Research Interests

The research interests of the Willis group are:

• Computational Methods
  • Fast computational aerodynamics & aeroelsticity: methods & algorithms
  • Methods for analysing flapping flight & designing flapping wings
  • Computational methods for predicting optimal short range glide behavior
  • Unsteady computational aerodynamics for wind turbines
  • Flight energetics prediction (flapping and unconventional flight)
  • Computational tools for simple CAD/CAM in the classroom
• Experimental Methods
  • Cyber-physical fluid dynamics (for flapping wing applications)
  • Parachute fabric macro- and micro-mechanics and permeability
  • Low-Re# water tank experiments
• Engineering Education
  • Service Learning and Cultural Impact in Engineering Education
  • Motivation and its applicability to engineering education
  • Transformational learning in the modern classroom