Readying researchers for the real world
Over the last decade, several sophisticated discretisation techniques have emerged to overcome limitation of classical methods for studying phenomena governed by principles of mechanics. However, despite their great potential, scientists need to intensify their efforts to raise the popularity of such methods for designing real-world industrial applications. In addition, engineers need to receive further training. With EU funding, the 'Advanced techniques in computational mechanics' (ATCOME) project sought to foster development of advanced numerical methods for computational mechanics, mainly for particular industrial applications. As a Marie Curie Initial Training Network (ITN) initiative, the project trained young researchers on mesh-free, discontinuous Galerkin as well as other efficient methods for moving boundaries and interfaces. Applications covered numerical modelling of problems in fluid or solid mechanics, damage and fracture mechanics, fluid–structure interaction, fast transient dynamics, and waves and vibro-acoustics. Project partners recruited nine ESRs. The training programme was based on individual research projects, active participation in network activities and specific courses. ATCOME contributed significantly to improving researchers' know-how and expertise as well as collaborations between academia and industry in the field of numerical analysis. Two conferences and summer schools also enhanced the visibility of project activities.
Keywords
Computational mechanics, early-stage researchers, discretisation, industrial application, numerical methods, Galerkin, solid mechanics, fracture mechanics, fluid–structure interaction
