NEWS
Toronto students make use of design tools
Graduate students and engineers from the Space Flight Laboratory (SFL) at the University of Toronto Institute for Aerospace Studies (UTIAS) are using Mathworks tools for model-based design to develop high-performance attitude control systems. ‘Using MathWorks tools on SFL projects equips our students with invaluable, practical space systems engineering experience,’ said Dr Robert Zee, director of the SFL. ‘Matlab and Simulink provided the opportunity for graduate students to work side by side with engineers and gain practical experience on a system that will actually fly in space.’ The students used Matlab and Simulink as the foundation for their research at the SFL,
first developing a preliminary design of a satellite system, and then, working closely with SFL engineers, using this design to model and test precision attitude control systems. Matlab and Simulink also provided a common language for more seamless collaboration with professors and experts at other universities in Canada. ‘The University of Toronto’s
use of Matlab and Simulink for education, innovation, and collaboration is a prime example of how our tools can advance engineering both inside and outside the classroom,’ said Maureen Maher, manager of education marketing at MathWorks. ‘Our tools provide a consistent environment that not only supports engineering
students from their first-year classes through graduate- level work, but also enables universities around the world to turn out students prepared to tackle real-world challenges.’
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Modelling cuts development time of robotic space rover
Unmanned planetary exploration is a focus for many space research agencies worldwide today. To do this successfully, advanced autonomous robotic rovers are needed. Dr Amir Khajepour, Canada Research Chair in Mechatronic Vehicle Systems and Professor of Engineering in the Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering department at the University of Waterloo (UW), is working with the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), Maplesoft, and the Government of Canada, to develop a full solution for the power management system of autonomous rovers. Dr Khajepour is a leading figure in mechatronics and robotics and he has chosen MapleSim, an advanced physical modelling tool from Maplesoft, as a key tool in his project. The CSA has a strong history
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of applying symbolic techniques in space robotics modelling. They have used these techniques in the design of various space robots deployed through the Space Shuttle programme and the International Space Station. This initiative at UW is using MapleSim, the latest generation of symbolic modelling technology, to rapidly develop high fidelity, multi-domain models of the rover subsystems. The general goal of the project is to design a rover system that can get the rover from point A to point B, taking into consideration all probable constraints. For example, what would the path be if the rover is to get to a specified location with minimum risk? Alternatively, if the rover is to get to a specified location using minimum energy, what would that path be?
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Step one of this three-year project is to develop the initial rover model, including such aspects as battery, solar power-generation, terrain and soil conditions. The project, in its later stages, will also include a full range of Hardware-in- the-Loop (HIL) testing phases using real-time hardware and software from National Instruments, using system models that have been developed in, and automatically deployed from MapleSim. This is critical for optimising system parameters that will maximise power conservation while still achieving mission goals. ‘With the use of MapleSim,
the base model of the rover was developed in a month,’ says Dr Khajepour. ‘The benefits of MapleSim compared to traditional tools are significant.’
Accelrys completes merger with Symyx Technologies
Accelrys has completed its merger with Symyx Technologies. Under the terms of the transaction, Symyx stockholders will receive approximately 0.7802 shares of Accelrys common stock for each share of Symyx common stock they own. The merged entity will trade on the NASDAQ stock exchange as Accelrys, under the symbol ACCL. ‘We are delighted that the
merger of Accelrys and Symyx has now been completed, having received the full support of our collective stockholders, who recognise the inherent value offered by the combination,’ said Max Carnecchia, chief executive officer of Accelrys. ‘We welcome new SMMX stockholders, and also thank our customers, partners and employees for their ongoing support during the merger process. The new organisation creates a well- differentiated company that is uniquely qualified to be a leading force in the scientific informatics software industry.’ The combined entity enables
customers to improve scientific performance by creating more open, flexible and agile environments, streamlining workflows, reducing operating costs, and increasing the potential for innovation. It has more than 1,350 customers, including 29 of the top 30 biopharmaceutical companies, all five top chemical companies, all five top aerospace companies, three of the five top consumer packaged goods companies, a number of top US Federal, and international government agencies, as well as many top academic institutions from around the world.
www.scientific-computing.com
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