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     At CMU Professor Shimada developed and taught two new graduate level courses related to the computational aspects of engineering design, “24-786: Geometric Modeling” and “24-700: Computational Geometry.”  The core technologies in geometric modeling and computational geometry are the foundation of modern CAD and CAE software tools.  One goal of developing these two courses was to strengthen the department’s recent “computational need” thrust.  The department has recognized the importance of exposing our students to various computational tools and has been utilizing Pro/ENGINEER, ANSYS and other packages in core courses.  The early exposure to these tools has been an advantage and strength to our students, and it has been a driving force in attracting more freshmen to the Department of Mechanical Engineering, particularly more female students, who used to be deterred by the "nuts and bolts" perception of the field.  

     Professor Shimada has also reformed the content and the method of instruction of one the core undergraduate courses, "24-311: Numerical Methods."  The new formats introduced include:

Two types of computational assignments.  One of the goals that were set for this course was to teach two sets of computational skills: efficient use of commercially available software packages, and programming numerical methods using a common computer language.  The first set of skills was taught through five problem sets that required the use of Mathcad.  In these problems, understanding the limitations of each numerical method was emphasized.  The second set of skills was taught through six programming assignments in C++.

Use of VRML for visualizing results.  Most engineering students do not enjoy writing codes for numerical methods because all they see as results are numbers.  To overcome their reluctance, Professor Shimada successfully implemented the usage of Virtual Reality Modeling Language (VRML) to display visually the final results of the numerical calculations.  In this way the students could visualize: the convergence process of the Newton-Raphson method, forces in a three-dimensional truss structure, the process of two-dimensional optimization, a three-dimensional view of a quadratic regression surface, animation of the trajectory of a spring-mass pendulum, and other examples.  Using VRML increased the students' interest in writing codes and also helped them to reason if their numerical results were correct or not.  

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Master’s Students
1. Jia-Huei Liao, “Quadrilateral Meshing via Close Packing of Square Cells, ” Spring 1998 (MS-P).
2. Megan Hazen, “Local Feature Recognition in Three-Dimensional Data Using Invariant Hashing,” Spring 1999 (MS-P).
3. Naveen Viswanath, “Adaptive Anisotropic Quadrilateral Mesh Generation Applied to Surface Approximation,” Spring 2000 (MS-P).
4. Karthick Chilaka, “Surface Topology and Geometry Reconstruction of Wireframe CAD Models,” Spring 2000 (MS-P).
5. Ben Cheng, “Geometric Feature Recognition via Discrete Curvature Estimation,” Spring 2000 (MS).
6. Tian Zhou, “An Angle-Based Approach to Two-Dimensional Mesh Smoothing,” Spring 2001 (MS-P). Present Position: Engineer, Siemens Westinghouse Power Corporation.
7. Chandan Alladahali, “Using Geometric Sensitivity Analysis to Infer Timing Schedule of Move Sets for a Pattern Search Based 3D Layout Algorithm,” Spring 2001 (MS-P, co-advised with Professor J. Cagan).
8. Ho-Kook Lee, “Solution-Adaptive Finite Element Analysis of Sheet-Metal Forming,” Fall 2001 (MS).
9. Jonathan Evans, “Shape and Topology Optimization for Hybrid Structural Parts,” Spring 2002 (MS) (a part-time student from Bayer AG)
10. Miguel Vieira, “Geometric Data Processing for 3D Laser Scanner,” Spring 2003 (MS-P).
11. Leslie Gennari, “Pen-Based User Interface for Electrical Circuit Design,” Spring 2004 (MS-P).
12. Arbtip Dheeravongkit, “Meshing with Pre-Distortion for Large Deformation Finite Element Analysis,” Spring 2004 (MS-P).
13. Nissan Shoykhet, “Computational Modeling of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm,” Spring 2005 (MS-P)
14. Emily Monahan, “Computer-Assisted Arthroscopy for Hip Surgery,” Spring 2005 (MS-P).
15. Robert Oberreuter, “Computer and Robot Assisted Orthopedic Surgery,” Spring 2006.
16. Michael Ballinger, “Prostate Shape Reconstruction from CT Images,” (co-advidsed with Professor Y. Rabin), Spring 2007 (MS-P)
17. Ravichandra Varma Buddharaju, “Finite Element Mesh Independency Study,” Spring 2007.
18. Max von der Heydt, “Image-guided Biopsy System,” Spring 2007 (MS-P)
19. Andrew W. Heutchy, “Dynamics Simulation of FSEA Car,” Spring 2007 (MS-C).
20. Mark Roberts, “Image-guided Biopsy System,” Spring 2008 (MS-P).
21. SooHo Park, “7DOF Hyper Redundant Robotic Manipulator,” Spring 2008 (MS-P).
22. Michael DeSpenza, “Teaching System for Hyper-Redundant Robotic Manipulator,” Spring 2008 (MS-P,).
23. Jacqueline Libby, TBD, Spring 2008 (MS-C).
24. Abhinav Singhal, TBD, Fall 2008 (MS-C).
25. Namjung Kim, “Image-Based Human Body Modeling,” Spring 2009 (MS-P, estimated).
26. Jean Lu, “Sketch CAD,” Spring 2009 (MS-P, estimated)
27. Alan Teets, “Computer-Aided Aesthetic Design,” Spring 2009 (MS-C, estimated).

