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Full-Text Articles in Engineering

Development, Analysis, And Optimization Of A Swirl-Promoting Mean Flow Solution For Solid Rocket Motors, Andrew Steven Fist Dec 2016

Development, Analysis, And Optimization Of A Swirl-Promoting Mean Flow Solution For Solid Rocket Motors, Andrew Steven Fist

Masters Theses

This work demonstrates and analyses a new flow candidate for describing the internal gaseous motion in simulated rocket motors. The fundamental features of this solution include the conservation of key system properties also incorporated in the classic Taylor-Culick (TC) system (i.e. inviscid, axisymmetric, steady and rotational properties), while allowing for the development of a swirling velocity component. The work compares the new solution to the development and formulation of the classic TC system, ultimately identifying that both the new and classic solutions are special cases of the Bragg-Hawthorne equation. Following this development, the text then explores the development of energy-optimized …


The Design And Computational Validation Of A Mach 3 Wind Tunnel Nozzle Contour, Sarah Elizabeth Adams Dec 2016

The Design And Computational Validation Of A Mach 3 Wind Tunnel Nozzle Contour, Sarah Elizabeth Adams

Masters Theses

The objective of this effort was to design and validate a Mach 3 wind tunnel nozzle contour. The nozzle will be used for an existing facility, replacing a Mach 2.3 nozzle. The nozzle contour was design using the widely-distributed CONTUR code developed by Sivells. The program uses a combination of analytical solutions and the method of characteristics in order to calculate a nozzle contour. A nozzle contour adhering to the existing geometry requirements was achieved through an iterative process. The flowfield of the finalized nozzle contour was solved using ANSYS fluent. The solution results were analyzed for flow uniformity.


Dji S-1000 Spreading Wings Octocopter: Determination Of Rotor Downwash Slipstream Size, Jonathan Lemieux Dec 2016

Dji S-1000 Spreading Wings Octocopter: Determination Of Rotor Downwash Slipstream Size, Jonathan Lemieux

Masters Theses

The DJI S-1000 Spreading Wings octocopter rotor downwash slipstream area of influence was measured in axial climb conditions and in straight level flight. These data were gathered using a simple apparatus of distributed anemometers and a custom made boom affixed to the drone. Straight level flight tests incurred autopilot oscillations that rendered the data gathering and analysis challenging. The best quality data was acquired during the axial climb flight tests. The axial climbs were conducted in calm winds. It was determined that the axial climbs under these conditions displaced the rotor slipstream 9 ± 2.5 cm to the rear of …


Dynamic Monitoring And Life Prediction Of Internal Strain-Gage Balances, David Leon Yoder Dec 2016

Dynamic Monitoring And Life Prediction Of Internal Strain-Gage Balances, David Leon Yoder

Masters Theses

Wind tunnel test customers continue to push the limits by producing air vehicle designs that produce high aerodynamic loads at the desired test conditions. These loads are a combination of steady aerodynamic, unsteady aerodynamic, and inertial forces. A methodology to monitor the health of a wind tunnel strain-gage balance has been developed. The objective of this methodology is to define the stress limits of the balance and monitor these limits so the balance can be safely tested without failure of the balance. A balance failure could result in costly damage to the wind tunnel model, support system, and the wind …


A Computational Evaluation Of Transonic Wind Tunnel Wall Interference On High Aspect Ratio Models In The Arnold Engineering Development Complex 16 Foot Transonic Tunnel, William Calain Schuman May 2016

A Computational Evaluation Of Transonic Wind Tunnel Wall Interference On High Aspect Ratio Models In The Arnold Engineering Development Complex 16 Foot Transonic Tunnel, William Calain Schuman

Masters Theses

One of the inherent difficulties in utilizing a ventilated test section wind tunnel is the interaction of the model flow field and the test section walls. If high quality aerodynamic data is required for the system under test it is necessary to determine the impact of the test section walls on the flow field around the model. A parametric study was undertaken using the CFD code USM3Dns to determine the impact of model size and wingspan on observed transonic wind tunnel wall interference. The study used a simplified model of the Propulsion Wind Tunnel 16T test section as the test …


Development Of A Database For Rapid Approximation Of Spacecraft Radiation Dose During Jupiter Flyby, Sarah Gilbert Stewart May 2016

Development Of A Database For Rapid Approximation Of Spacecraft Radiation Dose During Jupiter Flyby, Sarah Gilbert Stewart

Masters Theses

Interplanetary and deep space missions greatly benefit from the utilization of gravitational assists to reach their final destinations. By closely “swinging by” a planet, a spacecraft can gain or lose velocity or change directions without requiring any expenditure of propulsion. In today’s budget-driven design environment, gravity assist flybys reduce the need for on-board fuel and propulsion systems, thereby reducing overall cost, increasing payload and mission capacity, increasing mission life, and decreasing travel time. It is expected that many future missions will also be designed to swing by Jupiter in order to utilize a gravity assist. However, there is a risk …


Improved Modeling Of Atmospheric Entry For Meteors With Nose Radii Between 5cm And 10m, Jakob Dale Brisby May 2016

Improved Modeling Of Atmospheric Entry For Meteors With Nose Radii Between 5cm And 10m, Jakob Dale Brisby

Masters Theses

Atmospheric entry studies typically look closely at the peak heating rate that a body encounters during its trajectory. This is an extremely important phenomenon to study because it allows engineers to determine if a trajectory is possible with given materials and craft design specifications. It also allows designers to choose what type of method will be used for mitigating the enormous heat fluxes during entry. In general, it is accepted that during the super-sonic flight regime the body will continue to be heated and an ablative heat shield often is used to deal with these heating processes. The theory outlined …