DU
Modelling of subsea cable flow induced vibration effects in offshore wind farms
Self-funded
🎓 Applied Mathematics
🎓 Engineering Mathematics
🎓 Fluid Mechanics
🎓 Hydrology
🎓 Marine Engineering
🎓 Mechanical Engineering
🎓 Mechanics
🎓 Offshore Engineering
🎓 Solid Mechanics
🎓 Structural Engineering
CFD
fatigue analysis
fluid-structure interaction
offshore wind
numerical modelling
OpenFOAM
OrcaFlex
flow-induced vibration
offshore power transmission
subsea cables
time-domain strip theory
This fully-funded PhD investigates flow-induced vibrations (FIV) in subsea cables for offshore wind farms, developing robust numerical models to predict structural response under complex environmental loading and improve reliability of offshore power transmission.
Project Description
Subsea cables in offshore wind farms face dynamic loading from waves, currents, and wakes, causing flow-induced vibrations (FIV) that can lead to fatigue and costly failures. Current industry tools struggle to capture localized effects accurately.
This PhD will:
Develop a time-domain strip-theory model using sectional forces from CFD to simulate cable FIV
Extend models to account for spatially and temporally varying flow conditions, such as wake effects or seabed shear
Implement numerical simulations and validate against published benchmark data and experimental results
Collaborate with industrial partners including PDL Group, ORE Catapult, and Orcina (OrcaFlex) to ensure industrial relevance
Candidates will gain expertise in fluid–structure interaction, numerical methods, and offshore renewable energy system reliability, combining academic research with industrial application.
Entry Requirements
First-class Honours degree, 2:1 plus Masters, or Masters with Distinction in engineering, computer science, or physics
Coding experience required
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
Coding experience required
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
DL
Dr Lian Gan, Prof James Gilbert, Prof William Coombs
Durham University, Offshore Wind CDT
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