Research

Current Research Projects

High-Dimensional (Large-Scale) Metamodeling and Optimization Strategies (Funding source: NSERC)

For optimization problems with computation-intensive processes, in general when the number of variables increases to larger than 10~20, the computation cost for metamodeling and/or optimization becomes unbearable. We recently have achieved breakthrough in this are by developing a Radial-Basis Function based High Dimensional Model Representation (RBF-HDMR) model, which adaptively models a high-dimensional problem with the least number of sample points. It theoretically turns the exponentially increasing cost into a polynomial one. It practically uses the minimum cost in modeling. Moreover, it can reveal the inner variable structure of a “black-box” function and turns it into “white.” Current research focuses on further development of the method for different conditions and for optimization.

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle Design and Optimization (Funding sources: Auto21, NRAS, Rapid Electric Vehicles)

Application of metamodeling and optimization techniques for redesign and optimization of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV), a projected funded by Auto21, a Network of Centers of Excellence of Canada.

PEM Fuel Cell Membrane Degradation (Funding Source: Automotive Partnership Canada, Ballard Power Systems)

This project, led by Prof. Erik Kjeang, involves eight professors working on understanding the mechanisms of membrane degradation and designing new membranes to enhance its durability and longevity. This project involves complex nonlinear modeling, testing, validation, and redesign of fuel cell membranes. Ballard Power Systems, located in Vancouver, is the world leader on PEM fuel cell technology.

Assembly Process Optimization (Funding source: General Motors Canada, NSERC )

This research aims at developing practical methods and tools to support optimal assembly process plan for auto bodies.

Impact Diverting Mechanisms Research and Development (Funding sources: MITACS, NSERC, Innovata Labs)

Collaborating with Dr. Golnaraghi and Innovata Labs, this research studies impact diverting mechanisms and also develops practical impact diverting mechanisms for helmets and other applications.

Flurry Pump Design Optimization and Automatic Manufacturing (Funding Sources: MITACS, Toyo Pumps)

Collaborating with Dr. Arzanpour, this project aims at improving the current pump design and developing an automatic manufacturing system for the pump production.

Research Projects Completed

1. Simulation-based Design Optimization (NSERC)

· global optimization (GO)

New methods such as Adaptive Response Surface Method (ARSM) and Mode Pursuing Sampling Method (MPS) have been developed in PDOL. MPS has been used by other researchers from the world.

· multi-objective optimization (MOO)

PDOL developed a very efficient method called Pareto Set Pursuing (PSP) method. PSP was found more efficient for problems with expensive functions than the state-of-the-art methods when the number of function evaluations is limited.

· multidisciplinary optimization methods (MDO)

MDO is featured with coupled physical parameters and variables. An innovative method, called Collaboration Pursing Method (CPM), has been developed in PDOL that improves the state-of-the-art. The coupled parameter region is also captured by using a boundary search method developed in PDOL.

· reliability-based design optimization (RBDO)

Reliability assessment methods have been first studied. The concept of Failure Surface Frontier (FSF) was proposed by PDOL, which addresses problems with multiple regions. New approaches have also been developed for RBDO which turn a double-loop problem into a single-loop problem.

· optimization with mixed variables

A discrete version of MPS and PSP has been developed, respectively.

2. Power System Metamodeling and Optimization (Manitoba Hydro, NSERC)

3. Process Improvement for Health Care Unit (Funding sources: St. Paul’s Hospital, MITACS)

4. Shape Optimization for Helicopters’ Engine Cooling Bay (Westland Helicopters)

5. Design Automation for Industrial Silencers (Philips and Temro Industries)

6. Design Optimization for Efficient Production (E.H. Price Ltd., Vansco Electronics Ltd.))

7. Automatic Process Selection of Rapid Prototyping & CNC (Monarch Industries)

8. Assembly of Non-rigid Components (NSERC, UMGF)