Applied Aerodynamics

Wind-tunnel testing, flow diagnostics, and CFD-based analysis for aerodynamic performance assessment and model validation across a wide range of Reynolds numbers.

Wind tunnel · CFD · Diagnostics

Unconventional Aircraft Design

Aerodynamic and flight-dynamic analysis of non-traditional configurations — including novel UAV concepts, bio-inspired designs, and stratospheric airships.

UAVs · Airships · Novel configs

Unsteady Aerodynamics & Flight Dynamics

Investigation of nonlinear and unsteady aerodynamic effects and their coupling with aircraft dynamics, stability, and control — with applications to MAVs and UAV systems.

MAV · Stability · Control

Bio-Inspired Aerodynamics

Applying biological principles — from avian wing coloration to morphological adaptations — to understand and improve aerodynamic performance.

Avian · Morphology · Patent

Drone Propulsion in Hazardous Environments

Design and validation of intrinsically safe propulsion systems for underground mining and other challenging environments, meeting MSHA standards.

MSHA · Mining · Safety

Sustainable Energy Systems

Wind-turbine design and optimization — including novel VAWT configurations, passive flow control, and AI-assisted performance modeling.

VAWT · Flow control · AI

EXPERIMENTAL

1. Wind-tunnel testing & aerodynamic characterization
2. Flow visualization and diagnostics
3. Force & moment measurement (sting balance)
4. Dust tunnel & particle-deposition studies
5. UAV flight testing & system identification

COMPUTATIONAL

1. High-fidelity CFD & reduced-order modeling
2. Aerodynamics–flight-dynamics coupling
3. Physics-informed neural networks (PINN)
4. Surrogate optimization & AI modeling
5. Nonlinear flight simulation

Interdisciplinary Innovation in SLA-Printed Composites

High-performance SLA-printed composites with lunar/Martian regolith, piezoelectric fillers, and graphene nanomaterials for UAV and aerospace applications. With UMaine Chemistry, ME, and the Roux Institute.

Permissible Drone for Underground Coal Mine Applications

Design and manufacturing of a permissible drone meeting MSHA safety standards for underground coal-mine inspection. Resulted in a functional prototype.

Coal Dust Particle Deposition in Mine Workers’ Lungs

Experimental and computational characterization of respirable coal-dust deposition mechanisms in lung airways, informing occupational-health standards.

Propulsion System Design for Stratospheric Airship

Led propulsion-system design for a stratospheric airship — weight estimation, sizing, flight-dynamic modeling, propulsion configuration, and flight testing.