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Articles 31 - 60 of 61
Full-Text Articles in Engineering
Modeling A Space-Based Quantum Link, Alexander W. Duchane
Modeling A Space-Based Quantum Link, Alexander W. Duchane
Theses and Dissertations
Quantum sources and single photon detectors have improved, allowing quantum algorithms for communication, encryption, computing, and sensing to transition from theory and small-scale laboratory experiments to field experiments. One such quantum algorithm, Quantum Key Distribution, uses optical pulses to generate shared random bit strings between two locations. These shared bit strings can be turned into encryption keys to be used as a one-time-pad or integrated with symmetric encryption techniques such as the Advanced Encryption Standard. This method of key generation and encryption is resistant to future advances in quantum computing which significantly degrade the effectiveness of current asymmetric key sharing …
An Exploration Of Error-Correcting Codes For Use In Noise-Prone Satellite Environments, Min W. Kang
An Exploration Of Error-Correcting Codes For Use In Noise-Prone Satellite Environments, Min W. Kang
Theses and Dissertations
Satellites are crucial for the modern world to function properly as they provide Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and global communication. However, the data that is stored on these satellites can be corrupted by the radiation found in space, and its bits can be improperly flipped. In the past, Forward Error Correction (FEC) algorithms were selected based on their strength and implemented to correct these bit flips back to their original values. This thesis seeks to determine if the strength of the FEC algorithms Reed Solomon (RS) code and Reed Solomon Product Code (RSPC) directly translates to their effectiveness. These …
Stereo Vision: A Comparison Of Synthetic Imagery Vs. Real World Imagery For The Automated Aerial Refueling Problem, Nicholas J. Seydel
Stereo Vision: A Comparison Of Synthetic Imagery Vs. Real World Imagery For The Automated Aerial Refueling Problem, Nicholas J. Seydel
Theses and Dissertations
Missions using unmanned aerial vehicles have increased in the past decade. Currently, there is no way to refuel these aircraft. Accomplishing automated aerial refueling can be made possible using the stereo vision system on a tanker. Real world experiments for the automated aerial refueling problem are expensive and time consuming. Currently, simulations performed in a virtual world have shown promising results using computer vision. It is possible to use the virtual world as a substitute environment for the real world. This research compares the performance of stereo vision algorithms on synthetic and real world imagery.
Parameter Study Of An Orbital Debris Defender Using Two Team, Three Player Differential Game Theory, David F. Spendel
Parameter Study Of An Orbital Debris Defender Using Two Team, Three Player Differential Game Theory, David F. Spendel
Theses and Dissertations
The United States Air Force and other national agencies rely on numerous space assets to project their doctrine. However, space is becoming an increasingly congested, contested, and competitive environment. A common risk mitigation strategy for the orbit debris problem is either performing evasive maneuvers, or placing additional shielding on the satellite before launch. Current risk mitigation strategies have significant consequences to satellite operators and may not produce sufficient risk mitigation. This research poses that an orbital debris defender, which would defend the primary satellite from orbital debris, may be a more effective risk mitigation strategy. By assuming the worst case …
Design And Testing Of An Additively Manufactured Cubesat Structural Bus, Karson A. Roberts
Design And Testing Of An Additively Manufactured Cubesat Structural Bus, Karson A. Roberts
Theses and Dissertations
Recent innovations in additive manufacturing and design capabilities have opened the door for more opportunities to integrate multiple functions into a structural de- sign. Specifically, 3D printing through advanced laser powder bed fusion of metal powder allows for the development and integration of advanced structures that were previously unachievable. The demonstration of these techniques on a small satellite results in a structural bus consisting of various external and internal features, increasing its functionality and capabilities beyond simply providing structural support. 3D printing a multi-functional CubeSat bus with these integrated features such as internal lattices and wiring tabs demonstrates a new …
