Ronald Hanson

Ronald Hanson is an Associate Professor and Undergraduate Program Director in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at York University. He holds a Professional Engineering designation (P.Eng) and leads the Fluid Mechanics and Flow Control Research Laboratory.

His educational background includes a B.A.Sc. and M.A.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering from McMaster University and a Ph.D. in Aerospace Science and Engineering from the University of Toronto, where he received the G.N. Patterson Award.

Hanson's research takes a primarily experimental approach focused on the control of flow and turbulence to improve performance of fluid/aerodynamic applications ranging from aircraft to racing bicycles. His work centers on the underlying physics of fluid dynamic phenomena and the application of passive and active control strategies for drag reduction, with particular emphasis on turbulent flow, sports aerodynamics, particle transport, and boundary layer flows.

His research has significant implications for both environmental sustainability (through fuel savings and emission reduction) and athletic performance enhancement, particularly in cycling where aerodynamic drag represents 80-90% of the losses riders must overcome.

• G.N. Patterson Award from University of Toronto

Hanson has developed multiple courses including ME4402 Simulation Tools for Design and Analysis, ME4202 Aerodynamics, ME6105 Advanced Fluid Dynamics, and previously ME4510 Advanced Mechanical Technologies. He served as faculty director for York University's human powered vehicle team that competed in ASME events at Michigan State University in 2019.

Hanson's Fluid Mechanics and Flow Control Research Laboratory develops novel physics-based flow control technology for applications relevant to Canadian aeronautical and sport-based industries, with focus on problems where boundary layers and flow separation play a key role. His lab utilizes advanced flow actuators including plasma actuators (SDBD) and synthetic jets.