Hypersonics
University of Arizona Hypersonics infrastructure supports industry, government, and academic research.
"Systems integration differentiates us from our peers. Other institutions may be deep in one area, but the fact that we have aerodynamics, materials and mechanics, and Defense Navigation & Control working together makes us unique." —Dr. David Hahn
The University of Arizona hypersonics portfolio comprises three significant branches with national prominence:
Aerodynamics: both experimental and computational
Materials: including high-temperature materials and materials mechanics and structure
Guidance Navigation & Control (GNC)
University of Arizona’s Hypersonics Capabilities
Arizona Research Center for Hypersonics (ARCH):
ARCH brings together experts in aerodynamics, thermal protection, propulsion, and materials science to advance hypersonic technologies through collaborative, classified, and applied research.
hypersonics.arizona.edu
Computational Hypersonics & Nonequilibrium Laboratory (CHANL):
Led by Prof. Kyle Hanquist, CHANL develops high-fidelity models of extreme hypersonic flows, focusing on real-gas effects, non-equilibrium chemistry, and vehicle survivability.
chanl.arizona.edu
Experimental Facilities:
UArizona operates a Mach-5 Ludwieg tube and high-temperature materials labs, enabling physical testing of airframes, heat shields, and control systems under hypersonic conditions.
Read more about facility upgrades
MEET THREE OF OUR GROUNDBREAKING RESEARCHERS
Dr. Roberto Fufaro
With a $4.5M grant from UCAH, Dr. Roberto Furfaro, Systems & Industrial Engineering, is developing AI-driven guidance, navigation and control systems for autonomous vehicles operating at hypersonic speeds. He is also deputy director of the university’s Space4 Center.
Dr Erica Corral
Dr. Erica Corral, Materials Science & Engineering, an expert in ultra-high temperature ceramics designed to withstand hypersonic conditions, serves on a $100M DOD initiative, the University Consortium for Applied Hypersonics (UCAH) governance board and the technical leadership team.
Dr. Stuart "Alex" Craig
Dr. Stuart “Alex” Craig, Aerospace & Mechanical Engineering, is leading a $12M+ expansion of the high-speed wind tunnel complex anchored by the Mach 5 Quiet Ludwieg Tube and the Arizona Polysonic Wind Tunnel. The world-class facilities are used heavily for basic and applied aerodynamics research and testing.
DOWNLOAD 2023 BROCHURE
Download 2023 U of A Hypersonics brochure
