PhD Studentship: Numerical modelling of deep penetrating anchors for floating wind installations

3 weeks ago


Durham, Durham, United Kingdom University of Hull Full time

Floating wind offers the possibility of opening up energy resource in deeper water than feasible with fixed solutions (e.g. monopiles or jackets) which become impractical in water depths over 45m for monopiles and 80m for jackets. While the UK may have sufficient potential capacity in water depths suitable for fixed wind there are large parts of the world where floating wind will be significant due to minimal continental shelves, such as Norway and Japan. There is an opportunity, therefore, for technology and expertise linked to floating wind to be developed in the UK and exported overseas, much as has been done with the current wind technology developed in Europe.

At present, future floating wind support structures are expected to be one of three concepts: spars, tension-leg platforms or semi-submersibles. For each concept there are a number of exciting technical challenges to be addressed if floating wind is to become effective and economic, but one challenge that links them all is anchoring. Anchoring solutions for floating structures of the nature and number anticipated cannot be simply adapted from oil and gas solutions for technical and economic reasons. For example, traditional drag anchor design is based on empirical approaches which are neither linked to seabed deposit mechanical parameters nor adaptable outside of a given anchor geometry. In addition, final installation position is difficult to control, which conflicts with the need for turbines in floating arrays to be precisely located, for moorings to be shared, for adequate space for cabling and for much smaller seabed footprints for closely-spaced array components. Dynamically installed anchors, such as Deep Penetrating Anchors (DPAs), offer a potential solution by allowing precisely located moorings which can be directly below a floating structure. They are installed by allowing a heavy anchor body to drop through a given depth of water above the seabed, and to then penetrate to an embedment level in the seabed, dissipating their own kinetic energy. They avoid the need for long pulls to embed as with a traditional drag anchor, or the use of catenaries (near horizontal pull being a limitation of many anchor types), neither of which are suitable for small seabed footprints.

The aim in this project is to develop a computational model of the installation and life of a DPA to both (a) predict embedment depth in a given soil and (b) arrive at an accurate picture of the state of the disturbed soil above an installed anchor. The tool developed within (a) will allow quick assessment of the effectiveness of new DPA geometries within different soil conditions. Results from (b) could be ported to a standard commercial code for analysis of the longer-term behaviour of the installed anchor.

Training and Skills

You will benefit from a taught programme, giving you a broad understanding of the breadth and depth of current and emerging offshore wind sector needs. This begins with an intensive six-month programme at the University of Hull for the new student, drawing on the expertise and facilities of our academic partners. It is supplemented by Continuing Professional Development (CPD), which is embedded throughout your 4-year research scholarship.



  • Durham, Durham, United Kingdom Durham University Full time

    Supervisor(s)Professor Will Coombs, Durham UniversityProfessor Charles Augarde, Durham UniversityEnquiries email: Project descriptionFloating wind offers the possibility of opening up energy resource in deeper water than feasible with fixed solutions (e.g. monopiles or jackets) which become impractical in water depths over 45m for monopiles and 80m for...


  • Durham, Durham, United Kingdom Durham University Full time

    Description: A fully funded 4-year PhD studentship is available to a start in September 2024 within the new research group of Dr Jemma Gibbard ) at Durham University (Chemistry Department). Most chemistry is assumed to occur under thermal control. However, when a bond breaks, energy is released causing the products of the reaction to recoil from each other....


  • Durham, Durham, United Kingdom University of Hull Full time

    Renewable offshore wind energy plays a critical role on meeting net zero targets, which leads to the need for novel design and construction solutions for offshore wind structures that are subjected to dynamic loading conditions (wind, waves, earthquakes, tsunamis) in the harsh offshore environment. Those loads are transferred to the marine soil deposits...


  • Durham, Durham, United Kingdom Durham University Full time

    Supervisor(s)Dr Alexandros Petalas, Durham University.Dr Will Coombs, Durham University.Enquiries email: Project descriptionRenewable offshore wind energy plays a critical role on meeting net zero targets, which leads to the need for novel design and construction solutions for offshore wind structures that are subjected to dynamic loading conditions (wind,...


  • Durham, Durham, United Kingdom Durham University Full time

    Start date: 1st October 2024Application Deadline: 26 May 2024Interviews: week beginning 10 JuneOnline information session for applicants: 7 May, please register your interest in attending.Are you interested in the ways that people, books, images and ideas migrate across cultures, especially at times of conflict? Through immersion in an outstanding collection...


  • Durham, Durham, United Kingdom DURHAM UNIVERSITY Full time

    The Institute of Advanced Study (IAS) is a home for growing big ideas. The IAS supports, promotes and grows new and creative interdisciplinary ideas that transform our perspectives in challenging and provocative ways. It provides time, space and resources to exchange and integrate ideas, knowledge and skills. The Institute is a home to an inclusive, diverse...


