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Theses/Dissertations

1993

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Full-Text Articles in Aerospace Engineering

Comparison Of Air Traffic Control Candidate Ability With Simulator-Based Training Measures, Lawrence A. Tomaskovic Dec 1993

Comparison Of Air Traffic Control Candidate Ability With Simulator-Based Training Measures, Lawrence A. Tomaskovic

Master's Theses - Daytona Beach

The purpose of this study was to determine if the utilization of an experimental computer-based selection test battery would aid in the prediction of a candidate's performance when using an air traffic control computer-based simulation program. Each candidate completed the selection test battery, and then received air traffic control instruction using the air traffic control simulation program incorporated in the TRACON/Pro™ simulator system. The selection test battery results were correlated with the subsequent simulator scoring results.

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The Effect Of Active And Passive Control On Air Traffic Controller Dynamic Memory, Esa M. Rantanen Dec 1993

The Effect Of Active And Passive Control On Air Traffic Controller Dynamic Memory, Esa M. Rantanen

Master's Theses - Daytona Beach

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of automated and passive control on air traffic controller dynamic memory. The study consisted of two experiments, each involving a realistic ATC scenario for radar approach control with a mix of arriving and departing traffic. In Experiment I, the subjects performed manual control of the traffic while, in Experiment II, the scenario was highly automated and the subjects were tasked with only monitoring the situation. The dynamic memory performance was measured by interrupting the scenario and having the subjects recall the traffic situation at the moment of simulation interruption. The …

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Design And Construction Of The Aerobot Robotic Manipulator (Arm), William L. Cochran Dec 1993

Design And Construction Of The Aerobot Robotic Manipulator (Arm), William L. Cochran

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis designed, constructed, and tested a robotic arm for the Aerobot Aerial Robot. The main purpose of the ARM is to enable the Aerobot to retrieve objects for use in an annual robotics competition. Design of the ARM involved synthesizing the characteristics of simplicity, weight, strength, and size. The result was a three-degree-of-freedom manipulator that uses electric motors, cable linkages, and telescoping tubes to access a work space below the Aerobot. Forward and inverse kinematics were investigated to enable automation of the ARM. Data was collected from infrared sensors to validate the model. Manipulation of the ARM is presently …

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Wake Passage Effects On The Losses In A Linear Turbine Cascade, James A. Braunschneider Dec 1993

Wake Passage Effects On The Losses In A Linear Turbine Cascade, James A. Braunschneider

Theses and Dissertations

A linear turbine cascade was used to investigate the effects of wake passage due to stator-rotor interaction. The wakes were modeled by passing 1.98 mm (0.078 in) diameter bars upstream of a linear cascade blade row. Total pressure loss coefficients, mass averaged total pressure loss coefficients and velocities were used to characterize the effects of wake passage. Bar passing frequencies of 80, 160, 320 bars/sec were tested. These frequencies were tested, with the bars at 6.35 mm (0.25 in) intervals and at two Reynolds numbers, 341, 000 and 45,5000 Bar spacings of 12.7 mm (0.5 in), and 89 mm (3.5 …

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Exploring Qdes As A Tool For Determining Limits Of Achievable Performance In Aircraft Design, Mark F. Reidinger Dec 1993

Exploring Qdes As A Tool For Determining Limits Of Achievable Performance In Aircraft Design, Mark F. Reidinger

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis explores the usefulness of a computer aided control design software package called QDES in determining the limits of achievable aircraft performance as it relates to controller capability. Modern aircraft, particularly fighters, are being designed to be statically unstable to enhance their maneuverability and performance. It is possible that the aircraft, although physically capable of a certain level of performance due to its engine/ airframe combination, may be uncontrollable up to this level. This study sought to develop a methodology to use QDES to make a preliminary analysis of an aircraft design to determine if there exists a controller …

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Effects Of Crenulations On Three Dimensional Losses In A Linear Compressor Cascade, William L. Spacy Ii Dec 1993

Effects Of Crenulations On Three Dimensional Losses In A Linear Compressor Cascade, William L. Spacy Ii

