Aerodynamic Flow Control and Advanced Diagnostics (AFCAD) Research Group
The Aerodynamic Flow Control and Advanced Diagnostics (AFCAD) Research Group in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the Ohio State University focuses on fundamental research affecting the entire autonomous aerial vehicle ecosystem. This broad area encompases the development of state-of-the-art autonomous aerial vehicles and supporting avionics, and the advanced flow and measurement diagnostic systems necessary to understand and optimize their performance. We perform new and novel flight tests of unique aircraft to answer challenging questions on the nature of integrating autonomous air vehicles into the national airspace system, including emerging Urban Air Mobility concepts set to revolutionize the aerospace industry.
Active areas of research include:
- Advanced autonomous aerial vehicle design and flight testing
- Urban Air Mobility (UAM) and Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) technology development
- Unsteady aerodynamics and controls for UAS wake encounters
- Low-Reynolds number rotorcraft performance testing
- Compressible dynamic stall
- Flow control integration concepts
Directed by Dr. Matthew McCrink the AFCAD Research Group is based at the Aerospace Research Center adjacent to Don Scott Field, the Ohio State University Airport. For directions to the laboratory, please see the "Location" page on the navigation menu above.
Accordions
The AFCAD Research Group is based at the Ohio State Aeronautical and Astronautical Research Laboratories (AARL), adjacent to the Ohio State University Airport at Don Scott Field. AARL has served as the hub of experimental aerospace activity at Ohio State University since its construction in 1967. The facility also houses the Gas Dynamics and Turbulence Laboratory as well as the Gas Turbine Laboratory.
The Aeronautical and Astronautical Research Laboratories at Ohio State University.
Address
The Ohio State University
Aeronautical and Astronautical Research Laboratories
2300 West Case Road
Columbus, Ohio 43235
(614) 292-5514
Directions
Coming from the North, South, or East:,
- Take SR-315 South or North, exit at Bethel Rd
- Drive westward to Godown Rd., turn right (North) onto Godown Rd.
- Drive approximately 0.5 mile, turn left (West) onto West Case Rd. Drive approximately 1.25 miles.
- Just past OSU Airport (Don Scott Field) and a fire station, take the second right into the Aeronautical and Astronautical Research Laboratories parking lot. Park in any available parking space.
- Note that this entrance has a big OSU/AARL sign. The first entrance is unmarked.
Coming from the West:
- Take I-270, exit at Sawmill Rd. Drive south on Sawmill Rd to West Case Rd. (about 2.25 miles). Turn left (East) onto West Case Rd. Drive approximately 1.0 mile.
- Turn left into the Aeronautical and Astronautical Research Laboratories parking lot. Park in any available parking space.
- If you see the OSU Airport, you have gone too far.