PhD Studentship: Experimental Measurements of Flow Impacts on Offshore Wind Cables and Marine Ecosystems University of Hull in United Kingdom

[£20,780 per annum stipend.]

This PhD studentship at the University of Hull offers an exciting opportunity to investigate the experimental measurements of flow impacts on offshore wind cables and their interactions with marine ecosystems. The project is supervised by Dr Andrew Want (University of Hull), Dr Lian Gan (Durham University), and Dr Grigorios Vasilopoulos (University of Hull), with enquiries directed to [email protected].

As the UK expands its Floating Offshore Wind capacity to meet renewable energy targets, dynamic subsea power cables (dSPCs) are increasingly deployed in energetic marine environments. These cables are susceptible to fatigue failure due to oscillations and vortex-induced vibrations, posing significant challenges for long-term survivability. Additionally, biofouling—the settlement and growth of marine organisms on submerged structures—can increase drag and mass loading on dSPCs, with effects varying by location, hydrodynamic conditions, and water depth.

This research builds on previous numerical modelling studies and will employ advanced physical modelling experiments in state-of-the-art facilities. The project will utilize tomographic tracking velocimetry to study flow dynamics and in situ interactions with seaweed and epibenthic invertebrates under various wave and tidal conditions. These experiments will validate computational fluid dynamics models, helping to quantify drag and vortex-induced vibrations on dSPCs associated with biofouling. The outcomes will provide a deeper understanding of hydrodynamic consequences from key fouling taxa across diverse environmental conditions, supporting risk mitigation and improved management in the offshore wind and renewable energy sectors.

Training and development opportunities include hands-on experience with tomographic tracking equipment in experimental flumes and the use of industry-standard software such as OrcaFlex and ANSYS/UFLEX for cable behaviour modelling. The project is ideal for candidates interested in interdisciplinary research spanning engineering, environmental science, and marine biology.

Eligibility requirements specify a First-class Honours degree, or a 2:1 Honours degree and a Masters, or a Distinction at Masters level with any undergraduate degree (or international equivalents) in Biosciences, Engineering, Environmental Science, Physics, or Mathematics and Statistics. Applicants whose first language is not English, or who require a Tier 4 student visa, must provide evidence of English language proficiency meeting Aura CDT’s standards (IELTS 7.0 overall, minimum 6.0 in each skill).

The studentship provides a stipend of £20,780 per annum. Applications should be submitted via the provided link, and candidates are encouraged to contact Dr Andrew Want for further information. The deadline for applications is November 30, 2026.