|
Aero-Astro Magazine HighlightThe following article appears in the 2006–2007 issue of Aero-Astro, the annual report/magazine of the MIT Aeronautics and Astronautics Department. © 2007 Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Note that some lab personnel have changed since this article was prepared. For latest information, click each lab's link in its report. LAB REPORT : A REVIEW OF MIT AERONAUTICS AND ASTRONAUTICS DEPARTMENT LABORATORIES AND RESEARCH CENTERSCompiled by William T.G. Litant from information provided by the laboratories and research centers.
Aerospace Computational Design LaboratoryThe Aerospace Computational Design Laboratory’s mission is to lead the advancement and application of computational engineering for aerospace system design and optimization. ACDL research addresses a comprehensive range of topics in advanced computational fluid dynamics, methods for uncertainty quantification and control, and simulation-based design techniques. The use of advanced computational fluid dynamics for complex 3D configurations allows for significant reductions in time from geometry-to-solution. Specific research interests include aerodynamics, aeroacoustics, flow and process control, fluid structure Interactions, hypersonic flows, high-order methods, multi-level solution techniques, large eddy simulation, and scientific visualization. Uncertainty quantification and control is aimed at improving the efficiency and reliability of simulation-based analysis. Research is focused on error estimation and adaptive methods as well as certification of computer simulations. The creation of computational decision-aiding tools in support of the design process is the objective of a number of methodologies currently pursued in the lab. These include PDE-constrained optimization, real time simulation and optimization of systems governed by PDEs, multiscale optimization, model order reduction, geometry management, and fidelity management. ACDL is applying these methodologies to aircraft design and to the development of tools for assessing aviation environmental impact. ACDL faculty and staff include: Aerospace Controls LaboratoryThe Aerospace Controls Laboratory is involved in research topics related to control design and synthesis for aircraft and spacecraft. Theoretical research is pursued in areas such as high-level decision making, estimation, navigation using GPS, robust control, optimal control, and model predictive control. Experimental and applied research is also a major part of ACL. The advanced unmanned aerial vehicle, rover, automobile, and satellite testbeds enable students to implement their algorithms in actual hardware and evaluate the proposed techniques. ACL faculty are Jonathan How and Steven Hall. Communications and Networking Research GroupThe primary goal of the Communications and Networking Research Group is the design of network architectures that are cost effective, scalable, and meet emerging needs for high data-rate and reliable communications. To meet emerging critical needs for military communications, space exploration, and internet access for remote and mobile users, future aerospace networks will depend upon satellite, wireless and optical components. Satellite networks are essential for providing access to remote locations lacking in communications infrastructure; wireless networks are needed for communication between untethered nodes (such as autonomous air vehicles); and optical networks are critical to the network backbone and in high performance local area networks. The group is working on a wide range of projects in the area of data communication and networks with application to satellite, wireless, and optical networks. An important aspect of the group’s research is the development of architectures and algorithms that are optimized across multiple layers of the protocol stack, such as the design of network protocols that are aware of the physical layer channel conditions. For example, together with researchers at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the group recently demonstrated tremendous gains in network performance through the application of novel cross-layer resource allocation algorithms to Mars communications. The group’s research crosses disciplinary boundaries by combining techniques from network optimization, queueing theory, graph theory, network protocols and algorithms, hardware design, and physical layer communications. Eytan Modiano directs the Communications and Networking Research Group. Complex Systems Research LaboratoryIncreasing complexity and coupling as well as the introduction of digital technology are introducing challenges for engineering, operations, and sustainment. The Complex Systems Research Lab designs system modeling, analysis, and visualization theory and tools to assist in the design and operation of safer systems with greater capability. To accomplish these goals, the lab applies a system’s approach to engineering that includes building technical foundations and knowledge and integrating these with the organizational, political, and cultural aspects of system construction and operation. While CSRL’s main emphasis is aerospace systems and applications, its research results are applicable to complex systems in such domains as transportation, energy, and health. Current research projects include accident modeling and design for safety, model-based system and software engineering, reusable, component-based system architectures, interactive visualization, human-centered system design, system diagnosis and fault tolerance, system sustainment, and organizational factors in engineering and project management. CSRL faculty include Nancy Leveson (director), Charles Coleman, Mary Cummings, Wesley Harris, and Paul Lagace. Gas Turbine LaboratoryThe MIT Gas Turbine Laboratory is the largest university laboratory of its kind, focusing on all aspects of advanced propulsion systems and turbomachinery. GTL’s mission is to advance the state-of-the-art in gas turbines for power and propulsion. Several unique experimental facilities