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Flight Performance and Safety

From the complex modeling, controls and algorithms and advanced sensing capabilities of an aircraft to the materials and structures to achieve lightness and aerodynamics, we work on all of the major systems to ensure safety, durability, cost-effectiveness, energy efficiency and ease of control and operation to benefit manufacturers, operators and passengers. We count the Federal Aviation Administration as a partner in many research projects.

Student club highlight

a group of students

Husky Robotics

Husky Robotics designs, builds, programs and competes Mars Rovers in simulated missions while providing students with experience in machining, circuit design, coding and project management.

Research highlights

an airplane outside a hangar

New law of physics finds a sweet spot for aircraft efficiency

A&A researchers in the Computational Fluid Mechanics Lab prove the existence of a new law of physics.

moth

Hawkmoth research yields lessons in agile flight

A&A research of the biological sensing mechanisms of the hawkmoth informs the advancement of aerospace systems.

two students standing inside the wind tunnel

Through icing research, KWT installs structural upgrades

Funding targeted toward enhancing UW ice accretion research leads to KWT structural upgrades.

 

Award highlight

AIAA logo

Livne wins AIAA Ashley Award 2021

The Ashley Award for Aeroelasticity recognizes outstanding contributions to the understanding and application of aeroelastic phenomena.

Related News

Jim Hermanson with Blue Angels pilot in front of an aircraft

Wed, 07/30/2025 | UW News

Professor Jim Hermanson goes for ride-along with the Blue Angels

Professor Jim Hermanson took a ride Wednesday morning aboard a U.S. Navy Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet.

Charlie Higgins headshot

Mon, 07/21/2025

From wind shear to security: Charlie Higgins' legacy of aviation safety

Charlie Higgins (BSAA '71) transformed aviation safety through industry collaboration, from wind shear to 9/11.

Mira Tipirneni headshot

Mon, 03/03/2025

Digital tools to combat rain erosion captures Varanasi Fellowship

PhD student Mira Tipirneni develops computational models to predict and combat aircraft surface damage from rain.

Marco Salviato in front of composites equipment

Sat, 01/25/2025 | The Seattle Times

Spokane facility gets $48M to boost thermoplastic research for planes

A&A professor's research on lightweight aircraft materials helps secure major CHIPS Act funding for Spokane facility.