This research project investigated the possibility of optimising arrays of tidal turbines using an analytical wake modeller, FLORIS. FLORIS was originally designed for wind turbines, which (at the time of writing) has a significantly shorter computational time for optimisation than the current method used by the ocean modeller, Thetis. The main responsibilities included:- Conducting a brief literature review of previous research in coastal engineering and ocean modelling, with particular focus on the modelling of turbines in potential tidal stream projects. - Establishing familiarity with the coastal model Thetis and the analytical wake model FLORIS.- Examining and furthering the parameterisation of turbines and relevant wake parameters.- Building optimisation scripts to maximise the AEP of an array of tidal turbines. This involved three models: a steady state model with a simple domain, a transient model with a simple domain and a transient model with obstructions in the domain.- Identifying areas of uncertainty and suggesting areas of improvement for future research.This internship provided me with the opportunity to learn the basics of Python, even building my own scripts for modelling the turbines and editing the modules for optimisation. I learnt to use additional programmes such as ParaView and became comfortable using LINUX and LaTeX.

Produced AutoCAD drawings, reports and team briefing sheets for a variety of bridges undergoing assessment, as well as assisting the compilation of the Health and Safety File for a newly constructed bridge. Assisted at daytime and overnight inspections of Network Rail bridges for teams in both Edinburgh and Glasgow.