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Articles 1 - 30 of 36
Full-Text Articles in Engineering
Modification Of A Low Cost Vacuum Chamber For Use With An Electromagnetic Railgun, Jason M. Bertels
Modification Of A Low Cost Vacuum Chamber For Use With An Electromagnetic Railgun, Jason M. Bertels
Aerospace Engineering
This report details the design and manufacture of modifications to a low cost vacuum chamber intended for railgun operations. These modifications intend to increase the functionality of the chamber and enable the modeling of high velocity impacts in a space. The original vacuum chamber was constructed primarily from polyvinyl chloride to meet the low cost design constraints, which limits pressures obtainable to the low vacuum region (760 Torr to 2 Torr). Modifications include construction of a space-saving storage rack, replacement of external door supports, installation of an internal guide rail, and installation of electrical feedthroughs.
Ramjet Combustion Chamber, Paul Cameron Stone
Ramjet Combustion Chamber, Paul Cameron Stone
Aerospace Engineering
A ramjet combustion chamber is designed and some initial assembly fabrication and test completed as a component of a ramjet graduate project for California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo Supersonic Wind Tunnel. The combustor design is driven by a theoretical model created by a Cal Poly graduate student, Harrison Sykes. Temperature, pressure, and fuel flow will be measured.
Paschen Breakdown In A Co2 Atmosphere, Matthew T. Stumbo
Paschen Breakdown In A Co2 Atmosphere, Matthew T. Stumbo
Aerospace Engineering
This report observes and analyzes the effect the pressure and gap distance have on the minimum positive breakdown potential between two parallel plate copper electrodes in both air and CO2. Two gap distances, 0.57 cm and 2.44 cm, were used. Paschen Curves generated in air from these distances had a strong positive correlation with a Spearman correlation coefficient of 0.97. Curves generated in CO2 had a Spearman correlation coefficient of 0.87. The strong correlation for both gases verifies Paschen's Law. The minimum breakdown potential in air was 361 ± 2 V at a pressure x gap distance …
Thermal Vacuum Chamber Operation And Testing, Leila Tebyani
Thermal Vacuum Chamber Operation And Testing, Leila Tebyani
Aerospace Engineering
The purpose of this senior project is to understand the capabilities of the thermal vacuum chamber in the Space Environments Laboratory at California Polytechnic State University and compare the performance to thermal vacuum chambers used in the aerospace industry. The lowest temperature attained inside the chamber during an experiment at ambient pressure was -33°C. The lowest pressure reached by the vacuum chamber at the time of this project was 5e-5 Torr. This report also yields recommendations for integrating a demonstation of the effects of thermal variation in space on spacecraft components for the class AERO 471. A lit LED can …
Synergistic Effects Of Atomic Oxygen And Ultraviolet Radiation Exposure On Various Spacecraft Materials, Adrian L. Doan
Synergistic Effects Of Atomic Oxygen And Ultraviolet Radiation Exposure On Various Spacecraft Materials, Adrian L. Doan
Aerospace Engineering
The Aerospace Engineering Space Environments Laboratory at California Polytechnic State University features a ground-based system capable of generating atomic oxygen (AO) and vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) radiation environments, constructed by Max Glicklin in 2012. Experiments using three different spacecraft materials were conducted to test the individual and synergistic effects of these naturally occurring phenomena. Kapton HN functioned as a means to provide initial validation of the presence of AO and VUV radiation. Kapton HN also functioned as a test-fluence standard during testing of two other materials. These materials included aluminized beta cloth, with the non-aluminized side being tested, and Indium-Tin-Oxide (ITO) …
Redesigned Aerospace Control System Platform For Laboratory Re-Purposing, Ryan W. Moskaluk
Redesigned Aerospace Control System Platform For Laboratory Re-Purposing, Ryan W. Moskaluk
Aerospace Engineering
This senior project encompasses using an aircraft model in conjunction with the 3' by 4' low speed wind tunnel at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. The aircraft model is controlled through piezoelectric actuators embedded inside the flexible tail structure via a PID controller. The objective for this project is to demonstrate the effect of tuning the individual PID controller gains with the aircraft model inside the low speed wind tunnel and to create an easy to use graphical user interface for doing so.
