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Theses/Dissertations

2007

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Full-Text Articles in Aerospace Engineering

Streaming Effects In Liquid Injection Rocket Engines With Transverse Mode Oscillations, Sean Robert Fischbach Dec 2007

Streaming Effects In Liquid Injection Rocket Engines With Transverse Mode Oscillations, Sean Robert Fischbach

Doctoral Dissertations

This research is an analytical investigation of wave interactions in a simulated liquid rocket engine with uniform injection imposed at the faceplate. Of significant interest are the secondary nonlinear flows, particularly acoustic streaming, induced by transverse wave impingement over the engine injector surface. The corresponding cylindrical chamber has a small length-to-diameter ratio with respect to solid and hybrid rockets. Given their low chamber aspect ratios, liquid thrust engines are known to experience severe tangential and radial oscillation modes more often than longitudinal ones. Experimental evidence demonstrates the production of large peak-to-trough amplitude flow oscillations along with the development of a …


A Computational Method For Flow Separation Detection And Control For Axial Compressor Airfoils, Chang Jun Meang Dec 2007

A Computational Method For Flow Separation Detection And Control For Axial Compressor Airfoils, Chang Jun Meang

Master's Theses - Daytona Beach

Conducting full annulus experiments on multistage compressors is costly and time consuming due to the complexity of the experimental processes. To reduce complexity, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) methods are applied to turbomachinery and other applications in recent analysis of such cases. CFD methods are widely used within the aerospace industry and are increasingly demonstrating their reliability. For axial compressors, it is known that highly staggered compressor stators will increase the aerodynamic loading on the stator, which directly relates to the compressor stall and efficiency. In this work, compressor stators stagger angle is increased 4 ° to induce separation on the …


A Cfd Investigation Of Axisymmetric Microthruster Nozzles For Use On Nano-Satellites, Michael R. O'Gara Dec 2007

A Cfd Investigation Of Axisymmetric Microthruster Nozzles For Use On Nano-Satellites, Michael R. O'Gara

Master's Theses - Daytona Beach

The performance of microthruster nozzles (^ 0.1 N thrust) depending on nozzle contour, propellant and surroundings, destined for use in nanosatellite missions, is investigated via a numerical approach using the Wind-US flow solver. An experimental apparatus designed to measure microthruster performance in atmospheric or vacuum conditions used to aid numerical simulations is also presented. Comparing the numerical and experimental results show an approximate 25% drop in efficiency for unknown reasons. An evaluation of favorable nozzle contours suggested by previous researchers is conducted, and the results demonstrate the need for a more rigorous treatment of the nozzle flow at the exit …


A Study Of The Beginning Boundary Layer Influence On The Flow Field About A Two-Dimensional Automotive Model, Jonathan Gabriel Ford Dec 2007

A Study Of The Beginning Boundary Layer Influence On The Flow Field About A Two-Dimensional Automotive Model, Jonathan Gabriel Ford

Masters Theses

An experimental investigation was performed to analyze the beginning boundary layer produced on the floor of a subsonic wind tunnel and its influence on the flow field about a two-dimensional automotive model. Hot film anemometer measurements were taken in the test section of the wind tunnel operating under various inlet configurations. The use of a splitter plate and modifications to the contour of the inlet to the wind tunnel were then studied to find their affects on the height of the boundary layer in the wind tunnel test section. Finally, a 2-D automotive model was constructed with pressure taps along …


Investigation Of The Sidewall Boundary Layers In The Bidirectional Vortex Liquid Rocket Engine, Joshua W. Batterson Dec 2007

Investigation Of The Sidewall Boundary Layers In The Bidirectional Vortex Liquid Rocket Engine, Joshua W. Batterson

Masters Theses

To complement previous studies on the bidirectional vortex, we attempt to characterize viscous effects in both the axial and radial directions along the sidewall with standard asymptotic techniques. The actual boundary layer present in the chamber will be a composite of both axial and tangential shearing layers. Since the tangential velocity is completely dominant, we expect the defining characteristics of the composite boundary layer to be congruent with the tangential layer in both thickness and axial invariance. The analytic analysis is outlined first by, the formulation of the boundary layer equations via Prandtl’s method. Next, asymptotic techniques are applied to …


