Graduate Student Handbook
Chapter 2
Degree Programs
The graduate programs in the Department of Aerospace Engineering are designed to provide the following: an environment of scientific inquiry and intellectual stimulation for students and faculty; the opportunity for advanced education and creative research, essential for students wishing to pursue careers in teaching or research; the means for faculty and students to contribute to the body of knowledge in engineering; and the opportunity to make contributions to the advancement of the state and the nation as a whole.
Three distinct degree tracks are offered by the Department. First, the Aerospace Engineering degree track gives students the opportunity for deep, focused study in one particular emphasis area, within the broad scope of aerospace engineering. The emphasis areas currently available within the Department are fluid mechanics, structural mechanics, and dynamics and controls. Second, the Engineering Mechanics (EM) degree track provides students with a broader, interdisciplinary program, with a strong foundation in each of the three emphasis areas. Third, the Master of Engineering in Experimental Methods (MEXM) degree permits students to specialize in this important skill area, using a unique range of facilities available to the Department. Within these broad outlines, a graduate student may pursue specializations in such technical areas as computational fluid dynamics, experimental aerodynamics, computational solid mechanics, automatic controls, aerodynamic design, dynamics, and vibrations. The student also has the opportunity to select course work in another area, such as mathematics, physics, or computer science. Three types of degrees are available within the Aerospace Engineering and Engineering Mechanics programs. These are the Master of Science and Master of Engineering degrees, the former requiring a thesis, the latter not, and finally the Doctor of Philosophy degree.
These programs have been designed to prepare graduates for professional practice in teaching, research and development, design, and consulting. Graduates are prepared for challenging and creative work in high-technology industries, research organizations, consulting firms, and government agencies.
2.1 The Faculty
The faculty is currently engaged in teaching and research in at least the following areas: high-speed flows; computational fluid dynamics (CFD); aerodynamic design optimization; unsteady flows; vortex flows; mixing and reacting flows; turbulence modeling; experimental fluid mechanics; flow stability, transition, and control; automotive aerodynamics; structural dynamics; finite element analysis (FEA); space structures; computational aeroacoustics (CAA); structural acoustics and sonic fatigue; composite structures; smart structures; computational structural mechanics (CSM); controls; flight vehicle dynamics and controls; robotics; structural optimization; vibrations; magnetic suspensions; and a variety of multidisciplinary areas.The Aerospace Engineering Department is fortunate to have a nationally recognized faculty with expertise in a variety of important fields in aerospace engineering and engineering mechanics.
Alberts, T. E. - Associate Professor and Graduate Program Director. B.S. and M.S., University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; Ph.D., Georgia Institute of Technology. Automatic control, Robotics, Dynamics, Passive vibration control. 757-683-3736, talberts@aero.odu.edu
Ash, R. L. - Professor and Eminent Scholar. B.S. Kansas State University; M.S., Ph.D., Tulane University. Thermal sciences, Fluid mechanics, Instrumentation. 757-683-3304, rash@odu.edu
Balakumar, P. - Associate Professor. B.S., University of Sri Lanka-Peradeniya; M.S., University of Missouri-Rolla; Ph.D. Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Stability, Transition, Turbulence, Aerodynamics, Computational fluid dynamics, Applied mathematics. 757-683-4796, balak_p@aero.odu.edu
Baysal, O. - Professor, Eminent Scholar, and Associate Dean. B.S., Technical University of Istanbul, Turkey; M.S., University of Birmingham, U.K.; Ph.D., Louisiana State University. Computational fluid dynamics, Optimization and sensitivity analysis, Unsteady aerodynamics and fluid mechanics, Aeroacoustics, Turbomachinery. 757-683-3729, baysal@aero.odu.edu
