The Development of The Lattice-Boltzmann Method for Large-Scale Turbulent Air Flow Analysis

About the Project

This PhD project explores the Lattice Boltzmann Method (LBM) as a faster alternative to traditional CFD for modelling turbulent airflow around large structures like ships. By combining LBM simulations with experimental wind tunnel data, the research aims to improve helicopter landing safety and structural design while reducing the high computational costs of complex aerodynamic simulations.

As the global energy landscape shifts toward Net Zero, the expansion of offshore wind energy has become a cornerstone of sustainable infrastructure. This transition relies heavily on Service Operation Vessels (SOVs), specialized ships that serve as mobile bases for engineers maintaining offshore wind farms. For these vessels to be effective, they must facilitate safe and frequent helicopter transfers, often in extremely difficult environments.

However, helicopters and pilots operating to SOVs must contend with the highly turbulent and complex air flow created by the ship’s superstructure. If conditions deteriorate to a point where helicopters are unable to perform their duties, the operational capability of the offshore wind turbine may be affected, reducing the output of green energy.

Research at the University of Liverpool (UoL) has been addressing how such turbulent air flows affect the safety of rotorcraft, when operating with large structures such as ships and offshore platforms. The Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) turbulence model, known as Detached Eddy Simulation (DES), is used model the unsteady flow and has been successfully deployed using the commercial software Ansys-Fluent.

However, applying this technique often requires extensive computing resources and long computing times. This problem is often exacerbated when additional physics need to be considered, for instance consideration of atmospheric turbulence, a moving ship, or the downwash from the helicopter rotor. Attempts to include these factors can quickly result in CFD models that are computationally infeasible to run in the timeframes required by industry.

Recent research projects at UoL and at Frazer-Nash have used an alternative CFD modelling approach known as the Lattice Boltzmann Method (LBM). Initial comparison of the two CFD methodologies showed excellent agreement, with a significant saving in computational time by the LBM method.

The purpose of this PhD project is to apply the LBM method to external flows over large-scale geometries, such as Service Operation Vessels, to gain an understanding of, and capability in, its application. By significantly reducing computational time, this research will enable the design of more efficient, safer SOVs, directly supporting the rapid deployment of offshore wind and the broader mission of reaching Net Zero by 2050. Basing the development of the LBM capability on a ship also aligns the research with several ship-related aerodynamic studies that Frazer-Nash are involved in and are of active interest to wider industry.

Once a baseline is established, development can pivot toward using the LBM approach to analyse phenomena too computationally intensive for traditional CFD methods. These enhancements will support the offshore wind sector by improving the modelling of helicopter operations and safety by including more complex fluid interactions, such as ship motion, a helicopter rotor model, ship engine exhaust gas dispersion, and atmospheric turbulence. While exploration of all these enhancements may not be possible within a single PhD project, it nevertheless demonstrates the potential for developing capability in this emergent CFD methodology.

It is also anticipated that the project will involve wind, or water, tunnel experiments to obtain model-scale velocity measurements to compare with the CFD predictions.

Candidates wishing to apply should complete the University of Liverpool application form to apply for a PhD in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. Please review our guide on How to apply for a PhD | Postgraduate research | University of Liverpool carefully and complete the online postgraduate research application form to apply for this PhD project. Please ensure you include the project title and reference number NOMES005 when applying.

This UKRI funded Studentship will cover full tuition fees (for 2025-26 this is £5,006 pa.) and pay a maintenance grant for 4 years, at the UKRI standard rates (for 2025-26 this is £20,780 pa.) The Studentship also comes with access to additional funding in the form of a Research Training Support Grant to fund consumables, conference attendance, etc.

UKRI Studentships are available to any prospective student wishing to apply including both home and international students. While UKRI funding will not cover international fees, a limited number of scholarships to meet the fee difference will be available to support outstanding international students.