Aerodynamic Research (2021 - Present)

North Carolina State University Undergraduate Research

Raleigh, NC

I have had the opportunity to work with a team of graduate and undergraduate students, under Dr. Narayanaswamy at the NC State Aerodynamics Laboratory over the summer. The research entails advanced hypersonic flow studies and the development of high speed structures, materials and aircraft. There are countless challenges that arise for aircraft once they cross from supersonic to hypersonic speeds, including but not limited to increased aerodynamic forces and strain, increased thermal strain and plasma formation, fuel combustion issues, increased noise of flight, and unpredictable aerodynamic stability. I have been able to work with this team to develop improved structures like nozzles, air intakes, control surfaces, stabilizers, wings and bodies that can overcome these challenges, providing both reliable and affordable hypersonic travel.

Each graduate student focuses their research on a different aspect of the research, be it materials, structural design, part manufacturing, flow dynamic properties, computational simulation testing, or aerodynamic testing in the wind tunnels. Because of this I have the opportunity to work with each one of them, gaining experience in all aspects of the process.

The team has already taken full advantage of my Graphical Communications background, relying on me to help improve simulations, 3D designs of parts, visual presentation of the data, and professional reports pf the engineering changes made during the research.

I will continue to take part in this research through the summer and into the next couple of semesters, doing my best to learn as much as I can. So far, this experience has been very helpful and eye-opening as well as a lot of fun to be able to put my class-based knowledge to actual use.

Skills and Experience:

• SolidWorks Simulations and Part Modeling

• ANSYS Simulations and Aerodynamic Flows

• Professional writing and Reports

• Hands-On Experience with both Subsonic and Supersonic Wind Tunnels

• Independent Work and Assignments

• Part Manufacturing and Testing

Undergraduate Research

NC State Labs

Dr. Narayanaswamy