Aerospace structures need to be sturdy, but as light as possible. Some of these materials will be traveling a long way under extreme conditions. We develop structures that are not only aerodynamic, but also lighter, stronger and more flexible to increase fuel efficiency, reduce waste and boost reusability. We are also pursuing innovative strategies such as smarter materials that can alert you when they are damaged to increase safety and make maintenance easier.
Associated faculty
Key labs
- Active Aeroelastic Structures Lab
- The illimited Lab
- Multiscale Analysis of Materials & Structures (MAMS)
Student club highlight
Washington Hyperloop slims down its pod racer for Elon Musk’s next big contest
UW Hyperloop is going for the top prize in Elon Musk’s competition. This time they’ve got their racer down to fighting weight.
Research highlights
Good vibrations
A&A's Chun-Wei Chen contains energy for better structures, smoother rides, and higher efficiency.
Origami-inspired materials could soften the blow for reusable spacecraft
A&A researchers have developed a novel solution, inspired by origami, to help reduce impact forces.
A&A partners with Chomarat, JCATI to advance composites and train students
A&A has partnered with JCATI and aerospace company Chomarat to advance composites research and bring hands-on experience to students.
Using engineering materials to study coral reefs
Associate professor Jinkyu Yang and a team of researchers have received a two-year, $1.7 million National Science Foundation grant to study coral growth.
Award highlights
A&A wins three awards at AIAA Region VI conference
A&A students won first in master's, first in team, and third in undergraduate at the AIAA Region VI Conference.
A&A's structures faculty win major honors
September proves to be a successful month for A&A's structures faculty Jinkyu Yang, Eli Livne and Marco Salviato.