Structures and Materials Commons^™

Application Of Multi-Scale Computational Techniques To Complex Materials Systems, Mujan N. Seif

Theses and Dissertations--Chemical and Materials Engineering

The applications of computational materials science are ever-increasing, connecting fields far beyond traditional subfields in materials science. This dissertation demonstrates the broad scope of multi-scale computational techniques by investigating multiple unrelated complex material systems, namely scandate thermionic cathodes and the metallic foam component of micrometeoroid and orbital debris (MMOD) shielding. Sc-containing "scandate" cathodes have been widely reported to exhibit superior properties compared to previous thermionic cathodes; however, knowledge of their precise operating mechanism remains elusive. Here, quantum mechanical calculations were utilized to map the phase space of stable, highly-faceted and chemically-complex W nanoparticles, accounting for both finite temperature and chemical …

Energy Dissipation In A Sand Damper Under Cyclic Loading, Ehab Sabi

Civil and Environmental Engineering Theses and Dissertations

Various seismic and wind engineering designs and retrofit strategies have been in development to meet structures' proper and safe operation during earthquake and wind excitation. One such method is the addition of fluid and particle dampers, such as sand dampers, in an eort to reduce excessive and dangerous displacements of structures. The present study implements the discrete element method (DEM) to assess the performance of a pressurized sand damper (PSD) and characterize the dissipated energy under cyclic loading. The idea of a PSD is to exploit the increase in shearing resistance of sand under external pressure and the associated ability …

Natural 2d Layered Mineral Cannizzarite With Anisotropic Optical Responses, Arindam Dasgupta, Xiaodong Yang, Jie Gao

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Cannizzarite is a naturally occurring mineral formed by van der Waals (vdW) stacking of alternating layers of PbS-like and Bi2S3-like two-dimensional (2D) materials. Although the PbS-type and Bi2S3-type 2D material layers are structurally isotropic individually, the forced commensuration between these two types of layers while forming the heterostructure of cannizzarite induces strong structural anisotropy. Here we demonstrate the mechanical exfoliation of natural cannizzarite mineral to obtain thin vdW heterostructures of PbS-type and Bi2S3-type atomic layers. The structural anisotropy induced anisotropic optical properties of thin cannizzarite flakes are explored through angle-resolved polarized Raman scattering, linear dichroism, and polarization-dependent anisotropic third-harmonic generation. …

Fracture Strength Of Multi-Component Ultra-High Temperature Carbides, Gia Garino

2022 MME Undergraduate Research Symposium

Ultra-high temperature ceramics (UHTCs) have emerged as a promising material for next generation re-entry hypersonic vehicles due to high melting point (>3000 °C), and high mechanical properties and oxidation resistance. Yet none of the unary UHTCs can satisfy the whole gamut of demanding requirements for aerospace applications. Recently, the single-phase solid-solution formation in a multi-component ultra-high temperature ceramic (MC-UHTC) materials have gained interest due to their superior thermo-mechanical properties compared to conventional UHTCs. Herein, a systematic approach was used to fabricate binary (Ta, Nb)C, ternary (Ta, Nb, Hf)C, and quaternary (Ta, Nb, Hf, Ti)C UHTCs by gradual addition of …

Manufacturability And Analysis Of Topologically Optimized Continuous Fiber Reinforced Composites, Jesus A. Ferrand

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

Researchers are unlocking the potential of Continuous Fiber Reinforced Composites for producing components with greater strength-to-weight ratios than state of the art metal alloys and unidirectional composites. The key is the emerging technology of topology optimization and advances in additive manufacturing. Topology optimization can fine tune component geometry and fiber placement all while satisfying stress constraints. However, the technology cannot yet robustly guarantee manufacturability. For this reason, substantial post-processing of an optimized design consisting of manual fiber replacement and subsequent Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is still required.

To automate this post-processing in two dimensions, two (2) algorithms were developed. The …

Passive, Self-Healable, Dielectric Elastomers For Structural Health Monitoring, Nicholas Smith

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

NASA maintains the ability to track a large majority of objects in Earth’s orbit, however lack the ability to track objects smaller than five centimeters in diameter. These untrackable objects represent a significant danger to inflatable structures. This work seeks to synthesize and fabricate a self-healable, passive, dielectric elastomer impact sensor for structural health monitoring on inflatable space structures subject to impact by micrometeoroids and orbital debris. In a setting in which impact repairs can be extremely costly, the implementation of such a technology would not only alert personnel of such an event but would also serve to decrease the …

Development Of A Trailing Edge Flap Using A Compliant Mechanism, Matthew Maybee

Summer Community of Scholars Posters (RCEU and HCR Combined Programs)

No abstract provided.

