Abstract

"Zero-gravity two-phase fluid dynamics: pursuit of an obscure corner of fluid dynamics"

Zero-gravity two-phase fluid dynamics has been the focus of Professor Collicott's efforts at Purdue for over twenty years. In this "Celebration of Faculty Careers in the College of Engineering" talk, he presents a summary of the path that brought us to this point.  From early aerodynamics interests to real-time holography and optical data processing in graduate school to zero-gravity fluid dynamics experiments and applications have been a common thread.  Current experimental efforts to lead the nation into effective use of low-cost commercial sub-orbital rocket flights for research are then emphasized.  A key blending of research and teaching, his AAE418 Zero-gravlty Flight Experiment class, is also discussed, showing how hundreds of undergraduates have worked to contribute to his research program at Purdue.

Biography

Steven Collicott is the Associate Head for Engagement and Professor in the School of Aeronautics and Astronautics at Purdue University.  His research interests include low-gravity fluid dynamics, experimental fluid mechanics, and optical diagnostics. Dr. Collicott has substantial experiences with microgravity physics experimentation including a variety of interactions with players in the commercial flight services field.  His experiments have flown on ISS, commercial sub-orbital vendors, and commercial parabolic flight plus he has launch agreements and experiments nearing completion to fly with most commercial sub-orbital companies.  He is an Associate Fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics.  Dr. Collicott received a Ph.D. in Aeronautics and Astronautics from Stanford University.  

Watch Dr. Collicott's Presentation