Thomas Adcock
My research looks at the ocean environment — how we understand this and design for it. Some of the ares I am interested in are:
Freak waves in deep water
Freak or rogue waves are much larger than those around them. There is evidence that our current models over-predict these in some locations but under-predict these in others. I look at the physics and statistics of how large waves form to try and understand these and improve our design methodologies. I’ve had a go at writing about freak waves without going into any maths here. Please also see http://www.eng.ox.ac.uk/oceanwaves/research.
Resource assessment of tidal stream energy
Tidal stream turbines extract energy from fast flowing tidal currents. This energy is reliable and its generation will have no carbon dioxide emissions. I work on the understanding and quantifying the nature of the resource.
Mulberry Harbours
I am interested in engineering history, particularly the Mulberry Harbours which were used during the Second World War as part of Operation Overlord (the invasion of Normandy). My Grandfather was one of the engineers who worked on their design and construction.
