The EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Composites Science, Engineering and Manufacturing (CoSEM CDT) welcomed Dr Chauncey Wu from NASA Langley to the University of Bristol. From 3-6 June 2024, Dr Wu delivered a series of insightful seminars covering his research and work.
Dr Wu is an Acquisition Manager in the Science Office for Mission Assessments (SOMA) at NASA Langley Research Center. He started his NASA career as a co-op student in 1985, and since then has worked in structures research, space systems analyses, and science mission evaluations. His technical interest is the design, analysis, manufacturing and testing of advanced composite tow-steered structures, which was a focus of the week’s seminars.
Seminar topics included considerations for aerospace vehicle design, multicriterion design methods for aerospace systems, and a series of talks on tow-steered composites shells. Staff and students from across the Faculty of Engineering were invited to attend. Those in attendance were keen to learn about Dr Wu’s work and ask questions to understand more about the topics.
Of the visit, Dr Chauncey Wu commented that “It’s always a privilege to visit the University of Bristol, and to talk with the faculty and students about NASA and my work there. My visits have led to many valuable collaborations with them to advance aerospace composites research.”
The SOMA at NASA Langley supports the Science Mission Directorate (SMD) at NASA Headquarters in the acquisition of Earth and space science missions and instruments. This is done through the development of Announcement of Opportunity solicitations, and the Technical, Management, and Cost evaluations of proposals received.
Professor Alberto Pirrera, Deputy Director of the CoSEM CDT and Professor of Non-linear Structural Mechanics, said: “We are delighted to have had Dr Wu share his extensive expertise with our students. Dr Wu's long and distinguished career with NASA serves as an inspiration to us all. His vast experience, coupled with his deep knowledge of the latest advancements in composite materials and their applications in aerospace engineering, offered invaluable insights. This kind of interaction not only enriches our academic environment but also galvanises our students and researchers to push the boundaries of their own work.”