MVK Chari, a titan in the field of computational engineering and a pivotal figure in the development of the finite element method (FEM) for analyzing nonlinear electromagnetic fields, passed away on December 3rd at the age of 97. His groundbreaking work at General Electric and later in academia laid essential groundwork for the design and analysis of critical technologies, from electric machines to advanced medical devices. Chari’s legacy is etched not only in the sophisticated engineering tools he helped forge but also in the countless engineers he mentored, shaping a generation of technical leaders.
A Foundation for Modern Engineering
Chari's most significant contributions centered on the finite element method, a powerful technique for approximating solutions to complex engineering and mathematical problems. This method, which involves dissecting intricate systems into smaller, manageable "finite elements," proved revolutionary for analyzing nonlinear electromagnetic fields. This was particularly crucial for the design of electric machines, a cornerstone of industrial power generation and transportation.
During his 25-year tenure as an engineer and technical leader at General Electric in Niskayuna, N.Y., Chari applied this nascent FEM tool to analyze large turbogenerators. He began with two-dimensional applications and progressively expanded its utility to quasi-two-dimensional and three-dimensional analyses. Under his leadership, a dedicated team emerged, developing finite element analysis (FEA) tools for a wide spectrum of GE applications, from compact motors to the complex magnets used in MRI machines. His pioneering efforts in this domain earned him the prestigious IEEE Nikola Tesla Award in 1993 for his "pioneering contributions to finite element computations of nonlinear electromagnetic fields for design and analysis of electric machinery."
Bridging Industry and Academia
Chari’s career trajectory beautifully illustrates the synergistic relationship between practical industry application and theoretical academic rigor. After earning his master's degree in electrical engineering from Imperial College London, he pursued his doctorate at McGill University under the tutelage of Peter P. Silvester, another luminary in the numerical analysis of electromagnetic fields. While Silvester focused on waveguides, Chari applied FEM to the challenging realm of saturated magnetic fields. His Ph.D. in electrical engineering paved the way for his impactful journey at GE, where he ascended to manage the company's electromagnetics division before transitioning to academia in 1995.
At Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Chari served as a visiting research and adjunct professor, imparting his vast knowledge in electric power engineering to graduate and undergraduate students. He was particularly lauded for his strength in nurturing young engineers, guiding many master's and doctoral candidates through their research. His influence extended beyond the classroom, as he conducted vital research for the Electric Power Research Institute and the U.S. Department of Energy on electric machines and transformers. Later in his career, from 2008 to 2016, Chari lent his expertise to Magsoft Corp., where he focused on specialized software for the U.S. Navy.
A Legacy of Mentorship and Inspiration
Beyond his technical achievements, Chari was deeply committed to fostering the careers of his colleagues and peers. He successfully nominated a colleague for IEEE Fellow status at a remarkably young age and played a role in launching another's career by recommending them to GE. This dedication to people was reportedly rooted in his background; his father was a prominent freedom fighter, mathematician, and eventually the speaker of India's lower house. Chari himself was known for his warmth, intellect, and a good-natured ability to laugh at himself, often sharing the unique story behind his given name, Madabushi Venkadamachari, which was bestowed upon him by an auspicious uncle at the time of his schooling.
"He was more than a brilliant scientist; he was a role model, a mentor, and a friend to many."
— Amara Jefferson, Automatica PressChari's passing represents a profound loss to the engineering community. He was more than a brilliant scientist; he was a role model, a mentor, and a friend to many. His work in finite element analysis continues to be a fundamental tool in engineering design, underpinning the development of technologies that shape our modern world. The discipline owes a significant debt to his pioneering spirit and enduring commitment to advancing both knowledge and the people who pursue it.