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Advanced Structures

Aerospace structures need to be sturdy, but as light as possible. Some of these materials will be traveling a long way under extreme conditions. We develop structures that are not only aerodynamic, but also lighter, stronger and more flexible to increase fuel efficiency, reduce waste and boost reusability. We are also pursuing innovative strategies such as smarter materials that can alert you when they are damaged to increase safety and make maintenance easier.

Key labs

Student club highlight

Hyperloop team

Washington Tunneling

Engineering innovative transit solutions.

Related News

spider on a web with trees in the background

A spiderweb's mechanical intelligence

Orb weavers sense prey through their webs. The same idea could give aerospace structures sensing with fewer parts.

Colorful 3D-printed modules arranged on a black surface

Shake and release: One small motor takes a whole structure apart one piece at a time

One small motor can take a whole structure apart, which will be especially useful for disassembly in space.

A diving gannet.

Reinforced vertebrae allow plunge-diving seabirds to survive high-speed impace

A new study answers the question of how sea-diving birds are so good at diving and absorbing impact with implications for aerospace.