Aircraft are complex systems that require subtle interactions between many components. Analysis of flight vehicles requires a multidisciplinary approach to modelling their aerodynamics, structures, dynamics, sensing and control systems, and propulsion systems. Methodologies to simulate these aspects of aircraft have increased in fidelity and complexity, enabled by dramatic improvements in computational capabilities.

Future aircraft design will rely heavily on these simulations, extending their use in large-scale optimization and uncertainty quantification. A variety of computational tools is needed for conceptual design to shape optimization. These tools range from reduced-order computational models for the development of design space exploration strategies and rapid design optimization to high-fidelity computational models for trouble-shooting and performance assessment.

Research in aircraft design and supporting computational technologies is performed in our department in many research laboratories, including the: Aerospace Design Lab (ADL), led by Professor Juan Alonso, Farhat Research Group (FRG), led by Professor Charbel Farhat and Navigation and Autonomous Vehicles Lab (NAV), led by Professor Grace Gao.

Our research in this area is characterized by strong connections with government organizations (NASA, FAA, DOD, DOE) and successful affiliations with industry (traditional aerospace companies as well as Google, Facebook and aerospace startups). It benefits from our local environment at Stanford and our global network of collaborators. Many of the design, modelling and computational methodologies we are developing for future aircraft are equally applicable to wind energy systems, underwater vehicles and, of course, space exploration.