Program Description
The Aerodynamic Sciences portfolio supports basic research of fundamental flowfield physics across a range of conditions. Greater understanding of the fundamentals of the flowfield physics is crucial for exploitation into air vehicle performance gains relevant to the USAF. The portfolio is interested in aerodynamic flowfields arising in both internal and external configurations and extending over a wide range of Reynolds numbers. The portfolio seeks to emphasizes the characterization, modeling, prediction, and control of flow instabilities, turbulent flows, and aerodynamic fluid-structure/material interactions. A focus on the understanding of the fundamental flow physics, the dynamics and control of aerodynamic shear flows, and interactions of these flows with rigid and flexible surfaces in motion is motivated by an interest in developing physics based predictive models and innovative control concepts for these flows.
Basic Research Objectives: Research in this portfolio is focused on a variety of topics including fluid-structure/material interactions, vortex dominated flows, free and wall-bounded shear layer flows, time-dependent flows, and transitional & turbulent flows. Greater understanding of these and related topics will lead to improved air vehicle performance relevant to USAF air vehicle configurations. The portfolio maintains an interest in the dynamic interaction between steady & unsteady fluid motion, linear & nonlinear structural deformations, and aerodynamic control effectors for a wide range of flight regimes.
The portfolio seeks to advance fundamental understanding of complex aerodynamic flowfield phenomena through integration of theoretical, numerical, and experimental approaches. Research incorporating these elements that improve understanding of these complex flows are strongly encouraged. Flowfield studies are expected to involve an approach based on fundamental insight into the dynamics of such flows. In cases where that insight may not exist, studies examining fundamental flow physics with a path to enabling control of the flow may be of interest. Flow control efforts integrating modeling, control theory, and advanced sensor and/or actuator technology for application to a flow of interest are also encouraged.
Note that basic research of the variety typically funded by the portfolio may not yet have a clear transition path to an application, but nevertheless should be relevant to U.S. Air Force interests. Proposers are highly encouraged to contact the Program Officer via email prior to developing a full proposal to discuss the current state of the art in their area of interest, how the proposed research would advance it, the approximate cost for a three (3) year effort, and if there are any specific submission target dates.Proposers are highly encouraged to contact the Program Officer prior to developing a full proposal, preferably by email to discuss the current state of the art in his/her area of interest, how the proposed research would advance it, the approximate cost for a three (3) year effort, and if there are any specific submission target dates.
SolicitationAFOSR 2025 BAA
Program Overview Aerodynamic Sciences
2024 Program Review (2-Page summaries of all sponsored projects)
2024 Two Page Summaries (The file is large so you will need to select the "Download" link in the upper right to save to your device)
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Contact Information: Dr. Gregg Abate AFRL/AFOSR/RTA-1 Email: aerodynamics@us.af.mil