Development Of New Space Systems Architecture In Sysml Using Model-Based Pattern Language, Bhushan R. Lohar

Theses and Dissertations

This manuscript presents an approach to the application of the Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and Model-Based Systems Architecting (MBSA) principles to develop a Model-Based Pattern Language (MBPL). It takes considerable time for systems engineers and mission architects to develop a new system from scratch, particularly new space-based systems derived from the existing space system architectures. The use of a pattern language which is a holistic view of reusable logical model artifacts, can improve the process.

The main benefit of the pattern language is to reduce the time and validation required to generate a new space-based system architecture; this approach will …

Design And Analysis Of Aircraft Wing, Prabhat Dixit Graduate Engineer, Vivek Rathod Graduate Engineer, Deshmukh Chetan Pravin Graduate Engineer, Piyush Patil Graduate Engineer

Graduate Research in Engineering and Technology (GRET)

This research develops and analyses a general aviation plane. A preliminary representation of the eventual product is used to start the design process for an airplane. Based on a drawing, a design mission profile is utilized to determine the weight. A more advanced approach is used to estimate weight, which employs calculated performance criteria to produce a more exact weight estimate. The wing design has been demonstrated to be a feasible alternative for a similar general aviation aircraft. When traveling through air or other fluids, a wing is a type of fin that provides lift. Airfoils may be observed on …

Synthetic Gecko Inspired Dry Adhesive Through Two- Photon Polymerization For Space Applications, Zefu Ren

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

This work aims to develop an advanced and cost-effective fabrication process to produce a simplified gecko-inspired microstructure with two-photon polymerization and polymer molding, aimed to improve the adhesive properties of microstructures. Such adhesive microstructures can be implemented for multi-purpose adhesive grasping devices, which have recently gained significant interest in the space exploration sector. Previous gecko-inspired microstructures were reviewed, and the new gecko-inspired microstructures have been developed with the adaptation of additive manufacturing methods for facile fabrication. The examined microstructures in this thesis were the tilted mushroom-shaped and wedge-shaped designs, which could both maximize adhesion by shearing the micropillars toward the …

Missile Materials, Pranjali Pandurang Sankpal Engineer-Graduate, Varun Vourganti Dr.

Graduate Research in Engineering and Technology (GRET)

The development of missile materials is the key to indigenous materials and their components. The selection of materials includes some the properties such as high strength to weight ratio, easy fabrication, good corrosion resistance, reliable quality, and high fracture toughness. The materials used for the airframe and propulsion system are alloys of aluminum, titanium, magnesium, and maraging steel. Non-metallic materials are also used such as carbon-carbon composites and polymer materials. High purity materials like phosphorous, and silicon are also important for material advancements. The paper outlines the needs and challenges of research and its solutions.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles An Overview And Applications, Ashish Rahuldeo Pande Ug - Student, Pranav Sanjay Nerkar Ug-Student, Bhushan Borse Ug-Student, Kirubakaran V Engineer

Graduate Research in Engineering and Technology (GRET)

A drone that is not manned Automated vehicles are rational admirers of the latest planes, and they're always looking for ways to improve. Wartime and re-exploration capabilities are the primary emphases of the current generation of UAVs, leaving the existing market impacted by UAV technology unaffected. UAV technology has a wide range of current uses, ranging from emergency response to media to agriculture to communications experts. However, the adaptable unmanned aerial vehicle is not yet available to the general public. As a result, a UAV that can carry a wide range of flexible tools should be light and lightweight. In …

Manufacturing Process And Emerging Advantage Of Graphene Based Composites In Aerospace- A Review, Vaibhav Arya Graduate Engineer, Arjun N Prof.

Graduate Research in Engineering and Technology (GRET)

The cardinal pillar for this paper is to showcase the composition of Graphene-based composites and reveal the hidden uses of Graphene-based composites in aerospace dominion. This paper briefly discusses the different methods by which graphene-based composites can be synthesized mostly those with functional polymers and inorganic nanostructures and additionally covers a few of the applications of graphene-based composites such as lightweight, fire retardancy, and additive manufacturing. Moreover, this detailed paper also brings up crucial highlights where graphene-based composites have covered long distances from the research lab to commercialization, specifically focusing on aerospace industries.

Editorial, Shiva Prasad U Mr., M. Suresh Kumar Prof.(Dr.)

