Digital Commons Network^™

Concepts For The Nanosat- 5 Satellite Design Competition, Sunil C. Aggarwal

Opportunities for Undergraduate Research Experience Program (OURE)

This paper presents feasible small space satellite missions which are of interest to the U.S. Air Force and can be used to get selected and win the NANOSAT-5 satellite design competition. Some thought on which of these missions can be used by the University of Missouri-Rolla to successfully take part in the competition hate also been presented.

Computational Study Of Laminar Separation Bubble Development Over Supersonic Airfoils At Subsonic Speeds, Josiah D. Elliott

Opportunities for Undergraduate Research Experience Program (OURE)

Laminar Separation Bubbles (LSBs) are regions of separated flow that start near the leading edge of an airfoil and reattach further down the airfoil surface. These regions of separation can appear at low angles of attack and can grow significantly as the angle of attack is increased heavily influencing the flow characteristics over the airfoil. Research on this topic is driven by the supersonic business jet industry which has a particular interest in this type of research due to performance requirements in both the subsonic and supersonic flight regimes. This manuscript is focused on the flow developments near the sharp …

Parallel Machin E Tool Development, Adam Bunton

Opportunities for Undergraduate Research Experience Program (OURE)

The work done during this OURE centered on the parallel machining center that is under development by a research group led by Dr. R. Landers. The specific tasks associated with this research involved the design of several parts, documentation of the processes for assembly and operation, procurement of some materials and stock parts, and involvement with experiments with the machine tool. These various aspects are outlined in the following report, with emphasis on the design of components.

Mechanical Characterization Of Spherical Hydrogels: Contact Diameter Measurement, Joshua Bunch

Opportunities for Undergraduate Research Experience Program (OURE)

In an effort to develop new ophthalmic treatments revolving around the ocular lens, the mechanical characteristics of natural ocular lenses and synthetic models must be determined and compared. One mechanical characteristic that is necessary when making comparisons is the variation of contact circle diameter or contact area with varying strains. A method was used in this experiment to measure the varying contact circle diameter of spherical hydrogels at strains up to 15%. This method could be used to estimate the varying contact diameter of other similar materials such as natural ocular lenses if the precision of the method is improved. …

Mechanical Fastener Pull-Out In Recycled Plastic Lumber, Ryan Dusheke

Opportunities for Undergraduate Research Experience Program (OURE)

The purpose of this paper is to present test results for the examination of mechanical fastener pull-out in plastic lumber. The testing was performed on both 1 Od galvanized steel nails, nominally 3" long and 0.148" in diameter, and No. 10 flathead low-carbon steel screws, nominally I" long. l "x6" Trimax plastic lumber, produced by US Plastic Lumber, was used for all testing. Tests were performed in each of the three sides of the boards. To evaluate the performance of the materials in varying conditions, testing was performed at -20°f, room temperature, and 125°f.

Tether Reel Mechanism For The Mr Sat Project, Abbie Stewart

Opportunities for Undergraduate Research Experience Program (OURE)

The Missouri-Rolla Satellite (MR SAT) system is being designed and constructed by students at the University of Missouri - Rolla in order to give Aerospace Engineering students along with other major's practical experience in spaceflight concepts. The satellite system will consist of two tethered satellites that will eventually be completely disconnected and use a propulsion method to enter the chase phase of our mission. New design concepts are being used on this satellite including the possible use of a honeycomb-aluminum friction stir-welded structure and micro-pulse plasma thrusters for maneuvering. The research done this summer focused on the tether reel mechanism …

Determination Of Flow Quality And Boundary Layer Thickness In Variable Density Wind Tunnel, Marshall Philips

Opportunities for Undergraduate Research Experience Program (OURE)

The purpose of this paper is to measure the velocity profile in the test section of the Variable Density Wind Tunnel (VDWT). The hot wire anemometer is chosen to measure the velocity profile because of its accuracy and its ability to be moved relatively close to the upper and lower surfaces of the wind tunnel. Special attention is paid to the uniformity of flow velocity in the free stream and whether it varies with position in the tunnel. The measurements were taken at two different stations, two different temperatures, and three different speeds.

Results indicate that the velocity profiles are …

Development Of A Launch System For Performance Studies Of Small Aircraft Models, James J. Schneider

Opportunities for Undergraduate Research Experience Program (OURE)

This paper presents a design of a launching system that can be employed for performance studies on small aircraft models. Further the article describes a design and development of an aircraft model for use with the system. initial analysis and testing of the system using the designed aircraft model will be presented.

