Help us Promote our STEM Event
Editor's note (2/23): Here is a link to the new contest one-page PDF flyer. You can get students and their teachers thinking about exploration.
Thursday, February 21, 2013
AIAA National Essay Contest Due March 15th: STEM Event
Editor's note (2/23): Here is a link to the new contest one-page PDF flyer. You can get students and their teachers thinking about exploration.
The blog is coming back!
A couple of years ago, we decided to abandon active update of this blog since only one person was posting, and there are other ways to get announcements out.
So now, in February 2013, we're looking at new ways to communicate to AIAA SF members and the surrounding community. But we/I also want to encourage members of the section council to post their own announcements. So... the blog is coming back. Hopefully, this time, there will be posts from more people than just yours-truly.
--Rick (unofficial minister of propaganda)
Addendum (2/22): I should probably provide a bit of additional info on why the blog is coming back.
Currently, the main AIAA SF website is a high maintenance activity depending on volunteer effort, and typically a shoestring budget. We have been working on migration to a content management system (CMS) on our own server for about a year. But on volunteer time schedules, this is likely still going to take a couple of months... or more. Meanwhile, announcements are backing up and human resources are thin.
For those who are curious, we are planning to utilize Joomla as the CMS. We previously could not do this because we were on a shared server with no root access, but did have a reasonably cooperative ISP. Last year, we arranged with our ISP to take over a VM (virtual machine) at slightly higher cost, installed an Ubuntu server, and moved the existing website into it. This also gave us the foundation to install other software components as we evaluate our needs and see their fitness to the task.
The guys who currently manage the server are hybrid aerospace and computer science nutcases. While that exact combination is not a requirement, we are extremely lucky. It is absolutely required that you have more than one server "hacker" if you want to manage your own server image. We got our first additional "hacker" ("hackette"? footnote 1) a couple of years ago (well, perhaps a little longer), and began to explore the possibilities of a CMS back then. We got a second additional "hacker" last year, and began to put the migration into action. However, we all have full time jobs; some of us are even taking additional academic courses, but somehow still enjoy the challenge of managing a server.
--------
1. "hacker" is used here in the positive sense. A female hacker is... this question only came up once, and the two terms suggested were "hackerette" or "hackette". But I thought it was good to point out that at least one of us had more culture than your typical hacker.
So now, in February 2013, we're looking at new ways to communicate to AIAA SF members and the surrounding community. But we/I also want to encourage members of the section council to post their own announcements. So... the blog is coming back. Hopefully, this time, there will be posts from more people than just yours-truly.
--Rick (unofficial minister of propaganda)
Addendum (2/22): I should probably provide a bit of additional info on why the blog is coming back.
Currently, the main AIAA SF website is a high maintenance activity depending on volunteer effort, and typically a shoestring budget. We have been working on migration to a content management system (CMS) on our own server for about a year. But on volunteer time schedules, this is likely still going to take a couple of months... or more. Meanwhile, announcements are backing up and human resources are thin.
For those who are curious, we are planning to utilize Joomla as the CMS. We previously could not do this because we were on a shared server with no root access, but did have a reasonably cooperative ISP. Last year, we arranged with our ISP to take over a VM (virtual machine) at slightly higher cost, installed an Ubuntu server, and moved the existing website into it. This also gave us the foundation to install other software components as we evaluate our needs and see their fitness to the task.
The guys who currently manage the server are hybrid aerospace and computer science nutcases. While that exact combination is not a requirement, we are extremely lucky. It is absolutely required that you have more than one server "hacker" if you want to manage your own server image. We got our first additional "hacker" ("hackette"? footnote 1) a couple of years ago (well, perhaps a little longer), and began to explore the possibilities of a CMS back then. We got a second additional "hacker" last year, and began to put the migration into action. However, we all have full time jobs; some of us are even taking additional academic courses, but somehow still enjoy the challenge of managing a server.
--------
1. "hacker" is used here in the positive sense. A female hacker is... this question only came up once, and the two terms suggested were "hackerette" or "hackette". But I thought it was good to point out that at least one of us had more culture than your typical hacker.
Friday, September 16, 2011
AIAA SJSU SHARP launch tomorrow (9/17)
The San Jose State High Altitude Rocket Project (SHARP) is going to attempt a launch in Nevada tomorrow, September 17. You can watch it live. Here's the note from project member Ali.
The team has created a PDF poster (3.3 MB) about the project.
Update at 3:45pm Friday: Planned launch is at 8 or 9 am on Saturday morning. (9/17).