Britcher, C. P. - Associate Professor and Experimental Methods Program Director. B.S., Ph.D., Southampton University, England. Wind tunnel test techniques and instrumentation, Aerodynamics, Flight mechanics, Magnetic suspensions. 757-683-4916, britcher@aero.odu.edu
Kandil, O. A. - Professor, Eminent Scholar and Chair. B.S., Cairo University; M.S., Villanova University; Ph.D., Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Computational fluid dynamics, Unsteady aerodynamics, Fluid/structure and fluid/dynamics interaction, Boundary and finite element methods, Perturbation methods, Nonlinear systems. 757-683-4913, kandil@aero.odu.edu
Kunz, D. L. - Associate Professor. B.S., Syracuse University; M.S. and Ph.D., Georgia Institute of Technology. Structural dynamics, Aeroelasticity, Rotorcraft structures, Multibody dynamics, Computational methods, Finite element methods. 757-683-4914. kunz@aero.odu.edu
Landman, D. - Joint Appointment - Assistant Professor of Aerospace Engineering and Associate Professor of Engineering Technology. B.S. and M.S., Lehigh University; Ph. D. Old Dominion University. Wind tunnel models and measurement instrumentation. Experimental fluid mechanics, Aerodynamics. Machine design and analysis 757-683-3720. dlandman@odu.edu
Mei, C. - Professor and Eminent Scholar. B.S., National Taiwan University; M.S., University of Utah; Ph.D., Cornell University. Composite structures, Structural dynamics, Nonlinear vibrations, Finite element methods, Sonic fatigue, Panel flutter, Smart structures. 757-683-3733, chmei@aero.odu.edu
Newman, B. A. - Assistant Professor and Computational Facilities Director. B.S., M.S., Oklahoma State University; Ph.D., Purdue University. Atmospheric flight dynamics and control, Space flight dynamics and control. 757-683-5860, newman@aero.odu.edu
Ro, J.-J. -Assistant Professor. B.S., National Taiwan University; M.S. and Ph.D. Catholic University of America. Analysis, design, and testing of smart structures; Active constrained layer damping treatments for vibration structures, Actuators and sensors technologies; Experimental structural dynamics. 757-683-5861, ro@aero.odu.edu
In addition, the following Senior University Administrator maintains close ties to the Department including tenure within the Department.
Cross, E. J., Jr. - Professor and Manager of the Langley Full-Scale Tunnel. B.S., Pennsylvania State University; M.S., Ph.D., University of Texas. Hypersonic flow, Experimental fluid mechanics, Flight testing. 757-683-3788, jcross@odu.edu
2.2 Research Thrusts
The research thrusts of the Department are represented in part by the dissertation and thesis topics of our graduate students. Since 1993, the faculty of the Department have produced many doctoral and masters graduates. In the following sections, the graduates, their dissertation or thesis title, their faculty advisor and their current position are listed.
2.2.1 Doctoral Graduates
Hamdy K. Kandil, "Navier-Stokes Simulation of Quasi-Axisymmetric and Three-Dimensional Supersonic Vortex Breakdown," May 1993, Dr. Kandil (Advisor). Currently an Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering, University of Alexandria, Egypt.
Zhongquan Charlie Zheng, "The Influence of Reynolds Number and Atmospheric Effects of Aircraft Wake Vortices Near the Ground," May 1993, Dr. Ash (Advisor). Currently a Research Faculty member at University of South Alabama.
Charles W. Alcorn, "Boundary Layer Influences on the Subsonic Near-Wake of a Family of 3-D Bluff Bodies," August 1993, Dr. Britcher (Advisor).
Atul G. Kelkar, "Robust Control of Nonlinear Multibody Flexible Space Structures," August 1993, Dr. Alberts (Advisor). Currently an Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Kansas State University.
Houchun Xia, "Fiber Enhanced Viscoelastic Damping Polymers and Their Application to Passive Vibration Control," August 1993, Dr. Alberts (Advisor). Currently a Research Engineer at GM NAO Engineering Center, Vehicle Synthesis, Analysis and Simulation Process Center.