Theses and Dissertations

An experimental investigation into the effect of compressor blade trailing edge geometry on three-dimensional flows in a linear cascade was conducted at the AFIT linear cascade test facility. Hot-wire/hot-film anemometry along with total pressure instrumentation was used to analyze crenulation generated vortices and their interaction with the three-dimensional flows in the cascade. The effects of this interaction on the performance parameters associated with the cascade were quantified. The results-indicate that wake mixing is better for crenulated trailing edges and that the precise geometry of the crenulations is critical to performance. One crenulation geometry was found to increase wake mixing while …

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Neural Networks For Dynamic Flight Control, Ronald E. Setzer Dec 1993

Neural Networks For Dynamic Flight Control, Ronald E. Setzer

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis examines the application of artificial neural networks (NNs) to the problem of dynamic flight control. The specific application is the control of a flying model helicopter. The control interface is provided through a hardware and software test bed called the Fast Adaptive Maneuvering Experiment (FAME). The NN design approach uses two NNs: one trained as an emulator of the plant and the other trained to control the emulator. The emulator neural network is designed to reproduce the flight dynamics of the experimental plant. The controller is then designed to produce the appropriate control inputs to drive the emulator …

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Prototype Space Fabrication Platform, James A. Bessel, James M. Ceney, David M. Crean, Edward A. Ingham, David J. Pabst Dec 1993

Prototype Space Fabrication Platform, James A. Bessel, James M. Ceney, David M. Crean, Edward A. Ingham, David J. Pabst

Theses and Dissertations

Current plans for constructing large structures in space entail fabricating the primary components, such as truss segments, on the ground and assembling them in space. This process requires an exorbitant number of support missions, and methods to minimize the number must be considered. Whenever the space shuttle is launched, its external tank is jettisoned and destroyed prior to reaching orbit. This aerospace grade aluminum structure can be carried into orbit and utilized extrusively. The Prototype Space Fabrication Platform SFP fabricates aluminum materials, reduced from external tanks, into functional trusses. The trusses are strong and can be used as the primary …

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A Numerical Determination Of Bifurcation Points For Low Reynolds Number Conical Flows, Larry K. Waters Dec 1993

A Numerical Determination Of Bifurcation Points For Low Reynolds Number Conical Flows, Larry K. Waters

Theses and Dissertations

It has long been established that supersonic flow over axisymmetric conical bodies at high angles of attack tend to develop a side force due to vortical asymmetry. One of the proposed reasons for the asymmetry is a bifurcation point in the solution of the Navier-Stokes equations. This study investigated the possible existence of a bifurcation point in the Navier-Stokes equations for subsonic flow. Newton's method, with gauss elimination, was used- to solve the steady-state, viscous, compressible Navier-Stokes equations in spherical coordinates assuming conical similarity.

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Analysis And Simulation Of A Gps Receiver Design Using Combined Delay-Lock And Modified Tanlock Loops, George D. Harris Dec 1993

Analysis And Simulation Of A Gps Receiver Design Using Combined Delay-Lock And Modified Tanlock Loops, George D. Harris

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this thesis was to investigate the performance of two types of tracking loops used in Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers. The first loop, the Delay-Lock Loop (DLL), is responsible for maintaining synchronization with the received PN sequence. The second loop, the Modified Tanlock Loop (MTLL), is responsible for maintaining synchronization with the carrier signal. The performance of the two loops is investigated first separately then their performance is evaluated when operated together. This thesis is an investigation on the ability of these two loops to overcome corruption of the input signal due to noise. Expanding the dynamic …

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Modeling Of A Large Undamped Space Structure Using Time Domain Techniques, Anthony R. Nash Dec 1993

Modeling Of A Large Undamped Space Structure Using Time Domain Techniques, Anthony R. Nash

