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Aerospace Engineering

Series

2015

Articles 1 - 18 of 18

Full-Text Articles in Mechanical Engineering

Software-And Hardware-In-The-Loop Verification Of Flight Dynamics Model And Flight Control Simulation Of A Fixed-Wing Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, Calvin Coopmans, Michal Podhradsk, Nathan V. Hoffer Nov 2015

Software-And Hardware-In-The-Loop Verification Of Flight Dynamics Model And Flight Control Simulation Of A Fixed-Wing Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, Calvin Coopmans, Michal Podhradsk, Nathan V. Hoffer

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Publications

Unmanned aerial system (UAS) use is ever-increasing. In this paper, it is shown that even with low-cost hardware and open-source software, simple numerical testing practices (software- and hardware-in-the-loop) can prove the accuracy and usefulness of an aeronautical flight model, as well as provide valuable pre-flight testing of many situations typically only encountered in flight: high winds, hardware failure, etc. Software and hardware simulation results are compared with actual flight testing results to show that these modeling and testing techniques are accurate and provide a useful testing platform for a small unmanned aerial vehicle. Source code used in simulation is open …


Wideband Fluorescence-Based Thermometry By Neural Network Recognition: Photothermal Application With 10 Ns Time Resolution, Liwang Liu, Kuo Zhong, Troy Munro, Salvador Alvarado, Renaud Cote, Sebastiaan Creten, Eduard Fron, Heng Ban, Mark Van Der Auweraer, N. B. Roozen, Osamu Matsuda, Christ Glorieux Nov 2015

Wideband Fluorescence-Based Thermometry By Neural Network Recognition: Photothermal Application With 10 Ns Time Resolution, Liwang Liu, Kuo Zhong, Troy Munro, Salvador Alvarado, Renaud Cote, Sebastiaan Creten, Eduard Fron, Heng Ban, Mark Van Der Auweraer, N. B. Roozen, Osamu Matsuda, Christ Glorieux

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Publications

Neural network recognition of features of the fluorescence spectrum of a thermosensitive probe is exploited in order to achieve fluorescence-based thermometry with an accuracy of 200 mK with 100 MHz bandwidth, and with high robustness against fluctuations of the probe laser intensity used. The concept is implemented on a rhodamine B dyed mixture of copper chloride and glycerol, and the temperature dependent fluorescence is investigated in the temperature range between 234 K and 311 K. The spatial dependence of the calibrated amplitude and phase of photothermally induced temperature oscillations along the axis of the excitation laser are determined at different …


Coalescence-Induced Jumping Of Nanoscale Droplets On Super-Hydrophobic Surfaces, Zhi Liang, Pawel Keblinski Oct 2015

Coalescence-Induced Jumping Of Nanoscale Droplets On Super-Hydrophobic Surfaces, Zhi Liang, Pawel Keblinski

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The Coalescence-Induced Jumping of Tens of Microns Size Droplets on Super-Hydrophobic Surfaces Has Been Observed in Both Experiments and Simulations. However, Whether the Coalescence-Induced Jumping Would Occur for Smaller, Particularly Nanoscale Droplets, is an Open Question. using Molecular Dynamics Simulations, We Demonstrate that in Spite of the Large Internal Viscous Dissipation, Coalescence of Two Nanoscale Droplets on a Super-Hydrophobic Surface Can Result in a Jumping of the Coalesced Droplet from the Surface with a Speed of a Few M/s. Similar to the Coalescence-Induced Jumping of Microscale Droplets, We Observe that the Bridge between the Coalescing Nano-Droplets Expands and Impacts the …


Molecular Simulations And Lattice Dynamics Determination Of Stillinger-Weber Gan Thermal Conductivity, Zhi Liang, Ankit Jain, Alan J.H. Mcgaughey, Pawel Keblinski Sep 2015

Molecular Simulations And Lattice Dynamics Determination Of Stillinger-Weber Gan Thermal Conductivity, Zhi Liang, Ankit Jain, Alan J.H. Mcgaughey, Pawel Keblinski

