Degree type
PhD
Closing date
1 June 2024
Campus
Launceston
Citizenship requirement
Domestic
Scholarship
$38,982pa for 3.5 years
About the research project
Marine biofouling of external structure surfaces and connected internal systems is a major concern in the maritime industry. It causes significant detrimental effects on all seawater-immersed marine systems, including vessels, offshore rigs, wave-energy converters, undersea pipelines, and fishing nets. It adversely affects marine vessels through the loss of speed, decreased manoeuvrability, increased fuel consumption (and thereby increased emissions of harmful gases), inefficient operation and damage to machinery reliant on seawater intake, increased frequency of costly and time-consuming biofouling remediation (e.g. dry docking), domestic and international translocation of invasive species, impact on acoustic sensor performance, and the increased vulnerability of warships and submarines from cavitation induced wake and broadband acoustic noise. It has been estimated that frictional drag resulting from external biofouling can reduce the speed of a ship by more than 10%, and a biofouled ship can burn up to 40% more fuel. The maritime industry needs a proper balance to prevent/reduce biofouling on surfaces immersed in seawater yet maintaining designed performance parameters.
The PhD candidate will work closely with the industry partner (BAE Systems Maritime Australia) to develop a prediction model for the degradation of vessel performance under various external marine biofouling conditions. The project team will work with other researchers in the training centre who will conduct experiments to validate the numerical models and prepare the data needed for developing resilient design solutions. This ensures the practical applicability and effectiveness of the developed models.
The project will focus on developing validated numerical models of naval ship performance based on varying fouling levels and developing a new dynamic methodology for the resilience assessment of ship hull structures under the influence of biofouling.
The candidate will complete PhD candidature, including a minimum 12-month placement and industry training, during which time the student will be embedded with the industry partner team. The industry placement will enable the student to develop their networks and gain insight into the everyday research practices of an industry-leading, service-driven organisation.
Primary Supervisor
Meet A/Prof Vikram GaraniyaFunding
The successful applicant will receive a scholarship which provides:
- a living allowance stipend co-funded with ARC ITTC of $38,982 per annum (2024 rate, indexed annually) for 3.5 years
- a relocation allowance of up to $2,000
- a tuition fees offset covering the cost of tuition fees for up to four years (domestic applicants only)
As part of the application process you may indicate if you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding.
Additional funding
If successful, applicants will also receive a top-up scholarship of $4,285 per annum for 3.5 years.
Other funding opportunities and fees
For further information regarding other scholarships on offer, and the various fees of undertaking a research degree, please visit our Scholarships and fees on research degrees page.
Eligibility
Applicants should review the Higher Degree by Research minimum entry requirements.
Ensure your eligibility for the scholarship round by referring to our Key Dates.
Additional eligibility criteria specific to this project/scholarship:
- Australian Citizenship
- Eligible to gain an Australian Defence Clearance and meet International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR); Ability to provide a National Police Clearance obtained within the last 3 months; And potentially attain, and maintain, an Australian Security clearance level NV1 as determined under the Australian Government Protective Security Policy Framework (PSPF). To check eligibility, please visit the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency Website
- Meet the University of Tasmania's PhD admission requirements – an Australian Honours degree Class 1 or 2A, a Master Degree, or equivalent qualification (at least AQF Level 8), or evidence of equivalent research experience, such as refereed publications or significant experience as a lead researcher
- Scholarship recipients are expected to take up their studies as soon as practicable within a timeframe specified by the Office of Graduate Research in consultation with the industry partner, up to a maximum of 3 months from the time of acceptance of the scholarship. In exceptional circumstances and with approval of the industry partner (BAE Systems Maritime Australia) and the University, this time may be extended to 6 month
- Any other eligibility criteria relevant to the industry partner/research project (e.g. have or able to apply for a National Police Criminal History Check)
- Applicants must be able to undertake the project on-campus
Selection Criteria
The project is competitively assessed and awarded. Selection is based on academic merit and suitability to the project as determined by the College.
Additional essential selection criteria specific to this project:
- A First-Class Honours degree/master's degree in engineering or science with specialisations in material science, environmental engineering, mechanical engineering, maritime engineering or other environmental sampling/analysis
- Experience in material science, environmental engineering, mechanical engineering, maritime engineering or other environmental sampling/analysis is preferred
- Experience in statistical/probabilistic modelling
Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:
- Applicants must have in-depth knowledge of offshore structures and safety engineering
- Interest in working with an industry partner in the defence sector
Application process
- Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
- Contact A/Prof Vikram Garaniya to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
- In your application:
- Copy and paste the title of the project from this advertisement into your application. If you don’t correctly do this your application may be rejected.
- Submit a signed supervisory support form, a CV including contact details of 2 referees and your project research proposal.
- Apply prior to 1 June 2024.
Full details of the application process can be found under the 'How to apply' section of the Research Degrees website.
Following the closing date applications will be assessed within the College. Applicants should expect to receive notification of the outcome by email by the advertised outcome date.
Apply now Explore other projects
Why the University of Tasmania?
Worldwide reputation for research excellence
Quality supervision and support
