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Articles 1 - 30 of 84
Full-Text Articles in Engineering
Reconstructing Spectral Scenes Using Statistical Estimation To Enhance Space Situational Awareness, Travis F. Blake
Reconstructing Spectral Scenes Using Statistical Estimation To Enhance Space Situational Awareness, Travis F. Blake
Theses and Dissertations
A new sensor, the Advanced Electro-Optical System (AEOS) Spectral Imaging Sensor (ASIS) has been developed at the Maui Space Surveillance Complex (MSSC). ASIS is capable of collecting resolved imagery of space objects in 10's-100's of spectral bands while using an adaptive optics system. However, the stringent requirements of collecting ground-based images requires a sensor that induces spectral blurring. Post-processing algorithms to remove this blurring are required to fully exploit these spectral images. This research focuses on developing the reconstruction algorithms, based on proven estimation theories, required to spectrally deblur the images collected from ASIS. Additionally, the research will expand the …
Branch Detonation Of A Pulse Detonation Engine With Flash Vaporized Jp-8, John David Slack
Branch Detonation Of A Pulse Detonation Engine With Flash Vaporized Jp-8, John David Slack
Theses and Dissertations
Pulse Detonation Engines (PDE) operating on liquid hydrocarbon fuels are limited to operating frequencies of 35 Hz due to long ignition times from a low energy ignition sources. This study shows ignition time of JP-8 can be nearly eliminated by igniting a thrust tube using a secondary detonation. A counter flow heat exchanger attached to a thrust tube utilized waste heat from the detonation process to heat JP-8 to supercritical conditions. The fuel flash vaporized when injected into the air stream of the engine. A detonation was produced by a spark in a 5 cm diameter, 1.37 m long tube. …
Vacuum Chamber Construction And Contamination Study Of A Micro Pulsed Plasma Thruster, Jacob H. Debevec
Vacuum Chamber Construction And Contamination Study Of A Micro Pulsed Plasma Thruster, Jacob H. Debevec
Theses and Dissertations
The micro pulsed plasma thruster (micro-PPT) is a simple and versatile electric thruster capable of performing multiple missions, from precise attitude control on standard satellites to primary propulsion for nanosatellites. In order to fill this role as both industry and government move toward utilizing smaller satellites, micro-PPTs first need to be thoroughly tested on the ground. This study examines the deposition profile and rate of particle emission from the thruster so that satellite designers understand any potential contamination issues with sensitive instruments and solar panels. Employing a newly assembled vacuum chamber system, four tests were completed with the micro-PPTs, and …
An Exploration Of Several Structural Measurement Techniques For Usage With Functionally Graded Materials, Robert A. Reuter
An Exploration Of Several Structural Measurement Techniques For Usage With Functionally Graded Materials, Robert A. Reuter
Theses and Dissertations
Titanium / titanium boride functionally graded 6"x 1"x1" beams were subjected to a four-point beam test in order to critique the value of several measurement techniques. Also, finite element analysis results were compared with experimental values and general observations about the experiment were recorded. Uniform 85% TiB /15% Ti and uniform commercially pure titanium specimens were also subjected to the same loading conditions as a control. Techniques used include digital image correlation, fiber optic strain gauging, strain gauging, and differential infrared thermography techniques. The strain data results were compared with one another and to linear finite element models. It was …
Integrated Conceptual Design Of Joined-Wing Sensor Craft Using Response Surface Models, Josh E. Dittmar
Integrated Conceptual Design Of Joined-Wing Sensor Craft Using Response Surface Models, Josh E. Dittmar
Theses and Dissertations
A multidisciplinary conceptual design and analysis of Boeing's joined-wing SensorCraft has been conducted. This analysis was completed using geometrical optimization, aerodynamic analyses, and response surface methodology on a composite structural model. Phoenix Integration's Model Center was used to integrate the sizing and analysis codes found in Raymer's text, "Aircraft Design: A Conceptual Approach" as well as those from the NASA derived conceptual design tool AirCraft Synthesis (ACSYNT), and a modified Boeing Finite Element Model (FEM). This research demonstrated the utility of integrated low-order models for fast and inexpensive conceptual modeling of unconventional aircraft designs.