The Effect Of Spatial Variation Of The Turbulent Prandtl Number And Calculation Methods For Heat Transfer In High Mach Number Flows, Thomas W. Scott

Opportunities for Undergraduate Research Experience Program (OURE)

The effect of using various spatial distributions of the turbulent Prandtl number on the predicted surface heat transfer in the numerical simulation of Mach 4 flat plate flow is studied. The spatial distribution of the turbulent Prandtl number is shown to have a small effect on surface heat transfer, hence suggesting that the standard assumption of a constant turbulent Prandtl number is acceptable for high Mach number boundary layer type flows. In addition, a wall-cell control volume technique for computing heat transfer shows superior predictive capacity across the Reynolds number range when compared to the conventional calculation of surface heat …

Preliminary Efforts Towards The Analysis Of Unsteady Pressure Measurements Around Wing Models In Transonic Flow, Stephen Witherspoon

Opportunities for Undergraduate Research Experience Program (OURE)

A computer code was developed to implement methods of analyzing unsteady pressure measurements acquired from a wing model immersed in transonic flow. The code uses the fast Fourier Transform to identify phase changes and magnitudes of dominant frequencies over time in the unsteady pressure coefficients. The transformed data, as well as the raw data, are graphed and the results explained in detail identifying features depicted in the graphs. Also, the code performs some simple statistical calculations and smoothes the data to remove insignificant noise in the signal, if desired.

The Feasibility Of Using Piezoelectric Flap Actuation In The Active Control Of Flutter, Aaron Laws

Opportunities for Undergraduate Research Experience Program (OURE)

Wing flutter is one of the most important and dangerous phenomenon faced by aircraft structural design engineers. Flutter is a self exciting aeroelastic phenomenon in which portions of an aircraft structure begin to oscillate with exponentially growing amplitudes, produced by the changing aerodynamic forces and moments brought about by the deformation of the structure. There exists a characteristic flight speed, known as the flutter speed, where the structure exhibits sustained harmonic motion, ie. zero damping. Below this velocity, the vibration of the structure due to a perturbation will decrease exponentially, while above this velocity, the vibration will increase exponentially, eventually …

Experimental Investigation On The Longitudinal Stability Of A P51 Mustang Aircraft Model, Erich Fitzpatrick

Opportunities for Undergraduate Research Experience Program (OURE)

This project involved the development of a test model of the P-51 Mustang aircraft and an experimental investigation of its stability. The model was developed to investigate the influence of the main horizontal tail parameters ( tail incidence, position of c.g., stabilizer moment arm,etc.)on the pitching moment around the aircraft’s center of gravity. To accomplish such a task, a test model was designed and fabricated with flat plate and airfoil wing configurations. The tail incidence of the flat plate stabilizer is adjustable over the entire range of positive and negative angles. A rechargeable, electric motor mounted in the fuselage adjusts …

Aerodynamics Of Solar Vehicles, Richard R. Pardun

Opportunities for Undergraduate Research Experience Program (OURE)

The purpose of this research project is to design the shape of a fully road worthy vehicle operating under nothing but the power of the sun. This vehicle was to meet all racing regulations of The Sunrayce and the World Solar Challenge. Because of the specific use of this vehicle, this project provides a chance to explore the aerodynamically ideal vehicle. Little attention has to be paid to practicality. The result is a very streamlined, highly aerodynamically efficient car, that is still stable and safe.

Analysis Of A Thrust Vectoring Fighter Aircraft Using Realtime Flight Simulation, Clinton A. Thessen

Opportunities for Undergraduate Research Experience Program (OURE)

A real-time flight simulation model based on the McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet was created. This model was then modified with two different styles of thrust vectoring so that a study of each system's effect on the aircraft's pitch performance could be conducted in order to determine the best system. At present, work is proceeding on the development of active flight controls for the aircraft. After that effort is completed the thrust vectoring study can begin.