Solar Energy Collection Analysis Tool For Conceptual Aircraft Design, Grant Glazebrook
Solar Energy Collection Analysis Tool For Conceptual Aircraft Design, Grant Glazebrook
Aerospace Engineering
As battery energy storage and solar cell technology improve, solar aircraft are increasingly being considered for High Altitude Long Endurance missions. Although solar vehicles may theoretically remain on-station indefinitely using the sun as a power source, their design and feasibility is sensitive to mission planning details as specific as the time history of the vehicle’s deck orientation relative to the sun; the energy available for capture by the on-board solar array is governed by the solar incidence angle, and at certain orientations, the vehicle may cast shadows on itself and further reduce its energy capture capabilities. To quantify these losses, …
Registering An Amateur-Built Light Sport Kit Aircraft, Kevin Condron
Registering An Amateur-Built Light Sport Kit Aircraft, Kevin Condron
Aerospace Engineering
No abstract provided.
Flaperon Assembly Manual For Pegastol Aftermarket Wings, Eric Alan Gray
Flaperon Assembly Manual For Pegastol Aftermarket Wings, Eric Alan Gray
Aerospace Engineering
No abstract provided.
High-Fidelity Low-Thrust Trajectory Determination Research And Analysis, Tyler Hill
High-Fidelity Low-Thrust Trajectory Determination Research And Analysis, Tyler Hill
Aerospace Engineering
This document discusses a numerical analysis method for low thrust trajectory propagation known as the proximity quotient or Q-Law. The process uses a Lyapunov feedback control law developed by Petropoulos[1] to propagate trajectories of spacecraft by minimizing the user defined function at the target orbit. A simplified propagator is created from the core mechanics of this method in MATLAB and tested in several user defined cases to demonstrate its capabilities. Several anomalies arose in test cases where variations in eccentricity, inclination, right ascension of the ascending node, and argument of perigee were specified. Solutions to these anomalies are discussed …
Assembly Of A Passive Slat System For A Ch-701 Kit Aircraft, Jordan Coenen, Spencer Spagnola
Assembly Of A Passive Slat System For A Ch-701 Kit Aircraft, Jordan Coenen, Spencer Spagnola
Aerospace Engineering
No abstract provided.
Data Acquisition For Flight Tests Using Handheld Gps And Electronic Flight Instrument System, Christopher Michael Gocha
Data Acquisition For Flight Tests Using Handheld Gps And Electronic Flight Instrument System, Christopher Michael Gocha
Aerospace Engineering
No abstract provided.
Global Launch Vehicle Selector, Keisuke Suzuki
Global Launch Vehicle Selector, Keisuke Suzuki
Aerospace Engineering
No abstract provided.
