Prof. RNDr. Michal Kočvara, DrSc.

senior research fellow

Michal Kočvara
Research interests: Numerical and topological optimization

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

  1. Kočvara Michal: 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]
  2. Kočvara Michal, Stingl M.: 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]
  3. Kočvara Michal, Kružík Martin, Outrata Jiří: 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]
  4. Zowe J., Kočvara Michal: Free material optimization, Mathematics - Key Technology for the Future, p. 573-583, Eds: Jäger W., Krebs H. J., Springer (Heidelberg, 2003) [2003]
  5. Outrata Jiří, Kočvara Michal, Zowe J.: Nonsmooth Approach to Optimization Problems with Equilibrium Constraints, Kluwer (Dordrecht, 1998) [1998]
  6. Kočvara Michal, Outrata Jiří: 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

  1. Tyburec Marek, Kočvara Michal, Kružík Martin: Global weight optimization of frame structures with polynomial programming, Structural and Multidisciplinary Optimization 66 Download Download DOI: 10.1007/s00158-023-03715-5 [2023]
  2. Ho Ch. P., Kočvara Michal, Parpas P.: Newton-type multilevel optimization method, Optimization Methods & Software 37 1 (2022), p. 45-78 Download Download DOI: 10.1080/10556788.2019.1700256 [2022]
  3. Kočvara Michal: 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]
  4. Brune A., Kočvara Michal: 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]
  5. Kočvara Michal, Outrata Jiří: 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]
  6. Kočvara Michal, Xia Y., Nesterov Y.: A Subgradient Method for Free Material Design, SIAM Journal on Optimization 26 4 (2016), p. 2314-2354 Download Download DOI: 10.1137/15M1019660 [2016]
  7. Kočvara Michal, Mohammed S.: Primal-Dual Interior Point Multigrid Method for Topology Optimization, SIAM Journal on Scientific Computing 38 5 (2016) Download DOI: 10.1137/15M1044126 [2016]
  8. Kočvara Michal, Mohammed S.: 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]
  9. Kočvara Michal, Loghin D., Turner J.: Constraint interface preconditioning for topology optimization problems, SIAM Journal on Scientific Computing 38 1 (2016) Download DOI: 10.1137/140980387 [2016]
  10. Zhao Y.-B., Kočvara Michal: 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]
  11. Kočvara Michal, Stingl M.: 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]
  12. Haslinger J., Kočvara Michal, Leugering G., Stingl M.: Multidisciplinary Free Material Optimization, Siam Journal on Applied Mathematics 7 70 (2010), p. 2709-2728 Download DOI: 10.1137/090774446 [2010]
  13. Stingl M., Kočvara Michal, Leugering G.: Free Material Optimization with Fundamental Eigenfrequency Constraints, SIAM Journal on Optimization 20 1 (2009), p. 524-547 DOI: 10.1137/080717122 [2009]
  14. Beremlijski P., Haslinger J., Kočvara Michal, Kučera R., Outrata Jiří: 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]
  15. Kočvara Michal, Stingl M.: 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]
  16. Stingl M., Kočvara Michal, Leugering G.: 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]
  17. Kočvara Michal, Stingl M., Zowe J.: Free material optimization: recent progress, Optimization 57 1 (2008), p. 79-100 DOI: 10.1080/02331930701778908 [2008]
  18. Achtziger W., Kočvara Michal: Structural Topology Optimization with Eigenvalues, SIAM Journal on Optimization 18 4 (2007), p. 1129-1164 DOI: 10.1137/060651446 [2007]
  19. Achtziger W., Kočvara Michal: 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]
  20. Kočvara Michal, Stingl M.: Free material optimization for stress constraints, Structural and Multidisciplinary Optimization 33, p. 323-335 DOI: 10.1007/s00158-007-0095-5 [2007]
  21. Kočvara Michal, Stingl M.: 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]
  22. Kočvara Michal, Mielke A., Roubíček Tomáš: A rate-independent approach to the delamination problem, Mathematics and Mechanics of Solids 11 4 (2006), p. 423-447 [2006]
