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Numerical Modelling of Floating Offshore Wind Moorings in Variable Seabed Conditions

Durham University Offshore Wind CDT
✓ Fully Funded 🎓 Civil Engineering 🎓 Energy Technologies 🎓 Geotechnical Engineering 🎓 Marine Engineering 🎓 Mechanical Engineering 🎓 Mechanics 🎓 Offshore Engineering 🎓 Solid Mechanics 🎓 Structural Engineering 🎓 Structural Mechanics HPC computational mechanics floating wind material point method mooring systems numerical modelling offshore foundations seabed interaction soil-structure interaction structural analysis

This fully-funded PhD focuses on numerical modelling of floating offshore wind moorings, exploring soil-structure interaction in variable seabed conditions. The research uses advanced computational techniques, including the Material Point Method, to optimise floating wind foundations and improve design, safety, and long-term performance.

Project Description

Floating offshore wind turbines are an emerging solution for deep-water installations where standard monopiles and jackets are uneconomical. This project investigates the performance of floating turbine moorings, specifically suction caissons and bucket foundations, across a range of seabed soils and installation conditions. The research will: Develop computational models to simulate soil-structure interaction of floating moorings Investigate installation, short-term, and long-term behaviour of suction caissons Optimise foundation design for stability, material efficiency, and lifecycle performance Validate models against experimental and field data where available Employ the Material Point Method (MPM), with potential HPC implementations in Matlab or Julia The project will provide insights into design improvements for floating offshore wind farms, enhancing their feasibility, safety, and resilience.

Entry Requirements

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

How to Apply

Applications are submitted to Durham University via the Offshore Wind CDT website. Applications are considered on a rolling basis for September 2026 entry, with early submission strongly recommended.

Eligibility

UK/Home
EU
International

Supervisor Profile

PC
Prof Charles Augarde, Dr Alexandros Petalas, Prof William Coombs, Prof Colin Smith
Durham University, Offshore Wind CDT

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