One of four centers within the Department of Aerospace Engineering Sciences, the Center for Aerospace Structures (CAS) is concerned with the analysis and design of complex high-performance materials, structures and systems, predominantly for aeronautical and space applications. This includes the development of innovative computational analysis and design techniques and the application of these techniques and methods to novel exciting aerospace problems. Research in CAS is categorized as the Structural and Materials Systems (SMS) focus.

In the past decade, CAS has gained a world-wide reputation as a leader in the development of analysis and design methods for coupled multi-field problems, in particular in the context of aeroelasticity. The methods pioneered by CAS faculty have become the standard tool in academia and industry for analyzing, for example, complete aircraft using realistic high-fidelity numerical models. This work is complemented by the development of high-performance parallel computing strategies. CAS faculty have led the development of the so-called FETI method, a parallel solver for large scale finite element problems. Today, this approach has been adopted by numerous groups in academia and national laboratories (for example, SANDIA National Laboratories). In the past years additional focus areas include the development of models and design methods for multi-functional material systems and micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS). The latter two research areas are considered to be key components of next-generation technologies in aerospace, mechanical, and bio-medical engineering, with a large impact on our society.


A second CAS research focus is multidisciplinary analysis and design optimization group. CAS faculty develop synergistic approaches to the optimization of complex vehicle systems. The disciplines of interest include aerodynamics, aerothermodynamics, propulsion, structures, aeroelasticity, aeroservoelasticity, trajectory, and mission design. Applications for these coupled design techniques range from missiles and atmospheric cruisers to launch vehicles and reentry configurations.

An emerging research thrust in CAS is concerned with multiscale dynamics of composite materials and structures. This research, which involves analysis, design and computational studies, aims at developing new material and structural concepts for aerospace applications and beyond. For example, novel phononic crystals are being developed for improved vibrations, thermal and strength characteristics.

SMS Faculty:
Carlos Felippa, Professor
Mahmoud Hussein, Assistant Professor
Kurt Maute, Associate Professor, Smead Fellow
K.C. Park, Professor
Ryan Starkey, Assistant Professor, McAnally Fellow