PhD Studentship: Exploring Rogue Wave formation using a Wave-tank-on-a-chip, NERC GW4+ DTP PhD studentship for 2023 Entry, PhD in Natural Sciences

Project Title: Exploring Rogue Wave formation using a Wave-tank-on-a-chip.

About the Partnership

This project is one of a number that are in competition for funding from the NERC Great Western Four+ Doctoral Training Partnership (GW4+ DTP).  The GW4+ DTP consists of the Great Western Four alliance of the University of Bath, University of Bristol, Cardiff University and the University of Exeter plus five Research Organisation partners:  British Antarctic Survey, British Geological Survey, Centre for Ecology and Hydrology,  the Natural History Museum and Plymouth Marine Laboratory.

For eligible successful applicants, the studentships comprises:

• An stipend for 3.5 years (currently £17,668 p.a. for 2022-23) in line with UK Research and Innovation rates
• Payment of university tuition fees;
• A research budget of £11,000 for an international conference, lab, field and research expenses;
• A training budget of £3,250 for specialist training courses and expenses

Project Background

Rogue waves are unusually large waves that appear suddenly and unexpectedly in physical systems ranging from the ocean to light trapped in optical fibres. Rogue waves in the ocean can be large enough to pose a serious threat to shipping and marine structures. However, much remains unknown about this fascinating phenomenon.

In this project we will explore the science of rogue wave formation by creating a “wave-tank-on-a-chip”, using microscopic waves (surface acoustics waves – SAWs) that travel on the surface of a solid. This will allow us to study the generation and evolution of rogue waves in a highly controlled environment, with much more flexibility than a conventional wave-tank, allowing us to gain a deeper understanding of the mechanism of their formation.  Ultimately this approach could allow the creation of a predictive model for ocean waves, based on satellite data, which gives the sea and wind conditions most likely to lead to rogue waves, and how the changing climate could affect the frequency of their formation.

Project Aims and Methods

The aims of the project are to:

Create a wave-tank -on-a-chip physical analogue of surface gravity waves.

Investigate the properties of the SAW field that make rogue wave formation more or less likely and compare with what is known for other physical systems, including the ocean.

Assess whether this approach could ultimately be used to create a predictive model for ocean waves based on satellite data.

The student will use numerical and finite-element modelling to guide the experimental work and interpret experiment data. Laser Doppler vibrometry will be used to map-out-the SAW wave field. In the final stages of the project, the focus of the PhD will shift to an assessment of whether it is possible to predict the formation of rogue waves. Initially, this will be for SAWs, but the student will then compare this approach with in situ [e.g. Cattrell et al., 2019] and satellite remote sensing measurements of waves on the ocean.

Candidate requirements

Some experience of programming in Matlab and python, willingness to learn experimental techniques.

Project partners

The National Oceanography Centre (NOC) has a long history of wave observation and analysis based on both in situ and satellite wave data. This will allow the student to learn about the relevance of rogue waves in real world ocean applications, and how to analyse data to study their occurrence in the ocean.