UT to Play Leading Role in NASA Aviation Revolution

Headlines – Tennessee Today


A series of NASA-backed projects, including one led by the University of Tennessee, will change aircraft in many ways. The result of the work will lead to over-fuselage wings, such as seen in the illustration, instead of the under-fuselage configuration used by most commercial aircraft today.James Coder
A team led by UT researchers is one of five selected by NASA as part of an overall investment of nearly $50 million to lead the next aviation revolution.
The goal of UT’s team is to produce much more aerodynamically capable aircraft, with NASA providing $9.9 million for the efforts upon final negotiations—believed to be the largest NASA award for a UT-led project.
“It is hugely gratifying to see the University of Tennessee recognized in this way,” said Chancellor Beverly Davenport. “This is a great example of how a public-private partnership and inter-institutional cooperation can result in solutions that address important challenges facing our world.
“We look forward to the success of this team and will point to it as an example of what corporate and university partners can accomplish when they join forces. Congratulations to Dr. Coder and his team.”
UT will lead a team composed of researchers from Penn State University, Texas A&M University, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Old Dominion University, the University of Wyoming, and two aviation companies—the Boeing Corporation and PCC Airfoils.
Stephanie TerMaath
The goal of the combined effort is to provide breakthroughs that totally reshape aviation by improving flight dynamics, communications, speed, and propulsion. Advancements are expected to alter the look, cost effectiveness, safety, and reliability of aviation.
“Creating a better wing—one with less drag, one that is more efficient—is where we can really make a difference,” said James Coder, an assistant professor of aerospace engineering. “This is a game changer for aviation.”
Coder will serve as lead on the project, ...

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