An Experimental Study On Thermal Bonding Effects Of Pmma Based Micro-Devices Using Hot Embossing, Varun Sood Dec 2007

An Experimental Study On Thermal Bonding Effects Of Pmma Based Micro-Devices Using Hot Embossing, Varun Sood

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Theses

Basic configuration and functioning of various subsystems of a developed HEMM system for thermal bonding are discussed. The bond strength and micro channel geometry degradations dependence on controlled process parameters in thermal bonding using hot embossing has been investigated. The process parameters examined were bonding temperature, bonding or applied load and holding time. Polymeric substrates with different feature dimensions and thickness were embossed and bonded using hot embossing technology. The feature dimensions before and after bonding were examined to assess the geometry changes as functions of the bonding process. This assessment could provide guidance during the design phase of micro-fluidic …


Numerical Simulation Of Magnetohydrodynamics, Takahiro Sonoda Dec 2007

Numerical Simulation Of Magnetohydrodynamics, Takahiro Sonoda

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Theses

Use of electromagnetic fields has been shown to be an effective way to control the behavior of electrically conducting fluids. Specifically, the modification of the boundary layer profile with electromagnetic fields can yield performance improvements such as reduced drag and improved heat transfer. Though this approach has been demonstrated computationally and experimentally with conducting liquids (i.e. seawater), application to aerodynamic devices operating in air has not seen the same success. Through the use of numerical simulation and eventually optimization, we hope to develop efficient designs that are effective for boundary layer control for low temperature conducting gases (non-thermal plasmas). The …


Thermal Stresses Of Composite Beams With Rectangular And Tubular Cross-Sections, Chia-Wei Su Dec 2007

Thermal Stresses Of Composite Beams With Rectangular And Tubular Cross-Sections, Chia-Wei Su

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Theses

Closed-form analytical solutions for laminated composite beams with tubular and rectangular cross-sections are developed for evaluating the thermal induced stresses. The derivations are based on modified lamination theory and parallel axis theorem. The present approach includes variation of ply stiffness along the contour of the cross-section. The interlaminar shear stress of cantilever composite beam with rectangular cross-section under a transverse load is analytically proved to be independent of temperature change in uniform temperature environment. Three-dimensional finite element models for computing thermal stresses of both cross-sections are developed using commercial software package ANSYS 10. The results obtained from analytical solutions give …


Thermal Enhancement Of Stacked Dice Replacing Wire Bonds With Through Silicon Vias At Location Of Die Pads, Venkata Chepuri Krishna Teja Dec 2007

Thermal Enhancement Of Stacked Dice Replacing Wire Bonds With Through Silicon Vias At Location Of Die Pads, Venkata Chepuri Krishna Teja

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Theses

Through Silicon vias can offer quick time to market of circuits designed in a modular manner and can also be used to customize the product according to the needs of the customers. This gives a way to avoid both excess inventory risks and larger footprints. A through silicon via could be described as, a vertical component through which a backside interconnect for a pair of bonded wafers forming a wafer stack is ultimately cut into a number of stacked dice. Various embodiments have been patented [1, 2] but implementation of these architectures can be inhibited based on thermal, mechanical and …


Derivation Of The Dynamics Equations For Receiver Aircraft In Aerial Refueling, Jayme Lynn Waishek Dec 2007

Derivation Of The Dynamics Equations For Receiver Aircraft In Aerial Refueling, Jayme Lynn Waishek

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Theses

This thesis describes the derivation of a new set of nonlinear, 6--DOF equations of motion of a receiver aircraft undergoing an aerial refueling, including the effect of time-varying mass and inertia properties associated with the fuel transfer and the tanker's vortex induced wind effect. Since the center of mass of the receiver is time--varying during the fuel transfer, the equations are written in a reference frame that is geometrically fixed in the aircraft. Due to the fact that aerial refueling simulation and control deal with the position and orientation of the receiver relative to the tanker, the equations of motion …


