David R. Williams

David R. Williams is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Illinois Institute of Technology's Armour College of Engineering. His research focuses on advanced aerodynamics, including experimental investigations in the Fejer Unsteady Flow Wind Tunnel and development of finless aircraft with jet propulsion systems.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Fluid Dynamics, Princeton University (1982)
• M.S. in Fluid Dynamics, Princeton University (1979)
• B.E. in Mechanical Engineering, Stevens Institute of Technology (1976)

Research Focus: Professor Williams specializes in unsteady flow physics and active control systems for aerospace applications. His work includes gust interaction studies with low-aspect-ratio wings, delta wing control using pressure sensors and flow effectors, and finless aircraft development for turbulence analysis. Research is supported by AFOSR, ONR, and NASA Space Grant Consortium.

Awards & Honors:

• Teaching Excellence: Rowe Award (2018), Armour College Teaching Award (2018), MAE Department Teaching Award (1988)
• Research Recognition: APS Fellow (2006), Sigma Xi Award (2006), Honeywell Technology Award (2006)
• Early Career: Humboldt Fellowship (1982), Guggenheim Fellowship (1976)

Facilities & Partnerships: Conducts experiments in the Fejer Unsteady Flow Wind Tunnel with custom test sections for atmospheric turbulence simulation. Collaborates with US Air Force Academy, Office of Naval Research, and Astrium UAV on finless aircraft projects.