Core Research Areas
The McNAIR Aerospace Center is focused on the development and supply of engineered materials for high technology industries. Our goal is to provide a foundation of research and development that will enable and enhance growth in the engineered materials filed.
Advanced Composites
With dedicated research team and state of the art composite manufacturing equipment, USC is pioneering cutting-edge material development and manufacturing processes for next-generation applications. Our research drives efficiency durability, sustainability, and performance, shaping the future of the advanced manufacturing industry.
Advanced Air Mobility
Our interdisciplinary approach integrates advanced composite manufacturing, aerodynamic design, battery design and implementation and infrastructure. We collaborate with industry to develop sustainable, efficient, advanced-air-mobility, solutions that meet urban and rural transportation needs.
Energy Conversion
We specializes in cutting-edge research on high-power, high-voltage, and high-frequency electrical power converters designed for diverse grid-connected applications. The lab is equipped with advanced AC and DC testing capabilities, enabling the testing of high-voltage converters under real-world conditions.
Combustion
The main objective is to grow a world-class application-driven fundamental research endeavor, encompassing power generation, ground and air transportation, and chemical propulsion using fuels derived from both fossil and renewable energy resources.
Smart Manufacturing
To remain competitive while addressing workforce challenges, USC researchers explore cutting-edge automation technologies to drive efficiency and manufacturing productivity. Leveraging interdisciplinary expertise and a foundation of aerospace knowledge, we develop workflows, optimize processes, and construct physical prototypes using robotics, AI, and IOT to tackle real-world challenges.
Smart Power
We leverage digital twin technology and advanced decision-making frameworks alongside hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing to transform naval systems and microgrid operations. Our integrated approach combines real-time simulation with hands-on experimentation, optimizing energy efficiency and reliability to develop robust, sustainable solutions for modern maritime power challenges.