  23. Kočvara Michal, Outrata Jiří: Effective reformulations of the truss topology design problem, Optimization and Engineering 7 2 (2006), p. 201-219 [2006]
  24. Kočvara Michal, Stingl M.: Solving nonconvex SDP problems of structural optimization with stability control, Optimization Methods & Software 19 5 (2004), p. 595-609 [2004]
  25. Kočvara Michal, Outrata Jiří: Optimization problems with equilibrium constraints and their numerical solution, Mathematical Programming 101 1 (2004), p. 119-149 [2004]
  26. Kočvara Michal, Stingl M.: PENNON: A code for convex nonlinear and semidefinite programming, Optimization Methods & Software 18 3 (2003), p. 317-333 [2003]
  27. Kirsch U., Kočvara Michal, Zowe J.: Accurate reanalysis of structures by a preconditioned conjugate gradient method, International Journal for Numerical Methods in Engineering 55 2 (2002), p. 233-251 [2002]
  28. Beremlijski P., Haslinger J., Kočvara Michal, Outrata Jiří: Shape optimization in contact problems with Coulomb friction, SIAM Journal on Optimization 13 2 (2002), p. 561-587 [2002]
  29. Kočvara Michal: A fast iterative algorithm for American option pricing, Solutions 6 1 (2002), p. 57-66 [2002]
  30. Hörnlein H. R. E. M., Kočvara Michal, Werner R.: Material optimization: bridging the gap between conceptual and preliminary design, Aerospace Science and Technology 5 1 (2001), p. 541-554 [2001]
  31. Ben-Tal A., Jarre F., Kočvara Michal, Nemirovski A., Zowe J.: Optimal design of trusses under a nonconvex global buckling constraint, Optimization and Engineering 1 2 (2000), p. 189-213 [2000]
  32. Ben-Tal A., Kočvara Michal, Nemirovski A., Zowe J.: Free material design via semidefinite programming: The multiload case with contact conditions, SIAM Review 42 4 (2000), p. 695-715 [2000]
  33. Siddiqi A. H., Manchanda P., Kočvara Michal: 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]
  34. Haslinger J., Kočvara Michal, Roubíček Tomáš: Optimal control of distributed parameter systems, ERCIM News, p. 24-25 [2000]
  35. Kočvara Michal, Zowe J., Nemirovski A.: Cascading - an approach to robust material optimization, Computers and Structures 76, p. 431-442 [2000]
  36. Ben-Tal A., Kočvara Michal, Nemirovski A., Zowe J.: Free material design via semidefinite programming: The multiload case with contact conditions, SIAM Journal on Optimization 9 4 (1999), p. 813-832 [1999]
  37. Kočvara Michal, Zowe J.: Free material optimization, Documenta Mathematica 3, p. 707-716 [1998]
  38. Kočvara Michal, Zibulevsky M., Zowe J.: Mechanical design problems with unilateral contact, E S A I M: Mathematical Modelling and Numerical Analysis 32 3 (1998), p. 255-282 [1998]
  39. Jarre F., Kočvara Michal, Zowe J.: Optimal truss design by interior-point methods, SIAM Journal on Optimization 8 4 (1998), p. 1084-1107 [1998]
  40. Achtziger W., Kočvara Michal, Zowe J.: Von der Mathematik zum automatisierten Design, FAU UniKurier 22 94 (1996), p. 23-25 [1996]
  41. Kočvara Michal, Outrata Jiří: On a class of quasi-variational inequalities, Optimization Methods & Software 5, p. 275-295 [1995]
  42. Kočvara Michal, Outrata Jiří: On optimization of systems governed by implicit complementarity problems, Numerical Functional Analysis and Optimization 15, p. 869-887 [1994]
  43. Kočvara Michal, Zowe J.: An iterative two-step algorithm for linear complementarity problems, Numerische Mathematik 68 1 (1994), p. 95-106 [1994]
  44. Haslinger J., Hoffmann K. H., Kočvara Michal: 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]
  45. Kočvara Michal: An Adaptive Multigrid Technique for Three-Dimensional Elasticity, International Journal for Numerical Methods in Engineering 36 10 (1993), p. 1703-1716 [1993]
  46. Kočvara Michal: An Iterative Method for Adaptive Finite Element Computation, Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering 101, p. 433-442 [1992]
  47. Kočvara Michal: An Algebraic Study of a Local Multigrid Method for Variational Problems, Applied Mathematics and Computation 51 1 (1992), p. 17-41 [1992]

