Seminar: System Engineering Research in Advanced Automotive Product Development

Seminar by Shawn Midlam-Mohler

Director

The Ohio State University

Simulation Innovation and Modeling Center

The Institute of Industrial and System Engineers (IISE) states that system engineering “is concerned with the design, improvement and installation of integrated systems of people, materials, information, equipment and energy.”  System engineering is also found in product development activities in automotive, aerospace, and beyond.  The International Council on System Engineering (INCOSE) states that system engineering is a holistic design process “considering the complete problem: operations, performance, test, manufacturing, cost and schedule, training & support, disposal.”  Both “branches” of system engineering deal with optimizing a portfolio of resources (human, equipment, technology, data, cost, time, etc.) to realize effective systems.

Dr. Shawn Midlam-Mohler will discuss his research team’s system engineering activities in advanced automotive powertrains and autonomous vehicle technology.  These activities include use of optimization techniques such as dynamic programming for optimization, Monte Carlo analysis for design decision-making, and the use of models and uncertainty analysis/statistics to improve efficiency of repetitive processes for powertrain development.  Through these case studies, Dr. Midlam-Mohler will compare and contrast the similarities between the IISE and INCOSE “branches” of system engineering.  Despite the difference in application areas, the commonality in tools and methods are surprisingly similar.

Dr. Shawn Midlam-Mohler is the Director of the Ohio State University Simulation Innovation and Modeling Center (SIMCenter) and an associate professor or practice in the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department.  In his director role, Dr. Midlam-Mohler is responsible for continuing the growth of the modeling and simulation activities supported by SIMCenter.  SIMCenter involves faculty, students, and staff in research and education activities across multiple engineering departments.  More than 50 faculty are currently involved in SIMCenter activities.

Dr. Midlam-Mohler’s research interests are in the area of system modeling, applied controls, and systems engineering.  He has over one hundred patents and peer-reviewed publications and his research focus is in the area of advanced automotive systems.  His research has been externally funded by organizations such as Honda, General Motors, Ford, Harley-Davidson, and Cummins.  His two main research areas are advanced automotive powertrains and autonomous vehicle system safety.

He teaches a range of courses covering design, simulation, project management, and system engineering.  Dr. Midlam-Mohler strives to bring his industry research experience in the classroom to better prepare students for their careers.  Dr. Midlam-Mohler is also the lead advisor for the highly successful OSU EcoCAR team, which has won the last five years of competition.  In this capacity, he manages a team of 8 graduate students and 40 undergraduates in the design, construction, and validation of an advanced technology vehicle through a multi-year activity.