About CIVS

The Center for Innovation through Visualization and Simulation (CIVS)

Founded in 2009, the Center for Innovation through Visualization and Simulation (CIVS) is a multidisciplinary center that combines advanced simulation techniques with 3D visualization and virtual-reality technologies.

Welcome from the Director

Dr. Chenn Zhou, NIPSCO Distinguished Professor of Engineering Simulation at Purdue University Northwest and Director of CIVS

I am excited to work with crucial American steel industry representatives to develop and implement innovative technical solutions that help promote efficient steel manufacturing and overcome industry growth and advancement barriers. The establishment of the Steel Manufacturing Simulation and Visualization Consortium provides a venue for industry experts and academics to perform collaborative research on the use of advanced methods of simulation and visualization to address efficiency, reliability, process design, product quality, and other aspects of manufacturing, in a pre-competitive environment. Purdue University Northwest has a long history of working with the steel industry, and this consortium is taking our involvement to a new level. The consortium also offers unprecedented opportunities for our students to learn through direct participation with steel company representatives and to become acquainted with the employment potential of American manufacturing.

CIVS Goals and Objectives

To collaborate with faculty and staff in developing research and education activities in visualization and simulation by:

  • Providing technical support to research staff and research assistants
  • Providing facilities and seed grants
  • Helping with proposal writing including developing ideas, identifying collaborators, identifying funding sources, organizing and reviewing proposals, providing supporting letters, etc.
  • Continuously developing infrastructures and technologies
  • Acquiring more external funding and grants for the long-term sustainability of CIVS
  • Maintaining a nationally recognized presence
  • Providing resources for education, community, and industry outreach
  • Providing an experiential learning experience to students

CIVS is a globally recognized university research center that uses advanced simulation and visualization techniques and technologies to develop and implement innovative solutions in many areas, such as:

Energy Efficiency

Safety

Production

Facility Planning

Workforce Development

Reliability & Maintenance

Operational Efficiency

Digital Transformation

+ Many More

Utilizing state-of-the-art simulation and virtual technologies to provide innovative solutions to problems in the university, industry and community spaces, CIVS has been globally recognized for its integrated and application-driven approach. Through close partnerships with more than 180 external organizations, CIVS continues to make substantial educational and economic impacts, resulting in over $40 million in savings for collaborators from projects. CIVS staff and students regularly engage in projects that make significant contributions.



Steel Manufacturing Simulation and Visualization Consortium

Center for Innovation through Visualization and Simulation

Purdue University Northwest

2200 169th St. Hammond, IN

Powers Building

(219) 989-2765