Noah Ledford Email & Phone Number

Freiburg, Bw, De

Freiburg, Bw, De

Frieburg, Germany

The lead structural engineer for satellite projects, as well as developing an orbital debris detector. Preforming design, analysis, and testing of spacecraft.

Freiburg Area, Germany

Designing and performing tests to determine material properties for composite materials at high strain rates. Konstruktion und Durchführung von Tests für die Bestimmung von Materialeigenschaften für Verbundwerkstoffe unter hohen Dehnungsraten.

Tübingen Germany

Classes five days a week covering German vocabulary and grammar. Current level C1.

Boulder Colorado, Usa

I completed my Masters of Science in Aerospace Engineering at the University of Boulder Colorado, in the summer of 2010. Working at the National Renewable Energy Lab, NREL, my thesis focused on developing new and innovative windmill blade testing methods. I have modeled various blade testing methods to compare cost and reliability aspects of the different proposals. Employing different finite element models and optimization algorithms I have investigated the conceptual designs.This work has… Show more I completed my Masters of Science in Aerospace Engineering at the University of Boulder Colorado, in the summer of 2010. Working at the National Renewable Energy Lab, NREL, my thesis focused on developing new and innovative windmill blade testing methods. I have modeled various blade testing methods to compare cost and reliability aspects of the different proposals. Employing different finite element models and optimization algorithms I have investigated the conceptual designs.This work has required an in depth look at a large amount of testing data reports and blade properties, requiring organization and initiative to siphon out the key parts of the plethora of data gathered at NREL. I worked in a team to design, analyse acquire and test a prototype of a new testing method. This method has the potential to increase speed and reduce cost of testing blades as well as adding dual axis testing to better investigate how the blades respond under all conditions. Working at NREL has exposed me to many different aspects of the wind energy industry, from new direct-drive and truss supported blade systems to some of the legal and political hurdles the industry faces. I have also meet with different commercial partners working to develop commercial versions of the equipment that has been developed at the laboratory. Show less

The school will focus on teaching the multi-disciplinary nature of research in engineering dynamics. Covering a number of topics such as; rigid-body dynamics, vibrations, wave propagation, vibration measurements and data acquisition, signal processing, experimental modal analysis, computational structural dynamics, random vibrations, nonlinear structural dynamics and acoustics.

Three years of design experience working in the University Nano-Satellite design competition sponsored by the Air Force Research Lab. The team recently finished the design review and took both 3rd place and the “Best New School” award. As leader of the Structures Subsystem I coordinated the work of five fellow students, both graduate and undergraduate. Guiding and teaching them to ensure that after I leave the knowledge that I have gained does not leave with me and that the team can continue… Show more Three years of design experience working in the University Nano-Satellite design competition sponsored by the Air Force Research Lab. The team recently finished the design review and took both 3rd place and the “Best New School” award. As leader of the Structures Subsystem I coordinated the work of five fellow students, both graduate and undergraduate. Guiding and teaching them to ensure that after I leave the knowledge that I have gained does not leave with me and that the team can continue the work that will ensure the project is successful. I performed detailed design work of the satellite structure working in cohesion with other subsystems to ensure effective solutions to integration concerns. Interpreted finite element analysis ensuring the design meets the requirements set by the Air Force industry partners and recommending design changes. I oversaw procurement of materials and machining, ensuring manufacturing defects and subsequent redesigns still passed loading requirements. Show less

Worked with the Integrated Defense System, specifically, assisting the structural analysis team on the new 787, Dreamliner. Used NASTRAN liner and non-liner analysis compared Titanium and Composite of fuselage components designs with test data. Conducted extensive pre-processing and post-processing in PATRAN and modeled various components of the fuselage. Verified design and analysis data of contracted work in Catia and Enovia, ensuring that the design model matches the analysis preformed, with… Show more Worked with the Integrated Defense System, specifically, assisting the structural analysis team on the new 787, Dreamliner. Used NASTRAN liner and non-liner analysis compared Titanium and Composite of fuselage components designs with test data. Conducted extensive pre-processing and post-processing in PATRAN and modeled various components of the fuselage. Verified design and analysis data of contracted work in Catia and Enovia, ensuring that the design model matches the analysis preformed, with a goal of discovering locations where weight savings could be implemented. Worked with experienced engineers to put together reports of the results and interpret the findings. Show less

I worked under the supervision of a seasoned aircraft mechanic and pilot to repair old Soviet fighter jets, L-29s, L-39s and MiG 23s. I was responsible for repairing basic structural components and aircraft skin, and retooled panels and instruments to reduce drag. I reconditioned the internal wing structure of one plane to serve as a fuel tank and I also made cockpit repairs, did detailing and prepped planes for painting.

Masters, Aerospace Engineering

Activities and Societies: Hiking club, Racquetball club, Kendo class, Intramural teams

Bachlor, Aerospace Engineering

Activities and Societies: Sigma Gamma Tau, AIAA, Honor Roll, Intramural Racquetball, Engineers Without Borders