Prof. RNDr. Michal Kočvara, DrSc.
senior research fellow

Biography
Publication list
Professor Michal Kočvara's research interests include nonlinear and semidefinite optimization, optimization of elastic structures, and optimization with equilibrium constraints. Before transitioning to academia, he spent several years working in industry, where he developed a strong ability to bridge the gap between theoretical research and practical industrial needs.
In addition to his academic appointment at the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Professor Kočvara holds a concurrent position at the University of Birmingham, which he joined in January 2007. Previously, he contributed to research projects at the Universities of Bayreuth and Erlangen in Germany.
His recent research has been supported by prominent initiatives such as Horizon 2020 (ITN) and EPSRC (Bridging-the-Gap) and involves collaboration with multiple academic and industrial partners across Europe. Professor Kočvara is the (co-)author of a monograph and over 50 journal articles that cover diverse aspects of mathematical optimization and the optimization of mechanical structures.
He has developed or co-developed several widely used computer programs for nonlinear optimization and the optimization of elastic structures, which have found applications in both academic and industrial contexts. He has also been a long-term visiting researcher at esteemed institutions, including the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications at the University of Minnesota (2003), the Technical University of Denmark (2007), and the Institute for Pure and Applied Mathematics at UCLA (2010).
Books and chapters
- Truss topology design by conic linear optimization, Advances and Trends in Optimization with Engineering Applications, p. 135-147, Eds: Terlaky Tamas, Anjos Miguel, Shabbir Ahmed Download DOI: 10.1137/1.9781611974683.ch11 [2017] :
- PENNON: Software for Linear and Nonlinear Matrix Inequalities, Handbook on Semidefinite, Conic and Polynomial Optimization, p. 755-791, Eds: Anjos M., Laserre J. Download DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4614-0769-0_26 [2012] :
- On the control of an evolutionary equilibrium in micromagnetics, Optimalization with Multivalued Mappings: Theory, Applications and Aldorithms, p. 143-168, Eds: Dempe S., Kalashinikov V. [2006] :
- Free material optimization, Mathematics - Key Technology for the Future, p. 573-583, Eds: Jäger W., Krebs H. J., Springer (Heidelberg, 2003) [2003] :
- Nonsmooth Approach to Optimization Problems with Equilibrium Constraints, Kluwer (Dordrecht, 1998) [1998] :
- On the solution of optimum design problems with variational inequalities, Recent Advances in Nonsmooth Optimization, p. 172-192, Eds: Du D. Z., Qi L., Womersley R. S., World Scientific (Singapore, 1995) [1995] :
Journal articles
- Global weight optimization of frame structures with polynomial programming, Structural and Multidisciplinary Optimization 66 Download Download DOI: 10.1007/s00158-023-03715-5 [2023] :
- Newton-type multilevel optimization method, Optimization Methods & Software 37 1 (2022), p. 45-78 Download Download DOI: 10.1080/10556788.2019.1700256 [2022] :
- Decomposition of arrow type positive semidefinite matrices with application to topology optimization, Mathematical Programming 190, p. 105-134 Download Download DOI: 10.1007/s10107-020-01526-w [2021] :
- On Barrier and Modified Barrier Multigrid Methods for Three-Dimensional Topology Optimization, SIAM Journal on Scientific Computing 42 1 (2020) Download Download DOI: 10.1137/19M1254490 [2020] :
