Aerospace Design and Structures
Materials: Modeling takes the lead in driving materials research for the future
Structures: Multiple structures take shape
Multidisciplinary Design Optimization: New computing tools, international collaboration spell design progress
Non-deterministic Approaches: Researchers aid development of AI, additive manufacturing
Adaptive Structures: Shape memory materials begin to take shape
Systems Engineering: Systems engineers draw lessons from artistry
Survivability: U.S. Air Force tests steel fragments against aluminum, assesses penetration of fuel tanks
Aerospace Outreach
Aerospace Sciences
Fluid Dynamics: Accelerating accurate engineering answers with simulations
Ground Testing: Facility reactivation and upgrades highlight busy year for ground testing
Guidance, Navigation and Control: Falcon Heavy makes history, Parker probe skims by sun
Atmospheric and Space Environments: Forecasting space weather to protect travelers
Astrodynamics: Landmark launches are signals of future planetary exploration
Meshing, visualization community works on CFD Vision 2030
Thermophysics: New technologies advancing thermophysics
Plasmadynamics and Lasers: Plasma diagnostics in forefront of research
Aeroacoustics: Predicting, reducing noise from supersonic jets and unmanned aircraft
Atmospheric Flight Mechanics: Progress seen on self-learning aircraft, Mars landing tech and Dream Chaser
Applied Aerodynamics: Real-world geometries, wind tunnel tests bring improved results
Aerodynamic Measurement Technology: Researchers measure xenon at low concentrations, demo novel approach to measuring particle velocities
Modeling and Simulation: Simulating air traffic control for training pilots
Aircraft Technology, Integration and Operations
Hypersonic Technologies and Aerospace Planes: A new X-plane designation, testing highlight year
Aircraft Operations: Aviation operations focus on safety, efficiency and accommodating new entrants
Balloon Systems: Balloons support space flight, internet communications, scientific research
Air Transportation Systems: Building a structure for urban air mobility
Flight Testing: Commercial space enterprises, airspace integrators make test progress
Lighter-Than-Air Systems: Luxury ecotourism airship images excite media
Aircraft Design: New designs offer promise of speed and utility
Aerodynamic Decelerator Systems: Space, military delivery systems undergo testing
VSTOL Aircraft Systems: The year of electric-powered lift
Information Systems
Computer Systems: Ensuring security while building faster supercomputers
Communications Systems: Industry disruption, transformation continue into fourth year
Sensor Systems and Information Fusion: U.S. military funds major sensor system projects
Intelligent Systems: UH-1 Huey flies autonomous resupply mission in test
Integration
Transformational Flight: Dozens of urban air mobility projects underway
Aerospace Traffic Management: FAA budget increase comes amid unmanned aircraft boom
Energy Optimized Aircraft: Government and industry pour resources into electric power
CFD Vision 2030: Marching toward the 2030 vision of CFD
Space Exploration: Spitzer telescope endures, while Opportunity’s fate is pending
Unmanned Systems: Unmanned aircraft systems make research and business advances
Propulsion and Energy
Energetic Components and Systems: Embracing innovation from Orion to additive manufacturing
High-Speed Air-Breathing Propulsion: Exploring high-speed propulsion for weapons, passenger aircraft
Funding increase for pressure gain begins to pay off
Gas Turbine Engines: Geared turbofan and additive manufacturing among new engine technologies
Global competition for affordable heavy lifters
Hope for again sending humans to space from U.S. soil
Inlets, Nozzles and Propulsion Systems Integration: Improving simulations of engine performance for training, aircraft design
Terrestrial Energy Systems: Lightweight fission reactor passes test; work on innovative engine combustor
Electric Propulsion: New thrusters tested; lunar gateway power portion announced
Aerospace Power Systems: Powering InSight, Parker Solar Probe on their missions
Nuclear and Future Flight Propulsion: Progress made toward nuclear propulsion, in-situ resource utilization
Propellants and Combustion: Safely improving jet, rocket fuels
Hybrid Rockets: Toward bigger and better hybrid rockets
Space and Missiles