Kai A. James

Education

• Ph.D., University of Toronto, Aerospace Engineering, 2007-2012
• M.A.Sc., University of Toronto, Aerospace Engineering, 2004-2006
• B.A.Sc., University of Toronto, Engineering Science, 2000-2004

Academic Positions

• Associate Professor, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Department of Aerospace Engineering, 2021 - present
• Affiliated Faculty, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Computational Science and Engineering, 2016 - present
• Assistant Professor, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Department of Aerospace Engineering, 2015 - 2021
• Postdoctoral Research Scientist, Columbia University, 2012 - 2015

Resident Instruction

• AE 498 - Structural Design Optimization; Spring, 2018; Spring, 2020; Spring, 2022
• AE 420 - Introduction to Finite Element Analysis; Fall, 2016; Fall, 2017; Fall, 2019; Fall, 2020; Fall, 2021
• AE 598 - Nonlinear Solid Mech Design; Spring, 2016; Spring 2019; Spring, 2021
• AE 321 - Mechanics of Aerospace Structures; Fall, 2015; Spring, 2017

Research Interests

• Multidisciplinary design optimization
• Topology optimizaion
• Aeroelasticity
• Computational solid mechanics
• Nonlinear mechanics
• Additive Manufacturing

Selected Articles in Journals

• K.A. James and J.R.R.A. Martins. An isoparametric approach to level set topology optimization using a body-fitted finite element mesh. Computers and Structures, 90–91:97–106, 2012.
• E. Lee, K.A. James, and J.R.R.A. Martins. Stress-constrained topology optimization with design-dependent loading. Structural and Multidisciplinary Optimization, 46:647–661, 2012.
• K.A. James, E. Lee, and J.R.R.A. Martins. Stress-based topology optimization using an isoparametric level set method. Finite Elements in Analysis and Design, 58:20–30, 2012.
• K.A. James and H. Waisman. Failure mitigation in optimal topology design using a coupled nonlinear continuum damage model. Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering, 268:614–631, 2014.
• K.A. James, G.J. Kennedy, and J.R.R.A. Martins. Concurrent aerostructural topology optimization of a wing box. Computers and Structures, 134:1–17, 2014.
• K.A. James and H. Waisman. Topology optimization of structures under variable loading using a damage superposition approach. International Journal for Numerical Methods in Engineering. 101(5):375-406, 2015.
• K.A. James and H. Waisman. Topology optimization of viscoelastic structures using a time-dependent adjoint method. Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering. 281:166-187, 2015.
• K.A. James and H. Waisman. Layout design of a bi-stable cardiovascular stent using topology optimization. Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering. 305:169-890, 2016.
• K.A. James and H. Waisman. On the Importance of Viscoelastic Response Consideration in Structural Design Optimization. Optimization and Engineering. 17(4):631–650, 2016.
• C. Conlan-Smith, A. Bhattacharyya, and K.A. James. "Optimal Design of Compliant Mechanisms Using Functionally Graded Materials", Structural and Multidisciplinary Optimization, 57(1):197-212, 2018.
• K. James. "Multiphase Topology Design with Optimal Material Selection Using an Inverse P-Norm Function", International Journal for Numerical Methods in Engineering, 114(9):999-1017, 2018.