  • Durham, Durham, United Kingdom JR United Kingdom Full time

    Taylor Hopkinson is supporting an onshore renewables company in the UK with the recruitment of a Senior Development Engineer specialised in noise control. This person will join an established team of development engineers providing technical support to the project teams throughout the development phases.Responsibilities: Providing technical assistance and...


  • Durham, Durham, United Kingdom DURHAM UNIVERSITY Full time

    The School of Government and International Affairs at Durham University seeks to appoint an exceptional scholar as an Assistant Professor in Political Theory.Applications are welcome from all fields of political theory. However, we are especially eager to hear from candidates who have expertise in the history of political thought who bring their historical...


  • Durham, Durham, United Kingdom Durham University Full time

    The RoleThe Centre for Communication Systems has world class radio propagation measurements capabilities with state-of-the-art radio channel sounders with multiple RF heads covering several frequency bands from 0.6 GHz to 330 GHz for mobile radio measurements, a large anechoic chamber, and a high end disdrometer weather station with multiple mm wave RF heads...


  • Durham, Durham, United Kingdom Durham University Full time

    The Department and Role Purpose The Directorate of Advanced Research Computing (ARC) provides a focal point for a broad computational capability that underpins and helps define the nature of research and innovation that can be undertaken with the institution.ARC's mission is to deliver a coherent strategy for the computational support of for research:...


  • Durham, Durham, United Kingdom DURHAM UNIVERSITY Full time

    The Department and Role PurposeThe Directorate of Advanced Research Computing (ARC) provides a focal point for a broad computational capability that underpins and helps define the nature of research and innovation that can be undertaken with the institution.ARC's mission is to deliver a coherent strategy for the computational support of for research:...


  • Durham, United Kingdom University of Hull Full time

    Floating wind offers the possibility of opening up energy resource in deeper water than feasible with fixed solutions (e.g. monopiles or jackets) which become impractical in water depths over 45m for monopiles and 80m for jackets. While the UK may have sufficient potential capacity in water depths suitable for fixed wind there are large parts of the world...


  • Durham, United Kingdom Durham University Full time

    Supervisor(s) Professor Will Coombs, Durham University Professor Charles Augarde, Durham University Enquiries email: auracdt@hull.ac.uk Project description Floating wind offers the possibility of opening up energy resource in deeper water than feasible with fixed solutions (e.g. monopiles or jackets) which become impractical in water depths over 45m for...


  • Durham, United Kingdom University of Hull Full time

    Renewable offshore wind energy plays a critical role on meeting net zero targets, which leads to the need for novel design and construction solutions for offshore wind structures that are subjected to dynamic loading conditions (wind, waves, earthquakes, tsunamis) in the harsh offshore environment. Those loads are transferred to the marine soil deposits...


  • Durham, United Kingdom Durham University Full time

    Supervisor(s) Dr Alexandros Petalas, Durham University. Dr Will Coombs, Durham University. Enquiries email: auracdt@hull.ac.uk Project description Renewable offshore wind energy plays a critical role on meeting net zero targets, which leads to the need for novel design and construction solutions for offshore wind structures that are subjected to dynamic...


  • Durham, United Kingdom Durham University Full time

    Start date: 1st October 2024 Application Deadline: 26 May 2024 Interviews: week beginning 10 June Online information session for applicants: 7 May, please register your interest in attending. Are you interested in the ways that people, books, images and ideas migrate across cultures, especially at times of conflict? Through immersion in an outstanding...


  • durham, United Kingdom JR United Kingdom Remote Work Freelance Full time

    Taylor Hopkinson is supporting an onshore renewables company in the UK with the recruitment of a Senior Development Engineer specialised in noise control. This person will join an established team of development engineers providing technical support to the project teams throughout the development phases. Responsibilities: Providing technical assistance and...


  • Durham, County Durham, United Kingdom Carbon60 Full time

    66kV SAP (Senior Authorised Person) Offshore Wind Farm UK ASAP 750 Daily Rate Inside IR35 via Umbrella The responsibilities of the HV SAP include: Adherence to health and safety requirements and help to maintain and improve safety standards Maintain Senior Authorised Person status at increasing voltages. Become fully conversant and make sure that all...


  • Durham, County Durham, United Kingdom Carbon60 Full time

    Role: 66kV SAP (Senior Authorised Person) Offshore Wind Farm UK Start Date: ASAP Rates: £750 Daily Rate Inside IR35 via Umbrella The responsibilities of the HV SAP include: Adherence to health and safety requirements and help to maintain and improve safety standards Maintain Senior Authorised Person status at increasing voltages. Become...


  • Durham, County Durham, United Kingdom Carbon60 Full time

    66kV SAP (Senior Authorised Person) Offshore Wind Farm UK ASAP 750 Daily Rate Inside IR35 via Umbrella The responsibilities of the HV SAP include: Adherence to health and safety requirements and help to maintain and improve safety standards Maintain Senior Authorised Person status at increasing voltages. Become fully conversant and make sure that all...