Theses and Dissertations

The first phase of this project was the selection of accurate time domain state space modeling techniques by comparing the models generated by various methods, against a known system. The techniques selected were the Eigensystem Realization Algorithm and the Backward Least Squares method. These modeling techniques were applied to the vibration data from the PACOSS dynamic test article. The resulting model transfer function was then compared to the frequency response function of the actual system, and was found to be an accurate match for the system poles, but not for the system zeros. Large Space structures, Dynamic Control, System Mode …

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Steady Motions Of Rigid Body Satellites In A Central Gravitational Field, Cynthia A. Provost Dec 1993

Steady Motions Of Rigid Body Satellites In A Central Gravitational Field, Cynthia A. Provost

Theses and Dissertations

Numerous studies have been conducted on equilibrium orientations of objects moving under the influence of a central gravitational field. The results of many of these studies conclude that equilibrium conditions exist only when one of the principal axes coincides with the radius vector. Furthermore, these results assume that the center of force is located within the orbit plane, thereby tracing a great circle orbit. While these previous works have approximated the gravitational potential, this study examines relative equilibrium obtained by retaining an exact expression for the potential of a spherical primary body, as shown in a recent paper by Wang, …

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The Modal Solution To The Moon's Orbit Using Canonical Floquet Perturbation Theory, Kurt A. Vogel Dec 1993

The Modal Solution To The Moon's Orbit Using Canonical Floquet Perturbation Theory, Kurt A. Vogel

Theses and Dissertations

Using the restricted three body problem, the equations of motion EOM and Hamiltonian are computed for the moons orbit in physical variables. A periodic orbit is found in the vicinity of the moons orbit, and classical Floquet theory is applied to the periodic orbit to give stability information and the complete solution to the equations of variation. Floquet theory also supplies a transformation from physical variables to modal variables. This transformation to modal variables is made canonical by constraining the initial transformation matrix to be symplectic. Actual lunar data is used to calculate the modes for the real moons orbit. …

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Control Of A Large Space Structure Using Multiple Model Adaptive Estimation And Control Techniques, Gregory J. Schiller Dec 1993

Control Of A Large Space Structure Using Multiple Model Adaptive Estimation And Control Techniques, Gregory J. Schiller

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this thesis is to apply moving-bank multiple model adaptive estimation and control MMAEMMAC algorithms to an actual space structure SPICE being examined at Phillips Laboratory at Kirtland AFB, NM. The structure consists of a large platform and a smaller platform connected by three legs in a tripod fashion. Kalman filtering and LQG control techniques are utilized as the primary design tool. Implementing a bank of filters increases the robustness of the LQG controller when uncertainties exist in the system model, whereas the moving bank is utilized to reduce the computational load. Several reduced-order models are developed from …

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Rendering Of Three-Dimensional Data Sets Derived From Finite-Difference And Spectral Methods, Paul A. Schubert Dec 1993

Rendering Of Three-Dimensional Data Sets Derived From Finite-Difference And Spectral Methods, Paul A. Schubert

Theses and Dissertations

The timely visualization of three-dimensional data sets and the advantages of using a spectral method solution versus a finite-difference method solution in rendering isosurfaces is described. The Beam-Warming numerical algorithm, which uses implicit-approximate-factorization, is used to generate the steady-state solutions for a model diffusion-convection problem. The Chebyshev collocation operator is used to evaluate the right-hand side of the Beam-Warming algorithm for the spectral solution. Comparing the model problem results with the exact solution, the spectral series solution is truncated to the same degree of accuracy as the finite-difference for comparison of rendering times. The rendering algorithm employs octrees to efficiently …

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Incorporation Of Carrier Phase Global Positioning System Measurements Into The Navigation Reference System For Improved Performance, Neil P. Hansen Dec 1993

Incorporation Of Carrier Phase Global Positioning System Measurements Into The Navigation Reference System For Improved Performance, Neil P. Hansen

