Distinguished Lecturer, Dr. Robert Liebeck
DR. ROBERT LIEBECK
Biography
Dr. Liebeck is currently Program Manager of the Blended-Wing-Body Program
at Boeing. In his 40 years at Boeing/McDonnell Douglas, he has served as program
manager on several classified advanced-concept airplane programs, some of
which culminated in successful flight vehicles. He has an extensive list of
technical publications, and his airfoil work, are discussed in several textbooks
on aerodynamics. Dr. Liebeck is also Professor of the Practice of Aeronautics
at MIT and an adjunct professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at
the University of California-Irvine, where he teaches courses in aerodynamics
and airplane design. He received BS, MS and Ph.D. degrees in Aeronautical
Engineering form the University of Illinois in Urbana Champaign, and received
the university's College of Engineering Distinguished Alumnus Award in 1996.
As a consultant, Dr. Liebeck has designed the wings for racing cars that have
won the Indianapolis 500 and Formula 1 races. He also designed the keel section
for the America3 yacht that won the America's Cup in 1991 and the wing for
a World Championship aerobatic plane.
Dr. Liebeck is a Boeing Senior Technical Fellow, an AIAA Fellow, a recipient of the AIAA Aerodynamics Award, a recipient of the AIAA Wright Brothers Lectureship in Aeronautics, and a member of the National Academy of Engineering.
Abstract: Boeing Blended-Wing-Body (BWB) Concept Aircraft
The Boeing Blended-Wing-Body (BWB) airplane concept represents a potential breakthrough in subsonic transport efficiency. Work began on the concept via a NASA-sponsored study comparing the BWB concept versus a conventional configuration, with the requirements for an 800-passenger size, 7000 nautical mile range, and engine & structural (composite) technology for a 2010 entry into service. Results showed a 15% reduction in takeoff weight and a 27% reduction in fuel burn, with subsequent studies showing the BWB is readily adaptable to cruise at Mach numbers as high as 0.95.
WHEN: WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, social 5:30pm, dinner 6:00pm,
presentation 7:30pm
TICKET DEADLINE: Thursday, March 20, noon.
WHERE: CROSSWINDS GOLF COURSE
MENU: TBA
COST: $15 MEMBERS, $12 STUDENTS AND CO-OPS, $18 NON-MEMBERS
TICKETS AVAILABLE FROM: Ross Osborne, x.24785; Jason Thomas, x.28803 or any other AIAA officer
Drawing will be held for door prize