LWON Langley – MERCEDES REAVES

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MERCEDES REAVES
NASA
Langley Research Center

Research Engineer

I am a Research Engineer assigned to the Structural Dynamics Branch in the Structures and Materials Competency. I conduct analytical and experimental research on vibration and dynamics of complex aerospace structures both individually and as a team member. This work requires application of state of the art advanced analytical methods to predict the dynamic response of complex aircraft and spacecraft configurations and validation of improved methodologies by correlating predicted results with experimental data from laboratory investigations.

In my current assignment, I am responsible for the design of a viable full-scale solar sail and the development and testing of a scale model solar sail. I must select and apply tools to analyze complex thin film structures characterized by wrinkling, geometric and material nonlinear behavior. I am also responsible for planning experimental studies to validate analytical techniques and study solar sails dynamics.

Past assignments involved: research on modeling and validation of smart structures, the implementation of probabilistic analysis tools for dynamic model updates, simulation of ground-induced vibration of the HSCT (High Speed Civil Transport) as it traversed a typical runway and experiments to determine static and dynamic properties of advanced aircraft tires.

I have earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Puerto Rico and has completed graduate level training from Old Dominion University.
May 2005


NASA Langley Research Center is located in the city of Hampton, near the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay.

NASA Langley continues to forge new frontiers in aviation and space research as it has since 1917, when it was established as the nation’s first civilian aeronautics laboratory! It is considered the NASA “Mother” center. Not only does Langley develop Airframe Systems, scientists also examine the layers of air planes and spacecraft fly through in Atmospheric Sciences.

For more information, visit NASA Langley Research Center home page.