The Aerospace Engineering Systems (AESys) focus area offers a graduate-level multidisciplinary curriculum that emphasizes acquisition of technical, scientific and mathematical knowledge that supports the design, development and implementation of a wide range of aerospace-related engineering applications.

 

Fundamental AESys disciplines include materials, structures, solid mechanics and dynamics, fluid dynamics, high-speed propulsion and vehicle design, control, mathematical modeling, computer simulation and verification, as well as their integration for design, assembly and safe operation of complex systems. Such integration is fostered through graduate team projects. Applications may range from traditional aerospace products such as aerial and space vehicles, satellites and rockets to more novel applications such as medical device development, biomimetic aerial and underwater propulsion, integrated energy harvesting structures, and extreme earth observation systems.

 

This focus area offers both Master's and PhD level courses. Concentration areas of study include Fluid Dynamics and Propulsion, Structures and Materials, and Automatic Control, as further described in the Graduate Handbook. To achieve professional breadth students are encouraged to participate in offerings of other focus areas as well as courses outside the Aerospace Engineering Department. Research in the focus area spans a rich and broad set of topics that complementthe course curriculum.

 

Specific research areas include multi-physics simulation and design; wave propagation in periodic mterials and structures, advanced material design and optimization; uncertainty quantification in complex systems; active flow control; direct numerical simulation of the atmospheric boundary layer; the design of nano- and micro- electrical-mechanical systems; robotic sensor networks; and guidance and control of unmanned aircraft in complex atmospheric phenomena.

 

 

Core Faculty:

Brian Argrow

Sedat Biringen

Alireza Doostan

Carlos Felippa

Eric Frew

Mahmoud Hussein

Ken Jansen

Jean Koster

Dale Lawrence

Kurt Maute

K.C. Park

Ryan Starkey