One of our scientists awarded large grant for CFD research

On 16 December 2013, Dr Johan Rønby – a research scientist working in our Ports and Offshore Department – received a Sapere Aude Research Talent grant. Sponsored by the Danish Council for Independent Research (DFF), the grant is for talented young researchers at the postdoctoral or assistant professor level.

Combined with an individual postdoctoral grant from DFF awarded on 27 September 2013, Johan received DKK 2.4 million for his research. His project will focus on improving Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) methods for calculating the detailed free surface flows in ocean waves. The work will be conducted in collaboration with partners from the Technical University of Denmark, University of Zagreb and Imperial College, London.

Large breaking waves are a major challenge for the offshore, coastal and marine industries. Their forces can cause extensive damage to vessels, as well as to offshore and coastal structures. Currently, CFD modelling is limited in its ability to accurately model: 

• large breaking and near-breaking ocean waves
• their impact on offshore and coastal structures

As such, it’s necessary to use large safety factors in the design phase of, for example, offshore wind turbine foundations and oil platforms. This has a direct impact on Cost of Energy (CoE).

Over the course of his 28-month long project, Johan will focus on developing a tool that simulates large breaking ocean waves and their structural impacts – quickly and accurately. The results of the project will assist industries with optimising the design of their offshore structures in the future. This will help ensure safer marine infrastructures and lower CoE.

About DFF
DFF funds research activities within all scientific areas that improve the quality and internationalisation of Danish research. It aims to strengthen the dissemination and application of research findings, as well as encourage international research collaboration.

About Sapere Aude
Sapere Aude is a talent development programme for outstanding researchers. Aimed at those conducting world class research, its goal is to develop the skills of talented researchers, both nationally and internationally.