Bradford Knight

Biography

Dr. Knight is an Assistant Professor in the Ocean Engineering Department at the University of Rhode Island. His research interests include naval hydrodynamics and ocean renewable energy. His research utilizes Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and data-driven modeling techniques to investigate topics such as hull-propeller-rudder interaction, vessel maneuvering, vessel seakeeping, and hydrokinetic/wind turbine fluid dynamics.

He received his Ph.D in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering in 2021 from the University of Michigan and was subsequently a Research Fellow in the Department of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering at the University of Michigan. His teaching interests include topics related to hydrodynamics, CFD, as well as naval architecture and marine engineering.

Research

  • Hydrodynamics
  • Computational Fluid Dynamics
  • Vessel Seakeeping and Maneuvering
  • Hull-Propeller-Rudder interaction
  • Ocean Renewable Energy
  • Naval Architecture

Education

  • Ph.D., Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering, University of Michigan, 2021
  • M.S.E, Aerospace Engineering, University of Michigan, 2020
  • M.S.E, Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering, University of Michigan, 2018
  • B.S.E, Aerospace Engineering, University of Michigan, 2012
  • B.S.E, Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, 2012

Selected Publications

Park, J., Knight, B.G., Liao, Y., Mangano, M., Pacini, B., Maki, K.J., Martins., J.R.R.A., Sun, J., Pan, Y. CFD-based design optimization of ducted hydrokinetic turbines. Scientific Reports 13, 17968 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-43724-4

Knight, B.G., Maki, K.J. Framework for data-driven propeller and rudder modeling for ship maneuvering. Ocean Engineering, 263, 112301 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oceaneng.2022.112301.

White, P.F., Piro, D.J., Knight, B.G., and Maki, K.J. A Hybrid Numerical Framework for Simulation of Ships Maneuvering in Waves. Journal of Ship Research 66, 159–171. (2022). https://doi.org/10.5957/JOSR.06200037

Silva, K.M., Knight, B.G., Maki, K.J. Numerical Prediction of Extreme Roll of a Free-Running Ship with Computational Fluid Dynamics and Neural Networks. 34th Symposium on Naval Hydrodynamics, Washington D.C. (2022).

Knight, B.; Maki, K. Multi-Degree of Freedom Propeller Force Models Based on a Neural Network and Regression. Journal of Marine Science and Engineering. 8, 89. (2020). https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse8020089

Knight, B.G., Xu, W., Maki, K.J. Numerical Prediction of Self-Propulsion in Extreme Head Seas. 33rd Symposium on Naval Hydrodynamics, Osaka, Japan. (2020).

Knight, B.G., Maki, K.J. A semi-empirical multi-degree of freedom body force propeller model. Ocean Engineering, 178, 270-282 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oceaneng.2019.02.056.

Knight, B.; Freda, R.; Young, Y.L.; Maki, K. Coupling Numerical Methods and Analytical Models for Ducted Turbines to Evaluate Designs. Journal of Marine Science and Engineering. 6, 43. (2018). https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse6020043