Kevin Sturm

Kevin Sturm is an Associate Professor at TU Wien's Department of Numerical Analysis. His research focuses on topology optimization, partial differential equations on surfaces, and their applications in engineering and biomedical contexts. He leads projects involving topological derivatives, shape optimization algorithms, and numerical methods for complex systems.

Key research interests include developing automated computational techniques for topological sensitivity analysis, with applications in nonlinear elasticity, reaction-diffusion systems, and structural mechanics. His work bridges theoretical mathematics (e.g., variational inequalities) with practical engineering problems (e.g., actuator design, membrane mechanics).

Recent publications highlight advancements in Lagrangian-based optimization frameworks, adjoint methods for high-order derivatives, and numerical implementations in software like NGSolve. He advises graduate students Albert Vlasak and Philipp Wörle on shape optimization for parabolic problems and variational inequalities.

His lab contributes to interdisciplinary projects at the intersection of computational mathematics, material science, and biomedical engineering. Current efforts focus on optimizing geometries for vibration control, membrane behavior, and imaging modalities like electrical impedance tomography.