Theses and Dissertations

In order to quantify the performance and accuracy of existing navigation systems, the U.S. Air Force has been using the Completely Integrated Reference Instrumentation System (CIRIS) as a baseline. CIRIS combines information from an inertial navigation unit, a barometric altimeter, and a range/range-rate system of ground transponders to obtain a navigation solution. This research explores the possibilities of enhancing CIRIS by adding measurements obtained from the Global Position System (GPS). Pure pseudorange measurement updates to the CIRIS Extended Kalman Filter form the basis of the Navigation Reference System (NRS). Applying differential corrections to the pseudorange measurements forms the basis of …

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Design Of A Flight Controller For An Unmanned Research Vehicle With Control Surface Failures Using Quantitative Feedback Theory, Mark S. Keating Dec 1993

Design Of A Flight Controller For An Unmanned Research Vehicle With Control Surface Failures Using Quantitative Feedback Theory, Mark S. Keating

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis describes the application of the multiple-input multiple- output (MIMO) Quantitative Feedback Theory (QFT) design technique to the design of a digital flight control system for the Lambda Unmanned Research Vehicle (URV). The QFT technique allows the synthesis of a control system which is robust in the presence of structured plant uncertainties. Uncertainties considered in this design are the aircraft's plant variation within the flight envelope and the effects of damage to aircraft control surfaces. Mathematical models of control surface failure effects on aircraft dynamics are derived and used to modify an existing small perturbation model of the Lambda. …

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Automating Satellite Range Scheduling, S. Michael Schalck Dec 1993

Automating Satellite Range Scheduling, S. Michael Schalck

Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this study was to develop a computer based satellite range scheduling SRS algorithm to create a 24 hour satellite support schedule. The algorithms goal was to schedule as many satellite support requests as possible. An iterative heuristic approach was used to schedule satellite support requests in three successive sub problems. The first sub problem involves scheduling low altitude satellite support requests using a mixed integer programming approach. The next two sub problems each involve scheduling 12 hour blocks of medium and high altitude satellite support requests, again using a mixed integer programming approach. Fourteen 24 hour schedules …

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Multiple Model Adaptive Control Of A Large Flexible Space Structure With Purposeful Dither For Enhanced Identifiability, James A. Fitch Dec 1993

Multiple Model Adaptive Control Of A Large Flexible Space Structure With Purposeful Dither For Enhanced Identifiability, James A. Fitch

Theses and Dissertations

Dithering techniques for enhancing uncertain parameter identification with moving-bank Multiple Model Adaptive Estimation MMAE and Control MMAC algorithms are analyzed in this thesis. The dithering techniques and multiple- model adaptive algorithms are applied to the SPICE 2 flexible space structure. The dithering techniques studied include purposefully constructed square wave, sine wave fixed and swept frequency and wide-band noise wave forms. Purposeful rigid-body slew commands are also used in order to excite the structures flexible bending modes. Dither inputs into the structure are performed in an effort to enhance the open-loop identifiability of the uncertain parameter, namely a scalar multiplier on …

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Modal Control Of A Satellite In An Unstable Periodic Orbit About The Earth-Sun Interior Lagrange Point, Douglas J. Hopper Dec 1993

Modal Control Of A Satellite In An Unstable Periodic Orbit About The Earth-Sun Interior Lagrange Point, Douglas J. Hopper

Theses and Dissertations

A periodic halo orbit which exists about the interior Lagrange point for the Earth-sun system was decomposed using Floquet theory into modal variables, which are dynamically decoupled subspaces for the six degree of freedom system. Modal control consisted of evaluating the diverging mode and maneuvering to counteract its divergence. In the unperturbed system, this was successful. Control costs were low, and the significance is that the controller did nothing to suppress modes that were oscillatory or converging. The effect of the moons motion allowed the scheme to operate with reasonable control costs, but the effect of eccentricity caused divergence in …

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Evaluation Of A Concentration Probe For Application In A Supersonic Flow Field, John S. Alsup Dec 1993

Evaluation Of A Concentration Probe For Application In A Supersonic Flow Field, John S. Alsup

Theses and Dissertations

Aspirating, concentration probes are used to measure binary gas concentrations in a supersonic flow. In the past, a tank discharge method has been used to calibrate concentration probes. An alternate calibration method has been developed and tested on a probe in a steady, subsonic/sonic flow. This study evaluated the calibration and performance of a concentration probe in a steady, supersonic flow over a range of mixture ratios of air and helium. The results of this study and a comparison of the two calibration methods are presented.