Lightweight In-Plane Actuated Deformable Mirrors For Space Telescopes, Michael J. Shepherd
Lightweight In-Plane Actuated Deformable Mirrors For Space Telescopes, Michael J. Shepherd
Theses and Dissertations
This research focused on lightweight, in-plane actuated, deformable mirrors, with the ultimate goal of developing a 20- meter light gathering aperture for space telescopes. The 0.127 meter diameter deformable mirror small scale testbed was modelled infinite elements using MSC.Nastran software and then used as a basis for a quasi-static controller. Experimental tracking of Zernike tip, tilt, and defocus modes was accomplished. The analytical solutions to plate-membrane and beam-string ordinary differential equations were developed. A simplified approach to modelling the axisymmetric cases was also presented. A novel static control strategy, the Modal Transformation Method, was developed to form Zernike surfaces within …
Dynamics And Control Of Tethered Satellite Formations For The Purpose Of Space-Based Remote Sensing, Kurt A. Vogel
Dynamics And Control Of Tethered Satellite Formations For The Purpose Of Space-Based Remote Sensing, Kurt A. Vogel
Theses and Dissertations
This dissertation assesses the utility of tethered satellite formations for the space-based remote sensing mission. Energy dissipation is found to have an adverse effect on foundational rigid body (Likins-Pringle) equilibria. It is shown that a continuously earth-facing equilibrium condition for a fixed-length tethered system does not exist since the spin rate required for the proper precession would not be high enough to maintain tether tension. The range of required spin rates for steady-spin motion is numerically defined here, but none of these conditions can meet the continuously earth-facing criteria. Of particular note is the discovery that applying certain rigid body …
Laser Covariance Vibrometry For Unsymmetrical Mode Detection, Michael C. Kobold
Laser Covariance Vibrometry For Unsymmetrical Mode Detection, Michael C. Kobold
Theses and Dissertations
Simulated cross - spectral covariance (CSC) from optical return from simulated surface vibration indicates CW phase modulation may be an appropriate phenomenology for adequate classification of vehicles by structural mode. The nonlinear structural to optical relationship is close to unity, avoiding nulls and high values; optical return contains sufficient spectral ID information necessary for data clustering. The FE model has contact between the homogeneous rolled armor and vehicle hull, a simple multi - layer skin model typical of most vehicles. Most of the high frequency energy moved to lower frequencies. This nonlinearity segments contact vibration modes into two classes: symmetrical …
Modeling Fracture In Z-Pinned Composite Co-Cured Laminates Using Smeared Properties And Cohesive Elements In Dyna3d, Jason K. Freels
Modeling Fracture In Z-Pinned Composite Co-Cured Laminates Using Smeared Properties And Cohesive Elements In Dyna3d, Jason K. Freels
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of the present research was three-fold: 1) gain a more sophisticated understanding of the response of co-cured composite joints with and without through-thickness reinforcement (TTR), 2) compare the behavior of specimens reinforced with various sizes and densities of reinforcement, and 3) use experimental data to verify the existing DYNA3D smeared property model. Double cantilever beam, end-notch flexure and T-section specimens reinforced with 0.011" diameter z-pins at 2% and 4% volume densities were tested to determine the mode I, mode II and mixed mode (I and II) behavior. Results were added to preliminary research in which tests were conducted …
Three Component Velocity Measurements In The Tip Vortex Of A Micro-Air-Vehicle, Hong-Joon Park
Three Component Velocity Measurements In The Tip Vortex Of A Micro-Air-Vehicle, Hong-Joon Park
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this research was to improve the MAV that will be used for battle damage assessment and reconnaissance or local surveillance through the experiments in AFIT wind tunnel. The experiments were performed to investigate the wing displacement and wing tip vortex interaction. To conduct the experiments, telescopic survey tool and tri-axial hot-wire anemometer was utilized. The results indicate that wing tip displacement of the flexible wing was approximately 8 times that of the rigid wing in an unstalled condition and data suggests that flexible wing has a denser core-distribution of velocity within the wing tip vortex and delays …
