Brian González is a 3rd-year Aerospace Engineering major studying rocket propellant sloshing with Dr. Álvaro Romero-Calvo.

How long have you been an undergraduate researcher at Georgia Tech?

I have been an undergraduate researcher at Georgia Tech since August 2022 when I joined the Low Gravity Science and Technology lab.

How did you get involved with undergraduate research?

I've always found the research side of my major fascinating because it lets me explore complex topics in depth. My current project started when I checked out the Aerospace Undergraduate Research Opportunities (URO) website and found research on rocket propellant slosh modeling. It sounded interesting and different, so I wanted to learn more. Luckily, when I emailed the professor, they were willing to give me a chance, and I've been involved in the research ever since.

What are you working on?

Rockets primarily consist of propellant by mass. Throughout the flight, these propellants can undergo "sloshing" within the tank in response to the movement of the rocket. This sloshing phenomenon can give rise to various challenges within the vehicle, ranging from destabilization to vapor ingestion by the engine. Addressing this concern requires precise modeling to develop efficient control systems capable of mitigating sloshing effects. Our research is centered on addressing this necessity by developing an open-source slosh modeling interface using MATLAB.

What is your favorite thing about research/researching?

What truly ignites my passion for research is the prospect of delving into problems that don't offer a straightforward solution. It's akin to unraveling a complex puzzle, where every twist and turn challenges me to think in unconventional ways to uncover the answer. There's an undeniable thrill in contemplating potential solutions, even without the certainty that they'll succeed. In my view, this journey of exploration and discovery is what makes research such a worthwhile experience.

What are your future plans and how has research influenced them?

My research journey has been instrumental in shaping my career aspirations as I approach graduation. Initially drawn towards entering the industry post-graduation, my experiences have since broadened my perspective. Now, I envision a future where I can actively contribute to industry advancements through conducting investigations of my own. One pivotal moment in this realization was attending a conference where I had the opportunity to present my research. Being immersed in the atmosphere of professional investigation and innovation solidified my determination to pursue this path in my professional life.