Research Assistant/Associate in Data And Physics-Informed Simulation of Very Large Aircraft Structures

About the role:

The position of Research Assistant/Associate in Data and Physics-informed simulation of very large aircraft structures is part of a large project funded by EPSRC, with close interaction and planned visits to AIRBUS and NASA. The goal of deploying a new generation of zero-emission aircraft within the next decades leads to a need to fundamentally re-think the role of simulation in aircraft design. In this role, you will be part of a team seeking to develop fundamentally new numerical methods, based on data and physics, for the simulation of very large structures. These methods, which will build upon extensive experience within the group, are intended to underpin the future design of new generations of aircraft.

What you would be doing:

You will be part of a team with Prof. Pinho, another PDRA and two PhD students, all working on this project. Visits to NASA, Airbus and other project partners are planned within the project, as well as deployment of the software at Airbus and validation against real full-wing test data part of Airbus’s Wing of Tomorrow project. You will also have opportunities to participate in the supervision of master’s projects.

You will use the Finite Element Method, Artificial Intelligence and Uncertainty Quantification, and will program using Python and C++ (e.g. user elements, user materials, surrogate models, among others). The software you will contribute to will be made publicly available under a BSD-3 licence, and will be compatible with various FE solvers, so it achieves maximum impact and you gain maximum recognition. You will publish your results in the leading journals in the area, and will have the opportunity to attend various conferences to disseminate your work.

You will develop, implement and verify numerical methods which underpin the structural simulation, design and certification of very large structures, such as aircraft wings. You will use AI as appropriate in the development of such models, for instance for surrogate models of structural components. You will incorporate means for effective uncertainty quantification in said models. You will use professional software development standards to ensure that the codes are sustainable, readable, modular, reusable and optimised for HPC.

What we are looking for:

We are looking for applicants with sound knowledge of solid mechanics and experience on:

• Structural simulation using the Finite Element Method (Essential)
• Programming (e.g. Python, Fortran, C++) (Essential)
• Artificial intelligence (e.g. machine learning) (Desirable)
• Uncertainty Quantification (Desirable)

What we can offer you:

This role will offer you the following:

• Be part of a world-leading research group with a proven track record of coming top in international academic benchmark exercises for their models, and of having their models used by industry and shipping natively within the leading finite element software packages
• The unique possibility to verify your predictions against a full-scale structural test of an aircraft wing via the interaction with Airbus’s wing of tomorrow programme
• The possibility to deploy of your codes at Airbus, and the possibility of a ‘technology transfer’ stay at Airbus
• The opportunity to visit NASA Langley Research Centre, and to further collaborate with NASA on model development
• The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to continue science for humanity.
• Grow your career: Gain access to Imperial’s sector-leading dedicated career support for researchers as well as opportunities for promotion and progression
• Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 39 days off a year and generous pension schemes).

Further Information

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If you require any further details on the role please contact: Silvestre Pinho - silvestre.pinho@imperial.ac.uk

For queries regarding the recruitment process please contact Lisa Kelly: l.kelly@imperial.ac.uk 

Please note that job descriptions are not exhaustive, and you may be asked to take on additional duties that align with the key responsibilities mentioned above.

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