SRMP Seminar: June 26

[AEM Communications]

Good morning, 

We invite you to attend the upcoming SRMP seminar.

Friday, June 26, 2026

209 Akerman Hall

2:30pm-3:30pm

First Talk:

Title: Trajectory Optimization for Energy-Sharing UAV-UGV with Multiple Task Locations

Abstract: Energy-sharing UAV-UGV systems extend aerial endurance beyond battery limits by leveraging ground vehicles as mobile charging stations, enabling persistent autonomy in infrastructure-deprived environments. Existing UAV-UGV trajectory optimization models scale poorly due to discrete road network representations or integer decision variables, while the common assumption of full UAV recharge limits compatibility with wireless partial charging. To overcome these limitations, we propose a nonlinear program formulation for UAV-UGV trajectory optimization via the smoothing of disjunctive constraints. The resulting formulation is scalable and supports partial UAV recharge. We demonstrate the proposed NLP formulation on a one-UAV-one-UGV system with multiple task locations. Compared to mixed-integer nonlinear programs, the proposed formulation reduces computation time by orders of magnitude, demonstrating improved scalability while maintaining a comparable level of constraint satisfaction.

Speaker Bio: Minsen Yuan is a third-year Ph.D. student in the AEM department, advised by Prof. Yue Yu and co-advised by Prof. Ryan Caverly. His research focuses on trajectory optimization and optimal control for multi-agent autonomous systems. He enjoys swimming and snowboarding.

Second Talk:

Title: Behavior of nanocrystalline materials in extreme conditions

Abstract: What happens to a material when it is struck at speeds several times the speed of sound? Can a metal that appears perfectly solid suddenly flow like a liquid, or fail in unexpected ways, when subjected to extreme forces? These questions are becoming increasingly important as engineers design materials for applications ranging from hypersonic vehicles and spacecraft to protective armor and advanced transportation systems. One promising class of materials is nanocrystalline materials, whose internal grain structure is thousands of times smaller than the width of a human hair. Shrinking structural features to the nanoscale can dramatically increase a material's strength, but it can also introduce new and sometimes surprising mechanisms of deformation and failure under extreme loading conditions. In this talk, we will explore how nanocrystalline materials respond to high speed impacts, where enormous pressures, temperatures, and deformation rates develop in millionths of a second. Through experiments and computer simulations, we will see how the behavior of materials changes and how we use these insights to design materials models and ultimately design materials that are stronger, tougher, and more resilient. Along the way, we will discuss how physics, materials science, and engineering come together to address challenges we face in high-speed impact and extreme environments.

Speaker Bio: Rushikesh Kabadi is a fourth year PhD student in the Multiscale Extreme Mechanics and Materials (MXMM) (called MAXIMUM) lab working with Prof. Ravindran. His work focuses on understanding behavior of materials in extreme conditions. His research combines experiments, computational modeling, and materials characterization to investigate how microstructure influences deformation, damage, and failure during high-strain-rate events such as ballistic impacts. His interest lies in shock physics of solids, dislocation dynamics, material modelling, and mechanics of materials. Outside research, he is a fitness enthusiast. He plays cricket professionally, climbs frequently, and does calisthenics.

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