Manoeuvring of an underwater vehicle

The influence of history effects in the manoeuvring of an underwater vehicle

Degree type

PhD

Closing date

1 June 2024

Campus

Launceston

Citizenship requirement

Domestic

About the research project

There are two common numerical ways of simulating the manoeuvring of an underwater vehicle: Coefficient Based Model (CBM) and Six degree of freedom Computational Fluid Dynamics (6DoF CFD). The normal implementations of the CBM do not take any history effects into account.  The forces on the vehicle at any moment of time are purely dependent on the motions at that moment of time. On the other hand, the 6DoF CFD method automatically makes use of the total flow field and hence automatically takes any history effects into account. Hence, an improved understanding of the issues associated with predicting the manoeuvring of a vehicle using both the CBM approach and the 6DoF CFD approach is necessary.

This project aims to investigate the influence of history effects and the need to incorporate these into the simulation of underwater vehicle manoeuvring. This would include, but not be limited to, the development of the CFD approach, and the CBM approach to incorporate the history effects. This project is numerical-based. It uses a combination of CFD and CBM techniques, with experimental validation based on relevant available open literature.

Primary Supervisor

Meet Dr Zhi Leong

Funding

Applicants will be considered for a Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship or Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarship (TGRS) which, if successful, provides:

  • a living allowance stipend of $32,192 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)

If successful, international applicants will receive a University of Tasmania Fees Offset for up to four years.

As part of the application process you may indicate if you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding.

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:

  • Applications are open to applicants from engineering, physics or mathematics discipline backgrounds
  • English language score must be above the UTAS minimum entry requirements for postgraduate programs
  • 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:

  • Bachelor of Engineering in a relevant field, or equivalent

Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

  • Relevant hydrodynamics, manoeuvring and controls knowledge
  • Experience in MATLAB and CFD

Application process

  1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
  2. Contact Dr Zhi Leong to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
  3. 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.
  4. 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

Tasmania offers a unique study lifestyle experience