Research
Current Projects
Theory, Computation and Experiment on Criticality and Stability of Vortices Separating From Edges
This project will conduct large-eddy simulations of airfoils and wings undergoing MAV-type maneuvers to inform low-order modeling of edge vortex formation and separation. Collaboration with AFRL provides experimental support for this effort.
Investigators: A. Gopalarathnam and J.R. Edwards
Grant Period: May 2013-April 2016
Granting Agency: Air Force Office of Scientific Research
Students/Post-Docs: Minao Shen (Ph.D)
Theoretical and Computational Modeling of Two-Dimensional and Three-Dimensional Dynamic Stall for Rotorcraft Applications
This project will conduct simulations of airfoils and wings undergoing dynamic stall using Reynolds-averaged and large-eddy simulation techniques. One purpose of these simulations is to inform low-order modeling of dynamic stall, with a view toward improving overall predictive capability of engineering-level models.
Investigators: A. Gopalarathnam and J.R. Edwards
Grant Period: May 2013-April 2016
Granting Agency: Army Research Office
Students/Post-Docs: Jianghua Ke (Ph.D)
Multi-physics Simulation of Injection and Combustion of Supercritical Fuels with Data Assimilation
This project has two thrusts. The first is to develop strategies for modeling the injection, mixing, and combustion of supercritical fuels used in scramjet propulsion systems. The second is to investigate strategies for assimilating data from more ‘trusted’ sources to improve the fidelity of large-scale calculations that employ large-eddy simulation.
Investigators: J.R.Edwards and T. Echekki
Grant Period: April 2013-March 2016
Granting Agency: Air Force Office of Scientific Research
Students/Post-Docs: Conrad Patton (M.S.)
Co-design of Hardware / Software for Predicting MAV Aerodynamics
This project will develop novel strategies for mapping large-eddy simulation CFD codes for MAV aerodynamics to next-generation GPU clusters. Approaches for ‘co-designing’ the mapping to conform with emerging GPU architectures and compiler technologies will be developed and leveraged.
Investigators: H. Luo, J.R. Edwards, F. Mueller
Grant Period: September 2012-August 2015
Granting Agency: Virginia Tech (direct), AFOSR (prime)
Students/Post-Docs: Lixiang (Eric) Luo (Post-doctoral Research Associate); PhD Position Available!
Center for Hypersonic Combined-Cycle Flow Physics
This project will conduct LES/RANS and RANS simulations of complex reactive flows in scramjet propulsion devices in tandem with experimental efforts at the University of Virginia.
Investigators: J.R. Edwards, H.A. Hassan
Grant Period: August 2009-August 2014
Granting Agency: University of Virginia (direct), AFOSR/NASA (prime)
Students/Post-Docs: Jesse Fulton (Ph.D), Amarnatha Potturi (Ph.D), Patrick Vogel (M.S., now at Craft Technologies)
Large-Eddy / Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes Simulations of Shock-Train Development in a COIL Laser Diffuser
This project will investigate shock-train development in COIL laser diffusers using LES/RANS methods.
Investigator: J.R. Edwards
Grant Period: January 2013-January 2014
Granting Agency: AFRL-RD
Students/Post-Docs: Ilya Zilberter (Ph.D)
Computational Simulation of the Joint Expeditionary Collective Protection System
This project will develop a computational framework for analyzing flows internal and external to collective-protection equipment under development for the U.S. Military. Attention will be focused on transient events, such as entry / exit of variable numbers of personnel.
Investigators: J.R. Edwards, J.W. Eischen
Grant Period: June 2008-June 2013
Granting Agency: Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC-DD) / Defense Threat Reduction Agency
Students/Post-Docs: Jung-Il Choi (Research Assistant Professor, now at Yonsei University, Korea)
A Study of Supersonic Compression Corner Interactions
This project will develop new hybrid LES/RANS turbulence models and will apply them to study the dynamics of shock / boundary layer interactions generated by compression ramps.
Investigator: J.R. Edwards (PI)
Grant Period: November 2008- October 2012
Granting Agency: Army Research Office
Students/Post-Docs: Ilya Zilberter (Ph.D), Daniel Gieseking (M.S., currently at Honda Aircraft)
Completed Projects
(from 2007)
Theoretical, Computational, and Experimental Studies of the Aerodynamics of Perching Flight
Investigators: Gopalarathnam and Edwards
Grant Period: 2010-2013
Granting Agency: AFOSR
Development of Hybrid Large-Eddy / Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes Methods for High-Speed Internal Flows
Investigator: Edwards
Grant Period: 2007-2011
Granting Agency: NASA
LES/RANS Simulations of High-Speed Mixing Processes
Investigator: Edwards
Grant Period: 2010-2011
Granting Agency: Taitech Inc.
Multi-Disciplinary Approach for Improved Identification and Quantification of Cancer Biomarkers by Development and Integration of Novel Air Amplifier Designs with Electrospray Ionization
Investigators: Muddiman, Dow, and Edwards
Grant Period: 2008-2010
Granting Agency: National Cancer Institute
Experimental and Numerical Investigation of Two-Phase Flow within Pressure Atomizers used in Trigger Sprayers
Investigators: Fang and Edwards
Grant Period: 2008-2010
Granting Agency: MeadWestvaco Corporation
Hybrid LES/ RANS Simulation of the Effects of Boundary Layer Control Devices Using Immersed Boundary Methods
Investigator: Edwards
Grant Period: 2007-2010
Granting Agency: AFOSR
Development of a Regional Structured and Unstructured Grid Simulation Methodology for Propulsion System Analysis
Investigators: Luo and Edwards
Grant Period: 2007-2010
Granting Agency: NASA