PhD position in Topology Optimization of Large-Scale systems with Uncertainty

11 Jan 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

KU Leuven

Research Field

Mathematics

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country

Belgium

Application Deadline

1 Jul 2024 - 00:00 (UTC)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Hours Per Week

38 hours/week

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Reference Number

BAP-2023-44

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

Topology Optimization (TO) is a powerful method for optimizing the design of industrial systems. In many industrial problems, the optimized design need to be robust with respect to various forms of uncertainties coming e.g. from the load conditions or from the manufacturing process. The optimized design needs to perform well in a continuum of (many) possible scenarios. This is especially challenging because solving physical models for all these possible situations (and accounting them in the optimization program) is not computationally tractable for realistic problems. Incorporating uncertainty analysis into the design process is essential for devising more robust and reliable systems that are better suited to real-world conditions. Unfortunately, current TO methods have limitations when it comes to dealing with uncertainty in three-dimensional real-world large- scale situations featuring multiple physics, design constraints, and requiring flexible risk controls.

The goal of this PhD thesis is to bridge these gaps by adressing three main objectives: 1) achieving significant speed-up in the propagation of uncertainties using geometric low-rank methods and High Performance Computing leveraging GPU implementations for physical state solvers, 2) developing new optimization methods for accounting for uncertain design constraints and flexible formulations of robust optimization, and 3) demonstrating the efficiency of the methods on ambitious three- dimensional large scale Topology Optimization test cases featuring multiple physics and uncertainty. The methodologies of this project will allow to systematically account for uncertainty in optimal design in contexts close to realistic industrial needs.

Requirements

Research Field

Mathematics

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Languages

ENGLISH

Level

Excellent

Additional Information
Benefits

As a PhD researcher at NUMA, we offer:

• A high-level and exciting international research environment 
• A supportive and collaborative team in which you can develop know-how and expertise in state-of-the-art numerical methods and their mathematical analysis
• The opportunity to build up research and innovation skills that are essential for a future career in research and development, both in an industrial and academic context
• A competitive salary and travel funding 

Applications will be continuously evaluated upon submission until a suitable candidate is selected. The starting date will be agreed upon between the candidate and the promotor but should be no later than October 1, 2024.

Eligibility criteria

The work will involve a fair balance between the invention and implementation of numerical algorithms and their mathematical analysis. The ideal candidate should have an outstanding mathematical background in numerical analysis and applied mathematics, with specializations in either of the following domains: 

• Uncertainty Quantification
• Model Order Reduction
• Partial Differential Equations
• Finite Element Methods
• Nonlinear Constrained Optimization,
• Topology Optimization
• Domain Decomposition Methods, GPU computing

Candidates must hold a master’s degree in Mathematical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or equivalent.Candidates should have experience with scientific programming and the will to use it as a daily and powerful research tool (Python and C/C++).Excellent proficiency in English is required, as well as good communication skills, both oral and written.

Selection process

For more information please contact Prof. dr. Florian Feppon ([email protected] ).You can also have a look at  ongoing and past research projects at https://people.cs.kuleuven.be/~florian.feppon/

You can apply for this job no later than 01/07/2024 via the online application tool

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

KU Leuven

Country

Belgium

State/Province

Vlaams Brabant

City

Leuven

Postal Code

3000

Street

Leuven

Geofield

Where to apply

Website

https://easyapply.jobs/r/tjhCVqt2188WLtlCRXf

Contact

State/Province

Leuven

City

Vlaams Brabant

Street

Leuven

Postal Code

3000

STATUS: EXPIRED