David Peters

David Peters is the Mcdonnell Douglas Professor of Engineering in the Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science department at Washington University in St. Louis. He holds adjunct roles at Georgia Tech and serves as Associate Director of the Georgia Tech/Washington University Center of Excellence for Rotor Technology. His research focuses on aeroelasticity, dynamics, and fluid-structure interactions in rotor systems, wind turbines, and biomedical applications.

Education: PhD (Stanford University, 1974), MS (Washington University, 1970), BS (Washington University, 1969).
Career Highlights: Chair of WashU’s Mechanical Engineering Department (1982–1985, 1997–2007); faculty stints at WashU (1975–1985, 1991–present) and Georgia Tech (1985–1991).

Research Interests: Thermal-fluids in energy systems, aeroelastic modeling of helicopter rotors, unsteady aerodynamics, and rotary-wing technologies. His work addresses dynamics of propellers, tilt rotors, and wind turbines, emphasizing nonlinear structural responses and stall effects.

Awards:

• Nikolsky Lectureship (AHS International, 2008)
• Reed Aeronautics Award (AIAA, 2011)
• Spirit of St. Louis Medal (ASME, 2013)
• Dr. Alexander Klemin Award (Vertical Flight Society, 2019)

Labs & Collaborations: Leads research initiatives at WashU’s rotor technology lab. Collaborates with Georgia Tech through the Center of Excellence for Rotor Technology. His work bridges academia and industry, addressing challenges in aerospace and biomedical engineering.