Barton Smith

Barton Smith is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Utah State University's College of Engineering. With a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology (1999), he has established himself as a leading researcher in experimental fluid dynamics, specializing in particle image velocimetry, boundary layer theory, and sports aerodynamics. His work bridges fundamental fluid mechanics with practical applications in engineering and sports science.

Dr. Smith's educational background includes:

• PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 1999
• MS in Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 1994
• BS in Mechanical Engineering, Michigan State University, 1990

His research focuses on experimental fluid mechanics, with particular expertise in particle image velocimetry (PIV) techniques, boundary layer analysis, and uncertainty quantification in fluid measurements. Smith has made significant contributions to understanding sports aerodynamics, particularly in baseball and golf, where he has investigated how surface features like seams affect flight dynamics. His work also extends to thermal-fluids systems, natural convection, and validation methodologies for computational fluid dynamics.

Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on measurement uncertainty in fluid dynamics experiments, particularly related to PIV-based pressure field calculations. His research spans fundamental fluid mechanics, experimental validation techniques, and practical applications in sports engineering. The consistent theme across his work is rigorous experimental methodology combined with careful uncertainty analysis.

Dr. Smith has received numerous prestigious awards:

• ASME Lewis F. Moody Award, 2011
• ASME Outstanding Paper Award, 2011
• Advisor of the Year (USU College of Engineering), 2009
• Advisor of the Year (USU Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering), 2009
• Technology Entrepreneur of the Year, 2008
• Research Excellence Award (USU College of Engineering), 2006
• Researcher of the Year (USU Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering), 2006
• Undergraduate Research Mentor of the Year, 2004

As an advisor, Smith has mentored numerous graduate students through their thesis research, with a particular focus on experimental fluid dynamics projects. His teaching portfolio includes advanced courses in thermal-fluids, boundary layer theory, and mechanical engineering experiments. He has supervised research projects that often lead to publications in high-impact journals and have practical applications in engineering design and sports technology.

His laboratory work centers around advanced experimental fluid mechanics, with capabilities in particle image velocimetry, wind tunnel testing, and precision measurement of fluid flow phenomena. The research environment emphasizes rigorous experimental methodology, careful uncertainty quantification, and practical applications of fluid dynamics principles.