Awards & Recognition • Mississippi State student engineering teams earn regional awards
• Adrienne Minerick awarded NSF CAREER Award
• Computer engineering major receives NSF fellowship

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Many teenagers have sat in math classes working algebra or calculus problems and the question that usually comes up is, “How is this going to apply to the real world when I get a job.” Keith Walters, an assistant professor of mechanical engineering has the answer.  He has been awarded nearly a half-a-million dollars by the National Science Foundation (NSF) to explore innovative math algorithms (i.e. math problems) that will reduce errors in computer simulations—specifically computational fluid dynamic (CFD) simulations. CFD uses high performance computers to simulate complex fluid flows such as aerodynamic analysis of air around vehicles, combustion processes of gases in rockets, and simulations of blood and airflow in the circulatory system and lungs.

That is an important research and development component for the business world. Industries such as automotive, healthcare, biomedical, chemical, and aerospace use computational fluid dynamic simulations to run virtual prototypes of new designs, without actually building them.   The closer the CFD simulation can predict the reactions and outcomes of a new design means a large savings in time, money and in the case of healthcare--lives.

Walters pointed out that, “Computational fluid dynamics research has been around for several decades,” and added, “What is new about my research is using innovative methods of creating flexible algorithms that can be applied during the course of a CFD simulation.”

Another important component of Walters’ research project is that he plans to take the colorful computer fluid dynamic simulations on the road.  He said he wants to use the simulations to inspire high school students to study math, science and engineering in college.

“If they watch a virtual computer simulation that shows how a math, science or engineering problem can affect the design of a rocket or heart pump maybe it will help them connect the dots of why studying these subjects and pursuing a career in these fields are important,” said Walters.

The NSF CAREER awards have a value of up to $500,000 and are awarded to only a few professors in the country who are in the early stages of their career.  Since the turn of the century, 12 MSU professors have been granted this prestigious award.

The National Science Foundation is an independent federal agency created by Congress in 1950 to promote science and education through research programs and educational projects.