Alex graduated from The University Of Sheffield with an MMath in Mathematics in 2019, focusing his fourth year dissertation on monomial ideals (abstract algebra). With a broad mathematical background and a passion for problem solving, Alex was excited to see how his skills could be useful in the challenges facing the automotive industry. One of his main motivations for joining the AAPS CDT was to experience the unique trans-disciplinary nature of the programme and gain an appreciation for work in other fields. Outside of his studies Alex has volunteered with the ReachSci initiative and created and delivered mathematics masterclasses with the Royal Institute, aiming to increase accessibility to academia. He also enjoys cooking, keeping fit and creating music under the name Eskafell.
Fundamental physics-based mathematical models allow for highly accurate descriptions of the state of a battery cell; however, their complexity makes obtaining solutions computationally expensive (often prohibitively so). Alex's PhD is focused around using the tools of mathematical analysis to develop efficient numerical methods which by design preserve important structures of the governing model (system of differential equations) at the discrete level. Numerical methods that retain, for example, the correct level of energy dissipation across the system are crucial to accurately reflect the state of the cell. Efficient structure-preserving numerical methods could lead to the more widespread adoption of physics-based models in battery management systems and ultimately improve vehicle lifetime, performance, range, and safety.
Not coming from an automotive background, the CDT provided a great introduction to the challenges facing the industry. As a result of the friendly cooperative environment, I was able to learn about a variety of problems to which I could apply myself.
Alex Trenam, Cohort 2
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