The Structural and Multidisciplinary Optimization Group in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University of Florida specializes in developing rational design procedures based on mathematical optimization techniques for use in structural and multidisciplinary design problems. Currently, the group is composed of two professors, two postdoctoral associates, and more than ten graduate students.

One major research thrust is the incorporation of response surface techniques in design optimization. Other research thrusts involve the development of approximation techniques, the development of genetic algorithms for composite panel design, the integration of local and global design, and the design sensitivity analysis for linear/nonlinear structural systems. Current applications include the design of a hydrogen tank for a reusable launch vehicle, the structural design of a blended wing-body transport, structural-acoustic design, and the structural design of a manufacturing process using a meshfree method.

The group works in collaboration with various researchers from national labs, industry and other universities. The group has frequent interactions with visitors from abroad who come for periods ranging from a few months to a year or two.