Wichita State News: NIAR

NIAR brings on new research engineer

John Saunders

John Saunders has joined the staff of Wichita State University's National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) as a research engineer and nondestructive testing (NDT) instructor.

Upon completion of the National Center for Aviation Training, he will teach NDT courses at the center, which is set to open in Wichita in several months.

Before he came to NIAR, Saunders worked for the U.S. Air Force ND Program Office on contract from Karta Technologies Inc.

He served as supervisor of non-missile support personnel and writer/editor of 33B series NDI technical orders; Allied Services Group as lead technician of nondestructive testing, lead analyst of the predictive maintenance department and process engineer; and for 21 years in active duty with the U.S. Air Force (7 years as NDI Laboratory supervisor and one year as manager of the aircraft fabrication department).

His training and certification includes ASNT Level III in penetrant and magnetic particle testing and Corporate NDT Level III in ultrasonic testing, eddy current testing and radiography.

Saunders has a B.S. in Liberals Art and Management Specialty from Excelsior College and an A.S. in Metal Working Technologies from the Community College of the Air Force.

First classes for aviation training center starting

The official opening of Wichita's new National Center for Aviation Training (NCAT) is still several months away, but NCAT will begin offering nondestructive testing (NDT) courses this fall.

Through a cooperative effort between Wichita State University's National Institute for Aviation Research and Wichita Area Technical College, NCAT will offer a series of eleven NDT courses.

The week-long courses will be taught by John Saunders at WATC's Comotara Center campus. Students can work their way toward an Intro to NDT or Advanced NDT Certificate of Completion, or take select individual courses as needed.

NCAT's NDT program will produce technicians who understand the role of NDT in the aerospace industry and who have mastered coursework from the American Society for Nondestructive Testing Level I and II certification.

The technical certificate program adds hands-on experience in both conventional and composite aerospace assembly methods which will allow students to apply NDT techniques to the aviation industry.

For more information, visit http://www.niar.wichita.edu/ndt.

To enroll call Jessica Folk at (316) 677-1417.

NIAR labs open to public during May open house

Wichita State University's National Institute for Aviation Research and College of Engineering are holding their annual open house from 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday, May 1, at WSU.

During the event, several NIAR labs will be open to the public for tours.

This year, NIAR has also added a new event: The "I'm With Dummy" photo opportunity will allow visitors to have their photo taken with one of NIAR's crash test dummies for a suggested $1 donation to the United Way's Laid-Off Workers Fund.

It will take place from 9 a.m.-noon in Room 102 of the NIAR building (entrance located near the first-floor lobby).

Wallace Hall and the Engineering Research Laboratory Building will also be open to the public, and WSU College of Engineering students will have projects on display in all three buildings.

For more information, go to http://webs.wichita.edu/?u=engineeringopenhouse.

In most NIAR labs, employees will be available for conversation and questions.

WSU aeronautical engineering research ranks third in the nation

Data by the National Science Foundation ranks Wichita State University third among all U.S. universities in money spent on aeronautical engineering research and development.

WSU spent $32.4 million on aeronautical engineering R&D in 2007, the most recent numbers tracked by the NSF.

That's an increase of $13.4 million over 2006 expenditures, for which WSU also ranked No. 3 in the nation.

Ahead of Wichita State in this year's rankings are Johns Hopkins University and Georgia Institute of Technology, respectively.

WSU ranked ahead of more than 160 other universities.

Gary L. Miller

"We are extremely proud of our world-class aeronautical engineering R&D programs, which are an essential element of our mission and our most important connection to national research priorities," said Gary L. Miller, provost and vice president for academic affairs and research.

In terms of total engineering R&D expenditures for 2007, WSU ranked 61st, with $35.2 million. Compared to 2006 – when Wichita State ranked No. 88 – that's an increase of $13.4 million.

Wichita State's No. 3 ranking is largely due to the research and testing programs at the National Institute for Aviation Research at WSU.

This significant growth is partly because of the support of the local and national aviation industry, the state of Kansas and numerous federal agencies.

NIAR has grown at a steady rate for the past 10 years, increasing its operating budget from $11 million in 1998 to nearly $36 million in 2008.

Continued growth and high ranks in aeronautical research are expected for Wichita State and NIAR with the addition of a new test facility, laboratories and involvement in Wichita's National Center for Aviation Training.

