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Problems solved – NASA Glenn hosts Convergent Aeronautics Solutions Showcase

Researchers from several NASA centers will highlight new aviation ideas and technologies at NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland Sept. 7 and 8. Media are invited to explore the future of aviation at the Convergent Aeronautics Solutions (CAS) Showcase on Sept. 7 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern.

CAS projects
The ideas chosen by the CAS project relate to one or more NASA research areas (left to right): safe and efficient global operations, ultra-efficient commercial vehicles, low-carbon propulsion, and assured autonomy Credits: NASA

The CAS project allows researchers to push the boundaries of aviation by combining aeronautics fundamentals with advancements from the non-aeronautics world. The goal is to overcome barriers and achieve new capabilities in aviation.

Speakers will include Robert Pearce, deputy associate administrator for strategy, and Dennis Andrucyk, acting deputy chief technologist.

Principle investigators will be available to answer questions and discuss their findings during a poster session immediately following the speakers. Dr. Jaiwon Shin, NASA’s associate administrator for aeronautics, also will give brief remarks during the poster session.

Tours of NASA Glenn test facilities used for CAS activities will take place from 1 to 4 p.m.

The showcase will highlight 11 concepts NASA believes will transform the aviation industry. These concepts are:

  • Alternative fuel cells
  • Using 3-D printing to increase electric motor output
  • Using lithium-air batteries for energy storage
  • New mechanisms for changing the shape of an aircraft wing in flight
  • Using a lightweight material called aerogel in the design of aircraft antenna
  • Employing nanotechnology to create aircraft structures that can store electrical power
  • Taking advantage of artificial intelligence to improve the safe operations of drones
  • Developing super strong, lightweight composite structures that can change shape to adapt to conditions during flight
  • Replacing petroleum fueled aircraft propulsion systems with lightweight electric systems
  • Exploring whether computer tools can safely enable new airplane designs to be more rapidly flown by skipping ground-based testing
  • Simulating and predicting aircraft aging and problems with computer modeling

Media interested in attending this event should contact Debbie Lockhart at 216-433-8655 or deborah.j.lockhart@nasa.gov by noon Sept. 6.

For more information about the CAS projects, visit:

http://go.nasa.gov/2aWongE

For more information about Glenn, visit:

www.nasa.gov/glenn

For more information about NASA’s aeronautics research, visit:

http://aeronautics.nasa.gov

Deborah J. Lockhart
Media Relations Office
216-433-8655
Deborah.j.lockhart@nasa.gov