Scaling Flight Tests Of Unmanned Air Vehicles, Jeevani I. Abeygoonewardene
Scaling Flight Tests Of Unmanned Air Vehicles, Jeevani I. Abeygoonewardene
Theses and Dissertations
Increasing technological advances and research interest in unmanned air vehicles (UAVs), have led to the need for having safe, inexpensive and effective means of experimenting with their fight performance and surveillance capabilities. Work has previously been done in areas of controlling, analyzing, and predicting cooperative and autonomous operations of UAVs and other vehicles. In addition, there are well established guidelines for scaling experiments in fluid mechanics, where geometric, kinematic and dynamic similarity is obtained by formulating problems in terms of non dimensional variables using dimensional analysis. However, little or no work has been done in developing experiments or guidelines for …
Navigation Using Signals Of Opportunity In The Am Transmission Band, Jonathan A. Mcellroy
Navigation Using Signals Of Opportunity In The Am Transmission Band, Jonathan A. Mcellroy
Theses and Dissertations
Maintaining a precision navigation solution both in a GPS hostile jamming environment and also in a GPS non-compatible terrain area is of great importance. To that end, this thesis evaluates the ability to navigate using signals from the AM band of the electromagnetic spectrum (520 to 1710 kHz). Navigation position estimates are done using multi-lateration techniques similar to GPS. However, pseudoranges are created using Time Difference of Arrival (TDOA) distances between a reference receiver and a mobile receiver, allowing the mobile receiver to obtain absolute position estimates over time. Four methods were developed for estimating the cross-correlation peak within a …
Natural Frequencies And Mode Shapes Of A Nonlinear, Uniform Cantilevered Beam, Daniel J. Marquez-Chisolm
Natural Frequencies And Mode Shapes Of A Nonlinear, Uniform Cantilevered Beam, Daniel J. Marquez-Chisolm
Theses and Dissertations
A series of experiments in 1975, referred to as the Princeton Beam Experiments, were performed to measure natural frequencies and create a nonlinear elastic deformation model to improve helicopter main beam designs. These experiments used a homogeneous 7075 aluminum beam and have been referenced as a baseline for the past thirty years to validate computer models and theories in an effort to build beams capable of withstanding aero-elastic, static, and dynamic loading. The purpose of this study is to measure the dynamic nonlinear bending and torsion response of a cantilever beam. The natural frequencies are measured in the flatwise and …
Parameter Estimation Of A Tactical Missile Using Linear Regression, Kelly S. Powers
Parameter Estimation Of A Tactical Missile Using Linear Regression, Kelly S. Powers
Theses and Dissertations
This research presents the method of Linear Regression as a parameter identification method to determine the longitudinal dimensional stability derivatives of a tactical missile. Missile flight histories are characterized by rapid accelerations, rapidly changing mass property characteristics with often short flight times. These characteristics make accurate parameter estimation of the missile aerodynamics more challenging than for aircraft. The simulation used for this research was created in MATLAB/SIMULINK based on the missile trajectory program, TRAP. The aerodynamic data for the 6- DoF missile model was based on a supersonic, tail controlled missile similar to an AIM-9X missile. Two command input types …
Development And Testing Of A High-Speed Real-Time Kinematic Precise Dgps Positioning System Between Two Aircraft, Christopher J. Spinelli
Development And Testing Of A High-Speed Real-Time Kinematic Precise Dgps Positioning System Between Two Aircraft, Christopher J. Spinelli
Theses and Dissertations
This research involves the design, implementation, and testing of a high-speed, real-time kinematic, precise differential GPS positioning system for use in airborne applications such as automated aerial-refueling and close formation flying. Although many of the current ambiguity resolution techniques use the residuals from the least squares position estimation to determine the true ambiguity set, this thesis presents a novel approach to the ambiguity resolution problem, called the minimum indicator. Instead of assuming the ambiguity set with the lowest residuals is the true set, other special characteristics of the residuals are examined. This increases the confidence that the algorithm has selected …
