Cross-domain, advanced physics based modeling and simulation tools have been identified by the Air Force as game changers that can significantly reduce development and deployment cycle time for acquisition. Our research focusses on development of computational methods, tools and models for design and performance-analysis of aircraft power and thermal (P&T) management systems. The performance analysis of these systems is applied towards exploring the multi-dimensional P&T trade space and developing feasibility and technology impact forecast and solutions for future aircraft concepts. Aircraft P&T systems demand both static and dynamic response and include technologies that represent physical phenomena across a wide range of spatial and/or temporal scales involving multi-physics coupled interactions. Our M&S effort therefore includes multiscale, multiphysics and multidomain modeling and includes development of computational methods and software tools with an integrated and unifying systems modeling framework. Digital representations, virtual prototyping and evaluation of aircraft power and thermal subsystem performance for accurate technology trade studies are carried out through multi-fidelity numerical analysis, supplementary data processing, flexible co-simulation environments, and advance computing.

Research opportunities include but are not limited to: Multidomain aircraft P&T system of systems studies; Model based systems engineering and digital engineering; P&T modeling toolset development with dynamic and transient modeling capability;  High fidelity thermodynamic analysis of aircraft P&T systems; Numerical schemes for steady and highly transient refrigeration system dynamics in single and multiphase flows; Molecular and multiscale modeling of heat transfer and thermal energy storage; Reduced order modeling and surrogate modeling for transient thermal systems; Co-simulation of dynamic systems; Model verification and error estimation methods. Access to several commercial and in-house developed codes and computing resources at the AFRL DoD Super Computing Resource Center is available. 

key words

Multiscale modeling; Aircraft power and thermal modeling; Dynamic modeling; System of system modeling; Multiscale modeling of heat transfer; Aircraft Thermal management; Digital engineering; Model based systems engineering

Citizenship:  Open to U.S. citizens

Level:  Open to Postdoctoral and Senior applicants