PhD Studentship: Improved understanding of propeller efficiency in realistic ship operations

Ships are designed for a single condition, representing one loading condition and a ‘design’ speed in calm water. Ships very rarely operate at this single condition. Designing a ship for real operational conditions will lead to reduced CO2 emissions.  

There are currently no accepted means to predict, measure or analyse ship performance for actual operational profiles; an essential pre-requisite for designing for real conditions. Almost all current methods focus only on ship added resistance in waves (drag) and neglect the effects of propeller efficiency, propeller-hull and propeller-machinery interactions.  

This research project aims to quantify accurately ship added power in waves through (i) analysis of data measured onboard vessels, (ii) measurement and prediction of propeller open-water efficiency in unsteady flow conditions induced by ship motions in waves using our detailed flow measurement (PIV) and motion capture capabilities, (iii) investigation of propeller-machinery interactions in unsteady operation.  

The University of Southampton provides exciting new experimental facilities including the 138m towing tank at the Boldrewood Innovation Campus to be used in this research. 

You will be a highly motivated individual, who is excited about answering fundamental research questions alongside delivering research that has a real impact for industry. You should have – or be expected to obtain - a first class degree or equivalent in mechanical engineering, ship science, aerospace, physics or mathematics. You should be confident with fluid dynamics and be prepared to conduct both numerical and experimental investigations. The standard studentship is provided, however exceptional students might be eligible for an enhanced stipend.

If you wish to discuss any details of the project informally, please contact Prof. Dominic Hudson, FSI research group, Email: dominic@soton.ac.uk, Tel: +44 (0) 2380 59 2306.

Funding and Eligibility

This project is in competition with others for funding; the projects which receive the best applicants will be awarded a full studentship. This 3 year studentship covers home-rate tuition fees and provides an annual tax-free stipend at the standard EPSRC rate, which is £14,777 for 2018/19.

The funding is only available to UK citizens or EU citizens who have been resident in the UK for at least 3 years prior to the start of the studentship and not mainly for the purpose of receiving full-time education. For further guidance on funding, please contact PGRapply.FEE@soton.ac.uk

How to Apply

Click here to apply and select the programme - PhD in Engineering and the Environment. Please enter the title of the PhD Studentship in the application form.