The University of Western Australia (UWA) is seeking a research associate who would work on a linkage project with Carnegie Wave Energy aimed at developing novel wave energy solutions to survive extreme loads.
During the 3-year appointment, the successful candidate will be tasked with the hydrodynamic aspects of the project, using tools such as potential flow models, fully non-linear Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and model scale testing to better estimate loading on the CETO wave energy device in the particular seastates and events that cause the largest loading.
Key challenges will include accounting for the loads induced by the power take-off in response to fluid loading, and the presence of strongly nonlinear processes such as large incident waves, wave breaking and large device motions.
The significance of the project is in the potential for improved understanding of extreme loads on wave energy converters, and for the subsequent reduction in foundation cost.
The applications are due by December 11, 2015, and must be submitted online .
Image: Carnegie Wave Energy/Illustration