[grtabor]

p { margin-bottom: 0.21cm; } Supervisor: Dr Gavin Tabor
Tidal Energy can make a major contribution towards the UK’s energy requirements. One area of great importance to the development of this resource is the computational modelling of the installations. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is the use of computers to predict the flow of fluids (air or, in this case, water) around an object such as a tidal turbine. Proposed marine turbines often feature much more complex rotary motions than the Horizontal Axis Wind Turbines used for wind energy generation. The objective of this project is to use the open source CFD code OpenFOAM(tm) and Overset Mesh methods to model in detail the blade motion of a single turbine; specifically focussing on the innovative Aquascientific Lift/Drag turbine developed in Exeter. The project will also use Large Eddy Simulation and Free Surface modelling to treat turbulence and near surface effects. This represents an outstanding opportunity to get involved with tidal renewable energy, and to learn advanced CFD methods in OpenFOAM.


The studentship is funded for 3 years starting in September 2011, and will pay an annual maintenance grant at current research council rates (UK/EU applicants only). The research project is funded jointly by the Kirby Laing Foundation and the University of Exeter. Applicants should have or expect to achieve at least a 2:1 Honours degree (or equivalent) in Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics or equivalent subjects; experience with CFD or renewable energy beneficial but not essential. Contact for informal enquiries: Dr Gavin Tabor: g.r.tabor@ex.ac.uk. To apply, visit www.exeter.ac.uk/2011studentships/application and complete the online web form. You will be asked to submit some personal details and upload a full CV, covering letter and details of two academic referees. Your covering letter should outline your academic interests, prior research experience and reasons for wishing to undertake this project.


The University of Exeter is a top UK university with campuses in Exeter, Devon, and near Falmouth in Cornwall (this project will be based at the Exeter campus). Within the University, the College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences brings together research and teaching in all aspects of physical and applied sciences and engineering. The University is part of the Peninsula Research Institute for Marine Renewable Energy (PRIMaRE), and SUPERGEN, and is internationally renowned for its research in offshore renewables. Dr Tabor is a leading expert in the use of OpenFOAM.

[AMahrla]

Hi Gavin,

if you'd like you could also post your offering at the academic board of www.extend-project.de

Best,

Astrid