  • Offshore 66kV SAP

    3 weeks ago


    Durham, United Kingdom Carbon 60 Full time

    Role: 66kV SAP (Senior Authorised Person) Location: Offshore Wind Farm UK Start Date: ASAP Duration: 12 Months + Possible Extension Rotation: 2/2 Rates: £750 Daily Rate Inside IR35 via Umbrella Clearance: BPSS Key Accountabilities The responsibilities of the HV SAP include: Adherence to health and safety requirements and help to maintain and...

  • Offshore 66kV SAP

    2 weeks ago


    Durham, County Durham, United Kingdom Carbon 60 Full time

    Role: 66kV SAP (Senior Authorised Person) Location: Offshore Wind Farm UK Start Date: ASAP Duration: 12 Months + Possible Extension Rotation: 2/2 Rates: £750 Daily Rate Inside IR35 via Umbrella Clearance: BPSS Key Accountabilities The responsibilities of the HV SAP include: Adherence to health and safety requirements and help to maintain and improve...


  • Durham, United Kingdom Ministry of Justice Full time

    **Case Administrator Pre-Release Team HMP Durham - 72525** **£19,087 - £23,182** **Durham**: New entrants to the Civil Service will be expected to join at the entry point salary for the advertised band Existing Civil Servants will have their salary calculated in accordance with the Department’s pay on transfer / pay on promotion rules. **Overview of...

  • Offshore 66kV SAP

    3 weeks ago


    Durham, United Kingdom Carbon 60 Full time

    Role: 66kV SAP (Senior Authorised Person)Location: Offshore Wind Farm UKStart Date: ASAPDuration: 12 Months + Possible ExtensionRotation: 2/2Rates: £750 Daily Rate Inside IR35 via UmbrellaClearance: BPSSKey AccountabilitiesThe responsibilities of the HV SAP include:Adherence to health and safety requirements and help to maintain and improve safety...


  • Durham, County Durham, United Kingdom Carbon60 Full time

    Role: 66kV SAP (Senior Authorised Person) Location: Offshore Wind Farm UK Start Date: ASAP Duration: 12 Months + Possible Extension Rotation: 2/2 Rates: £750 Daily Rate Inside IR35 via Umbrella Clearance: BPSS Key Accountabilities The responsibilities of the HV SAP include: Adherence to health and safety requirements and help to maintain and improve...


  • Durham, County Durham, United Kingdom Carbon60 Full time

    Role: 66kV SAP (Senior Authorised Person) Location: Offshore Wind Farm UK Start Date: ASAP Duration: 12 Months + Possible Extension Rotation: 2/2 Rates: £750 Daily Rate Inside IR35 via Umbrella Clearance: BPSS Key Accountabilities The responsibilities of the HV SAP include: Adherence to health and safety requirements and help to maintain and improve...

  • Draughtsperson

    1 month ago


    Durham, United Kingdom Westray Recruitment Group Full time

    WHAT IS IN IT FOR YOU? Permanent hire (3-month probation period) £17 per hour Day shift only Stable employment THE BUSINESS Westray Recruitment Group is looking to recruit a Draughtsperson following a successful probation period with our engineering client based in Durham. This organisation designs, manufactures and installs various heavy steel components,...


  • Durham, United Kingdom Durham University Full time

    The School of Government and International Affairs at Durham University seeks to appoint an exceptional scholar as an Assistant Professor in Political Theory. Applications are welcome from all fields of political theory. However, we are especially eager to hear from candidates who have expertise in the history of political thought who bring their historical...

  • Draughtsperson

    1 month ago


    Durham, United Kingdom Westray Recruitment Consultants Ltd Full time

    Temp to permanent hire (3-month probation period) - £17 per hour - Day shift only - Stable employment - Scope for career progression and development! **THE BUSINESS**: Westray Recruitment Group is looking to recruit a Draughtsperson following a successful probation period with our engineering client based in Durham. This organisation designs, manufactures...

  • Draughts Person

    1 month ago


    Durham, United Kingdom Westray Recruitment Consultants Ltd Full time

    Temp to permanent hire (3-month probation period) - £17 per hour - Day shift only - Stable employment - Scope for career progression and development!! **THE BUSINESS**: Westray Recruitment Group is looking to recruit a Draughtsperson following a successful probation period with our engineering client based in Durham. This organisation designs, manufactures...


  • Durham, United Kingdom Skilzmatrix Full time

    Reporting / Analytics Engineer Location: DURHAM NC 2 weeks a month office SUMMARY: The client Fidelity is initiatinga migration project to enhance and update their current reportinginfrastructure aiming to move away from the existing ecosystem ofOracle Business Intelligence Enterprise Edition (OBIEE) and OracleExadata towards a new setup involving Snowflake...