Aerospace engineering graduate student earns consecutive AIAA honors for vortex rocket engine research
Published: May 19, 2026 4:00 PM
By Dustin Duncan
Patrick Eid receives the First Place Award and Mike Freeman Prize in the graduate division at the AIAA Region II Student Conference. From left are retired Maj. Gen. Charles F. Bolden Jr., Eid and Kurt Polzin.
Aerospace engineering graduate student Patrick Eid has earned the Mike Freeman Prize for the second consecutive year at the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics’ Region II Student Conference, marking another recognition for aerospace engineering research within the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering.
The award recognizes the top master’s student paper presentation at the annual regional conference, which showcases student research from universities across the southeastern U.S.
Eid received the honor for his paper, “Exact Beltramian Solution of the Bidirectional Vortex Motion in a Capped Ellipsoidal Cyclonic Rocket Engine,” which explores mathematical models of fluid motion inside vortex-driven rocket engines.
Working under the direction of Joseph Majdalani, the Hugh and Loeda Francis Chair of Excellence of aerospace engineering, Eid’s research builds on mathematical models used to study airflow patterns and propulsion efficiency in cyclonic rocket engines.
The award marks the second consecutive year Eid has received the Mike Freeman Prize. Auburn’s Advanced Propulsion Research Laboratory has received the honor in back-to-back years for research involving cyclonic rocket engine flow dynamics.
In addition to the conference award, Eid received Auburn University’s Outstanding Master’s Student Award for the 2025-26 academic year. Presented April 24 at the Melton Student Center, the honor recognizes graduate students for academic achievement, research and service.
Eid serves as both a graduate research assistant and teaching assistant in the Department of Aerospace Engineering.
Originally from Lebanon, Eid earned his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Notre-Dame University-Louaize before continuing his graduate studies at Auburn University.
Majdalani said Eid’s work reflects the department’s emphasis on advanced propulsion research and the application of theoretical modeling to engineering challenges.
“Eid’s research applies novel theoretical concepts to vortex engines currently under development by Sierra Space Corporation,” Majdalani said. “We are grateful to our colleagues at Sierra, especially Dr. Marty Chiaverini, for supporting this research.”
Eid said the recognition encourages him to advance his propulsion research as he works toward his doctorate at Auburn.
“I am truly grateful for these honors and for the unwavering support of my mentor and the department,” Eid said. “This success motivates me to continue pushing our research forward as I pursue my doctorate at Auburn University.”
Majdalani noted that Eid’s award-winning research coincided with the 100th anniversary of Robert Goddard’s launch of the first successful liquid-fueled rocket, a milestone recognized during the conference plenary session. He said both Goddard’s early work and Eid’s current research focus on improving cooling methods and efficiency in liquid rocket engines.
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