Montestigliano

Montestigliano Workshop 2011

Advanced optimization

techniques in fluid mechanics

3-9 April 2011, Montestigliano, Italy

12 doctoral students are invited to participate in a workshop on advanced optimization techniques in fluid mechanics in Montestigliano, Italy. Active involvement, close mentoring and tutorial presentations by an invited guest speaker and the organizers will be offered to ensure a lasting impact on the students’ doctoral research. The key-note speaker is Prof. Thomas R. Bewley from University of San Diego.

Topic

Traditional optimization algorithms require the evaluation of derivatives of the objective function. However, direct application of optimization methods is not always feasible, as the computation of the gradient is expensive, or even impossible for non-smooth functions. The proposed workshop is focused on derivative-free optimization methods using surrogate functions, which provide a viable alternative to gradient-based optimization techniques. A possible drawback of derivative-free methods is the computational cost of a single function evaluation; a relevant example in fluid mechanics is the DNS/LES of turbulent flows, where the statistics of each simulation converge very slowly. The students will learn how to approximate function evaluations and how to use sphere packings (see figure below) to coordinate evaluations in parameter space...read more

Format

The key-note speaker gives two lectures and provides a set of problems to be solved by the students collaborating in groups. Scientific supervision will be provided by the invited speaker (Prof. Bewley), a co-instructor (P. Belitz, UCSD) and the organizers. The students will at the end of the workshop present their work and write a short report...read more

Workshop venue

The workshop will take place at the picturesque estate of Montestigliano in the heart of Tuscany. The village of Montestigliano is composed of 18th century buildings. Located 15 km southwest of Siena, it provides a stunning landscape and a stimulating environment for intensive work and relaxation alike...read more

How to apply

Interested candidates should send:

1.A CV
2.A motivation letter including a description of research topic
3.A recommendation letter from advisor

12 students will be selected on a competitive basis by a panel review. The workshop is supported by Center for the Study of Complexity (CSC) - University of Siena .

Selected candidates will receive a Young

Ercoftac Fellowship, which will cover

registration fee and

accommodation.

Travel costs are

not covered...