Eliott Radcliffe

Mechanical engineer, dynamics expert, and mobile application developer, with a history of success in leadership and staff development

About Me

I have over a decade of industry experience at a university affiliated research center providing expertise on large-scale aerospace projects. For the past year, I have begun a transition into a career focused on software development, with a passion for simulation and analysis of moving mechanical systems, and 3-D design and visualization on novel platforms, including mobile and augmented reality devices. Currently, I am seeking consulting, contracting, or freelance opportunities in an entrepreneurial or startup environment, where I can leverage my unique multidisciplinary skillsets in mechanical and software fields.

Education

Michigan State University

B.S. and M.S. Mechanical Engineering

2004 - 2010

Thesis titled "Development of an Optical Feedback-Controlled Microphone for Aeroacoustics Research"

Technical Skills and Miscellaneous

  • Programming: Python, Swift, Kotlin, C#, MATLAB, Mathematica, LabVIEW
  • Analysis: NumPy, SciPy, SymPy, Pandas, matplotlib, TensorFlow
  • App Development: SwiftUI, Jetpack Compose, Kotlin Multiplatform
  • 3-D Rendering: Unity, Blender, RealityKit, SceneKit, Google Filament, Three.js
  • Computer Aided Engineering: Abaqus, Simulink, Simscape Multibody, SIMPACK
  • Office/Typesetting: Microsoft Office, LaTeX
  • Awards: NASA GSRP Fellowship (2008, 2009), Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense Excellence Award (2018)
  • Security Clearance: SECRET, active from 2010-2023

Entrepreneurial Experience

DCDC LLC

District of Columbia | Dynamics & Control | Design & Code | Data Analytics & Consulting

December 2023 - Present

DC-Engineer.com

Founder and independent software developer

  • Providing mechanical, aerospace, and software engineering services
  • Wrote code in Swift, Kotlin, and Python for mobile and multi-platform deployment
  • Specialized in creating educational and applied content for engineers, and 3D experiences for mobile and augmented reality devices
  • Created a machine learning model in TensorFlow for a client in the video game industry to estimate aerodynamic properties of race cars

MOMDYN

Mobile Multibody Dynamics

Official Website

The first multibody dynamics app for iOS and Android

MOMDYN provides a native UI that is familiar to engineers and physicists who have studied classical mechanics, with a powerful set of features similar to modern modeling and simulation software. A Python-based numerical equation generation and solving engine provides the scientific backbone for native iOS and Android applications written in Swift and Kotlin.

Juego de la Rana

Official Website

An augmented reality (AR) version of the Basque tavern game

La Rana is an adaptation of the real-world game where one attempts to toss a coin into the mouth of a brass frog statue. The iOS game is created using the RealityKit framework, with 3D models created using Blender and photogrammetry.

A unit converter designed for engineers

YouKon provides a convenient interface to create databases of engineering properties, and simultaneous conversion to a consistent unit system. The application is created in Jetpack Compose Multiplatform for deployment to iOS and Android from a single code base.

Industry Experience

JHU/APL

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory

2010 - 2023

Over a decade of experience as a mechanical engineer in the aerospace industry

Dynamics Section Supervisor in the Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering Group (2017-2023)

  • Managed 7 professional staff with advanced engineering degrees and research expertise
  • Navigated the COVID-19 pandemic with zero furloughs, layoffs, or resignations
  • Pursued new business opportunities by building relationships with program management and sponsors
  • Coached staff members through the definition and achievement of their personal career objectives

Lead Engineer (2015-2016, 2020-2023)

  • Led hardware sustainment & reliability, trajectory simulation, and hardware-in-the-loop teams
  • Briefed results of APL analyses to government and industry teams
  • Authored documentation describing functionality of critical hardware subsystems

Subject Matter Expert in Structural Dynamics, System Identification, and Propulsion Test & Evaluation

  • Developed modal analysis and digital signal processing algorithms in MATLAB and Python
  • Created flexible airframe dynamics simulation models using finite element modeling and multibody dynamics software, including Abaqus and SimScape Multibody
  • Championed aeroelasticity modeling as a core competency and growth area for the dynamics section

MSU FPaCL

Michigan State University Flow Physics and Control Laboratory

2008 - 2010

Performed aeroacoustics research leading to a journal publication and patent

Graduate Research Assistant

  • Developed a feedback-controlled, self-calibrating microphone prototype for aeroacoustics research
  • Implemented control system design techniques and evaluated optical displacement sensor technologies
  • Published results in a peer reviewed journal article and received a US patent

NASA LaRC

NASA Langley Research Center

2008 - 2010

Received a prestigious Graduate Student Research Program (GSRP) fellowship

GSRP Summer Intern

  • Set up a laboratory test to replicate facility used at MSU for validation of microphone prototype concepts
  • Collaborated with NASA experts in the fields of acoustical measurement and digital signal processing
  • Presented findings to branch and GSRP peer groups

Publications

Journal Article

Patent

Conference Proceedings

  • E.J. Radcliffe, D.P. Seker, E.Y. Chen, N.N. Horne, J.L. Hill, “Determination of a Predictive Model for Print Quality of Desktop 3D Printers While at Sea,” ASME International Design Engineering Technical Conference, Boston, MA, IDETC-CIE-112599, 20 August 2023, https://doi.org/10.1115/DETC2023-112599
  • J.T. Melcher, E.J. Radcliffe, C.S. Butler, B.M. Wheaton, “Effects of Aeroelasticity on Flight Dynamics in the Boundary Layer Transition (BOLT) Experiment,” AIAA Aviation Forum, Chicago, IL, 29 June 2022, https://arc.aiaa.org/doi/abs/10.2514/6.2022-3748
  • B.J. Olson, E.J. Radcliffe, R.J. Monroe, B.J. Vidmar, and R.A. Caldwell Jr., “An Inverse Force Identification Methodology for High-fidelity Dynamic Thrust Measurements of Guided Interceptor Missile Divert and Attitude Control Systems,” 17th U.S. National Congress on Theoretical & Applied Mechanics (East Lansing, Michigan), Abstract D-10-402, 2014
  • R.N. Couch, E.J. Radcliffe, B.J. Olson, R.A. Caldwell Jr., and B.F. Feeny, “Modal Parameter Identification of a Missile Launcher Structure for Finite Element Model Correlation,” 17th U.S. National Congress on Theoretical & Applied Mechanics (East Lansing, Michigan), Abstract D-10-1180, 2014
  • E.J. Radcliffe, A.M. Naguib, W.M. Humphreys, “Design and Characterization of an Optical Feedback Controlled Microphone for Aeroacoustics Research,” 62nd Annual Meeting of the APS Division of Fluid Dynamics, 54 (9), Minneapolis, MN. Nov. 22-24 (2009)