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Kevin A. ShinpaughView profile

Professor

• Space Systems Engineering
• High-Performance Computing
• Spacecraft Design
• +2 more

Kevin A. Shinpaugh is Collegiate Professor in the Department of Aerospace and Ocean Engineering at Virginia Tech’s College of Engineering. Since 2019 he has led instruction and research in spacecraft design and propulsion, leveraging decades of experience in high-performance computing and space-systems engineering. Education Ph.D., Aerospace Engineering, Virginia Tech (1994) M.S., Aerospace Engineering, Virginia Tech (1989) B.S., Aerospace Engineering, Virginia Tech (1986) Research Focus Dr. Shinpaugh’s scholarship centers on the intersection of high-performance computing (HPC) and space systems engineering . He develops and applies advanced computational techniques to spacecraft design, propulsion analysis, and mission planning. His work spans numerical simulation of complex aerospace systems, optimization of propulsion architectures, and creation of scalable HPC frameworks that enable rapid design iteration for spacecraft and launch vehicles. Publication Trends Across more than thirty refereed papers and design-competition reports, a clear trajectory emerges: early contributions in experimental fluid-mechanics instrumentation (laser-Doppler velocimetry, fiber-optic sensors) evolved into large-scale computational studies of space systems, and most recently into student-led mission-concept designs for CubeSats, lunar exploration, and interplanetary missions. Keywords consistently include spacecraft design, propulsion, deployable structures, and mission architecture. Service & Committees Chair, Virginia Tech HPC User Committee (2004–2011) Member, VT HPC Advisory Board (2007–present) NSF TeraGrid/XSEDE Campus Champion for Virginia Tech (2006–2013) IBM HPC/AI Customer Advisory Council DC (2019–present) Member, VT AOE Seminar Committee (2019–present) Laboratory & Computing Resources Dr. Shinpaugh has long stewarded Virginia Tech’s high-performance computing ecosystem. He directs students and collaborators in leveraging the university’s Advanced Research Computing (ARC) clusters, as well as national facilities through XSEDE and DoD HPCMP, to execute spacecraft-design simulations and propulsion analyses at scale.

• Hypersonics
• Plasma Flows
• Optical Diagnostics
• +5 more

Tobias Hermann serves as an Associate Professor at the University of Oxford's Department of Engineering Science, where he leads research within the Oxford Thermofluids Institute and holds a prestigious UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship. Affiliated with St. Hilda's College as an Associate Research Fellow, his work centers on experimental hypersonics and advanced diagnostic development for extreme aerospace environments. Hermann earned his Dipl.-Ing. in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Stuttgart (2012) followed by a Dr.-Ing. degree (2017), with doctoral research focused on spacecraft re-entry phenomena and aerothermochemistry during atmospheric entry. His thesis involved developing optical diagnostics including Vacuum Ultraviolet spectroscopy and tomographic emission systems. His research program emphasizes experimental hypersonics and plasma flows , with core expertise in spacecraft re-entry physics , high-temperature material-flow interactions , and optical diagnostic innovation . Hermann pioneered analytical methods for transpiration cooling in porous media and developed system engineering tools for thermal protection systems. His current work bridges fundamental fluid dynamics with practical aerospace applications, particularly in hypersonic vehicle design and re-entry simulation through facilities like the T6 expansion tube. Analysis of Hermann's publication record reveals consistent focus on high-enthalpy flow diagnostics and thermal protection systems , with recent work advancing expansion tube capabilities for boost-glide re-entry simulation, integrated arc-jet facilities for ablating models, and vacuum ultraviolet spectroscopy for plasma flow characterization. His research demonstrates strong integration of experimental validation with analytical modeling across hypersonic testing regimes. Hermann's scientific recognition includes: UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship (2021-present) As an educator, Hermann supervises 4th-year undergraduate projects and DPhil (PhD) students in hypersonics while teaching Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics. His current research portfolio—primarily funded through his UKRI Fellowship—comprises three major thrusts: development of high-enthalpy wind tunnels (including the multi-mode T6 facility), pre-heating of hypersonic models using plasma flows, and advancement of measurement techniques like spatially resolved UV-nIR spectroscopy. These projects address critical gaps in hypersonic testing infrastructure and instrumentation. Hermann directs experimental efforts at Oxford's Southwell Laboratory within the Oxford Hypersonics group, operating facilities including the T6 Stalker tunnel, OPG1 plasma wind tunnel, and specialized arc-jet systems. His team develops cutting-edge instrumentation such as vacuum ultraviolet spectroscopy systems, high-speed focused Schlieren, and pressure-sensitive paint diagnostics to investigate complex phenomena in hypersonic boundary layers and re-entry flows.

