Expert: Paul Soderman - 10/19/2008

Question
hi Paul,
this is Parth from , NJ. i would like to ask you that  which specialization in aeronautical engineering is going most hot . and what current research is going on in the field . as right now i am a high school senior and i am planning to go for aeronautical engineering as a major in college . so i want to make my POS (purpose of statement). to the college applications .so i need to know the current top most researches going on in the field so that i can make my thesis which may help me in getting into some good college.  so you could just tell me which thing is attracting most the people and what are the current discussions going on in this field like say , something like fuel saving aircraft or anything else . i am personally interested in aircraft designing, so if you could tell me if is there any current research or discussion going on that thing .
hoping for positive response
thank you
Parth


Answer
Parth
If you visit the NASA websites such as: http://www.aeronautics.nasa.gov/fap/aboutus.html
you can see what NASA is working on in aeronautics.  They want it all - fuel efficient aircraft with low emissions, low noise, improved performance.  Design optimization, air traffic control, safety,  blended wing-body, all are important.  Related fields of interest include nano-technology and advanced research techniques.  You can also check recent papers published in the various AIAA technical conferences. The field is still very broad, so much of your choice depends on personal interest.  Good luck.
Paul