Faculty and midshipmen research in the Aerospace Engineering Department covers many areas of specialization. These include research on solar radiation pressure, shear effects on a aircraft wing in high speed flow, and stress pattern analysis.

Research is supported mainly through funds from government agencies such as the National Air and Space Administration, the Naval Research Laboratory, the Naval Air Warfare Center, and the Naval Network and Space Operations Command.

The Aerospace Engineering Department offers students the opportunity to conduct research of mutual interest with faculty members. The research may involve theoretical, experimental, and computational work culminating in a technical paper for conference presentation. Independent research is accomplished with the Trident Scholar program and independent research study courses. The students have the opportunity to get involved in professional societies such as the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) by participating in national and international competitions on aeronautical/astronautical design projects. Students are also eligible for recognition in Sigma Gamma Tau, the national honor society for outstanding students in aerospace engineering.

• Solar Radiation Pressure Disturbance Torques
• Transverse Shear Effects on the Flutter of an Aircraft Wing in High Speed Flow Regimes
• Stress pattern Analysis by Thermal Emission (SPATE)