• High-Speed Aerodynamics
• Supersonic Flows
• Hypersonic Flows
• +2 more

Dr. Paul Bruce is a Reader in High-Speed Aerodynamics at Imperial College London's Department of Aeronautics. He directs experimental research utilizing supersonic and hypersonic wind tunnels to study shock wave interactions and atmospheric re-entry vehicle design. Research spans high-speed boundary layer transitions, aeroelastic stability of deployable structures, and optimization of atmospheric entry systems. Work integrates computational modeling with experimental validation. Publications consistently address flow control mechanisms, experimental techniques for high-speed testing, and aerodynamic design innovations for space exploration. Teaches undergraduate courses in aircraft aerodynamics and aerothermodynamics. Research involves collaborations with space agencies and utilizes Imperial College's advanced wind tunnel facilities.

• Aerospace Engineering
• Flight Dynamics
• Aircraft Design
• +3 more

Karim Abu Salem serves as a Fixed-term Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (DIMEAS) at the Polytechnic University of Turin, affiliated with the College of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Automotive Engineering. He additionally holds invited membership in the College of Management and Production Engineering. His teaching portfolio includes Aerospace Vehicle Design, Space Flight Mechanics/Structures, Space Environment Operations, and Aeronautical Legislation courses for both bachelor's and master's programs in Aerospace Engineering. Dr. Abu Salem's research centers on sustainable aviation innovation, specializing in box-wing aircraft configurations, hybrid-electric and hydrogen propulsion systems, and advanced structural design methodologies. His work addresses critical challenges in emissions reduction, flight dynamics optimization, and climate impact mitigation through computational modeling, metamodeling techniques, and multidisciplinary design analysis. Key focus areas include unconventional aircraft architectures, power management systems, and metamaterial applications for next-generation aerospace vehicles. Analysis of his recent publications (2023-2025) reveals a concentrated research trajectory toward decarbonizing regional and medium-range aviation. His work demonstrates increasing emphasis on liquid hydrogen propulsion, box-wing aerodynamic efficiency, and holistic environmental impact assessment beyond CO 2 emissions. The publications exhibit strong collaboration patterns with researchers like G. Palaia and E. Carrera, primarily targeting high-impact journals in aerospace engineering and sustainability. As an active educator, Dr. Abu Salem contributes to curriculum development across multiple aerospace engineering programs, bridging theoretical concepts with emerging sustainable aviation technologies through his course collaborations and lectures.

Melrose BrownView profile

Associate Professor

• Space Situational Awareness
• Hypersonic Aerodynamics
• Satellite Drag Modeling
• +6 more

Associate Professor Melrose Brown is a faculty member at UNSW Canberra, School of Engineering and Technology, where he leads numerical space situational awareness research and coordinates the Space Masters program. He holds advanced degrees in Aerospace Engineering and specializes in applying high-fidelity simulations to satellite-environment interactions in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). Research Focus: DSMC/PIC simulations for LEO satellites Orbit propagation and determination Ionospheric drag modeling Atmospheric physics Hypersonic CFD His recent publications analyze thermospheric responses to geomagnetic storms using GITM-OVATION models, ionospheric drag effects, and numerical tools like pdFOAM. Key keywords include Space Weather, Satellite Formation Control, and Computational Fluid Dynamics. He supervises Ph.D. projects related to aerospace engineering and offers scholarships for research in LEO dynamics. His work involves collaborations on CubeSat missions (e.g., M2) and space traffic management systems.

