PhD position on Topology Optimization for large-scale systems using HPC

22 Mar 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-2024-169

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

No

Offer Description

BACKGROUND
Topology Optimization (TO) is a powerful technology which allows to compute optimized designs of physical systems in a fully automated manner, without any assumed parameterization of the geometry. From the mathematical standpoint, it consists of solving nonlinear optimization problems  constrained by partial differential equations. This technology allows to improve the performance in various physical settings such as structural design, heat exchangers, or nanophotonic crystals. Nowadays, there is a growing industry demand for applying these methods to large scale three-dimensional systems, which is challenging due to the need for high computational resources. There is therefore the need for developing dedicated algorithms leveraging High Performance Computing methods, namely distributed computing on multiple CPUs or GPUs.

PHD PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The research aims at developing an efficient computational platform for three-dimensional Topology Optimization of large-scale multiphysics systems.
The research will first aim at bringing several improvements to the Null Space Optimization algorithm developed for Topology Optimization (https://null-space-optimizer.readthedocs.io/en/latest/ ) such as integrating LBFGS acceleration and efficient preconditioners for the quadratic programming solver identifying the descent direction. A second part of the work will consist in searching for and integrating efficient parallel remeshing methodologies for body-fitted shape updates (see e.g. Feppon, et. al., Topology optimization of thermal fluid-structure systems using body-fitted meshes and parallel computing).  These methods will be applied on several physical systems such as heat transfer devices and stress-constrained designs. 

Requirements

Research Field

Engineering

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Languages

ENGLISH

Level

Good

Additional Information
Benefits

The PhD position lasts for the duration of four years, and is carried out at the University of KU Leuven. The candidate also takes up a limited amount (approx. 10% of the time) of teaching activities. The remuneration is generous and is in line with the standard KU Leuven rates. It consists of a net monthly salary of about 2400 Euro (in case of dependent children or spouse, the amount can be somewhat higher); social security is also included. Following Belgian law, the salary is automatically adjusted for inflation based on the smoothed health index.
The candidate will be encouraged to present his/her work at international conferences and will be covered by a dedicated travel funding.

Eligibility criteria

Candidates must hold a master’s degree in Applied Mathematics or in Mathematical Engineering. Candidates should have a good background in numerical computing with the finite element method and numerical optimisation.They should have experience with scientific programming in Python/C++ and the will to use it as a daily research tool, as well as a taste for mathematical rigor. Proficiency in English is required, as well as good communication skills, both oral and written. The position adheres to the European policy of balanced ethnicity, age and gender. Persons of all origins and gender are encouraged to apply.

Selection process

To apply, use the KU Leuven online application platform (applications by email are not considered). Applications should ideally include:
a) an academic CV and a PDF of your diplomas and transcript of course work and grades
b) a statement of research interests and career goals, indicating why you are interested in this position
c) a sample of technical writing in English, e.g. a paper with you as main author, or your bachelor or master thesis
d) at least one recommendation letter
d) a list of at least two additional references (different from recommendation letters): names, phone numbers, and email addresses
e) some proof of proficiency in English (e.g. language test results from TOEFL, IELTS, CAE, or CPE)

Please send your application as soon as possible.
Decision: as soon as a suitable candidate applies.
Starting Date: October 1st 2024. Later start can be negotiated.

 

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/xjVMuNx21AaOox34qATq

Contact

State/Province

Leuven

City

Vlaams Brabant

Street

Leuven

Postal Code

3000

STATUS: EXPIRED