Vortex Developments Over An Accelerated Airfoil At High Angles Of Attack, Jacopo A. Frigerio

Opportunities for Undergraduate Research Experience Program (OURE)

Proper control of unsteady separated flow developments over the lifting surfaces of an aircraft may prove to be an effective method of enhancing aerodynamic lift and producing better aircraft performance. Due to the complexity of unsteady flow separation and subsequent flow developments, experimental exploration and observation are essential in providing a source for comparison and verification with theoretical and computational models. In light of these motivations, a new experimental system that is capable of generating wide of range of unsteady flow histories has been developed and employed to visualize flow developments over an airfoil in accelerated-decelerated motion. The paper presents …

Development Of A Data Acquisition System For Common Velocity Anemometers, Dane P. Drefke

Opportunities for Undergraduate Research Experience Program (OURE)

The objective of this project was to develop a software package that would allow more efficient, accurate, and easier use of wind tunnel data. The software was to receive an analog signal from an array of hot wire anemometers, convert the signal to a digital format, and then process the raw data, converting it into values of properties which have practical value to the user. Unfortunately, due to scheduling conflicts, this project never left the software development stage. The user interface was successfully designed. The signal conversion portion of the package was not completed and the package was never tested.

Development Of An Experimental System For Steady And Unsteady Aerodynamic Testing, Jacopo Frigerio

Opportunities for Undergraduate Research Experience Program (OURE)

This paper discusses the design and development of a new experimental system designed to produce a variety of steady and unsteady flows. Accelerating, decelerating and oscillating flows over lifting surfaces are primary examples of the unsteady flow configurations that can be generated. Also this report presents details of preliminary tests performed to determine the performance of this system. These include quantitative and qualitative testing on two-dimensional and three-dimensional flow configurations.

Physical And Numerical Experiments On Flat Plate Boundary Layers, Scott A. Atterberry

Opportunities for Undergraduate Research Experience Program (OURE)

The results of an interactive computer program developed to predict the boundary layer flow over a flat plate with suction or injection are presented. The results include the solutions for the Blasius function and its derivatives, the velocity profiles, the shear stress distribution, and the temperature distribution. The program can be used for predicting steady, two-dimensional, laminar, viscous flow fields with temperature gradients.

A wind tunnel setup that can be used in addition to the computer program is described. The setup description includes a description of the flat plate, the wind tunnel test section, and the suction/injection unit. The experimental …

A Parametric Investigation On Aeroelastic Behavior Of An Airfoil In Steady Flow, Edward J. Feltrop

Opportunities for Undergraduate Research Experience Program (OURE)

A parametric study is performed to investigate the influence of a number of aerodynamic, inertia and damping parameters upon the dynamic response of an elastically-supported rigid wing in steady flow. The dimensionless equations governing the vertical and angular motion of this wing are solved by an interactive computer program which facilitates the systematic analysis of the effects of changes in these parameters upon the dynamic response of the system. This investigation demonstrates the coupling of the vertical and angular motion of the wing, and illustrates the strong influence of damping, spring stiffness, initial spring deflection, and initial angular velocity upon …

Vertical And Angular Motion Of A Wing Model In Steady Flow: A Physical And Numerical Experimental Study, Andrew P. Johnston

Opportunities for Undergraduate Research Experience Program (OURE)

The dynamic response of a rigid wing in steady flow mounted on translational and rotational elastic supports is investigated. This study presents both a numerical and a physical experimental arrangement that can be employed to investigate the effect of a wide range of parameters on the response of the wing subjected to steady flow. An interactive computer program, which utilizes the fourth order Runge-Kutta integration scheme to solve the governing differential equations, is discussed. The program output allows for quick visualization of the change in response due to parameter changes. An experimental arrangement that utilizes the new 18" x 18" …

Implementation Of The Articulated Total Body (Atb) Model On An Apollo Workstation, M. F. Laudon

Opportunities for Undergraduate Research Experience Program (OURE)

The Articulated Total Body Model (ATB) is used for predicting gross segmented body response in various dynamic environments. The ATB computer program, originally written by the Department of Transportation as a Crash Victim Simulation (CVS) program, was later modified by the Calspan Corporation and More recently by the Armstrong Aerospace Medical Research Laboratory (AAMRL) to allow for aerodynamic force applications, harness belt capabilities and hyper-ellipsoidal graphical display of the modeled segments. The ATB model has been successfully used to investigate gross human body responses to bodies placed in such complex dynamic environments as high-speed aircraft ejection. This ATB model is …

Some Stability And Control Aspects Of A Variable Pivot Wing Configuration, Paul Vitt

Opportunities for Undergraduate Research Experience Program (OURE)