Michael G. DunnView profile

Professor

• Aircraft Engine Propulsion
• Controls and Diagnostics
• Heat Transfer
• +6 more

Michael G. Dunn is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at The Ohio State University, where he also directs the Gas Turbine Laboratory. With over 50 years of experience, his career spans academia, NASA's early space program, and defense research during the Cold War. Dunn earned his BSME (1958), MSME (1960), and PhD (1961) from Purdue University. Affiliations: Ohio State University (1995–present), Calspan Corporation (1978–1995), Cornell Aeronautical Laboratory (1964–1978), Lockheed Missiles and Space Company (1961–1964). Research: Focused on aircraft engine components (fans, compressors, turbines), heat transfer, nuclear defense engine resilience, and hypersonic test capabilities. Advisory Roles: Member of the Aerospace Industries Association Volcanic Ash Committee, National Hypersonic Test Capabilities Work Group, and Army Research Laboratory's Air and Ground Vehicle Technology Panel. His career highlights include pioneering work on re-entry blackout periods during NASA's Mercury/Gemini/Apollo missions, 19-year nuclear defense engine studies (1976–1995), and developing short-duration turbine testing facilities. Dunn emphasizes mentorship, involving junior faculty and undergraduates in research to ensure continuity.

• Hypersonics
• Aerothermodynamics
• Shock Wave Physics
• +3 more

Dr. Steven William Lewis serves as an Honorary Fellow at The University of Queensland's School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering, specializing in experimental hypersonics and aerothermodynamics. His work focuses on simulating Earth re-entry and gas giant atmospheric entry conditions using advanced expansion tube facilities. His academic foundation includes a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from The University of Queensland (2017), with doctoral research titled Hypervelocity shock layer emission spectroscopy with high temperature ablating models . This thesis established his expertise in high-temperature gas dynamics and thermal protection systems. Lewis's research program centers on hypervelocity flow physics, particularly ablation phenomena and radiation in shock layers during atmospheric entry. He employs cutting-edge diagnostics including spectrally filtered imaging, vacuum ultraviolet spectroscopy, and high-speed thermography to characterize extreme flow conditions. His experimental work frequently utilizes the X2 and X3 expansion tubes to achieve velocities exceeding 5 km/s, enabling simulation of spacecraft re-entry environments. Analysis of his publication record reveals consistent advancement in expansion tube methodology, with recent work optimizing super-orbital re-entry conditions (2022) and developing novel techniques for post-shock relaxation studies (2021). His contributions span Earth re-entry thermal protection, gas giant entry simulation through test gas substitution, and radiation measurement in high-enthalpy flows. As part of UQ's Hypersonics research group within the Advanced Materials Processing and Manufacturing cluster, Lewis collaborates on projects requiring pre-heated models and infrared scanning for component testing. The team maintains world-class expansion tube facilities capable of simulating conditions from terrestrial re-entry to outer planet atmospheric entry.

• Aerospace Engineering
• Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
• Rocket Propulsion
• +7 more

