[cmath] Ph.D. Position in Mathematical Modeling - University of Ottawa and UOIT

[Alan Kelm]

University of Ottawa and UOIT

PhD position

Title: Mathematical modeling, analysis and computation of interfaces 
between two porous domains.

Description:

Introduction: This research project will focus on the mathematical 
modeling of interfaces between two porous domains, namely between proton 
exhange membranes (PEM) and catalyst layers (CL) of PEM fuel cells. The 
membrane and catalyst layers are porous media consisting of pores of 
random size which facilitates mass and charge transport. The CL contains 
carbon particles and ionomer fibres, with gas pores embedded in these two 
phases. The diffusive transport processes are largely affected by 
heterogeneities of the porous medium and by the interface between two 
porous domains.

Mathematical objectives: The research will deal with the mathematical 
modeling and analysis, and computation of interfaces between two porous 
domains. The model invloves a system of nonlinear PDEs (conservation 
laws). A typical domain consists of one or two cylinders, representing PEM 
and CL pores. The way the two cylinders meet minimizes a certain energy 
and therefore some shape optimization will be inviolved. Based on results 
from micro-scale models, using multi-scale methods or statistical 
analysis, a macro-scale model for PEM-CL interface will be derived.

This position is part of a research collaboration between University of 
Ottawa, UOIT and Toyota Motor Corporation.

Eligibility Requirements: A MSc (or equivalent) in Applied Mathematics is 
required. Applicants should have a strong background in Analysis. Any 
knowledge/experience with PDEs, computational methods, optimization and 
modeling is an asset.

Location: University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada  (with visits to UOIT)

Salary: $34 000 CAD for year 1, 2 and $22 000 CAD for year 3, 4.

Starting date: September 1st, 2009, or until it is filled.

How to apply: Interested applicants should submit (i) an AMS standard 
cover sheet <http://www.ams.org/coversheet/>, (ii) a CV with a publication 
list, (iii) a description of current research interests, and (iv) at least 
two letters of recommendation, by mail or email to Arian Novruzi (with cc 
to Peter Berg) at the addresses given below.

Deadline: Open until position is filled.

Contact:

Peter Berg
Faculty of Science
University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT)
2000 Simcoe Street N
Oshawa, ON, L1H 7K4, Canada
tel: +1 905 721 8668 ext 2457
e-mail: peter.berg at uoit.ca
web: faculty.uoit.ca/pberg/

Arian Novruzi
Department of Mathematics and Statistics, office 305E
University of Ottawa
585 King Edward (KED)
Ottawa, ON, K1N 6N5 Canada
tel: +1 613 562 5800 ext 3530
e-mail: novruzi at uottawa.ca
web: www.mathstat.uottawa.ca/~novruzi

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