Pavel Bochev, Sandia National Laboratories researcher, has been awarded the Thomas J.R. Hughes Medal by the U.S. Association for Computational Mechanics. The award is given biannually for “outstanding and sustained contributions to the broad field of computation fluid dynamics.”
CFD is of course crucial to many simulation applications. Bochev was chosen specifically for “foundational contributions to numerical partial differential equations, especially advances in the development and analysis of new stabilized and compatible finite element methods, and software design for advanced discretizations.” said Sandia manager Michael Parks
Finite element methods are a fundamental modeling and simulation tool for science and engineering problems. FEM’s applications range from examining the integrity of the nuclear stockpile to assessing the vulnerabilities and risks of natural and human systems to climate change.
FEM convert differential equations describing physical phenomena, such as fluid flows and electromagnetism, into algebraic equations that can be solved on a computer. Compatible FEM mimic the mathematical structure of these differential equations and can deliver robust and physically meaningful results. However, they also can be more difficult to implement and solve. Stabilized FEM use simpler, generic finite element definitions. But because approximations are involved, the design of successful elements requires careful analysis of the mathematical properties lost and the most appropriate mechanisms to recover them.
The award was presented at the 14th U.S. National Congress on Computational Mechanics in Montreal in mid-July.
As defined by the USACM, “The Thomas J. R. Hughes Medal is given in recognition of outstanding and sustained contributions to the broad field of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). These contributions shall generally be in the form of important research results that significantly advance the understanding of theories and methods impacting CFD. Industrial applications and engineering analyses that advance CFD shall also represent accomplishments worthy of recognition. [This award replaces the former USACM Computational Fluid Mechanics Award.]”
Link to article on the Sandia web site: https://share-ng.sandia.gov/news/resources/news_releases/computational_award/#.WbgLWK2ZMlU