Aerospace Propulsion and Power Materials and Structures Research at NASA Glenn Research Center.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Glenn Research Center (GRC) is well recognized for its contributions toward development of advanced materials and structures for aerospace propulsion and power systems. The Structures and Materials Division conducts research across a broad range of technical areas relevant to the agency's future aeronautics and space mission requirements. This paper will introduce the technical areas of strategic importance in the Structures and Materials Division today and briefly address some of the specific research activities within these areas. A broad look at how the research areas of emphasis have evolved over time, beginning in the early 1940s when the GRC was first formed, will be discussed. Examples of some of the more notable research accomplishments and their impact on the aerospace industry over this time period will be included. A discussion of the division's planned technical directions believed to be required to meet the longer-term national aeronautics and space exploration goals will also be addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]