Simulations of high-consequence engineering, physical, chemical, and biological systems depend on complex mathematical models. Such models may include large number of variables, parameters with uncertainties, incomplete physical principles, and imperfect methods of numerical solution. To ensure the public that decisions made on the basis of such models are well founded, rigorous techniques for verification and validation of computer simulations must be developed. Techniques under investigation include stochastic modeling, metrology-based error analysis, standard reference benchmarks and protocols, design of physical and numerical experiments, and uncertainty analysis of finite element method. We are also interested in applications to specific engineering, physical, chemical, and biological systems of technological importance; and basic research in continuum physics, irreversible non-equilibrium thermodynamics, nonlinear viscoplasticity theory, fatigue, fracture, and damage mechanics; fire-structure dynamics; microelectromechanical (MEM) systems; nanoscale contact mechanics; cochlear mechanics of human inner ear; and stability of stochastic elastic, viscoelastic, and viscoplastic systems.

 

Keywords:

Applied mathematics; Applied mechanics; Applied statistics; Computer simulations; Design of experiments; Finite element method; Fire structure dynamics; Mathematical modeling; Microelectromechanical systems; Nanotechnology; Stochastic modeling; Verification and validation; Virtual measurement systems;

Citizenship:  Open to U.S. citizens

Level:  Open to Postdoctoral applicants