Engineering and Material Science for Next Generation Wind Turbines

This PhD research focuses on improving the reliability and durability of high voltage (HV) dynamic power cables used in floating offshore wind turbines. Power transmission is an essential component in any offshore windfarm, however for the floating offshore wind the HV cables will now be subjected to dynamic oscillations caused by the undulated wind turbine platform. This induces a complex interaction of fatigue, friction, and wear which up to this point is not well characterised. This characterisation leads to a lifetime prediction model which important for the industry, as these products need to be insurable for the viability of floating offshore wind. The project will use multi-scale tribological and mechanical testing, constitutive modelling, and data from full-scale offshore deployments to understand and mitigate wear, fatigue, and surface degradation mechanisms: ultimately supporting the design of next-generation, low-maintenance cable systems. You will join a collaborative team at Leeds within two Research Institutes (iFS and iDRaM): global leaders in tribology, surface engineering, and sustainable manufacturing. With access to state-of-the-art facilities through the Bragg Centre for Materials Research, and in partnership with ORE Catapult, you’ll develop skills in experimental mechanics, digital modelling, and offshore energy systems, with strong career prospects in clean energy innovation. <br /> <br /> An inclusive environment and supportive application process: As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. <br /> Interested? <br /> <br /> Discuss this PhD Opportunity with Dr. Mingwen Bai by contacting: m.bai2@leeds.ac.uk

<p><strong>Background:  </strong></p> <p>Floating offshore wind systems represent a growing part of the global renewable energy mix. However, the reliability of HV dynamic power cables remains a key barrier to scaling deployment. These cables experience continuous mechanical and environmental loading. This interaction causes fretting, abrasion and fatigue, which are major contributors to electrical failures in floating wind systems. </p> <p>Despite their importance, the mechanisms of cable degradation under realistic marine conditions remain poorly understood. This PhD will address this gap by combining multiscale tribological testing and modelling using both laboratory-based techniques and real-world field data. The project will inform the design of more robust, low-maintenance cable systems for floating offshore wind farms. Collaboration with ORE Catapult will ensure strong industrial relevance and direct impact. </p> <p><strong>Research objectives: </strong></p> <p>Aim: To improve the long-term performance of dynamic cables in floating offshore wind through a multiscale understanding of tribological degradation mechanisms. </p> <p>Objectives: </p> <ol> <li>Characterise surface degradation in failed and operational dynamic cable components in micro/nano scales </li> <li>Investigate fatigue, friction, and wear of HV cables using laboratory-scale tribometry and in-situ nanoindentation </li> <li>Replicate marine exposure conditions such as salt fog, thermal cycling and bending fatigue, and benchmark against ORE Catapult datasets </li> <li>Develop models linking microscale wear behaviour to full-scale system performance, to inform cable design and testing strategies <br />  </li> </ol> <p><strong>Training and Career Development </strong></p> <p>The student will receive comprehensive training in experimental surface characterisation, tribology, degradation modelling and marine testing protocols. Hands-on work will include techniques such as nanoindentation, SEM, UMT tribometry and digital surface analysis. </p> <p>The student will engage directly with industrial partners at ORE Catapult through secondments, field visits and participation in regular review meetings. Opportunities to present at national and international conferences will be supported, along with training from the Leeds Doctoral College in research methods, communication, software tools and project management. </p> <p>This project offers excellent preparation for careers in offshore energy, sustainable engineering, materials science and industrial research and development. </p> <p><strong>Skills Required  </strong></p> <p>Applicants should demonstrate a strong interest in engineering challenges related to materials, surfaces or energy systems. Relevant experience may include: </p> <ul> <li>Materials testing or characterisation (e.g. SEM, tribometry or profilometry) </li> <li>Tribology, surface engineering or mechanical degradation </li> <li>Data analysis or modelling of failure mechanisms </li> <li>Working collaboratively across disciplines or with industry </li> </ul> <p>Full training will be provided for all key techniques used in the project. Enthusiasm and a willingness to learn are more important than prior experience with specific equipment. </p> <p><strong>The Research Environment </strong></p> <p>This project is hosted jointly by the Institute of Functional Surfaces (iFS) and the Institute of Design, Robotics and Manufacturing (iDRAM). iFS is a global leader in tribology, surface engineering and corrosion science. It supports high-impact research that addresses real-world challenges in sectors such as offshore energy, aerospace, transport and biomedical technologies. PhD students at iFS benefit from advanced facilities within the Bragg Centre and access to industrially relevant data and testing systems. iDRAM focuses on sustainable, digitally enabled manufacturing and design. It leads research in areas including digital twins, robotics and advanced materials processing. Students work in interdisciplinary teams with access to facilities such as the EPSRC National Facility for Innovative Robotics Systems. iDRAM maintains strong collaborations with industry across sectors from healthcare to energy. Together, iFS and iDRAM offer a unique research environment for this PhD, providing both the technical expertise and industrial engagement needed to address the complex challenges of offshore renewable infrastructure. </p> <p><strong>Our Commitment to an Inclusive, Equitable and Diverse Research Community</strong>: As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. Across all Faculties we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+ and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability.  </p>

