Mark Drela

Terry J. Kohler Professor
Director, Wright Brothers Wind Tunnel

Contact Info

Office Phone

617.253.0067

Email

drela@mit.edu

Office

37-475

Administrative Contact

Jean Sofronas
jeans@mit.edu
617.258.5548

Financial Contact

Kim Ngan Le
ngan_le@mit.edu
617.324.5542
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Affiliated Labs

I get to make things that fly, often pushing the limits of what's physically possible. Seeing your work fly, or otherwise putting it through its paces, is the most exciting thing about my research.

Specialization and Research Interests

Current research involves the development of computational algorithms for the prediction of 2D and 3D external flows about aerodynamic bodies. Subsonic, transonic, and supersonic flow regimes are being considered. Most of the work centers on viscous/inviscid coupling schemes in conjunction with direct Newton solution methods. Two- and three-dimensional integral boundary layer formulations are also being developed for modeling viscous regions. Specific geometries currently being considered include high-lift multielement airfoils, wing/body configurations, and axisymetric powered engine nacelles. Research into optimization techniques and strategies is also being pursued in parallel with computational aerodynamics work. A key goal is the development of methods for efficient calculation of design-parameter sensitivities. Also being pursued is the development of interactive tools to permit the designer to make the most effective use of the computed design parameter- sensitivity information to guide the evolution of a design.

Primary research interests are in low speed and transonic aerodynamics, physical modeling and design of aircraft and aeromechanical devices, and development of computational aerodynamic design/analysis codes which are currently being used in the aircraft and gas turbine industry.

Teaching Interests

Fluid dynamics, aerodynamics, aircraft design

Academic Degrees

S.B., 1983, Massachusetts Institute of Technology S.M., 1983, Massachusetts Institute of Technology Ph.D., 1985, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Society Memberships

American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Honorary Fellow; National Academy of Engineering, Member

Positions Held at MIT

Wright Brothers Wind Tunnel Director, 2021-present; Aeronautics and Astronautics Vehicle Sector Co-head, 2007-2011; Terry J. Kohler Professor, 2001-present; Professor, 2000 -2001; Associate Professor, 1991-2000; T. Wilson Associate Professor, 1991-1992; Carl Richard Soderberg Assistant Professor, 1988-1990; Assistant Professor, 1986-1991

Awards & Honors

  • Honorary Fellow, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), 2023
  • Reed Aeronautics Award, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), 2018
  • Theoretical Fluids Best-Paper Award, AIAA, 2017
  • William Littlewood Memorial Award, SAE/AIAA, 2011
  • Popular Mechanics Breakthrough Award, 2010

Research