Goetz Bramesfeld

Dr. Goetz Bramesfeld serves as a Professor in the Department of Aerospace Engineering at Toronto Metropolitan University, where he leads research in applied aerodynamics and unconventional flight systems. His expertise spans flight vehicle design, small UAV development, and motorless flight dynamics, with particular emphasis on energy harvesting from atmospheric phenomena.

Bramesfeld's educational background includes a PhD (2006) and MS (1999) from The Pennsylvania State University, and a BEng (1998) from Technische Universität Braunschweig. His research interests focus on applied aerodynamics, flight dynamics, and energy-efficient aircraft design, with notable contributions to sailplane optimization, gust energy extraction, and microwave-powered UAV concepts. His work bridges theoretical aerodynamics with practical applications in both terrestrial and planetary exploration contexts.

Analysis of his publication record reveals consistent innovation in energy harvesting flight systems, particularly through gust energy extraction and unconventional propulsion methods. His research evolves from traditional sailplane optimization toward cutting-edge concepts like microwave-powered aircraft and planetary exploration gliders, maintaining strong connections between fundamental aerodynamics and real-world flight applications.

Bramesfeld actively supervises graduate students through the Applied Aerodynamics Laboratory of Flight (AALF) and maintains significant professional engagement as a Senior Member of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), member of the Canadian Aeronautics and Space Institute (CASI), Associated Editor for the Technical Soaring Journal, and board member of the Organisation Scientifique et Technique du Vol à Voile (OSTIV).