Alexander Smits
Eugene Higgins Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Office: D218 E-Quad
Phone: 609-258-5117
Interdisciplinary Research Area: Applied Physics, Bioengineering
Research Area: Experimental research in fluid mechanics. The behavior of low and high Reynolds number turbulent wall-bounded flows at subsonic, supersonic and hypersonic speeds; the fluid mechanics of swimming and bio-inspired propulsion; blood hemolysis, sports ball aerodynamics; wind turbine aerodynamics and energy harvesting, and the development of new and improved measurement techniques.
Areas of Impact
Bioengineering and Health
Bioengineers at Princeton bring together fundamental questions about how living systems work with an engineering approach to solving problems. While much work in bioengineering aims to improve human health, advances in the field also help address other global challenges, such as sustainable food, energy, water, and materials.
Energy and Environment
Students and faculty in every engineering department bring their expertise to bear on securing our energy and environmental future. Much of this work comes together through the Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment, which supports teaching and research in sustainable energy-technology development, energy efficiency, and environmental protection and remediation.
The Future Metropolis
The world's metropolitan regions house over 50 percent of the world population, consume about 75 percent of worldwide energy, and emit about 80 percent of greenhouse gasses. By 2050, they will house about 70 percent of all people. Princeton engineers bring together expertise in the environment, infrastructure, climate, data science, sensors, privacy, security, public policy, and many other fields to make cities, towns and suburbs resilient and enjoyable places for people to flourish sustainably.
Primary affiliation
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Mechanical and Aerospace engineers at Princeton have played leading roles in combustion, fluid flow modeling and measurement, laser technologies and materials, propulsion, environmental science, and aerospace dynamics over the past half century. With ties to many other areas of science and engineering, MAE faculty also have a major impact in control and dynamical systems; materials science; satellite technology and propulsion; stability and control of vehicles; robotics; aircraft performance; pollution and alternative fuels; energy conversion and storage; nuclear security; biomechanics; and instrumentation.