Overseas Summer Graduate Students
28. Jun Mitani (Visiting MS Student, the University of Tokyo, summer 1998).
29. Shingo Takeuchi (Visiting MS Student, the University of Tokyo, summer 1999).
30. Atsushi Izumi (Visiting MS Student, the University of Tokyo, summer 2000).
31. Yasuhiro Tamaki (Visiting MS Student, the University of Tokyo, summer 2002).
32. Barbara Motyl (Visiting Ph.D. Student, the University of Udine, spring 2006).

Undergraduate Students
1. Megan Hazen, “Geometric Feature Search Engine for Internet,” Spring 1997.
2. Jonathan Pompa, “Graphical User Interface for Surface Design,” Spring 1998.
3. Matthew Carlson, “Two-Dimensional Curve Smoothing,” Spring 1999.
4. Susan Swithenbank, “Three-Dimensional Bubble Mesh for FEM,” Spring 2000.
5. Bedirhan Cinar, “Two-Dimensional Curve Smoothing,” Spring 2000.
6. #* Stehanie Pollice, “Shape Reconstruction from a Limited Number of Images,” Spring 2001.
7. #* Miguel Vieira, “Three-Dimensional Curve Smoothing,” Spring 2001.
8. #* Arbtip Dheeravongkit, “Angle-Based FEM Mesh Smoothing,” Spring 2002.
9. Fayette Shaw, “Tagbots,” SURG, Spring 2002.
10. Daniel Vogel, “Tagbots,” SURG, Spring 2002.
11. Chris Hynes, “Surface Re-Parameterization for Finite Element Mesh Generation,” Spring 2002.
12. #* Renata Melamud, “Design Automation and Optimization of Hybrid Structures,” Spring 2003.
13. * Nissan Shoykhet, “Non-Invasive Risk Assessment of Rupture in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Using FEM Analysis,” Summer 2003.
14. #* John Reifenberg, “Truss Structure Optimization,” Spring 2003.
15. #* Robert Oberreuter, “Optimization of Bone Distraction Path for a 2DOF Fixator,” Spring 2004.
16. #* Matt Rosa, “Minimum-Degree-of-Freedom Bone Distractor,” Spring 2004.
17. * Serge LiHoiFoo-Gregory, “Rapid Prototyping Machine for Automobile Interior Design,” Spring 2004.
18. #* Shintaro Kamishima, “Three-Dimensional Shape Generation from Cross-Sectional Images,” Spring 2004.
19. Michael North, “CFD for Automotive External Flow Analysis,” Spring 2005.
20. Shandor Dektor, “CFD for Automotive External Flow Analysis,” Spring 2005.
21. Brent Selby, “Pseudo Flow Simulation of Plastic Injection Molding,” Spring 2005.
22. Michael Ballinger, “Image Processing for Cryosurgery,” co-advised with Professor Y. Rabin, Spring 2005.
23. Michael Steffa and Mike Ballinger, “Brain Imaging,” SURF Grant, Summer 2004.
24. Charlie Shaw, “One-Layer Tetrahedral Mesh Generation for Plastic Injection Molding FEM,” Spring 2005.
25. Christopher D’Eramo, “Sketch-Based Automotive Styling CAD,” Fall 2005.
26. #* Michael Norman, “Automotive Trunk Packing,” Spring 2006.
27. Erick Johnson, “FEM Mesh Generation,” Spring 2006.
28. Galen Mullins, “Finite Element Mesh Independence Study,” Spring 2007.
29. Susan Frankiewicz, “CFD Meshing,” Spring 2007.
30. Alan Teets, “Physically Based Generation of Curves and Surfaces,” Spring 2007.
31. #* Robert Holop, “3D Layout Optimization,” Spring 2007.
32. Ikjun Cho, “Accurate Merging of Laser-Digitized Polygonal Surface Patches,” Fall 2006.
33. #* Billy Burkey, “CFD Analysis of a Racing Car,” Spring 2007.
34. #*Andrew Chang, “FEM Analysis of Spinal Implants,” Spring 2007.
35. #Stephen Richard Kuhn, “Bridge Inspection Robot,” Spring 2008.
36. Tristan Trutna, “Wheel-Leg Transformer,” Spring 2008.
37. #* Sarun Soongsawang, “3D Laser Metrology of Large Flexible Parts,” Spring 2008.
38. #Sarah Marmalefsky, “Sketch-Based Industrial Design,” Spring 2008.
39. Koji Ito, “FEM Mesh Independence Study,” Spring 2008.
40. #Adam E. Seibert, “3D CFD Meshing,” Spring 2008.

#: CIT Research Honor Project
*: Mechanical Engineering Department Research Honor Project