- Inverse truss design as a conic mathematical program with equilibrium constraints, Discrete and Continuous Dynamical systems - Series S 10 6 (2017), p. 1329-1350 Download DOI: 10.3934/dcdss.2017071 [2017] :
- A Subgradient Method for Free Material Design, SIAM Journal on Optimization 26 4 (2016), p. 2314-2354 Download Download DOI: 10.1137/15M1019660 [2016] :
- Primal-Dual Interior Point Multigrid Method for Topology Optimization, SIAM Journal on Scientific Computing 38 5 (2016) Download DOI: 10.1137/15M1044126 [2016] :
- A first-order multigrid method for bound-constrained convex optimization, Optimization Methods & Software 31 3 (2016), p. 622-644 Download DOI: 10.1080/10556788.2016.1146267 [2016] :
- Constraint interface preconditioning for topology optimization problems, SIAM Journal on Scientific Computing 38 1 (2016) Download DOI: 10.1137/140980387 [2016] :
- A New Computational Method for the Sparsest Solutions to Systems of Linear Equations, SIAM Journal on Optimization 25 2 (2015), p. 1110-1134 Download DOI: 10.1137/140968240 [2015] :
- Solving stress constrained problems in topology and material optimization, Structural and Multidisciplinary Optimization 46 1 (2012), p. 1-15 Download DOI: 10.1007/s00158-012-0762-z [2012] :
- Multidisciplinary Free Material Optimization, Siam Journal on Applied Mathematics 7 70 (2010), p. 2709-2728 Download DOI: 10.1137/090774446 [2010] :
- Free Material Optimization with Fundamental Eigenfrequency Constraints, SIAM Journal on Optimization 20 1 (2009), p. 524-547 DOI: 10.1137/080717122 [2009] :
- Shape Optimization in Three-Dimensional Contact Problems with Coulomb Friction, SIAM Journal on Optimization 20 1 (2009), p. 416-444 DOI: 10.1137/080714427 [2009] :
- On the solution of large-scale SDP problems by the modified barrier method using iterative solvers: Erratum, Mathematical Programming 120 1 (2009), p. 285-287 DOI: 10.1007/s10107-008-0250-9 [2009] :
- A Sequential Convex Semidefinite Programming Algorithm for Multiple-Load Free Material Optimization, SIAM Journal on Optimization 20 1 (2009), p. 130-155 DOI: 10.1137/070711281 [2009] :
- Free material optimization: recent progress, Optimization 57 1 (2008), p. 79-100 DOI: 10.1080/02331930701778908 [2008] :
- Structural Topology Optimization with Eigenvalues, SIAM Journal on Optimization 18 4 (2007), p. 1129-1164 DOI: 10.1137/060651446 [2007] :
- On the Maximization of the Fundamental Eigenvalue in Topology Optimization, Structural and Multidisciplinary Optimization 34 3 (2007), p. 181-195 DOI: 10.1007/s00158-007-0117-3 [2007] :
- Free material optimization for stress constraints, Structural and Multidisciplinary Optimization 33, p. 323-335 DOI: 10.1007/s00158-007-0095-5 [2007] :
- On the solution of large-scale SDP problems by the modified barrier method using iterative solvers, Mathematical Programming 109, p. 413-444 DOI: 10.1007/s10107-006-0029-9 [2007] :
- A rate-independent approach to the delamination problem, Mathematics and Mechanics of Solids 11 4 (2006), p. 423-447 [2006] :
- Effective reformulations of the truss topology design problem, Optimization and Engineering 7 2 (2006), p. 201-219 [2006] :
- Solving nonconvex SDP problems of structural optimization with stability control, Optimization Methods & Software 19 5 (2004), p. 595-609 [2004] :
- Optimization problems with equilibrium constraints and their numerical solution, Mathematical Programming 101 1 (2004), p. 119-149 [2004] :
- PENNON: A code for convex nonlinear and semidefinite programming, Optimization Methods & Software 18 3 (2003), p. 317-333 [2003] :
- Accurate reanalysis of structures by a preconditioned conjugate gradient method, International Journal for Numerical Methods in Engineering 55 2 (2002), p. 233-251 [2002] :