Hello Everyone,
I am just want to announce that AE AIAA SJSU group is going to launch The SHARP rocket this Saturday in Nevada.
It will be broadcast. If you want to join us, here is the link: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/aeropacs-show#utm_campaign=synclickback&source=http://www.aeropac.org/VirtualClassroom/VC_homepage.html&medium=75662
We are expected to reach Mach 2.
Best Regards,
Ali Guarneros Luna
The team has created a PDF poster (3.3 MB) about the project.
Update at 3:45pm Friday: Planned launch is at 8 or 9 am on Saturday morning. (9/17).
Friday, February 11, 2011
Hybrid Rocket Propulsion for Future Space Launch
AIAA SF Tech Talks
Thursday, Feb. 17, 2011; Mountain View
Hybrid rockets combine characteristics of solids along with throttleable engines. They were behind the success of SpaceShipOne and will propel Virgin Galactic's SpaceShipTwo. Do they have a broader future in space launch? Join us and find out.
Dr. Arif Karabeyoglu is the President and Chief Technical Officer of Space Propulsion Group, Inc. (SPG), and a Consulting Professor at Stanford University. He has performed extensive research on hybrid rocket combustion and propulsion, ranging from theoretical studies to investigations of practical applications and propulsion testing. Dr. Karabeyoglu has taught courses at Stanford University in Applied Aerodynamics, Rocket Propulsion, and Experimental Aeronautics and Astronautics. He has served as Program Manager and Principal Investigator for a number of SPG programs that focused on the development and testing of hybrid rockets. Dr. Karabeyoglu has numerous journal articles, conference papers and patents in the field of rocket propulsion. He is the chairman of the AIAA's Hybrid Technical Committee and serves on the Expert Advisory Board that oversees the development of the SpaceShipTwo propulsion system.
Thursday, Feb. 17, 2011; Mountain View
Hybrid rockets combine characteristics of solids along with throttleable engines. They were behind the success of SpaceShipOne and will propel Virgin Galactic's SpaceShipTwo. Do they have a broader future in space launch? Join us and find out.
Dr. Arif Karabeyoglu is the President and Chief Technical Officer of Space Propulsion Group, Inc. (SPG), and a Consulting Professor at Stanford University. He has performed extensive research on hybrid rocket combustion and propulsion, ranging from theoretical studies to investigations of practical applications and propulsion testing. Dr. Karabeyoglu has taught courses at Stanford University in Applied Aerodynamics, Rocket Propulsion, and Experimental Aeronautics and Astronautics. He has served as Program Manager and Principal Investigator for a number of SPG programs that focused on the development and testing of hybrid rockets. Dr. Karabeyoglu has numerous journal articles, conference papers and patents in the field of rocket propulsion. He is the chairman of the AIAA's Hybrid Technical Committee and serves on the Expert Advisory Board that oversees the development of the SpaceShipTwo propulsion system.
- Location: Hacker Dojo, 140 S. Whisman Road, Mountain View
- Date: Thursday, Feb. 17, 2011
- Time: 6-8 PM (6-6:30 networking, refreshments will be available)
- Cost: free
- Additional info: http://www.aiaa-sf.org
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Clarence "Sy" Syvertson: 1926-2010
This statement was circulated at NASA Ames from current center director Pete Worden:
It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of Clarence A. “Sy” Syvertson, a former Director of the NASA Ames Research Center from 1977 to 1984. He died the evening of Sept. 13, 2010 at the age of 84.
Sy was an exemplary scientist and a dynamic and innovative leader who began his career at Ames in 1948 and matched his theoretical insights on hypersonic airflows with brilliant experimental work. He led the 3.5-foot hypersonic wind tunnel branch and developed advanced vehicles like the XB-70 Valkyrie and the M2 lifting bodies. His fundamental work on reentry vehicles contributed to the design of the space shuttle. He served as Director of Astronautics and during the tenure of former Ames Center Director Hans Mark from 1969 to 1977 as Center Deputy Director.
Under his leadership, NASA Ames continued to blossom as a world-class research organization. Ames people did groundbreaking research on vertical-lift aircraft, built the world's largest wind tunnel, flew the Kuiper Airborne Observatory, consolidated its collaboration with NASA Dryden, and prepared the Galileo Probe for its journey to Jupiter. He was elected to the NASA Ames Hall of Fame, was a member of the National Academy of Engineering and a Fellow of the AIAA, and won many awards for his service to NASA and to space exploration. Most recently, Sy visited Ames for the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Historic Aerospace Site dedication held on August 25, 2009.