In supersonic flight, there is a large positive shift in the static margin, which causes extreme positive shifts in longitudinal stability, and is an undesirable characteristic. This paper investigates some of the stability and control aspects of an alternative configuration, that of a variable pivot wing aircraft -- an aircraft with two sets of wings, one set sweeps forward, the other set sweeps rearward. By prescribing a sweep schedule, it is desired to minimize the static margin shift with Mach number. The effects of the two lift elements -- that of mechanical shift of the center of pressure forward with …

Modeling For Supersonic Missile Wing-Body Interference Lift, Howard S. H. Ho

Opportunities for Undergraduate Research Experience Program (OURE)

During the initial phase of a missile design, a quick and simple way of estimating wing-body interference is essential. A simple panel model based on the cross flow over a cylinder is developed to estimate the effect of the body on the wing lift This model produces quick and reasonably accurate results, while little user expertise is needed. This model determines K_WB (upwash interference factor) and K_Φ (sideslip interference factor), and is applicable to infinitely thin delta and clipped delta fins on missiles in supersonic flight. The effects of the fin semivertex angle, span, taper ratio, free stream …

Computer Visualization Of Irrotational Flow Over Bluff And Streamlined Bodies, Nora Okong' O

Opportunities for Undergraduate Research Experience Program (OURE)

Computer programs were developed to visualize irrotational flow over bluff bodies (circular cylinders and half-bodies) and streamlined bodies (elliptical cylinders and airfoils). The method of superposition of flows was used, with stream functions or complex velocity potentials for fundamental flows being added to obtain the flows over the bodies. For the flow over the circular cylinders, half-bodies and elliptical cylinders, the stream function was calculated directly. The flow over the airfoil was obtained by Joukowski mapping of the imaginary part of the complex velocity potential for flow over a circular cylinder.

The programs developed will be valuable learning tools for …

Development Of A Learjet Model 24d For The Umr Flight Simulator, Richard Stigall

Opportunities for Undergraduate Research Experience Program (OURE)

A flight simulator was recently developed at the University of Missouri-Rolla for a single engine aircraft. The need soon arose for a higher performance aircraft. After exploring several possibilities, a Learjet Model 24D was chosen to include the high performance aircraft.

The purpose of this project was to develop a model for the Learjet 24D. This was accomplished by examining the computer code previously written and determining the changes needed. The code for the simulation is located in various subroutines. Each subroutine was analyzed to determine if changes needed to be made. When a modification was needed, appropriate methods were …

Development Of A Large Commercial Transport Model For A Real-Time Digital Flight Simulator, John Francis Winkler

Opportunities for Undergraduate Research Experience Program (OURE)

In order to test the adaptability of the University of Missouri-Rolla's flight simulator to different types of aircraft, a basic mathematical model of a large commercial transport aircraft is developed. The original aircraft model is based on the Cessna 210, and in order to accommodate the drastic differences between the Cessna 210 and the Boeing 747, many changes are made to the simulation code. The aircraft geometric data, stability and control derivatives, and weights data are altered to match those of the 747. Changes are made within the various subroutines to include thrust reversal, spoilers, and a variable incidence horizontal …

Fourier Transform Infrared (Ftir) Spectroscopy Analysis Of Combustion Aerosol, Gary Jacquin

Opportunities for Undergraduate Research Experience Program (OURE)

In conjunction with my co-op program at McDonnell-Douglas, my current OURE project is the analysis of combustion aerosols using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy. Aerosol science is a very important field as it is concerned with atmospheric chemistry, atmospheric physics, climate, public health, and environmental issues.

In the Cloud and Aerosol Sciences Laboratory (CASL) at UMR, combustion aerosols are generated by an in-house designed torch or burner. The fuels, JP4 and JP5, are provided by McDonnell-Douglas. Some other commercial fuels are also used. The primary objective of my OURE project was to generate and collect combustion aerosols for chemical analysis. …

A Computer Graphics Program For Displaying Water Molecules On A Dn3500 Apollo Workstation, Michael A. Stuller

Opportunities for Undergraduate Research Experience Program (OURE)

A computer graphics program is developed for displaying water molecule configurations on the screen of a DN3500 Apollo workstation. The motivation was to generate a fast display of output from molecular dynamics or Monte Carlo computer simulations. Input to the program consists of a listing of the Cartesian coordinates of the atomic constituents of the molecules. Options in the program include: 1) number of molecules; 2) plot size; 3) atomic radii; 4) superposition of substrate atomic positions; 5) viewing angle; and 6) color-coded and/or numbered atoms. The program is written in Fortran.