High-Fidelity CFD and Mars Rotor Aeromechanics

About the role

The NASA Postdoctoral Program (NPP) offers unique research opportunities to highly-talented scientists to engage in ongoing NASA research projects at a NASA Center, NASA Headquarters, or at a NASA-affiliated research institute. These one- to three-year fellowships are competitive and are designed to advance NASA’s missions in space science, Earth science, aeronautics, space operations, exploration systems, and astrobiology.

Responsibilities

• Running CFD and DNS simulations using OVERFLOW and PyFR at Mars aerodynamic conditions
• Running comprehensive analysis simulations using CAMRAD II at Mars aerodynamic conditions
• Post-processing and analysis of DNS, CFD, or comprehensive analysis datasets
• Geometry creation and mesh generation for simulations
• Validation of computational results against experimental data and previously generated datasets
• Supporting rotor design activities, including assessment of blade performance and flow physics
• Performing parameter studies or optimization within existing NASA frameworks
• Preparing technical reports and publications for internal review and peer-reviewed journals
• Presenting research findings at conferences and NASA program reviews

Requirements

Required Qualifications:

• PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field
• Demonstrated experience in DNS or LES of complex flows
• Strong background in CFD, turbulence, and numerical methods
• Proficiency in Python for simulation setup, automation, and data analysis
• Experience running PyFR on HPC systems
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a research team

Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in Mars aerodynamic regimes, including low-density, low-Reynolds, high transonic/low supersonic flows
• Understanding of unique flow physics associated with Mars rotorcraft and ultra-low density operation
• Familiarity with rotorcraft aerodynamics, comprehensive analysis tools, or high-order unstructured solvers
• Experience with GPU-accelerated CFD workflows

Skills

N/A

Benefits

N/A

Pay

N/A

Schedule

N/A

Contact Information

Point of Contact: Mikeala

Email: npp@orau.org

Phone: (650) 604-1633