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The Bulk Thermal Conductivity of Stillinger-Weber (SW) Wurtzite GaN in the [0001] Direction at a Temperature of 300 K is Calculated using Equilibrium Molecular Dynamics (EMD), Non-Equilibrium MD (NEMD), and Lattice Dynamics (LD) Methods. While the NEMD Method Predicts a Thermal Conductivity of 166 ± 11 W/m·K, Both the EMD and LD Methods Predict Thermal Conductivities that Are an Order of Magnitude Greater. We Attribute the Discrepancy to Significant Contributions to Thermal Conductivity from Long-Mean Free Path Phonons. We Propose that the Grüneisen Parameter for Low-Frequency Phonons is a Good Predictor of the Severity of the Size Effects in NEMD …


The Rapidly Reconfigurable Research Cockpit, Richard Joyce Sep 2015

The Rapidly Reconfigurable Research Cockpit, Richard Joyce

Link Foundation Modeling, Simulation and Training Fellowship Reports

The goal of the Rapidly Reconfigurable Research Cockpit (R3C) project is to create and evaluate a novel approach for aviation simulators. Our concept combines a virtual reality visual environment with the tactile feedback typically found in early stage mockups. A low cost, easily modified, yet geometrically accurate cockpit panel (fabricated using 3D printing, for example) can be used while the pilot/operator wears a head-mounted display providing the visual overlay of the simulator.


Contributions Of Mass And Bond Energy Difference And Interface Defects On Thermal Boundary Conductance, Nicholas A. Roberts, Changjin Choi Sep 2015

Contributions Of Mass And Bond Energy Difference And Interface Defects On Thermal Boundary Conductance, Nicholas A. Roberts, Changjin Choi

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Publications

The impact of mass and bond energy difference and interface defects on thermal boundary conductance (TBC) is investigated using non-equilibrium molecular dynamics (NEMD) with the Lennard-Jones (L-J) interatomic potential. Results show that the maximum TBC is achieved when the mass and bond energy of two dissimilar materials are matched, although the effective thermal conductivity is not necessarily a maximum due to the contributions of the thermal conductivity of the constituent materials. Mass and bond energy differences result in a mismatch between phonon dispersions, limiting high frequency phonon transport at the interface. This frequency mismatch is defined by a frequency ratio, …


Entropy Minimization Design Approach Of Supersonic Internal Passages, Jorge Sousa, Guillermo Paniagua Aug 2015

Entropy Minimization Design Approach Of Supersonic Internal Passages, Jorge Sousa, Guillermo Paniagua

School of Aeronautics and Astronautics Faculty Publications

Fluid machinery operating in the supersonic regime unveil avenues towards more compact technology. However, internal supersonic flows are associated with high aerodynamic and thermal penalties, which usually prevent their practical implementation. Indeed, both shock losses and the limited operational range represent particular challenges to aerodynamic designers that should be taken into account at the initial phase of the design process. This paper presents a design methodology for supersonic passages based on direct evaluations of the velocity field using the method of characteristics and computation of entropy generation across shock waves. This meshless function evaluation tool is then coupled to an …


Evaluation Of Different Optimal Control Problem Formulations For Solving The Muscle Redundancy Problem, Friedl De Groote, Allison Kinney, Anil Rao, Benjamin J. Fregly Jul 2015

Evaluation Of Different Optimal Control Problem Formulations For Solving The Muscle Redundancy Problem, Friedl De Groote, Allison Kinney, Anil Rao, Benjamin J. Fregly

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Publications

This study evaluates several possible optimal control problem formulations for solving the muscle redundancy problem with the goal of identifying the most efficient and robust formulation. One novel formulation involves the introduction of additional controls that equal the time derivative of the states, resulting in very simple dynamic equations. The nonlinear equations describing muscle dynamics are then imposed as algebraic constraints in their implicit form, simplifying their evaluation. By comparing different problem formulations for computing muscle controls that can reproduce inverse dynamic joint torques during gait, we demonstrate the efficiency and robustness of the proposed novel formulation.