De-Orbiting Upper Stage Rocket Bodies Using A Deployable High Altitude Drag Sail, Robert A. Hawkins Jr., Joseph A. Palomares
De-Orbiting Upper Stage Rocket Bodies Using A Deployable High Altitude Drag Sail, Robert A. Hawkins Jr., Joseph A. Palomares
Aerospace Engineering
This report examines the effectiveness of a drag sail to de-orbit upper stage rocket bodies. Many other perturbations contribute to the de-orbiting of these rocket bodies, and these perturbations will also be discussed briefly. This paper will show the length of time needed to force the altitudes of various launch vehicle stages with varying drag area sizes to less than 100 km. The upper stage of the Delta IV launch vehicle in an orbit with an altitude of 500 km will naturally de-orbit in 720 days but when equipped with a 20 m2 drag sail, it will de-orbit in …
Degradation Of Solar Cells Due To Arcing In A Vacuum Chamber, Christina Gonzalez
Degradation Of Solar Cells Due To Arcing In A Vacuum Chamber, Christina Gonzalez
Aerospace Engineering
This report summarizes the senior project entitled Degradation of Solar Cells Due to Arcing in a Vacuum Chamber. The goal of this experiment was to show electrical and physical degradation of silicon solar cells in a vacuum chamber. The cells were characterized and then placed in a vacuum chamber. Under vacuum, a potential was created to induce arcing to the cell. The cell was characterized again after arcing to determine the change in efficiency. This document details the process for designing the circuit to create the arcing, and the different setups used to degrade the cells electrically and physically. It …
Development Of A Pyrotechnic Shock Simulation Apparatus For Spacecraft Applications, Joseph Binder, Matthew Mccarty, Chris Rasmussen
Development Of A Pyrotechnic Shock Simulation Apparatus For Spacecraft Applications, Joseph Binder, Matthew Mccarty, Chris Rasmussen
Aerospace Engineering
This report details the research, design, construction, and testing of a pyrotechnic shock simulation apparatus for spacecraft applications. The apparatus was developed to be used in the Space Environments Lab at California Polytechnic State University. It will be used for testing spacecraft components with dimensions up to 24”x12”x12” as well as CubeSats. Additionally, it may be used as an instructional or demonstrational tool in the Aerospace Department’s space environments course. The apparatus functions by way of mechanical impact of an approximately 20 lb stainless steel swinging hammer. Tests were performed to verify the simulator’s functionality. Suggestions for improvement and further …
Thermal Vacuum Integration For Cal Poly's Space Environments Laboratory, Chelsea Barackman, Steven Jackowski
Thermal Vacuum Integration For Cal Poly's Space Environments Laboratory, Chelsea Barackman, Steven Jackowski
Aerospace Engineering
The purpose of the senior project is to construct a thermal vacuum by utilizing a preexisting vacuum chamber in the Space Environments Lab, and a donated Advanced Thermal Sciences (ATS) chiller. While a thermal vacuum is already available on campus, building one for the Space Environments Lab would grant undergraduates access to the equipment, allowing a much better understanding of testing methods and procedures in use by the aerospace industry. This paper explains the design and analysis of the thermal vacuum (T-VAC) project as well as the operation and procedures required for the ATS chiller and fill/drain tank. The thermal …
Analysis And Testing Of Heat Transfer Through Honeycomb Panels, Daniel D. Nguyen
Analysis And Testing Of Heat Transfer Through Honeycomb Panels, Daniel D. Nguyen
Aerospace Engineering
This project attempts to simulate accurately the thermal conductivity of honeycomb panels in the normal direction. Due to the large empty space of the honeycomb core, the thermal radiation mode of heat transfer was modeled along with conduction. Using Newton’s Method to solve for a steady state model of heat moving through the honeycomb panel, the theoretical effective thermal conduction of the honeycomb panel was found, ranging from 1.03 to 1.07 Q/m/K for a heat input of 2.5 W to 11.8 W. An experimental model was designed to test the theoretical results, using a cold plate and a heat plate …
Investigating Various Propulsion Systems For An External Attachment For A Controlled-Manual De-Orbit Of The Hubble Space Telescope, Nelson De Guia
Investigating Various Propulsion Systems For An External Attachment For A Controlled-Manual De-Orbit Of The Hubble Space Telescope, Nelson De Guia
Aerospace Engineering
This reports explains the results for a proposed senior project. This project concerns the Hubble Space Telescope, and exploring the possibility of having an external propulsion attachment for a manual de-orbit. The Hubble Space Telescope was proposed to return to Earth via the Space Shuttle. Although, through the current U.S. Space Administration, the Space Shuttle has been retired before the Hubble Space Telescope was retrieved. By completing this project, the results could provide insight to what type of propulsion would best de-orbit the Hubble upon its retirement. Different propulsion systems were considered to attempt to determine an optimal attachment, varying …
The Importance And Challenge Of Launch Environment Testing, Christina Diaz
The Importance And Challenge Of Launch Environment Testing, Christina Diaz
Aerospace Engineering
This report discusses the purpose and effect of environmental testing, particularly vibration, shock and acoustic tests, in the aerospace industry. Vibration, shock, and acoustic testing are methods that are used to quantify and analyze the physical phenomenon of the launch environment on a payload or launch vehicle. The importance of innovation in testing and understanding of failures is crucial to a successful spacecraft mission. The advancement and precision of these testing methods is also explored in this report such as the invention of the 6 Degree of Freedom (DoF) vibration table and solutions to data acquisition issues recently discovered in …
Comparison Of A High Purity Germanium Gamma Ray Spectrometer And A Multidimensional Nai(T1) Scintillation Gamma Ray Spectrometer, Greg Stratton
Comparison Of A High Purity Germanium Gamma Ray Spectrometer And A Multidimensional Nai(T1) Scintillation Gamma Ray Spectrometer, Greg Stratton
Aerospace Engineering
This report compares two different gamma ray spectrometers in terms of performance, operation, and apparatus and also investigates the design and integration challenges of using gamma ray spectrometers in space. The first spectrometer is a one-dimensional high purity germanium (HPGe) spectrometer and the second is a multidimensional NaI(Tl) scintillation spectrometer (MGRS). The key results show that the HPGe exhibits 15 to 27 times better energy resolution than the MGRS, but the MGRS is 52 times more sensitive and removes 177 % more of the background radiation.
