Lines of Research

The Graduate Program in Defense Engineering (PGED) comprises a AREA OF CONCENTRATION, DEFENSE ENGINEERING, composed of three LINES OF RESEARCH: COMMUNICATIONS AND INTELLIGENCE IN DEFENSE, MECHANICAL AND WEAPON SYSTEMS, AND MODELING AND SIMULATION IN DEFENSE SYSTEMS.

COMMUNICATIONS AND INTELLIGENCE IN DEFENSE SYSTEMS

A common feature of most modern defense systems is the dependence on communications and information processing systems. For example, missiles may have their guidance supported by receiving GPS signals, which involves the use of radios and geodata information processing features. Command and Control systems, on the other hand, are heavily dependent on data networks and communications systems, requiring a variety of information processing and storage tools. The development and operation of these Defense Systems increasingly require the integration of multidisciplinary knowledge, especially in the large areas of Engineering and Exact Sciences and Earth. In this line of research, in particular, topics are dealt with involving the sub-areas of Electrical Engineering, Computer Science and Geosciences, focusing on integrated employment projects of this knowledge in Defense Systems. This Line of Research (LP) therefore encompasses projects related to military communications and scientific and technological aspects in the collection, analysis, processing and use of data for the generation of subsidies to the intelligence actions of defense agencies or agents. Still in the scope of the line the integration aspects of solutions involving electronics (in particular focused on communications) and treatment of information in the systems of weapons and other systems of defense are framed. Part of the research developed here is based on modeling studies of complex problems or devices, as well as on numerical simulations of system performance and functioning. Among the topics of research in the scope of this LP are: modernization of HF radios for military communications, optical technologies (confined and free space) for strategic networks, computational tools and telecommunications network infrastructure to support C3I actions (Command, Control, Communications and Intelligence), devices and techniques for Electronic Warfare and voice signal processing focused on Information Security.

MECHANICS AND WEAPONS SYSTEMS

One of the fundamental elements of defense systems is weapons systems. The design, manufacture and tactical use of weapon systems requires a global view of defense systems, both as regards the flow of information and the characteristics of the theater of operations that will determine its mode of use. The development of modern weapons systems requires the multidisciplinary and concurrent knowledge, especially of mechanical and electronic systems, hence the name Mechatronics, as well as others, such as chemistry, with regard to the highly exothermic reactions involved in processes propulsion of missiles and rockets. The various stages of the design of a weapons system are covered in this line's research, whether in the broader aspects, or in more specific aspects such as the control of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) or the planning of its mission. Although the focus of this research line is mechatronics involved in Weapon Systems, several aspects developed in the other lines of research are important to integrate these equipments into a typical Defense System. In this context, for example, projects for recognizing the specific features of theater, communications and information flow terrain with the Mission Command and Control center can be cited. In this LP, projects and research are developed in the areas of armament, structural mechanics, automatic control systems, global and inertial geodetic navigation, guidance, systems dynamics, instrumentation, signal processing, filtering, propulsion, ballistics and other related matters. will naturally involve professionals from various engineering fields such as mechanics, electronics, computing, cartography, chemistry and others.

MODELING AND SIMULATION IN DEFENSE SYSTEMS

Defense Systems involve several factors and agents, constituting a very complex issue. The full understanding of this synergy necessarily passes through the modeling and simulation tools. The models are constructed from fundamental equations or experimental data, aiming to better understand phenomena, equipment and systems. However, the models generate mathematical equations whose solutions require the knowledge of numerical and numerical methods. This Line of Research (LR) deals with the use of numerical methods and mathematical models, advanced computational algorithms and high performance computing to investigate fundamental aspects of physical, chemical, biological and geographic phenomena related to the Defense Systems surveyed in the other two LRs. The projects dealt with in this LR involve methodological developments and applications of computational fluid dynamics, computer graphics and computer vision in Defense Systems, such as Command and Control Systems, War Games, visualization of hostile scenarios with dispersion of toxic gases in the atmosphere, for example , among others. Computer graphics applications can be used for land surface modeling, which is important both for the development of Command and Control systems and for missile guidance or any other simulation involving territorial defense and georeferenced information. When addressing research topics related to the other two lines, this line of research assumes a strongly interdisciplinary and integrative character in the PGED. This LR performs basic and applied research contemplating several elements of a Defense System, with emphasis in the following subjects: digital modeling of surfaces, visualization of virtual scenarios, processing and interpretation of images, representation of phenomena of indeterminate limits, graphical representation of phenomena, navigation and positioning, simulation and performance analysis of strategic and tactical communications systems, design and analysis of the electromagnetic behavior of antennas and RF and microwave circuits, evaluation and simulation of the behavior of weapons systems, as well as simulation of phenomena involving defense and public safety.