PhD Scholarship in Earthquake-Induced Pressure Surges in Hydropower Systems
Start Date: Immediate | End Date: Mid-2026
A fully funded PhD opportunity is available in collaboration with Re-Generate NZ, a Christchurch-based specialist consultancy in energy and water solutions. The project addresses a critical challenge in New Zealand’s hydropower sector: understanding and mitigating earthquake-induced pressure surges in penstocks and pressure tunnels.
These transient surges—similar to the water hammer effect—pose a risk of structural failure during seismic events. The goal of this research is to improve design guidelines and contribute to national hydropower resilience.
Project Scope:
- Develop a theoretical framework for pressure wave generation in seismically excited pipe systems.
- Use Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to model transient flow behaviour under realistic seismic conditions.
- Validate and implement models with Re-Generate’s design group to inform both hydropower infrastructure upgrades and national design codes.
What We Offer:
- A unique opportunity to work at the interface of academic research and engineering practice.
- Access to real-world project data and advanced simulation tools.
- Training in high-performance computing and seismic resilience design.
This project is ideal for candidates with strong skills in fluid mechanics, numerical modelling, or earthquake engineering, and a desire to contribute to nationally significant infrastructure.
Supervisors
First Supervisor:
Second Supervisor:
Key qualifications and skills
- Bachelor’s (Hons) or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Fluid Mechanics, or a closely related discipline.
- Strong foundation in fluid mechanics and hydraulics, especially unsteady/transient flow.
- Familiarity with computational modelling and numerical simulation methods.
Does the project come with funding
UC Connect Doctoral Scholarship - stipend and tuition fees are covered
How to apply
Applications must be made through the UC Scholarships portal here:
Final date for receiving applications
30 September 2025
Keywords
Engineering; Fluid dynamics; Computational; numerical; Civil Engineering; mechanical engineering; hydro power; CFD; Computational Fluid Dynamics
