[Australia] PhD Scholarship in Ocean Engineering - Swinburne University of Technology Australia

PhD Scholarship in Ocean Engineering Development of a Global Ocean Database from Satellite Altimeters

Victoria, Australia

BACKGROUND:

Swinburne University of Technology (SUT) is seeking a suitably qualified student to undertake post-graduate study to develop an altimeter database for ocean waves and apply it to investigation of extreme wave events.

About Swinburne University of Technology

Swinburne University of Technology is a large multi-sectoral and multi-campus institution with a stated mission to be a pre-eminent entrepreneurial university from the Asia-Pacific, thriving on new ideas and knowledge and exploiting its intersectoral heritage to create value for its stakeholders.

The Faculty of Engineering and Industrial Sciences is host to most of the engineering activities at Swinburne as well as key programs in aviation and photonics. The Coastal Engineering and Physical Oceanography group of the Faculty specialises in research of deep-water and finite-depth wave dynamics, spectral modelling of wind-generated waves, wave breaking and dissipation, air-sea interaction, wave-bottom interaction and turbulence.

PROJECT ABSTRACT:

Over the past 20 years satellite-based radar altimeters have made measurements of ocean wave conditions. During this period of time a total of 7 different altimeter missions have been flown. The combined database represents the most comprehensive dataset ever developed of global wave conditions. This project involves developing a combined database from these separate missions and then applying this to the determination of extreme wave conditions at any location on the global oceans. The resulting database has the potential to drastically change the way in which ocean wave design is undertaken.

SELECTION CRITERIA

1. Degree in Engineering, Computer Science or Mathematical Sciences (essential)
2. Strong analytical and mathematical skills (essential)
3. A good working knowledge of programming and databases (desirable)

Commencement Date: March 2008

Scholarship: A$24,815 per annum, tax exempt. Duration – three years

Application deadline: 31 January 2008

Contact
Alexander Babanin
Faculty of Engineering and Industrial Sciences
Swinburne University of Technology
PO Box 218 Hawthorn VIC 3122
Victoria
Telephone: +61-3-9214 8033
Fax: +61-3-9214 8264
Email: ababanin@swin.edu.au