Investigation Of Geometric And Thermal Scaling Effects On Simulated Turbine Vane Leading Edge Model, James G. Tewaheftewa
Investigation Of Geometric And Thermal Scaling Effects On Simulated Turbine Vane Leading Edge Model, James G. Tewaheftewa
Theses and Dissertations
Film cooling is still a bustling research topic, especially with burgeoning manufacturing techniques on the horizon that will open the design space. However, despite the number of years that have gone into gas turbine design and research, evaluating cooling performance on components still presents challenges. This task becomes especially difficult and dangerous if trying to do so in realistic engine conditions. Therefore, the majority of film cooling research is performed at conditions far from realistic engine conditions, often using materials that would never hold up to turbine inlet temperature, and scaled to predict results at engine conditions. Previous film cooling …
Tensile Properties And Fatigue Behavior Of Geopolymer Matrix Composites With Carbon Fiber Reinforcement At Elevated Temperature, Steffan M.L. Wilcox
Tensile Properties And Fatigue Behavior Of Geopolymer Matrix Composites With Carbon Fiber Reinforcement At Elevated Temperature, Steffan M.L. Wilcox
Theses and Dissertations
The tensile stress-strain and tension-tension fatigue of geopolymer matrix composites reinforced with 0/90 carbon fibers was investigated at 23 and 300°C in laboratory air. Geopolymers are inorganic polymeric materials composed of alumina, silica, and alkali metal oxides. Because geopolymers are synthesized as a fluid mixture or particles and liquid, they can be cast into a desired shape, and cured at only slightly elevated temperatures. The relative ease of synthesis and low processing temperatures make geopolymers an attractive choice as a matrix material for composite materials. Geopolymers also offer resistance to heat and oxidizing environments. Currently, geopolymer matrix composites are being …
Integrity Monitoring For Automated Aerial Refueling: A Stereo Vision Approach, Thomas R. Stuart
Integrity Monitoring For Automated Aerial Refueling: A Stereo Vision Approach, Thomas R. Stuart
Theses and Dissertations
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) increasingly require the capability to y autonomously in close formation including to facilitate automated aerial refueling (AAR). The availability of relative navigation measurements and navigation integrity are essential to autonomous relative navigation. Due to the potential non-availability of the global positioning system (GPS) during military operations, it is highly desirable that relative navigation can be accomplished without the use of GPS. This paper develops two algorithms designed to provide relative navigation measurements solely from a stereo image pair. These algorithms were developed and analyzed in the context of AAR using a stereo camera system modeling that …
Optimal Trajectory Generation In A Dynamic Multi-Body Environment Using A Pseudospectral Method, Jacob A. Dahlke
Optimal Trajectory Generation In A Dynamic Multi-Body Environment Using A Pseudospectral Method, Jacob A. Dahlke
Theses and Dissertations
High-altitude parking orbits could provide resiliency to the military space infrastructure by providing redundancy in key assets, allowing for rapid reconstitution of underperforming satellites. When analyzing trajectories in a high-altitude regime, two-body models of Keplerian motion become less accurate since the gravitational effects of other bodies are no longer negligible. To provide a higher fidelity model of the dynamics in a high-altitude regime, a multiple-body model can be used. In the Earth-Moon system, a spacecraft operating in the high-altitude regime can be modeled with three-body dynamics. With certain simplifying assumptions, the model is called the circular-restricted three-body problem (CR3BP). The …
The Study And Application Of Carbon Nanotube Film Heaters For Space Applications, Christopher C. Rocker
The Study And Application Of Carbon Nanotube Film Heaters For Space Applications, Christopher C. Rocker
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this research was to examine the feasibility of using Carbon Nanotube (CNT) sheets as thin film heaters for space applications. The ability to maintain the temperature of space components has a direct impact on a space vehicle's operation and longevity. Currently etched foil heaters are used to heat satellite batteries. Battery heaters are the focus of this research. However, as this study will show, they have limitations and are susceptible to failure. CNT sheets have many beneficial properties and show potential in replacing the etched foil design. In this study test specimens were created by forming laminate …
