Graduation Thesis Infra Marine

For this graduation thesis within Van Oord's Infra Marine team, you will explore how 3D numerical modelling can improve coastal engineering. Your research connects laboratory tests with advanced CFD simulations, with CoastalFOAM and OpenFOAM at the heart of the assignment. Your results can help better understand wave impact and overtopping on hydraulic structures. Together with experts and fellow students, you will bridge the gap between theoretical simulation and real-world applications.

The Position

Within Tender & Engineering, the Infra Marine team works on projects where the ocean meets land. For your graduation thesis, you will join the TKI OFCOARSE project and investigate the added value of 3D numerical modelling for coastal engineering.

Van Oord is developing its CFD expertise through CoastalFOAM, an OpenFOAM-based numerical wave flume. The project brings together Van Oord, TU Delft, Deltares and Haskoning to validate 2D and 3D simulations against physical model tests. Your research will focus on wave overtopping, impact pressures and structural loads. The work gives you a clear link between advanced modelling and practical engineering.

Your Impact

The core of the thesis is a comparison between 2D and 3D CoastalFOAM simulations and laboratory measurements. Differences in wave behaviour and loads will show where 3D modelling can add value. Particular attention will go to lateral flow, turbulence and energy dissipation. Physical measurement data from the laboratory experiments will provide the basis for the comparison. Your findings will contribute to the wider TKI OFCOARSE project and help develop knowledge that can be applied in coastal engineering.

Key areas of the research include:

• Analysing wave patterns
• Investigating 3D energy dissipation
• Evaluating wave impact loads
• Comparing numerical results with physical measurements
• Assessing the added value of 3D modelling for hydraulic structures

Your Workplace

The Infra Marine team is part of Tender & Engineering in Rotterdam. The team focuses on coastal structures such as breakwaters and revetments as well as dredging and other marine engineering activities. Advanced engineering tools and detailed hydraulic models support the team in developing high-quality solutions. Within the TKI OFCOARSE project, collaboration extends beyond Van Oord to students and specialists at TU Delft, Deltares and Haskoning.

Van Oord gives you the opportunity to learn from experienced engineers while working on a topic with a clear connection to real projects. Collaboration, trust and freedom to explore are important parts of the way we work. Your research will contribute to our knowledge of coastal engineering and help build solutions for the future.

About You

You have a technical MSc background and a genuine interest in hydraulic engineering or numerical modelling. Curiosity matters, as does the ability to keep exploring when a model does not behave as expected. Teamwork is also important because the assignment involves collaboration with colleagues and project partners. The role is based in the office and offers plenty of opportunity to learn through direct contact with the team.

We are looking for:

• An MSc study in a technical field such as Hydraulic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or Physics
• An interest in numerical modelling
• Experience with MATLAB and or Python
• Availability from November, although an earlier start is also possible
• Persistence when working through complex problems and a willingness to learn from challenges

We Offer

This graduation thesis gives you the opportunity to work on a real engineering challenge with a clear connection to coastal engineering projects. You will work closely with experienced engineers and contribute to knowledge that can help shape future solutions.

In addition, we offer:

• A graduation internship allowance
• Intensive supervision from experienced engineers