Joseph V. Harrell, "Theoretical Results Supporting the Use of Passive Damping as Augmentation to the Active Control of Flexible Structures," December 1993, Dr. Alberts (Advisor). Currently a Professor of Mathematics at Tidewater Community College.
Gregory W. Burgreen, "Three-Dimensional Aerodynamic Shape Optimization Using Discrete Sensitivity Analysis," May 1994, Dr. Baysal (Advisor). Currently a Research Assistant Professor at University of Pittsburgh.
Carl S. Pates, III, "Analysis of Random Structure-Acoustic Interaction Problems Using Coupled Boundary Element and Finite Element Methods," May 1994, Dr, Mei (Advisor). Currently an Engineer at Anatrol, Inc.
Guan Wei Yen, "Unsteady Flow Simulations About Moving Boundary Configurations Using Dynamic Domain Decomposition Techniques," May 1994, Dr. Baysal (Advisor). Currently an Analyst with a software company.
Dongchuan Wu, "Development of a Method to Extract High Purity Oxygen from the Martian Atmosphere," August 1994, Dr. Ash (Advisor).
Run Chen Zhou, "Finite Element Analysis for Nonlinear Flutter Suppression of Composite Panel at Elevated Temperatures using Piezoelectric Materials," December 1994, Dr. Mei (Advisor). Currently a Design Engineer at Federal Express.
Hazem Sharaf El-Din, "Simulation of Active Control of Asymmetric Flows Around Slender Pointed Forebodies," December 1994, Dr. Kandil (Advisor). Currently an Assistant Professor of Engineering Mechanics at Cairo University, Egypt.
Jayashree Moorthy, "Numerical Simulation of Their Nonlinear Response of Composite Plates under Combined Thermal and Acoustic Loading," December 1994, Dr. Mei (Advisor). Currently a Research Engineer at Siemens.
Ruixi R. Chen, "Finite Element Nonlinear Random Response of composite Panels of Arbitrary Shape to Acoustic and Thermal Loads Applied simultaneously," May 1995, Dr. Mei (Advisor). Currently a Research Associate for Aerospace Engineering Department at ODU.
Kamakhya P. Singh, "Dynamic Unstructured Method for Prescribed and Aerodynamically Determined Relative Moving Boundary Problems," August 1995, Dr. Baysal (Advisor). Currently an Aerospace Engineer at NASA Lewis.
Navin R. Jaunky, "Buckling Analysis and Optimum Design of Multidirectionally Stiffened Composite Curved Panel," December 1995, Dr. Knight (Advisor). Currently a Research Associate for the Aerospace Engineering Department at ODU.
Yunqian Qi, "On a Consistent Laminated Plate Theory and Its Finite Element Formulation," May 1996, Dr. Knight (Advisor). Currently the Chief Engineer and Co-Founder of Kinetics Research, Inc., San Jose, CA.
Margaret A. Menzies, "Unsteady, Transonic Flow Around Delta Wings Undergoing Coupled and Natural Modes Response -A Multidisciplinary Problem," May 1996, Dr. Kandil (Advisor). Currently an Aerospace Engineer at Avionics Specialists, Inc.
Yucheng Shi, " The Modeling of Structural-Acoustic Interaction Using Coupled FE/BE Method and Control of Interior Acoustic Pressure Using Piezoelectric Actuators," December 1996, Dr. Mei (Advisor). Currently a Research Scientist at Analytical Services and Materials, Inc.
Mohagna J. Pandya, "Aerodynamic Gradient-Based Optimization Using Computational Fluid Dynamics and Discrete Sensitivities for Practical Problems," May 1997, Dr. Baysal (Advisor). Currently a Research Engineer at Paragon Research, Hampton, VA.
Steven J. Massey, "Development of a Coupled Fluid / Structure Aeroelastic Solver with Applications to Vortex Breakdown Induced Twin Tail Buffet," December 1997, Dr. Kandil (Advisor). Currently a Research Scientist with Analytical Services and Materials, Inc., at NASA Dryden.
