Mathematician, physicist or similar (f/m/d) - Solving flow equations on analog computers

The Institute of Aerodynamics and Flow Technology is the main institution for fluid mechanics at the German Aerospace Center (DLR). We are a leading research institute in the fields of aircraft and vehicle aerodynamics, aircraft aeroacoustics, space vehicle aerothermodynamics and wind energy. Our institute is based at two locations – Braunschweig and Göttingen – and has a department in Cologne.

What to expect

In the department C²A²S²E (Centre for Computer Applications in AeroSpace Science and Engineering) we develop advanced numerical methods and software solutions for aerospace applications, from multidisciplinary analysis and design capabilities to virtual certification.

The central research topic of the planned doctoral project is the suitability of analog and hybrid computers for solving mathematical problems as they occur in the above-mentioned problem areas. An analog computer is a non-algorithmic system that solves problems by modelling. Modern analog computers consist of thousands of electronic arithmetic elements such as integrators, summators, multipliers etc., which – controlled by a digital computer – can be linked together to solve a specific problem. The close coupling of an analog computer with a digital computer is called a hybrid computer, whereby the analog computer takes on the role of a highly efficient co-processor for the solution of certain problem classes that can be described by ordinary or partial differential equations. This also includes numerical flow simulation.

As part of the DLR Quantum Computing Initiative (QCI) funded by the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR), the start-up company Anabrid developed the innovative hybrid computer REDAC, which is currently the most powerful system of its kind in the world. The aim of the doctoral project is to explore the potential of this revolutionary technology for efficient flow simulation using classical benchmark problems.

Your tasks

• You will conduct scientific research in the field of analog computing for the numerical solution of differential equations related to fluid mechanics problems in aviation.
• You will develop, implement and test programs for analog computers.
• You will learn how to use a remotely programmable DLR analog computer.
• You will transfer scientific results to practical application examples.
• You will present the results in scientific journals and at national and international conferences.

Your Profile

• completed scientific university degree (Master\’s degree / university diploma) in natural sciences (e.g. mathematics, computer science, physics) or engineering (e.g. aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering) or other degree programmes relevant to the position
• experience in the application of numerical methods and/or scientific computing
• basic knowledge of fluid mechanics, in particular Navier-Stokes equations
• practical programming experience (e.g. Python and/or C++)
• ability to work both independently and within a small, agile team
• confident communication in written and spoken English

We look forward to getting to know you!

If you have any questions about this position (Vacancy-ID 2348) please contact:

Cornelia Grabe
Tel.: +49 551 709 2628