Parameterising wakes for oceanographic models

Loughborough University Offshore Wind CDT

✓ 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)

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

International

Supervisor Profile

Dr Charlie Lloyd, Prof Robert Dorrell, Dr Majid Bastankhah, Dr Michela De Dominicis

Loughborough University, Offshore Wind CDT

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