LSDO Lab

Welcome

The Large-Scale Design Optimization Lab (LSDO Lab) is a research group led by Prof. John Hwang in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University of California San Diego. Our lab focuses on research surrounding the use of numerical optimization algorithms to assist in the design and analysis of engineering systems. In particular, we specialize in large-scale design optimization (LSDO), the optimization of 100s ~ 10,000s of design variables with complex computational models that incorporate multiple engineering disciplines (see the figures below for examples). 

Progress from the past decade has made LSDO feasible, largely through advances in methods for computing derivatives of complex models, which is critical for high-dimensional optimization. Our lab creates mathematics, algorithms, and software at the cutting edge of this emerging field. In addition to methods-focused research, we focus on the application of LSDO to aerospace vehicle design applications, especially in the area of urban air mobility, and we work with collaborators to pioneer new applications, e.g., in medical and soft robotics.

The LSDO Lab and Prof. Hwang are leading a large, multi-institutional project under the NASA University Leadership Initiative, aimed at advancing design methods for urban air mobility vehicle concepts.