Robert Canfield

Professor & Interim Department Head

Research Expertise

Structures and Materials

Professional History

• 2011 - present VPI&SU, Interim Department Head
• 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 Ph.D. 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)

In research funded by AFOSR, Dr. Canfield's group 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 for shape variations in vehicle structures subject to aerodynamic loads. Solutions to the CSE for FSI are being devised to avoid computation of the mesh sensitivity ordinarily needed to differentiate discretized FSI systems with respect to shape variables. The sensitivity analysis is motivated by the need to analyze transient, nonlinear gust response to design both high-altitude, long-endurance (HALE) vehicles and Micro Air Vehicles (MAV's).

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. Flight tests are being planned for a 5-meter span prototype to experimentally validate nonlinear aeroelastic response such as aft wing buckling. In related research, MDO methods are being developed for the design of conformal load bearing antenna (CLAS) whereby radar arrays may be embedded in aircraft skin. For example, slotted waveguide antennas may be used as stringers or skin stiffeners in multifunctional structures.

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. Geometric parameterizations suitable for MAV design tools are being explored.