We are looking for six PhD candidates to join the Laboratory of Computational Methods and Numerical Analysis at the Universitat Politcnica de Catalunya-BarcelonaTech in Spain. The four-year PhD fellowships cover the full tuition, a monthly stipend, and health insurance.
Opening 1: Reliable and robust model reduction for real-time simulations
The field of research will be numerical methods for simulation-based engineering sciences. In particular, novel model reduction techniques allowing fast resolution of initial boundary value problems. The proposed research envisions contributions in the necessary mathematical framework (analysis, verification) upon which concrete algorithms are constructed (to solve practical applications). The position requires sound understanding of numerical analysis, in particular a good knowledge of numerical methods for partial differential equations. Moreover, the candidate must be familiar with MATLAB and have some experience in implementing numerical methods.
Opening 2: Phase field modeling and simulation of fracture in active materials and of biomembranes
Phase field models represent moving interfaces with a continuous field that tracks and encodes the mechanics of a smeared interface. These models are gaining popularity because, contrary to sharp interface models, they treat the geometric tracking and the modeling of the interfacial phenomena in a unified way, with a nonlinear, often high order, partial differential equation. In the context of two applications, the project addresses two obstacles for the wide applicability of phase-field models: (1) encoding sharp interface models into the regularized phase-field framework and (2) the need for efficient, accurate and scalable numerical methods.
Opening 3: Numerical methods for coupling heterogeneous models
Heterogeneous multiphysics problems described by partial differential equations arise in many practical applications, for example, whenever different phenomena have to be taken into account in two or more subregions of the computational domain or when, for the description and simulation of complex physical phenomena, combinations of hierarchical mathematical models are set up with the aim of reducing the computational complexity. The project focuses on the development, analysis and implementation of effective mathematical and numerical methods for the simulation of such complex multiphysics problem.
Opening 4: Computer simulation of hydraulic fracturing in three-dimensions
Hydraulic fracturing (using high-pressure water to generate cracks in the rock) is a technique applied to both fossil fuels and renewable energy sources. The project aims to develop efficient simulation methods with the objective of accurately predicting the three-dimensional network of hydraulic fractures, taking into account rock self-contact, inhomogeneity, and poroelasticity, as well as to build methodologies to incorporate stratigraphic data obtained from field technologies.
Opening 5: 2 PhD positions with teaching duties
The candidates, besides carrying out a PhD in one of the research areas of interest of LaCN, will support the teaching activity of undergraduate courses on numerical methods for Civil, Construction and Geological Engineering.
Six PhD Positions at the Laboratory of Computational Methods and Numerical Analysis
