MSc Thesis: CFD Modelling of Wave Loads

Haskoning; Delft; On-site; EUR 6,700 - 10,000; Full time

Job summary

Haskoning continues to strengthen its CFD expertise and invites a motivated MSc-thesis student to join the Maritime & Renewables team in the Netherlands. You will compare 2D and 3D CoastalFOAM simulations with small-scale laboratory measurements to understand wave loads on hydraulic structures.

Based in Delft, Amersfoort or Nijmegen, you will analyse wave patterns, energy dissipation, and model accuracy, and create a comparative video illustrating CoastalFOAM results alongside physical tests.

Qualifications

• You are currently enrolled in a technical MSc programme in Hydraulic Engineering, Coastal Engineering or Physics.
• Experience with MATLAB or Python to analyse laboratory measurements and compare 2D and 3D modelling.
• Interest in numerical modelling and multi-disciplinary collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Analysing 2D and 3D CoastalFOAM simulations and comparing with lab measurements.
• Investigating three-dimensional energy dissipation and its influence on wave behaviour and loads.
• Creating a comparative video that presents CoastalFOAM simulations alongside the physical model tests.

Skills

Numerical modelling

Analytical mindset

Education

MSc student in Hydraulic Engineering / Coastal Engineering / Physics

Tools

MATLAB

Python

Job description

Haskoning continues to strengthen its expertise in computational fluid dynamics (CFD). It does this through the use and development of its advanced numerical wave flume, CoastalFOAM. We always improve our methods. For example, we work on the Top Consortia for Knowledge and Innovation (TKI) OFCOARSE project. We collaborate with TU Delft, Deltares, and Van Oord in this project. The aim of this TKI project is to develop guidance for the use of OpenFOAM-based models. It also aims to validate two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) OpenFOAM simulations for wave overtopping and wave impact applications. As part of the project, physical model tests are being carried out at Deltares upcoming October, which will follow by the numerical model simulations.Within this structure, our team is currently able to reproduce these physical model tests using 2D CoastalFOAM simulations and is eagerly expanding its abilities towards 3D modelling.The latest research suggests that 3D simulations can provide a more detailed representation of the elemental physics, particularly for wave overtopping processes.This is because 3D models are able to capture effects such as lateral flow redistribution, enhanced turbulence and dissipation, and detailed three-dimensional wave-structure interactions that cannot be fully represented in 2D.

These observations highlight the need to quantify the added value of 3D CoastalFOAM simulations compared with 2D models. In particular, further assessment is required to determine how the additional spatial dimension influences impact pressures and structural loads. For wave loading, it is expected that including three-dimensional effects may lead to reduced loads due to energy spreading and additional dissipation; however, this still needs to be systematically evaluated and validated against the physical model tests.

The Maritime & Renewables department is seeking a motivated MSc-thesis student with a strong interest in numerical modelling. The objective of this research assignment is to conduct a comparative analysis of small-scale physical model tests and CFD simulations using CoastalFOAM. The focus will be on evaluating the differences between 2D and 3D simulation results.

Even though every thesis is different, there are multiple reference theses available:

• An efficient numerical way of working to model wave overtopping of rubble mound breakwaters, Marco Moretto 2020, Delft University of Technology
• Hydrodynamic modelling of wave overtopping over a block-covered dike, Luc Barendse 2021, University of Twente
• Numerical estimation of wave loads on crest walls on top of rubble mound breakwaters using OpenFOAM, Marisol Irias Mata, 2021 Delft University of Technology
• Numerical estimation of upward pressure differences over a placed block revetment under wave loading on a dike, Martijn van Heest, 2023 Delft University of Technology
• Evaluating the Added Value of 3D CFD Modelling for Capturing Wave Overtopping in OpenFOAM, Eveliina Moonen, 2026, Delft University of Technology

What you will do as a graduation intern

During this MSc thesis internship, you will investigate how two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) CoastalFOAM simulations represent wave loads on hydraulic structures. Your research will help assess the added value of 3D modelling for understanding wave behaviour and the resulting structural loads.

You will compare numerical simulation results with measurements from small-scale laboratory experiments. The experimental data will be available for your study, allowing you to examine how well the models reproduce observed wave behaviour, impact pressures and structural loads.

Your work will focus on:

• Analysing wave patterns and identifying differences between the physical tests and the 2D and 3D simulations.

• Investigating three-dimensional energy dissipation and its influence on wave behaviour and loads.

• Evaluating wave impacts on hydraulic structures and comparing the simulation results with laboratory measurements.

• Creating a comparative video that presents the CoastalFOAM simulations alongside the physical model tests.

Based on your findings, you will assess the strengths and limitations of both modelling approaches and draw conclusions about the value of including three-dimensional effects in wave load simulations.

Where you will work

At Haskoning, you will join an independent, employee-owned international consultancy that combines engineering, design, and consultancy services with software and technology. Our mission, "Enhancing Society Together", drives us to create a positive impact on the world.

We offer purpose-driven and challenging work in diverse international projects, leveraging our 140+ years of expertise. With over 6,800 employees in more than 25 countries, we work together to turn challenges into opportunities and make a real impact on society. We collaborate with leading clients in markets such as infrastructure, climate resilience, renewable energy, decarbonisation of industry, and sustainable mobility.

You will become part of the Advisory Group Maritime & Renewables the Netherlands. This team consists of around 180 colleagues and is based in the Netherlands across three offices Delft, Amersfoort and Nijmegen. As a team we excel in a wide variety of services and skills in the fields of Climate Resilience, Maritime and Renewable developments. We provide our clients, both private and (semi)governmental, with a range of services throughout the various phases of a project: from inception, through master planning, feasibility, design all the way to construction supervision. We have a strong foothold in the Netherlands but we operate worldwide.

What you bring

You enjoy numerical modelling and approach technical challenges with curiosity and persistence, even when things do not work the first time. You like working alongside colleagues in the office and joining social activities, becoming part of the team beyond your thesis work.

• You are currently enrolled in a technical MSc programme, for example in Hydraulic Engineering, Coastal Engineering or Physics, providing a relevant foundation for researching wave behaviour and loads on hydraulic structures.

• You have experience with MATLAB or Python to analyse laboratory measurements, process simulation results and compare the outcomes of 2D and 3D modelling.