Automated post processing of topology optimisation results

Duration: Full Time 3 years fixed term (Starting September 2016)

Application deadline: Ongoing

Informal enquiries are essential before application; contact Dr. Jesper Christensen to discuss this opportunity.

Congratulations on taking your first steps toward a Research Degree with Coventry’s Faculty of Engineering, Environment and Computing. As an ambitious and innovative University, we’re investing an initial £100m into our new research strategy, ‘Excellence with Impact’. Through original approaches from world-leading experts, we’re aiming for our research to make a tangible difference to the way we live. As a research student you are an integral part of Coventry’s lively and diverse research community and contribute to our reputation for excellence. With our exceptional facilities and superb support mechanisms you are afforded every opportunity for academic success.

THE PROJECT
This project will focus on the definition, development, programming and validation of an automated methodology / software tool for automatic post-processing of topology optimisation results. The use of Finite Element (FE) based topology optimisation is becoming increasingly widespread across a vast number of industries including mechanical, automotive and aerospace engineering applications. A key step in the full integration of topology optimisation for industrial applications is the post-processing of results; which is often very difficult due to complications such as the checkerboard effect and mesh dependency in addition to the process being unrepeatable and subjective as it is based upon personal experience. It is estimated that the post-processing of a “medium complexity” topology optimisation problem typically takes up to 50% of the total time (pre-processing, solve & post-processing). Very little work has been done to create automated post-processing tools, predominately because of the complexity thereof in combination with the previously limited “credibility” of topology optimisation algorithms. As optimisation algorithms are becoming increasingly established and robust the opportunities for creating automated post-processing tools, methods and frameworks have dramatically increased, with an enormous potential for significantly reducing post-processing time and thereby design costs.

ABOUT THE CENTRE/DEPARTMENT
Our research in Mobility & Transport works across our faculties and focuses on the design and engineering of future transport systems, including the growing influence of the internet and connectivity. The focus is on inclusive, sustainable and safe transport integrating the strongest research elements in design and engineering. Future transport systems have a number of high level aims including ambitions to totally eliminate road fatalities, to eliminate congestion, to provide users with seamless integrated and connected transport systems, to eliminate emissions and to develop vehicles and systems that use lightweight, efficient and recycled materials.

SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS
Successful applicants will have:

A minimum of a 2:1 first degree in a relevant discipline/subject area with a minimum 60% mark in the Project element or equivalent with a minimum 60% overall module average, or
A Masters Degree in a relevant subject area will be considered as an equivalent. The Masters must have been attained with overall marks at merit level (60%) minimum. In addition, the dissertation or equivalent element in the Masters must also have been attained with a mark at merit level (60%) minimum.
The potential to engage in innovative research and to complete the PhD within a prescribed period of study
Language proficiency (IELTS overall minimum score of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each component).

Additionally:

Enthusiasm and aptitude for optimisation algorithms, principles and applications.
Demonstrable experience with post-processing of topology optimisation results; e.g. via course work, individual projects or industrial experience.
Programming experience would be beneficial.
Demonstrable competence of applied engineering mathematics and principles such as Finite Element (FE), stress analysis and vector / matrix systems.
A desire to publish academic research in the highest quality journals

ELIGIBILITY & APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Application Procedure:

Application information can be found in our how to apply section: http://www.coventry.ac.uk/research/research-students/how-to-apply/?id=88848

Before completing the application please contact Dr. Jesper Christensen (cc'ing [Email Address Removed] when you do) for an initial informal discussion about the opportunity.

Eligibility:

All UK/EU students are eligible to apply that meet the academic requirements, the eligibility criteria can be found here: http://www.coventry.ac.uk/research/research-students/research-entry-criteria/?id=88841