- Shape optimization in contact problems with Coulomb friction, SIAM Journal on Optimization 13 2 (2002), p. 561-587 [2002] :
- A fast iterative algorithm for American option pricing, Solutions 6 1 (2002), p. 57-66 [2002] :
- Material optimization: bridging the gap between conceptual and preliminary design, Aerospace Science and Technology 5 1 (2001), p. 541-554 [2001] :
- Optimal design of trusses under a nonconvex global buckling constraint, Optimization and Engineering 1 2 (2000), p. 189-213 [2000] :
- Free material design via semidefinite programming: The multiload case with contact conditions, SIAM Review 42 4 (2000), p. 695-715 [2000] :
- An iterative two-step algorithm for American option pricing, IMA Journal of Mathematics Applied in Business and Industry 11 2 (2000), p. 71-84 [2000] :
- Optimal control of distributed parameter systems, ERCIM News, p. 24-25 [2000] :
- Cascading - an approach to robust material optimization, Computers and Structures 76, p. 431-442 [2000] :
- Free material design via semidefinite programming: The multiload case with contact conditions, SIAM Journal on Optimization 9 4 (1999), p. 813-832 [1999] :
- Free material optimization, Documenta Mathematica 3, p. 707-716 [1998] :
- Mechanical design problems with unilateral contact, E S A I M: Mathematical Modelling and Numerical Analysis 32 3 (1998), p. 255-282 [1998] :
- Optimal truss design by interior-point methods, SIAM Journal on Optimization 8 4 (1998), p. 1084-1107 [1998] :
- Von der Mathematik zum automatisierten Design, FAU UniKurier 22 94 (1996), p. 23-25 [1996] :
- On a class of quasi-variational inequalities, Optimization Methods & Software 5, p. 275-295 [1995] :
- On optimization of systems governed by implicit complementarity problems, Numerical Functional Analysis and Optimization 15, p. 869-887 [1994] :
- An iterative two-step algorithm for linear complementarity problems, Numerische Mathematik 68 1 (1994), p. 95-106 [1994] :
- Control Fictitious Domain Method for Solving Optimal Shape Design Problems, E S A I M: Mathematical Modelling and Numerical Analysis 27 2 (1993), p. 157-182 [1993] :
- An Adaptive Multigrid Technique for Three-Dimensional Elasticity, International Journal for Numerical Methods in Engineering 36 10 (1993), p. 1703-1716 [1993] :
- An Iterative Method for Adaptive Finite Element Computation, Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering 101, p. 433-442 [1992] :
- An Algebraic Study of a Local Multigrid Method for Variational Problems, Applied Mathematics and Computation 51 1 (1992), p. 17-41 [1992] :
Other publications
- First-order geometric multilevel optimization for discrete tomography, Scale Space and Variational Methods in Computer Vision: 8th International Conference, SSVM 2021, p. 191-203 Download DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-75549-2_16 [2021] :
- A Nonlinear Domain Decomposition Technique for Scalar Elliptic PDEs, Domain Decomposition Methods in Science and Engineering XXI, p. 869-877 Download DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-05789-7_84 [2014] :
- Parallel Solution of the Linear Elasticity problem with Applications in Topology Optimization, 4th Annual BEAR PGR Conference 2013, p. 66-74 Download [2013] :
- PENLAB: A MATLAB solver for nonlinear semidefinite optimization, Isaac Newton Institute for Mathematical Sciences (Cambridge, 2013) Download [2013] :
- A new method for the solution of multi-disciplinary free material opimization problems, Oberwolfach Reports, p. 647-648, Eds: Kunish K., Leugering G., Sprekels J., Troltzsch F. [2008] :
- Free material opimization: towards the stress constraints, Oberwolfach Reports, p. 620-621, Eds: Kunish K., Leugering G., Sprekels J., Troltzsch F. [2008] :