NIAR's new facility, located behind the main facility on the WSU campus, houses several of NIAR's new environmental testing laboratories, which provide environmental certification testing.

The National Center for Aviation Training will be located at Jabara Airport and will provide a wide range of aviation training services.

NIAR will have facilities dedicated to CATIA training, composites research, nondestructive inspection and advanced joining technologies at this facility, which is scheduled to open to students in the fall of 2010.

For more information, contact Tracee Friess, marketing and communication, NIAR, (316) 978-5597 or tracee.friess@wichita.edu.

WSU to host Wind Energy Research Symposium

Wichita State University's College of Engineering will host a Wind Energy Research Symposium Thursday, March 26, in the National Institute for Aviation Research, Room 307.

Admission is free.

From 9 a.m.-noon, Michael Overcash, department of industrial and manufacturing, and department of mechanical engineering at WSU, will present "Life Cycle Workshop for the Wind Energy and Manufacturing Communities."

The objectives of the workshop include:

Establishment of an improved understanding of life cycle thinking;

Overview of life cycle inventory technology, methods and current results for wind components, systems and other manufacturers (these are the elements to be used by companies in decision-making);

Establishment of an advisory committee to build an accessible manufacturing life cycle database for use by the wind energy and manufacturing communities.

From 1-5 p.m., attendees will have the opportunity to visit with researchers about their findings and the potential impact of the project.

During the past year, WSU's College of Engineering has engaged in research activities that draw from aviation design and manufacturing research to target issues critical to the widespread deployment of wind energy.

The symposium will include presentations and posters summarizing research and findings that address:

Grid connectivity

Reduction of operations/maintenance costs through sensor technology/condition monitoring

Improved durability through nanotechnology

Improved methods for composite manufacturing

Green wind energy through life cycle assessment

Energy storage

Logistics and scheduling

For more information, go to http://www.wichita.edu/sustainability. The event is

supported by the U.S. Department of Energy.

NIAR partners with Learjet for material and structural testing for Bombardier Learjet 85 development

The National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) at Wichita State University has entered into a relationship with Learjet to provide material and structural testing and certification for the new Learjet 85* midsize business jet.

Through a long-term contract, NIAR will be involved in the FAA certification of the aircraft from the testing of coupon samples to the structural certification of full-scale components.

The agreement with Bombardier Learjet represents the largest single NIAR industry contract in Wichita State history, according to WSU President Don Beggs. The contract is expected to total between $10 million and $20 million, said John Tomblin, NIAR executive director.

Launched on Oct. 30, 2007, the new Learjet 85 aircraft will be the first Learjet to feature an all-composite structure and will be the first all-composite structure business jet designed for type certification under U.S. Federal Aviation Administration FAR Part 25.

David Coleal, Bombardier Learjet's vice president and general manager, said: "This will be the largest, fastest Learjet ever built. We're very fortunate to have one of the nation's leading composite centers here at Wichita State to work with us on this innovative project."

On Sept. 17, 2008, Learjet announced it would assume complete responsibility for the detail design and manufacturing of all primary and secondary structures for Learjet 85 aircraft, with much of this work to occur in Wichita.

"Learjet has long been a supporter of technology advancements within NIAR," said Ralph Acs, vice president, Learjet 85. "This new partnership will strengthen this relationship and supports the plan to make the Learjet 85 a technologically advanced aircraft."

Learjet has been a core member of NIAR's Industry Advisory Council since its inception in 2002. The council, made up of the vice presidents of engineering at Learjet, Boeing IDS, Cessna, Hawker Beechcraft, and Spirit AeroSystems, provides input and feedback on the research focus and laboratory capabilities at NIAR.

"It's good to see these companies benefit directly from NIAR's technology," said Tomblin. "The laboratory capabilities that Learjet has helped establish will be used for the advancement of this new aircraft."

NIAR is well-known for its composite material research and certification capabilities. The Composites and Advanced Materials Laboratory is the institute's largest lab in terms of staffing, capability and investments/expenditures.

The lab specializes in developing low-cost manufacturing processes while providing thermal, mechanical and analyses tools.

President Beggs said, "I'm delighted Bombardier Learjet has selected NIAR as a key partner in the development of its new business jet. It's a tribute to the outstanding scientists, engineers and technicians at NIAR, who are among the best in the world."

