Description
Investigate aerodynamic phenomena and fluid flow, develop and validate models through experiments and simulations, and apply aerodynamic principles to design and optimize vehicles and systems.
- • Perform complex aerodynamic calculations and data analysis using computers and HPC tools.
- • Express aerodynamic observations and performance metrics in mathematical and statistical terms.
- • Analyze wind-tunnel, flight-test, and CFD data to quantify lift, drag, moments, and flow features.
- • Report results in technical reports, design reviews, journal papers, and conference presentations.
- • Develop, run, and validate CFD and reduced-order simulations to predict airflow and performance.
- • Collaborate with aerospace, mechanical, and test engineers on design, instrumentation, and validation.
- • Characterize flow fields using wind tunnels, PIV, pressure taps, and other diagnostics to study boundary layers, turbulence, and shocks.
- • Formulate and refine aerodynamic models and correlations from theory and experiments for aircraft, spacecraft, rotorcraft, UAVs, and vehicles.
- • Teach or mentor students and engineers in aerodynamics, CFD, and experimental methods.
- • Write proposals and statements of work to obtain funding for aerodynamic research and testing.
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Last reviewed: Jan 2026