Creep Of Hi-Nicalon™ S Ceramic Fiber Tows At 1000°C In Air And In Silicic Acid-Saturated Steam, Brian G. Kroeger
Creep Of Hi-Nicalon™ S Ceramic Fiber Tows At 1000°C In Air And In Silicic Acid-Saturated Steam, Brian G. Kroeger
Theses and Dissertations
Advanced SiC/SiC ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) are being considered for a variety of applications. Of interest is their ability to withstand exposure to high temperature in an aggressive oxidizing environment. The presence of steam creates such an environment. As steam traverses across a SiC/SiC composite and through cracks in the SiC matrix, it becomes saturated with silicic acid, Si(OH)4. It is essential to understand the long-term impacts and durability of SiC/SiC CMCs that have been exposed to such a demanding environment. The present research investigated creep of Hi-Nicalon™ S SiC fibers at 1000°C in air and in silicic …
Control, Characterization, And Cooling Of An Ultra-Compact Combustor, Kevin J. Demarco
Control, Characterization, And Cooling Of An Ultra-Compact Combustor, Kevin J. Demarco
Theses and Dissertations
An Ultra-Compact Combustor (UCC) is novel alternative to axial flow combustors commonly used in gas turbine engines. The UCC offers multiple benefits to engine design. First, the UCC aims to increase the thrust-to-weight ratio of an aircraft gas turbine engine by decreasing the size, and thus weight, of the engine's combustor. This is done by utilizing a Circumferential Cavity (CC) wrapped around the main core flow which hosts the combustion event, allowing a shortened combustor length. Second, within the CC, the combusting mixture is subjected to a high centrifugal loading which aids combustion by improving both flame propagation and residence …
Influence Of Coolant Flow Rate Parameters In Scaling Gas Turbine Cooling Effectiveness On A Flat Plate, Jacob P. Fischer
Influence Of Coolant Flow Rate Parameters In Scaling Gas Turbine Cooling Effectiveness On A Flat Plate, Jacob P. Fischer
Theses and Dissertations
Effective film cooling relies on the performance of the selected cooling hole shape and placement of the holes on the surface of the blade. To test each holes effectiveness, large scale, low-temperature testing has been used to reduce cost and complexity. The resulting quantity from this testing is called the adiabatic effectiveness (n). The adiabatic effectiveness can then scaled up to engine operating conditions to predict how the selected film cooling hole will perform. This process is complicated by the nonlinear variation of gas properties between coolant and freestream conditions as well as between the experimental and engine conditions. In …
Analytical Determination Of A Helicopter Height Velocity Diagram, Michael J. Harris
Analytical Determination Of A Helicopter Height Velocity Diagram, Michael J. Harris
Theses and Dissertations
A helicopter height velocity (HV) diagram was analytically constructed using optimal control techniques. A three degree of freedom, point-mass, dynamic model was developed and validated with flight test data. An induced velocity calculation was incorporated which addressed the effects of vortex ring state. The problem was posed as an open final time, constrained initial state, constrained final state problem, with the objective function as a weighted sum of the initial altitude and quadratic controls. This formulation was solved using direct pseudo-spectral collocation and adaptive mesh refinement as implemented by the GPOPS-II® software suite. Proper adjustment of path constraints was crucial …
Scheduling Tool For The Nevada Test And Training Range, Miguel J. Macias
Scheduling Tool For The Nevada Test And Training Range, Miguel J. Macias
Theses and Dissertations
Presently, the 57th Wing Scheduler at Nellis AFB schedules daily mission requests to the Nevada Test and Training Range (NTTR) airspace manually. The process is time consuming and may lead to suboptimal range resource allocations. The goal of this study is to provide the scheduler with an automated scheduling approach that will improve range scheduling efficiency. The tool developed uses range request data from units at Nellis AFB to produce daily mission schedules for a month long scheduling horizon with Microsoft VBA code and a commercial Integer Program (IP) solver. Under our current understanding of scheduler priorities, we formulate the …