Other publications

  1. Plier J., Savarino F., Kočvara Michal, Petra S.: 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]
  2. Turner J., Kočvara Michal, Loghin D.: 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]
  3. Turner James, Kočvara Michal, Loghin Daniel: Parallel Solution of the Linear Elasticity problem with Applications in Topology Optimization, 4th Annual BEAR PGR Conference 2013, p. 66-74 Download [2013]
  4. Fiala J., Kočvara Michal, Stingl M.: PENLAB: A MATLAB solver for nonlinear semidefinite optimization, Isaac Newton Institute for Mathematical Sciences (Cambridge, 2013) Download [2013]
  5. Stingl M., Kočvara Michal, Leugering G.: 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]
  6. Kočvara Michal, Stingl M.: Free material opimization: towards the stress constraints, Oberwolfach Reports, p. 620-621, Eds: Kunish K., Leugering G., Sprekels J., Troltzsch F. [2008]
  7. Kočvara Michal, Roubíček Tomáš: Jiří V. Outrata, sailing analyst, becomes sixty (2007) [2007]
  8. Kočvara Michal, Stingl M.: 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]
  9. Henrion D., Loefberg J., Kočvara Michal, Stingl M.: 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]
  10. Kočvara Michal, Outrata Jiří: On the modeling and control of delamination processes, Control and Boundary Analysis. Proceedings, p. 171-190 [2004]
  11. Kočvara Michal, Stingl M.: 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]
  12. Kočvara Michal, Mielke A., Roubíček Tomáš: A Rate-Independent Approach to the Delamination Problem, Universität Stuttgart (Stuttgart, 2003) [2003]
  13. Kočvara Michal, Outrata Jiří: Optimization Problems with Equilibrium Constraints and Their Numerical Solution, Institut für Angewandte Mathematik (Erlangen, 2003) [2003]
  14. Henrion D., Kočvara Michal, Stingl M.: Solving Simultaneous Stabilization BMI Problems with PENNON, LAASCNRS (Toulouse, 2003) [2003]
  15. Kočvara Michal, Outrata Jiří: Unique Reformulation of Truss Topology Design Problems, Institut für Angewandte Mathematik (Erlangen, 2002) [2002]
  16. Siddiqi A. H., Kočvara Michal: 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]
  17. Kočvara Michal, Stingl M.: PENNON - A Code for Convex Nonlinear and Semidefinite Programming, Universität Erlangen (Erlangen, 2002) [2002]
  18. Kočvara Michal, Zowe J.: Free material optimization: an overview, Trends in Industrial and Applied Mathematics, p. 181-215, Eds: Siddiqi A. H., Kočvara M., Kluwer (Dordrecht, 2002) [2002]
  19. Hörnlein H. R. E. M., Kočvara Michal: 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]
  20. Kočvara Michal, Stingl M.: PENNON - A Generalized Augmented Lagrangian Method for Semidefinite Programming, Universität Erlangen (Erlangen, 2001) [2001]
  21. Kočvara Michal, Hörnlein H. R. E. M.: MOPED - An integrated designer tool for material optimization, CEAS Conference on Multidisciplinary Aircraft Design and Optimization, p. 87-96, DGLR (Bonn, 2001) [2001]
  22. Beremlijski P., Haslinger J., Kočvara Michal, Outrata Jiří: Shape Optimization in Contact Problems with Coulomb Friction, University of Erlangen (Erlangen, 2001) [2001]
  23. Kirsch U., Kočvara Michal, Zowe J.: Accurate Reanalysis of Structures by a Preconditioned Conjugate Gradient Method, University of Erlangen (Erlangen, 2001) [2001]
  24. Hoernlein H., Kočvara Michal, Werner R.: MOPED - An Integrated Designer Tool for Material Optimization, Universität Erlangen (Erlangen, 2001) [2001]
  25. Kočvara Michal: Modern Optimization Algorithms in Topology Design, Universität Erlangen (Erlangen, 2000) [2000]
  26. Kočvara Michal: On the Modelling and Solving of the Truss Design Problem with Global Stability Constraints, Universität Erlangen (Erlangen, 1999) [1999]
  27. Ben-Tal A., Jarre F., Kočvara Michal, Nemirovski A., Zowe J.: Optimal Design of Trusses under a Nonconvex Global Buckling Constraint, Universität Erlangen (Erlangen, 1999) [1999]
