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EURAXESS

Ph.D. position in modular-topology optimization of compliant structures, mechanisms, and materials (02-PhD-Zeman)

Czech Technical University in Prague The Human Resources Strategy for Researchers
19 Jan 2024

Job Information

Organisation/Company
Czech Technical University in Prague
Research Field
Engineering » Aerospace engineering
Engineering » Civil engineering
Engineering » Mechanical engineering
Engineering » Simulation engineering
Engineering » Materials engineering
Mathematics » Applied mathematics
Mathematics » Computational mathematics
Physics » Computational physics
Researcher Profile
First Stage Researcher (R1)
Country
Czech Republic
Application Deadline
Type of Contract
Temporary
Job Status
Full-time
Hours Per Week
40
Offer Starting Date
Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?
Not funded by an EU programme
Reference Number
02-PhD-Zeman
Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?
No

Offer Description

A fully funded Ph.D. opening is available for candidates with a strong interest in applying and developing mathematical programming techniques for the optimal design of modular structures, mechanisms, or (meta-)materials. The position will be jointly supervised by Michal Kočvara, Marek Tyburec, and Jan Zeman (in alphabetical order).

The design of modular structures involves assembling functional blocks from a set of available modules (either from an offline database or designed during the optimization process) into the final product to achieve optimal performance [1]. Modularity holds immense promise for all engineering disciplines, enabling large-scale prefabrication and mass customization, module reuse and repair, product reconfiguration, or robotization of the manufacturing process. However, realizing the full potential of modularity is currently hampered by the lack of robust computationally efficient algorithms because the resulting optimization problem spans two distinct scales (module and product) and exhibits both discrete (module placement) and continuous (module design) features. Your Ph.D. project will contribute to filling this gap.

Your research activities will build upon the three-step sequential framework proposed in [2,3], in which Step 1 addresses the distribution of the material stiffness tensors at the product scale using Free Material Optimization [4]. Step 2 involves the design modularization based on a hierarchical clustering procedure. Step 3 involves solving a single-scale topology optimization problem with embedded modularity using contemporary topology optimization technology [5]. Depending on your interests and background, you will be given the opportunity to extend this framework toward dynamics, geometrically non-linear formulations (including pneumatic actuation), three-dimensional problems, or structural engineering applications. Upon mutual agreement, you may also explore the deployment of polynomial optimization techniques in Steps 1 and 3, drawing upon their recent applications in structural mechanics [6] and the calculus of variations [7].

The offer comes with a rare interdisciplinary and international collaboration opportunity. On the Czech side, you will be embedded in the 4.5-year EU-funded ROBOPROX project, which integrates the leading researchers in control, optimization, robotics, computational methods, and automated manufacturing. In particular, you will interact closely with the optimization group led by Didier Henrion and Martin Kružík. International collaborators include the groups of Michael Stingl and Giovanni Fantuzzi (FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg), both renowned experts in polynomial optimization and mathematical programming. This initial network of collaborators is expected to expand as the project progresses.

References

[1] Tyburec, M., Zeman, J., Doškář, M., Kružík, M. & Lepš, M. Modular-topology optimization with Wang tilings: an application to truss structures. Struct Multidisc Optim 63, 1099–1117 (2021). Preprint at arXiv
[2] Tyburec, M., Doškář, M., Zeman, J. & Kružík, M. Modular-topology optimization of structures and mechanisms with free material design and clustering. Comput Methods Appl Mech Eng 395, 114977 (2022). Preprint at arXiv
[3] Tyburec, M., Doškář, M., Somr, M., Kružík, M. & Zeman, J. Modular-topology optimization for additive manufacturing of reusable mechanisms. Preprint at ResearchGate (2023)
[4] Haslinger, J., Kočvara, M., Leugering, G. & Stingl, M. Multidisciplinary Free Material Optimization. SIAM J Appl Math, 70, 2709–2728 (2010). Preprint at Optimization Online
[5]  Bendsøe, M. P. & Sigmund, O. Topology Optimization. (Springer, 2004)
[6]  Tyburec, M., Kočvara, M. & Kružík, M. Global weight optimization of frame structures with polynomial programming. Struct Multidisc Optim 66, 257 (2023). Preprint at arXiv
[7]  Fantuzzi, G. & Fuentes, F. Global minimization of polynomial integral functionals (2023). Preprint at arXiv