• A. Bhattacharyya, C. Conlan-Smith, and K.A. James. “Design of a bi-stable airfoil with tailored snap-through response using topology optimization”, Computer-Aided Design, 108:42-55, 2018.
• P. Ranjan, P. Ansell, and K.A. James. "Optimal Hyper Elliptic Cambered Span Configurations for Minimum Drag", AIAA Journal of Aircraft, 56(1):356-368, 2019.
• Z. Kang and K.A. James, "Multimaterial Topology Optimization for Elastic and Thermal Response", International Journal for Numerical Methods in Engineering, 117(10):1019-1037, 2019.
• C. Conlan-Smith and K.A. James, "A stress-based topology optimization method for heterogeneous structures", Structural and Multidisciplinary Optimization, 60(1):167–183, 2019.
• N. Napier, S.S. Sriraman, H.T. Truong, and K.A. James, "An Artificial Neural Network Approach to Generating High-Resolution Designs from Low-Resolution Input in Topology Optimization", Journal of Mechanical Design, 142(1):1-11, 2020
• K. Swartz and K.A. James, "Gaussian Layer Connectivity Parameterization: A NewApproach to Topology Optimization of Multi-BodyMechanisms", Computer-Aided Design. 115:42-51, 2019.
• V. Keshavarzzadeh and K.A. James, "Robust Multiphase Topology Optimization Accounting for Manufacturing Uncertainty via Stochastic Collocation", Structural and Multidisciplinary Optimization, 60(6):2461–2476, 2019
• P. Ranjan, W.H. Warton, and K.A. James, "On the accuracy of physics- and correlation-based turbulence models at low Reynolds numbers", AIAA Journal of Aircraft, 57(1): 128-142, 2020
• Y. Maharaj and K.A. James, "Metamaterial topology optimization of non-pneumatic tires with stress and buckling constraints", International Journal of Numerical Methods in Engineering, 121(7):1410-1439, 2020.
• D. Docimo, Z. Kang, K.A. James, and A. Alleyne, "A Novel Framework for Simultaneous Topology and Sizing Optimization of Complex, Multi-Domain Systems-of-Systems", ASME Journal of Mechanical Design, 142(9): 091701(16 pages), 2020.
• Z. Kang and K.A. James, "Thermomechanical Topology Optimization of Shape-Memory Alloy Structures Using a Transient Bi-Level Adjoint Method", International Journal of Numerical Methods in Engineering, 121(11):2558-2580, 2020.
• A. Jessee, S.R.T. Peddada, D.J. Lohan, K.A. James, J.T. Allison, "Simultaneous Packing and Routing Optimization using Geometric Projection", ASME Journal of Mechanical Design, 142(11): 111702 (14 pages), 2020.
• S. Padadda, K.A. James and J.T. Allison, “A novel two-stage design framework for 2D spatial packing of interconnected components”. ASME Journal of Mechanical Design, 143(3): 031706 (12 pages), 2021
• A. Bhattacharyya, and K.A. James, “Topology optimization of shape-memory polymer structures with programmable morphology”. Structural and Multidisciplinary Optimization, 63:1863–1887, 2021.
• D. Abueidda, Z. Kang, S. Koric, K.A. James and I. Jasiuk, “Topology optimization for three-dimensional elasto-plastic architected materials using a path-dependent adjoint method”. International Journal for Numerical Methods in Engineering, 22(8):1889–1910, 2021.
• D. Docimo, Z. Kang, K.A. James, and A. Alleyne, “Plant and controller optimization for power and energy systems with model predictive control”. Journal of Dynamic Systems, Measurement and Control, 143(8): 081009 (12 pages), 2021.
• K.E. Swartz, D.A. White, D.A. Tortorelli and K.A. James, “Topology optimization of 3D photonic crystals with complete bandgaps”. Optics Express, 29(14):22170–22191, 2021.