Effects On Level Flight Performance Of The Optimized Wind Deflector Modification For The Md-500 Helicopter, Adam Joseph Cowan Dec 2007

Effects On Level Flight Performance Of The Optimized Wind Deflector Modification For The Md-500 Helicopter, Adam Joseph Cowan

Masters Theses

This thesis investigates the effects of personnel wind deflector devices on the level flight performance of an MD-500D helicopter configured with external passenger provisions. Numerous helicopter organizations operate with external passenger configurations. These configurations result in personnel exposure to high winds and an increase in parasite drag. Level flight performance is degraded by the increase in parasite drag caused by the external passengers. Wind deflectors were mounted on the forward portion of the fuselage to protect external passengers from the effects of wind exposure (high wind loads and wind chill factor) by deflecting the wind away from the fuselage. The …


Stress Distribution And Strength Prediction Of Composite Laminates With Multiple Holes, Brian Esp Dec 2007

Stress Distribution And Strength Prediction Of Composite Laminates With Multiple Holes, Brian Esp

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Dissertations

The major purpose of this study was to investigate failure of composite laminates with multiple unloaded holes in close proximity. The least square boundary collocation method for anisotropic materials was utilized to determine the state of stress. The approach utilized collocation on both the internal and external boundaries, making it relatively easy to implement. The method compared favorably to both published and finite element solutions. A failure prediction approach for an infinite, symmetric and balanced laminate, with two holes in close proximity was presented. The baseline material for consideration was IM7/977-3, a carbon fiber/epoxy lamina. The failure prediction method was …


On The Near Field Mean Flow Structure Of Transverse Jets Issuing Into A Supersonic Freestream, Dean Anthony Dickmann Dec 2007

On The Near Field Mean Flow Structure Of Transverse Jets Issuing Into A Supersonic Freestream, Dean Anthony Dickmann

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Dissertations

The near field mean flow structure of transverse jets issuing from a surface into supersonic crossflow is examined using numerical methods and separation topology. The Navier-Stokes solver Falcon, developed at Lockheed Martin, was used to simulate the interaction between the jet and freestream over a flat plate and a generic missile body. The near field flow structure included a l bow shock upstream of the jet interacting with the approaching boundary layer that forms a pair of horseshoe vortices while another l- structure closer to the jet formed a second pair of horseshoe vortices. As the jet was turned downstream …


An Analytical And Numerical Model For Design Of Non- Uniformly Powered Silicon Chips Based On Both Thermal And Device Clock Performance, Abhihit D. Kaisare Dec 2007

An Analytical And Numerical Model For Design Of Non- Uniformly Powered Silicon Chips Based On Both Thermal And Device Clock Performance, Abhihit D. Kaisare

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Dissertations

Silicon chips continue to grow in capabilities, complexity and performance. Silicon chips typically integrate functional components such as logic and level two (L2) cache memory in their architecture. This functional integration of logic and memory results in improved performance of the chip. However, the integration also introduces a layer of complexity in the thermal design and management of silicon chips. As a direct result of functional integration, the power map on a silicon chip is typically highly non-uniform and the assumption of a uniform heat flux across the chip surface has been shown to be invalid post Pentium II architecture. …


Methodologies For Automated Microassembly, Mohammad A. Mayyas Dec 2007

Methodologies For Automated Microassembly, Mohammad A. Mayyas

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Dissertations

The development of micromachining technologies has provided wide applications in micro sensing and actuation. However, most of the demonstrated devices are selectively constructed by fabrication processes that are limited to complexity, configuration, dimension, and material variation. The monolithic fabrication has limitations and does not allow the inclusion of multiple components of incompatible processes. Therefore, the construction of 3D microstructures by heterogeneous microassembly is an alternate manufacturing route. In deterministic, monitored or controlled microassembly there has been considerable research in developing, analyzing and applying distributed algorithms for sensor and sensorless based assembly processes. Meso-scale teleoperated work-cells supported by Nano manipulators have …


Assessment Of The Thermal Improvements Awarded By Horseshoe Vortex Elimination On A Turbine Stator Blade In Computational Fluid Dynamics And Conjugate Heat Transfer, Laurent Lachmann Nov 2007