Stella Fulvio is a Full Professor at the University of Rome La Sapienza, affiliated with the Department of Industrial and Mechanical Engineering. Her research focuses on aerospace engineering, computational fluid dynamics (CFD), rocket propulsion, and fluid-structure interaction. She has extensive experience in simulating complex aerodynamic phenomena, combustion dynamics, and aeroacoustic environments in launch vehicles and rocket motors. Her work emphasizes high-fidelity numerical simulations, including large-eddy simulation (LES), immersed boundary methods, and neural network applications for aerodynamic load estimation. Key areas include liquid sloshing dynamics in cryogenic tanks, pressure oscillations in solid rocket motors, and the aeroacoustics of rocket launches. She has contributed to projects involving the VEGA and ARIANE launch vehicles, analyzing lift-off aerodynamics, structural stability, and thermal protection systems. Dr. Fulvio’s publications span over two decades, with a consistent focus on advancing computational methods for aerospace applications. Her research bridges experimental validation (e.g., wind tunnel measurements) and numerical modeling, addressing challenges in propulsion systems, heat transfer, and flow instability. She collaborates with institutions on fluid-structure interaction, combustion chamber design, and re-entry vehicle thermal analysis. Her advising and grants are not explicitly listed, but her extensive publication record suggests active mentorship in aerospace engineering and CFD. She has contributed to facilities and testbeds for shock-cell noise investigation and synthetic jet heat transfer enhancement in micro-channels. Dr. Fulvio is part of research teams exploring cutting-edge topics like machine learning integration in aerodynamic simulations and advanced CFD solvers for multiphase flows. Her work supports both academic and industrial advancements in propulsion and aerospace systems.

Remi DraiView profile

Professor

• Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC)
• Aerospace Engineering
• Spacecraft Dynamics
• +4 more

Remi Drai is Professor of Mathematics at Grove City College, Pennsylvania. His primary appointment resides within the Department of Mathematics, where he teaches and conducts research in applied mathematics with a strong emphasis on guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) systems for aerospace applications. Prof. Drai's research portfolio, as evidenced by more than two-dozen peer-reviewed publications between 1997 and 2014, centers on the mathematical foundations of spacecraft navigation and control. His interests span vision-based landing algorithms for lunar and planetary missions, robust multi-objective control synthesis via convex optimization, and autonomous guidance schemes for near-Earth asteroid rendezvous. A recurring theme is the fusion of inertial sensors with vision/GNSS data to achieve pinpoint landing accuracy under stringent mission constraints. Across his publications, Drai addresses both theoretical contributions—such as dissipative control theory and linear matrix inequality (LMI) methods—and practical validation through laboratory demonstrations and flight testing. This dual focus highlights a commitment to bridging rigorous mathematical analysis with real-world aerospace engineering challenges. Laboratory & Collaborations: While explicit laboratory names are not provided, the breadth of flight-test campaigns (e.g., precision landing GNC facility tests, ExoMars EDL demonstrator) indicates extensive collaboration with European space agencies and industry partners. Contact: Email: DraiR@gcc.edu Phone: 724-458-2105

• Aerodynamics
• Computational Fluid Dynamics
• Fluid Engineering
• +4 more

Asei Tezuka is an Associate Professor at Waseda University's School of Fundamental Science and Engineering, specifically within the Department of Applied Mechanics and Aerospace Engineering. His academic journey began with a Ph.D. from The University of Tokyo, followed by research positions at both Waseda University and The University of Tokyo's Graduate School of Engineering from 2003 onward. Currently, he holds concurrent positions at the Waseda Research Institute for Science and Engineering (2024-2026) and is affiliated with the Global Education Center. Dr. Tezuka's research spans multiple areas within aerospace engineering, with primary focus on aerodynamics, computational fluid dynamics, flow instability, micro air vehicles, and flight management. His work bridges theoretical analysis with practical applications, particularly in low Reynolds number flows relevant to micro-aircraft and space exploration. He has developed innovative measurement techniques, including laser displacement sensor methods for pressure distribution measurement, and has contributed significantly to understanding laminar separation bubbles and flow control mechanisms. His research output shows a clear progression from fundamental fluid dynamics studies toward more applied aerospace problems. Early work focused on global stability analysis of various geometries (cylinders, spheres, spheroids), while more recent publications address practical challenges in flight management, Mars entry vehicle dynamics, and optimization of cruise altitude selection using real-world data. A consistent theme throughout his career is the investigation of flow separation phenomena and methods to control or optimize these flows for improved aerodynamic performance. Dr. Tezuka actively contributes to multiple research projects funded by organizations including the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. His current work includes studies on hypersonic vehicles, air traffic management systems, and plasma actuator applications for flow control. His teaching portfolio at Waseda University encompasses core aerospace engineering subjects including Fluid Mechanics, Airplane Flight Mechanics, and Advanced Aerodynamics, demonstrating his commitment to educating the next generation of aerospace engineers.