include a blowdown turbine, a blowdown compressor, a shock tube for reacting flow heat transfer analysis, facilities for designing, fabricating and testing micro heat engines, and a range of one-of-a-kind experimental diagnostics. GTL also has unique computational and theoretical modeling capabilities in the areas of gas turbine fluid mechanics, aircraft noise, emissions, heat transfer and robust design. Three examples of the lab’s work are the development of Smart Engines, in particular active control of turbomachine instabilities; the Microengine Project, which involves extensive collaboration with the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science-these are shirt-button sized high-power density gas turbine and rocket engines fabricated using silicon chip manufacturing technology; and the Silent Aircraft Initiative, an effort to dramatically reduce aircraft noise with the goal to transform commercial air transportation. GTL participates in research topics related to short, mid and long-term problems and interacts with almost all of the major gas turbine manufacturers. Research support also comes from several Army, Navy, and Air Force agencies as well as from different NASA research centers. Alan Epstein is the director of the lab. GTL faculty and research staff include David Darmofal, Mark Drela, Fredric Ehrich, Yifang Gong, Edward Greitzer, Gerald Guenette, Stuart Jacobson, Jack Kerrebrock, Carol Livermore, Ali Merchant, Manuel Martinez-Sanchez, James Paduano, Zoltan Spakovszky, Choon Tan, Ian Waitz, and Karen Willcox. Humans and Automation LaboratoryResearch in the Humans and Automation Laboratory focuses on the multifaceted interactions of human and computer decision-making in complex socio-technical systems. With the explosion of automated technology, the need for humans as supervisors of complex automatic control systems has replaced the need for humans in direct manual control. A consequence of complex, highly-automated domains in which the human decision-maker is more on-the-loop than in-the-loop is that the level of required cognition has moved from that of well-rehearsed skill execution and rule following to higher, more abstract levels of knowledge synthesis, judgment, and reasoning. Employing human-centered design principles to human supervisory control problems, and identifying ways in which humans and computers can leverage the strengths of the other to achieve superior decisions together is the central focus of HAL. Current research projects include investigation of human understanding of complex optimization algorithms and visualization of cost functions, collaborative human-computer decision making in time-pressured scenarios (for both individuals and teams), human supervisory control of multiple unmanned vehicles, and designing decision support displays for direct-perception interaction as well as assistive collaboration technologies, including activity awareness interface technologies and interruption assistance technologies. Equipment in the lab includes an experimental test bed for future command and control decision support systems, intended to aid in the development of human-computer interface (HCI) design recommendations for future unmanned vehicle systems. In addition, the lab hosts a state-of-the-art multi-workstation collaborative teaming operations center, as well as a mobile command and control experimental test bed mounted in a Dodge Sprint van awarded through the ONR DURIP program. HAL faculty include Mary L. Cummings (director), Nicholas Roy, and Thomas Sheridan. International Center for Air TransportationThe International Center for Air Transportation undertakes research and educational programs that discover and disseminate the knowledge and tools underlying a global air transportation industry driven by technologies ICAT faculty include R. John Hansman (director), Cynthia Barnhart, Peter Belobaba, and Amedeo Odoni. Laboratory for Information and Decision SystemsThe Laboratory for Information and Decision Systems is an interdepartmental research laboratory that began in 1939 as the Servomechanisms Laboratory, focusing on guided missile control, radar, and flight trainer technology. Today, LIDS conducts theoretical studies in communication and control, and is committed to advancing the state of knowledge of technologically important areas such as atmospheric optical communications, and multivariable robust control. In April 2004, LIDS moved to MIT’s Stata Center, a dynamic space that promotes increased interaction within the lab and with the larger community. Laboratory research volume is approximately $6.5 million, and the size of the faculty and student body has tripled in recent years. LIDS continues to host events, notably weekly colloquia that feature leading scholars from the laboratory’s research areas. The 12th annual LIDS Student Conference took place in January 2007, showcasing current student work and including keynote speakers. These, and other events reflect LIDS’ commitment to building a vibrant, interdisciplinary community. In addition to a fulltime staff of faculty, support personnel, and graduate assistants, scientists from around the globe visit LIDS to participate in its research program. Currently, 17 faculty members and approximately 100 graduate students are associated with the laboratory. Aero-Astro / LIDS faculty includes Emilio Frazzoli and Moe Win. Vincent Chan directs the laboratory. Lean Aerospace InitiativeThe Lean Aerospace Initiative is a continuously evolving learning and research community that brings together key aerospace stakeholders from industry, government, organized labor, and academia. A consortium-guided research program, headquartered in Aero-Astro, and working in close collaboration with the Sloan School of Management, LAI is managed under the auspices of the Center for Technology, Policy and Industrial Development, an MIT-wide interdisciplinary research center. The Initiative was formally launched as the Lean Aircraft Initiative in 1993 when leaders from the U.S. Air Force, MIT, labor unions, and defense aerospace