Post-doct position : Isogeometry-based analysis and design

INRIA (the French national institute for research in computer science and control) has currently eight centres, and the Opale Project-Team is primarily located in the Sophia Antipolis Centre, near the city of Antibes. Our research focuses on functional and numerical analysis, and numerical simulation, with a special emphasis on optimization in science and engineering (compressible aerodynamics, electromagnetics, structural design, etc) with strong links with industry.

In partnership with eight other academic or industrial European
establishments, Opale participates in the European Project Exciting (Directorate: Transports)
whose main goal is to develop computational tools for the optimized design of
functional free-form surfaces based on a common exact representation of the
geometry (isogeometry approach), with application to optimum design in naval
engineering and in the automotive and wheel-rail sectors.
The proposed post-doctoral program is intended to support the Opale contribution
to the Exciting project. It should consist of two main tasks:
-- Conduct the numerical optimization for a model structural problem using the
geometric tools developed by other partners, and the associated
simulation codes (3D elasticity), and by developing complementary optimization
software. Experiment and compare different optimizers. Evaluate the benefit
gained by the isogeometry approach.
-- Study multi-level formulations of the optimization algorithms.
The Opale project team, in a more classical context, has already gained
a large experience in geometrical multi-level algorithms for shape
optimization in compressible aerodynamics (and electromagnetics).
The same property of 'nested parameterizations' associated with
representations of a surface of different degrees will be used
in the context of isogeometry analysis to achieve very
efficient algorithms mimicking multi-grid strategies. The program will include
the development and critical analysis of such an approach in the isogeometry
framework.

Another form of multi-level algorithms will also be potentially at hand, by
considering multi-level parametric optimization combined with multi-grid
simulation of the system of governing partial-differential equations. This
enhancement will also be investigated.

Thus, this post-doctoral program should offer a young researcher in applied
mathematics or engineering the possibility to develop competence in
both applied aspects of engineering sciences (Computer Aided Design tools,
structural design, optimization methods) and more methodological research on
algorithms(multi-level approaches). Additionally, it is intended for a young researcher
willing to participate in a European network with both academic and industrial
partners.

OPALE web site : www-sop.inria.fr/opale 

If you are interested, please send a CV and an application letter by email. 

Regis.Duvigneau@sophia.inria.fr