Articles in Conference Proceedings

• A. Bhattacharyya, S. Padadda, W.B. Bello, L. Zeidner, J.T. Allison and K.A. James, “Simultaneous 3D component packing and routing optimization using geometric projection”. To appear in proceedings of the 2022 AIAA SciTech Forum, San Diego, CA; January, 2022.
• W.B. Bello, S. Padadda, M. Jennings, S. Katragadda, K.A. James and J.T. Allison, “Underhood spatial packing and routing of an automotive fuel cell system using 2D geometric projection”. To appear in proceedings of the 2022 AIAA SciTech Forum, San Diego, CA; January, 2022.
• S. Padadda, L. Zeidner, K.A. James and J.T. Allison, “An introduction to 3D SPI2 (spatial packaging of engineering systems with physical interactions): A review of related work, existing gaps, challenges, and opportunities”. In proceedings of the 2021 ASME International Design Engineering Technical Conference, Virtual Conference August, 2021.
• S. Padadda, N. Dunfield, L. Zeidner, K.A. James and J.T. Allison, “Systematic enumeration and identification of unique spatial topologies of 3D systems using spatial graph representations”. In proceedings of the 2021 ASME International Design Engineering Technical Conference, Virtual Conference August, 2021.
• P. Ranjan, G.K. Das and K.A. James, “A large-scale aero-structural optimization framework for electric aircraft design”. In proceedings of the 2021 AIAA/IEEE Electric Aircraft Technologies Symposium (EATS), Virtual Conference August, 2021.
• A. Bhattacharyya, M. Bashqawi, S.Y. Kim, W. Zheng, T. Saxton-Fox and K.A. James, “Computational design and experimental testing of a flexible bi-stable airfoil for passive flow control”. In proceedings of the 2021 AIAA Aviation Forum, Virtual Conference August, 2021.
• L. Alacoque and K.A. James, “Topology optimization of compliant mechanisms with variable loading and supports using gaussian function parameterization”. In proceedings of the 16th U.S. National Congress on Computational Mechanics (USNCCM), Virtual Conference July, 2021.
• C.M. Parrott and K.A. James, “Generative adversarial networks for multiphysics topology design”. In proceedings of the 14th World Congress of Structural and Multidisciplinary Optimization (WCSMO), Virtual Conference June, 2021.
• K.E. Swartz, D.A. White, D.A. Tortorelli and K.A. James, “Multi-physics topology optimization of photonic bandgap metamaterials with elasticity and thermal conductivity constraints”. In proceedings of the 14th World Congress of Structural and Multidisciplinary Optimization (WCSMO), Virtual Conference June, 2021.
• A. Bhattacharyya and K.A. James, “Multimaterial topology optimization of shape-memory polymer mechanisms with programmable morphology”. In proceedings of the 2016 Engineering Mechanics Institute and Probabilistic Mechanics Conference, Virtual Conference January, 2021.
• K.A. James, P.L. Kelly, and K. Swartz, “Topology Optimization for Synthesis of Planar Multi-Body Mechanisms”, In proceedings of the 14th World Congress in Computational Mechanics, Virtual Conference, January 2021.
• A. Bhattacharyya and K. A. James, “Design of morphing shape memory polymer structures via multimaterial topology optimization”, In proceedings of the 14th World Congress in Computational Mechanics, Virtual Conference, January 2021.
• Z. Kang and K. A. James, “Thermomechanical topology optimization of shape-memory alloy structures”, In proceedings of the 14th World Congress in Computational Mechanics, Virtual Conference, January 2021.
• K.A. James, A. Bhattacharyya and J.-Y. Kim, “Hierarchical design of shape-memory polymer mechanisms with large deformation kinematics”. In proceedings of the ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress & Exposition, Virtual Conference November, 2020.
• S. Padadda, K.A. James and J.T. Allison , “Automated layout generation methods for 2D spatial packing”. ASME International Design Engineering Technical Conferences, Virtual Conference August, 2020.
• S. Padadda, K.A. James and J.T. Allison , “A novel two-stage design framework for 2D spatial packing of interconnected components”. ASME International Design Engineering Technical Conference, Virtual Conference August, 2020.
• P. Ranjan and K.A. James, “Mission-adaptive lifting system design using integrated multidisciplinary topology optimization”, In proceedings of the 2020 American Institute for Aeronautics and Astronautics – Aviation Forum, Virtual Conference, June 2020.
• K. Swartz and K.A. James, "Topology Optimization of Multi-Body Mechanisms Via Gaussian Layer Connectivity Parameterization", In Proceedings of the 15th US National Congress on Computational Mechanics, Austing, TX, July 2019.
• Z. Kang and K.A. James, "Multimaterial Topology Optimization of Shape Memory Alloy Structures with Non-uniform Temperature Distribution", In Proceedings of the 15th US National Congress on Computational Mechanics, Austin, TX, July 2019.
• A. Bhattacharyya and K.A. James, "Time-Dependent Adjoint Sensitivity Analysis for Multimaterial Topology Optimization of Shape Memory Polymer (SMP) Structures", In Proceedings of the 15th US National Congress on Computational Mechanics, Austing, TX, July 2019.
• A. Collazo Garcia, P. Ranjan, K. James, P. Ansell, "Flight Trajectory Optimization of a Sailplane After Rope Break During Tow-Assisted Takeoff", In Proceedings of the 2019 American Institute for Aeronautics and Astronautics - Aviation Conference, Dallas, TX, June 2019.
