A University of Iowa engineering professor is developing advanced computational algorithms to optimize designs of complex engineering systems and structures that could make ground vehicles, aerospace structures, and electronic packaging, among many examples, more reliable.

Uncertainties often confront manufacturing processes, material properties, and operating environments. Sharif Rahman, a professor of mechanical engineering and a faculty affiliate of the Iowa Technology Institute, is working to overcome this through calculations that would determine the best design alternative given uncertainties of system behavior and the influence of variables.

“Potential engineering applications include ground vehicle design for improved durability and crashworthiness, fatigue- and fracture-resistant design for aerospace applications, and design of microelectronic packaging under harsh environments,” according to Rahman.

The intent is to contribute knowledge that will aid in the development of complex systems and products that are more durable, robust, and reliable.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) has recognized the importance of this research with a new grant that will sponsor Rahman’s work. The three year grant comes with $431,033 in funding. This is Rahman’s 11th NSF project, and fifth from NSF's Engineering Design program.