Experimental methods for maritime robots operating in close proximity in waves

About the project

How do maritime robots behave when operating close to one another in waves? In this project, you'll develop experimental methods to explore this question by combining simulation and experiments, with the aim of identifying opportunities to improve energy efficiency, performance and safe operating envelopes.

As the Navy and wider maritime sector move towards the use of autonomous surface vehicle operations, understanding the unsteady hydrodynamics of manoeuvres in waves, in close proximity will be needed to ensure safe and energy efficient operations. For example, in launch and recovery of autonomous systems in adverse weather, operations alongside such as re-fuelling/recharging, search and rescue and in restricted waters or ports with a variety of waterway users.

To address these complex system interactions, you'll develop and test novel Hardware in the loop (HIL) experimental methods to evaluate unsteady hydrodynamics of autonomous systems operating in close proximity in waves. The research will explore how hydrodynamic behaviours could be used to improve performance, including opportunities for energy, emissions and cost savings, as well as extending safe operating envelopes and endurance. This will be achieved by exploring and developing cyber-physical evaluation methods, coupling simulation and experimental measurements in real-time, with active control to explore complex hydrodynamic interactions.

The research ambition is to accelerate the development and ultimately design, strategies and safe deployment of maritime autonomous systems operating in close proximity. This approach, the methods and results are also expected to have significant interest and application across the wider maritime sector, e.g., for evaluating future SMART ports, energy saving technologies, and in support of the UK maritime decarbonisation goals.

You'll be based in the Maritime Engineering group and you'll have access to an array of hydrodynamics facilities including the 138x6x3.5m University of Southampton Boldrewood towing tank , the largest academic tank in the UK.

Dr Nicholas Townsend

• Experimental Hydrodynamics
• Marine Renewable Energy
• Maritime Robotics and Autonomous systems

Entry requirements

You must have at least a UK 2:1 honours degree or its international equivalent .

Desirable skills:

• familiarity with, or experience in, any combination of maritime engineering, unsteady hydrodynamics, experimental methods, mechatronics or ship efficiency.

Fees and funding

For candidates looking to complete a PhD or EngD full-time we offer an enhanced tax-free stipend of up to £30k per year, along with a substantial budget for research, travel, and centre activities.

CISDnS is committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusivity. We welcome all applicants regardless of their gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or age, and will give full consideration to applicants seeking flexible working patterns and those who have taken a career break or are transitioning into a new role. The University has a generous maternity policy, onsite childcare facilities, and offers a range of benefits to help ensure employees’ well-being and work-life balance.

How to apply

Apply now

Please apply via the online portal and select:

Applications should include:

• Academic year: 2027/28
• If you will be full time or part time
• Faculty: Engineering and Physical Sciences
• Search for "complex integrated systems"
• Select either PhD or EngD – if you are unsure, select PhD
• Add the name of the supervisor in section 2 of the application
• your CV (resumé)
• 2 academic references
• degree transcripts and certificates to date

Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences

For questions about applying, email our Doctoral College (doctoralcollege-admissions@soton.ac.uk) .

Project leader

For an initial conversation, email Dr Nicholas Townsend (N.C.Townsend@soton.ac.uk) .

Research areas