Comparison Of Traditional Versus Cubesat Remote Sensing: A Model-Based Systems Engineering Approach, Daniel L. Cipera
Comparison Of Traditional Versus Cubesat Remote Sensing: A Model-Based Systems Engineering Approach, Daniel L. Cipera
Theses and Dissertations
This thesis compares the ability of both traditional and CubeSat remote sensing architectures to fulfill a set of mission requirements for a remote sensing scenario. Mission requirements originating from a hurricane disaster response scenario are developed to derive a set of system requirements. Using a Model-based Systems Engineering approach, these system requirements are used to develop notional traditional and CubeSat architecture models. The technical performance of these architectures is analyzed using Systems Toolkit (STK); the results are compared against Measures of Effectiveness (MOEs) derived from the disaster response scenario. Additionally, systems engineering cost estimates are obtained for each satellite architecture …
An Efficient Euler Method To Predict Shock Migration On A Straked Delta Wing Design, Dylan N. Hope
An Efficient Euler Method To Predict Shock Migration On A Straked Delta Wing Design, Dylan N. Hope
Theses and Dissertations
In support of the Air Force Office of Scientific Research, this project sought to identify the significance of nonlinear aerodynamic phenomena in regards to LCO of a straked delta wing design. Previous works include unsteady Navier-Stokes aeroelastic analysis of various wing designs and flight test of F-16 transonic LCO with interest focused on oscillatory SITES behavior. The research presented within this investigation further expanded the understanding of unsteady aerodynamics by performing aeroelastic analysis of a wing oscillated in pitch with an Euler-based, boundary layer coupled numerical method (ZEUS). The wing was tested for a multitude of LCO parameters such as …
Algorithms For Small Satellite Formation Flying, Robert B. Larue
Algorithms For Small Satellite Formation Flying, Robert B. Larue
Theses and Dissertations
This thesis presents algorithms for spacecraft formation flying using impulsive thrust and low-thrust methods. The general circular orbit formation initial conditions are derived in terms of equinoctial elements. Physical significance of the bounded relative motion parameters is presented for the case of general circular orbits. The developed algorithms are posed in terms of equinoctial elements for a singularity-free approach. The algorithms are assessed by numerical propagation of the inertial equations of motion with J2 and drag perturbations. Methods are presented for minimizing the ΔV required for formation initialization. An examination of the performance of open-loop and closed-loop control is provided …
A Study Of The Hexakis Icosahedron Vacuum Lighter Than Air Vehicle And The Effects Of Air Evacuation On The Structural Integrity, Anthony A. Castello
A Study Of The Hexakis Icosahedron Vacuum Lighter Than Air Vehicle And The Effects Of Air Evacuation On The Structural Integrity, Anthony A. Castello
Theses and Dissertations
The research this paper focuses on is comparing the structural differences between the icosahedron and hexakis icosahedron frame and skin for use as a vacuum lighter than air vehicle (VLTAV), analyzing the stress concentrations in the hexakis icosahedron both with and without the skin, and finding the optimal location and size of the air evacuation method for creating the internal vacuum. Previous research to date has identified dynamic loading on the structure and optimization of the structure, but this will be the first research to analyze the manufacturing of the structure through the development of the air evacuation design. Findings …
Numerical Simulation Of Heat Transfer And Chemistry In The Wake Behind A Hypersonic Slender Body At Angle Of Attack, Matthew J. Satchell, Jeffrey M. Layng, Robert B. Greendyke
Numerical Simulation Of Heat Transfer And Chemistry In The Wake Behind A Hypersonic Slender Body At Angle Of Attack, Matthew J. Satchell, Jeffrey M. Layng, Robert B. Greendyke
Faculty Publications
The effect of thermal and chemical boundary conditions on the structure and chemical composition of the wake behind a 3D Mach 7 sphere-cone at an angle of attack of 5 degrees and an altitude of roughly 30,000 m is explored. A special emphasis is placed on determining the number density of chemical species which might lead to detection via the electromagnetic spectrum. The use of non-ablating cold-wall, adiabatic, and radiative equilibrium wall boundary conditions are used to simulate extremes in potential thermal protection system designs. Non-ablating, as well as an ablating boundary condition using the “steady-state ablation” assumption to compute …