- Jiří V. Outrata, sailing analyst, becomes sixty (2007) [2007] :
- The worst-case multiple-load FMO problem revised, IUTAM Symposium on Topological Design Optimization of Structures, Machines and Materials, p. 403-411, Eds: Bendsoe M. P., Olhoff N., Sigmund O. [2006] :
- Solving polynomial static output feedback problems with PENBMI, Proceedings of the 44th IEEE Conference on Decision and Control, and the European Control Conference 2005, p. 7581-7586 [2006] :
- On the modeling and control of delamination processes, Control and Boundary Analysis. Proceedings, p. 171-190 [2004] :
- PENNON. A generalized augmented Lagrangian method for semidefinite programming, High Performance Algorithms and Software for Nonlinear Optimization, p. 297-315, Eds: di Pillo G., Murli A., Kluwer (Dordrecht, 2003) [2003] :
- A Rate-Independent Approach to the Delamination Problem, Universität Stuttgart (Stuttgart, 2003) [2003] :
- Optimization Problems with Equilibrium Constraints and Their Numerical Solution, Institut für Angewandte Mathematik (Erlangen, 2003) [2003] :
- Solving Simultaneous Stabilization BMI Problems with PENNON, LAASCNRS (Toulouse, 2003) [2003] :
- Unique Reformulation of Truss Topology Design Problems, Institut für Angewandte Mathematik (Erlangen, 2002) [2002] :
- Trends in Industrial and Applied Mathematics. Proceedings of the 1st International Conference on Industrial and Applied Mathematics of the Indian Subcontinent, Kluwer (Dordrecht, 2002) [2002] :
- PENNON - A Code for Convex Nonlinear and Semidefinite Programming, Universität Erlangen (Erlangen, 2002) [2002] :
- Free material optimization: an overview, Trends in Industrial and Applied Mathematics, p. 181-215, Eds: Siddiqi A. H., Kočvara M., Kluwer (Dordrecht, 2002) [2002] :
- Free material optimization: Reading the tea leaves, Proceedings of the 2nd Max Planck Workshop on Engineering Design Optimization, p. 2-5, Eds: Bendsoe M. P., Olhoff N., Rasmussen J., Technical University (Lyngby, 2001) [2001] :
- PENNON - A Generalized Augmented Lagrangian Method for Semidefinite Programming, Universität Erlangen (Erlangen, 2001) [2001] :
- MOPED - An integrated designer tool for material optimization, CEAS Conference on Multidisciplinary Aircraft Design and Optimization, p. 87-96, DGLR (Bonn, 2001) [2001] :
- Shape Optimization in Contact Problems with Coulomb Friction, University of Erlangen (Erlangen, 2001) [2001] :
- Accurate Reanalysis of Structures by a Preconditioned Conjugate Gradient Method, University of Erlangen (Erlangen, 2001) [2001] :
- MOPED - An Integrated Designer Tool for Material Optimization, Universität Erlangen (Erlangen, 2001) [2001] :
- Modern Optimization Algorithms in Topology Design, Universität Erlangen (Erlangen, 2000) [2000] :
- On the Modelling and Solving of the Truss Design Problem with Global Stability Constraints, Universität Erlangen (Erlangen, 1999) [1999] :
- Optimal Design of Trusses under a Nonconvex Global Buckling Constraint, Universität Erlangen (Erlangen, 1999) [1999] :
- An Iterative Two-Step Algorithm for American Option Pricing, Institut für Angewandte Mathematik (Erlangen, 1998) [1998] :
- How mathematics can help in design of mechanical structures, Numerical Analysis 1995, p. 76-93, Eds: Griffith D. F., Watson G. A., Longman (Harlow, 1996) [1996] :
- Interior Point Methods for Mechanical Design Problems, Universität Erlangen (Erlangen, 1996) [1996] :
- How Mathematics Can Help in Design of Mechanical Structures, Universität Erlangen (Erlangen, 1996) [1996] :
- A Nonsmooth Approach to Optimization Problems with Equilibrium Constraints, Institut für Angewandte Mathematik (Erlangen, 1996) [1996] :