Requirements

Research Field
All
Education Level
Master Degree or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications
  • Motivation to perform excellent research, become part of the world's research communities in structural and multidisciplinary optimization, and publish in first-tier journals,
  • Eager to learn and adapt, with a keen interest in mastering diverse concepts in interdisciplinary research to contribute effectively to the project,
  • MSc degree or equivalent (awarded or to be obtained soon) in a field related to the opening, 
  • Professional proficiency in spoken/written English.
Specific Requirements

Successful candidates should have a strong background in at least one of the following areas:

  • Structural or solid mechanics,
  • Finite element method,
  • Numerical linear algebra,
  • Structural optimization,
  • Mathematical optimization.

In addition, we require code development skills, preferably in MATLAB, Python, Julia, C++, or a related programming language.

Languages
ENGLISH
Level
Excellent

Additional Information

Benefits

We offer:

  • An initial appointment for 1 year (with an extension of up to 4 years, based on annual performance evaluation),
  • Full waiver of tuition fees in the doctoral degree programs Physical and Materials Engineering or Mathematics in Civil Engineering (depending on your preference),
  • Net compensation of about 1,600 EUR monthly (includes salary and student stipends); check the Numbeo database for the cost of living in Prague,
  • Full social and health insurance,
  • 6 weeks of paid annual leave,
  • An informal and inclusive international working environment at the Open Mechanics group,
  • Additional benefits such as subsidized meals, yearly benefits supporting recreational and sports activities, as well as health care programs,
  • Relocation assistance via the EURAXESS Czech Republic office.

Why Prague and CTU?

  • Prague regularly ranks among the European cities to live in (cf., the most recent World’s Best Cities for Culture Survey by Time Out magazine),
  • Beautiful mountain landscapes and historic cities are within hours of travel,
  • Numerous exquisite European destinations can be reached from Prague without border restrictions or delays, because of Czechia’s Schengen-area membership,
  • CTU’s Dejvice Campus features a range of student amenities, such as the National Library of Technology, and a laid-back atmosphere with cafes and other social hangout places,
  • CTU’s International Student Club provides assistance with study affairs and organizes leisure time and social activities,
  • CTU is committed to the principles of inclusiveness and gender equity in accordance with its Gender Equality Plan,
  • CTU operates children’s corner, kindergarten, and elementary school.
Selection process

Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications at:

https://forms.gle/Q7Rxn4R4NZFyWZuY7 [using Ph.D. Position ID 02-PhD-Zeman]

The application package should contain:

  • Motivation letter (up to two pages), stating personal goals and research interests,
  • Academic curriculum vitae, including descriptions of previous projects you have worked on and/or a list of publications and files of the most important publications, when applicable,
  • Contact details for two to three referees who could support your application,
  • A transcript of your Master's (required) and Bachelor's (recommended) grades.
  • A copy or a link to your M.Sc. thesis,
  • Date of your M.Sc. degree award or the expected date of your M.Sc. thesis defense.

For full consideration, complete applications must be received by 30 April 2024. We reserve the right to disregard incomplete applications.

Review of applications will begin immediately upon receipt of your application and will continue no later than 14 May 2024. The evaluation committee will then invite shortlisted candidates to up to two rounds of interviews (in-person for applicants living in the Czech Republic and remote for all other candidates).

The ROBOPROX team embraces diversity and inclusion and offers applicants equal opportunities, regardless of their orientation, identity, or background. We particularly welcome female candidates and candidates from underrepresented groups.

Additional comments

For more information:

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available
1
Company/Institute
Faculty of Civil Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague
Country
Czech Republic
City
Prague 6
Postal Code
166 29
Street
Thákurova 7
Geofield

Where to apply

Website

Contact

State/Province
Czech Republic
City
Prague
Website
Street
Jugoslávských partyzánů 1580/3
Postal Code
16000
E-Mail
pavel.koudelak@cvut.cz