Optimal Dynamic Soaring For Full Size Sailplanes, Randel J. Gordon
Optimal Dynamic Soaring For Full Size Sailplanes, Randel J. Gordon
Theses and Dissertations
Dynamic soaring is a unique flying technique designed to allow air vehicles to extract energy from horizontal wind shears. Dynamic soaring has been used by seabirds like the Albatross to fly hundreds of kilometers a day across the ocean. Small hobby radio controlled sailplanes have also used this technique to achieve sustained speeds of over 200 miles per hour from just a simple hand toss. Dynamic soaring, however, has never before been studied for use on full size aircraft. The primary goal of this research was to prove or disprove the viability of dynamic soaring for enhancing a full size …
Structural Analysis Of The Rigidizable Inflatable Get-Away-Special Experiment, Anna E. Gunn-Golkin
Structural Analysis Of The Rigidizable Inflatable Get-Away-Special Experiment, Anna E. Gunn-Golkin
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this research was to validate the structural integrity of the Rigidizable Inflatable Get-Away-Special Experiment (RIGEX) and make appropriate improvements to the design, motivated by static and dynamic analysis results. RIGEX is designed to advance the use of rigidizable inflatable structures in the space environment by providing three sets of on-orbit test data on the structural characteristics of three thermoplastic composite tubes. This thesis discusses the RIGEX structural analysis. The term structural analysis refers to the development of a detailed finite element model and the tests for which the model was used. The finite element model provided an …
Design And Numerical Simulation Of Two Dimensional Ultra Compact Combustor Model Sections For Experimental Observation Of Cavity-Vane Flow Interactions, David S. Moenter
Design And Numerical Simulation Of Two Dimensional Ultra Compact Combustor Model Sections For Experimental Observation Of Cavity-Vane Flow Interactions, David S. Moenter
Theses and Dissertations
An improved computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model was developed for numerical simulation of the Ultra Compact Combustor (UCC) concept to enhance turbulent flow characterization of the circumferentially traveling, centrifugal-force enhanced combustion, cavity flow into the engine main flow passage via a radial cavity in the turbine axial guide vanes. The CFD model uses a dense grid on a 60° periodic, axisymmetric combustor section, with the RNG κ-ε turbulence model to resolve turbulent flow details. An overall analysis and performance evaluation of the experimentally tested UCC configuration and an axially shortened cavity baseline configuration was conducted at various experimentally documented operating …
An Investigation Of The Effects Of Boundary Avoidance On Pilot Tracking, Randy D. Warren
An Investigation Of The Effects Of Boundary Avoidance On Pilot Tracking, Randy D. Warren
Theses and Dissertations
Pilot-Involved Oscillations (PIOs) remain a significant issue in the design, testing and operations of aerospace vehicles. Traditional methods for predicting, describing, and analyzing these events have provided the community with improved methods for minimizing the occurrences of PIOs. However, these events continue to occur over a wide range of aerospace vehicle types and over a wide range of pilot acumen. The introduction of boundary avoidance tracking (BAT) by Mr. William Gray in 2004 added a missing piece to the PIO puzzle. This theory presented that PIOs may result from increasing pilot gain resulting not from maintaining a specified condition, but …
Development Of A Low-Latency, High Data Rate, Differential Gps Relative Positioning System For Uav Formation Flight Control, Stephen J. Comstock
Development Of A Low-Latency, High Data Rate, Differential Gps Relative Positioning System For Uav Formation Flight Control, Stephen J. Comstock
Theses and Dissertations
In order for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to be able to fly missions currently performed by manned aircraft, they must be able to conduct in-flight refueling. Additionally, significant fuel savings can be realized if multiple UAV's are able to fly in precise formation and align wingtip vortices. In either case, the precise relative position between the aircraft must be known to an accuracy of only a few centimeters. Previous research at the Air Force Institute of Technology culminated in the development of a relative positioning system for manned aircraft. This thesis presents the development of the next-generation system designed for …
