UTC Now Home for Computational Engineering
Published Feb 29, 2008
The SimCenter at UTC has been designated a National Center for Computational Engineering.
Established in 2002, the SimCenter at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga quickly made a name for itself. Using computational modeling and computer simulation, researchers addressed real-world problems in complex fields such as aerodynamics, heat transfer, hydrodynamics and propulsion.
Then, in November 2007, the world-class facility secured its reputation with the creation of the SimCenter: National Center for Computational Engineering.
“We have been very pleased with the success of the SimCenter since its inception here at UTC,” says UTC Chancellor Roger Brown. “The SimCenter has exceeded all of its benchmarks, and taking this next step to become a National Center for Computational Engineering will allow the program to grow, to serve more students and to be more competitive for research projects.”
Taking the Team Approach
As a professor of computational engineering and research coordinator for the SimCenter: National Center, Dr. Roger Briley agrees. He says it “will utilize integrated multidisciplinary research and education programs to establish next-generation technologies, and educate a new breed of engineer for computational solutions of a broad range of real-world engineering problems.” Briley cited “critical technology areas affecting sustainable energy, environment, health care and defense.”
More than 20 full-time research faculty and staff are employed at the SimCenter, studying everything from submarine navigation to the distribution patterns of airborne contaminants. The center also has been involved in a highly publicized project testing hydrogen fuel-cell designs that could lead to cleaner and more affordable energy.
“We are pretty unique in what we do – and even more so in how we go about doing it,” Briley says. “We use a multidisciplinary team approach to work on multiple projects. This means our students are exposed to real-world problem solving, working in a team environment.”
Attracting New Industries
Along with boosting UTC’s reputation, the SimCenter: National Center is expected to enhance Chattanooga’s already significant role in the emerging Tennessee Valley Tech Corridor.
“Obviously, our mission is focused on research and education,” Briley says. “But we also want to be supportive of the region’s economic development efforts. After all, our graduates are in great demand across the country – and we would like to keep them here. We’re here to be a resource in attracting industry and developing innovative ideas for high-tech businesses.”
Radiance Technologies offers a case in point. The Huntsville, Ala.-based company, which specializes in emerging technologies, is opening a new project office in Chattanooga that will focus on electromagnetics – specifically, on large and small antenna design.
“There is no question that the SimCenter is what brought us here,” says Mike Pearson, director of business development for Radiance Technologies. “Their ability to simulate the end product is just incredible. They’re able to speed everything up to take us further than we could ever go on our own.”
Pearson says the company frequently partners with major research universities such as Auburn and Georgia Tech.
“We find these partnerships to be valuable because we have access to a wealth of knowledge as well as potential employees. We are particularly pleased with our partnership with the SimCenter – it’s just a first-class facility.”
Story by Amy Stumpfl
Photo by Wes Aldridge
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