Events Calendar

Department of Astronautical Engineering: Presentation on Lessons from Columbia by Matthew Melis

Speaker: Matthew Melis, NASA Glenn Research Center

Talk Title: Lessons from Columbia A Decade Later

Abstract: Matt Melis provides a detailed look into the inner workings of the Space Shuttle and a behind the scenes perspective on the impact analysis and testing done for the Columbia Accident Investigation and NASA's Return to Flight programs. His presentation is full of rich, still and motion picture imagery, and, although technical, is easily understood by all audiences. In addition, highlights from recent Shuttle missions are presented demonstrating how NASA conducted its operations differently and more safely, post Columbia, through better imagery, better analysis, and enhanced best practices.

Biography: Matt received both a BS in Civil Engineering and an MS in Engineering Mechanics from Michigan State University and has worked at the NASA Glenn Research Center for thirty two years. His primary area of focus is in advanced finite element modeling and analysis methods including nonlinear and dynamic impact loading. Trained in engineering mechanics, he has been recognized for expertise in actively cooled structures, stress analysis, ballistic impact research, and multi physics analysis during his tenure at the Research Center. He has worked on numerous aeronautics and space programs for the agency including the International Space Station, the Space Shuttle, and NASA's Exploration Program. In the four and one half years that followed the Columbia accident, Matt was assigned full time to working the Columbia Accident Investigation and the Shuttle Return to Flight Program as technical lead of the NASA Glenn Ballistic Impact team. Most recent Matt has worked on landing impact testing of various design concepts for the Orion crew module and is currently a program sub-element lead for a cryogenic fluid management program at NASA Glenn.

In addition to his technical commitments, Matt also devotes significant effort to public outreach and teaching for NASA at all levels of education as well as conferences pertaining to Ballistic Impact Research, The Columbia Accident Investigation, NASA's Return to Flight and the Space Shuttle Program. Organizations he has spoken to include: The National Transportation and Safety Board, The Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Dartmouth College, The Canadian Royal Astronomical Society, Ontario Science Center, Ivey Business School in Canada, The University of Reykjavik, Iceland, The American Society for Metals, Skywalker Sound, Industrial Light and Magic, and the London Science Festival.



Host: Department of Astronautical Engineering, Ad Astra Student Society, VGSA

Location: John Stauffer Science Lecture Hall (SLH) - 100

Audiences: Everyone Is Invited

Contact: Norma Perry