2x PhD Studentships: Control of Distributed Parameter Systems for H2020 Project ConFlex

Institut de Mathématiques de Bordeaux, part of University of Bordeaux, France is looking for 2 Ph.D. students in the field of system modelling and control, with emphasis on systems governed by PDEs and on systems modelling fluid structure interactions. These students will be employed as researchers in Prof. Marius Tucsnak’ group.

These positions are part the 15 positions available within the ConFlex project, sponsored by the EU under the Marie Sklodowska-Curie actions in the H2020-MSCA-ITN Program. The ConFlex consortium will train the next generation of high-level young researchers on the control of flexible structures and fluid-structure interactions, using and also contributing to the latest advances in control theory and energy-based modelling.

The applications that we plan to investigate cover a wide range of flexible structures in interaction with fluids: wind turbines, aircraft wings, precision machine tools, vessels linked by cables as encountered in marine salvage operations and microscopic electromechanical devices. These apparently unrelated systems face similar challenges and will be analysed and controlled in a unified framework. The training network will enhance and use the synergy between the partners to produce a high-level doctoral training program.

 

The first PhD work focusses on Modelling, analysis and identification for rigid bodies interacting with water waves and application to wave energy converters.

The main objectives are:

1. Derive, using asymptotic methods, a system of PDEs in two space dimensions describing the interaction of a floating solid (such as a large vessel or platform) with water waves.
2. Provide the mathematical tools to analyse the stability properties of the obtained coupled system.
3. Derive efficient numerical methods to simulate the system.

This work is supposed to lead to a comprehensive theory of coupled systems modelling the motion of floating rigid bodies interacting with surface waves, based on previous work of D. Lannes on wave modelling and on asymptotic methods developed by D. Lannes and F. Sueur. Robust numerical algorithms for the simulation of this coupled system and prediction of anomalous (large) waves based on sea profile data. The planned secondments: Tel Aviv (G. Weiss, 2 months), to collaborate on objective Exeter (M. Belmont, 2 months), FTC (A. Karcanias, 3 months).

 

The second PhD work is devoted to Control and identification for floating or immersed rigid bodies connected by deformable cables.

The main objectives are:

1.  Deriving a tractable coupled PDE/ODE system modelling the motions of two rigid bodies (a large one and a much smaller one) which float or are immersed in a fluid and which are connected by a deformable structure. The structure may be passive or controlled by embedded actuators.
2. Provide a reduced order model for which partial state controllability and optimal control issues can be formulated and solved in reasonably short time to allow on-line control. In particular investigate the case in which the control acts by deforming the connecting structure (the swimming problem). The expected results should lead to a “full’’ mathematical model coupling equations of hydrodynamics with those of rigid motion and with nonlinear elastodynamics (the latter for the cable), a reduced model in which the equations of fluid dynamics are replaced by approximation for the hydrodynamic torques, design and simulation of controllers for the reduced model.
3. Validate the obtained control laws on the full model using CFD methods.

The planned secondments: Exeter (M. Belmont, 3 months), BAE Systems (M. Robb, 3 months) and Wuppertal (B. Jacob,  1 month).

We offer a very challenging full time position for 3 years in an inspiring multidisciplinary and international environment.

Université de Bordeaux (UB) is a multidisciplinary university counting about 53,000 students and nearly 6,000 staff. UB has been actively contributing to the strengthening of the European Higher Education and Research Areas by welcoming more than 6,220 foreign students and developing an extensive network of more than 200 partners. UB has also developed a solid expertise in the development of joint curricula in the frame of European programmes, especially within the frame of Erasmus Mundus. UB is participating in 9 EM joint programmes at Master and PhD levels (incl. 5 as a coordinator) and regularly takes part in networks to support the internationalization of studies through the exchange of good practises (EUA-CDE, JOIMAN and JOI.CON).

The Institute of Mathematics of Bordeaux (IMB) counts 130 faculties, with a research activity covering most areas of pure and applied mathematics. Research in applied mathematics, namely in control of PDE systems, scientific computing or biomathematics is highly recognized at the international level.

 

What we offer :

• Enrolment in a PhD program of Bordeaux University, School of Mathematics and Computer Sciences
• Three (3) secondments with project partners within the European Training Network, out of which one in industry
• An excellent working atmosphere within an international team of researchers
• The successful candidate will receive a 3 year financial package, in accordance with the European Commission rules for Early Stage Researchers (ESRs), consisting of:
• Monthly living allowance (gross, before applicable social and income taxes) of €2,450
• Monthly mobility allowance of €400
• Family allowance (when applicable)
• Visits to partener universities and/or industrial partners will be covered separately by the grant

Applicants must hold a Masters degree in Applied Mathmatics or closely related fields.

Applicants should have basic knowledge in control theory and partial differential equations.

 

Mobility Rule

Researchers must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of the recruiting beneficiary for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately before the recruitment date. Compulsory national service, short stays sch as holidays, and time spent as part of a procedure for obtaining refugee status under the Geneva Convention 1 are not taken into account. For international European interest organisations, recruited researchers mut not have spent more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately before the recruitment date at the same appointing organisation.

A first selection will be made on basis of your CV (pdf format), list of grades, certificates, list of referees and motivation letter sent to Prof. Marius Tucsnak.

The selected candidates will be invited for an interview, via Skype or phone. At least one additional member of the ConFlex consortium will be attending.

Questions can be addressed to: Prof. Marius Tucsnak.