Please join me in expressing our deepest sympathy to the Syvertson family and his many friends.
Services are planned for this Sunday.
S. Pete Worden
Director
In 1957, in recognition of his work on hypersonic flow, the Institute of Aeronautical Sciences (IAS, a predecessor to AIAA) presented him with the Lawrence Sperry Award, which recognized a young professional for notable achievement in the advancement of aeronautics. In those days, the award came with a paper certificate.
Today's recipients receive a bronze medallion. In 2006, with the cooperation of AIAA Headquarters, the San Francisco Section presented him with a bronze medallion. Accepting it at the section's Honors and Awards Banquet, the former Ames center director expressed mild embarrassment for accepting a young professionals award at age 80. Coincidentally, a number of other NACA/NASA Ames luminaries, e.g., Al Eggers and George Cooper, were celebrating their 60th year of membership in AIAA and its predecessors, as was Norm Bergrun, who was chair of the San Francisco Section when IAS and the American Rocket Society (ARS) merged to form AIAA.
It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of Clarence A. “Sy” Syvertson, a former Director of the NASA Ames Research Center from 1977 to 1984. He died the evening of Sept. 13, 2010 at the age of 84.
Sy was an exemplary scientist and a dynamic and innovative leader who began his career at Ames in 1948 and matched his theoretical insights on hypersonic airflows with brilliant experimental work. He led the 3.5-foot hypersonic wind tunnel branch and developed advanced vehicles like the XB-70 Valkyrie and the M2 lifting bodies. His fundamental work on reentry vehicles contributed to the design of the space shuttle. He served as Director of Astronautics and during the tenure of former Ames Center Director Hans Mark from 1969 to 1977 as Center Deputy Director.
Under his leadership, NASA Ames continued to blossom as a world-class research organization. Ames people did groundbreaking research on vertical-lift aircraft, built the world's largest wind tunnel, flew the Kuiper Airborne Observatory, consolidated its collaboration with NASA Dryden, and prepared the Galileo Probe for its journey to Jupiter. He was elected to the NASA Ames Hall of Fame, was a member of the National Academy of Engineering and a Fellow of the AIAA, and won many awards for his service to NASA and to space exploration. Most recently, Sy visited Ames for the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Historic Aerospace Site dedication held on August 25, 2009.
Please join me in expressing our deepest sympathy to the Syvertson family and his many friends.
Services are planned for this Sunday.
S. Pete Worden
Director
In 1957, in recognition of his work on hypersonic flow, the Institute of Aeronautical Sciences (IAS, a predecessor to AIAA) presented him with the Lawrence Sperry Award, which recognized a young professional for notable achievement in the advancement of aeronautics. In those days, the award came with a paper certificate.
Today's recipients receive a bronze medallion. In 2006, with the cooperation of AIAA Headquarters, the San Francisco Section presented him with a bronze medallion. Accepting it at the section's Honors and Awards Banquet, the former Ames center director expressed mild embarrassment for accepting a young professionals award at age 80. Coincidentally, a number of other NACA/NASA Ames luminaries, e.g., Al Eggers and George Cooper, were celebrating their 60th year of membership in AIAA and its predecessors, as was Norm Bergrun, who was chair of the San Francisco Section when IAS and the American Rocket Society (ARS) merged to form AIAA.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Job openings: aeronautics instructors and teachers
(Note: The announcement below comes to us from AIAA contacts at American Academy of Aeronautics, at Mather Field, California. Strictly speaking, it is Sacramento Section territory, but members in the Bay area may find it of interest.)
The Aeronautics and Aerospace Science Department at American Academy of Aeronautics has an opening for the current Autumn/Winter quarters with strong opportunities to work in future quarters as well.
The Aeronautical and Aerospace Science Department invites dynamic individuals with a passion for teaching aeronautics to undergraduate students to apply for the instructor and teacher positions.
Instructors have small group sizes and remain with the same group of students throughout their program. The instructor is expected to teach undergraduate aeronautical and aerospace science at both introductory and advanced levels. The teaching and instruction load over a full year is eight terms per academic year. Many of the courses meet once a week between 3:00pm and 6:15pm. Office hours and student assignments are supported by teaching assistants.
Qualifications:
1. Have a bachelor's degree completed by June 01, 2005, in science, engineering, mathematics, meteorology or applied science; OR, the equivalent. Note: Applicants applying under the "equivalent" provision must attach details and explain how their academic preparation is equivalent of the degree listed above.
