Each week, the College of Engineering features an outstanding member of the engineering community to be part of our spotlight campaign. This week, we are highlighting Dr. Lubos Brieda, Aerospace Engineering Department Assistant Professor.
What brought you to Cal Poly College of Engineering?
Prior to joining Cal Poly, I worked as an independent aerospace analyst through my consulting firm. While that role allowed me to work on many space missions and projects in plasma propulsion and fusion energy fields, I was starting to miss working in a lab. At some point, numerical simulations can only take you so far. Joining Cal Poly seemed like the perfect opportunity to start conducting experimental research while simultaneously passing on my experience to a new generation of engineering students eager to gain skills through practical, hands-on learning.
Tell me about your research interests and why you are passionate about this topic.
My primary research interest is in experimental and numerical studies of rarefied neutral and plasma flows, with a focus on spacecraft contamination control and electric (plasma) propulsion. On the purely numerical side, I am also interested in the development of simulation codes that take advantage of technologies such as direct use of CAD models, game engines and data-driven reduced models.
What do you want others to know about your research? Why is your topic important?
There are a lot of interesting physics phenomena that happen at the interface of solid objects and the space environment. For example, in the field of contamination control, you may have various hydrocarbon molecules impinging onto a spacecraft component. If they remain on the surface long enough, they will eventually form a film that negatively affects the operation of optical or thermal systems. Water ice is also a concern on cryogenic missions. Dust particles, including lunar regolith, can become charged and electrostatically attracted to solar panels or astronaut helmet visors. Surfaces in contact with plasma can be damaged through bombardment by high-energy ions. This is one of the life-limiting processes in the field of plasma propulsion. Even more complex surface interactions are encountered in fusion reactors or advanced semiconductor etching devices.
In the field of plasma propulsion, many fundamental processes such as the impact of test facilities or the details of electron-ion coupling are not well understood. And that’s just for atomic propellants. Nowadays, there is much interest in molecular propellants that can be used for multimode propulsion — combining the benefits of chemical rockets and electric thrusters —possibly utilizing molecular propellants harvested from surfaces of planetary bodies or their atmospheres. Such propellants can lead to a seemingly infinite number of reactions that need to be considered.
What are some of the upcoming projects or publications you’re working on?
I am currently wrapping up the second edition of my book Plasma Simulations by Example, which is due to the publisher in November. Another near-term plan is to build up the large vacuum chamber testing facility. We were recently loaned several quartz crystal microbalances, which are probes used for characterizing the amount of volatile, condensable contaminants in a vacuum environment, and my most immediate task is to get them installed in the chamber. We will subsequently use these devices to study how contaminant molecules redistribute in the vacuum environment and how they behave in the presence of water ice. I am also planning to work with students on building several types of plasma thrusters. Besides this, I have several draft articles on topics ranging from dynamic models for surface erosion and regolith transport to GPU-accelerated simulations of vacuum arcs.
What is your favorite part of your job?
I enjoy working with individual students and student clubs on new technology demonstration prototypes and the subsequent testing to increase product maturity.
What is your favorite place in San Luis Obispo County and why?
I am still new to the area, so I have plenty of exploring left to do. However, so far I have really enjoyed trail running and hiking at Montaña de Oro State Park.
How do you like to spend your free time?
These days, it is mostly by running, kayaking and (at some point in the future) sailing. Back when I was in college, I did a lot of backpacking and even got into a hobby called highpointing, which involves climbing to the highest point in each U.S. state (I am only missing Alaska). My wife and I also enjoy traveling — a couple of recent memorable trips include a cruise through Patagonia and a trip to Abu Dhabi for the Formula One Grand Prix.
What is the most helpful advice you’ve received?
While many professors truly enjoy teaching, their real passion tends to be in their research. Talk to your professors about their projects and try to get involved in undergraduate research. It can lead to new opportunities, including internships and fully funded graduate school.
How does engineering apply to your daily life?
This may be a silly answer, but I enjoy cooking. To me, it exemplifies the overall engineering experience. You start with an idea for some end product (what you want to eat), then figure out what supplies and tools are available. Next, you come up with an algorithm (the recipe). And, unlike in the usual real-world engineering world in which things tend to drag on, in a short amount of time you end up with a finished product.
How do you encourage engineering students to make an impact on the community?
Being in college is a busy time, but try to volunteer as much as you can. Sometimes just being there is all it takes to improve somebody else’s life.
How do you support the college’s commitment to justice, equity, diversity and inclusion?
I believe that the best way to improve diversity is by starting young. The engineering discipline used to be very much male-dominated. Some women who would otherwise make excellent engineers perhaps never considered engineering as a viable career path. For this reason, I try to help with outreach programs that introduce STEM fields to middle or high school students in historically underrepresented groups.
By Taylor Villanueva
