We congratulate all former PhD students on completing their theses at the FDS institute! The following is a list of students who completed their doctoral degrees from 2025 onward.
Georgios Bletsos
George's PhD hat
Adjoint Shape Optimization Of Blood Flow Applications under Uncertainties
Date of Defense: 23-01-2025
Short Abstract
This thesis aims to advance adjoint-assisted gradient-based shape optimization techniques by incorporating blood-specific features. The main focus is the simulation-based modeling and minimization of blood damage (hemolysis) in biomedical applications. To this end, coupled primal/adjoint equation systems, that take into account the nonNewtonian blood properties, are developed. Additionally, the thesis addresses parameter uncertainties in the optimization problem. The developed simulation methods are employed in biomedical applications, which are further analyzed using fluid-structure interaction (FSI) simulations.
Wibke Düsterhöft-Wriggers
Wibke's PhD hat
Numerical Modelling of Granular Bulk Cargo
Date of Defense: 14-02-2025
Short Abstract
A monolithic multi-physics approach is implemented within a Finite Volume framework to study the behavior of unsaturated granular materials on vessels. This includes constitutive models representing various cargo failure mechanisms, which are applied to 2D parameter studies that provide comprehensive insights into cargo behavior under diverse conditions. The models include a rigid-perfectly plastic soil model, a porous media approach for rigid materials, an incompressible elastic model, and a coupling of the rigid-perfectly plastic model with the porous media. Thorough validation and verification of all implemented models are presented, along with a proof-of-concept study demonstrating a complete three-dimensional simulation of a loaded bulk carrier in waves.
Keqi Wang
Keqi's PhD hat
Performance of Azimuth and Bow Thrusters during Ship Maneuvers
Date of Defense: 03-03-2025
Short Abstract
This thesis investigates the hydrodynamic performance of azimuth and bow thrusters on an offshore supply vessel using Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) simulations. It considers the performance of the azimuth thruster at high steering angles and evaluates the effectiveness of the bow thruster at varying ship speeds and heading angles. In addition, a maneuvering model is developed using virtual PMM (Planar Motion Mechanism) tests, which is then applied to simulate ship turning maneuvers. The main objective of this research is to improve the understanding of the complex flow dynamics around thrusters and to contribute to the improvement of the operational safety of ships.
