Dr. McKeon’s work focuses on
experimental manipulation of wall-bounded flows for improved flow
characteristics, such as reduction of drag, noise and structural
loading or expansion of vehicle performance envelopes. Particular
emphasis is placed on the effects of boundary conditions on turbulence
characteristics and general flow physics, scaling and controllability,
using an interdisciplinary approach to draw on developments in
materials science and control techniques. Wind-tunnel studies permit
development of practical control in challenging, unsteady flows
where there is significant potential for scientific, technological
and environmental gain (given the ubiquity of wall-bounded flows
in aerospace and engineering applications).
Current interests include: manipulation of canonical and simple
model flows to probe fundamental issues of flow physics and control;
development of smart, biomimetic boundaries using discrete local
surface morphing and sensing; development of practical control
and measurement techniques and devices; ongoing experiments in
the scaling of wall-bounded turbulence and interpretation for an
investigation of scalability of control from the lab to large-scale
applications.
The unifying theme is an experimental approach at the intersection
of fluid mechanics, control and materials science to investigate
fundamental flow questions, address efficiency and performance
challenges in aerospace vehicle design and respond to the energy
conservation imperative in novel and efficient ways. |
