Optimization of Amphibious Aircraft for Amazon Rainforest Operations

The Pennsylvania State University, Pennsylvania, USA
Centro Universitário SENAI CIMATEC, Salvador, Brazil
Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil

 Optimization of Amphibious Aircraft for Amazon Rainforest Operations

This program is a collaboration to investigate and develop improvements in the aerodynamic performance of amphibious aircraft to increase access to fast transportation in the Amazon region and establish connections in the aerospace industry through technological innovation. This collaboration involves faculty and students from the three partnering institutions and includes periods of mobility alongside a joint hybrid course offered by Penn State through the Engineering Leadership Development Program. The students and faculty from Penn State will first travel to Brazil for experimental campaigns at SENAI-CIMATEC and UFMG and the Brazilian faculty and students will travel to Penn State for the final experimental campaign and conclusion of the project. This project will provide opportunities for the development of new educational partnerships between the institutions and to foster a global perspective for engineering innovation and discoveries.