Arthur Brown, PhD

Postdoctoral Research Associate

BACKGROUND

I come from Toronto, Ontario, Canada. I received my Bachelor’s degree in Engineering Science (Aerospace Engineering major) from the University of Toronto in 2016, and my Master’s and PhD degrees in Aeronautics and Astronautics from MIT in 2018 and 2023 respectively. In my spare time, I am an avid fisherman; I also enjoy long-distance running, military history, and chess.

RESEARCH

I work on electroaerodynamic (EAD) propulsion: a novel means of generating thrust, using strong electric fields to ionize and accelerate air. EAD thrusters have no moving parts, and are therefore almost silent. In my doctoral research, I discovered that EAD propulsion for fixed-wing, heavier-than-air aircraft can be practical if technological improvements are obtained in three areas: efficient ion generation, low-pressure-loss thruster electrodes, and lightweight power conversion. I am currently working to design, build, and flight test the world’s first fixed-wing EAD aircraft with a practical payload and endurance.

I also work on Regional Air Mobility (RAM): proposed operations by small (<9 seats), electric airliners between regional airports across the United States. I aim to estimate the infrastructure (chargers, grid electricity, etc.) required to enable these operations.

 

EXPERTISE

  • Aircraft clean-sheet design
  • Electroaerodynamic (EAD) propulsion
  • Urban air mobility (UAM)
  • Regional air mobility (RAM)
  • Multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO)

 

Publications

My publications and patent applications are listed on my Google Scholar page, here.