Postgraduate Studentship in Numerical Computing on Surfaces with the Closest Point Finite Element Method
Applications are invited for a postgraduate studentship, to work on "Numerical Computing on Surfaces with the Closest Point Finite Element Method" under the supervision of Dr Colin Macdonald. This DPhil studentship will start on 1 October 2010, and will be based in the newly established Oxford Centre for Collaborative Applied Mathematics (OCCAM).
OCCAM has been established with substantial funding from the KAUST GRP. The Centre, which is part of the Mathematical Institute, is allied to a global network of mathematicians. Aiming to meet the ever-increasing global demand for quantitative understanding of complex scientific phenomena, OCCAM has been built on the strength of four pre-existing groups of applied and computational mathematicians working in Oxford: the Oxford Centre for Industrial and Applied Mathematics, the Centre for Mathematical Biology, the Numerical Analysis Group and the Computational Biology Group. It has a symbiotic relationship with other scientific communities which have a need for problem-solving mathematics both within the University of Oxford and beyond.
For information about OCCAM please visit our website: www.maths.ox.ac.uk/occam
The importance of partial differential equations (PDEs) for modelling in the natural and applied sciences can hardly be overemphasized. Because exact solutions are rarely possible, it is important to have accurate and efficient numerical methods for computing approximate solutions of PDEs. The Closest Point Method is a recently-developed simple numerical technique for solving PDEs on general curves and surfaces. For example, it can be used to solve a pattern-formation PDE on the surface of an animal or simulate fluid flow over a complex surface. More information on the Closest Point Method is available at people.maths.ox.ac.uk/~macdonald/ClosestPoint. The main aims of this project are (i) to develop and analyse a finite element approach to the Closest Point Method; (ii) produce a software implementation; and (iii) investigate various applications. However, this project has considerable "room" for a motivated student explore different paths based on his/her own interests.
The studentship is attached to Oriel College.
This project is one of six on offer from OCCAM. The funding situation is complex, because the studentships associated with the six projects come from different sources.
Four studentships (3 funded by KAUST GRP, 1 by the University of Oxford) are open to applicants of any nationality, and cover full stipend, College and University fees at the international rate. The remaining two studentships are funded by EPSRC and are only available to UK/EU students.
We will allocate the studentships to the projects after the interviews take place, with the aim of providing full funding for all six students regardless of nationality if possible.
Applications can be made online at www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/postgraduate_courses and should include a CV, covering letter, three references and a transcript of your undergraduate degree. Alternatively, applications (with references signed over seal) can be sent to Margaret Sloper at the Mathematical Institute using the University's application form for graduate study, which can be downloaded from the above link. Applications must arrive by end of day Thursday 4th February 2010. The reference for this application is BK/09/34; make sure that you state this in the covering letter. Applicants must arrange for their referees to send references directly to the Graduate Studies Assistant (fax or e-mail is sufficient) by the closing date. For further details about the projects, including the application process, please see www.maths.ox.ac.uk/notices/vacancies, or contact Graduate Studies, email graduate [dot] studies [-at-] maths [dot] ox [dot] ac [dot] uk
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