Postgraduate research opportunities Investigating the role of verified methods for enhancing trust in digital twins

The Strathclyde Centre for Doctoral Training (SCDT) in "Data-driven uncertainty-aware multiphysics simulations" (StrathDRUMS) is a new, multi-disciplinary centre of the University of Strathclyde, which will carry out cutting-edge research in data-driven modelling and uncertainty quantification for multiphysics engineering systems. StrathDRUMS will train the next generation of specialists to apply non-deterministic model updating, digital twin techniques, and advanced uncertainty treatments to real-world challenges in civil and aerospace engineering. In our research, we aim to study complex systems such as aeroplanes, spacecrafts, buildings and bridges using rigorous mathematical concepts, formulations and computational methods. We are pleased to announce an available funded 3.5-year PhD studentship project within the centre on “Investigating the role of verified methods for enhancing trust in digital twins”, supervised by Dr Marco de Angelis (Civil & Environmental Engineering),  Dr Yoshihito Kazashi in the Department of Mathematics & Statistics and co-supervised by Dr Sifeng Bi (Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering) and by Dr Michele Ruggeri (Mathematics & Statistics).

In engineering, trustworthy simulations are at the very centre of efficient manufacturing and monitoring. The explicit account of the uncertainty within simulation is still a challenge, because of the prohibitive cost of the Monte Carlo method. In this project, we investigate the role of verified methods to efficiently propagate the uncertainty on engineering problems such as structural vibrations and deflections. The successful candidate will review and apply numerical methods in computational uncertainty quantification. The focus will be specifically on verified methods for the solution of ordinary and partial differential equations with uncertain initial and boundary conditions. Verified methods will also be applied in conjunction with validation methods for the rigorous integration of empirical data within the simulation environment.

Further information

The student will be based in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering of the University of Strathclyde, while benefiting from shared supervision by the wider SCDT team. The student interests and background will be aligned with one of StrathDRUMS partners, which includes National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS), National Physical Laboratory (NPL), and UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA). The student will thus be integrated within a vibrant and active multi-disciplinary research team with in-house training opportunities available across multiple faculties. In addition to undertaking cutting-edge research, the student will be registered for the Postgraduate Certificate in Researcher Development (PGCert), which is a supplementary qualification to develop core skills, networks, and career prospects. The successful candidate will be expected to conduct high-quality research in the areas of computational uncertainty quantification, participate in relevant training activities and events provided by StrathDRUMS, disseminate research findings through publications and presentations, contribute to the wider research community through engagement and collaboration with other researchers.