The Effects Of Damage Arrestment Devices In Composite Plate Sandwiches With Fastener Holes, Mark Anderson, Nancy Hung Choy, Lacey Jones, Rita Kourskaya
The Effects Of Damage Arrestment Devices In Composite Plate Sandwiches With Fastener Holes, Mark Anderson, Nancy Hung Choy, Lacey Jones, Rita Kourskaya
Aerospace Engineering
Composite materials such as a carbon fiber are used in a variety of new technologies including aircraft, spacecraft, and motor vehicles. Carbon fiber has a high strength to weight ratio, a key advantage over other material options. This report discusses the use of composite damage arrestment devices (DADs) in composite sandwich panels with a foam core. There are three different curing cycles tested for the DADs: pressure only, vacuum only, and vacuum with 1000 lbs of pressure. Using a Tetrahedron Heat Press to cure the composite specimen and an Instron Machine to perform tensile testing, data was collected for each …
Electric Aircraft Propulsion Test Rig Design & Fabrication, Ryan Mayer, Brian Kubicki, Bradley Rodriguez, Austin Harris, David Caudle
Electric Aircraft Propulsion Test Rig Design & Fabrication, Ryan Mayer, Brian Kubicki, Bradley Rodriguez, Austin Harris, David Caudle
Aerospace Engineering
An electric aircraft propulsion test rig was designed and fabricated to predict thrust, torque and battery discharge profiles for an electric aircraft. The original unit was purchased from ElectraFlyer and included the DC brushless motor, carbon fiber propeller, charger, electronic controller and lithium polymer batteries. Various components were constructed and purchased in order to fabricate the optimal test rig apparatus. This apparatus allows for simultaneous measurement of the torque and thrust of the system through the use of a biaxial sensor. The test rig also measures system voltage and current, which allows the user to determine the discharge profile of …
An Investigation Of Dynamic Soaring And Its Applications To The Albatross And Rc Sailplanes, Christopher J. Lee
An Investigation Of Dynamic Soaring And Its Applications To The Albatross And Rc Sailplanes, Christopher J. Lee
Aerospace Engineering
Dynamic soaring is a technique used by the sea bird the Albatross. This technique allows for the bird to stay in the air for extended periods of time with very little effort. Dynamic soaring utilizes the wind gradient on the surface of the ocean to maintain its airspeed. A similar technique is used by RC glider pilots to achieve high speeds by using the shear wind layer on the leeward side of mountain ridges.
