Michael Caracotsios
Adjunct Professor of Chemical Engineering; Senior Modeling and Optimization Specialist
Office: Room 232 Perlstein Hall
Phone: 312.567.6964
Fax:
Email:
Web:
Expertise
Education
- B.S. from University of Thessaloniki, Greece (Chemical Engineering, 1979)
- M.S. from University of Kentucky, Lexington (Chemical Engineering, 1981)
- Ph.D. from University of Wisconsin, Madison (Chemical Engineering,1986)
Research
Computational Methods in Lumped and Distributed Parameter Systems
- Initialization methods for mixed systems of differential/algebraic equations
- High index systems
- New methods to handle phase discontinuities
- Applications include alternative ways to model heat exchangers, reactors, crystallization kinetics and biochemical systems
Nonlinear Parameter Estimation and Data Reconciliation
- Algorithmic methods for constrained parameter estimation
- Statistical interpretation of estimates in a constrained environment
- Handling of missing data in multiresponse estimation
- Optimal experimental design and model discrimination
- Large-scale data reconciliation algorithms
Continuous and Discrete Nonlinear Large-scale Optimization
- New methods for very large scale continuous optimization
- Mixed-integer nonlinear optimization theory and applications
- Explore new applications in agricultural industry, financial industry and other nontraditional industries
- Optimal design of chemical reactor and distillation trains, design of batch plants
- Explore applications to pharmaceutical industries
Steady-state and Dynamic Simulation and Training Software Development
- Development of training modules for chemical processes
- Development of new algorithms for dynamic simulation of chemical plants
- Solids flow handling
- Industrial applications
Modeling of Polyolefins Manufacturing Technology
- Steady-state and dynamic modeling of polymerization reactors with moving catalyst bed
- Catalyst deactivation mechanism, catalyst feed optimal profiles
- Residence time distribution functions for moving bed reactors
- Polymer property structural modeling and relations to reactor conditions
- Applications in the polyolefins industry world-wide
Modeling and System Analysis of Fuel Cells
- Development of fundamental models that describe the physical and chemical phenomena that take place in batteries and fuel cells
- Testing of the models with available experimental data, adjustable parameter estimation and model discrimination
- Optimization studies in order to design more efficient and cost-effective batteries and cells
Other Areas of Interest
- Heterogeneous reactor modeling
- Pinch technology applications
- Applied mathematics
- Modeling of living organisms
- Graphical user interfaces and object oriented programming
Current Projects
Awards/Honors
Patents
Books
Selected Publications
"Nontraditional Optimization for Isomerization Unit Improves Profits," with T.C.Crowe et al., Oil and Gas Journal (May 11, 1998)."Polymerization of Alpha-olefins," with A. Buchelli, U.S. Patent No. 5,504,166 (April 2, 1996).
"Sensitivity Analysis of Initial-Boundary-Value Problems with Mixed PDEs and Algebraic Equations. Applications to Chemical and Biochemical Systems," with W. E. Stewart, Computers and Chemical Engineering, Vol. 19, No. 9, pp. 1019-1030 (1995).
"Sorption Kinetics and Axial Diffusion in Binary Solute Affinity Membrane Bioseparations," with M. R. Etzel, Chemical Engineering Science, Vol. 48, No. 10, pp. 1801-1812 (1993).
"Parameter Estimation from Multiresponse Data," with W. E. Stewart and J. P. Sorensen, AIChE Journal, Vol. 38, No. 5, pp. 641-650 (1992).
"Sensitivity Analysis of Initial Value Problems with Mixed ODEs and Algebraic Equations," with W. E. Stewart, Computers and Chemical Engineering, Vol. 9, No. 4, pp. 359-365 (1985).
"Innovations for Refinery-wide Modeling, Simulation, and Optimization," with W. E. Stewart, Hydrocarbon Asia (December, 2001).