Raymond Yin Yin Lee, "Vibration Control of Composite Plates Under Random Acoustic Loading," December 1997, Dr. Mei (Advisor).
Drew Landman, "Experimental Geometry Optimization Techniques for Multi-Element Airfoils," May 1998, Dr. Britcher (Advisor). Currently an Assistant Professor with the Aerospace Engineering Department at ODU.
Essam F. Sheta, "Computational Investigation and Validation of Twin-Tail Buffet Response Including Dynamics and Control," May 1998, Dr. Kandil (Advisor). Currently a Research Engineer with CFD Research Corporation, Huntsville, Alabama.
Zhiwei Zhong, "Reduction of Thermal Deflection and Random Response of Composite Structures with Embedded Shape Memory Alloy at Elevated Temperature," May 1998, Dr. Mei (Advisor). Currently a Senior Engineer with ITT Automotive, Auburn Hills, Michigan.
Ihab Adam, "Vortex Wake and Exhaust Plume Interaction, Including Ground Effect," August 1998, Dr. Kandil (Advisor). Currently an Assistant Professor with the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt.
Erik Janke, "Nonlinear Stability and Control of Three-dimensional Boundary Layers," August 1998, Dr. Balakumar (Advisor). Currently a Post-doctoral Researcher at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) in G¦ttingen, Germany.
Ayman Kassem, "Approximate Analytical Relationships for Linear Optimal Aeroelastic Flight Control Laws," August 1998, Dr. Newman (Advisor). Currently an Assistant Professor with the Department of Aerospace Engineering at Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.
2.2.2 Master of Science (Thesis) Graduates
Mark W. Flanagan, "Simulation of Vertical Tail Buffet in Internal Vortex Breakdown Flows," December 1993, Dr. Kandil (Advisor). Currently a part-time PhD Candidate in the Aerospace Engineering Department at ODU and employed as an Engineer at Dynamic Engineering, Inc.
Steven J. Massey, "A Direct Numerical Simulation of Vortex Breakdown Induced Tail Buffet," May 1994, Dr. Kandil (Advisor). Currently a Research Scientist with Analytical Services and Materials, Inc., at NASA Dryden.
Travis B. Dubois, "Optimal Active Control Design for a Slewing Piezoelectric Laminate Beam," May 1994, Dr. Alberts (Advisor).
James M. Lacasse, "Implementation of a Multiblock Sensitivity Analysis Method in Numerical Aerodynamic Shape," May 1994, Dr. Baysal (Advisor). Currently an Engineer at Newport News Dry Dock and Shipbuilding Company.
James C. Newman, "Flow Simulations about Steady-Complex and Unsteady Moving Configuration Using Structure-Overlapped and Unstructured Grids," May 1994, Dr. Baysal (Advisor). Currently an Assistant Professor in Mechanical Engineering Department at Mississippi State University.
Christine C. Schleicher, "Transverse Stress Effects for Laminated Composite Beams in Bending," May 1994, Dr. Knight (Advisor). Currently a Research and Design Engineer at the Naval Surface Warfare Center.
Florence O. Vanel, "Investigation of Computation and Spectral Analysis Methods for Aeroacoustic Wave Propagation," August 1994, Dr. Baysal (Advisor). Currently a PhD Candidate in Mechanical Engineering Department at Virginia Tech.
Lucas E. Foster, "Extension to the Dynamic Modeling of the Large Angle Magnetic Suspension Test Fixture," May 1995, Dr. Britcher (Advisor). Currently employed by Lockheed Engineering and Sciences Corporation.
Kevin P. Belack, "Modeling and Simulation of Load Introduction for Fuselage Crown Panel Testing," May 1995, Dr. Knight (Advisor). Currently an Engineer at Adtranz, Pittsburgh, PA
Steven A. Whitney, "Formulation of Genetic Algorithm for the Evolution of Engineering Designs," May 1995, Dr. Knight (Advisor). Currently a Design Engineer at Newport News Dry Dock and Shipbuilding Company.
