Research
Mission-Derived Small UAS Design
My UAS research is focused on the design and fabrication of sensor-integrated, small UAS airframes. I have led design teams for the Tempest UAS, the first UAS to intercept supercell thunderstorms, the 15% scale model of the Sierra Nevada Corp (SNC) Dream Chaser Commercial Crew Vehicle (see movie), the Ares used for mobile ad hoc communications experiments, and its successor the AresMax UAS with a wing-integrated low-frequency antenna, and the Eagle Owl, "boxwing" UAS.
Emerging sUAS Sensor Technologies
The objective is to explore the sensor market to identify candidates for integration into small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) for applications relevant to C-UAS sponsors. The primary tasks of the initial phase of research are to: 1) clarify sensor requirements based upon sUAS performance, 2) survey existing sensors and components and their potential for integration into sUAS, and 3) identify promising technologies and their applications for further development. In the second phase of this project, promising sensors integrated and flight tested in prototype sUAS for in-situ sensing applications. 14 Jan 2014 C-UAS Poster.
Airspace Integration
Safety regulations designed by the FAA for large aircraft in populated areas are not appropriate for many UAS applications. RECUV works with the FAA to help them characterize UAS operation and to develop new safety technology for the aviation sector.
Neutral Atmosphere Density Interdisciplinary Research (NADIR)
The overall objective of this research is to significantly advance understanding of satellite drag in the transition and near-continuum regimes using state-of-the art numerical modeling, and to predict aerodynamic forces acting on orbiting spacecraft under a broadened range of conditions. The AFOSR-sponsored NADIR project has concluded, however postdoc Craig Turansky continues to develop the Voldipar (VOLumetric DIscrete PARticle) code, to model tumbling objects in transition flow as they enter the Earth's atmosphere. Check out Craig's research site.