MacBook_Download/CL_these.tex

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%   PERSONAL INFORMATION
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\name{Kevin}{Tongue}
\position{5th Year Student -- Mechanical Engineering}
\address{65, Rue Jean Parot, 42000 Saint-Étienne, France}

\mobile{(+33) 6 98 06 37 69}
\email{tonguekevin00@gmail.com}
\github{tittank1802}
\linkedin{tongue-kevin-52b100330}

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%   LETTER INFORMATION
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\recipient
  {Selection Committee\\MAD-SIM PhD Position}
  {IMT Mines Albi\\Campus Jarlard\\81013 Albi, France}
\date{\today}
\opening{Dear Dr. Gatumel, Dr. Hämäläinen, and Members of the Selection Committee,}
\closing{Yours sincerely,}
\enclosure{Curriculum Vitae, Academic Transcripts, Recommendation Letters}

\begin{document}
\makecvheader
\makelettertitle

\begin{cvletter}

\lettersection{Subject: Application for the MAD-SIM PhD Position -- Modelling Powder Flows in Agitated Devices}

As a \textbf{5th-year Mechanical Engineering student} at Centrale Lyon -- ENISE, specializing in \textbf{Numerical Solid Mechanics}, I am writing to express my strong interest in the PhD position titled \emph{``Modelling powder flows in agitated devices: from rheological studies to predictive SIMulation at process scale''}, offered by IMT Mines Albi in collaboration with LUT and École des Mines de Saint-Étienne. I am particularly motivated to apply as I have been selected for a preparatory internship on \textbf{granular segregation modeling using Markov chains} starting in March 2026, which will directly provide the \textbf{foundations needed for the rheological models} expected as an outcome of this PhD.

\lettersection{Direct Pathway: From Internship to Rheological Modeling in the PhD}

I have been accepted for a 6-month internship at IMT Mines Albi and IMT Mines Saint-Étienne, titled \emph{``Modeling of Granular Segregation Phenomena using Markov Chains''}, which will begin in March 2026. In this internship, I will focus on the \textbf{modeling of granular segregation} in mixing processes using \textbf{Markov chain models}.

The objective of this work is to build \textbf{stochastic models} that describe how particles of different sizes or properties segregate over time in agitated granular systems. DEM simulations will be used to inform the Markov chain transitions and to validate the predicted segregation patterns.

This internship is not only thematically aligned with the MAD-SIM PhD project; it is designed as a \textbf{scientific stepping stone} towards it:
\begin{itemize}
  \item It will give me a \textbf{deep understanding of segregation mechanisms} in granular flows, which are crucial for realistic powder flow modeling.
  \item The Markov chain framework will help me develop an intuition for \textbf{linking microscopic particle dynamics to mesoscopic and macroscopic descriptions}.
  \item Most importantly, the results of this work are expected to provide \textbf{the necessary bases for the implementation of rheological models} at the continuum scale, as targeted in the MAD-SIM PhD, by connecting segregation behavior to effective constitutive laws for dense granular flows.
\end{itemize}

By the time the PhD begins in October 2026, I will therefore already have substantial experience in \textbf{granular segregation modeling} and in the use of \textbf{Markov chain-based models}, which will directly support the development and implementation of the rheological models required in the MAD-SIM project.
\newpage
\lettersection{Interest in Powder Flow Modeling}

The challenge of \textbf{modeling powder flows in agitated devices} lies at the intersection of several fields that deeply motivate me: granular mechanics, rheology, numerical simulation, and industrial applications. The opportunity to bridge \textbf{local rheological studies} with \textbf{predictive continuous models at process scale}, using both experimental and simulation approaches (DEM, CFD,FEM), aligns perfectly with the type of complex problems I aspire to tackle during my PhD.

This project’s goal of \textbf{linking experimental observations on an instrumented pilot} to multi-scale numerical models, in order to propose rheological laws adapted to real powders and implement them in industrial-scale simulation tools, resonates strongly with my professional ambition: contributing to the development of \textbf{digital twins} for processes and optimizing equipment in industries such as pharmaceuticals, food processing, and energy.

\lettersection{Alignment of My Profile with the PhD Objectives}

Throughout my academic journey, I have developed a strong foundation in \textbf{solid mechanics} and \textbf{numerical methods}. My current project on \textbf{fatigue analysis of industrial structures under complex loading conditions} involves validating advanced numerical methods (Agard et al.) for optimizing the Dang Van method, which has strengthened my ability to \textbf{analyze, implement, and validate mechanical models} in an industrial context.

Additionally, my Python-based project on \textbf{microstructure partitioning}, conducted at École des Mines de Saint-Étienne, allowed me to develop skills in \textbf{scientific programming}, data processing, and material modeling. These skills are directly transferable to analyzing velocity or stress fields from DEM or CFD simulations and identifying effective laws (e.g., effective viscosity or $\mu(I)$ laws) from local data.

My expertise in \textbf{programming} (Python, Matlab, C/C++, Fortran) and my \textbf{Matlab certifications} (Simulink, Computer Vision, Power System) demonstrate my proficiency with scientific computing and simulation tools. These skills will enable me to fully engage in the development and exploitation of numerical models, whether for \textbf{local DEM simulations} or \textbf{continuous models implemented in FEM codes}.

\lettersection{Motivation for an International and Interdisciplinary Environment}

The \textbf{international} and \textbf{interdisciplinary} nature of this PhD is particularly appealing to me. The co-supervision between IMT Mines Albi, LUT, and École des Mines de Saint-Étienne, along with the possibility of obtaining a dual French-Finnish doctorate, represents a unique opportunity to immerse myself in complementary scientific environments and develop a \textbf{broad perspective on granular process challenges}.

I am especially motivated by the prospect of working within the \textbf{RAPSODEE research center} in Albi, renowned for its expertise in particulate solids process engineering, while benefiting from the advanced numerical methods expertise of the \textbf{LUT School of Engineering Sciences} and the academic environment of \textbf{École des Mines de Saint-Étienne}. This setup aligns perfectly with my aspiration to build a career at the interface of \textbf{academic research} and \textbf{industrial applications}.

\lettersection{Conclusion}

In summary, my upcoming internship on \textbf{granular segregation modeling using Markov chains} will provide a direct and rigorous introduction to the mechanisms and modeling tools that underlie the \textbf{rheological laws and continuum models} targeted in the MAD-SIM project. Combined with my background in \textbf{numerical mechanics}, my experience in \textbf{modeling and scientific programming}, and my strong motivation for \textbf{granular flows} and \textbf{industrial processes}, I believe this makes me a particularly well-prepared candidate for the MAD-SIM PhD position.

Thank you for considering my application. I am available for an interview or to provide any additional information you may require.

\end{cvletter}

\makeletterclosing

\end{document}