This course covers fundamentals of physics-based modelling and numerical optimization from the perspective of computational fabrication and robotics applications.
Objective
Students will learn how to represent, model and algorithmically control the behavior of complex physical systems through simulation-based methodologies. The lectures are accompanied by programming assignments (written in C++), hand-on exercises involving digital fabrication technologies, as well as a capstone project.
Content
mass-spring and FEM simulation methods; multibody systems; kinematics and dynamics; constrained and unconstrained numerical optimization; PDE-constrained optimization, forward and inverse design; shape and topology optimization; simulation, optimization, fabrication and control for compliant robots; robotic manipulation of elastically-deforming objects.
Prerequisites / Notice
Experience with C++ programming, numerical linear algebra and multivariate calculus. Some background in physics-based modeling, kinematics and dynamics is helpful, but not necessary.