<p>Formal applications for research degree study should be made online through the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">University's website</a>. Please state clearly in the Planned Course of Study section that you are applying for <strong><em>EPSRC DTP Engineering & Physical Science</em>s </strong>and in the research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is <em><strong>Engineering and Material Science for Next Generation Wind Turbines</strong></em> as well as <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/mechanical-engineering/staff/14131/dr-mingwen-bai">Dr Mingwen Bai</a> as your proposed supervisor. <em><strong>Please state in the Finance section that you are applying for the EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award 2026/27: Mechanical Engineering.</strong></em></p> <p>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (below).</p> <p>Applications will be considered after the closing date. Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the supervisors for an informal discussion before making a formal application.  We also advise that you apply at the earliest opportunity as the application and selection process may close early, should we receive a sufficient number of applications or that a suitable candidate is appointed.</p> <p>Please note that you must provide the following documents in support of your application by the closing date of Friday 14 November 2025:</p> <ul> <li>Full Transcripts of all degree study or if in final year of study, full transcripts to date including grading scheme</li> <li>Personal Statement outlining your interest in the project</li> <li>CV</li> </ul> <p><em>As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Across all Faculties we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+ and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability.</em></p>

Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline. The criteria for entry for some research degrees may be higher, for example, several faculties, also require a Masters degree. Applicants are advised to check with the relevant School prior to making an application. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or Graduate School prior to making an application.

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.

<p>A highly competitive EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award providing full academic fees, together with a tax-free maintenance grant at the standard UKRI rate (£20,780 in academic session 2025/26) for 3.5 years.  Training and support will also be provided.</p> <p>This opportunity is open to UK applicants only.  All candidates will be placed into the EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award Competition and selection is based on academic merit.</p> <p>Please note that there is only 2 funded place(s) available and there are 17 projects in competition for this funding.  If you are successful in securing an academic offer for PhD study, this does not mean that you have been successful in securing an offer of funding.</p> <p>Please refer to the <a href="https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ukcisa.org.uk%2F&data=05%7C02%7CJ.S.Hewer%40leeds.ac.uk%7C07632c93c06a442dca3d08ddfc172939%7Cbdeaeda8c81d45ce863e5232a535b7cb%7C0%7C0%7C638943898649349324%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=nylGSov8jOc7hr6X%2FmfnfQPecbVUnGqgoSqVgPGy5K0%3D&reserved=0">UKCISA</a> website for information regarding Fee Status for Non-UK Nationals.</p>

<p>For further information about this project, please contact Dr Mingwen Bai by email to <a href="mailto:M.Bai2@leeds.ac.uk">M.Bai2@leeds.ac.uk</a></p> <p>For further information about your application, please contact PGR Admissions by email to <a href="mailto:phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk">phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk</a></p>