PhD in CFD, Dynamic Modeling, and Wind-Assisted Maritime Propulsion Dalhousie University in Canada

Dalhousie University, in collaboration with Université Grenoble Alpes, is offering a fully funded PhD position in the interdisciplinary field of Wind-Assisted Maritime Propulsion. The research focuses on high-fidelity computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and the development of dynamic modeling for autonomous sailing and navigation. The project aims to develop accurate aerodynamic models to support automatic sail decision-making under variable wind and sea conditions, contributing to the decarbonization of maritime transport by harnessing wind energy.

The successful candidate will work on CFD simulation of flow around sails, integrating physics-based dynamic modeling for real-time sail control. The research will involve experimental validation using wind-tunnel tests and small-scale autonomous sailboats, with opportunities to collaborate with the Advanced Control and Mechatronics Laboratory (ACM Lab) at Dalhousie and the Infinity team at Université Grenoble Alpes. The project will also include the development of physics-informed performance maps, reduced-order models, and data-driven learning methods tailored to real-time measurements.

The PhD is fully funded for up to 4 years through NSERC and the French National Research Agency, with additional support for conference travel. Applicants must have a Master's degree and a strong background in CFD, dynamic modeling, simulation, and implementation. Experience with RANS, LES, and DES CFD techniques is highly desirable. The candidate may also have the opportunity to spend time as a visiting research graduate student in France.

To apply, send your CV to Dr. Mohammad Saeedi or Dr. Emmanuel Witrant. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. For more information, visit the ACM Lab and Infinity team web pages.