Multi-Disciplinary Design Optimization (MDO) of Complex Mechatronic Systems

Figure Co-design framework for variable stiffness actuators developed in collaboration with Dr. Patoglu

Development of multi-disciplinary design optimization platforms has become crucial to satisfy stringent performance expectations for many complex systems such as aircrafts, automotive and similar. Being multidisciplinary systems, performance of such devices cannot be fully exploited unless MDO techniques that account for their inherent design couplings are employed for their optimization. Design of best performing engineering systems necessitates a good understanding and optimal utilization of interactions among their disciplinary design components. These interactions, also known as design couplings, have been defined as the design interrelationships among engineering disciplines within a multidisciplinary system. Robotic systems similar to many mechatronic systems are examples of controlled mechanical systems that require both the design of a mechanism—often referred to as a “plant” and a controller. In collaboration with Dr. Patoglu, Dr. Kiziltas focuses on the development of co-design frameworks to robotic systems such as a VSA in an effort to move towards systems having otherwise unattainable levels of performance.

Automated Design and Fabrication of Material Based Complex Systems

Dr. Kiziltas’ research addresses the challenges of system design from an interdisciplinary engineering perspective, with a focus on using automated design tools (such as topology optimization) and artificially engineered composite materials. The development of artificial materials with new features has been a key to the spectacular technological advances of the last decades. In particular, in addition to the analysis and synthesis of materials with special electric and magnetic properties, their fabrication and characterization are topics of high strategic relevance, in view of their potential impact on a variety of leading edge technologies, including not only telecommunications but also aerospace, RF-MEMS, biomedical engineering and the science of materials. Advances in the research topics of Dr. Kiziltas group will allow, for the first time, integration of the best simulation tools and design algorithms to generate totally novel and yet unthinkable designs that will lead to a new paradigm in design. This goal being the essence of her research group, the outcome of these investigations will have tremendous impact on not only microwave devices such as multifunctional novel antennas but also on energy and biomedical applications.

• Advanced Turbine Seals and Leakage Control Systems

  Controlling parasitic leakage and secondary flows holds the key to achieve higher power and efficiency in modern gas turbine engines. Sealing and clearance control is a major issue in turbomachinery design and operational life. Interface sealing controls turbomachine leakages, coolant flows, and dynamics. Sealing is the most cost-effective method of enhancing engine performance. These seals are subjected to abrasion, erosion, oxidation, incursive rubs, foreign object damage, and deposits. They are also exposed to extremes in thermal, mechanical, and aerodynamic loadings including positive and negative strain ranges, large case distortions and impact loadings. With proper sealing improvements at critical interfaces dramatic efficiency improvements can be possible. Advanced sealing research at SU focuses on brush and cloth seals. The research include analyses of stiffness and rotor contact loads including frictional effects, seal thermal analysis, hysteresis/hang-up or blow down, bristle stresses, fatigue life, and oil lift analysis for sump seals.

• Haptic Interfaces

  Physical Human Robot Interaction (pHRI)

  Rehabilitation Robotics

  The Human Machine Interaction (HMI) Laboratory focuses on the design, control, implementation, and evaluation of mechatronic systems that are capable of haptic interaction — physical interaction with the user through the sense of touch. In particular, we develop and analyse principles and tools to enable physical human-robot interaction (pHRI) with a systems and controls perspective. We aim to achieve optimal performance for such systems, while simultaneously ensuring safety and ergonomic nature of interaction under the coupled dynamics of the human-robot system and the constraints imposed by human biomechanics/sensorimotor control. Our research extends to synthesizing algorithms for simulated physical interaction with virtual environments (haptic rendering) and exploring the control theoretical framework of human sensorimotor system through empirical investigations of skill acquisition.

  HMI Website