The goal of this project is to systematically and reliably derive a framework for transport and reactions in Complex Heterogeneous Multiphase Systems (CHMSs) based on mathematical, physical, and thermodynamic principles.
The project consists of two main Themes with cross-linking throughout:
1. Modelling and analysis of CHMSs such as deriving novel effective reactive transport formulations for batteries, fuel cells, and solar cells.
2. Computational validation of the derived multiscale framework for reactive transport in CHMSs.
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( votes)We will apply rigorous, mathematical and physical modelling with state-of-the-art methodologies such as variational, physical, and thermodynamic analysis based on calculus of variations, gradient flows, homogenization theory, statistical mechanics and thermodynamics as well as novel computational approaches allowing for the reliable and efficient discretisation of CHMSs.
The ultimate goal is the systematic and predictive theoretical and computational analysis as well as optimization of CHMSs with the goal of reducing material costs and of increasing longevity by a novel and general computational multiscale framework. As a consequence, the results from the proposed work shall guide experiments for gaining fundamental understanding of the underlying chemical, physical, and thermodynamic processes but shall ultimately recommend new design rules, materials, geometries, processes and operation strategies, as well as novel measurement techniques. Finally, this project builds the fundamental basis for the subsequent theoretical and computational investigation of random CHMSs which naturally occur in many applications (stochastic homogenization).
Collaborations: The project will provide opportunities for national and international collaborations with Imperial College { London, ETH (Zurich), Simon Fraser University (Vancouver), University of Alberta, and Ecole Polytechnique (Paris).
Educational background: We are looking for a PhD student in Mathematics (Analysis, Probability, Numerics & Computations), Computational Science, or any other equivalent field. Interested candidates should be enthusiastic to learn and understand new concepts and preferably have a fundamental understanding in one or more of the following fields: analysis, electrochemistry/thermodynamics & physics, finite element methods (preferably with experience with Python), and probability theory.
Project duration, funding source, and research group: The PhD project is funded by a prestigious James Watt scholarship. This PhD position is closely linked to a EPSRC funded project and to an industrial partner (Denchi Power Ltd). There will be a postdoc and two more Ph.D. students in the group which is part of the Maxwell Institute with its own Graduate School in Analysis and its Applications (MIGSAA).
The Department is also part of the Maxwell Institute for Mathematical Sciences (https://www.maxwell.ac.uk), a joint research institute bringing together within a single body the research activities of the Departments of Mathematics and of Actuarial Mathematics & Statistics at Heriot-Watt University and the School of Mathematics at the University of Edinburgh. The Institute aims to be an internationally preeminent centre for research and for postgraduate training in the mathematical sciences, and to offer an environment that is able to attract and foster the very best mathematical talent from around the world. It obtained
excellent results in the recent REF exercise and was awarded a ‘Centre for Doctoral Training’ grant by EPSRC to fund a new graduate school entitled ‘The Maxwell Institute Graduate School in Analysis and its Applications’ (MIGSAA).
The Department is a co-founder of the International Centre for Mathematical Sciences (ICMS, www.icms.org.uk). The ICMS runs international workshops in all areas of mathematics and supports the Scottish Mathematical Sciences Training Consortium.
If you are interested, please contact me (Dr. Markus Schmuck) by email ([email protected]), and send your application as a pdf file (CV, motivation letter, BSc and MSc theses, three recommendation letters, and a brief research statement outlining your future interests) until February 6, 2017.