businesses forged a partnership to transform the U.S. aerospace industry, reinvigorate its workplace, and reinvest in America, using an overarching operational philosophy called “lean.” LAI accelerates lean deployment through identified best practices, shared communication, common goals, and strategic and implementation tools honed from collaborative experience. LAI also promotes cooperation at all levels and facets of an enterprise, and, in the process, eliminates traditional barriers to improving industry and government teamwork. The greatest benefits of lean are realized when the operating, technical, business, and administrative units of an aerospace entity all strive for across-the-board lean performance, thus transforming that entity into a total lean enterprise. Aero-Astro LAI participants include Deborah Nightingale (co-director), Earll Murman, Dan Hastings, Annalisa Weigel, and Sheila Widnall. John Carroll (co-director) joins LAI from the Sloan School of Management. Warren Seering, and Joe Sussman represent the Engineering Systems Division. Man Vehicle LaboratoryThe Man Vehicle Laboratory optimizes human-vehicle system safety and effectiveness by improving understanding of human physiological and cognitive capabilities, and developing appropriate countermeasures and evidence-based engineering design criteria. Research is interdisciplinary, and uses techniques from manual and supervisory control, signal processing, estimation, sensory-motor physiology, sensory and cognitive psychology, biomechanics, human factor engineering, artificial intelligence, and biostatistics. MVL has flown experiments on Space Shuttle Spacelab missions and parabolic flights, and has several flight experiments in development for the International Space Station. NASA, the National Space Biomedical Institute, and the FAA-sponsored ground-based research. Projects focus on advanced space suit design and dynamics of astronaut motion, adaptation to rotating artificial gravity environments, spatial disorientation and navigation, teleoperation, design of aircraft and spacecraft displays and controls and cockpit human factors. Annual MVL MIT Independent Activities Period activities include ski safety research, and an introductory course on Boeing 767 systems and automation. MVL faculty include Charles Oman (director), Jeffrey Hoffman Dava Newman, and Laurence Young. They also teach subjects in human factors engineering, space systems engineering, space policy, flight simulation, space physiology, aerospace biomedical and life support engineering, and the physiology of human spatial orientation. The Partnership for AiR Transportation Noise and Emissions ReductionThe Partnership for AiR Transportation Noise and Emissions Reduction is an MIT-led FAA/NASA/Transport Canada-sponsored Center of Excellence. PARTNER fosters breakthrough technological, operational, policy, and workforce advances for the betterment of mobility, economy, national security, and the environment. PARTNER represents the combined talents of 12 universities, three federal agencies, and 50 advisory board members, the latter spanning a range of interests from local government, to industry, to citizens’ community groups. During 2006-07, PARTNER continued to expand its research portfolio, added participating universities and advisory board members, and forged international collaborations. Harvard University’s School of Public Health and the University of North Carolina joined PARTNER. Among major PARTNER projects are a landmark aviation and environment report to the U.S. Congress; testing alternate descent patterns to reduce aircraft landing noise, fuel consumption, and pollutant emissions; and development of simulations to assess policies, technologies and operational options for enabling environmentally responsible and economically viable air transportation growth. MIT’s most prominent role within PARTNER is developing tools that provide rigorous guidance to policy-makers who must decide among alternatives for addressing aviation’s environmental impact. The MIT researchers collaborate with an international team in developing aircraft-level and aviation system level tools to assess the costs and benefits of different policies and R&D investment strategies. Other PARTNER initiatives in which MIT participates include exploring mitigating aviation environmental impacts via the use of alternative fuels for aircraft; studies of aircraft particulate matter microphysics and chemistry; and a study of reducing vertical separations required between commercial aircraft, which may enhance operating efficiency by making available more fuel/time efficient flight levels, and enhancing air traffic control flexibility and airspace capacity. Current PARTNER MIT personnel include Ian Waitz (director), Karen Willcox, James Hileman, Christine Taylor, Karen Marais, Malcom Weiss, Stephen Connors, William Litant (communications director), Jennifer Leith (program coordinator) and 10-15 graduate students. Space Propulsion LaboratoryThe Space Propulsion Laboratory, part of the Space Systems Lab, studies and develops systems for increasing performance and reducing costs of space propulsion. A major area of interest to the lab is electric propulsion in which electrical, rather than chemical energy propels spacecraft. The benefits are numerous and important, hence the reason electric propulsion systems are increasingly applied to communication satellites and scientific space missions. In the future, these efficient engines will allow exploration in more detail of the structure of the universe, increase the lifetime of commercial payloads, and look for signs of life in far away places. Areas of research include Hall thrusters; plasma plumes and their interaction with spacecraft; electrospray physics, mainly as it relates to propulsion; microfabrication of electrospray thruster arrays; Helicon and other radio frequency plasma devices; and space electrodynamic tethers. Manuel Martinez-Sanchez directs the SPL research group, and Paulo Lozano and Oleg Batishchev are key participants. Space Systems