Provost Gary L. Miller said, "This is outstanding recognition of the Wichita State model of developing research and testing capabilities directly in response to current and anticipated industry and government needs."

As the lead institution in the FAA's Center of Excellence for Composites and Advanced Materials, NIAR performs a large majority of the FAA's composite research and has worked with numerous aircraft manufacturers to develop efficient composite materials. NIAR is also the headquarters for the NASA National Center for Advanced Materials Performance (NCAMP).

In addition to utilizing NIAR's experienced Composites Laboratory, the Learjet 85 aircraft's certification process will also involve NIAR's Full-Scale Structural Testing Laboratory, whose staff is the most qualified in aviation industry, with more than 400 years of combined testing experience with unique experience in the certification of composite aircraft.

NIAR's 16 laboratories, which focus primarily on airframe technology, occupy more than 150,000 square feet of lab space and employ nearly 200 full-time research scientists and engineers and 150 part-time laboratory technicians.

"With their unique skill-set and history involving composite material placement into aircraft production, NIAR was a natural choice for Learjet 85 material development program," said Acs.

"This relationship provides a unique opportunity to utilize many of NIAR's research capabilities in one extensive program," Tomblin said. "We look forward to using this advantage to help develop the Learjet 85 as one of the most efficient and innovative new business jets."

About the Learjet 85

Designed to provide a larger, more comfortable cabin than any existing midsize aircraft, the Learjet 85 business jet will offer eight passengers a stand-up cabin built to ensure superior productivity and comfort.

Powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada PW307B engines, the aircraft engines each boast 6,100 lb. (2,772 kg) of take-off thrust, while the low-emission combuster offers reduced environmental impact. The clean-sheet Learjet 85 aircraft targets a high-speed cruise of Mach 0.82 and a transcontinental range of up to 3,000 nautical miles (5,556 km)*.

The new Learjet 85 aircraft flight deck combines advanced technology with superior design elements for a cockpit environment unlike any other midsize jet. The latest in technological advancements from Rockwell Collins – the new Pro Line Fusion avionics suite – is once again paired with superior design aesthetics to create the ultimate Learjet flight control environment.

* Either registered or unregistered trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries.

The National Institute for Aviation Research is a prestigious state-of-the-art aerospace research and development laboratory with global reach and expertise in research, design, testing and certification.

The institute's clientele includes many of the world's aerospace manufacturers, NASA and the FAA. It is the largest aviation R&D academic institution in America.

The National Institute for Aviation Research is an unincorporated division of Wichita State University.

NIAR gives students hands-on experience

Located at Wichita State, the National Institute for Aviation Research is surrounded by its trade with Boeing, Cessna, Hawker Beechcraft and Spirit AeroSystems as major employment industries for graduates of WSU.

With experience from NIAR, many students are given the opportunity and experience needed to jump from the classroom into the workforce.

NIAR Marketing and Communication Research Associate Tracee Friess said there are about 150 part-time student employees working in the labs, many of who are engineering students.

"Many of our full-time employees started out as part-time student assistants," she said. "Some are still working on graduate degrees while working full-time."

Friess said students working in one of the many labs at NIAR, especially the aerodynamics lab, get first-hand experience working directly with industry clients.

In fact, a WSU graduate who worked in the wind tunnel as a student is now an employee of a regular wind tunnel client and returns frequently to perform tests.

"NIAR does hire many WSU graduates, mostly because they were involved in student assistant or research positions during their undergraduate studies," said Nathan Shipley, assistant director of the CAD/CAM department.

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College of Engineering and NIAR to host open house

The public is invited to attend the annual open house at the College of Engineering and National Institute for Aviation Research 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday, May 2, on the campus of Wichita State University.

The research laboratories and facilities will be open, including wind tunnels, virtual reality lab, crash sled and more.

There is a shortage of engineers in the United States, which is driving the demand and salaries to the highest ever. Starting salaries for students graduating with engineering degrees are about $55,000 a year.

The open house is a great opportunity to check out what engineering has to offer and what WSU can do for students.

WSU College of Engineering, NIAR host workshop

Wichita State University's College of Engineering and the National Institute for Aviation Research have partnered to offer a five-week course on composite materials for local aviation industry professionals.