Fabian ZanderView profile

Associate Professor

• Hypersonics
• Optical Diagnostics
• Flight Testing Measurements
• +6 more

Associate Professor Fabian Zander is affiliated with the School of Engineering at the University of Southern Queensland. His expertise spans hypersonics, optical diagnostics, and flight testing measurements. He holds a BEng from the University of Queensland (2004) and a PhD (2013), followed by postdoctoral research at the University of Stuttgart (2014–2018). He currently leads the Institute for Advanced Engineering and Space Sciences' hypersonics research initiatives. Research Focus: Prof. Zander’s work focuses on hypersonic propulsion systems, re-entry aerothermodynamics, and space debris analysis. He develops advanced optical diagnostics techniques and leads airborne observation campaigns for spacecraft re-entry studies, such as the Hayabusa2 mission. His team operates the USQ hypersonic wind tunnel facility for experimental testing of thermal protection systems and aerodynamic configurations. Key Contributions: His research bridges laboratory experiments (e.g., plasma wind tunnel testing) with numerical simulations, addressing challenges in hypersonic flow control, material ablation, and trajectory analysis. He collaborates internationally on projects like the τ-Herculid meteor shower studies and OSIRIS-REx re-entry seismic measurements. Advisory & Facilities: Supervises doctoral research on hypersonic vehicle design, space debris dispersion modeling, and detonation engines. His lab develops innovative diagnostic tools like laser-induced diaphragm rupture systems and focused laser differential interferometry for hypersonic flow analysis.

• Hypersonics
• Aerothermodynamics
• Plasma Physics
• +3 more

Fabian Zander serves as an Honorary Associate Professor at the School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering, The University of Queensland, with research focused on experimental hypersonics, aerothermodynamics, and plasma flow dynamics for atmospheric re-entry applications. His academic background includes a PhD in Mechanical Engineering (2013) and an Honours degree in Engineering (2004), both from the University of Queensland. His doctoral thesis, Hot wall testing in hypersonic impulse facilities , established foundational work in thermal measurement techniques for hypersonic flows. Dr. Zander's research spans high-temperature gas dynamics, shock wave physics, and thermal protection systems, with emphasis on experimental methodologies using plasma wind tunnels, expansion tubes, and inductively coupled plasma torches. His work addresses critical challenges in re-entry vehicle design for Earth and planetary missions (e.g., Mars and Titan), particularly in ablation physics, radiation coupling, and surface temperature diagnostics. Key innovations include high-speed imaging techniques for CO 2 plasma flows and state-to-state analytical frameworks for expansion tube flow characterization. Analysis of his recent publications (2014-2019) reveals consistent focus on experimental validation of hypersonic phenomena across multiple facilities. His research bridges fundamental fluid dynamics with practical aerospace applications, notably in meteorite entry physics (2019 book chapter) and Titan atmospheric entry spectroscopy (2015). The work frequently involves international collaborations, particularly with European research groups on re-entry observation campaigns. While no specific awards are documented, his extensive publication record (37+ works) indicates sustained research productivity. He collaborates closely with UQ's Advanced Materials Processing and Manufacturing (AMPAM) and Future Autonomous Systems and Technologies research groups, contributing to facilities like the X2/X3 expansion tubes and plasma wind tunnels for high-enthalpy flow testing.

