معرفی
Richard A. Royce is the James J. Henry Professor of Naval Architecture and Director of Research at Webb Institute since 2011. He holds leadership roles in the Robinson Model Basin and Carpenter Shop. His academic background includes a Ph.D. from the University of Michigan (2001) and dual bachelor's degrees from Purdue University and UMich. Royce specializes in hydrodynamics, naval architecture, and computational modeling. His research focuses on transom flow dynamics, trimaran resistance prediction using artificial neural networks, and planing hull optimization. He has led major projects like the Navatek Consortium study and the Atlantic Center for Innovative Design initiative. Royce has received SNAME awards for undergraduate and graduate research excellence. Beyond academia, he serves as a design engineer for yacht projects and holds professional engineering certification in Connecticut. He teaches advanced courses in resistance & propulsion, propeller design, and fluid mechanics, while also guiding student thesis projects in Webb's towing tank facilities.
Education:
- Ph.D. in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, University of Michigan (2001)
- M.S.E. in Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan (1999)
- M.S. in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, University of Michigan (1998)
- B.S.E. in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, University of Michigan (1993, Summa cum Laude)
- B.S.I.M. in Industrial Management, Purdue University (1986, minor in Industrial Engineering)
Research Interests: Royce's work integrates experimental hydrodynamics with computational methods. Key areas include:
- Partial ventilation in transom flows
- Resistance modeling for trimarans using AI
- Optimization of planing hulls via neural networks
- CFD analysis for yacht design
- Bulbous bow performance in semi-planing vessels
Professional Contributions: Royce has served as Principal Investigator for ONR-funded projects and led industry collaborations with firms like Navatek and Christensen Shipyards. His engineering experience spans yacht design, hydrodynamic analysis, and structural contract oversight. Recent training includes FARO SCENE software and STAR-CCM+ computational tools.
Labs & Facilities: Directs the Robinson Model Basin laboratory and oversees the Carpenter Shop, critical facilities for Webb's hands-on engineering education. These labs support both academic research and student project development.