Assessment Of The Thermal Improvements Awarded By Horseshoe Vortex Elimination On A Turbine Stator Blade In Computational Fluid Dynamics And Conjugate Heat Transfer, Laurent Lachmann

Master's Theses - Daytona Beach

The present work looks at an advanced turbine stator blade design and evaluates its thermal performance relative to a standard design. A new turbine stator blade is designed to eliminate the horseshoe vortex appearing at the leading edge. The new design is characterized by an extension of the leading edge at the hub and at the tip of about 30% of chord. By comparing this new design to an ordinary one (featuring straight leading edge), the present thesis verifies the horseshoe vortex elimination, and compares the thermal attributes of the fluid. The fluid is three-dimensional, viscous and turbulent. The analysis …


Context-Aware Inference System To Capture Design Rationale From Legacy Mcad, Ganeshram Ramji Iyer Nov 2007

Context-Aware Inference System To Capture Design Rationale From Legacy Mcad, Ganeshram Ramji Iyer

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Dissertations

There exist numerous design rationale systems that convert captured information into structured design rationale while providing rationale representation and retrieval. These systems woefully neglect the design rationale that is present in legacy CAD such as 2D drawings and 3D models. The dissertation addresses the issues that arise when dealing with the capture, representation and retrieval of design rationale from the 2D legacy CAD data, specifically the non-form related data (e.g. text and symbols). A definition for design rationale in the CAD domain is presented which forms the basis of the proposed approach. The approach uses a unique context-aware inference system …


Study Of Contra-Rotating Coaxial Rotors In Hover, A Performance Model Based On Blade Element Theory Including Swirl Velocity, Florent Lucas Oct 2007

Study Of Contra-Rotating Coaxial Rotors In Hover, A Performance Model Based On Blade Element Theory Including Swirl Velocity, Florent Lucas

Master's Theses - Daytona Beach

The purpose of this study is to create a simple model to evaluate the performance of a counter-rotating coaxial rotor system. As it is based on the blade element theory, it could be used as a design tool where the engineer can modify all parameters - rotor radius, blade pitch distribution, tip velocity, rotor spacing, number of blades, blade chord, and airfoil's shape through its lift coefficient versus angle of attack slope. Different blade pitch distributions are tried and are assessed based on the power required to hover at the same weight. Also, the impact of the swirl velocity induced …


Final Assembly, Testing And Processing Of The Rigidizable Inflatable Get-Away-Special Experiment (Rigex) For Spaceflight Qualification, Jeremy J. Owens Sep 2007

Final Assembly, Testing And Processing Of The Rigidizable Inflatable Get-Away-Special Experiment (Rigex) For Spaceflight Qualification, Jeremy J. Owens

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research is to complete the building, testing, verification, and qualification of the Rigidizable Inflatable Get-Away-Special Experiment (RIGEX) for spaceflight. The process of qualifying a payload for spaceflight is discussed, specifically addressing the issues of operability and survivability verification of a general payload. The spaceflight qualification process is then applied to the RIGEX payload at the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) and at the Johnson Spaceflight Center (JSC) in Houston, TX, capstoning the work of 12 masters students and 3 summer interns that has already gone into the RIGEX project over the last 7 years. The …


Optimal Control Strategies For Constrained Relative Orbits, David J. Irvin Jr. Sep 2007

Optimal Control Strategies For Constrained Relative Orbits, David J. Irvin Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

The US Air Force's ability to protect space assets is enhanced by a proficiency in satellite proximity operations and Space Situational Awareness (SSA). In pursuit of that proficiency, this research develops a key capability of interest to mission planners; the ability of a deputy satellite to "hover" within a defined volume fixed in the vicinity of a chief satellite for an extended period of time. This research finds optimal trajectories, produced with discrete-thrusts, that minimize fuel spent per unit time and stay within the user-defined volume, thus providing a practical hover capability in the vicinity of the chief. The work …


Raman Scattering Study Of Supercritical Bi-Component Mixtures Injected Into A Subcritical Environment, Young Man An Sep 2007

