U of M's Graham Candler receives prestigious 2007 Thermophysics Award Contacts: J.P. Leider, department of aerospace engineering and mechanics, (651) 428-9414 Mark Cassutt, University News Service, (612) 624-8038 |
MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL ( 3/2/2007 ) -- Professor Graham Candler of the University of Minnesota department of aerospace engineering and mechanics recently received the prestigious 2007 Thermophysics Award from the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), the professional society of the aerospace engineering field. This award recognizes the foremost leaders in the field of thermophysics -- the study of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics and heat transfer. Candler's work in thermophysics is used to understand the details of the flow field around spacecraft entering the atmosphere of a planet or traveling at high speed in earth's atmosphere. For example, his methods are being used to analyze the NASA Jet Propulsion Lab Mars Science Laboratory mission that is planned for launch in 2009. Candler is the principal investigator for the National Center for Hypersonics Research, which has become a focal point for U.S. academic research in hypersonic aerodynamics. Center researchers are developing simulation methods to predict the flow of air over aircraft traveling at many times the speed of sound. One of Candler's current research interests -- scram jets -- would allow aircraft to travel at Mach 10. Thermophysics and the properties and mechanisms involved in predicting heat transfer rates during high-speed flight -- Candler's main research interest -- remains one of the most important and challenging areas in aerospace sciences, according to AIAA Executive Director Robert Dickman. "As systems become more complex, and thermal properties in gases more difficult to measure, high fidelity numerical techniques are critical to our ability to understand and predict the properties of high temperature gas dynamics flow," said Dickman. "The techniques developed by professor Candler will have applications across a wide range of air and space systems." Gary Balas, head of the aerospace engineering and mechanics department, stated that Candler's award is both "well-deserved" and "a great honor." "Professor Candler is an outstanding researcher, mentor and teacher," he said. "He attracts the best students throughout the world, is continually hosting leading international researchers and is a wonderful example of the outstanding faculty who contribute to the department's research, teaching and outreach mission." The aerospace engineering and mechanics department at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities is descended from one of the oldest programs in the nation. In addition to teaching, faculty members focus research on fluid mechanics, solid mechanics and materials, aerospace Systems and nanotechnology. ---------- |
