Feature Learning For Optimal Control With B-Spline Representations,
2022
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Feature Learning For Optimal Control With B-Spline Representations, Vinay Kenny, Sixiong You, Chaoying Pei, Ran Dai
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works
The paper develops a feature learning-based method to solve optimal control problems using B-splines to approximate the optimal solutions. The feature learning-based optimal control method can quickly generate near-optimal trajectories for general optimal control problems subject to system dynamics and constraints. The steps in the proposed method are as follows: Firstly, by representing the state and control variables with B-spline functions, the optimal control problem is converted into an approximate nonlinear programming (NLP) problem, where parameters of the B-splines are identified as features of the optimal solution. Secondly, for a specific problem with designated inputs, a dataset of the optimal …
Jointly-Learnt Networks For Future Action Anticipation Via Self-Knowledge Distillation And Cycle Consistency,
2022
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Jointly-Learnt Networks For Future Action Anticipation Via Self-Knowledge Distillation And Cycle Consistency, Md Moniruzzaman, Zhaozheng Yin, Zhihai He, Ming-Chuan Leu, Ruwen Qin
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works
Future action anticipation aims to infer future actions from the observation of a small set of past video frames. In this paper, we propose a novel Jointly learnt Action Anticipation Network (J-AAN) via Self-Knowledge Distillation (Self-KD) and cycle consistency for future action anticipation. In contrast to the current state-of-the-art methods which anticipate the future actions either directly or recursively, our proposed J-AAN anticipates the future actions jointly in both direct and recursive ways. However, when dealing with future action anticipation, one important challenge to address is the future's uncertainty since multiple action sequences may come from or be followed by …
Additive Manufacturing Of Continuous Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Sic Ceramic Composite With Multiple Fiber Bundles By An Extrusion-Based Technique,
2022
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Additive Manufacturing Of Continuous Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Sic Ceramic Composite With Multiple Fiber Bundles By An Extrusion-Based Technique, Ruoyu Chen, Adam Bratten, Joshua Rittenhouse, Ming-Chuan Leu, Haiming Wen
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works
Due to the high cost, complex preparation process and difficulty in structural design, the traditional methods for carbon fiber reinforced SiC ceramic composite preparation have great limitations. This paper presents a technique for the additive manufacturing multiple continuous carbon fiber bundle-reinforced SiC ceramic composite with core-shell structure using an extrusion-based technique. A conventional nozzle system was modified to print simultaneously a water based SiC paste with continuous carbon fibers. Different levels of binder contents were investigated to optimize the stickiness, viscosity, thixotropy and viscoelasticity of the paste. After sintering, SiC whiskers were generated on the surface of fiber, which is …
Two-Level Targeter Convergence Study For Collinear Libration Point Spacecraft Formations,
2022
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Two-Level Targeter Convergence Study For Collinear Libration Point Spacecraft Formations, Donna Jennings, Henry J. Pernicka
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works
Spacecraft formation flying has attracted an increasing amount attention over the past several decades including a growing interest in relative motion at the collinear lib ration points. This current work builds on previous efforts by further developing and characterizing a two-level targeting (TLT) algorithm used to determine relative motion at lib ration points by performing a convergence study. A parametric study was conducted to identify the sensitivity of the algorithm to a variety of inputs and constraints. The parametric study revealed that the two-level targeting algorithm convergence properties significantly improve when using a higher order initialization estimate. The size of …
Direct Numerical Simulation Of Acoustic Disturbances In A Hypersonic Two-Dimensional Nozzle Configuration,
2022
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Direct Numerical Simulation Of Acoustic Disturbances In A Hypersonic Two-Dimensional Nozzle Configuration, Nathaniel Hildebrand, Meelan M. Choudhari, Cole P. Deegan, Junji Huang, Lian Duan
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works
Direct numerical simulations (DNS) are performed to study acoustic radiation in a quasi-two-dimensional nozzle with two independents spatially evolving turbulent boundary layers with an edge Mach number of 6. The emphasis of this work is to compare the radiated pressure fluctuations in a geometrically confined environment with those radiated from a single wall in an unconfined setting. The boundary-layer profile of the rms pressure fluctuation scaled by the mean shear stress at the wall is found to be in good agreement with prior flat-plate calculations at similar conditions. However, the normalized rms pressure fluctuation within the freestream p region is …
