There is very exciting research in materials science, and new materials are being developed that will enable many of the above systems to be built. And, of course, there is the area of computational modeling. This is an area close to my research. Nowadays we can simulate and optimize complex processes that in the past, we had to design based on common sense, or using simplistic rules. For example, it is conceivable to build a model for an aircraft such that if we make some changes to the geometry, we’ll know the impact on the materials and on the propulsion, but also on the noise and how noise regulations will govern or constrain what we’re doing. In some cases, we a can incorporate and quantify uncertainty in our models. So you can make these very realistic macro models to support the decisionmaking process and give you a complete picture of what you’re doing.
AeroAstro: Some are saying that with the Shuttle program over and uncertainly about the future of human space exploration, this might negatively affect the number of students interested in aerospace careers. Does that concern you? Peraire: Well, it will pose a challenge. Clearly, interest in some areas will be reduced, but there are always new opportunities. I am confident that we will flourish. It’s also important to emphasize that the education we offer doesn’t limit students to work in a specific area; they have very broad choices. We provide our students a well-rounded education. In addition to our formal subjects, students learn written and oral communication skills,teamwork, the economic and political context in which we engineer,and
FACULTY INTERVIEW: Jaime Peraire
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