New Non-Linear Interaction Term for Wave Forecast Models
The Faculty of Engineering and Industrial Sciences
Victoria, Australia
BACKGROUND:
Swinburne University of Technology (SUT) is seeking a suitably qualified student to undertake post-graduate study to develop, based on a new analytical theory, a numerical term to be used in wave forecast models for computations of non-linear wave interactions.
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:
Spectral models are commonly employed for wave forecast and research purposes. One of the primary terms of the models is that due to non-linear resonant interactions. The physics of the non-linear term has not been updated for 4 decades, and its numerical algorithms impose a major computational limitation on operational forecast models, even with the high-performance systems available today. The objective of this project is to develop, test and implement a novel one-fold-integral non-linear term which will have the potential to significantly reduce computational times for spectral wave models and will be based on advanced physics.
This new term will be tested within the operational wave forecasting system used by the Australian Bureau of Meteorology and implemented within Bureau/CSIRO supercomputing facility. It is highly likely that a successfully developed new term would be adopted by weather forecasting centres around the world and be the most significant development in the field for several decades.
SELECTION CRITERIA:
- Honours degree in Physical or Mathematical Sciences (essential)
- Strong analytical and mathematical skills (essential)
- A good working knowledge of programming (desirable)
Commencement Date: October 2008
Scholarship: A$24,815 per annum, tax exempt. Duration - three years
Application: Through Swinburne University of Technology: http://www.swinburne.edu.au/research/schols.htm.
Deadline: 31 July 2008
Contact:
Alexander Babanin
Faculty of Engineering and Industrial Sciences
Swinburne University of Technology
PO Box 218, Hawthorn, VIC 3122
Victoria
Australia
Telephone: +61-3-9214 8033
Fax: +61-3-9214 8264
Email: ababanin@swin.edu.au
