Flight Science

Research activities in the area of flight science and vehicle dynamics are varied. Current topics of interest include airfoil design and analysis; low Reynolds number aerodynamics; aircraft drag reduction; winglets and planform optimization for induced drag minimization, force, and moment prediction for aircraft flight control; dynamic stall, helicopter aerodynamics and performance prediction; and helicopter rotor blade/airframe interference.

Key Faculty:

Specializations:

  • Flight Vehicle Aerodynamics
  • Aircraft Stability and Control
  • Aircraft Operations
  • Flight Mechanics
  • V/STOL Aircraft
  • Aircraft and Rotorcraft Flight Dynamics
 
 

About

The Penn State Department of Aerospace Engineering, established in 1961 and the only aerospace engineering department in Pennsylvania, is consistently recognized as one of the top aerospace engineering departments in the nation, and is also an international leader in aerospace education, research, and engagement. Our undergraduate program is ranked 15th and our graduate programs are ranked 15th nationally by U.S. News & World Report, while one in 25 holders of a B.S. degree in aerospace engineering in the U.S. earned it from Penn State. Our students are consistently among the most highly recruited by industry, government, and graduate schools nationwide.

The department is built upon the fundamentals of academic integrity, innovation in research, and commitment to the advancement of industry. Through an innovative curriculum and world-class instruction that reflects current industry practice and embraces future trends, Penn State Aerospace Engineering graduates emerge as broadly educated, technically sound aerospace engineers who will become future leaders in a critical industry

Department of Aerospace Engineering

229 Hammond Building

The Pennsylvania State University

University Park, PA 16802

Phone: 814-865-2569