LaboratorySpace Systems Laboratory cutting-edge research contributes to the current and future exploration and development of space. SSL’s mission is to explore innovative space systems concepts while training researchers to be conversant in this field. The major programs at the SSL conduct systems analysis studies and tool development, precision optical systems for space telescopes, microgravity experiments operated aboard the International Space Station, and robotic operations in Mars and beyond. Research at the SSL encompasses a wide array of topics that together comprise a majority of space systems: systems architecting, dynamics and control, active structural control, thermal analysis, space power and propulsion, microelectromechanical systems, modular space systems design, micro-satellite design, and software development. Major SSL initiatives study the development of formation flight technology. The SPHERES facility, which began operations aboard the International Space Station on May 2006, enables research of algorithms for distributed satellites systems, including telescope formation flight, docking, and stack reconfiguration. The Electromagnetic Formation Flight testbed is a proof-of-concept demonstration for a formation flight system that has no consumables; a space-qualified version is under study. The MOST project studies multiple architectures for lightweight segmented mirror space telescopes using active structural control; its final product will be a ground-prototype demonstrator. Multiple programs research the synthesis and analysis of architectural options for future manned and robotic exploration of the Earth-Moon-Mars system, as well as real options analysis for Earth-to-Orbit launch and assembly. In addition, SSL is developing technologies for low cost star trackers and mappers, stereographic imaging systems and space propulsion. David W. Miller (director), Raymond J. Sedwick (associate director), John Keesee, Olivier de Weck, Edward F. Crawley, Daniel Hastings, Annalisa Weigel, Manuel Martinez-Sanchez, Paulo Lozano, Oleg Batishchev, Alvar Saenz-Otero, Paul Bauer, SharonLeah Brown (administrator and outreach coordinator), Margaret Bryan (fiscal officer), and Marilyn E. Good (administrative assistant). Technology Laboratory for Advanced Materials and Structures An enthusiastic group of researchers constitute the Technology Laboratory for Advanced Materials and Structures. They work cooperatively to advance the knowledge base and understanding that will help facilitate and hasten the exploitation of advanced materials systems in, and the use of, various advanced structural applications and devices. The laboratory has recently broadened its interests from a strong historical background in composite materials, and the name change from the former Technology Laboratory for Advanced Composites (TELAC) reflects this. The research interests and ongoing work thus represent a diverse and growing set of areas and associations. Areas of interest include:
In supporting this work, TELAMS has complete facilities for the fabrication of structural specimens such as coupons, shells, shafts, stiffened panels, and pressurized cylinders, made of composites, active, and other materials. A recent addition is a facility for synthesizing carbon nanotubes. TELAMS testing capabilities include a battery of servohydraulic machines for cyclic and static testing, a unit for the catastrophic burst testing of pressure vessels, and an impact testing facility. TELAMS maintains capabilities for environmental conditioning, testing at low and high temperature, and in general and hostile environments. There are facilities for microscopic inspection, nondestructive inspection, high-fidelity characterization of MEMS materials and devices, and a laser vibrometer for dynamic device and structural characterization. With its ongoing, linked and coordinated efforts, both internal and external, the laboratory has renewed its commitment to leadership in the advancement of the knowledge and capabilities of the composites and structures community through education of students, original research, and interactions with the community. There has been a broadening of this commitment consistent with the broadening of the interest areas in the laboratory. This commitment is exemplified in the newly formed Nano-engineered Composite aerospace Structures Consortium, an industry-supported center for developing hybrid advanced composites. In all these efforts, the laboratory and its members continue their extensive collaborations with industry, government organizations, other academic institutions, and other groups and faculty within the MIT community. TELAMS faculty include Paul A. Lagace (director), Brian L. Wardle, and visitor Antonio Miravete. Wright Brothers Wind TunnelSince its opening in September 1938, The Wright Brothers Wind Tunnel has played a major role in the development of aerospace, civil engineering and architectural systems. In recent years, faculty research interests generated long-range studies of unsteady airfoil flow fields, jet engine inlet-vortex behavior, aeroelastic tests of unducted propeller fans, and panel methods for tunnel wall interaction effects. Industrial testing has ranged over auxiliary propulsion burner units, helicopter antenna pods, and in-flight trailing cables, as well as concepts for roofing attachments, a variety of stationary and vehicle mounted ground antenna configurations, the aeroelastic dynamics of airport control tower configurations for the Federal Aviation Authority, and the less anticipated live tests in Olympic ski gear, astronauts’ space suits for tare evaluations related to underwater simulations of weightless space activity, racing bicycles, subway station entrances, and Olympic rowing shells for oarlock system drag comparisons. In more than a half century of operations, Wright Brothers Wind Tunnel work has been recorded in several hundred theses and more than 1,000 technical reports. WBWT faculty and staff include Mark Drela and Richard Perdichizzi. |
||||||
| review | |||||||
 |
 |
     |
