RECIPIENT OF BEST IT INNOVATION AWARD
Becoming the best: Professor Manimaran Govindarasu and his research team recently won the Best IT Innovation Award at the Network for Earthquake Engineering Simulations’ 6th annual meeting. The award names their real-time systems visualization tool (RSVtool) the best new IT technique or product developed during the past year. Govindarasu says their team was pleasantly surprised when they learned they had received the award.
Designing the tool: Govindarasu served as co-advisor for the design and development of the (RSVtool), which helps to engage researchers participating remotely in experiments, particularly in large-scale tests of concrete walls at the University of Minnesota’s Multi-Axial Subassemblage Testing (MAST) Laboratory. “This not only enables us to remotely participate in experimental research, but also helps us to effectively contribute to decision making during the tests,” he says.
Critical testing: The RSVtool can be activated simultaneously by researchers located at remote sites as well as by those stationed at the equipment site. “Because of this, all research participants can obtain critical test information such as the condition of the test unit and status of the equipment in a uniform manner. With real-time comparison between selected analytical predictions and experimental data, all researchers can contribute effectively to decisions made during tests. In this way, the RSVtool enhances collaboration between experimental researchers, theoretical researchers, and practicing engineers.”
Moving ahead: Govindarasu’s next projects will be in the fields of real-time embedded systems and cyber security. The first project focuses on energy management in real-time embedded systems, such extending the lifetime of battery-powered sensors while maintaining their ability to function in real-time. In his second project, sponsored by Iowa State’s Electric Power Research Center, Govindarasu looks at ways to secure America’s electric power infrastructure to protect against cyber attacks that could lead to widespread power outages.