Research

The study of Aerodynamics and Propulsion develops numerical and experimental methods and takes advantage of unique facilities to create new concepts and new understanding involving the motion and control of fluid flows and combustion phenomena for applications related to aviation, space and energy conversion.

Dynamics and Control studies analytical and computational methods, autonomous stability and control, controls, design, optimization, dynamics, guidance, human factors, human space flight systems, robotic systems, space situational awareness, systems, tensegrity and unmanned air vehicles.

Materials and Structures studies computational mechanics, damping, experimental solid mechanics, mechanics of composite materials, high temperature materials, meta materials, multifunctional materials, nano-mechanics, space suit design, structural design and optimization and wave propagation.

Systems, Design and Human Integration performs research related to human spaceflight and operations. Their focus includes Extravehicular Activity suit modeling and design optimization, human factors and performance, and effects of partial or variable gravity on fluid physics, heat and mass transfer, and human physiological systems.