3d-Printed Gelatin-Alginate Hydrogel Dressings For Burn Wound Healing: A Comprehensive Study,
2022
Missouri University of Science and Technology
3d-Printed Gelatin-Alginate Hydrogel Dressings For Burn Wound Healing: A Comprehensive Study, Fateme Fayyazbakhsh, Michael J. Khayat, Ming-Chuan Leu
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works
Burn Wound Treatment is Still a Clinical Challenge Due to the Severity of Tissue Damage and Dehydration. among Various Wound Dressings, Hydrogel Materials Have Gained Significant Attention for Burn Wound Treatment in Clinical Practice Due to their Soothing and Moisturizing Activity. in This Study, 3D-Printed Dressings Were Fabricated using Clinically Relevant Hydrogels for Deep Partial-Thickness Burn (PTB) Wounds. Different Ratios of Gelatin and Alginate Mixture Were 3D-Printed and Examined in Terms of Rheological Behavior, Shear Thinning Behavior, Mechanical Properties, Degradation Rate, and Hydration Activity to Tune the Hydrogel Composition for Best Functionality. the Cell-Laden Dressings Were Bioprinted to Evaluate the …
Influence Of Nonlinear Multiaxial Matrix Viscoelasticity On Piezoresistivity Of Carbon Nanotube Polymer Composites,
2022
University of Central Florida
Influence Of Nonlinear Multiaxial Matrix Viscoelasticity On Piezoresistivity Of Carbon Nanotube Polymer Composites, Wolfgang Klimm
Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023
Nanocomposites are prominent candidates to extend the capabilities in areas of established fiber reinforced composites. Carbon nanotubes (CNT) with their outstanding mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties are of particular interest. Especially polymers profit from the addition of CNTs, and can be rendered significantly stiffer, stronger, and even electrically conductive. The resulting electrical conductance is deformation-sensitive, known as piezoresistivity, and is utilized in strain sensing applications. However, the polymer matrix introduces time- and temperature-dependency into the mechanical behavior, known as viscoelasticity, and thus affects the relationship between deformation and electrical conductivity over time. Although piezoresistivity and polymer viscoelasticity have been studied …
Sensitivity Of Combustion Liner Contour To Sand Ingestion Clogging,
2022
University of Central Florida
Sensitivity Of Combustion Liner Contour To Sand Ingestion Clogging, Nelson Padilla
Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023
This currently presented work is an evaluation of the characteristics of different cooling hole geometries to particulate ingestion clogging. Experimentation was conducted using a premixed bluff body flame combustor facility to generate high temperature combustor flow conditions. Sand ingestion along the cooling path of the combustion liner was reproduced using an air-assisted seeder providing consistent sand ingestion. Mass flow rate of cooling air was controlled using a sonic orifice downstream of a pressure regulator so that the mass flow rate of the air and sand mixture is independent of the clogging state. Pressure data upstream of a small section of …
Design And Mechanical Characterization Of Functionally Graded Sandwich Beams Fabricated Via Additive Manufacturing,
2022
University of Central Florida
Design And Mechanical Characterization Of Functionally Graded Sandwich Beams Fabricated Via Additive Manufacturing, Timothy Grondin
Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023
Lightweight aerospace structures have been sought after since humans took flight in 1903, making major strides in NASA's pursuit of the moon with the development of sandwich panel composites. Sandwich structures typically consist of two stiff phases (i.e., face sheets) separated by a lightweight phase (i.e., core), which are stacked together through adhesive layers. Such a structural arrangement provides a high stiffness-to-weight ratio and is often used in applications where weight saving is critical. Functionally Graded Materials (FGMs), refer to multifunctional materials, which contain a spatial variation of composition and/or microstructure for the specific purpose of altering thermal and structural …
On Liquid Rotating Detonation Rocket Engines Characterization And Performance,
2022
University of Central Florida
On Liquid Rotating Detonation Rocket Engines Characterization And Performance, Vidhan Malik
Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023
The current research investigates a next-generation method of combustion called detonations for propulsive applications which has support from the Combustion Services Branch at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) of the Rocket Propulsion Division. The overall initiative seeks to explore the viability of detonation-based systems to augment or replace current rocket propulsion methods in the coming five years. The present work progresses this vision by providing proof of a liquid RP-2 based Rotating Detonation Rocket Engine (RDRE) as well as the fundamentals associated with the physics involved to further the understanding of the phenomenon and its potential uses. Phase one …
