With the advent of new design methodologies in computing power, propulsion systems, materials, and manufacturing processes, there is a tremendous potential to develop revolutionary hypersonic vehicle configurations that meet mission requirements. Traditional analysis and design methods face challenges due to complex interaction of different sub-disciplines such as propulsion, aerodynamics, structures, controls, and heat transfer. Research efforts are required to yield higher-fidelity vehicle configurations that will enable new tactical capabilities for the warfighter.

Our research advances design methodologies by incorporating multi-fidelity physics-based models representing nonlinear behavior of engineering disciplines. Multidisciplinary design optimization is conducted by incorporating cost-effective meta models, sensitivity analysis, uncertainty quantification, and AI tools for facilitating large-scale computational models. 

References:

1. Ramunno, M., Boyd, I., Camberos, J., and Grandhi, R.V., "Integrated Hypersonic Aero-Propulsion Model for Multidisciplinary Vehicle Analysis and Optimization," AIAA Journal of Propulsion and Power, Vol. 38, No.3, 2022, pp. 478-488.

2. Beachy, A., Bae, H., Boyd, I., and Grandhi, R.V., "Emulataor Embedded Neural Networks for Multi-Fidelity Conceptual Design Exploration of Hypersonic Vehicles," Journal of Structural and Multidisciplinary Optimization, Vol. 64, No.5, 2021, pp. 1-18.

3. Fischer,C.C., Grandhi, R.V., and Beran, P.S., "Bayesian Enhanced Low-Fidelity Correction Approach to Multi-Fidelity Aerospace Design," AIAA Journal, Vol. 56, No. 8, 2018, pp. 1-12.

key words

Multidisciplinary design optimization, structures, aerodynamics, heat transfer, propulsion, meta models, Controls, AI

Citizenship:  Open to U.S. citizens

Level:  Open to Postdoctoral and Senior applicants

Additional Benefits

Relocation

Awardees who reside more than 50 miles from their host laboratory and remain on tenure for at least six months are eligible for paid relocation to within the vicinity of their host laboratory.

Health insurance

A group health insurance program is available to awardees and their qualifying dependents in the United States.