Data Science / Materials Modeling Summer Internship

Organization
U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)
Reference Code
ERDC-ITL-2023-0005
How to Apply

Click on Apply now to start your application. 

Description

The DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory (ARL) is designed to significantly increase the involvement of creative and highly trained scientists and engineers from academia and industry in scientific and technical areas of interest and relevance to the Army. Scientists and engineers at ARL help shape and execute the Army's program for meeting the challenge of developing technologies that will support Army forces in meeting future operational needs by pursuing scientific research and technological developments in diverse research fields.

DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory (ARL) seeks a summer intern to conduct research on the sintering kinetics of synthetic green compacts, which will be formatted into a synthetic microstructure database correlating initial powder packing configuration and final sintered microstructures.  To generate the synthetic data, the intern will need to employ the LAMMPS [1] (generate green compacts) and SPPARKS [2] (simulate sintering) frameworks.  The intern will need to develop scripts that automate the generation of the green compacts for desired powder statistics (e.g., size distribution), convert to SPPARKS readable input files, and simulate the sintering kinetics [3].  Furthermore, the intern will need to perform post-processing of the sintered microstructures in order to curate the data, and extract useful microstructural information. These simulations will be conducted on Mustang and/or Narwhal, as appropriate.

One of the disadvantages of the current model is the lack of a relationship between the Monte Carlo kinetic events, and physics-based processing parameters.  The intern will need to extend the sintering model to accurately account for heating of the green compact.  Since SPPARKS is a C/C++ framework, the intern will collaborate with the mentors in the development of the finite difference solution to the heat equation.

What will I be doing?

You will receive hands-on training on using the DSRC systems, running simulations, and analyzing simulation data. Linux workstations will be used to train the intern on accessing the DSRC resources and transferring data to/from the clusters. You will be provided extensive training on creating and running parallelized discrete element models (DEM) using LAMMPS and Potts-Monte Carlo models using SPPARKS. Additionally, you will be trained on using various Python analysis tools for studying the simulation results. Other local workshops and internal training opportunities will also be made available to you as needed. 

Under the guidance of a mentor, you will compile the SPPARKS and LAMMPS frameworks, and utilize already developed scripts to generate synthetics green compact microstructures and simulate the sintering process, as well as post-process and analyze the data accordingly.  You will be encouraged to extend the existing sintering code to include physics-based processing models (e.g., code a heat transfer model), which would yield more realistic simulations.  Lastly, you will be expected to curate the generated synthetic microstructural data, and properly store in an easy to access database.  You will be expected to maintain regular communication with the mentors, including virtual and/or in-person meetings.

Why should I apply? This fellowship provides the opportunity to independently utilize your skills and engage with experts in innovative ideas to move the proposed research forward.

Where will I be located?   Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD

What is the anticipated start date? June 2023 - Exact start dates will be determined at the time of selection and in coordination with the selected candidate.

What is the appointment length? This appointment is a summer research appointment. Appointments may be extended depending on funding availability, project assignment, program rules, and availability of the participant.

What are the benefits?  You will receive a stipend to be determined by the sponsor. Stipends are typically based on a participant’s academic standing, discipline, experience, and research facility location. Other benefits may include the following:

  • Health Insurance Supplement (Participants are eligible to purchase health insurance through ORISE)
  • Relocation Allowance
  • Training and Travel Allowance

About ORISE

This program, administered by Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and DoD. Participants do not enter into an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, DoD or any other office or agency. Instead, you will be affiliated with ORISE for the administration of the appointment through the ORISE appointment letter and Terms of Appointment.  Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE.  For more information, visit the ORISE Research Participation Program at the U.S. Department of Defense.

Qualifications

 Graduate students with interest in materials modeling and/or data science. Preferred skills:

- C/C++
- Python
- Basic understanding of parallel computing
- Understanding of microstructural evolution
- Knowledge on numerical methods (e.g., finite differences)

*Highly motivated senior undergraduates will be considered

Security Investigation: Applicants should be able to pass a National Agency Check and Inquiries (NACI) security investigation should they be selected and accept the internship offer.

Application Requirements

A complete application consists of:

  • Zintellect Profile
  • Educational and Employment History
  • Essay Questions (goals, experiences, and skills relevant to the opportunity)
  • Resume (PDF)
  • Transcripts/Academic Records - For this opportunity, an official transcript or copy of the student academic records printed by the applicant or by academic advisors from internal institution systems may be submitted. Click here for detailed information about acceptable transcripts.
  • One recommendation. Your application will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed until one recommendation is submitted. We encourage you to contact your recommender(s) as soon as you start your application to ensure they are able to complete the recommendation form and to let them know to expect a message from Zintellect. Recommenders will be asked to rate your scientific capabilities, personal characteristics, and describe how they know you. You can always log back in to your Zintellect account and check the status of your application.

If you have questions, send an email to USACE@orise.orau.gov. Please list the reference code of this opportunity in the subject line of the email. Please understand that ORISE does not review applications or select applicants; selections are made by the sponsoring agency identified on this opportunity. All application materials should be submitted via the “Apply” button at the bottom of this opportunity listing.  Please do not send application materials to the email address above.

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Eligibility Requirements
  • Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
  • Degree: Bachelor's Degree, Master's Degree, or Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 months or currently pursuing.
  • Overall GPA: 3.00
  • Discipline(s):
    • Computer, Information, and Data Sciences (17 )
    • Engineering (27 )
    • Mathematics and Statistics (11 )
    • Physics (16 )
  • Age: Must be 18 years of age
  • Veteran Status: Veterans Preference, degree received within the last 120 month(s).
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