- How to optimize mechanical structures simultaneously with respect to topology and geometry, Structural and Multidisciplinary Optimization, p. 135-140, Eds: Olhoff N., Rozvany G. I. N., Elsevier (Oxford, 1995) [1995] :
- On iterative solvers for the method of arbitrary lines, Proceedings of the Second Hellenic European Conference on Mathematics and Informatics, p. 261-272, Hellenic Mathematical Society (Athens, 1994) [1994] :
- A numerical approach to the design of masonry structures, System Modelling and Optimization. Proceedings of the 16th IFIP-TC7 Conference, p. 195-205, Eds: Henry J., Yvon J. P., Springer (London, 1994) [1994] :
- Shape optimization of elasto-plastic bodies governed by variational inequalities, Boundary Control and Boundary Variation, p. 261-271, Dekker (New York, 1994) [1994] :
- On Optimization of Systems Governed by Implicit Complementarity Problems, Institut für Angewandte Mathematik (Jena, 1994) [1994] :
- Local Multigrid Methods for Elliptic Problems. CSc.Dissertation, MÚ AV ČR (Praha, 1993) [1993] :
- A Combined SORP-PCG Algorithm for Linear Complementarity Problems, Proceedings of the Seminar Numerical Mathematics in Theory and Practice, p. 97-104, JČMF (Praha, 1993) [1993] :
- A Nonsmooth Approach to Simultaneous Geometry and Topology Design of Trusses, Topology Design of Structures, p. 31-42, Eds: Bendsoe M. P., Mota-Soares C. A., Kluwer Academic (Leuven, 1993) [1993] :
- A Numerical Solution of Two Selected Shape Optimization Problems, Mathematisches Institut (Bayreuth, 1993) [1993] :
- An Iterative Method for Adaptive Finite Element Computation, Reliability in Computational Mechanics, p. 433-442, Eds: Demkowicz L., Oden J. T., Babuška I., NorthHolland (Amsterdam, 1993) [1993] :
- An Iterative Two-Step Algorithm for Linear Complementarity Problems, Mathematisches Institut (Bayreuth, 1993) [1993] :
- On the Solution of Optimum Design Problems with Variational Inequalities, Mathematisches Institut (Bayreuth, 1993) [1993] :
- Dva nové přístupy k optimalizaci příhradových konstrukcí, Programy a algoritmy numerické matematiky 6, p. 52-62, Eds: Práger M., Přikryl P., Segeth K., MÚ ČSAV (Praha, 1992) [1992] :
- A Nondifferentiable Approach to the Solution of Optimum Design Problems with Variational Inequalities, 15th IFIP Conference on System Modelling and Optimization, p. 364-373, Springer (Berlin, 1992) [1992] :
- Two Nonsmooth Approaches to Simultaneous Geometry and Topology Design of Trusses, Mathematisches Institut (Bayreuth, 1992) [1992] :
- QP3 and CGO: Programs for Solving Truss Optimization Problems, Mathematisches Institut (Bayreuth, 1991) [1991] :
- Codes for Truss Topology Design: A Numerical Comparison, Mathematisches Institut (Bayreuth, 1991) [1991] :
- LAME: lokální adaptivní multigrid pro elasticitu, Programy a algoritmy numerické matematiky 5, p. 68-75, MÚ ČSAV (Praha, 1991) [1991] :
- An Iterative Method for Adaptive Finite Element Computation, ÚTIA ČSAV (Praha, 1991) [1991] :
- A Nondifferentiable Approach to the Solution of Optimum Design Problems with Variational Inequalities, System Modelling and Optimization. Abstracts, p. 202-203, IFIP (Zürich, 1991) [1991] :
- Local Multigrid Method for Adaptive Finite Element Computations, Mathematical Modelling in Engineering, p. 41-42, ČVUT (Praha, 1991) [1991] :
- LAME - Local Adaptive Multigrid for 3D Elasticity, Proceedings of the 6th International Conference Mathematical Methods in Engineering, p. 231-236, ŠKODA k.p. (Plzeň, 1991) [1991] :
- Control/Fictitious Domain Method for Solving Optimal Shape Design Problems, Institut für Mathematik (Augsburg, 1991) [1991] :
- Řešení úlohy pružnosti na mnohostěnech, Programy a algoritmy numerické matematiky, p. 27-34, MÚ ČSAV (Praha, 1988) [1988] :