• Hypersonic Aerodynamics
• Supersonic Flow Transition
• Wind Tunnel Design
• +4 more

Steven P. Schneider is a Professor in the School of Aeronautics and Astronautics at Purdue University since 1989. He specializes in hypersonic aerodynamics, with a focus on laminar-turbulent transition mechanisms and low-disturbance wind tunnel design. His research supports applications in missiles, hypersonic vehicles, and thermal protection systems. Schneider holds degrees from Caltech (B.S., M.S., Ph.D. in Aeronautics) and has contributed significantly to advancing quiet tunnel technology for high-fidelity flow studies. Education: B.S. in Engineering and Applied Science, California Institute of Technology (1981, with Honors) M.S. in Aeronautics, California Institute of Technology (1984) Ph.D. in Aeronautics, California Institute of Technology (1989) Research Interests: Hypersonic boundary-layer transition, quiet wind tunnel development, flow instability mechanisms, and aerothermodynamics. His work bridges experimental, computational, and theoretical methods to address challenges in hypersonic flight, such as reducing transition uncertainty and improving thermal protection systems. Recent Research Trends: Focuses on mechanism-based transition prediction, facility noise mitigation, and collaboration across disciplines to validate computational models. His team pioneered the Boeing/AFOSR Mach-6 Quiet Tunnel and contributed to Mach-8 tunnel development. Awards: Fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) AIAA Ground Testing Award (2012) Labs/Teams: Leads foundational research in hypersonics, with phased retirement support roles. Collaborates with Professors Jewell (Mach-6 tunnel leader) and Chynoweth (Mach-8 tunnel development). Active in maintaining Purdue’s leadership in quiet tunnel technology and transition physics.

Brian ElbingView profile

Professor

• Fluid Mechanics
• Flow Control
• Drag Reduction
• +5 more

Brian Elbing is the Tom Cunningham Chair and Professor in the School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Oklahoma State University (OSU). His research focuses on fluid mechanisms, particularly tornado infrasound, drag reduction for ships, helicopter wake dynamics, and atmospheric turbulence. He has been recognized with prestigious awards, including the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation's Experimental Physics Investigator award (2022-present) and the Regents Distinguished Research Award (2024). Education: Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, 2009 M.S.E., Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, 2005 B.S., Mechanical Engineering, Western Michigan University, 2003 Research Interests: Elbing's work spans fluid dynamics, flow control, and acoustics. His tornado research explores infrasound generated by tornadoes, while his drag reduction studies focus on naval applications. He also investigates atmospheric turbulence and multiphase flows. His research has been featured in Physics Today , Wall Street Journal , and WIRED . Grants & Awards: Lead investigator for grants including NASA-funded balloon-based seismic studies and tornado infrasound monitoring. Recipient of the Tom J. Cunningham Chair (2024–present) and Moore Foundation support. Labs & Teams: Directs the Experimental Flow Physics Lab, collaborating with NASA, JPL, and international teams on projects like the OSIRIS-REx sample return capsule re-entry observations and stratospheric balloon-based sensing.

• Hypersonics
• Aerodynamics
• Fluid Dynamics
• +4 more

Dr. Andrew Lock is a Research Fellow at the University of Southern Queensland's Institute for Advanced Engineering and Space Sciences, specializing in hypersonics, aerodynamics, and thermal systems. He holds a BEng(Hons) from the University of Tasmania and a PhD from the University of Queensland. His research focuses on hypersonic vehicle design, aerodynamic modeling, and advanced thermal management solutions for energy systems. Key areas include co-design frameworks for hypersonic vehicles, Bayesian state estimation in free-flight measurements, and supercritical CO₂ power cycle optimization. Dr. Lock's work bridges experimental and computational methods, with contributions to optical tracking systems, trajectory analysis, and innovative cooling technologies. His recent studies address challenges in multi-mission vehicle design, shock layer radiation analysis, and nonlinear flight dynamics using the Koopman operator. He has also developed simulation tools like q1dcfd for thermofluid systems and validated low-speed rotating wind tunnel designs. His research portfolio spans over a decade, with publications on hypersonic aerodynamics, thermal engineering, and aerospace system integration. Notable projects include collaborations on Hayabusa2 entry dynamics and the development of dry cooling strategies for sustainable energy applications. While no formal advisees are listed, his interdisciplinary approach influences next-generation aerospace and energy systems.