Graduate Research in Engineering and Technology (GRET)

This special edition is devoted to Rockets and Missile Technology, a developing sector that will likely increase significantly as rocket and missile design technology progress. Modern military arsenals must contain advanced guided-weapons technology. As the need for missile and rocket technology grows, they are employed in various applications. Technological advancements additionally highlight the system's capabilities, functions, and applications, improving its efficacy and use. When it comes to combat aircraft, the armaments that go with them decide the price. New technology and applications such as hypersonic weaponry, long-range rockets and missiles, and space-based military equipment produce market upheaval. Current rocket …

Structural Loads And Preliminary Structural Design For A World Speed Record-Breaking Turbo-Prop Racing Airplane, Matthew G. Slymen

Master's Theses

The Cal Poly SLO Turbo-Prop Racer project aims to design a world speed record-breaking aircraft, capable of flying more than 550 miles per hour on a 3-kilometer closed course. To further this endeavor, this thesis presents the calculations of load distributions across the aircraft’s wing and tail and preliminary structural estimates of primary structural components for verification of the loads calculations and for use in a future finite element model. The aircraft’s fundamental design characteristics effect on the structure of the aircraft, namely the unique Y-tail design, are first examined. Then, loads are calculated in accordance with the regulation dictated …

Uv Space Imager Enclosure Coating, David Silva Cortez, Victor Alexander Rempel Dekhtyar, Maria L. Muñoz

Mechanical Engineering

The goal of this project is to reduce the amount of stray light entering an ultraviolet (UV) imager through absorption. This report outlines the use of ZnO nanoparticles mixed in an epoxy matrix for use in a CubeSat enclosure. Through testing, our team verified that the ZnO and epoxy coating experienced a peak absorption between 360-370 nm. The epoxy mixture with the .75% by weight ZnO nanoparticles absorbed up to 99.9 % of UV light at its peak. The effect on material properties, such as Young’s modulus and ultimate tensile strength, was also tested. Tensile tests demonstrated that adding ZnO …

Methodology To Aircraft Design – Market Study & Design Optimization, Shreyash Attarkar, Dhananjay Ahire, Tanishq Pawar, Suresh Kumar M Prof.

Graduate Research in Engineering and Technology (GRET)

In the last few years Aircraft have grown to be large-scale products with an increasing number of complicated systems, components, parts, and capabilities. Every single one of them. Various fields and technologies are included. Multiple sets of tools, procedures and methods are also included, as a result, to fully define, design, and develop an aircraft A comprehensive and methodic approach is required. Aircraft design that serves as a pillar in the evolution of the life cycle A balanced system solution that satisfies the needs of the customer. To accompany these characteristics. system engineering provides an interdisciplinary organization but is still …

Structural Sizing Of Post-Buckled Thermally Stressed Stiffened Panels, Walid Arsalane

Theses and Dissertations

Design of thermoelastic structures can be highly counterintuitive due to design-dependent loading and impact of geometric nonlinearity on the structural response. Thermal loading generates in-plane stresses in a restrained panel, but the presence of geometric nonlinearity creates an extension-bending coupling that results in considerable transverse displacement and variation in stiffness characteristics, and these affects are enhanced in post-bucking regimes. Herein a methodology for structural sizing of thermally stressed post-buckled stiffened panels is proposed and applied for optimization of the blade and hat stiffeners using a gradient-based optimizer. The stiffened panels are subjected to uniform thermal loading and optimized for minimum …

Novel Thermal Coating For High-Speed Airplanes, Abinash Satapathy, Lakshay Battu, Liam Watson, Nazanin Rajabi

Symposium of Student Scholars

In comparison to various other materials, Carbon Fiber, specifically Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymers (CFRP), is pre-eminent amongst other materials for use on aeronautical systems. Due to its high specific strength (strength-to-weight ratio), CFRP is prominent for carrying heavy loads while maintaining a lightweight build. However, when influenced by heat resulting from air resistance, CFRP is known to undergo serious degradation that would significantly decrease the effectiveness of the polymers. To prevent this degradation and maintain the strength of the CFRP, thermal protective layers (TPLs) are designed to shield the CFRP from heat exposure. This research is focused on the examination …

Editorial, Maruthupandiyan K Dr.

Graduate Research in Engineering and Technology (GRET)

The aeronautical engineer is responsible for using cost-effective methods to develop ways of improving fuel efficiency and flight safety. Additionally, aeronautical engineers focus on lowering the environmental impact of air travel by creating aircraft that are more environmentally friendly. In Indian scenario, the development of aeronautical related advance technologies is still to grow with the Government of India initiative for the defence product under the Atmanirbhar Bharat and hope in few years now, these advanced technologies will be booming.