Richard Charles Flagan (born 1947) is an American chemical engineer known for his research on aerosols, both in atmospheric science studies and in the processing of materials.
[5] During his doctoral research he studied combustion of kerosene doped with pyridine or pyrrole to simulate burning of fuel oil.
While he initially studied particle formation in combustion systems and photochemical smog, he later collaborated with JPL on using aerosols to refine silicon for more efficient photovoltaic production.
[6] His research advanced aerosol measurement techniques, enabling detection and analysis of different sizes and compositions of atmospheric particulates.
[4][8] In 2000, as his work was more inline with the Environmental Engineering Division he re-established his formal affiliation with the program and at that time was appointed to an endowed professorship with the full title Irma and Ross McCollum-William H. Corcoran Professor.