• April 16, 2018
  • 4:00 p.m.
  • 260 New Classroom Building
  • Dr. Brian R. Smith, Lockheed Martin
  • Faculty Host: Dr. Pradeep Raj

Abstract: Over the past three decades, the use of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) methods for design and optimization of aerospace vehicles has expanded dramatically. While CFD algorithms have improved and computational hardware has become vastly more powerful during this period, methods for modeling and simulation of turbulent flow continue to introduce significant error into computations. The talk will highlight work to improve Reynolds averaged turbulence models for jet flows. The talk will also present challenges in using Large Eddy Simulation (LES) for industrial applications, and provide examples of the application of LES methods to problems of interest for aerospace applications.

Bio: Dr. Brian R. Smith is a Lockheed Martin Senior Fellow at Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company in Fort Worth, Texas. Ever since joining the company 32 years ago, he has been making notable and pioneering contributions to solving real-world challenges including many encountered in new product development at the Advanced Development Programs (Skunk Works) organization. He has led the development of active and passive flow control systems for drag reduction, improved control surface performance, aero-optic effects mitigation, and acoustic load alleviation.  He is a recognized leader in the development of advanced turbulence models for improved CFD capabilities for aerospace applications. He is the resident subject matter expert for complex flow simulations using Reynolds averaged turbulence models throughout the Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company. His research includes the application of large eddy simulation for derivation of unsteady loads and aero-optic analysis. He was a founding member of the Turbulence Model Benchmarking Working Group (TMBWG) sponsored by the AIAA Fluid Dynamics TC; Technical Chair of the 19th CFD Conference; and past chair of the Fluid Dynamics TC.  Brian received his A.B. degree from Brown University and his Ph.D. in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from Princeton University. Dr. Smith is a Fellow of the AIAA.