Dr. Robert A. Canfield

Dr. Robert A. CanfieldPh.D., Engineering Mechanics, Virginia Tech
Professor
214 Randolph Hall
(540) 231-5981
bob.canfield@vt.edu
http://www.aoe.vt.edu/~rac

Education

  • Ph.D., Virginia Tech, Engineering Mechanics, 1992
  • M.S., Stanford University, Aeronautics and Astronautics, 1984
  • B.S.E., Duke University, Mechanical Engineering, summa cum laude, 1983

Professional History

  • 2008–present VPI&SU, Professor
  • 2000–2008 AFIT (Associate/Full) Professor of Aerospace Engineering
  • 2002–2004 AFIT Deputy Head, Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics
  • 1999–2000 AFOSR Program Manager, Computational Mathematics
  • 1998–1999 AFOSR Director of Policy and Integration
  • 1997–1997 SAF/AQR Manager, Planning and Resources
  • 1996–1998 AFOSR Chief, Plans and Budget
  • 1993–1996 AFIT Assistant Professor of Aerospace Engineering
  • 1990–1992 PhD student, Virginia Tech
  • 1984–1989 Air Force Wright Laboratory, Aerospace Engineer
  • 1983–1984 NASA Ames Army Aeromechanics Laboratory, Mechanical Engineer

Awards and Honors

  • Dr. Leslie M. Norton Award for Excellence in Teaching 2005 (AFIT Student Association)
  • Gage H. Crocker Outstanding Professor Award 2004 (AFIT Board of Visitors)
  • Outstanding Engineers and Scientists Award, Education Category, Affiliates Society Council of the Engineering and Science Foundation of Dayton, 2004
  • American Institute for Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Associate Fellow
  • AIAA Sustained Service Award, 2007
  • AIAA Distinguished Service Award, 2003–2005
  • AIAA Graduate Team Aircraft Design Competition Third Place 2004-2005 for Morphing Navy Uninhabited Combat Aerial Vehicle (Advisor to AFIT Design Team)

Professional Leadership

  • General Chair, AIAA/ISSMO Multidisciplinary Analysis and Optimization Conference, Victoria, BC, Sept 10–12, 2008
  • Chair, AIAA Multidisciplinary Design Optimization Technical Committee, 2003–2005
  • Technical Chair, AIAA/USAF/NASA/ISSMO Multidisciplinary Analysis and Optimization Conference, St. Louis, MO, 1998

Research Interests

Multidisciplinary Design Optimization (MDO)

AFOSR funded research investigates multipoint approximation and sensitivity analysis methods to create surrogate models for MDO. The research group is studying continuum sensitivity equations (CSE) for fluid-structure interaction (FSI). CSE are currently under development using a direct (i.e., fully or simultaneously coupled) Least-Squares Finite Element Method (LSFEM) for FSI, motivated by the need to analyze transient, nonlinear gust response for high-altitude, long-endurance (HALE) vehicles.

High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) Sensorcraft

AFRL Air Vehicles Directorate has funded research of a joined-wing HALE Sensorcraft candidate configuration for future Air Force intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions. Ongoing research seeks to explore optimal configurations to maximize endurance and radar coverage, while minimizing weight and cost. Efficient analysis methods are being developed to accurately predict large, nonlinear aeroelastic response to transient gust loads.

Micro Air Vehicle (MAV) Conceptual Design

AFRL Air Vehicles Directorate has funded research of conceptual design tools for Micro Air Vehicles (MAVs), including those propelled by fixed, rotary, or flapping wings. The design tools must synthesize multidisciplinary analyses for aerodynamics, structures, propulsion, flight mechanics, aeroelasticity, and weight estimation. Ongoing research will build upon an initial fixed-wing MAV model prototyped in Phoenix Integration's ModelCenter. MAV design requirements dictate an unprecedented amount of integration of highly coupled and nonlinear analysis during the conceptual design phase, which motivates the current design methods research.

Links 

    AOE People