PhD Studentship: Lifecycle damage analysis of offshore wind turbine welded structures using advanced experimental and numerical techniques

Offshore wind energy is one of the most efficient and rapidly expanding sources of renewable energy, and it is increasingly recognised as a key solution for meeting the UK’s short- and long-term energy demands. In line with the UK Government’s renewable energy roadmap and its target of achieving up to 50 GW of installed offshore wind capacity by 2030, the deployment of new offshore wind farms is expected to accelerate significantly over the coming years, to support the transition towards Net Zero. To address the pressing structural integrity challenges facing the offshore wind sector, a fully funded PhD studentship in "Offshore Renewable Energy Structures" is available within the School of Engineering at the University of Birmingham. The studentship covers full tuition fees and provides a generous tax-free stipend for three years for a UK Home student. The successful candidate will join a vibrant research environment and benefit from close collaboration with leading industrial and academic partners, gaining access to world-class expertise, facilities, and networks. The position also offers extensive opportunities for personal and professional development, which would enable the candidate to build a strong foundation for a future career in academia or industry.

This PhD project is aligned with the "WIND-PROLIFE" EPSRC Open Fellowship research programme, led by Professor Ali Mehmanparast in the Department of Civil Engineering at University of Birmingham. WIND-PROLIFE aims to develop innovative solutions for extending the operational life of ageing offshore wind infrastructure. The successful candidate will engage closely with a strong network of industrial and academic fellowship programme partners, including the University of Oxford, RWE, Siemens Gamesa, Ørsted, Kent, TWI, the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS), the ISIS Neutron and Muon Source, and the Supergen Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Hub. The role will also include active participation in public engagement and outreach activities. role will also include active participation in public engagement and outreach activities.

The PhD project will focus on the development of an integrated framework that incorporates the following key aspects:
* Fatigue life prediction using advanced numerical modelling techniques
* Accelerated corrosion-fatigue testing for long-term structural integrity assessment
* Fatigue life enhancement using advanced manufacturing and surface engineering techniques
* Lifecycle damage assessment for the prediction and extension of service life

To apply, please email your CV together with a brief statement outlining your research interests to Professor Ali Mehmanparast (Email: a.mehmanparast@bham.ac.uk).

Funding notes:

The position is open to UK applicants and eligible EU citizens with Settled Status who hold, or are expected to obtain, a First-Class Honours degree or a strong Upper Second-Class Honours degree in a relevant discipline, including Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Corrosion Engineering, Materials Science, Computer Science, or a related field. Self-funded or externally funded international applicants are also welcome to apply, provided they are able to cover the difference between UK and international tuition fees.