Cem C. Item, "Wing-Section Optimization for Supersonic Viscous Flow," May 1995, Dr. Baysal (Advisor). Currently an Engineer with a local manufacturing company.
William S. Carron, "Assumed-Stress Hybrid Beam Element for Nonlinear Elastic Stress Analysis," May 1995, Dr. Knight (Advisor). Currently an Engineer at General Dynamics, Electric Boat Division.
Daniel J. Neff, "Design and Implementation of a Digital Controller for a Magnetic Suspension and Vernier Pointing System," August 1995, Dr. Britcher (Advisor). Currently a Design and Test Engineer at Oxford Superconductors.
Umesh V. Padhye, "Finite Element Formulation of a Three-Node Spatially Curved and Twisted Beam," December 1995, Dr. Aminpour (Advisor).
Timothy S. Davis, "Assessment of High-Order Serendipity and Lagrangian Quadrilateral Membrane Elements," December 1995, Dr. Knight (Advisor). Currently an Engineer at Modern Machine, Inc.
Te-Kang Wang, "Study of Surface Heat Exchangers for High-Altitude Atmospheric Research Aircraft," May 1996, Dr. Britcher (Advisor). Currently a PhD Candidate in Aerospace Engineering at ODU.
David W. Sleight, "Progressive Failure Analysis Methodology for Laminated Composite Structures," August 1996, Dr. Knight (Advisor). Currently an Aerospace Engineer at NASA Langley.
Winfred S. Kenner, "Lattice Truss Structural Response Using Energy Methods," August 1996, Dr. Knight (Advisor). Currently an Aerospace Engineer at NASA Langley.
Uchendu Eke, "Dynamics and Control of a Three Dimensional Gantry Crane with Cable Flexibility," December 1996, Dr. Alberts (Advisor). Currently a Research Associate in the Department of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering at Aston University, U.K.
David M. McGowan "Development of Curved Plate Elements for the Exact Buckling Analysis of Composite Plate Assemblies Including Transverse Shear Effects," May 1997, Dr. Mei (Advisor). Currently an Aerospace Engineer at NASA Langley.
Rachel A. Ormsby, "Thermal Analyst's Help Desk: An Expert System," May 1997, Dr. Ash (Advisor). Currently a Research Engineer at Sverdrup (Ames Group).
Charles P. Leonard, " Investigation of an Alternative Technique for Measuring Turbulence in the Upper Atmosphere," May 1997, Dr. Ash (Advisor). Currently an Aerospace Engineer with NYMA, Inc., Supporting NASA Langley.
Kendeas A. Karantonis, "Broadband Dynamic Modification Using Feedforward Control," May 1997, Dr. Alberts (Advisor). Currently a Research Engineer at Wyle Laboratories.
Jeffrey S. Bevan, "Analysis and Testing of Plates with Piezoelectric Sensors and Actuators," May 1997, Dr. Mei (Advisor). Currently a Ph.D. candidate in Aerospace Engineering at ODU.
Kenneth W. Barlow, "DYNA3D Simulations of Low-Speed Impact Response of Laminated Composite Panels, " August 1997, Dr. Knight (Advisor). Currently a Project Engineer at the Naval Air Warfare Center in Patuxent River, MD.
Yvette Cordero, "Interactive Approach for Geometry Definition with Automatically differentiated Sensitivity for Practical Airplane Design, " August 1997, Dr. Baysal (Advisor). Currently an Analyst at Computer Science Corporation, Hampton, VA.
Olaf L. Storaasli, "Correlation of Finite Element Prediction and Experimental Measurements of Aircraft Panell Structural Vibration, " August 1997. Dr. Mei (Advisor). Currently an Engineer at Newport News Dry Dock and Shipbuilding Company.
