DU
Numerical Modelling of Floating Offshore Wind Moorings in Variable Seabed Conditions
✓ 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
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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