| Department Theme: Simulation |
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| Theme Focal Group: Flow Physics & Computational Engineering |
Simulation Aids Rapid Development
With the advent of large-scale computers, computational approaches have become indispensable for characterizing, predicting and simulating physical events and engineering systems governed by the laws of mechanics. Industrial competitiveness demands reduction in design cycle time which, in turn, relies heavily on numerical simulations to reduce the number of tests of physical prototypes. From the point of view of scientific investigations, one of the great strengths of computer simulations over physical experiments is the ability to study a complete range of physical and temporal scales. That is, one can study in detail physical phenomena that last only a picosecond, or one can move back in time and identify the evolution of interesting physical events.
At the forefront of development of advanced simulation techniques and technologies is the M.E. department's Flow Physics & Computational Engineering Group, which is chartered with maintaining M.E.'s leadership position in this field.
Research Focus
There are a number of areas in computational engineering in which we are focusing our energies. These are:
- computational geometry and virtual design;
- multi-scale phenomena including bridging of atomistic to continuum models;
- biomedical applications, including predictive surgery;
- computational study of cells, tissues, bones and other biological systems;
- chemical reactions and multi-phase flows;
- climate modeling;
- and energy systems.
Success in these areas leverages our core competencies in computer science such as parallel computing, numerical analysis, model selection and adaptivity.
Leadership in Computational Mathematics and Parallel Computing
Some of these areas have traditionally been in the domain of other departments such as computer science, but experience has shown that the best numerical tools are developed by those interested in specific applications. Furthermore, Stanford's M.E. Department has had an excellent track record and international reputation for making contributions in both research and educational components of computational mathematics and parallel computing. The continuing presence of large externally funded computational centers in the Department (e.g., the Center for Turbulence Research and the ASCI Center) facilitates the Department's continued strong presence in computational engineering.