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Rotating Mount For Complex Fluid Flow Research, Kirsten Murphy

Honors Theses

Fluid flow around rotating objects is mathematically complex and there is currently limited experimental data on the subject. To make Western Michigan University capable of this research, a rotating wind tunnel mount was developed. The mount design was integrated into the existing setup at the Applied Aerodynamics Laboratory (AAL) to allow seamless transitions between different research projects. Non-rotating and rotating disk prototypes were created from 3D-printed materials to test the mount’s capabilities. Experimental data gathered from utilizing this rotating mount was analyzed to understand the aerodynamic effects on rotating disks in a fluid stream. From testing the rotating disk prototype …

Rotating Mount For Complex Fluid Flow Research, Kirsten Murphy

Honors Theses

Fluid flow around rotating objects is mathematically complex and there is currently limited experimental data on the subject. To make Western Michigan University capable of this research, a rotating wind tunnel mount was developed. The mount design was integrated into the existing setup at the Applied Aerodynamics Laboratory (AAL) to allow seamless transitions between different research projects. Non-rotating and rotating disk prototypes were created from 3D-printed materials to test the mount’s capabilities. Experimental data gathered from utilizing this rotating mount was analyzed to understand the aerodynamic effects on rotating disks in a fluid stream. From testing the rotating disk prototype …

Role Of Diagnostic Monitoring Software Versus Fault-Tolerant Components In The Development Of Spacecraft Avionics Systems, Andrew Attorri

Honors Theses

In any spacecraft, there are several systems that must work simultaneously to ensure a safe mission. One critical system is the ‘avionics’ system, which is comprised of all of the electronic controls on-board the spacecraft, as well as radio links to other craft and ground stations. These systems are present for both manned or unmanned spacecraft.

Throughout the history of spaceflight, there have been several disasters related to avionics failures. To make these systems safer and more reliable, two main strategies have been adopted. The first, more established approach is through use of fault-tolerant components, which can operate under a …

Land, Air, Sea, Rover (Lasr) - Unmanned Vehicle, Gabriel Prescinotti Vivan

Honors Theses

This senior design project encompassed the optimization of a previously built quadcopter, as well as the design of new components for additional functions and increased range of operations. The previous vehicle was designed to operate as a helicopter, land rover, and submarine. Although the vehicle operates successfully in these three environments, it is not very successful on transitioning between them, i.e. cannot take off from underneath water. This year’s project goals included optimizing the current vehicle so that it could transition seamlessly between its functions and adding an additional function: to be able to rover at the bottom of a …

Electromagnetic Radiation Shield For Spacecraft, Oseas Hudy-Velasco

Honors Theses

To protect astronauts from high-energy radiation during long-duration missions, an electromagnetic radiation shield was designed and sized for the Orion spacecraft with physical dimensions at a 1:100 scale and magnetic fields and particle energies at a ∼1:10833.3 scale. The electromagnetic radiation shield was simulated in the multi-physics software Comsol using the Magnetic Fields and Particle Tracing modules. The scale model used a DC amperage of 60 A with a 9-turn solenoid wound in three layers and the full-size system used a DC amperage of 6500 A and a 5-layer solenoid of 390 turns per layer. These models generated magnetic fields …

Design Of An Electric Propulsion Thruster Breakout Box System, Ryan Powers

Honors Theses

When performing experiments in the Aerospace Laboratory for Plasma Experiments (ALPE), creating test setups and working with electrical equipment can become dangerous and tedious. A breakout box was required that ensures the ability to troubleshoot electrical problems, decrease the time needed to reconfigure equipment for an experiment, and decrease the potential for a safety hazard. The goal was to design a box that would house most of the equipment necessary to easily obtain current and voltage data from experiments in a safe, reliable manner. Three primary electrical components used in the circuit of the box were the current sensor, the …

Influence Of Reverse Shoulder Implant Positioning On Patient-Specific Muscle Forces: A Simulation Study, Kayla Marie Pariser

Honors Theses

A reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) is a common treatment used to stabilize the shoulder and improve range of motion in patients with torn rotator cuff muscles. Shoulder stability relies on the shoulder muscles. With rotator cuff tears, the RTSA enables the deltoid muscle to become the primary stabilizer of the shoulder joint. To improve stability, RTSAs increase the deltoid muscle moment arm and decrease the required torque about the shoulder joint for movement. Currently, there is not standardized, objective method for a surgeon to position an implant on a specific patient. This study is part of a larger, ongoing …

Development Of A Self-Orienting Cubesat Solar Array, Eric Mcgill

Honors Theses

The sponsor of this conceptual design project was the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) at WrightPatterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. AFIT was striving to give CubeSats more capability to conduct research, reconnaissance, and other functions. One of the major barriers for AFIT to overcome to give CubeSats more capability was the ability of the CubeSat to generate usable power while in orbit. All of AFIT’s CubeSats generated the power needed while in orbit with solar panels that are rigidly mounted to the outside of the craft. AFIT believes that a new design for the solar array used …