Offshore Engineering 🎓 Software Engineering 🎓 Solid Mechanics 🎓 Structural Engineering 🎓 Structural Mechanics numerical simulation material point method mooring systems anchor capacity drag embedment anchors floating offshore wind installation forces large deformation modelling offshore foundation design seabed mechanics

This PhD develops advanced numerical models to simulate large deformation behaviour of drag embedment anchors (DEAs) used for floating offshore wind turbines, focusing on installation, post-installation performance, and design optimisation for variable seabed conditions.

Project Description

Floating offshore wind deployment requires robust anchoring systems to secure turbines in deep waters with heterogeneous seabed conditions. High-performance DEAs are cost-effective but present uncertainties in installation forces, especially when upscaled for 15MW+ turbines. This PhD will: Use the Material Point Method (MPM) to model large deformation mechanics of DEAs during installation and under operational loading Analyse anchor capacity, stability, and performance in variable seabed soils Support design of reliable, scalable anchoring solutions for floating wind farms Provide insights for vessel specification, installation planning, and cost reduction Training combines advanced numerical modelling, computational mechanics, plasticity, and offshore engineering principles. The project addresses a critical challenge in floating wind deployment and contributes directly to the UK’s net-zero offshore wind targets.

Entry Requirements

First-class Honours degree, 2:1 plus Masters, or Masters with Distinction in Computer Science, Engineering, or Physics
English proficiency: IELTS 7.0 overall (min 6.0 in each skill)
Open to international applicants
Guaranteed interview scheme for eligible home students from underrepresented ethnic backgrounds

How to Apply

Applications submitted to Durham University via the Offshore Wind CDT website. Rolling application for September 2026 entry; early submission encouraged

Eligibility

UK/Home
EU
International

Supervisor Profile

PW
Prof William Coombs, Prof Charles Augarde, Dr Alessandro Leonardi, Dr Robert Bird
Durham University, Offshore Wind CDT

Related Opportunities

PhD Research on Advanced Infrastructure Materials and Cementitious Mixtures
University of Miami Ali Ghahremaninezhad 🎓 Civil Engineering 🎓 Materials Science

Explore the advanced mechanical and durability properties of cementitious materials modified with innovative additives. Investigate failure mechanisms in metals and contribute to sustainable infrastructure material deve…

This research enhances the sustainability and performance of construction materials critical to infrastructure longevity. Innovations in ce…

Infrastructure Materials
Self-funded
Added 3 weeks, 2 days ago View & Apply
PhD on Materials, Manufacturing, and Recycling of Electrochemical Energy Storage Systems
University of Oklahoma Dr. Manoj Jangid 🎓 Chemical Engineering 🎓 Materials Science

Explore the science of next-generation batteries focusing on materials and recycling techniques. Investigate coatings and stress dynamics to boost battery durability and efficiency in real applications.

This research is critical for developing longer-lasting, safer, and more sustainable batteries essential for electric vehicles and renewabl…

1050+ citations · h20
Electrochemistry Materials Engineering Coating Interfaces Li-ion Batteries
Self-funded
Added 3 weeks, 2 days ago View & Apply
PhD Research on Advanced Materials for Energy, Aerospace, Space, and Nuclear Applications
The University of Texas at El Paso Dr. Md Ariful Ahsan 🎓 Chemistry 🎓 Materials Science

Explore AI and physics-based methods to predict and design materials for extreme environments. Conduct experimental and computational research on material failure, additive manufacturing, and electrochemical techniques …

This research addresses critical challenges in developing durable materials for extreme aerospace, space, and nuclear environments. It also…

2907+ citations · h30
Advanced Materials
Self-funded
Added 3 weeks, 2 days ago View & Apply
PhD in Structural Engineering and Fluid-Structure-Soil Interaction Modeling
University of Rhode Island Dr. Mehrshad Amini 🎓 Civil Engineering 🎓 Environmental Engineering

Explore numerical and computational methods to model fluid-structure-soil interactions in coastal environments. Develop multi-hazard risk and resilience models addressing coastal infrastructure safety. Join a leading-ed…

This research will directly improve the safety and economic resilience of coastal infrastructure facing increasing threats from natural haz…

300+ citations · h10
Structural Engineering Fluid-Structure Modeling Multi-Hazard Analysis Resilience Modeling
✓ Fully Funded
Added 3 weeks, 2 days ago View & Apply