Seminar: Marine Technology and Ocean Systems Engineering A Design Approach enhanced by AI & ML

Dr. Nikolas Xiros
Goldman Endowed Prof. Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering, University of New Orleans
Dr. Xiros is a candidate for an open HNEI/ORE faculty position in Marine Energy Engineering

*In-person (HIG210) & via Zoom*
Zoom Meeting Link
Meeting ID: 235 549 0320
Passcode: ORE

Abstract
A holistic systems engineering approach has been employed over a period of more than 25 years to predict and improve performance and reliability in ship design, watercraft development and ocean engineering applications. The approach combines traditional approaches of process modeling and simulation, system identification, dynamics and control with concepts of probabilistic system analysis and design and most importantly methods and techniques of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML). Techniques like linear and nonlinear system analysis and synthesis (impulse response and transfer functions, phase portraits, Volterra series, Wiener G-functionals etc.) combine with neural networks, fuzzy logic and set theory to tackle coupled complex problems and challenges. The potential and motivation are presented on the basis of relevant ship design and maritime engineering applications for marine power-plants, propulsion, energy conversion, control systems etc. A number of experimental or field-testing platforms like dynamometers, boat models, scale prototypes etc. as well as detailed simulation studies for heat engines, electromechanical systems, applied hydrodynamics, autonomous watercraft etc. are employed for validation of the proposed approach and presented here to assess the strength and prospects of the hybrid approach.

Speaker Bio
Nik. Xiros is a Goldman endowed Professor with the Boysie Bollinger School of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering and the NAVSEA Professor of Marine Systems Design as well as a Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of New Orleans. His career spans more than 25 years in industry and academia. He served as Chair of the Bollinger School in 2021-24. During his tenure as Bollinger School Chair, he realized and oversaw the ABET accreditation renewal process of the Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering BSc program the School offers. The program was found exceptional and without weaknesses, deficiencies or concerns. His research and teaching activities encompass broad areas of electromechanical systems, marine engineering and technology incl. but not limited to multi-physics process modeling and simulation, system identification, dynamics and control, reliability, signal and data analysis with emphasis on marine propulsion, energy harvesting and conversion as well as applied hydrodynamics, mechatronics and autonomous systems. His education includes a degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering, a MSc in Mathematics, a MSc in Applied Physics and a Dr. Eng. degree in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering. He has (co)authored numerous journal and conference papers and monographed “Robust Control of Diesel Ship Propulsion,” “Mathematical Magnetohydrodynamics” and “Feedback Linearization of Dynamical Systems with Modulated States for Harnessing Water Wave Power.” He is also a Chief Editor of the Springer Handbook of Ocean Engineering; in the same book, he was the part editor for Part E – Ocean Renewable Energy and author of chapters on digital signal processing, control theory and applications as well as on ocean wave energy conversion concepts. He is also editor for books series “Ocean Engineering & Oceanography”, “Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering, Shipbuilding & Shipping” and Synthesis Lectures on Ocean Systems Engineering.

Seminar flyer