William Mason

Aerodynamics and Hydrodynamics
Design

2010-present Professor Emeritus, 1995-2010, Professor, 1989-1995, Associate Professor, Aerospace and Ocean Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University; 2007-2008: Distinguished Visiting Prof, US Air Force Acedemy; 1974-1989, Grumman Aerospace Corporation, Bethpage, NY; 1975-1989, Aerodynamics Section; 1974-1975, Structural Mechanics Section; Final engineering title: Technical Specialist, Advanced Tactical Aircraft Configuration Aerodynamics and Design, Final project title: Platform Performance and Control, Special Projects; 1969, Engineering Aide, U.S. Army Aviation Test Activity, Edwards, CA; 1966-1967, Co-op student, McDonnell Douglas, St. Louis, MO.

AOE Departmental Design Committee Chairman, AOE Design Lab Co-Director, AOE Stability Wind Tunnel Deputy Director, MAD Center Advisory Board; AIAA Associate Fellow; Author of 1992 Applied Aerodynamics Year in Review for Aerospace America; 1990-1993, Member of the AIAA Applied Aerodynamics TC; 2001-2010: Member of the AIAA Aircraft Design TC.

Aerospace Systems, Flight Vehicle and Aerodynamic Optimization

Current applications include MDO design for subsonic truss-braced wing concepts, blended wing body concepts, and UAV design. Design methods research addresses the role of the use of surrogates and uncertainty in design.

Applied Aerodynamics

Applications of computational and experimental techniques to understand the flow physics and improve the aerodynamics of flight vehicles. Projects include developing approximate methods for use in conceptual design. Emphasis is on both performance and handling qualities. Applications include Strut-Braced Wing, Blended Wing Body, and Morphing concepts. Current interests also include formation flying and special problems of UAVs.

Configuration Design For Flight Dynamics Considerations

Design integration investigations with control system requirements, including development of design requirements for use in conceptual design, estimation of control and stability derivatives in conceptual design, and the interaction between design to meet dynamic maneuverability/handling qualities requirements and design for classical static performance.