There are 5 laboratories under the Aerospace Group:

• Aerospace Structures Lab (N3.2-B4-05)
• Aerodynamics Lab (N3.2-B4-04) 
• Flow Physics and Control Lab (N3.1-B4-08)
• Flight Mechanics & Control Lab (N3.2-B3M-01)
• UAV Lab (N3.1-B3c-08)

Research Projects

Vortex Structures and Dynamics of Parallel and Tandem Jets-in-cross-flow
Many modern engineering applications make use of jet-in-cross-flow (JICF) phenomenon, whereby a jet discharges at an angle into a free-stream, typically in a transverse manner. For instance, aerodynamic control of VTOL aircrafts, discharge of wastewater into waterways, exhaust of smoke from smokestacks and the mixing of substrates in controlled biological processes. 

Principal Investigator: Associate Professor New Tze How, Daniel

Study of Aerodynamics of Lifting Surfaces with Leading-edge Protuberances
Drawing inspirations from nature for solutions to engineering problems has always been an interest throughout the human history. From the first human flight to miniature/micro aerial vehicles (MAV), Mother Nature has provided many inspirations for our technological advancements. However, among such a vast range of biologically-inspired solutions, the idea that the unique geometries of humpback whale flippers can aid aerodynamics and hydrodynamics performance is a relatively novel and compelling one.

Principal Investigator: Associate Professor New Tze How, Daniel

Aerodynamic Performance of Joined-wing Single Aisle Aircrafts
Air travel has significantly increased over the past, especially so in the last two decades and is still projected to grow in the near future. Jet fuel prices are expected to remain high and forms the main bulk of expenditure of airlines. With the increase in air traffic and economic uncertainties, there is renewed interests in unconventional aircraft configurations which can improve on the aerodynamic performance, decrease fuel consumption, increase maximum range and endurance and hence maximize profits for airline operators. 

Principal Investigator: Associate Professor New Tze How, Daniel

A study on cement flow characteristics in air-slide conveyors and pneumatic delivery pipes for efficient marine and maritime engineering operations
This is an industrial-driven research project, in collaboration with Jurong Port Pte Ltd and Maritime Port Authority of Singapore. This research represents a marriage between the academic interest in particle–laden flows and industrial interest in improved cement flow delivery. 

Principal Investigator: Associate Professor New Tze How, Daniel

Life Prediction of Composites in Elevated Temperatures
This detailed research programme has produced a set of procedures for life prediction of composites in elevated temperature. An extensive experimental programme is used in conjunction with a rigorous numerical model for life prediction of composite structures in elevated temperature environment. Progressive static and fatigue damage model is also incorporated into the numerical model for failure analysis. Testing infrastructures and a team of personnel at the university has also been coordinated to increase experimental and modelling efficiency.

Principal Investigator: Associate Professor Chai Gin Boay

Energy Absorption Characteristics of Composites Subject to Low Velocity Impact
Three-dimensional finite element models were developed to simulate the indentation tests and impact events. Progressive damage constitutive models were developed to predict damage initiation and progression in the laminated composites, composite sandwich and fibre-metal laminates. Impact behaviour, including the impact response, damage initiation and evolution were investigated. The comparison of the numerical results with the extensive experimental results gave confidence in the use of the numerical models for practical composite structures.

Principal Investigator: Associate Professor Chai Gin Boay

Perching Aircraft Research and Development
To develop new morphing concepts for UAV.

Principal Investigator: Associate Professor Huang Weimin

Dynamics of High-Speed Rotating Shells of Composite Materials
So far the dynamic characteristics of the three (cylindrical, conical and spherical) revolution rotating shells have been studied, especially focusing on the influences of Coriolis and centrifugal accelerations, rotating velocity, geometric and material properties, boundary conditions, initial stresses, and modal wave numbers. 

Principal Investigator: Professor Li Hua

Aerogel-filled sandwich composites for thermal radiation and acoustic barrier applications
Distinctive, light-weight, flat and curved sandwich composites were conceptualized and developed using glass fibre reinforced BMI and Phenolic prepregs with Silica aerogel as core fillers. The product is proven to offer excellent heat insulation and good acoustic barrier properties. 

Principal Investigator: Associate Professor Sunil Chandrakant Joshi

Embedded liners for high performance tubular CFRTP structures
This project explores the use of co-mingled carbon fibres-thermoplastics in filament winding and automated tow placement processes for developing advanced tubular structures.

Principal Investigator: Associate Professor Sunil Chandrakant Joshi

Energy Recovery through enhanced Turbomachinery Design and Analysis
The proposed project focusses on:

• Gain greater understanding of the fluid mechanics inside a compressor/turbine
• Introduce novel design concepts that can help improve the performance of radial machines

Principal Investigator: Professor Alessandro Romagnoli

There is 1 research institute in the ‎Air Traffic Management Group:

• Air Traffic Management Research Institute (ATMRI)

Research Projects

Optimization of Air Traffic Flow by Robotics Motion Planning Theory
Air traffic is expected to keep rapidly growing in the next years both globally and in the Asia-Pacific region. Avoiding traffic congestion and reducing fuel consumption are thus some of the top priorities of Air Traffic Management. The aim of this project is to help tackle these problems by optimizing the 3D trajectories and coordination of aircrafts using robot motion planning theory.

Principal Investigator: Associate Professor Pham Quang Cuong

Regional Airspace Capacity Enhancement – ASEAN pilot
Use modelling / simulation tools to conduct analyses of airspace structure and traffic flows through the region and provide solutions for enhancement of capacity and efficiency

Principal Investigator: Associate Professor Zhong Zhaowei