Dr. Damien André (Supervisor ESR3) is specialized in numerical and programming methods in applied mechanics. More especially, he conducts researches on the usage of the Discrete Element Method (DEM) for modeling discontinuities in continuum media. Direct applications of this innovative and original method is the simulation of multi-cracks initiation and evolution in brittle materials such as refractories. To get additional information about Damien André, see http://www.unilim.fr/pages_perso/damien.andre/