Hypersonic Aerodynamics & Propulsion
Our flagship research area covers the aerodynamics of vehicles traveling at speeds exceeding Mach 5.
We investigate shock-boundary layer interactions, aerodynamic heating, hypersonic intake design,
scramjet propulsion, and the aerodynamic performance of re-entry vehicles. We use our world-class
shock tunnels to replicate high-altitude, high-speed flight conditions in the laboratory.
Shock Wave Physics
We study the generation, propagation, reflection, and interaction of shock waves in various media.
This spans from classical gas dynamics to shock-induced phase transitions and focusing. Applications
include industrial shock processing, medical shock-wave therapy, and fundamental gasdynamic research.
Chemical Kinetics & Combustion
High-temperature chemical kinetics is central to understanding combustion in supersonic flows. We
investigate reaction rates, ignition delays, and species evolution using shock tubes and flow
reactors, with spectroscopic diagnostics providing real-time chemical state measurements.
Compressible Flow & Mixing
Understanding mixing in compressible and supersonic flows is critical for scramjet combustor
performance. We study compressible mixing layers, supersonic jet injection, and large eddy simulations
to understand and enhance mixing in high-speed flows.
Bio-inspired Aerodynamics
Nature has evolved elegant solutions to fluid dynamic challenges over millions of years. We
investigate bio-inspired concepts — from bird wing geometry to riblet surfaces — for application in
drag reduction, flow control, and novel aerodynamic configurations.
Materials Under Extreme Conditions
Vehicles operating at hypersonic speeds face extreme thermal and mechanical loads. We study the
deformation of metals under shock loading, develop and characterize thermal barrier coatings for
scramjet applications, and investigate material failure under high strain rates.
