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: 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