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PhD Studentship: Exploitation of multi-body dynamics for space mission design

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With renewed interest in space exploration, the question of designing efficient transfers between celestial bodies is as relevant as ever. Standard models used to describe these transfers mathematically rely on simplified models such as the circular restricted three body problem and its invariant manifolds. Extending this to more realistic models, such as the elliptic case or more generally n-body dynamics, is an ongoing area of research.  

One particular approach are Lagrangian Coherent Structures (LCS). These structures serve as dynamical barriers separating different regimes of the natural dynamics, and a spacecraft can exploit these “interplanetary highways” to move from A to B for free. In this project, you will perform cutting edge research on the possibilities offered by these exciting new numerical methods for trajectory design in models beyond the circular restricted three body problem.  

The computation of LCS is very demanding and requires high computational resources. A significant part of this research will be focused on an efficient mathematical formulation of the problem, and subsequently a high-performance implementation of the solution algorithms using distributed computing and/or GPU based massively parallel computing within the NGCM CDT framework.  

Part of this work will be carried out in collaboration with researchers from Politecnico di Milano, with the potential of an extended research visit during the project.  

As a candidate for this position, you have a strong and proven background in astrodynamics, ideally with experience in three-body or multi-body dynamics and are not intimidated by challenging mathematics. Good knowledge of a programming language (C/C++, modern Fortran, Python) is required, and experience with high performance computing (OpenMP, MPI, OpenCL) is a plus. You are able to work independently and acquire any missing knowledge on your own e.g. through reading of relevant scientific literature.  

We offer a 4 year iPhD position with taught courses on the use of high-performance computing in numerical analysis and subject-specific courses chosen in accordance with the successful candidate’s profile throughout the first year.  

If you wish to discuss any details of the project informally, please contact Dr. Alexander Wittig, Astronautics research group, Email: a.wittig@soton.ac.uk.  

This project is run through participation in the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Next Generation Computational Modelling (http://ngcm.soton.ac.uk). For details of our 4 Year PhD programme, please see http://www.findaphd.com/search/PhDDetails.aspx?CAID=331&LID=2652 

For a details of available projects click here http://www.ngcm.soton.ac.uk/projects/index.html

To apply, please click the apply online button below.

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