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Development And Implementation Of A Scramjet Cycle Analysis Code With A Finite-Rate-Chemistry Combustion Model For Use On A Personal Computer, Clarence F. Chenault Dec 1993

Development And Implementation Of A Scramjet Cycle Analysis Code With A Finite-Rate-Chemistry Combustion Model For Use On A Personal Computer, Clarence F. Chenault

Theses and Dissertations

This study compared the performance of an equilibrium combustion model to a finite-rate-chemistry combustion model for a fixed geometry Scramjet flying at the flight conditions of Mach 12, 15, and 18 with a constant dynamic pressure of 50,000 Pa. An integrated PC-based code, developed specifically for this study, models the combustor as an equilibrium combustion process or as finite-rate-chemistry combustion process. This integrated program is based on two existing programs, Ramjet Performance Analysis (RJPA) and 3 STREAM. The effects of mixing schedule, combustor length, and combustor exit area were investigated. The results of this study indicate that inefficient mixing is …

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Evaluation Of Moderate Angle Of Attack Roll Of A Dual Engine, Thrust Vectoring Aircraft Using Quantitative Feedback Theory, Kevin E. Boyum Dec 1993

Evaluation Of Moderate Angle Of Attack Roll Of A Dual Engine, Thrust Vectoring Aircraft Using Quantitative Feedback Theory, Kevin E. Boyum

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis develops an innovative approach to the design of a flight control system for performing the large-amplitude velocity vector roll maneuver at high angles of attack AOAs. A six degree of freedom aircraft model is developed from the fundamental nine-state equations of motion using a modified linearization technique. The MIMO multiple-input multiple-output Quantitative Feedback Theory QFT robust control design technique is then used to jointly address the system nonlinearities present in this maneuver and the changes in the system parameters due to changes in flight condition, treating them as structured uncertainty in the design of a three-axis rate-commanded control …

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Creation Of Prototype Aircrew Protection Equipment Based On Face Anthropometry, Martin E. Piccus, Gary A. Smith, Brian K. Standley, Tami L. Volk, Linda B. Wildes Dec 1993

Creation Of Prototype Aircrew Protection Equipment Based On Face Anthropometry, Martin E. Piccus, Gary A. Smith, Brian K. Standley, Tami L. Volk, Linda B. Wildes

Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this research is to develop a process which will analyze and group human faces, concentrating on the oxygen mask seal area, into a minimum number of generic yet distinct face types. The shape and size, or form, of the face is described by bending energies. This bending energy provides the features for the grouping of similar face types, while distinguishing representatives for each cluster. The face tariffs are the percentage of faces grouped under a representative face. The representative faces are then transformed Into three-dimensional solids using computer-aided design. A rapid prototype creates the solids or plugs …

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A Methodology To Assess The Impact Of The Global Positioning System On Air Combat Outcomes, Stephen F. Sovaiko Dec 1993

A Methodology To Assess The Impact Of The Global Positioning System On Air Combat Outcomes, Stephen F. Sovaiko

Theses and Dissertations

The Air Force has a requirement to quantify the force enhancement effects of military space systems, but no methodology currently exists for the measurement of their contribution to air combat outcome. This research examines the Global Positioning System GPS and models its influence on air-to-ground combat. The decision analysis technique of influence diagrams is used to identify the effects of GPS launch decisions and constellation size on the navigation accuracy available to air combatants. The effect of accuracy variations on combat outcome is shown by using a value tree to identify the affected campaign Measures of Effectiveness. The study reveals …

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An Approximate Solution For The Spinup Dynamics Of Near Axisymmetric Axial Gyrostats Using The Method Of Multiple Scales, Stewart J. Kowall Dec 1993

An Approximate Solution For The Spinup Dynamics Of Near Axisymmetric Axial Gyrostats Using The Method Of Multiple Scales, Stewart J. Kowall

Theses and Dissertations

Approximate solutions for the spinup of a near axisymmetric gyrostat are derived using the straightforward expansion method and the method of multiple scales. Two method of multiple scale solutions are presented. The first is derived using cartesian coordinates while the second is derived using cylindrical coordinates. The multiple scales solutions are compared to numerically integrated results for oblate and prolate configurations. A comparison for flat spin recovery is also accomplished. Excellent results are obtained for oblate configurations. Trajectory separatrix crossings hindered the results for prolate configurations and flat spin recoveries.