• P. Ranjan and K.A. James, "Flutter Control Using Shape and Topology Optimization", In Proceedings of the 2019 American Institute for Aeronautics and Astronautics - Aviation Conference, Dallas, TX, June 2019.
• C. Chadha, A. Patterson, I. Jasiuk, J. Allison, K.A. James, "Repair of high-value plastic components using fused deposition modeling", In Proceedings of 2019 Annual International Solid Freeform Fabrication Symposium, Austin, TX, August, 2019.
• Z. Kang and K.A. James, "Topology Optimization for Shape-Memory Alloys", In Proceedings of the 13th World Congress of Computational Mechanics, New York, NY, July, 2018.
• A. Bhattacharyya, N. Anderson, and K.A. James, "Design of Morphing Shape Memory Polymer Structures Via Topology Optimization", In Proceedings of the 13th World Congress of Computational Mechanics, New York, NY, July, 2018.
• K. Swartz and K.A. James, "Optimal Design of Multi-Body Mechanisms Using Layered Connectivity Parameterization (LCP)" , In Proceedings of the 2018 American Institute for Aeronautics and Astronautics - Aviation Conference, Atlanta, GA, June 2018.
• K. Swartz and K.A. James, Optimal Design of Multibody Elastic Mechanisms, In Proceedings of the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratories Design Optimization Symposium, Livermore, CA, September, 2017.
• Z. Kang and K.A. James, Multimaterial Topology Design for Optimal Stiffness and Thermal Conductivity Response, In Proceedings of 14th U.S. National Congress on Computational Mechanics, Montreal, QC, Canada, July 2017.
• A. Bhattacharyya, C. Conlan-Smith and K.A. James. Topology Optimization of a Bi-Stable Airfoil Using Nonlinear Elasticity. In Proceedings of the 2017 American Institute for Aeronautics and Astronautics - Aviation Conference, Denver, CO, June 2017.
• K.A. James, C. Conlan-Smith and H. Waisman. Topology Optimization of a Bi-Stable Cardiovascular Stent with Snap-Through Response. In Proceedings of the 2016 American Institute for Aeronautics and Astronautics - Aviation Conference, Washington, DC, June 2016.
• C. Conlan-Smith and K. James. Implementation of Functionally Graded Materials in Compliant Mechanism Design using Topology Optimization. In Proceedings of the 2016 Engineering Mechanics Institute and Probabilistic Mechanics Conference, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, May 2016.
• K.A. James, C. Conlan-Smith and A. Bhattacharyya. Simultaneous Topology and Material Design Optimization of Functionally Graded Structures. In Proceedings of the 2016 Engineering Mechanics Institute and Probabilistic Mechanics Conference, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, May 2016.
• A. Bhattacharyya and K. James. Design of a bi-stable airfoil using topology optimization. In Proceedings of the 2016 Engineering Mechanics Institute and Probabilistic Mechanics Conference, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, May 2016.
• K.A. James and H. Waisman. Topology Optimization of a Bi-Stable Cardiovascular Stent. In Proceedings of the 52nd Annual Technical Meeting of the Society of Engineering Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, October 2015.
• K.A. James and H. Waisman. Topology Optimization of Structures with Viscoelastic Creep Constraints. In Proceedings of 13th U.S. National Congress on Computational Mechanics, San Diego, CA, July 2015.
• K.A. James and H. Waisman. Topology design of structures for resiliency and optimal lifetime performance. In Proceedings of the 2014 Engineering Mechanics Institute Conference, Hamilton, ON, August 2014.
• K.A. James and H. Waisman. Topology optimization of structures with continuum damage accumulation and material failure. In Proceedings of the 12th U.S. National Congress for Computational Mechanics, Raleigh, NC, July 2013.
• K.A. James and J.R.R.A. Martins. Level set topology optimization of structures with isoparametric mesh mapping. In Proceedings of the 9th World Congress on Structural and Multidisciplinary Optimization, Shizuoka, Japan, June 2011.
• K.A. James, G.J. Kennedy, and J.R.R.A. Martins. Aerostructural topology optimization of an aircraft wingbox. In Proceedings of the 58th Aeronautics Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Canadian Aeronautics and Space Institute, Montreal, QC, April 2011.
• K.A. James and J.R.R.A. Martins. Topology optimization using a level set method with an arbitrary structured mesh. In Proceedings of the 6th AIAA Multidisciplinary Design Optimization Specialist Conference, Orlando, Fl, April 2010.
• K.A. James, J.R.R.A. Martins, and J.S. Hansen. Three-dimensional structural topology optimization of an aircraft wing using level set methods. In Proceedings of the 12th AIAA/ISSMO Multidisciplinary Analysis and Optimization Conference, Victoria, BC, September 2008.
• K.A. James, J.R.R.A. Martins, and J.S. Hansen. Structural topology optimization for multiple load cases while avoiding local minima. In Proceedings of the 4th AIAA Multidisciplinary Design Optimization Specialist Conference, Schaumberg, IL, April 2008.

Teaching Honors

• UIUC List of Teachers Ranked as Excellent (Spring 2017, Fall 2017, Spring 2019)
• Teacher of the Year Award, AIAA - UIUC Chapter (April 2017)

Research Honors

• NCSA Faculty Fellowship (2021)
• Scott White Aerospace Engineering Fellow Award (2020)
• NSF CAREER Award (2018)

Other Honors

• Engineering Council Award for Excellence in Advising (Spring 2018)