Aerospace Engineering

Research Focus Area

Aerospace Research: A launch-pad to the skies and beyond

Our research addresses important fundamental and applied problems spanning rocket propulsion, high-speed flight, and spacecraft.

Fundamental and Applied Research on Real World Systems

Our aerospace research is about pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in flight and space exploration. We design quieter, more efficient aircraft operating with advanced materials, propulsion systems and sustainable fuels. We innovate electric propulsion systems to propel the next generation of space missions. We partner with both government agencies and industry to maximize relevancy and impact. For students and aspiring engineers, this is a place where bold ideas take flight.

Data from a wind tunnel

Aerodynamics

  • Study subsonic drones to hypersonic aerospace vehicles.
  • Use CFD tools for compressible flows, acoustics, and aircraft modeling.
  • Perform studies with a hypersonic wind-tunnel (Ma=0.8-7.5) and laser diagnostics.

Sustainable Aviation

  • Study aviation sustainable fuels to reduce climate change impacts
  • Examine performance in real-world devices.
  • Develop aeroacoustics controls to mitigate noise-effects of flight.

Space Propulsion

  • Study electric (plasma) propulsion thrusters for satellites and spacecraft.

  • Develop plasma diagnostics with laser tools and data fusion.

  • Perform rocket launches and testing.

Aerospace Materials

  • Develop materials to withstand extreme conditions.

  • Engineer novel materials for aerospace applications.

  • Develop processing methods to enable advanced materials.

Air Breathing Propulsion

  • Study conventional gas turbines, high-speed ramjets and scramjets.
  • Explore advanced combustion, thermal management and flow–control.
  • Advance system-level design and testing.