Hector Gutierrez of FIT received a grant from the NSF to develop more powerful methods of simulating eddy currents, which rely on electromagnetism to stop objects from moving. Accurate modeling of these currents has significant applications, such as detecting defects in metal parts.

“There is a significant trend to replace fossil fuels with electric power in propulsion of cars, ships and aircraft,” Gutierrez said. “The study and simulation of eddy currents is more and more important in this context.” Current eddy research also has environmental impacts, being used for underwater metal detection.