Raman Scattering Study Of Supercritical Bi-Component Mixtures Injected Into A Subcritical Environment, Young Man An

Theses and Dissertations

This research studies the species distribution profiles of methane/ethylene bi-components at downstream locations filled with subcritical nitrogen in a closed chamber. Unique thermodynamic and transport properties of supercritical fluids along with phase transition phenomena during fuel injection process can significantly change combustion characteristics inside a scramjet combustor. Plume properties of supercritical jets are of great interests to the studies of fuel/air mixing and subsequent combustion. The primary goal of this research is to help to clarify whether there is any preferential condensation within the condensed jets. The Raman Scattering technique is used to quantify spatial distribution of injected methane and …


Cyclic Creep And Recovery Behavior Of Nextel™ 720/Alumina Ceramic Matrix Composite At 1200° C In Air And Steam Environments, Bridgett A. Whiting Sep 2007

Cyclic Creep And Recovery Behavior Of Nextel™ 720/Alumina Ceramic Matrix Composite At 1200° C In Air And Steam Environments, Bridgett A. Whiting

Theses and Dissertations

The cyclic creep and recovery behaviors of the N720/Al2O3 composite were investigated in this research. The ceramic matrix composite (CMC) contains a porous alumina matrix with laminated, woven mullite/alumina (NextelTM 720) fibers. The composite does not have an interface between the fiber and matrix. The CMC relies on the porous nature for flaw tolerance. The objective of this study the influences of monotonic creep and cyclic creep loading histories on the creep lifetime, creep strain rate, accumulated creep strain as well as on the recovery of creep strain at near zero stress. The cyclic creep and …


Common Aero Vehicle Autonomous Reentry Trajectory Optimization Satisfying Waypoint And No-Fly Zone Constraints, Timothy R. Jorris Sep 2007

Common Aero Vehicle Autonomous Reentry Trajectory Optimization Satisfying Waypoint And No-Fly Zone Constraints, Timothy R. Jorris

Theses and Dissertations

To support the Global Strike mission, an autonomous trajectory optimization technique is presented to minimize the flight time, satisfy terminal and intermediate constraints, and remain within the specified vehicle heating and control limitations. "Waypoints" are specified for reconnaissance or multiple payload deployments and "no-fly zones" are specified for geopolitical restrictions or threat avoidance. The Hypersonic Cruise Vehicle (HCV) is used as a simplified two-dimensional platform to compare multiple solution techniques. The solution techniques include a unique geometric approach, an analytical dynamic optimization technique, and a numerical approach. This numerical technique is a direct solution method involving pseudospectral methods and nonlinear …


Comparative Study Of Aerodynamic Interference During Aft Dispense Of Munitions, Matthew G. Burkinshaw Sep 2007

Comparative Study Of Aerodynamic Interference During Aft Dispense Of Munitions, Matthew G. Burkinshaw

Theses and Dissertations

Based on forthcoming USAF needs, an investigation was launched to further the understanding of aft dispense of munitions in a high-speed environment. A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) study was performed followed by a wind tunnel experiment. The study consisted of a strut-mounted cone simulating a parent vehicle and a sting mounted cone-cylinder store situated directly behind the cone. The CFD modeled the test objects inside a supersonic wind tunnel in which the experiments took place. The CFD study consisted of evaluating a new strut designed to reduce asymmetry in the airflow aft of the cone. The CFD study also included …


Validation Of The Afit Small Scale Combustion Facility And Oh Laser-Induced Fluorescence Of An Atmospheric Laminar Premiext Ed Flame, Stephen J. Koether Sep 2007

Validation Of The Afit Small Scale Combustion Facility And Oh Laser-Induced Fluorescence Of An Atmospheric Laminar Premiext Ed Flame, Stephen J. Koether

Theses and Dissertations

Construction in the AFIT combustion facility is complete and the objective of this report is to explain the steps taken to make the laboratory operational. The infinite radius Ultra-Compact Combustor (UCC) sectional model has been delivered and is fully installed with all fuel, air and instrument lines. Every major system in the lab has been tested and is functioning properly. Laboratory operating procedure has been established to ensure both safety and continuity in experimental results. Finally, the lab has been certified through official safety channels and combustion experiments are underway. The unique capability of the AFIT combustion laboratory is the …


