PhD Research Project

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Computational Methods for Control of PDEs with Application to Fusion Energy

Institution:

Arizona State University

Dept/School/Faculty:

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

PhD Supervisor:

Prof M Peet

Application Deadline:

01 June 2013

Funding Availability:

Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)

PhD Research Project

Click here to visit the Arizona State University website

A Doctoral student position is available in the Cybernetic Systems and Controls Lab (CSCL) in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Arizona State University, starting August, 2013. funding includes tuition, a 12-month stipend of up to $2000/mo, travel and other expenses. Applications are accepted until June 1, 2013 or until the position is filled.

ASU, based in Tempe, AZ, is the largest research university in the United States. ASU was ranked 8th nationally in the 2012 US News and World Report list of “up and coming” universities for making significant investments in academics and research. The graduate Aerospace Engineering Program at ASU was ranked 22nd in US News and World Report for 2012. Overall, the university was ranked 45th nationally and 78th globally overall by ARWU in 2012.

Research is centered on the use of optimization algorithms (semidefinite programming and Sum-of-Squares) to design plasma controllers in Tokamak nuclear fusion reactors. This project is a collaboration with the Oxford University and the University of Grenoble and may involve travel between project sites.

Project Description: The use of optimization algorithms has recently revolutionized the design of controllers for linear finite-state-space models. Recently, our lab has developed methods to extend these results to control of linear partial-differential equations in a mathematically rigorous, non-conservative manner. The student in this project will be expected to further develop these techniques to optimal output-feedback based controller synthesis and apply these results to PDE models of fluid flow. Aside from plasma in Tokamaks, the student will consider stability and control of the Navier-Stokes and Orr-Summerfeld equations.

Eligibility: Students must have a 2.1, first class honors or equivalent from a top 100 university as per AWRU, USNWR or other major ranking system. For non-UK students, an undergraduate score of 3.6 (US), 90 (China), 17(India/Iran) is required. Other countries will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Particularly relevant skills can include a background in Physics, Algorithms, Parallel computing, Mathematical analysis, Optimization, and all areas of Control. Candidates should have an undergraduate degree in Engineering, Mathematics, or a
related discipline.

If eligible, apply for the position by sending a cv, undergraduate and graduate transcripts (if relevant) directly to mpeet@asu.edu. Additionally, students must apply separately to the university online at http://graduate.asu.edu/admissions.