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Analysis And Characteristics Of Compressor Stall Precursor Signals In Forward And Aft Swept High Speed Compressor, Bernard J. Frank Dec 1993

Analysis And Characteristics Of Compressor Stall Precursor Signals In Forward And Aft Swept High Speed Compressor, Bernard J. Frank

Theses and Dissertations

The stall characteristic of four single-stage transonic compressor rotors were investigated as they were throttled to stall. Forward-swept, backward-swept, and straight leading edge rotors were examined. Three methods of analysis (1) windowed power spectrum densities of pressure and spatial Fourier coefficients, (2) phase tracking analysis, and (3) system identification were used to identify the first appearance of modal waves and their accompanying frequencies in order to identify a stall warning time. A direct correlation between the amount of stall warning time and the shape of the compressor characteristic was found. Specifically, if the compressor characteristic had a significant period of …

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Development Of A Performance Evaluation Tool (Mmsofe) For Detection Of Failures With Multiple Model Adaptive Estimation (Mmae), Robert L. Nielsen Dec 1993

Development Of A Performance Evaluation Tool (Mmsofe) For Detection Of Failures With Multiple Model Adaptive Estimation (Mmae), Robert L. Nielsen

Theses and Dissertations

Multiple model Kalman Filter (KF) techniques are used extensively for Multiple Model Adaptive Estimation (MMAE), Multiple Model Adaptive Control (MMAC), and Distributed Kalman Filter (DKF) applications to determine Bayesian- blended optimal estimates of states, uncertain parameters, and optimal control signals. Multiple model methods are used for sensor management, Failure Detection and Isolation (FDI), and other Guidance and Control (G and C) applications. A simulation tool called the Multiple Model Simulation for Optimal Filter Evaluation (MMSOFE) has been in this research. MMSOFE is based on the well-benchmarked single Kalman filter tool called Multimode Simulation for Optimal Filter Evaluation (MSOFE). MMSOFE is …

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Shielded Coil Electrodynamic Propulsion (Scep). A Feasibility Study, Richard J. R. Ladouceur Dec 1993

Shielded Coil Electrodynamic Propulsion (Scep). A Feasibility Study, Richard J. R. Ladouceur

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated Shielded Coil Electrodynamic Propulsion SCEP. The use of the earths magnetic field as a propulsion source has been previously investigated. It was found that a significant amount of power and long conductors were required. A more compact propulsion concept which requires significantly less power is proposed. This concept relies on the feasibility of significantly reducing the magnetic force induced by the earths magnetic field on selected segments of a coil. An experiment design to support the theoretical findings was conducted. The experiment results support the theoretical model.

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Off-Design Performance Of Crenulated Blades In A Linear Compressor Cascade, Michael J. Costello Dec 1993

Off-Design Performance Of Crenulated Blades In A Linear Compressor Cascade, Michael J. Costello

Theses and Dissertations

The effects of using compressor blades with a crenulated (notched) trailing edge in a low aspect ratio (AR= 1) linear compressor cascade at four incidence angles (-1.08°, +4.49°, +9.32° and +12.44°) were investigated. Blade performance and wake mixing characteristics for crenulated blades were compared with similar data for blades with a straight trailing edge. A seven-bladed cascade was operated with a flow Mach number of 0.4 and a blade chord Reynolds number of 4.1 (10)5. The diffusion factor ranged from 0.22 to 0. 42 and strong three-dimensional flow effects were present. Total pressure losses were measured with a …

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