Dr. C. Nataraj Delivers Keynote Speech at International Conference
Dr. C. Nataraj, Professor and Chair of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, was one of two keynote speakers at the Second Conference on Dynamics, Vibration and Control, held August 10-15 in Chengdu-Jiuzhaigou, Sichuan, China. The purpose of the conference was to provide a platform for scientists and engineers to exchange ideas and report on research findings in the area of dynamical systems. Experts from leading universities in China, India, Finland, Canada, the United States, and other countries participated in the conference.
In his presentation, titled “Nonlinear Rotor Dynamics and Applications,” Dr. Nataraj overviewed nonlinear phenomena associated with rotating machinery, including instabilities, limit cycles, sub- and super-synchronous oscillations, bifurcations, and chaos. After summarizing recent developments, he posited several analytical and numerical approaches and recommended directions for future research. In addition, Dr. Nataraj chaired the session on “Dynamics of Wire-Driven Machine Systems,” which was presented by the other keynote speaker, Dr. Erno Keskinen of Tampere University of Technology in Finland. The conference also provided Dr. Nataraj with the opportunity to lay the foundation for potential collaborations and scholarly exchanges with several institutions.
Dr. Nataraj, who was the founding director of the College of Engineering’s Center for Nonlinear Dynamics and Control from 2003 to 2008, has expertise in the areas of rotor dynamics, nonlinear analysis and control, vibration analysis, and prognostics. His primary area of specialty is the application of nonlinear dynamics and control to mechanical and electromechanical systems. An international speaker, he serves on a number of prestigious technical societies and professional boards and recently was appointed Associate Editor, America Region, for the international journal Advances in Vibration Engineering.