Hypersonics Curricula Design Survey

IRB NUMBER: IRB-2021-163

Hello, 

We are a research team at Purdue University investigating student and early-career interest in and exposure to the field of hypersonics. You are receiving this email because you are a current undergraduate or graduate student at an institution affiliated with the University Consortium for Applied Hypersonics (UCAH).

We have designed a survey to help us understand the current state of awareness about hypersonics in people.

This research is part of a larger effort led by the University of Tennessee Space Institute and sponsored by Crane Naval Warfare Center. The main goal of this project is to help expand the hypersonics workforce by improving and expanding educational opportunities at all levels. 

Here is a quick summary of what hypersonics is about. Hypersonic flight is generally considered to be flight above Mach 5 (or 5 times the speed of sound). More precisely, it is the speed regime where aerodynamic heating becomes the dominant design consideration. Hypersonics generally refers to both the study of hypersonic aerodynamics and of hypersonic vehicles. Developing hypersonic systems requires a highly multi-disciplinary perspective six critical technology areas:

1. Materials, Structures, and Thermal Protection Systems 

2. Guidance, Navigation, and Control 

3. Air-Breathing Propulsion 

4. Hypersonic Environments and Phenomenology 

5. Applied Aerodynamics and Hypersonic Systems 

6. Lethality and Energetics 

We would appreciate it if you filled out the survey https://purdue.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0PMr7sTctACqE0m and share your thoughts on whether and how hypersonics interests you. If you have questions, comments, or concerns about this research project, you can talk to one of the researchers. Please contact Prof. Karen Marais at kmarais@purdue.edu or Radhika Bhopatkar at rbhopatk@purdue.edu.

If you have questions about your rights while taking part in the study or have concerns about the treatment of research participants, please call the Human Research Protection Program at (765) 494-5942, email (irb@purdue.edu).

Thank you in advance for your time and support!

Best wishes, 

Dr. Karen Marais and Radhika A Bhopatkar