The Center for Nonlinear Dynamics and Control (CENDAC) is a Villanova University College of Engineering Center. The center was created to develop and enhance partnerships with government and industry in the multi-disciplinary nonlinear systems topics and to narrow the gap between abstract theoretical research and real-world applications. Other goals of the center are to create an inclusive environment for graduate and undergraduate students as well as faculty from different engineering disciplines to work together under the umbrella of nonlinear dynamics and control topics.
The Center for Nonlinear Dynamics and Control was founded in 2003. Its founding director was of Professors C. Nataraj of the Mechanical Engineering Department. Professor J. Peyton-Jones of the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department took the leadership role in 2007 until 2011 when the current director, Professor H. Ashrafiuon, became the director. During its short history, the center has developed strong partnerships with local and national industries and government agencies and research groups. A few examples are Office of Naval Research, the National Science Foundation, Ford Corporation, and Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania.
