About
Fluid dynamics play a critical role in many areas such as the flow past aircraft to racing bicycles.
Background
Prof. Ronald Hanson earned BASc and MASc degrees in Mechanical Engineering from McMaster University and a PhD in Aerospace Science and Engineering from the University of Toronto, where he received the G.N. Patterson Award. Hanson worked as a post-doctoral fellow at the University of Southampton in the UK and then with the University of Toronto while consulting for industry prior to working as the aerodynamicist for Cervelo Cycles in Toronto.
Research
My research takes a primarily experimental approach and is centred on the control of flow and turbulence with the underlying motivation of improving the performance of fluid/aero dynamic reliant applications from aircraft to racing bicycles. In particular, this research focuses on the underlying physics of fluid dynamic phenomena and the application of passive and active control strategies for drag reduction. The latter relies on the ability to sense and manipulate the flow and these topics form a close nexus to the central theme. Another branch of my research relates to transport of particles in the environment, especially focusing on their aerodynamic characteristics in the atmosphere.
Access to publications can be found here.