Welcome
to
I-MAD: The Intelligent Modeling, Analysis, and Design
Laboratory
Prof. Ian R.
Grosse, Director
Screen Capture from ON-TEAM, a Java-based ontological
framework for acquisition and representation of engineering analysis modeling
knowledge.
At the heart of virtually all engineered
products are engineering analysis models (EAMs). EAMs are widely used by industry to predict and optimize
system product designs, subassembly designs, component designs, and supporting
manufacturing processes. Such models include lumped parameter analysis models,
such as system block diagram models and control models, continuum parameter
models, such as finite element models, and statistical models derived from
empirical observations, such as response surface models. EAMs
provide an invaluable information service for supporting product design
activities. In the I-MAD Laboratory we seek new methods and technologies for
significantly improving how organizations can effectively manage, reuse,
interoperate, and adapt EAMs in the context of their
product development activities. Research
subareas associated with this effort include, but are
not limited to, the following:
- Seamless
exchange of engineering analysis models in a distributed environment.
- Interoperability,
reusability, and adaptability of engineering analysis models
- The
use of ontologies for capturing, representing,
and exchanging engineering analysis modeling knowledge
- Design
and analysis modeling knowledge representation and acquisition
- Application
of decision theory to the development of engineering analysis models, such
as finite element models
- Application-specific
tools and knowledge-based systems for automating engineering analysis
Another area of interest of the laboratory is in
biomechanics, with particular focus on the use of finite element analysis for
modeling biological and biomechanical systems. Currently, we are investigating
the large strain behavior of balloon stents used in
angioplasty procedures with the goal to optimize the stent
design to reduce restenosis of the artery. Another
project, in conjunction with researchers from the Biology department, involves simulation
of stresses and strains induced in bat skulls due to feeding habits and
correlating the skull stresses with the skull morphology via evolutionary
principles.
Also, in the I-MAD laboratory we are involved in the
development of pedagogical tools for supporting engineering education as part
of a larger effort within the department. Two multimedia tutors have been
developed: the Intelligent Finite Element Modeling and Analysis Tutor (FEMAT)
and the UMass Stress State Transformation Tutor
(UMASST). Both tutors have undergone formal testing in the classroom and have
proven to be as effective as conventional instruction in delivering the tutor
content material. The tutors are part of a larger suite of engineering tutors
available for free download. Click here to
access this web page. We have also developed EDLIB-FEA,
an educational library of student projects completed as part of MIE 605, an
introductory graduate level finite element course.