We have expertise in a number of specialties in the field of aerospace engineering, any or all of which may be brought to bear on solving your particular problem. We have very talented engineers working in the areas of aerodynamics, experimental fluid dynamics, and heat transfer, complemented by divisional expertise in structural technologies and software development.

Analytical Aerodynamics We have a team of engineers who have a well-grounded knowledge of theoretical aerodynamics. This grounding is valuable to our customers because it gives us the ability to know which tools should be used on a particular problem, provide the judgment necessary to gauge the accuracy of solutions, and allow us to efficiently solve simpler aerodynamic problems with hand calculations.

Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis In those cases where the geometry or boundary conditions (e.g., transient, supersonic, multi-phase flow) of the aerodynamic problem are too complicated to be accurately modeled with analytical techniques, then we use computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to solve problems. The CFD solutions are used to provide standard aerodynamic coefficients, mechanical loading boundary conditions for subsequent structural analysis, and provide virtual flow visualization, among other things.

Experimental Fluid Dynamics Our wind tunnel engineers have the experience and capabilities to perform wind tunnel test planning and test development through to test execution, data reduction and wind tunnel specific error correction. In addition, UDRI operates two wind tunnels on campus and provides engineering support for the Air Force tunnels at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. The larger of our two tunnels has a 30 in by 30 in cross section and is used for low speed/low Reynolds number aerodynamic and aircraft configuration aerodynamic studies using Digital Particle Image Velocimetry (DPIV), a force balance and a hot-wire anemometer. Our smaller tunnel is a purpose-built fan-testing chamber.

Heat Transfer Because heat transfer frequently runs hand in hand with fluid dynamics, our skills in CFD and theoretical heat transfer are a nice complement to the services we offer our customers in aerodynamics. One benefit to customers of our combined experience in fluid dynamics, heat transfer, and materials is that UDRI engineers have the necessary skills and experience to perform thorough heat transfer analyses of both components and full aerospace systems.

Aero-Vehicle Design We have experience in conceptual, early preliminary design, development and the application of simulation-based R&D of aerovehicles. UDRI has experience creating and utilizing software tying together conceptual design, CAD, CFD, FEA structural analysis, flight simulation, and mission simulation.

Connection with the UD School of Engineering A nice feature of UDRI is our close working relationship with the faculty in the University of Dayton Department of Aerospace Engineering.  This connection is advantageous to customers who have “grant type” programs in mind and can benefit from the lower cost of programs utilizing graduate student research.

Recent Examples of Our Work Include:

• Fan performance testing of small centrifugal fans
• Test plan development and wind tunnel support for high AOA vehicle
• CFD analysis and optimization of an unconventionally shaped aerodynamic vehicle
• Aeroheating analysis of aircraft forebody and transparency system
• Aircraft canopy ejection modeling and simulation
• Provide engineering support for development of advanced thermal protection systems for space reentry vehicles
• Developed engineering software for analysis of launch vehicle propellant tanks
• Conceptual design and performance of morphing wing aircraft
• Conceptual design of high altitude long endurance aircraft
• Design, construction and testing of an energy harvesting micro UAV
• Conversion of remote control aircraft to fully autonomous
• Conceptual design and testing of novel aircraft configuration
• Creation of a programmable flight simulator