The course, which began March 24, and will conclude April 28, serves as an introduction to composites for the 22 students attending from Airbus North America; Air Plains Services Inc.; Benecor; Bombardier Learjet; Buffco Engineering; Cessna; Convergys Manufacturing; Excel; North American Aviation; Spirit AeroSystems; and Techmer PM.

The engineers will spend 40 hours over five Mondays learning from NIAR researchers and WSU professors through a combination of lecture and hands-on laboratory sessions. Topics covered in the course include:

- Conventional fiber/polymeric materials

- Manufacturing methods including hand lay-up and bag molding

- Process modeling

- Mechanics of laminates

- Ply failure theories

- Laminate strain allowables

- Testing for material properties

- Statistical analysis

- Ultrasonic NDI

- Full field strain measurement techniques

- Software for laminate analysis

- Guidelines for designing bolted and bonded joints

- Structural analysis of stringers and symmetric beams

- Damage resistance and tolerance

- Repair

Wichita State engineering professors Suresh K. Raju, Charles Yang and Bob Minaie, along with NIAR researchers Allison Crockett and Lamia Salah, are teaching sessions in the course.

"The faculty of the College of Engineering and the researchers at NIAR have considerable experience in the area of composites research and education," said Raju, assistant professor of aerospace engineering. "Most of our composites-related work is with the industry and the federal government, and as such we have a good understanding of their needs in education and research."

"It is imperative that we offer composites education to the local industry as it will not only add to the pool of engineers and technicians with composites background, but also provide a platform for us to demonstrate and share our expertise and experiences," he said.

The workshop is underwritten by the Kansas Department of Commerce in partnership with the Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development (WIRED), the Workforce Alliance of South Central Kansas and the Area 1 Workforce Investment Board.

This is the third composites introduction course provided to industry professionals by WSU's College of Engineering and NIAR. Similar training courses are offered occasionally throughout the year based on industry demand.

NIAR's Composites and Advanced Materials Laboratory is NIAR's largest lab in terms of personnel and business. The lab provides research and certification services for composites manufacturers, aircraft manufacturers and government agencies.

WSU aerospace engineering earns Top 3 national ranking

A new study by the National Science Foundation ranks Wichita State University third among all U.S. universities in money spent on aerospace engineering research and development.

In 2006, the most recent numbers available, WSU spent $19 million on aerospace engineering R&D.

That's an improvement from the previous year's fourth-place ranking, and it places WSU in the company of Johns Hopkins University and the Georgia Institute of Technology, which were first and second, respectively.

WSU placed above prestigious universities such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Texas A&M University.

The top 10 universities in aerospace research spending are:

• Johns Hopkins University

• Georgia Institute of Technology

• Wichita State University

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology

• Texas A&M University

• University of Maryland

• University of Colorado

• University of Texas

• University of Tennessee

• University of Florida

Wichita State's No. 3 rank is largely due to the research and testing programs at the National Institute for Aviation Research at WSU. This significant growth is partly because of the support of the local and national aviation industry, the state of Kansas and numerous federal agencies.

John Tomblin

"This ranking is a demonstration of the commitment from our federal congressional delegation, Kansas Legislature and the surrounding aviation industry to support additional research to help ensure the United States and Kansas will remain strong in aviation pioneering," said NIAR executive director John Tomblin.

NIAR has grown at a steady rate for the past 10 years, increasing its operating budget from $10 million in 1997 to $35 million in 2007.

"With the growth and work accomplished at NIAR over the last few years, we expected to move up in the ranking," said Tom Aldag, director of research and development. "It is exciting to be in the company of these prestigious research institutions."

Continued growth and high ranks in aerospace research are expected for Wichita State and NIAR with the addition of a new test facility, laboratories and involvement in the National Center for Aviation Training, managed by Wichita Area Technical College.

NIAR's new facility, located behind the main facility on the WSU campus, houses several of NIAR's new environmental testing laboratories, which provide DO-160 certification testing.

The National Center for Aviation Training will be located at Jabara Airport and will provide a wide range of aviation training services. NIAR will have facilities dedicated to CATIA training, composites research, nondestructive inspection and advanced joining technologies at this facility, which is scheduled to open to students in the fall of 2010.

For all engineering R&D expenditures, WSU ranked No. 88, with $21.8 million, down from No. 70 last year.