Study Of Abnormal Grain Growth In Beta Annealed Ti-6al-4v Forgings, Lee R. Morris
Study Of Abnormal Grain Growth In Beta Annealed Ti-6al-4v Forgings, Lee R. Morris
Theses and Dissertations
Beta annealed Ti-6Al-4V has been used extensively in current aerospace platforms due to properties such as high strength to weight ratio. Recent inspections during aircraft production have revealed regions of excessive grain sizes, resulting in quarantined parts and excessive time spent on root cause analysis and risk mitigation efforts. Uncertainty surrounding these parts has led to increased costs and may cause future aircraft production delays. Part manufacturers have intermittently reported problems with abnormal grain growth in these alloys for years, but to date no supplier has been able to determine the source of this microstructural phenomenon. Leveraging common Finite Element …
Analysis Of Additively Manufactured Injectors For Rotating Detonation Engines, Michael C. Waters
Analysis Of Additively Manufactured Injectors For Rotating Detonation Engines, Michael C. Waters
Theses and Dissertations
This research represents an experimental and computational analysis of additively manufactured injectors for Rotating Detonation Engines (RDEs) for use in rocket propulsion. This research was based on the manufacture and testing of existing injector element designs using additive techniques. The designs were modeled from geometries gathered from Sutton and Biblarz Elements of Rocket Propulsion [23]. The goal of this research was to characterize the viscous losses of each design based on the discharge coefficient. The designs were computationally simulated to gain insight to the flow characteristics using multiple sets of conditions for surface roughness and inlet pressure. The results were …
Effects Of Position Uncertainty On Passive Multistatic Sar Resolution Measures, Duy K. Nguyen
Effects Of Position Uncertainty On Passive Multistatic Sar Resolution Measures, Duy K. Nguyen
Theses and Dissertations
Given numerous exciting potentials including substantial cost savings, passive multistatic synthetic aperture radar (PMSAR) has been gaining more attention in the radar community. However, PMSAR research efforts such as emitters of opportunity selection thus far have not considered radar position uncertainty. Seeking to fill this knowledge gap, we run Monte Carlo trials to simulate transmitter position uncertainty and examine the effects on the multistatic resolution of radar sets of different geometries, center frequencies and bandwidths. By monitoring the 3dB contour of the multistatic point spread function, we find that the multistatic resolution worsens on average and the data spread grows …
Computational Investigation Using Bleed As A Method Of Shock Stabilization, Dayle L. Chang
Computational Investigation Using Bleed As A Method Of Shock Stabilization, Dayle L. Chang
Theses and Dissertations
Shock-wave/boundary layer interactions (SWBLI) produce undesirable dynamic loads and separated unsteady flows, adversely impacting the performance and structural integrity of supersonic vehicles. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is a successful tool in experimental planning and shows promise as a critical tool in understanding and mitigating negative effects of SWBLI. The goal of this research is to demonstrate the effect of bleed holes on shock stability using the OVERFLOW CFD solver to inform the planning of an Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) SWBLI wind tunnel experiment. First, a two-dimensional, flat plate, single-hole configuration was developed. Massflow discrepancies of 14.8% were initially observed …
Space-Based Maneuver Detection And Characterization Using Multiple Model Adaptive Estimation, Justin D. Katzovitz
Space-Based Maneuver Detection And Characterization Using Multiple Model Adaptive Estimation, Justin D. Katzovitz
Theses and Dissertations
An increasingly congested space environment requires real-time and dynamic space situational awareness (SSA) on both domestic and foreign space objects in Earth orbits. Current statistical orbit determination (SOD) techniques are able to estimate and track trajectories for cooperative spacecraft. However, a non-cooperative spacecraft performing unknown maneuvers at unknown times can lead to unexpected changes in the underlying dynamics of classical filtering techniques. Adaptive estimation techniques can be utilized to build a bank of recursive estimators with different hypotheses on a system's dynamics. The current study assesses the use of a multiple model adaptive estimation (MMAE) technique for detecting and characterizing …