2. Applications should include a curriculum vitae, as well as a statement of teaching interest, philosophy and goals, a summary of courses taught.
Please include contact information for at least three referees.
Applications by USPS should be sent to:
Dr. Margaret Harris
American Academy of Aeronautics
10510 Superfortress Ave.
Mather, California 95655
Email applications are encouraged and should be sent to: jobs@americanacademy.net
Fax: 650-440-4999
Phone: 916-572-9070
The consideration of applications will begin on September 01, 2010 and continue until the position is filled.
The Aeronautics and Aerospace Science Department at American Academy of Aeronautics has an opening for the current Autumn/Winter quarters with strong opportunities to work in future quarters as well.
The Aeronautical and Aerospace Science Department invites dynamic individuals with a passion for teaching aeronautics to undergraduate students to apply for the instructor and teacher positions.
Instructors have small group sizes and remain with the same group of students throughout their program. The instructor is expected to teach undergraduate aeronautical and aerospace science at both introductory and advanced levels. The teaching and instruction load over a full year is eight terms per academic year. Many of the courses meet once a week between 3:00pm and 6:15pm. Office hours and student assignments are supported by teaching assistants.
Qualifications:
1. Have a bachelor's degree completed by June 01, 2005, in science, engineering, mathematics, meteorology or applied science; OR, the equivalent. Note: Applicants applying under the "equivalent" provision must attach details and explain how their academic preparation is equivalent of the degree listed above.
2. Applications should include a curriculum vitae, as well as a statement of teaching interest, philosophy and goals, a summary of courses taught.
Please include contact information for at least three referees.
Applications by USPS should be sent to:
Dr. Margaret Harris
American Academy of Aeronautics
10510 Superfortress Ave.
Mather, California 95655
Email applications are encouraged and should be sent to: jobs@americanacademy.net
Fax: 650-440-4999
Phone: 916-572-9070
The consideration of applications will begin on September 01, 2010 and continue until the position is filled.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Job openings: wind turbine engineering
The message below come to us from Daniel McGrath via our SVEC contacts. See his contact info below. AIAA SF has not vetted this opportunity; but we are posting it since it these positions may be of particular interest to members.
There are several engineering positions open (listed below) at my wind turbine manufacturing client. The Senior Aerodynamicist and Loads Analyst positions are quite urgent right now. All positions require prior wind turbine firm experience:
· Configuration & Quality Engineer
· Control Systems Engineer
· Electrical Engineer, Grid Interface
· Electrical Engineer, Wind Turbine
· FEA Engineer
· Loads Analyst, Wind Turbines
· Mechanical Engineer, Drive Trains
· Mechanical Engineer, Rotor Systems
· Mechanical / Structural Engineer
· Quality Engineer
· Senior Aerodynamicist
· Senior Structural Composites Engineer – I placed my candidate there on April 3rd
· Senior Wind Turbine Design Engineer
· Software Engineer, Wind Turbines
They’re really ramping up with $50 million from the DOE and venture sources, so please feel free to forward this email to anyone in you network who might be interesting for me to talk to regarding these opportunities.
Thank you and Best Regards,
Daniel J. McGrath
Senior Search Consultant
Concept Corporation
www.conceptc.com
San Francisco +1-415-781-2626
Toll Free in US 1-800-382-2733
There are several engineering positions open (listed below) at my wind turbine manufacturing client. The Senior Aerodynamicist and Loads Analyst positions are quite urgent right now. All positions require prior wind turbine firm experience:
· Configuration & Quality Engineer
· Control Systems Engineer
· Electrical Engineer, Grid Interface
· Electrical Engineer, Wind Turbine
· FEA Engineer
· Loads Analyst, Wind Turbines
· Mechanical Engineer, Drive Trains
· Mechanical Engineer, Rotor Systems
· Mechanical / Structural Engineer
· Quality Engineer
· Senior Aerodynamicist
· Senior Structural Composites Engineer – I placed my candidate there on April 3rd
· Senior Wind Turbine Design Engineer
· Software Engineer, Wind Turbines
They’re really ramping up with $50 million from the DOE and venture sources, so please feel free to forward this email to anyone in you network who might be interesting for me to talk to regarding these opportunities.
Thank you and Best Regards,
Daniel J. McGrath
Senior Search Consultant
Concept Corporation
www.conceptc.com
San Francisco +1-415-781-2626
Toll Free in US 1-800-382-2733
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