Nathanael Jenkins

Nathanael Jenkins is a graduate student in aeronautics and astronautics, where he is advancing simulation-based methods to improve lightning protection for next-generation aircraft and wind turbines. His research focuses on developing physics-based models that simulate lightning interactions with unconventional aircraft geometries, such as blended-wing bodies and truss-braced wings. Nathanael is creating a computational toolkit to automate the lightning zoning process, which helps determine where protective materials must be placed on an aircraft’s surface. As a MathWorks Fellow, he will explore the use of Simulink and MATLAB’s App Designer Toolbox to implement rotorcraft dynamics and deliver accessible tools for engineering use. His work will also incorporate high-fidelity simulations and validation against experimental data. By advancing both the scientific understanding and practical application of lightning zoning, Nathanael’s research could lead to safer and more efficient aircraft design, as well as inform new industry standards for the aerospace and renewable energy sectors.