PhD Scholarships in Topology Optimization of Micro-Flow and Quantum-Opto-Mechanical Systems

Applications are invited for two 3-year PhD positions starting in the end of 2024 within the field of shape and topology optimization at the Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering (TopOpt group), DTU. The PhD-projects are funded through the Villum Investigator Project AMSTRAD granted by the Villum Foundation.

AMSTRAD is a six-year research project aimed at developing advanced numerical inverse design tools that allow for systematic investigations and design of materials and structures with disorder and defects, either by design or as introduced by non-perfect manufacturing processes. The specific PhD-projects aim at developing efficient topology optimization algorithms that take uncertainties into account to design more robust and resilient nano-mechanical and micro-flow systems. The research project within micro-flow systems will consider the optimization of flow and transport of matter within porous materials and microscale applications under implication of uncertainty and imperfections. The research project within quantum-opto-mechanical systems will consider design of pre-stressed nano-membrane structures for quantum applications under consideration of manufacturing and physics induced uncertainties.

Responsibilities and qualifications

The projects involve extensive development and implementation of numerical algorithms for shape and topology optimization. Hence, it is a prerequisite that the candidates document their experience with finite element programming to receive full consideration. Preference will be given to candidates with documented experience in at least one and preferably more of the following areas: Computational Solid Mechanics; Computational Fluid Mechanics; Finite Element Methods; Numerical Optimization Methods; Shape and/or Topology Optimization.

We envision that: 

• You have an open mind and can think creatively in Mathematical, Physical, Mechanical and Programming contexts
• You are eager to elaborate on the newest research results, improve the ideas, and test them by implementation
• Your research will include extending and contributing to various in-house codes, including the development of our parallel computing framework based on the PETSc library using the c++ computing language as well as interactive design platforms on mobile devices
• You know and have in-depth experience within topology optimization and/or finite element analysis and are committed to improving state-of-the-art     
• You preferably have insights into uncertainty modelling and modelling of random materials or structures
• You are interested in contributing to the development of robust micro- and nano-systems in collaboration with other DTU departments – also with respect to realization and testing. 

You must have a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree within the fields of Mechanical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Computational Physics or Computer Science.

Application procedure 

To apply, please read the full job advertisement by clicking the ‘Apply’ button 

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