A new PhD project, fully funded, is available for a physical scientist, engineer or mathematician to explore the potential of tidal barrages as a means to generate a reliable source of renewable energy. A particular focus of the work will be the impact of the barrage on the flow pattern in the estuary system, including the non-linear feedbacks on the flow rate and power production, as well as exploring the impact of the turbine and barrage on the sediment transport and mixing processes between the river water and the sea water in the estuary.
The project is of direct relevance for the plans to build new tidal barrages / tidal power systems and for interpreting and exploring the data from the La Rance tidal barrage in northern France.
The project will involve both experiments and theoretical modelling and will be carried out in the Institute for Energy and Environmental Flows under the supervision of Professors Quentin Kriaa and Andy Woods. The project can start as soon as possible. Candidates should have a 1st or good 2.1 level degree in mathematics, physics, engineering, chemical engineering or earth sciences.
Please contact us at aww1@cam.ac.uk (Andy Woods) or qk207@cam.ac.uk (Quentin Kriaa) to apply or for more details.