Current Projects

The Department operates the Langley Full-Scale Tunnel (LFST), the largest University-operated wind tunnel in the world.Customers include NASA, the Navy, racecar teams (principally NASCAR), and local aerospace companies.In-house research programs are currently focused on drag reduction of commercial Class-8 trucks.For more information, please see www.lfst.com.During 2003, the LFST was used for extensive aerodynamic testing of a faithful reproduction of the Wright Flyer airframe.Analysis of the data continues even today.

The Department is leading the research effort related to the ODU magnetically levitated transportation (Maglev) system, with funding from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).Aside from the vehicle itself, a sophisticated test fixture and prototype bogie has been developed in a laboratory.

Recent CFD work under the direction of Dr. Osama A. Kandil has addressed the problem of sonic boom alleviation, with very promising results.

A research effort to develop and validate a wireless spacecraft bus has just started, under the direction of Dr. Robert L. Ash.

A major effort in the near future is expected o be the establishment of a motorsports-related educational and research presence at Virginia International Raceway (VIR), just east of Danville, VA.This will forma component of the Virginia Institute for Performance Engineering and Research (VIPER), a collaborative effort between ODU, Virginia Tech, under the auspices of the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) in Danville.