Samuel E.

Otto
606 Garfield St., West Lafayette, IN
sotto@purdue.edu

Education
Purdue University
Pursuing BS in Aerospace Engineering, Math minor
Relevant coursework:

Computational Aerodynamics
Aerodynamics
Low-speed Fluid Mechanics
Dynamics and Vibrations
Rocket Propulsion
Signals and Systems Analysis
Control Systems Analysis
Structural Analysis and
Mechanics of Materials

Degree expected May 2016

GPA: 3.91

Fourier Analysis
Honors Abstract Algebra
Real Analysis
Linear Algebra II with
Applications
Vector Calculus
Differential Equations and
Analysis of Nonlinear Systems
Electricity and Optics

Independently Studied Materials

Introduction to Tensor Analysis and the Calculus of Moving Surfaces, Pavel Grinfeld
(currently studying)
Mechanical Behavior of Materials, William F. Hosford (studied over summer 2015)
Principles of Mathematical Analysis: Third Edition, Walter Rudin (read in 2015)
Computational Science and Engineering I, Gilbert Strang, MIT OpenCourseWare
(studied over summer 2014)
Modern Compressible Flow: Third Edition, John D. Anderson (read in spring 2014)
Linear Algebra, Gilbert Strang, MIT OpenCourseWare (credit by exam in 2012)
Partial Differential Equations for Scientists and Engineers, Stanley J. Farlow (read in
2012)

Publications
1. Otto, Samuel E., Trefny, Charles J., Slater, John W., Inward-Turning Streamline-Traced
Inlet Design Method for Low-Boom, Low-Drag Applications, 51st AIAA/SAE/ASEE
Joint Propulsion Conference, 27 July 2015, Hilton Orlando, Orlando FL

Presentations
1. Inward-Turning Streamline-Traced Inlet Design Method for Low-Boom, Low-Drag
Applications, Presented at the 51st AIAA/SAE/ASEE Joint Propulsion Conference, July
2015, Hilton Orlando, Orlando FL

2. High-Order Shock Capturing for Computational Aeroacoustics, Oral presentation given

at SURF 2013 symposium, Purdue University, West Lafayette IN, July 26, 2013

Research
Purdue University (West Lafayette, IN)

June to August 2015

Research assistant in Dr. Michael Sangids Advanced Computational Materials and

Experimental Evaluation (ACME) Lab
Developed a novel method for correcting inherent image distortions in Scanning Electron
Microscopy (SEM). This should enable accurate computation of strain maps using Digital
Image Correlation (DIC).
Implemented a technique for mapping SEM-DIC strain data and grain orientation data
from Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD) onto a common physical grid. An affine
transformation based on the fiducial markings was found using least squares method.
Coded tools for interactively analyzing the combined strain data and microstructure of
specimens.
Developed a finite difference solver based on the Euler-Lagrange equations to efficiently
find minimal energy paths for traveling atomic dislocations within crystalline slip planes.
NASA Glenn Research Center (Cleveland, OH)

June to August 2014

NASA Aeronautics Scholarship intern

Worked with Dr. Chuck Trefny and Dr. John Slater on developing an improved design
methodology for inward-turning streamline-traced supersonic inlets
I developed a novel merging technique for conically-symmetric flowfields which enabled
the design of inlets with high performance, low drag, and low sonic boom signatures.
Suggested modifications to the inlet aperture allowing for enhanced sub-critical
operability and self-starting
First author on AIAA paper
Purdue University (West Lafayette, IN)

June to August 2013

Research assistant, Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF 2013)

Worked with Professor Gregory Blaisdell and graduate student Kurt Aikens on
implementing and improving high-fidelity large eddy simulation techniques for highspeed turbulent flow
Implemented a hybrid compact-weighted essentially nonoscillatory (WENO) scheme for
one and two-dimensional test cases
Researched and implemented modifications to the WENO scheme aimed at improving
resolution of small flow features, validating them in the hybrid LES framework. These
included wave-space optimization and reduced nonlinearity.
Researched, implemented, and evaluated methods of shock wave detection, identifying a
superior class of shock wave detectors based on relevant flow physics

Winchester Thurston High School (Pittsburgh, PA)

September 2011 to May 2012

Project in computational gas dynamics for class in advanced computer science

Did considerable research on gas dynamics, PDEs, and numerical methods
Implemented finite difference and finite volume methods for solving diffusion and wave
equations
Researched and implemented a slope limited second-order upwind, flux difference split
finite volume scheme for one and two-dimensional inviscid flow problems
Implemented and compared various approximate Riemann solvers including Roe, HLL,
and a rotated hybrid Roe-HLL method called RHLL
Winchester Thurston High School (Pittsburgh, PA)

September 2011 to May 2012

Project in amateur hybrid rocket propulsion for class in research science

Did considerable research on the design and analysis of hybrid rocket motors
Designed, built, and repeatedly fired a nitrous oxide hybrid rocket motor with paraffin
fuels
Determined burn rate coefficients for paraffin fuels with different melting points
Demonstrated increased burn rates attributed to droplet entrainment for waxes with lower
melting points

Honors and Awards

Barry Goldwater Scholarship 2015

Astronaut Scholarship 2015
Warren G. Koerner Scholarship 2014
NASA Aeronautics Scholarship 2013
ATK Thiokol Propulsion S.P.A.C.E Award fall 2013 for outstanding aerospace design
project
Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF 2013)

References
Dr. Charles J. Trefny
Aerospace Engineer,
NASA Glenn Research Center

Dr. Gregory A. Blaisdell

Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics,
Purdue University

Dr. Tom I-P. Shih

Head and Professor of Aeronautics and
Astronautics, Purdue University

Dr. Steven H. Collicott

Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics,
Purdue University