Fusion Of Imaging And Inertial Sensors For Navigation, Michael J. Veth
Fusion Of Imaging And Inertial Sensors For Navigation, Michael J. Veth
Theses and Dissertations
The motivation of this research is to address the limitations of satellite-based navigation by fusing imaging and inertial systems. The research begins by rigorously describing the imaging and navigation problem and developing practical models of the sensors, then presenting a transformation technique to detect features within an image. Given a set of features, a statistical feature projection technique is developed which utilizes inertial measurements to predict vectors in the feature space between images. This coupling of the imaging and inertial sensors at a deep level is then used to aid the statistical feature matching function. The feature matches and inertial …
Dual Fine Tracking Control Of A Satellite Laser Communication Uplink, Louis A. Noble
Dual Fine Tracking Control Of A Satellite Laser Communication Uplink, Louis A. Noble
Theses and Dissertations
A dual fine tracking control system (FTCS) is developed for a single aperture optical communication receiver to compensate for high frequency disturbances affecting tracking of two incident laser communication beams. The optical communication receiver resides within a payload module aboard a geosynchronous satellite, while each laser communication transmitter is housed within a module aboard a high altitude unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). In addition to platform specific disturbances, the impact of atmospheric optical disturbances affecting tracking error are investigated. The system dynamics and FTCS are modeled and evaluated in MATLAB and SIMULINK. An optimal controller is developed to mitigate these disturbances …
A Wind Tunnel Investigation Of Joined Wing Scissor Morphing, Christopher C. Dike
A Wind Tunnel Investigation Of Joined Wing Scissor Morphing, Christopher C. Dike
Theses and Dissertations
The Air Force Research Laboratory's Munitions Directorate has been looking to extend the range of its small smart bomb. Corneille [6] has conducted tests to determine the aerodynamic characteristics of joined wings on a missile and determine if joined wings are more beneficial than a single wing configuration. The concept of retrofitting wings on the bomb introduced an interesting problem: storage before deployment. This study conducted steady-state low speed wind tunnel testing of a joined wing configuration that morphed from a compact configuration for storage to a full extension. These steady-state tests examine differing sweep angles of the same joined …
Optimal Geometric Deployment Of A Ground Based Pseudolite Navigation System To Track A Landing Aircraft, Matthew P. Crawford
Optimal Geometric Deployment Of A Ground Based Pseudolite Navigation System To Track A Landing Aircraft, Matthew P. Crawford
Theses and Dissertations
With much of the military and civilian communities becoming dependent on GPS technology to navigate it has become imperative that the navigation systems be tested in situations in which GPS does not work. This testing is especially necessary for precise tasks such as landing an aircraft. Currently, research is being conducted into using a pseudolite-based reference system to use as a truth model for the GPS jamming test. Pseudolite systems have been proven to provide sub-centimeter level accuracy in the horizontal plane; however in the vertical plane the position error is still in the decimeter to meter level range. This …
Maneuver Estimation Model For Geostationary Orbit Determination, Brian J. Hirsch
Maneuver Estimation Model For Geostationary Orbit Determination, Brian J. Hirsch
Theses and Dissertations
As an increasing number of geostationary satellites fill a limited number of orbital slots, collocation of satellites leads to a risk of close approach or misidentification. The ability to detect maneuvers made by these satellites using optical observations can help to prevent these problems. Such a model has already been created and tested using data from the Air Force Maui Optical and Supercomputing site. The goal of this research was to create a more robust model which would reduce the amount of data needed to make accurate maneuver estimations. The Clohessy-Wiltshire equations were used to model the relative motion of …
