CRashworthiness for Aerospace Structures and Hybrids · UB MAE
We model, test, and design aerospace systems for impact, collision, and extreme environments — studying what happens when structures meet their limits.
Explore researchDomain 01 · Collision Dynamics
High-speed impact, hypervelocity events, and penetration mechanics. We quantify how aerospace materials absorb, deflect, and fail under dynamic loading — and redesign from those first principles.
Space Systems · Bioinspired Design
A NASA NIAC–funded spacecraft inspired by the pectoral-fin motion of a manta ray, designed to soar on the 370 km/h winds of Venus's upper atmosphere — where surface conditions are too extreme for conventional landers.
Concept representation — CRASH Lab / NASA NIAC program
Mission
The CRASH Lab — CRashworthiness for Aerospace Structures and Hybrids — is a research group within the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University at Buffalo, led by Dr. Javid Bayandor.
We use sophisticated computational simulations and experimental analysis to model real-world collision events, stress failure modes, and the structural response of aerospace systems in extreme environments. Our work directly informs the design of safer aircraft, smarter unmanned systems, and more resilient spacecraft.
Research
A database of more than 150 UAS models underpins our collision simulations — quantifying structural damage to commercial aircraft during drone strikes at operational speeds and angles.
High-speed impact, hypervelocity events, and penetration mechanics. Structural analysis of how aerospace materials absorb, deflect, and fail under rapid dynamic loading.
Hybrid composite structures, multi-material systems, and airframe architectures designed for maximum energy absorption and structural survivability in impact scenarios.
Re-entry vehicles, planetary landers, and sample-return capsules — from Venus atmospheric entry dynamics to Mars surface impact modeling.
Vehicles and robotic systems derived from biological models: stingray-wing spacecraft concepts, biomimetic aerodynamic structures, and adaptive flight mechanisms.
Computational FSI modeling of aerodynamic loading, flow-driven structural deformation, and fluid coupling in aerospace and high-speed impact scenarios.
Methods
Model
Finite element modeling, CFD, fluid–structure interaction, and high-fidelity impact simulation to replicate real-world collision events at operational scale.
Simulate
Dynamic loading, modal analysis, energy absorption modeling, and failure-mode prediction across advanced aerospace material systems.
Validate
Experimental validation of simulation models through controlled impact testing, high-speed imaging, and instrumented structural response measurement.
Redesign
Mission-driven design of aerospace systems — from structural topology to mission architecture — optimized for survivability and performance in extreme environments.
Projects
A NASA NIAC–funded spacecraft concept modeled on the pectoral-fin motion of a manta ray. BREEZE (Bioinspired Ray for Extreme Environments and Zonal Exploration) is designed to ride Venus's upper-atmosphere winds, where surface conditions are too extreme for conventional landers.
A library of 150+ UAS models simulated at flight-realistic speeds and geometries against full-scale aircraft structures — quantifying structural damage to inform aviation safety standards.
High-speed penetration mechanics and structural survivability modeling for aerospace and defense applications under hypervelocity impact conditions.
Re-entry dynamics, descent control, and surface impact modeling for planetary probes, sample-return capsules, and Earth entry vehicles — from structural concept to mission architecture.
People
Dr. Javid Bayandor
Principal Investigator · Associate Professor, MAE · University at Buffalo
Dr. Bayandor leads the CRASH Lab's research across crashworthiness, advanced aerospace structures, bioinspired systems, and space mission design. His work spans computational simulation, experimental impact analysis, and aerospace vehicle development for civil, defense, and space applications.
PhD Researcher
Crashworthiness & Simulation
PhD Researcher
Space Structures & Entry
MS Researcher
Impact Dynamics
Undergrad Researcher
Bioinspired Systems
Join the Lab
The CRASH Lab recruits graduate researchers and undergraduate team members interested in aerospace impact dynamics, computational simulation, spacecraft design, and high-consequence structural engineering. Prospective PhD and MS students are encouraged to reach out directly.
Reach out →Collaborate
We partner with aerospace industry, government agencies, space research institutions, and academic collaborators on crashworthiness, simulation, and aerospace systems research.
Industry & Government
Work with us on crashworthiness testing, simulation contracts, and safety standards development for aviation, defense, and space applications.
Discuss a partnership →Academic Collaboration
We welcome joint research proposals, student exchanges, and co-authorship across aerospace engineering, computational mechanics, and space systems.
Reach out →Graduate Research
Prospective PhD and MS students with backgrounds in aerospace, mechanical engineering, or computational simulation are encouraged to apply.
Apply to the lab →