Research
Current Projects:
Validating Fault Propagation Simulation in Complex Systems
Complex systems tend to reach catastrophic failure in complex ways. Standard methods and tools do a reasonable job of aiding designers to develop mitigation methods for single, random faults. However, faults in multiple subsystems that propagate through the larger system are more difficult to address. This research looks at developing methods for identifying and predicting the impact of complex fault scenarios and validating those predictions with a fault inducible rover robot. Here are some of the interesting research questions we are asking: What role could formal models of complexity play in addressing the accuracy of fault prediction in early design? What metric give us the best idea of the uncertainty of design stage fault prediction?
A Testbed for the Validation of Model-Based System Design Theory
Numerous model-based methods of system design have been proposed and are often demonstrated with toy problems and, in rare cases, a single industry project. With this work we aim to develop a scientific platform that can be used to experimentally validate and compare design and modeling methods. The system is a reconfiguration, human-in-the-loop system where different design architectures can be achieved. Some of the interesting questions we are asking in this research are: How can we develop a useful testbed for design theories? What type of metrics will be useful in evaluating these theories? Can we extend this research to validating system prognostics and health management strategies?
Bio-Inspired Adaptive Strategies for Complex System Design
Everywhere we look in the world we see examples of adaption. The natural world has developed novel ways identifying and adapting to faults both at the organism and at the species level. Further, many exciting engineering accomplishments have been based on observing similar functionality or capabilities in nature. For this project we will develop systematic design methods that make use of natural strategies for mitigating the effects of faults. Further, we will demonstrate and validate these methods and identify practical means for engineers to directly use our findings.
Access the work-in-progress tool here.
A Framework for Problem-Based and Career-Like Learning and Evaluation for Engineering Design
This project concerns the development and implementation of a novel method for providing experiential and problem-based learning of engineering design. The goal is to provide students with experience in the type of projects, tools and evaluations they can expect to see in their career using both virtual and physical simulations and in-person evaluations. The research objective of this work is to determine the best approach to teaching fundamental course concepts in engineering design. This research is being conducted with Dr. Dennis Beck in the College of Education and Health Professions at the University of Arkansas. Some of the interesting research questions we ask are: How can mechanical design coursework be modeled after the typical tasks engineers will experience in their careers? Can short design projects that make use of virtual manufacturing and 3D printing demonstrate course concepts as well as traditional exams and quizzes?
Future Project Areas
Rapid Complex System Design with Distributed Teams
A promising technique for the conceptual design of complex systems is the rapid design centers which conduct trade studies to develop subsystem parameters. Many of the facilities that have implemented these design centers have seen rapid improvement in their overall design cycle. This research will address the complexities of conducting these trade studies with team members distributed across the country.
Safety Assurance of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) through Model-Based System Design and Health Management
The consumer and government market potential for UAVs is vast. However, FAA and safety restrictions struggle to address the technology. This research will capitalize on the system design testbed to develop and validate methods of model-based UAV design.
Design and Optimization of Wind Turbine Generators and their Health Management Systems
Through co-development of the design of the wind turbine in connection with the fault prediction and health management algorithm, optimal and robust solutions can be identified for wind and other forms of renewable energy production.
Other Areas
Design for the developing world
Novel methods of engineering design education
Special topics on the simulation and design of complex engineered systems and how they impact the world
Past Projects
A Classification of Critical Failure Events for Complex Systems and Space Missions
In this project we looked at methods of statistically classifying complex fault scenarios based on their functional effect to identify the relationship between low-level faults and mission-level states, such as classification of abort scenarios.
Generation of A Fault Mechanism Behavioral Model Library for the DARPA C2M2L-2 Program
In this work, we worked to develop behavioral models of components exhibiting different degrees of failure. This involved the identification of fault modes, characterization of those faults and determining the behavioral effects on component types. The application was for DARPA’s Adaptive Vehicle Make Program. The models we developed will be used to test the robustness of next generation infantry fighting vehicles.
Undergraduate Student Projects Advising