Background

The network of interactions among fluid elements and coherent structures gives rise to the amazingly rich dynamics of vortical flows. To describe these interactions, we consider the use of mathematical tools from the emerging field of network science that is comprised of graph theory, dynamical systems, data science, and control theory. The key network interactions and communities in terms of vortical elements, modal structures, and clusters can be extracted. Network theoretic approaches enable the analysis, modeling, and control of fluid flows with particular emphasis on the interactive dynamics.

The goal of this workshop is to create a foundation for the participants to initiate the use of network-based toolsets for analyzing a range of fluid flow problems. The workshop will offer an introduction to network science with examples of network based techniques to model and control fluid flows. A number of Eulerian and Lagrangian-based network approaches will be presented to prepare the participants tackle short-term network-flavored group projects within the period of the workshop. References and example programs will be made available to the attendees to complete the projects.

While the field of network science has shown tremendous growth over the past two decades, applications of its toolsets have only sprung up over the last few years for fluid mechanics. We hope to stimulate workshop attendees to combine their creativity and network-based approaches to expand the horizon of fluid flow analysis.

Invited Keynote speaker:

Kunihiko (Sam) Taira is an Associate Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at UCLA ( https://www.mae.ucla.edu/kunihiko-taira/) and an Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering (courtesy appointment) at the Florida State University. His research focuses on computational fluid dynamics, flow control, and network science. He received his B.S. degree from the University of Tennessee, and his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from the California Institute of Technology. He is a recipient of the 2013 U.S. Air Force Office of Scientific Research and 2016 Office of Naval Research Young Investigator Awards.

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, typically of Tuscan architecture. Located 15 km south-west of Siena, it provides a stunning landscape and a stimulating environment for both intensive work and relaxation. The 18th century houses and farm buildings have been carefully restored to retain their original features common to Tuscan architecture.
For further information visit http://www.montestigliano.it/.

About ERCOFTAC Montestigliano Spring School

Ercoftac Montestigliano Spring School is an event for young scientists covering a specific multi-disciplinary and modern topic in fluid mechanics. Its format is based on an interactive teaching concept. Besides the traditional supervision by the student's advisor, the typical education of a PhD student seldom involves hands-on training under the guidance of a true expert in a particular and complementary field. University courses succeed in laying a foundation in rudimentary (and even a few specialized) concepts. Conferences, minisymposia and standard workshops expose young scientists to recent advances.In Montestigliano, students collaborate intensively during a full week in small groups under the guidance of a world-leading expert in a specialized topic.

Format:

The workshop starts with two or three (~2h long) lectures by the invited speaker on the chosen topic. During the week the students work in groups of 3-4. They are given a challenging project designed by the invited speaker and the organizers. The projects are often supplemented by Matlab codes and other material (papers, notes) that form an ideal starting point for the students. The projects are commonly divided into three categories: (A) basic concepts, (B) advanced concepts and (C) open questions at a research level. Students present their projects on the final day and submit a report 1-2 months after the workshop. In exceptional cases, these reports form the basis for a journal publication. The speaker and organizers are available during the entire week and work in close contact with the groups, helping out when difficulties arise or filling in missing knowledge.
Being in a remote area of Tuscany, the participants (organizers and student) are responsible for lunches and dinners. In this way, the student quickly become aquatinted with each other and a very warm and friendly atmosphere is created.

How to apply

Applications of prospective participants should contain:

1. A Curriculum Vitae (CV) or resume of the applicant (max one page
2. A short letter of purpose from the student (max one page), highlighting in particular the relevance of the workshop to his/her research topic.
A short description of the research topic should also be included.
3. A short letter of recommendation from the supervisor of the applicant (max one page).
This letter should be sent directly by the advisor to the organizers.
The applications can be submitted to any of the organizers.
Selected candidates will subsequently be notified and will receive a fellowship
that covers accommodation. Travel costs to and from the workshop venue have to carried by the home institute. 

Registration fee is 150€.

Deadline for applications: 28th February 2019