Linear kinetic equations describe the evolution of a probability density of particles within phase-space, i.e., independent variables are space, time and velocity. Besides transport of particles, the main governing physical processes are absorption and scattering at inhomogeneities and anisotropic structures.
This type of equation has numerous applications, e.g., radiation calculations in astronomy and medical treatments, medical imaging, and the design of semiconductors. Due to its importance and wide applicability a lot of research has been conducted both in the analysis as well as in the numerical approximation of this class of equations. Particularly, since it is almost always impossible to give analytic solutions, the numerical approximation of solutions to the radiative transfer equation is of great importance for the aforementioned applications.
Mathematically the numerical approximation is still challenging due to the high-dimensionality and anisotropy of the problem. In particular, the presence of transport regimes, fluidic regimes and diffusive regimes requires methods which are robust in treating this multiscale problem. Particular emphasis is put on so-called ‘compatible’ schemes which respect physical properties as, e.g., positivity of the solution, and mass conservation. The design of such methods is currently an active topic of research.

In this project the successful applicant should design new numerical methods for the efficient numerical solution of the radiative transfer equation as a prototype for other applications mentioned above. This will include the development of an efficient highly parallelized numerical solver which is applicable to problems in optical imaging.

 Different research questions that are key to this project are:

• Development of exterior calculus for this class of equations aiming at the systematic design of stable numerical approximation schemes.

•  Development of compatible discretizations, which in particular ensure positivity of the solution and mass conservation.

• Development of reduced order models to break the curse of dimesionality and which allow for efficient large-scale computations.

Ideally, several of the above posed questions are solved by the applicant and are implemented in a state-of-the art computer code.

For this work we are looking for MSc students having  or will graduate(d) in one of the following subjects:

• Mathematics,
• Physics 
• Engineering.

We expect the candidate to have excellent command of the English language as well as professional communication and team working skills.

Information and application
For further information you can contact Prof. dr. Bernard Geurts  b.j.geurts@utwente.nl or Dr. Matthias Schlottbom m.schlottbom@utwente.nl.
Candidates are invited to upload their application at the UT web address, including a short motivation letter, references (at least 2), and CV to the application button below, before 01 August 2017.

The University of Twente offers a stimulating work environment in an area of applied, forefront research. You will have a full time employment contract for the duration of 4 years and can participate in all employee benefits the UT offers. The gross monthly salary starts with € 2.191,- in the first year and increases to € 2.801,- in the fourth year employment. Additionaly, the University of Twente provides excellent facilities for professional and personal development, a holiday allowance (amount to 8%) and an end of year bonus of 8.3%. A high-quality training programme is part of the agreement. The research has to result in a PhD thesis at the end of the employment period.

The University of Twente. We stand for life sciences and technology. High tech and human touch. Education and research that matter. New technology which drives change, innovation and progress in society. The University of Twente is the only campus university in the Netherlands; divided over five faculties we provide more than fifty educational programmes. The University of Twente has a strong focus on personal development and talented researchers are given scope for carrying out pioneering research.

The faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) comprises three disciplines that shape Information and Communication Technology. ICT is more than communication. In almost every product we use mathematics, electronics and computer technology and ICT now contributes to all of societies' activities. The faculty works together intensively with industrial partners and researchers in the Netherlands and abroad and conducts extensive research for external commissioning parties and funders. The research which enjoys a high profile both at home and internationally, has been accommodated in the multidisciplinary research institutes MESA+, CTIT and MIRA.