Frederick Stern

Frederick Stern serves as the George D. Ashton Professor of Hydroscience and Engineering and Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Iowa's College of Engineering. He additionally holds a Faculty Research Engineer position at IIHR—Hydroscience and Engineering, where he directs the Stern Lab. With over 40 years of continuous service since joining the institution in 1983, Stern maintains active leadership in naval architecture and marine engineering research.

Education

• PhD in Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering, University of Michigan, 1980
• MSE in Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering, University of Michigan, 1977
• BSE in Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering, University of Michigan, 1975

Research Focus
Stern's work centers on computational and experimental fluid dynamics with specialized expertise in ship hydrodynamics, cavitation phenomena, and fluid-structure interaction. His research program bridges high-fidelity CFD simulations with physical towing tank experiments, particularly for high-speed craft and naval vessels. Significant contributions include 6DOF viscous ship hydrodynamics modeling, towing tank maneuvering test methodologies, and multi-criteria optimization for ship design. Stern actively integrates advanced simulation technologies into undergraduate engineering education.

Publication Trends
Recent publications (2022-2025) demonstrate three converging research trajectories: (1) Multi-fidelity modeling for weight reduction and performance optimization of high-speed small craft, (2) Advanced CFD techniques for free-running vessel simulations in waves including fluid-structure interaction, and (3) Data-driven approaches using machine learning (DMD, RNNs) for ship motion forecasting. These works consistently emphasize validation through experimental data and address practical naval architecture challenges.

Professional Recognition

• Fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)

Professional Engagement
Stern maintains active memberships in the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) and Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers (SNAME). He serves as Secretary of the Maneuvering Committee for the 24th International Towing Tank Conference, reflecting his leadership in experimental hydrodynamics standardization. His research collaborations include major international workshops such as the Tokyo 2015 CFD Workshop for ship hydrodynamics.

Research Infrastructure
Stern directs the Stern Lab within IIHR—Hydroscience and Engineering, leveraging the university's Stanley Hydraulics Laboratory facilities including towing tanks and advanced measurement systems. His team develops integrated computational-experimental frameworks like the towing tank maneuvering test flow-map measurement system, supporting both fundamental research and practical naval design applications.