We specialize in developing aerospace structures that are strong, lightweight and robust.
Structures can be made to withstand extreme conditions, such as large strains, rapid temperature changes, and variable environments while safely transporting precious cargo (including humans) through the atmosphere or into space. Weight, performance, and profitability are closely linked in this field, spurring the use of composite and other advanced materials that have replaced many of the metallic structures previously found in air and spacecraft.
The widespread adoption of composites - combined with advances in additive manufacturing, robotics and automation - has expanded our capacity to manufacture new forms and build unusual flight structures. Our faculty explore new designs, tests, and manufacturing methods, looking at how novel materials are performing across the industry. Current research includes design of engineered materials systems (e.g. nanocomposites and metamaterials), structural design, material characterization, non-destructive testing and evaluation, certification and structural health monitoring. In these activities, state of the art computational modeling methods are utilized and new methodologies are developed.
Undergraduate students have the opportunity to design, build, and fly new aircraft concepts in our senior-level Aircraft Design Capstone. The new capstone design teams includes personnel from industry and allow students to work on a variety of structural concepts that impact spacecraft, aircraft and unmanned aerial systems. The teams make use of our on-site machine shop, composite lab, and 3D fabrication facility. Graduate students work closely with prominent faculty and collaborative industry partners on contemporary cutting-edge research problems.
Key research areas
- Aeroelasticity
- Aircraft Design
- Composite Materials
- Fatigue, Vibration and Impact
- Metamaterials
- Solid Mechanics
- Structural Analysis and Dynamics
- Wave Propagation
Associated faculty
Key labs
- Active Aeroelastic Structures Lab
- Laboratory for Multiscale Analysis of Materials and Structures
- Illimited Lab
Key centers
- Advanced Composites Center
- Advanced Materials in Transport Aircraft Structures (AMTAS)
- Boeing Advanced Research Center
Research highlights
Origami-inspired materials could soften the blow for reusable spacecraft
A&A researchers created a model that uses “folding creases” to soften impact forces for potential applications in spacecraft, cars and beyond.
First in master’s for topological waveguides research
A&A research is advancing work on topological waveguides to absorb or redirect vibrations. Applications can include passenger comfort and safety in vehicles.
Advancing damage sensing through composites
A&A Multiscale Analysis of Materials and Structures Lab has developed an innovation to detect structural compromises to composite materials.
Unique techniques in labs
A&A is developing techniques to enhance the structural complexity of composite materials to deliver added strength and flexibility of uses.
Award highlights
BARC Awarded $1.2 Million
The Boeing Advanced Research Center was awarded $1.2 million from Washington state to advance composites research.
Grant focused on recycling
A JCATI grant supported research to recycle composite scraps for new applications, using this compression molding machine, a major industry challenge.