Quasi-Static Nonlinear Analysis Of A Celestial Icosahedron Shaped Vacuum Lighter Than Air Vehicle, Kyle D. Moore
Quasi-Static Nonlinear Analysis Of A Celestial Icosahedron Shaped Vacuum Lighter Than Air Vehicle, Kyle D. Moore
Theses and Dissertations
Due to the many drawbacks associated with a traditional lighter than air vehicle (LTAV), there is a desire for a LTAV which generates lift from an internal vacuum. To date, two feasible designs (the icosahedron and the hexakis icosahedron) for this so called vacuum lighter than air vehicle (VLTAV) have been studied at the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT). This research looks to show the feasibility of a new design for a VLTAV, the celestial icosahedron. This research includes a boundary condition study which proves the symmetric nature of the celestial icosahedron's frame with laterally constrained and unconstrained vertices. …
Navigation Using Vector And Tensor Measurements Of The Earth's Magnetic Anomaly Field, Lauren A. Mount
Navigation Using Vector And Tensor Measurements Of The Earth's Magnetic Anomaly Field, Lauren A. Mount
Theses and Dissertations
This research explores the viability of using a navigation system that relies on measurements of the magnetic anomaly field as an alternative to GPS navigation. Previous research has been conducted on developing a navigation system using the intensity of the Earth's magnetic anomaly field as an alternative signal. This research focuses on using vector and tensor measurements, as opposed to scalar measurements of the anomaly field, as a means of obtaining accurate position and orientation solutions. This paper presents two navigation systems. The first uses an Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) with vector measurements of the magnetic anomaly field to aid …
Aerial Port Of The Future: Developing Paperless Operations, Peter J. Williams
Aerial Port Of The Future: Developing Paperless Operations, Peter J. Williams
Theses and Dissertations
Air Mobility Command (AMC) is combatting manning mismatches with antiquated processes and equipment in Aerial Port operations, and has chosen to address these issues through an initiative called “Aerial Port of the Future.” This initiative is designed to understand challenges in Aerial Ports and implement technological tools, where appropriate, to aid AMC Airmen in their duties of transporting goods and personnel through military channels. Oftentimes, personnel are forced to utilize technology that may not meet their needs, and in turn may resist implementation of the imposed technology. Therefore, first, this research identifies potential technologies designed to improve Aerial Port efficiency …
Assessing The Reliability Of The B-1b Lancer Using Survival Analysis, Francisco J. Rodriguez
Assessing The Reliability Of The B-1b Lancer Using Survival Analysis, Francisco J. Rodriguez
Theses and Dissertations
During the 2017 posture statement to the US Senate Armed Services Committee, the Secretary of the Air Force and Chief of Staff of the Air Force stated the Air Force suffers from shrinking aircraft inventory, aging aircraft fleets, and flying beyond the expected service life. These trends are not an exception to the B-1B Lancer, which has been in service since 1986. Recently, the B-1B Lancer has maintained the lowest mission capable (MC) rates of 47.7 percent. The purpose of this research is to explore the failure rates of the B-1B Lancer using survival analysis that investigates the failure behavior …
Utilizing Supercomputing To Analyze Risks Of An Emergent Large-Scale Debris Field In Low Earth Orbit, David J. Buehler
Utilizing Supercomputing To Analyze Risks Of An Emergent Large-Scale Debris Field In Low Earth Orbit, David J. Buehler
Theses and Dissertations
The likelihood of on-orbit breakups, whether spontaneous or the result of collision, will likely continue to grow as the barriers of entry to and use of space are reduced. In all orbital regimes, especially low Earth orbit (LEO), preparation to respond quickly when the next breakup occurs is critical. This research utilizes high-performance parallel computation along with python-driven Systems Tool Kit (STK) to model a large-scale on-orbit breakup in LEO, with the goal of returning data in less than 90 minutes. The breakup is characterized by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) EVOLVE 4.0 breakup model and is both …