Two-year Postdoctoral position on stochastic multi-scale methods

A reliable numerical model is crucial for the design and analysis of modern dynamic engineering systems such as automobiles, helicopters and aircrafts. Uncertainties should be taken into account for credible predictions of quantities of engineering interest of such systems (such as internal stresses, vibration levels). Uncertainties in complex systems include (a) parametric uncertainty (e.g. uncertainty in geometric parameters, boundary conditions and material parameters) and (b) nonparametric or model uncertainty (arising from the lack of scientific knowledge about the model which is a-priori unknown). Most modelling parameters (e.g. thickness, elastic modulus) in engineering dynamic systems are spatially distributed in nature. Random field models are normally used to represent a spatially varying function, and a crucial part of its description lies in the scale of fluctuations. This in turn is related to manufacturing control, and sometimes, the very nature of the materials (e.g. properties of composite materials will be more spatially fluctuating than metallic materials).

The main objectives of this two-year research project are:

1. To propagate uncertainty with multiple spatial fluctuation-scale through finite element models of structural dynamic systems.

2. To unify parametric and nonparametric uncertainty models.

3. To develop computationally efficient reduced-order methods in the time and frequency domain.

4. To formulate and apply the new methods numerically to a simplified composite wing structure.

You should have completed a higher degree in Computational Engineering  or a related subject and a PhD or masters in uncertainty propagation or multiscale methods would be highly desirable.

This is a fixed term position funded by the National Research Network in Advanced Engineering for a two year period.

For further information please contact Professor Sondipon Adhikari S.Adhikari@swansea.ac.uk

To apply online please go to: http://www.swansea.ac.uk/personnel/jobs/details.php?nPostingId=1718&nPostingTargetId=4479&id=QHUFK026203F3VBQB7VLO8NXD&LG=UK&mask=suext

Closing date is midnight on 24 September 2015