Flight Dynamic Response Of Hale Aircraft To Kc-135 Flowfield, Amanda J. Devuono Sep 2007

Flight Dynamic Response Of Hale Aircraft To Kc-135 Flowfield, Amanda J. Devuono

Theses and Dissertations

This research effort examines the static effects of a KC-135 flowfield on a flexible winged Sensorcraft model. The KC-135 flowfield data is generated by a vortex lattice code and integrated into Sensorcraft model for analysis. Building on previous research, a refueling situation was modeled to note the effects of the Sensorcraft at varying locations within the flowfield. The Sensorcraft model was analyzed for both rigid and flexible wings as a means of comparision. Flowfield locations of interest were determined and trimmed conditions were computed for each flowfield location. Utilizing the trimmed condition and flowfield locations, the nonlinear set of EOM's …


Radar Orbit Analsis Tool Using Least Squares Estimator, Sandra M. Rashash Sep 2007

Radar Orbit Analsis Tool Using Least Squares Estimator, Sandra M. Rashash

Theses and Dissertations

Most objects tracked in space follow a regular Keplerian orbit; unfortunately, non-Keplerian objects such as maneuvering satellites, tethered systems, and thrusting ballistic missiles are becoming more common. It is important to be able to distinguish between Keplerian and non-Keplerian objects due to the potential risk of a tethered satellite being mistaken for an object on re-entry. This research focused on creating a computer model that can detect the non-gravitational acceleration present in non-Keplerian orbits. A 3rd order Taylor series expansion was used to model the dynamics and to produce simulated radar data. Linear least squares estimation was used to estimate …


Navigation Using Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexed Signals Of Opportunity, Jamie S. Velotta Sep 2007

Navigation Using Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexed Signals Of Opportunity, Jamie S. Velotta

Theses and Dissertations

The global positioning system (GPS) provides high-accuracy position measurements anywhere in the world. However, a limitation of this system is that a line of sight to multiple satellites is required; therefore, it is unsuitable to use indoors or in urban canyons. Also, in the presence of radio-frequency interference or jamming, GPS may be unavailable. Alternative methods of navigation and positioning are need to either compliment GPS as a backup or for use in areas unreachable by satellites. This research analyzes a feature-based correlation approach for determining reception differences between two Orthogonal Frequency Division receivers for the purpose of TDOA calculations. …


Finite Element Analysis Of Lamb Waves Acting Within A Thin Aluminum Plate, Sejin Han Sep 2007

Finite Element Analysis Of Lamb Waves Acting Within A Thin Aluminum Plate, Sejin Han

Theses and Dissertations

Structural health monitoring (SHM) is an emerging technology that can be used to identify, locate and quantify structural damages before failure. Among SHM techniques, Lamb waves have become widely used since they can cover large areas from one single location. Due to the development of various structural simulation programs, there is increasing interest in whether SHM data obtained from the simulation can be verified by experimentation. The objective of this thesis is to determine Lamb wave responses using SHM models in ABAQUS CAE(a Finite Element Analysis(FEA) program). These results are then compared to experimental results and theoretical predictions under isothermal …


Investigation Of Non-Conventional Bio-Derived Fuels For Hybrid Rocket Motors, Scott Grayson Putnam Aug 2007

Investigation Of Non-Conventional Bio-Derived Fuels For Hybrid Rocket Motors, Scott Grayson Putnam

Doctoral Dissertations

Non-conventional bio-derived fuels have been evaluated for use in hybrid rocket motors. Tests were conducted at combustion pressures in the range of 100 – 220 psig and thrust levels of 40 – 170 newtons. Beeswax was tested with oxygen as the oxidizer and showed a regression rate at least three times as high as traditional hybrid propellant combinations such as hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) and liquid oxygen (LOX). This provides the promise of a high thrust hybrid rocket motor using a simple, single port geometry and overcomes the main weakness of traditional hybrid rocket motor propellants, which are low regression rates. …