Robert A. Pfouts, "A Comparison Between Simulated and Measured Free-Flight Vortex Encounter Behavior in the NASA Langley Full-Scale Wind Tunnel, " August 1997. Dr. Ash (Advisor). Currently a Research Engineer at Tao Systems Inc.
Yan Yang, "Research Related to Multi-Degree of Freedom Magnetic Suspensions," August 1997. Dr. Britcher (Advisor). Currently a Customer Support Engineer at Honeywell Microswitch, in Chicago, IL.
H. Kevin Rivers, "Thermal and Mechanical Behavior of Cryogenic Propellant Tank Concepts For Advanced Launch Vehicles," December 1997. Dr. Knight (Advisor). Currently an Aerospace Engineer at NASA Langley.
Preston B. Martin, " The Design and Testing of an Inlet-Airfoil for a High Altitude Remotely Piloted Aircraft," May 1998, Dr. Britcher (Advisor). Currently a Ph. D. student at the University of Maryland.
Sayam Saguanrum, "Saturation Control for Reduction of Rotor Blade Lag Vibration," August 1998, Dr. Kunz (Advisor). Currently a Ph. D. student in Aerospace Engineering at ODU.
Jiang Hao, " Analysis and Design of Composite Sandwich using PANDAZ,"August 1998, Dr. Knight (Advisor). Currently a Ph. D. student at the University of Delaware, Newark Delaware.
2.2.3 Master of Engineering (Non-thesis) Graduates
The following students completed the Master of Engineering program in either aerospace engineering or engineering mechanics by taking at least ten courses and successfully passing the Master's Comprehensive Examination.
William K. Mahler, May 1994
Jodi S. Gidley, December 1994
Xinhe Li, December 1994
Roger K. Johnson, May 1995
Makarand Shintre, May 1996
2.2.4 Master of Engineering Experimental Methods (Non-thesis, Project) Graduates
No students have completed the Master of Engineering in the Experimental Methods Program at this point.
2.3 Research Facilities
The Department operates a number of experimental and computational facilities in support of its teaching and research activities. On campus computational facilities are based on a SUN network, with numerous graphics workstations, including a SGI Indigo and a SGI O2. A second SUN network is installed at the Department offices at VCES on the Peninsula. Experimental facilities on-campus include two low-speed wind tunnels, two supersonic wind tunnels, a control systems and robotics laboratory, and a vibrations laboratory.
A major recent development has been the approval for Old Dominion University to reactivate and operate the recently decommissioned "Full-Scale" wind tunnel at NASA Langley. This effort is spearheaded by the Aerospace Engineering Department, in close collaboration with local high technology companies. Operation and development of this facility will create numerous opportunities for graduate study and research, as well as co-op or internship opportunities. Originally known as the NACA Full-Scale Tunnel, this facility, with a test section 30-feet high and 60-feet wide, was the largest wind tunnel in the world at the time of its commissioning in 1931. Within the United States, only the NASA Ames 40 by 80/ 80 by 120 currently has a larger test section. The tunnel became known as the NASA 30 by 60, and major upgrades, costing several million dollars, were made in 1973 and 1984. Recent budget and staff reductions occurring throughout NASA forced decisions to close certain research facilities. The 30 by 60 tunnel was officially closed by NASA on October 27, 1995. Old Dominion University realized that an important national test capability was being lost, and has negotiated with NASA Langley for permission to operate the facility in a not-for-profit research and educational mode.
In addition to the facilities mentioned, numerous other experimental facilities at NASA Langley Research Center are available to faculty members and students through many NASA research grants awarded to the Department. Unique experimental facilities at Langley include the National Transonic Facility. Computational facilities at NASA Langley, NASA Ames (in particular the Numerical Aerodynamic Simulation or NAS facilities) and NSF supercomputer centers are accessible through high-speed networks.