Sven Schmitz

Dr. Sven Schmitz is a Professor of Aerospace Engineering at Penn State University, affiliated with the Integrated Energy Systems theme at the Institute for Energy and the Environment (IEE). His research focuses on aerodynamics, wind energy systems, and rotorcraft aeromechanics. Key projects include optimizing wind turbine performance during ice storms and analyzing helicopter rotor hub flows using scaled models in the Garfield Thomas Water Tunnel. He leads efforts in floating offshore wind turbine technologies and mitigation of aviation contrail impacts on climate.

• Affiliations: Penn State Aerospace Engineering, IEE Faculty Member, Vertical Flight Society contributor
• Education: Promoted to Professor (2022), with prior academic milestones including a 2021 Atherton Teaching Award

Research interests span computational fluid dynamics (CFD), rotor design optimization, and machine learning applications in multirotor performance prediction. Notable contributions include resolving century-old wind turbine equations and advancing coaxial rotor dynamics for urban air mobility.

Awards include the 2024 Vertical Flight Society Technical Paper Award and leadership in the 2019 DOE Collegiate Wind Competition. His work bridges academia and industry through collaborations like the Penn State Vertical Lift Research Center of Excellence.

• Grants/Projects: Multi-Disciplinary Approach to Climate Impacts of Contrails, Next-Gen Floating Offshore Wind Turbines
• Labs: Applied Research Lab (ARL), Garfield Thomas Water Tunnel