Coupled Modelling Framework for Anchors and Moorings in Floating Offshore Wind

About the Project

Floating offshore wind is expected to play a major role in achieving national and global net-zero targets, enabling large-scale renewable energy generation in deep waters where fixed-bottom turbines are not feasible. Although early commercial projects such as Hywind Scotland and Kincardine have demonstrated the viability of floating offshore wind turbines (FOWTs), the technology remains significantly more expensive than fixed-bottom systems. One of the largest contributors to this cost is the mooring and anchoring system, which governs platform stability, fatigue life, installation cost and long-term reliability.

This PhD project will develop new modelling tools to transform how floating wind mooring and anchoring systems are designed. Using advanced numerical modelling software and working closely with industry partners, the project will investigate anchor–soil interaction, mooring line dynamics and the fully coupled behaviour of the system under realistic environmental loading.

Candidate Background

Candidates should have (or expect to achieve) a UK honours degree at 2.1 level or above (or equivalent) in offshore, civil, or mechanical engineering, naval architecture, or geotechnical engineering.

Essential background/knowledge: Strong interest or experience in numerical modelling, finite-element analysis, and dynamic simulations. Familiarity with software such as Abaqus, Plaxis, ANSYS, Orcaflex, Flexcom, MATLAB, or Python is preferred. Understanding of structural dynamics, soil mechanics, and hydrodynamics is advantageous.