Experimental Investigation Of The Aerodynamic Ground Effect Of A Tailless Lambda-Shaped Ucav With Wing Flaps, Jason T. Mostaccio
Experimental Investigation Of The Aerodynamic Ground Effect Of A Tailless Lambda-Shaped Ucav With Wing Flaps, Jason T. Mostaccio
Theses and Dissertations
This experimental study adequately identified the ground effect region of a lambda-shaped unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV). The lambda planform used in this study was originally tested in a previous experiment to determine the stability and control characteristics generated out-of-ground-effect. The following study extends the existing database by analyzing the inherent aerodynamic behavior that is produced by employing trailing edge flap deflections while flying in-ground-effect (IGE). To accomplish this objective, static ground effect tests were performed in the AFIT 3? x 3? subsonic wind tunnel where a ground plane was used to simulate the forces and moments on the UCAV …
Characterizing A Co-Flow Nozzle For Use In A Filtered Rayleigh Scattering System, David S. Miceli
Characterizing A Co-Flow Nozzle For Use In A Filtered Rayleigh Scattering System, David S. Miceli
Theses and Dissertations
Research was conducted on the flow field exiting a co-annular flow nozzle for use in filtered Rayleigh scattering flow visualizations. More specifically, the flow visualizations were of the flow field exiting a coflow nozzle and illuminated by a tunable, nominal 4.2 watt narrow line width Argon laser operating at 514.5nm. ND:YAG lasers are typically used in this application, but some of the properties of a tunable Argon laser make it an attractive alternative. Before generating flow visualizations, the coflow nozzle was characterized both experimentally and computationally. Due to a flow asymmetry in the outer annulus flow field, the nozzle was …
Characterization Of Uav Performance And Development Of A Formation Flight Controller For Multiple Small Uavs, Patrick A. Mccarthy
Characterization Of Uav Performance And Development Of A Formation Flight Controller For Multiple Small Uavs, Patrick A. Mccarthy
Theses and Dissertations
The Air Force Institute of Technology's (AFIT) Advanced Navigation Technology (ANT) Center has recently delved into the research topic of small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV). One area of particular interest is using multiple small UAVs cooperatively to improve mission efficiency, as well as perform missions that couldn't be performed using vehicles independently. However, many of these missions require that the UAVs operate in close proximity of each other. This research lays the foundation required to use the ANT Center's UAVs for multi-vehicle missions (e.g. cooperatively) by accomplishing two major goals. First, it develops test procedures that can be used to …
Development And Validation Of Reentry Simulation Using Matlab, Robert E. Jameson Jr.
Development And Validation Of Reentry Simulation Using Matlab, Robert E. Jameson Jr.
Theses and Dissertations
This research effort develops a program using MATLAB to solve the equations of motion for atmospheric reentry and analyzes the validity of the program for use as a tool to expeditiously predict reentry profiles. The reentry vehicle is modeled as a point mass with constant aerodynamic properties as defined by the user. The equations of motion for reentry are based on the two-body problem. The atmosphere is modeled as a single layer exponentially decreasing in density. The MATLAB program has the ability to derive the initial trajectory conditions from the position and velocity relative to the rotating surface of the …
Theoretical Modeling Of The Transient Effects Of A Towline Using The Method Of Characteristics, Christopher A. Hill
Theoretical Modeling Of The Transient Effects Of A Towline Using The Method Of Characteristics, Christopher A. Hill
Theses and Dissertations
The use of decoys in combat has become more advanced in recent years. Some of the newest military aircraft, such as the US Navy's F/A-18E/F Superhornet, have the capability to deploy a towline with an attached decoy when entering hostile territory as a defense mechanism against enemy threats. In steady state, the towline extends behind and below the aircraft. A major concern is the position of the towline, as aircraft maneuvers can cause the line to enter the engine plume. The high exhaust heat can cause problems, such as damaging electrical equipment and severing the line. In order to better …