Design, Manufacturing And Testing Of An Environmentally-Green Bipropellant Thruster, Alex Bendoyro, Gabriel Sanchez, Erin Stearns, Phillip Takahashi
Design, Manufacturing And Testing Of An Environmentally-Green Bipropellant Thruster, Alex Bendoyro, Gabriel Sanchez, Erin Stearns, Phillip Takahashi
Aerospace Engineering
This project reviews the design, manufacturing and experimentation process of a green bi-propellant thruster designed to output 5 lbf. The goals were to successfully design, manufacture and test a thruster, while discovering the complications that arise through out the complete design process of a green thruster. The thruster was successfully designed using ideal rocket equations and the design was successfully confirmed using CFD and FEA. Manufacturing of the thruster was fully planned and revealed mild flaws in thruster design. For example some features were not manufacturable to the exact measurements desired. Testing of the engine gave results inconsistent with expected …
Design, Fabrication, And Testing Of An Electromagnetic Rail Gun For The Repeated Testing And Simulation Of Orbital Debris Impacts, Jeff Maniglia, Jordan Smiroldo, Alex Westfall, Guy Zohar
Design, Fabrication, And Testing Of An Electromagnetic Rail Gun For The Repeated Testing And Simulation Of Orbital Debris Impacts, Jeff Maniglia, Jordan Smiroldo, Alex Westfall, Guy Zohar
Aerospace Engineering
An Electromagnetic Railgun (EMRG) was designed, built, and tested, capable of firing a projectile a 1 gram projectile at 650 m/s muzzle velocity. The EMRG utilizes an injector, a high voltage power supply, a capacitor bank, inductors and rails. The injector fires 2300 psig Nitrogen gas into the system to provide an initial velocity. The high voltage power supply charges the capacitor bank. The capacitor bank discharges the electric potential built up through the projectile while inside the rails in order to create the EMRG’s force. The inductors are used to pulse form the capacitor bank in order to get …
Hybrid Rocket Based Combined Cycle Test Rig Design, Construction, And Testing, Mark Costa, Matthew Handfelt
Hybrid Rocket Based Combined Cycle Test Rig Design, Construction, And Testing, Mark Costa, Matthew Handfelt
Aerospace Engineering
No abstract provided.
Development Of A Laboratory Experiment To Simulate Upper-Stage Rocket Explosions, Timothy J. Price
Development Of A Laboratory Experiment To Simulate Upper-Stage Rocket Explosions, Timothy J. Price
Aerospace Engineering
This report is a summary of the senior project entitled Development of a Laboratory Experiment to Simulate Upper-Stage Rocket Explosions. The goal of the experiment was to recreate a NASA experiment which used aluminum soft drink cans to approximate the shape of an Ariane third stage rocket. The cans were placed in a vacuum chamber and fired upon with a projectile from a light gas gun. The resulting debris was collected and analyzed allowing several conclusions to be made regarding the behavior or rocket breakups and the formation of space debris. In lieu of a light gas gun, energy drink …
Flight Testing In A Simulation Based Environment, David W. Babka
Flight Testing In A Simulation Based Environment, David W. Babka
Aerospace Engineering
Over the past two decades performance flight testing of full scale aircraft has transferred some of the testing workload to simulation based systems. Flight testing full scale aircraft in the real world environment has always been expensive, especially now with the rise in aviation fuel costs. Additionally, new emerging technologies require extensive testing and doing so in the full scale environment is cost prohibitive. A cheaper alternative is to test systems in a simulation based environment. Not only can aircraft be simulated via a computer, but all the aircrafts systems can be modeled in the simulation. Furthermore, most of the …
Modeling And Preliminary Finite Element Analysis On The Spun Structure For The Cpintersep Project, Jason Carpenter, Kelly Cheng, Jeffrey Ma, Richard Pelham, Kevin Povey
Modeling And Preliminary Finite Element Analysis On The Spun Structure For The Cpintersep Project, Jason Carpenter, Kelly Cheng, Jeffrey Ma, Richard Pelham, Kevin Povey
Aerospace Engineering
This paper details the process of modeling and importing the model into FEA for the spun structure of the BS376 spacecraft. Engineering drawings were converted into 3D models using Pro/Engineer and then imported and into Patran for pre-processing of a Finite Element Model. To verify the Finite Element Model, several test cases were set up and solved using Nastran solver. Our simple load cases were found to be in congruence with analytical solution methods validating the finite element model.