LU
Parameterising wakes for oceanographic models
✓ Fully Funded
⏰ Closing Soon
🎓 Applied Mathematics
🎓 Energy Technologies
🎓 Environmental Engineering
🎓 Fluid Mechanics
🎓 Hydrology
🎓 Marine Engineering
🎓 Marine Sciences
🎓 Mathematical Modelling
🎓 Offshore Engineering
🎓 Statistics
UK
CDT
CFD
EPSRC
Environmental Modelling
FVCOM
Oceanography
Offshore Wind
Renewable Energy
PhD project focused on developing advanced parameterisations of offshore wind turbine wakes for oceanographic models, combining CFD simulations and marine modelling to understand environmental impacts of large-scale wind farm expansion.
Project Description
This PhD is part of the EPSRC-funded Offshore Wind CDT, a collaboration between multiple UK universities including Loughborough University, Durham University, University of Hull, and University of Sheffield. The project is supported by Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS) and the National Oceanography Centre (NOC).
The research addresses the growing need to understand how offshore wind farms influence oceanographic processes. Wind turbine wakes alter atmospheric flow, which affects sea-surface conditions and ocean circulation. Current oceanographic models do not adequately capture these effects.
The project aims to improve sea-surface wake parameterisations for use in ocean models such as FVCOM. Key tasks include:
Literature review and dataset collection
CFD simulations of atmospheric wakes
Development and validation of wake parameterisations
Application to North Sea oceanographic modelling
Students will complete a 6-month training programme at the University of Hull before continuing research at Loughborough University, with placements at the National Oceanography Centre.
Entry Requirements
First-class degree OR 2:1 with Master’s OR Master’s with distinction
Background in engineering, physics, mathematics, or environmental science
Strong knowledge of fluid mechanics or physical oceanography
IELTS 7.0 (if applicable)
Background in engineering, physics, mathematics, or environmental science
Strong knowledge of fluid mechanics or physical oceanography
IELTS 7.0 (if applicable)
How to Apply
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis for September 2026 entry. Candidates are encouraged to apply early as interviews and offers may be made before the deadline.
Eligibility
UK/Home
EU
International
Supervisor Profile
DC
Dr Charlie Lloyd, Prof Robert Dorrell, Dr Majid Bastankhah, Dr Michela De Dominicis
Loughborough University, Offshore Wind CDT
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