A Unified Tool For Adaptive Collocation Techniques Applied To Solving Optimal Control Problems,
2022
University of Central Florida
A Unified Tool For Adaptive Collocation Techniques Applied To Solving Optimal Control Problems, Bethany Kelly
Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023
In this work, a user-friendly MATLAB tool is introduced to solve nonlinear optimal control problems by applying collocation techniques using Coupled Radial Basis Functions (CRBFs). CRBFs are a new class of Radial Basis Functions combined with a conical spline r^5, which provides the advantage of insensitivity to the shape parameter while maintaining accuracy and robustness. To solve optimal control problems, software tools are often employed to implement numerical methods and apply advanced techniques to solving differential equations. Although several commercial software tools exist for solving optimal control problems, such as ICLOCS2, GPOPS, and DIDO, there are no options available that …
The Breakup Of Rp-2 Liquid Fuel Droplets In A Detonation Field,
2022
University of Central Florida
The Breakup Of Rp-2 Liquid Fuel Droplets In A Detonation Field, Daniel Dyson
Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023
Experimentally obtained droplet breakup patterns are presented for RP-2 liquid fuel droplets in the environment behind a detonation wave. To the best of our knowledge, this data is the first of its kind to examine the fundamental interactions between detonation waves and an individual fuel droplet. The experiments presented here are expected to support the ongoing effort of creating accurate models of droplet breakup in a variety of environments, which in turn will lead to enhanced predictions of rotating detonation engine performance, improved safety considerations for facilities operating in hazardous conditions, and new knowledge in energetics, hypersonics, and explosion dynamics …
Model-Based Systems Engineering For A Small-Lift Launch Facility,
2022
Old Dominion University
Model-Based Systems Engineering For A Small-Lift Launch Facility, Walter Mcgee Taraila, Sharanabasaweshwara Asundi
Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Faculty Publications
A study of model‐based systems engineering (MBSE) applied to a small‐lift launch facility is presented. The research uses Systems Modeling Language (SysML) products and functional diagrams to document the ground systems on a launch pad servicing a small class payload (0–2 tons). With the projected growth in launch cadence of small‐lift rockets in the coming decade, there is a need to design increasingly complex launch systems with greater efficiency. The potential improvements in project communication, quality, and productivity are explored by developing a model following the ISO/IEC 15288 technical process framework and the International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE) Object‐Oriented …
Design, Development, And Testing Of Near-Optimal Satellite Attitude Control Strategies,
2022
South Dakota State University
Design, Development, And Testing Of Near-Optimal Satellite Attitude Control Strategies, Giovanni Lavezzi
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Advances in space technology and interest toward remote sensing mission have grown in the recent years, requiring the attitude control subsystems of observation satellites to increase their performances in terms of pointing accuracy and on-board implementability. Moreover, an increased interest in small satellite missions and the recent technological developments related to the CubeSats standard have drastically reduced the cost of producing and flying a satellite mission. In this context, the proposed research aims to improve the state of the art for satellite attitude control methodologies by proposing a near-optimal attitude control strategy, simulated in a high-fidelity environment. Two strategies are …
Spatial Transformation Of A Layer-To-Layer Control Model For Selective Laser Melting,
2022
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Spatial Transformation Of A Layer-To-Layer Control Model For Selective Laser Melting, Xin Wang, Robert G. Landers, Douglas A. Bristow
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works
Selective Laser Melting (SLM) is an Additive Manufacturing (AM) technique with challenges in its complexity of process parameters and lack of control schemes. Traditionally, people tried time-domain or frequency-domain control methods, but the complexity of the process goes beyond these methods. In this paper, a novel spatial transformation of SLM models is proposed, which transforms the time-domain process into a spatial domain model and, thus, allows for state-space layer-to-layer control methods. In a space domain, this also provides the convenience of modelling laser path changes. Finally, a layer-to-layer Iterative Learning Control (ILC) method is designed and demonstrates the methodology of …
