School of Computing, Engineering and Technology

Next-Generation Floating Substructures and Adaptive Mooring Systems for Offshore Wind Energy

This research project aims to reinvent floating substructure and mooring design for offshore wind energy. Through advanced computational fluid dynamics analysis, optimisation techniques and AI-driven modelling, the research will develop adaptive platforms and intelligent anchoring solutions to improve stability, reduce costs, and support resilient deployment of future offshore wind farms.

Award

MRes | MPhil | PhD | MSc by Research

Start Date

Usually February and October - at individual School's discretion

Research Opportunities

Summary

As offshore wind expands into deeper waters, innovative floating substructures and mooring systems are essential to ensure stability, cost-effectiveness, and long-term reliability. Current designs remain conservative due to uncertainties in hydrodynamic loading, seabed interaction, and dynamic response. This PhD aims to develop next-generation floating platform concepts and adaptive mooring strategies using advanced CFD and optimisation techniques.

The project will investigate wave–current–structure interaction, vortex-induced vibration of mooring lines, and hydrodynamic load distribution on floating substructures. Parametric studies will explore alternative platform geometries and intelligent mooring configurations capable of reducing motion amplitudes and fatigue loads.

AI-driven optimisation methods and reduced-order modelling approaches may be integrated to accelerate design exploration and enable performance prediction under varying environmental conditions. The research will contribute to safer, more efficient floating wind deployment in deep-water environments.

The student will develop strong skills in offshore hydrodynamics, fluid–structure interaction, numerical simulation, and engineering optimisation. Expected outcomes include peer-reviewed publications and design recommendations relevant to the offshore wind sector.

Applicants should hold a degree in mechanical, offshore, civil, or computational engineering. Experience in CFD or interest in offshore renewable energy systems will be advantageous.