The Aerospace Research Center advances aerospace research at The Ohio State University by leading interdisciplinary research focused on aerospace technology, and by fostering outstanding graduate and undergraduate student education.
Since 2013, we have connected core strengths across the university, advancing knowledge and technology to address current and future air transportation challenges.
OVERVIEW
ARC serves as a unique resource for industry, academia, government labs and other organizations to collaborate on complex research challenges. Our faculty expertise includes power and propulsion, aerodynamics, materials science, controls, manufacturing, law, medicine and policy – all connected to aerospace.
Over 20 core and associated faculty conduct research through experimental, computational and theoretical approaches. Faculty are supported by a robust team of researchers and technical support staff, with over 45 graduate students and 10 undergraduates engaged in research.
Our funding sources are evenly spread across the federal government, industry and the state of Ohio, with annual expenditures growing from $2.8M in fiscal year 2017 to $7.7M in fiscal year 2020.
ARC’s cutting-edge experimental facilities and computational capabilities have supported groundbreaking discoveries that are now fueling some of industry’s latest improvements. With our strategic location at The Ohio State University Airport, we excel at advancing research along the spectrum from fundamental to applied (benchtop to flight!).
RESEARCH AREAS
Learn how ARC is enhancing aerospace and aviation across the globe.
UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS
New horizons in flight: UAS are poised to serve important roles in society, from performing routine or risky tasks to going on reconnaissance or life-saving missions.
AERODYNAMIC FLOW CONTROL
GAS TURBINE ENGINES
Advancing efficiency: The number of aircraft in service around the globe is increasing. Because of this, advancements in engine efficiency have a significant impact on carbon emission reduction and cost savings across industries.
FACILITIES
ARC’s strength is in the depth and breadth of its expertise. Custom-designed facilities are a critical national resource for aerospace discovery, invention and solutions. From an on-site, working airfield to laser-based diagnostic systems, capabilities correspond to a range of topics. Our collaborators include industry, academia and government organizations, who often partner on using our high-end facilities.
STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES
Graduate and undergraduate students are key to realizing success in the ARC labs. Students perform critical roles in research projects, learning hands on skills and directly engaging in the research process.
GRADUATE STUDENTS
Graduate students admitted to The Ohio State University may contact faculty in their areas of interest to discuss research associateships at ARC. Programs supporting graduate student research include MS (thesis/non-thesis) and PhD (BS to PhD and MS to PhD).
“Being a career Air Force officer, I was beyond impressed by the professionalism and aptitude of the faculty, staff and students at ARC, where I was surrounded by world-class researchers in a family-like environment.”
– Lt. Col. Michael Walker, ‘18, PhD Aerospace Engineering Assistant Professor, The Air Force Institute of Technology
UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS
Research assistant positions at ARC may be available for undergraduate students enrolled in degree-granting programs at The Ohio State University. To discuss available opportunities, students should contact faculty members and researchers in their areas of interest.
Assistantships are a great way to prepare for graduate school or explore a career in research. Students perform critical project roles, learning skills and directly participating in the research process. On campus, faculty teach undergraduate courses focused on areas of ARC research, which provide another point of engagement for undergraduate students.
By conducting undergraduate research at ARC, I had the opportunity to enhance my understanding of engineering theory, develop hands-on building skills and improve my ability to communicate technical content in the workplace. This experience has proven invaluable to me as a flight test engineer for the U.S. Navy.”
– Ross Heidersbach, ’18, BS Mechanical Engineering
CONCLUSION
Thank you for virtually visiting The Ohio State University’s world-renowned Aerospace Research Center (ARC). For more information, please enjoy the below video.
Questions? Reach out to Interim Director Jim Lawson, lawson.110@osu.edu.