This exciting fully funded PhD is sponsored by EPSRC, with an enhanced stipend of £20,000 per annum (with fees covered). This project will develop the new technology for wave-based thrust harvesting for various floating platforms for marine decarbonisation. 

Ocean waves possess a vast amount of energy ripe for utilisation. The UK urgently needs renewable energy solutions to achieve its Net Zero goals. The push to reduce CO2 emissions from shipping is supported by global agreements, national security concerns, economic benefits, public health, and ethical obligations. A notable innovation aimed at decarbonising shipping is the flapping foil, a wave-powered propulsion device that enables self-propulsion without fuel. This eco-friendly propulsion method transforms wave energy into thrust through submerged flapping foils, creating what is known as Wave Devouring Propulsion (WDP). This technology has the potential to reduce fuel consumption in the shipping industry by 15%.
 
This PhD project aims to refine and expand the theory of wave-based thrust harvesting across diverse floating platforms such as floating wind turbines, floating solar panels, cargo ships, and Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs), employing both computational and experimental methodologies.
 
Cranfield's expertise in energy and sustainability encompasses a broad spectrum of potential energy solutions, from our evolving focus on hydrogen to our increasing reliance on renewable energy sources. The transforming energy landscape offers exciting opportunities and the potential for the UK to lead in new technologies and services related to low-carbon energy and power generation.
 
A deep understanding of wave-devouring propulsion offers significant advantages to academics, scientists, and engineers within the offshore renewable energy sector and its applications. This knowledge enables precise modelling of wave-devouring propulsion, facilitating optimal design and ultimately contributing to the decarbonization of the offshore and marine industries.
 
This project will collaborate with the marine industry by participating in the Partnership for Research in Marine Renewable Energy (PRIMaRE) and the newly established UK National Clean Maritime Research Hub.
 
In this project, you will be supervised by a multidisciplinary team of academics in the fields of energy engineering, computational fluid dynamics, and multiphase fluid mechanics. You will join an enthusiastic, friendly, and supportive group of PhD students and postdocs who are all working on various experimental and numerical fluid projects within the Fluids and Structures Group.

At a glance

  • Application deadline28 Aug 2024
  • Award type(s)PhD
  • Start date29 Sep 2024
  • Duration of award3 years
  • EligibilityUK
  • Reference numberSWEE0254

Supervisor

1st Supervisor: Dr Liang Yang    
2nd Supervisor: Dr Liyun Lao

Entry requirements

You should have a first-class or 2.1 honours undergraduate degree, or Masters degree (with Merit or Distinction), in a related field such as (but not limited to) Engineering, Physical Sciences, and Mathematics. Experimental experience would be an advantage but not required as full training will be given.

Funding

Sponsored by EPSRC, with an enhanced stipend of £20,000 per annum (with fees covered). 

To be eligible for this funding, applicants must be classified as a home student. We require that applicants are under no restrictions regarding how long they can stay in the UK.

Our Values

Our shared, stated values help to define who we are and underpin everything we do: Ambition; Impact; Respect; and Community. Find out more here. We aim to create and maintain a culture in which everyone can work and study together and realise their full potential.

Diversity and Inclusion

Our equal opportunities and diversity monitoring has shown that women and minority ethnic groups are currently underrepresented within the university and so we actively encourage applications from eligible candidates from these groups.

Cranfield Doctoral Network

Research students at Cranfield benefit from being part of a dynamic, focused and professional study environment and all become valued members of the Cranfield Doctoral Network. This network brings together both research students and staff, providing a platform for our researchers to share ideas and collaborate in a multi-disciplinary environment. It aims to encourage an effective and vibrant research culture, founded upon the diversity of activities and knowledge. A tailored programme of seminars and events, alongside our Doctoral Researchers Core Development programme (transferable skills training), provide those studying a research degree with a wealth of social and networking opportunities.

How to apply

For further information please contact: 
Dr Liang Yang
E: liangyang@cranfield.ac.uk
T: (0) 1234 758032

If you are eligible to apply for this studentship, please complete the online application form stating reference number: SWEE0254
For further information contact us today:
Admissions
T: +44 (0)1234 758082
E: studyenergy@cranfield.ac.uk