The VENTuRE team members visited the Department of Naval Architecture, Ocean, and Marine Engineering (NAOME) of the University of Strathclyde (USTRATH), in Glasgow, UK, from 27 June to 1 July 2022, where a number of activities were organised as part of the ongoing H2020 project VENTuRE.
Three laboratory staff from the Department of Mechanical Engineering of the University of Malta followed training sessions in the experimental facilities available at the Kelvin Hydrodynamics Laboratories (KHL). This activity was designed to provide practical experience and learn about state-of-the-art techniques utilised for model testing of sea faring vessels.
Concurrently, the academics, researchers, and students attended the following short specialist courses delivered by Dr Tahsin Tezdogan and Dr Saishuai Dai from USTRATH:
- Physical towing tank testing for the prediction of ship resistance and propulsion
- Physical towing tank testing for the prediction of ship hydrodynamics with a focus on seakeeping
- State-of-the-art Measurement, Calibration and Data analysis Techniques
Two summer schools were also successfully organised for researchers and students as part of this partner visit:
- Boundary Element Method in Hydrodynamics
- Building a successful research career
The summer school Boundary Element Method in Hydrodynamics was delivered by Dr Zhiming Yuan and Dr Tahsin Tezdogan (USTRATH). The various applications of potential flow theory for marine hydrodynamics were discussed. To help the students understand the boundary element method, which is derived from potential flow theory, some industry-related applications were presented. These included ship hydrodynamics in confined waterways, non-linear wave loads and mooring systems, and multibody hydrodynamics.
Dr Emma Compton-Daw (USTRATH) organised the summer school Building a Successful Research Career. This was aimed to help students identify the research career development needs and begin to implement a plan of activities to meet those needs. Students were provided with an introduction to Vitae's Researcher Development Framework (RDF). RDF was used extensively during this course. As part of this activity, students also had the opportunity to interview academics for them to share their personal and professional experiences.
On the final day of the visit, an event related to networking and collaboration opportunities was held. It consisted of five different presentations, which were followed by a Questions & Answers session.
Prof. Tonio Sant (UM) delivered a presentation on Offshore Hydro-Pneumatic Energy Storage, whereas Prof. Mehmet Atlar (USTRATH) presented the EU H2020 GATERS project and introduced the Hydro Testing Forum (HTF) to UM and NAS since he is part of the Steering Committee of this international network. One of the initial objectives was to provide UM with an insight into HTF’s structure, vision, and mission. This has enabled UM to consider potential collaboration with HTF members and to create a sustainable long-lasting network.
On the other hand, Dr Weichao Shi (USTRATH) delivered an interesting talk on the research activities of the Applied Biomimetics Marine Hydrodynamics Group and Prof. Osman Turan (USTRATH) introduced the Human Factor Research Centre Activities (both part of USTRATH NAOME department). Lastly, Shahroz Khan (USTRATH) delivered a presentation on the Geometry Functionals as Physics-Informed Accelerators of Shape Optimisation (GRAPES). Following the session, participants attended a networking lunch which provided an opportunity for knowledge sharing.
