Lazarus Gyang

Griffith University

Biography

I am a native of Nigeria and married to Fatsel Ambayin. I pursued a BEng in Civil Engineering at the University of East London from 2012 to 2014 and graduated with a first-class honors. I then practiced Engineering for about 4 years before pursuing my master’s degree. I obtained an MSc degree from Universiti Putra Malaysia, where I researched on the development of ultra-high-performance fiber reinforced concrete barge for wind turbine. I graduated with a distinction and published my research in a high-ranking journal. I have deep interest in offshore engineering, and I look forward to making great contributions in both the academia and industry.

Lazarus Gyang

Thesis Topic

Development of a Novel Floating Structure for Fish Farming from Lightweight Materials.

PhD Start Date

March 2024

PhD Project Objectives

As part of the effort to advance offshore aquaculture, various mechanisms are being explored. This study focuses on the structural analysis of the SeaFisher, a proposed structure for aquaculture in Australia. The SeaFisher utilizes high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP), both lightweight materials. The suitability of these structural materials and elements for the SeaFisher is still under scrutiny, particularly regarding their performance at the proposed site.

This study aims to conduct a detailed analysis of the SeaFisher’s structural components, including HDPE pipes, HDPE connectors, and GFRP diagrids. Additionally, a study on the creep behavior of HDPE will be conducted to understand its long-term performance. These analyses will be carried out through experimental study and finite element analysis. Furthermore, mechanical and hydrodynamic tests will be performed on the kikkonet proposed for the SeaFisher to understand its behavior under static and cyclic loading, as well as the drag forces acting on it when immersed in water.

The outcome of this study will significantly contribute to the development of the SeaFisher and other HDPE offshore structures in the future. This project aligns with the Blue Economy CRC Research program, focusing on the design of novel stand-alone and integrated aquaculture and renewable energy infrastructure for environmental and economic benefits. The PhD project will contribute to the RP1.1.3 milestone by delivering a report on the selection of appropriate materials and analysis methods based on optimized simulations and analysis for new or improved fish cage designs. It will also meet the RP1.1.4 milestone by summarizing experiments on new cage designs and refining those designs.

Biography

I am a native of Nigeria and married to Fatsel Ambayin. I pursued a BEng in Civil Engineering at the University of East London from 2012 to 2014 and graduated with a first-class honors. I then practiced Engineering for about 4 years before pursuing my master’s degree. I obtained an MSc degree from Universiti Putra Malaysia, where I researched on the development of ultra-high-performance fiber reinforced concrete barge for wind turbine. I graduated with a distinction and published my research in a high-ranking journal. I have deep interest in offshore engineering, and I look forward to making great contributions in both the academia and industry.

Supervisory Team

Primary Supervisor: Associate Prof Hassan Karampour

Griffith University

Co-Supervisor: Prof Joerg Baumeister

Griffith University

Co-Supervisor: Prof Hong Zhang

Griffith University

Co-Supervisor: Dr Chunhao Lyu

Griffith University

Research Advisor: Leigh Savage

Huon Aquaculture