The Aeromechanics Branch is responsible for aeromechanics research activities that directly support the expansion of the National Airspace System, civil competitiveness of the U.S. helicopter industry, and the Department of Defense. Branch programs address all aspects of the rotorcraft which directly influence the vehicle's performance, structural, and dynamic response, external acoustics, vibration, and aeroelastic stability. The programs are both theoretical and experimental in nature.
Fellowship opportunities for interested and highly motivated students include experimental projects conducted in the Ames 7- by 10-Foot Wind Tunnel, full-scale helicopter or tilt rotor tests in the National Full-Scale Aerodynamics Complex (the world's largest wind tunnel), and in flight with resident U.S. Army UH-60A Black Hawk helicopters. Analytical research projects include new vertical lift aircraft assessment and analysis (manned and unmanned), comprehensive analysis of current and new helicopter and tilt rotor aircraft, as well as CFD modeling of rotary wing systems and airfoil aerodynamics. Many of these projects include collaboration with the Department of Defense (U.S. Army, DARPA) and the U.S. helicopter industry.
Some of the student design and internship opportunity announcements are listed below.
NASA Aeronautics Scholarship Program
NASA's Aeronautics Mission Directorate is currently accepting scholarship applications from undergraduate and graduate students in aeronautics and related fields for the academic year beginning in fall 2010.
Twenty undergraduate students in their second year of study will receive up to $15,000 per year for two years and a summer internship at a NASA center with a $10,000 stipend. Five graduate students will receive up to $35,000 per year for three years and two summer internships at a NASA center with $10,000 stipends.
All applicants must be U.S. citizens. Applications are due Jan. 11, 2010.
For more information about this opportunity and to apply online,
visit: http://nasa.asee.org/ and/or,
http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/odysseyofthemind/ .
Questions about this scholarship should be directed to nasa.asp@asee.org.
NASA Undergraduate Student Research Program (NASA-USRP)
The NASA Undergraduate Student Research Project, or USRP, offers internship opportunities for undergraduate science and engineering students at all 10 NASA centers and additional partner facilities. These mentor-guided internships provide hands-on, real-life, career-related experiences that challenge, inspire, and provide practical application that complements and expands upon students' academic education.
Three internship sessions are offered: a 15-week spring session, a 10-week summer session and a 15-week autumn session. Eligible applicants must be classified as sophomores, juniors or seniors by the start of their internship. The students must be U.S. citizens with academic majors or course concentration in engineering, mathematics, computer science, or physical and life sciences.
For more information about this opportunity, visit http://usrp.usra.edu/about/
Questions about this program should be directed to sklug@epo.usra.edu, or
zippay@epo.usra.edu
NASA Academy at Ames for Space Exploration
The NASA Ames Academy is a unique summer institute of higher learning whose goal is to help guide future leaders of the U.S.Space Program by giving them a glimpse of how the whole system works. The success of the Space Program results from the interaction of government, academia, and the private sector, each playing a critical and different role in the 49-year-old civil program. Responsibilities overlap, leaders migrate from one sector to another and interdependence changes with each new administration.
For more information about this opportunity, visit http://academy.arc.nasa.gov/
Questions about this program should be directed to Dr. Brad Bailey bbailey@mail.arc.nasa.gov
Interdisciplinary National Science Project Incorporating Research and Education Experience
The Interdisciplinary National Science Project Incorporating Research and Education Experience is a multi-tiered year-round program designed for students in ninth- to 12th -grade who are interested in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, or STEM, education and careers.
For more information about this opportunity, visit
http://www.nasa.gov/offices/education/programs/descriptions/INSPIRE_Project.html
Questions about this program should be directed to Steven.H.Chance@nasa.gov
2009-2010 Fundamental Aeronautics Student Competitions
The Fundamental Aeronautics Program has announced its new competitions for the academic year. Students from high school grades through graduate school are invited to research and design an amphibious tiltrotor vehicle with civilian applications.
Amphibious Tiltrotor Design Goals:
- Cruise speed: 300 kts
- Design range: 800 nm
Capabilities:
- Take-off from water or ground; land on water or ground. Water includes lakes and oceans.
- Carry up to 50 passengers
- Siphon water into an internal tank and expel water while airborne
The competition has two divisions: High School , and College/University. Teams or individuals may enter either contest, and the program encourages interdisciplinary partnerships.
High school participants must be enrolled in an accredited high school, secondary school or home school. For the high school division, a notice of intent is requested by Dec. 15, 2009. Final projects are due March 1, 2010.
Undergraduate and graduate participants must be enrolled in an accredited college or university. For the college and university division, a notice of intent is requested by Jan. 15, 2010. Final papers are due May 3, 2010.
International students may participate, but they are not eligible for certain prizes.
For more information about the contest,
visit: http://aero.larc.nasa.gov/competitions.htm and/or,
http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/odysseyofthemind/.
Questions about the contest should be directed to Dr. Elizabeth Ward at
Elizabeth.B.Ward@nasa.gov .
NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field CA 94035-1000, (650) 604-5000
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