High-Pressure Kinetic Interactions Between Co And H2 During Syngas Catalytic Combustion On Pdo,
2022
Missouri University of Science and Technology
High-Pressure Kinetic Interactions Between Co And H2 During Syngas Catalytic Combustion On Pdo, Ran Sui, John Mantzaras, Rolf Bombach, Meysam Khatoonabadi
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works
The catalytic combustion of H2/CO/O2/N2 mixtures over PdO was investigated at pressures 3 to 10 bar, H2:CO volumetric ratios 1:5 to 3:1, and global equivalence ratios ψ = 0.13 and 0.23. The catalyst surface temperatures were controlled to 540-690 K, a range especially important for hybrid hetero-/homogeneous combustion approaches with large gas turbines at idle or part-load operation and for microreactors with recuperative small-scale turbines. In situ Raman measurements determined the major gas-phase species concentrations over the catalyst boundary layers in a channel-flow reactor, thermocouples monitored the surface temperatures, and surface characterization identified the catalyst oxidation state (PdO) and surface …
Microscale Transverse Compression Modeling: A Comparative Study Of The Analytical Mac/Gmc Methods To Experimental Results,
2022
Michigan Technological University
Microscale Transverse Compression Modeling: A Comparative Study Of The Analytical Mac/Gmc Methods To Experimental Results, Emily Zeitunian
Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports
Composite materials require a multi-scale approach to fully understand its behavior. At the micro level, material behavior analysis is conducted most often using numerical or analytical approaches. These models, however, require validation from experimental data to ensure material predictions are accurate. This study compares a semi-analytical micromechanical analysis tool, MAC/GMC, to experimental results of in-situ microscale transverse compression testing conducted at AFRL facilities. Effective properties, stress-strain curves, stress and strain fields, and damage predictions are compared with experimental outputs. Both generalized method of cells (GMC) and high-fidelity generalized method of cells (HFGMC) theories implemented within MAC/GMC show results that agree …
Numerical Investigations Of 2-D Magnetic Nozzles On Pulsed Plasma Plumes,
2022
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Numerical Investigations Of 2-D Magnetic Nozzles On Pulsed Plasma Plumes, Joshua Daniel Burch
Masters Theses
"This research presents studies of a novel type of magnetic nozzle that allows for three-dimensional (3-D) steering of a plasma plume. Numerical simulations were performed using Tech-X's USim® software to quantify the nozzle's capabilities. A2-D planar magnetic nozzle was applied to plumes of a nominal pulsed inductive plasma (PIP) source with discharge parameters similar to those of Missouri S&T's Missouri Plasmoid Experiment (MPX). Argon and xenon plumes were considered. Simulations were verified and validated through a mesh convergence study as well as comparison with available experimental data. Periodicity was achieved over the simulation run time and phase angle samples were …
Comparative Analysis Of Winglet Efficiency On Supercritical Versus Traditionally Cambered Airfoils,
2022
Georgia Southern University
Comparative Analysis Of Winglet Efficiency On Supercritical Versus Traditionally Cambered Airfoils, Evan Cathers
College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations
This study serves to define the performance of several industry-recognized and exploratory wing tip devices on aircraft wings utilizing contemporary supercritical airfoil geometry. For comparison, the same examination is performed on a wing comprised of traditionally cambered airfoils, the platform upon which winglets were initially developed. The supercritical wing design is based on that of the Airbus A320, while the conventional airfoil is based upon the Boeing 737-800 platform. Tip devices selected for analysis include blended, raked, split scimitar, fence, and spiroid winglets, as well as tip sails, characterized by the spreading of a bird’s primary flight feathers. Methodology for …
Theoretical And Experimental Application Of Neural Networks In Spaceflight Control Systems,
2022
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Theoretical And Experimental Application Of Neural Networks In Spaceflight Control Systems, Pavel Galchenko
Doctoral Dissertations
“Spaceflight systems can enable advanced mission concepts that can help expand our understanding of the universe. To achieve the objectives of these missions, spaceflight systems typically leverage guidance and control systems to maintain some desired path and/or orientation of their scientific instrumentation. A deep understanding of the natural dynamics of the environment in which these spaceflight systems operate is required to design control systems capable of achieving the desired scientific objectives. However, mitigating strategies are critically important when these dynamics are unknown or poorly understood and/or modelled. This research introduces two neural network methodologies to control the translation and rotation …
