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Back to Faculty/Researchers
Prof. Mark Drela
Terry J Kohler Professor of Fluid Dynamics
Director, Wright Brothers Wind Tunnel
Primary DLC
Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics
MIT Room:
37-475
(617) 253-0067
drela@mit.edu
Areas of Interest and Expertise
Computational Fluid Dynamics
Design Methodology
Aerodynamic and Aeromechanical Design
Nonlinear Aeroelasticity
Aeroelastic Control
Research Summary
Current research involves development of computational algorithms for the prediction of 2D and 3D external flows about aerodynamic bodies. Subsonic, transonic, and supersonic flow regimes are being considered. Most of the work centers on viscous/inviscid coupling schemes in conjunction with direct Newton solution methods. Two- and three-dimensional integral boundary layer formulations are also being developed for modeling viscous regions. Specific geometries currently being considered include high-lift multielement airfoils, wing/body configurations, and axisymetric powered engine nacelles. Research into optimization techniques and strategies is also being pursued in paralleled with the computational aerodynamics work. A key goal is development of methods for efficient calculation of design-parameter sensitivities. Also being pursued is the development of interactive tools to permit the designer to make the most effective use of the computed design parameter- sensitivity information to guide the evolution of a design.
Recent Work
Projects
May 8, 2009
Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics
ASWING: Configuration Development System for Flexible Aircraft
Principal Investigator
Mark Drela
May 8, 2009
Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics
AVL: Aerodynamic Analysis, Trim Calculation, Dynamic Stability Analysis and Aircraft Configuration Development
Principal Investigator
Mark Drela
May 15, 2002
Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics
XFOIL: Subsonic Airfoil Development System
Principal Investigator
Mark Drela
May 10, 2002
Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics
XROTOR: Propeller and Windmill Design/Analysis Software
Principal Investigator
Mark Drela
May 5, 2002
Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics
MSES: Multi-Element Airfoil Design/Analysis Software
Principal Investigator
Mark Drela
August 24, 1998
Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics
Wright Brothers Wind Tunnel (WBWT)
Principal Investigator
Mark Drela
Books
Publication date:
March 31, 2014
Books
Prof. Mark Drela
Flight Vehicle Aerodynamics
Related Faculty
Ms. Skylar Eiskowitz
Graduate Student
John P Thomas
Research Engineer
Prof. Richard Linares
Rockwell International Career Development Associate Professor Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics