It was believed that running more propellant through a Hall thruster would wreck its efficiency, but new experiments suggest they might power a crewed mission to Mars.
Plasma thrusters used on satellites could be much more powerful
Avian secret: The key to agile bird flight is switching quickly between stable and unstable gliding
The finding could have implications for future agile autonomous aerial vehicles.
Bird-like wings could help drones keep stable in gusts
“3D morphing” wings could help small aircraft safely navigate windy urban streets and land with shorter approaches.
Streamlining aircraft
Joaquim Martins pioneers high-fidelity simulations that bring together multiple disciplines. Recently incorporated into NASA’s open-source software, and being considered for adoption by aircraft manufacturers, the approach has the potential to change the game in aircraft design and other engineering systems.
Then & Now: Being Black and female in aerospace engineering
The first Black alumna of Michigan Aero (’77) talks with a ’15 graduate about what has and hasn’t changed about being a Black woman in the field.
$12.75M for reliable hypersonic engines and artificial photosynthesis
Two U-M led projects are funded by the Department of Defense.
Model developed at U-M is adopted in the aerospace and automotive industries
When making and breaking a single prototype airplane component can cost a million dollars, a reliable computer model enables engineers to explore more designs.
Overcoming turbulence: Black AERO alumnae share insights on MLK panel
‘I couldn’t have seen myself where I am right now,’ says aerodynamicist Jessica Jones on the importance of representation.
$5.2M for digital twins of nuclear reactors could bring down nuclear energy costs
Virtual copies of nuclear reactors could enable smarter maintenance for current reactors and more automation for advanced reactors.
Plasma jet wands could rapidly decontaminate hospital rooms
Room-temperature plasma beams could essentially dissolve away bacteria and viruses.
Roofing drone nails down shingles
Automated drone does work at the same speed as a novice roofer, researcher says.
Commercial supersonic aircraft could return to the skies
Don’t call it a comeback.
Embracing changing landscapes: autonomy, space exploration and diversity
A Q&A with Anthony Waas, the new Richard A. Auhll Department Chair of Aerospace Engineering and Felix Pawlowski Collegiate Chair at the University of Michigan.
Podcast: The X3 Thruster
Hear Dean Gallimore and recent PhD graduate Scott Hall discuss the X3 “Mars engine” on the new podcast “The High Five.”
