We have been involved in research work in the field of finite element analysis (FEA) integration with computer aided design (CAD) for several years and have developed several concepts and tools that have aroused interest and shown efficiency. In the meantime, both the evolution of our research developments (on topics like geometry comparison, geometry reconstruction and simplification, mixed-dimensional analysis and topology optimization) and the evolution of CAD systems and CAD kernels made us reconsider our database organization. This led to the design of an original development environment and database organization referred to as the Unified Topological Model (UTM). The main interests of this new CAD/FEA database organization is its ability to tackle multi-platform CAD/FEA integration (handling geometries coming from different CAD kernels), mixed-dimensional modeling and analysis (3D solid geometry mixed and integrated with surface geometry and curvilinear geometry) and topology optimization (TO) procedures. The paper presents the structure of this new research development environment and the original concepts underlying it. The UTM environment is strongly designed around object-oriented computer programming concepts and it is focused towards generality, modularity and ability to evolve. The paper also briefly presents some of the most important features and algorithms that have been integrated, at this point, into the UTM environment.

The traditional design process used within the automotive industry is typically accomplished with limited regard to the environment the vehicle will operate within. As a result there are many growing challenges relating to mobility that we now face. When systems thinking methodologies are integrated into the design process innovative and holistic concepts are developed, causing significant shifts in new products, processes, and services that are better suited for the environment. Systems thinking methodologies in combination with the Developmental Model for Designers enables the creation of solutions from a more informed perspective. As a result, we are discovering new and appropriate ways to develop products and systems that are holistic solutions for the challenges of today and the future.

in 2005. Prior to his current position, he worked as a learning scientist for the VaNTH Engineering Research Center at Northwestern University for three years. Yalvac's research is in STEM education, 21st century skills, and design and evaluation of learning environments informed by the How People Learn framework.

Computer-aided design (CAD) tools play a significant role in the modern product commercialization environment. As CAD and general CAx technology advances, it becomes more important to understand how engineers adapt their expertise to new environments and problems. This work examines a methodology consisting of a set of surveys, interviews, and exercises with a small group of practicing engineers to assess adaptive expertise (AE) and relate this AE to CAD modeling performance and procedures. Results detail AE survey results, a modeling and alteration exercise, and an exercise where engineers are asked to model a component using a CAD platform they are unfamiliar with. Interview and time use (from screen capture videos) results from this exercise are presented along with other data. Correlations among AE survey and interview variables and model analysis variables are presented. The epistemology dimension of the AE survey was found to be negatively correlated with both original modeling and alteration time. Overall modeling time in the different platform was positively correlated with the percentage of time a participant spent engaging in trial and error; modeling time in the different platform was negatively correlated with percentage of time spent doing actual modeling and the time spent thinking.