ASU, Honeywell spotlight next-gen aircraft technology

A trio of Fulton Schools researchers then reported on the progress of their aircraft-related work.

Yulia Peet, an associate professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering, discussed aerodynamic challenges and operational possibilities to accommodate the differences in electric aircraft from those powered by internal combustion, including advanced aircraft control surfaces, integration of propulsion systems into frame designs and aerodynamic computations to ensure optimal safety and performance.

Suren Jayasuriya, an assistant professor of electrical engineering with a joint appointment in the ASU School of Arts, Media and Engineering, showcased his work in the development of non-line-of-sight imaging. Non-line-of-sight allows sensors, such as cameras, detect objects that are out of line of sight, such as around a corner.

Jayasuriya is working with industry partners on a project to use the technology to track the movements of drones, but he foresees a world of further possibilities.

“This is something that can add new capabilities for all sorts of aerial vehicles,” he said. “We’re trying to explore what those use cases are.”

Candace Chan, a professor of materials science and engineering, presented her work in battery chemistry. Chan explained how lithium-ion batteries, the current dominant type of battery used in electrical devices, carry inherent safety risks that make them less than ideal for aircraft use.

“There’s this interesting graphic on the Federal Aviation Administration website where they keep track of new battery incidents on planes,” Chan said. “They’re increasing, and they’re going to keep increasing. The more devices we have, the more chance there is for the batteries to cause an issue.”

She detailed her research to explore alternative battery options, including solid-state batteries, which use solid materials inside of them instead of the liquid form dominant in lithium-ion cells, and explained how liquid chemistries perform well in extremely low and high temperatures, such as those experienced by spacecraft.

Following the faculty member presentations, attendees also took tours of ASU labs to see the facilities and get a glimpse of the research being done on ASU’s Tempe campus.

A look at the future of sustainable aviation

Honeywell presenters gave an overview of the company’s systems that start and control an aircraft’s operations and the technological advancements underway in their products. Company representatives also discussed the possibilities Honeywell is exploring for research with numerous collaborators to increase fuel efficiency and electrification and invited ASU faculty and students to learn more about these opportunities.

Additional presentations from the Honeywell team included overviews of the company’s research and development of emerging technology, including faracore, an electrical insulator material with promising properties to withstand the high temperatures generated by electric propulsion technology; electromagnetic braking systems for taxiing that would eliminate the need for friction materials that work similarly to automotive brake pads; and advancements in avionics, or aircraft electronics, that aim to increase reliability and safety for systems such as navigation.

Shyaam Ramkumar, a partner success manager at venture capital firm Plug and Play, discussed how the firm connects startups and entrepreneurs with innovative technology to larger firms such as Honeywell for the widespread production and distribution of their ideas.

Networking and learning for future career paths

The event provided Fulton Schools students from all disciplines with the opportunity to learn how their skills could be relevant to the aerospace industry. Among those who attended, some found the networking opportunities and insight into industry especially valuable for their educational and career experience.

Grace Llamas, a sophomore studying mechanical engineering, says she’s considering going into the aerospace field or robotics after graduation and found the presentations informative.

“I still have a lot to learn about the electrification of all different kinds of aspects of aircraft, and this could be said for everything that’s going electric,” Llamas said. “In my classes this upcoming semester, I’m going to look at it from the perspective of how these concepts will apply in the industry. What I heard the speakers talk about, I think that it’s going to give me an appreciation for what I’m learning and more motivation to hold on to those concepts.”

Ryan Barlow, an aerospace engineering master’s degree student and Fulton Schools engineering faculty associate, found the event valuable, particularly because of his interest in the aerospace field, his family members who are current or former Honeywell employees and the opportunity to network with faculty members and industry representatives.

“I met numerous professionals in my desired field of work,” Barlow said. “I found the professor that I may be doing my graduate thesis and or PhD research under, Yulia Peet. It’s exceptionally beneficial using the event as a low-pressure networking opportunity to talk with other professionals and academics.”

Looking toward the future, Honeywell plans to join with ASU leaders in hosting more events of this kind, aimed at fostering continuing collaborations to advance the aerospace industry.