R&D Brief Vol 5. Num. 10    May 27, 2008   Crash Dynamics lab undergoes structure change Mitchell (center) poses with Crash Dynamics Lab manager Chad Gadberry (left) and technician Andy Mackey. After 19 years with the National Institute for Aviation Research at Wichita State University, Joseph Mitchell has retired from his position as Crash Dynamics Lab director. Joseph began his NIAR career in 1989 after retiring from the United States Air Force. “Joseph literally built the Crash Dynamics Lab from the ground up,” said Tom Aldag, NIAR director of research and development. “When he arrived at NIAR, the lab was an empty room with sled parts stacked in a corner."   During his career he oversaw the implementation of many new testing capabilities including the addition of a landing gear drop tower and a $3 million renovation in 2004, which involved the installation of a new sled and simulator system.   “Joseph was instrumental in taking the lab from an idea to a successful and revered research and test lab," Aldag said.   John Laffen, director of Aerodynamic Laboratories, will take on the role of Crash Dynamics Lab director in addition to his current responsibilities.   John has been director of the Aerodynamics Labs for seven years and has 15 years experience in the aviation industry, previously working for Raytheon, Cirrus Design and Cessna. He recently oversaw the $6.5 million upgrade of the Walter H. Beech Wind Tunnel.   Chad Gadberry will continue his role as manager of the Crash Dynamics Lab with increased responsibilities. Chad joined NIAR in 2005 and has been involved with crash testing for 10 years, previously working for MGA Research Corporation in Detroit.   Dr. Gerardo Olivares, technical director of the Crash Dynamics Lab, will also continue to provide guidance on research-driven projects within the lab.   During his retirement, Joseph plans spend more time with his wife, Nancy, do some traveling and pursue his passion for photography.   “We thank Joseph for his dedication to WSU, NIAR and the Crash Dynamics Lab,” Aldag said. “Please join us in congratulating him on this new chapter of his life.”   CFSP conference accomplishes goals     More than 60 academic and industry professionals attended the National Science Foundation’s Center for Friction Stir Processing (CFSP) technical workshop and spring Industrial Advisory Board meeting, held April 21-24 at WSU’s National Institute for Aviation Research.   In addition to the meetings, which involved in-depth site project reviews and sponsor presentations, the week’s events also included tours of the Kansas Aviation Museum, Spirit AeroSystems, the Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center, a Cessna assembly facility and NIAR’s Full-Scale Structural Testing Laboratory at  Hawker Beechcraft.   We would like to thank the following sponsors for providing monetary support for the event:   Cessna Aircraft Company   Hawker Beechcraft   MTS   National Science Foundation   Spirit AeroSystems   Extra food from the daily meetings and catered dinners at the Kansas Aviation Museum, Cosmosphere and Cessna Service Center was donated to the Union Rescue Mission.   WSU is one of five institutions designated as a CFSP research site, headquartered in NIAR’s Advanced Joining and Processing Lab. As a multi-institutional Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC), the CFSP brings together the premier friction stir processing academic institutions in the United States and focuses on addressing the needs of aerospace, aeronautic, energy, military and commercial industries in developing friction stir processing.   The other CFSP research sites are lead institution South Dakota School of Mines & Technology, the University of South Carolina, Brigham Young University and the University of Missouri-Rolla. The National Institute for Aviation Research is a prestigious state-of-the-art aerospace research and development laboratory with global reach and expertise in research, design, testing, and certification. The Institute’s clientele includes many of the world’s aerospace manufacturers, NASA and the FAA. It is the largest aviation R&D academic institution in America.  The National Institute for Aviation Research is an unincorporated division of Wichita State University.