Multi-Objective Analysis And Optimization Of Integrated Cooling In Micro-Electronics With Hot Spots, Sohail R. Reddy Jun 2015

Multi-Objective Analysis And Optimization Of Integrated Cooling In Micro-Electronics With Hot Spots, Sohail R. Reddy

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

With the demand of computing power from electronic chips on a constant rise, innovative methods are needed for effective and efficient thermal management. Forced convection cooling through an array of micro pin-fins acts not only as a heat sink, but also allows for the electrical interconnection between stacked layers of integrated circuits. This work performs a multi-objective optimization of three shapes of pin-fins to maximize the efficiency of this cooling system. An inverse design approach that allows for the design of cooling configurations without prior knowledge of thermal mapping was proposed and validated. The optimization study showed that pin-fin configurations …


Slip Length Crossover On A Graphene Surface, Zhi Liang, Pawel Keblinski Apr 2015

Slip Length Crossover On A Graphene Surface, Zhi Liang, Pawel Keblinski

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Using Equilibrium and Non-Equilibrium Molecular Dynamics Simulations, We Study the Flow of Argon Fluid above the Critical Temperature in a Planar Nanochannel Delimited by Graphene Walls. We Observe that, as a Function of Pressure, the Slip Length First Decreases Due to the Decreasing Mean Free Path of Gas Molecules, Reaches the Minimum Value When the Pressure is Close to the Critical Pressure, and Then Increases with Further Increase in Pressure. We Demonstrate that the Slip Length Increase at High Pressures is Due to the Fact that the Viscosity of Fluid Increases Much Faster with Pressure Than the Friction Coefficient between …


Multi-Segment Foot Joint Kinematics With Varying Midfoot Orthotic Postings, Hilary F. Feskanin Apr 2015

Multi-Segment Foot Joint Kinematics With Varying Midfoot Orthotic Postings, Hilary F. Feskanin

Honors Theses

Foot orthoses are often prescribed to prevent and treat lower limb disorders. While the success of these devices is well documented, the mechanisms behind them are unclear. Due to methodological limitations, many studies have focused on the rearfoot. This is the first study to assess the effects of midfoot-targeted orthotic strategies on midfoot and rearfoot kinematics. Gait mechanics were recorded for 19 healthy females walking in four orthotic conditions: valgus midfoot post, varus midfoot post, heel lift and standard/control. The midtarsal and ankle joint 3D kinematics for the three experimental conditions were compared to the control condition. Variables of interest …


An Interoperable System For Automated Diagnosis Of Cardiac Abnormalities From Electrocardiogram Data, Thidarat Tinnakornsrisuphap, Richard E. Billo Mar 2015

An Interoperable System For Automated Diagnosis Of Cardiac Abnormalities From Electrocardiogram Data, Thidarat Tinnakornsrisuphap, Richard E. Billo

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Electrocardiogram (ECG) data are stored and analyzed in different formats, devices, and computer platforms. As a result, ECG data from different monitoring devices cannot be displayed unless the user has access to the proprietary software of each particular device. This research describes an ontology and encoding for representation of ECG data that allows open exchange and display of ECG data in a web browser. The ontology is based on the Health Level Seven (HL7) medical device communication standard. It integrates ECG waveform data, HL7 standard ECG data descriptions, and cardiac diagnosis rules, providing a capability to both represent ECG waveforms …


Does Material Choice Drive Sustainability Of 3d Printing?, Jeremy Faludi, Zhongyin Hu, Shahd Alrashed, Christopher Braunholz, Suneesh Kaul, Leulekal Kassaye Feb 2015

Does Material Choice Drive Sustainability Of 3d Printing?, Jeremy Faludi, Zhongyin Hu, Shahd Alrashed, Christopher Braunholz, Suneesh Kaul, Leulekal Kassaye

Dartmouth Scholarship

Environmental impacts of six 3D printers using various materials were compared to determine if material choice drove sustainability, or if other factors such as machine type, machine size, or machine utilization dominate. Cradle-to-grave life-cycle assessments were performed, comparing a commercial-scale FDM machine printing in ABS plastic, a desktop FDM machine printing in ABS, a desktop FDM machine printing in PET and PLA plastics, a polyjet machine printing in its proprietary polymer, an SLA machine printing in its polymer, and an inkjet machine hacked to print in salt and dextrose. All scenarios were scored using ReCiPe Endpoint H methodology to combine …


Intelligent Control Of Miniature Holonomic Vertical Take-Off And Landing Robot, Mohammad A. Jaradata, Mohamed Al-Fandia, Omar Alkhatiba, Yousef Sardahi Jan 2015

Intelligent Control Of Miniature Holonomic Vertical Take-Off And Landing Robot, Mohammad A. Jaradata, Mohamed Al-Fandia, Omar Alkhatiba, Yousef Sardahi

