What are the current and future trends in aerospace research?

[JD88]

What would you say are the main focuses of research in aerospace engineering right now, specifically anything to do with aerodynamics or fluid mechanics in general. Is there a lot of research in new areas or is it mainly a lot of small tweaks in order to improve already existing systems? What do you see being the main research areas in the future?

 

[FredGarvin]

As far as propulsion goes, high mach number flows is pretty huge right now. Also related are the thermal management of vehicles at very high mach numbers.

 

[Astronuc]

Commercial aviation is keen on alternative fuels, e.g. biofuels, and highly efficient jet engines in order to hold down fuel costs.

Reliability and low maintenance are key factors as well.


Replacement for the US Space Shuttle is another area of interest.