  28. Siddiqi A. H., Manchanda P., Kočvara Michal: An Iterative Two-Step Algorithm for American Option Pricing, Institut für Angewandte Mathematik (Erlangen, 1998) [1998]
  29. Kočvara Michal, Zowe J.: 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]
  30. Jarre F., Kočvara Michal, Zowe J.: Interior Point Methods for Mechanical Design Problems, Universität Erlangen (Erlangen, 1996) [1996]
  31. Kočvara Michal, Zowe J.: How Mathematics Can Help in Design of Mechanical Structures, Universität Erlangen (Erlangen, 1996) [1996]
  32. Kočvara Michal, Outrata Jiří: A Nonsmooth Approach to Optimization Problems with Equilibrium Constraints, Institut für Angewandte Mathematik (Erlangen, 1996) [1996]
  33. Kočvara Michal, Zowe J.: 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]
  34. Kočvara Michal, Rozložník Miroslav, Xanthis L. S.: 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]
  35. Kočvara Michal, Outrata Jiří: 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]
  36. Kočvara Michal, Outrata Jiří: Shape optimization of elasto-plastic bodies governed by variational inequalities, Boundary Control and Boundary Variation, p. 261-271, Dekker (New York, 1994) [1994]
  37. Kočvara Michal, Outrata Jiří: On Optimization of Systems Governed by Implicit Complementarity Problems, Institut für Angewandte Mathematik (Jena, 1994) [1994]
  38. Kočvara Michal: Local Multigrid Methods for Elliptic Problems. CSc.Dissertation, MÚ AV ČR (Praha, 1993) [1993]
  39. Kočvara Michal, Zowe J.: 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]
  40. Ben-Tal A., Kočvara Michal, Zowe J.: 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]
  41. Kočvara Michal, Outrata Jiří: A Numerical Solution of Two Selected Shape Optimization Problems, Mathematisches Institut (Bayreuth, 1993) [1993]
  42. Kočvara Michal: 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]
  43. Kočvara Michal, Zowe J.: An Iterative Two-Step Algorithm for Linear Complementarity Problems, Mathematisches Institut (Bayreuth, 1993) [1993]
  44. Kočvara Michal, Outrata Jiří: On the Solution of Optimum Design Problems with Variational Inequalities, Mathematisches Institut (Bayreuth, 1993) [1993]
  45. Kočvara Michal, Zowe J.: 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]
  46. Kočvara Michal, Outrata Jiří: 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]
  47. Ben-Tal A., Kočvara Michal, Zowe J.: Two Nonsmooth Approaches to Simultaneous Geometry and Topology Design of Trusses, Mathematisches Institut (Bayreuth, 1992) [1992]
  48. Ben-Tal A., Kočvara Michal, Zowe J.: QP3 and CGO: Programs for Solving Truss Optimization Problems, Mathematisches Institut (Bayreuth, 1991) [1991]
  49. Kočvara Michal, Zowe J.: Codes for Truss Topology Design: A Numerical Comparison, Mathematisches Institut (Bayreuth, 1991) [1991]
  50. Kočvara Michal: LAME: lokální adaptivní multigrid pro elasticitu, Programy a algoritmy numerické matematiky 5, p. 68-75, MÚ ČSAV (Praha, 1991) [1991]
  51. Kočvara Michal: An Iterative Method for Adaptive Finite Element Computation, ÚTIA ČSAV (Praha, 1991) [1991]
  52. Kočvara Michal, Outrata Jiří: 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]
  53. Kočvara Michal: Local Multigrid Method for Adaptive Finite Element Computations, Mathematical Modelling in Engineering, p. 41-42, ČVUT (Praha, 1991) [1991]
  54. Kočvara Michal: 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]
  55. Haslinger J., Hoffmann K. H., Kočvara Michal: Control/Fictitious Domain Method for Solving Optimal Shape Design Problems, Institut für Mathematik (Augsburg, 1991) [1991]
  56. Kočvara Michal: Řešení úlohy pružnosti na mnohostěnech, Programy a algoritmy numerické matematiky, p. 27-34, MÚ ČSAV (Praha, 1988) [1988]