All Engineering Faculty Research

This paper discusses the development of a fuzzy based controller for miniaturized unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).This controller is designed to control the center-of-gravity (CoG) in a new configuration of coaxial miniaturized flying robot (MFR). The idea is to shift the CoG by controlling two pendulums located in perpendicular directions; each pendulum ends with a small mass. A key feature of this work is that the control algorithm represents the original nonlinear function that describes the dynamics of the proposed system. The controller model incorporates two cascaded subsystems: PD and PI fuzzy logic controllers. These two controllers regulate the attitude and …


Correlation Of Csk2sb Photocathode Lifetime With Antimony Thickness, M. A. Mamun, C. Hernandez-Garcia, M. Poelker, A. A. Elmustafa Jan 2015

Correlation Of Csk2sb Photocathode Lifetime With Antimony Thickness, M. A. Mamun, C. Hernandez-Garcia, M. Poelker, A. A. Elmustafa

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Faculty Publications

CsK2Sb photocathodes with quantum efficiency on the order of 10% at 532 nm, and lifetime greater than 90 days at low voltage, were successfully manufactured via co-deposition of alkali species emanating from an effusion source. Photocathodes were characterized as a function of antimony layer thickness and alkali consumption, inside a vacuum chamber that was initially baked, but frequently vented without re-baking. Photocathode lifetime measured at low voltage is correlated with the antimony layer thickness. Photocathodes manufactured with comparatively thick antimony layers exhibited the best lifetime. We speculate that the antimony layer serves as a reservoir, or sponge, for …


High Regression Rate Hybrid Rocket Fuel Grains With Helical Port Structures, Stephen A. Whitmore, Sean D. Walker, Daniel P. Merkley, Mansour Sobbi Jan 2015

High Regression Rate Hybrid Rocket Fuel Grains With Helical Port Structures, Stephen A. Whitmore, Sean D. Walker, Daniel P. Merkley, Mansour Sobbi

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Publications

Results froma development campaign, where modern additive manufacturing methods are used to fabricate hybrid rocket fuel grains with embedded helical ports, are presented. The fuel grains were constructed from acrlyonitrile butadiene styrene using commercially available three-dimensional printer feedstockmaterial.Gaseous oxygen is used as the oxidizer for this test campaign.When compared to cylindrical fuel ports, significant increases in fuel regression rates were observed, and these increases in regression rate diminished with time as the helical fuel port burns to become progressivelymore cylindrical. Comparisons to the helical pipe flow skin friction correlation developed by Mishra and Gupta indicate that increased skin friction only …


Matryoshka Cavity, Randy Craig Hurd, T. Fanning, Zhao Pan, C. Maybey, Kyle G. Bodily, Kip Schafer Hacking, Nathan B. Spiers, Tadd T. Truscott Jan 2015

Matryoshka Cavity, Randy Craig Hurd, T. Fanning, Zhao Pan, C. Maybey, Kyle G. Bodily, Kip Schafer Hacking, Nathan B. Spiers, Tadd T. Truscott

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Publications

When a water droplet impacts a free surface with sufficient velocity, the momentum transfer results in the formation of a hemispherical cavity expanding radially from the point of impact.1 This cavity continues to expand until the kinetic energy is completely converted to potential energy (Fig. 1(a)).2 Pumphrey and Elmore equated the potential energy of this subsurface cavity with the kinetic energy of the impacting droplet, concluding that the magnitude of the cavity radius is proportional to impact velocity and droplet diameter.3


Buckling Instability Of Crown Sealing, J. O. Marston, Mohammad M. Mansoor, Tadd T. Truscott, S. T. Thoroddsen Jan 2015

Buckling Instability Of Crown Sealing, J. O. Marston, Mohammad M. Mansoor, Tadd T. Truscott, S. T. Thoroddsen

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Publications

Despite the scholarly fascination with water entry of spheres for well over a century,1 we present a new observation, namely, the crown-buckling instability. This instability is characterized by striations appearing near the top of the crown walls just prior to the surface seal, as shown in Fig. 1(a). The crown wall collapses inward due to the pressure differential across the wall created by the moving air in the wake of the sphere and surface tension within the crown. Since the rate of collapse is faster than that at which fluid drains out from the neck region, fluid collects into …