Enhancing the performance, condition, safety and reliability of offshore wind energy infrastructure systems using optimal inspections and structural health monitoring

These projects are open to students worldwide, but have no funding attached. Therefore, the successful applicant will be expected to fund tuition fees at the relevant level (home or international) and any applicable additional research costs. Please consider this before applying.

Wind turbines are exposed to frequent structural damage increasing the cost of wind energy generation. To drive these costs down, this project will develop new automated methods for detection of structural damage to wind turbines by examining vibration responses measured by sensors attached to the structure. Dynamic responses will be used to detect differences between healthy and damage structural components (foundations, tower and rotor blades). Numerical structural models (‘digital twins’) will also be built to simulate the degradation across several scales (macro, meso and micro). Data for the research will come from computer simulations and experimental validation will be undertaken using laboratory physical models of wind turbine. This highly industry-relevant research will pave the way for industry uptake of the automated damage monitoring technologies.

Informal enquiries are encouraged. Please contact Dr P Omenzetter (piotr.omenzetter@abdn.ac.uk) for further information.

Essential Background:

Decisions will be made on the basis of academic merit. The successful candidate should have, or expect to obtain, a UK Honours degree at 2.1 or above (or equivalent) in in Civil (Structural), Mechanical (Structural, Materials), Aerospace, Mechatronic, Electronic, Control Engineering, Applied Physics, Mathematical Physics, Applied Mathematics or similar, is a necessary requirement with essential background as indicated below.

Candidates must have a strong academic background in engineering, applied physics or applied mathematics, with emphasis on mathematics/physics-based components of the degree. Enthusiasm, can-do attitude and exceptional skills in structural mechanics, dynamics or control and mathematical and computer modelling (or strong motivation and clear, evidence-based potential to learn these quickly, efficiently and independently), as well as willingness to engage in experimental work are all must-haves. Preference will be given to applicants who can demonstrate both a clear potential for research excellence and their suitability for the advertised research topic. 

We encourage applications from all backgrounds and communities, and are committed to having a diverse, inclusive team. 

Application Procedure:

Formal applications can be completed online: https://www.abdn.ac.uk/pgap/login.php.

You should apply for Engineering (PhD) to ensure your application is passed to the correct team for processing.

Please clearly note the name of the lead supervisor and project title on the application form. If you do not include these details, it may not be considered for the studentship.

Your application must include: A personal statement, an up-to-date copy of your academic CV, and clear copies of your educational certificates and transcripts.

Please note: you DO NOT need to provide a research proposal with this application.

If you require any additional assistance in submitting your application or have any queries about the application process, please don’t hesitate to contact us at pgrs-admissions@abdn.ac.uk