Rudy Helmons, a PhD-Candidate in Dredging Engineering at the Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), has won the IADC Young Author Award in 2015.
The award was presented by René Kolman, secretary-general of IADC during the CEDA Dredging Days 2015 conference in Rotterdam (November 6th 2015).
Helmons won the prestigious award for his research paper “ Modeling the effect of water depth on rock cutting processes with the use of discrete element method” .
The paper focuses on the effect that the water depth can have on (rock) cutting process. “ My research concerns the modelling of rock cutting processes. Initially the research is driven by the question how rock behaves at deep sea locations (>2km) when you want to cut/mine it, ” Helmons explains.
“ Currently we are looking for the opportunities to continue this line of research with a new PhD-candidate. If all goes well, the new candidate could start in about a year. ”
He adds that currently, the simulations have been set up in 2D, and it will be extended towards 3D, next year. “ When that’s done (end of 2016), it can be used to further support the design of equipment. ”
The annual Young Author Award is given to stimulate the promotion of new ideas and to encourage young people working in the dredging industry and related fields.