Computational Aeromechanics Group

Our Research

Welcome to Our Research

Our research aims to enhance understanding of flow physics by applying high-fidelity numerical modeling. We employ traditional CFD, in-house high-order solvers, and data-driven analysis techniques to address challenges in aerodynamics, acoustics, and fluid-structure interaction. Below is a list of active research areas and current projects.

$194 Billion

Approximate annual cost due to noise pollution

Animation of turbulent flow over a stalled NACA0012 wing obtained with Direct Numerical Simulation (DNS). Flow Condition: Reynolds number 50,000. Mach number 0.4. Angle of attack 15 degrees.

Research Area

Aircraft Noise

  • DNS and ILES of airfoil noise including
    • Airfoil-turbulence/vortex interaction noise
    • Trailing-edge noise
    • Separation noise
  • Identification of noise source mechanisms including linear and non-linear sources

Research Area

Aerodynamics and Aeroelasticity

  • High-speed Fluid-Structure Interaction (FSI)
  • Supersonic/Hypersonic bluff bodies flows
  • Unsteady low Reynolds number aerodynamics relevant for drones and low-density flight

Animation of fluid flow over a NACA0012 wing undergoing sinusoidal pitching at transonic speed. Iso-surfaces of Q-criterion are shown alongside contours of density gradient.

Animation of a vortex interating with a flat plate with leading-edge serrations obtained with CFD.

Research Area

Flow Control

We are exploring both passive and active flow control strategies to better understand how unsteady aerodynamic phenomena can be manipulated to improve performance. Application areas include:

  • Noise reduction (e.g. serrations)
  • Drag reduction
  • Improved aeroelastic response (e.g. reduced vibrations)

Animation of supersonic flow past an array of 5 circular cylinders at Mach=1.7 and Re=200,000.

Current project

Supersonic vortex shedding

  • High Mach number, low-moderate Reynolds number flows relevant for:
    • Low-density flight
    • Re-entry
    • Particle flows
  • Strong compressibility effects produce non-classical vortex shedding, investigated with time-accurate CFD

Current Project

Automotive Noise

  • Highway traffic noise has significant public health impacts, with links to:
    • Stress
    • Sleep deprivation
    • Cardiovascular diseases
  • Significant economic impact including roadside infrastructure to reduce noise
  • Numerical simulations are used to identify the aerodynamic noise sources associated with a road vehicle at highway speeds

Animation of fluid flow and acoustic waves produced by an Ahmed body for Re=100,000.