Multi-Dimensional Particle-In-Cell With Monte Carlo Collisions (Pic-Mcc) Simulation For Visualizing Plasma Flow And Secondary Ionization In Constricted-Anode Geometries,
2026
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Multi-Dimensional Particle-In-Cell With Monte Carlo Collisions (Pic-Mcc) Simulation For Visualizing Plasma Flow And Secondary Ionization In Constricted-Anode Geometries, Parth Thakar
Discovery Day - Daytona Beach
Constricted-anode plasma sources generate locally intensified electric fields that enhance ionization near the anode, making them valuable in propulsion and laboratory plasma systems. However, the narrow geometry produces complex charge accumulation and secondary ionization effects that remain difficult to measure experimentally. To address this challenge, our research develops and applies a multi-dimensional Particle-in-Cell with Monte Carlo Collisions (PIC-MCC) simulation of a DC discharge in 1-D, 2-D, and 3-D configurations that model a constricted-anode device. PIC-MCC is a first-principles method that tracks electrons and ions individually while computing self-consistent electric fields and incorporating energy-dependent collision processes. This approach enables direct visualization …
Phaëthon System,
2026
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Phaëthon System, Brady Roudabush, Lauren Gallo, Emelia Thompson, Jacob Woods
Discovery Day - Daytona Beach
Phaëthon System is the project name for the Search and Rescue Drone Initiative. This initiative will improve the current search and rescue drone industry by introducing new techniques to get through dense forest canopies and other places where an overhead view is not useful. The Phaëthon System uses a swarm of drones that can penetrate under the tree canopy to map and search with the utmost efficiency and safety for rescuers. A command drone is launched to survey the overall search area, and set up a communications and data link. The next component is then released, which is a swarm …
Gravity Gradient Exploration Satellite,
2026
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Gravity Gradient Exploration Satellite, Luke Ritchie, Isaac Rosenthal, Benjamin Mason, Nathaniel O’Hara
Discovery Day - Daytona Beach
The Gravity Gradient Exploration Satellite (GGEOS) is a single-unit CubeSat technology demonstration being developed by a group of four undergraduate aerospace engineering students at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. The mission is designed to validate a controlled, motor-driven, semi-rigid space-tether and deployment system. Space tethers offer significant potential for gravity gradient stabilization and propellant-less electrodynamic propulsion, however past missions have frequently failed due to rebound and tangling from their spring-based deployment systems and elastic tethers. GGEOS mitigates these challenges using a semi-rigid, tape-measure-like tether, deployed with a stepper-motor-driven extrusion system enabling slow, controlled deployment and reduced post-deployment problems. The spacecraft architecture utilizes …
Effect Of Anode Size On The Properties Of Constricted Hollow Anode Pulsed Plasma Source,
2026
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Effect Of Anode Size On The Properties Of Constricted Hollow Anode Pulsed Plasma Source, Nirav Patel, Garret Seckinger
Discovery Day - Daytona Beach
With the advent of ion thrusters, burns requiring large velocity changes can be performed with a fraction of the propellant required by traditional chemical rocket engines. However, current ion thrusters produce thrust in the order of millinewtons and thus cannot be viable for launching vehicles or burns requiring velocity changes in a small amount of time. Furthermore, current ion thrusters experience grid and component erosion, where the two grids at the termination of the nozzle slowly erode due to particle impact, and the hot electrodes degrade due to high thermal load. This limits the life of ion engines, which require …
Accelerating Search And Rescue Response: A Simulation Study On The Dynamic Efficiency Of Flocking-Enabled Drone Swarms,
2026
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Accelerating Search And Rescue Response: A Simulation Study On The Dynamic Efficiency Of Flocking-Enabled Drone Swarms, Sophia Beckwith, Carys Del Prete
Discovery Day - Daytona Beach
This project explores how imitations observed in animal group behavior, specifically flocking in birds, can be applied to the functionality of autonomous drone systems to aid in search and rescue efforts. The goal is to demonstrate how incorporating code based on the Boids, Vicsck and predictive control linear algebraic mathematical models for drone flight controls and the collective behaviors of flocks will increase the efficiency of drone maneuvers, allowing them to reorganize and fill gaps when one is removed. A MATLAB-based simulation was developed to model the behaviors using research conducted on the symmetric and synchronized behaviors observed from flocks …
Interplay Between Physical Design Choices And Emergent Cyber System Consensus: A Case Study With An Underwater Swarm,
2026
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Interplay Between Physical Design Choices And Emergent Cyber System Consensus: A Case Study With An Underwater Swarm, Ava Neubert
Discovery Day - Daytona Beach
Understanding how physical constraints influence collective behavior is critical for designing cyber-physical multi-agent systems in communication-limited environments. This project investigates how agent mobility and communication constraints affect opinion dynamics in a three-dimensional underwater swarm. An agent-based model was developed in AnyLogic, where agents follow realistic motion dynamics and exchange information at discrete communication intervals to reflect underwater limitations. Agent opinions are modeled using a BOIDS-inspired consensus mechanism in RGB space, allowing visualization of convergence behavior. A sensitivity analysis was conducted to evaluate the effects of communication range, agent speed, turn rate, and swarm size. Results show that communication range has …
Modeling The Effect Of Damping On Mechanical Vibrations In An Aircraft Wing,
2026
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Modeling The Effect Of Damping On Mechanical Vibrations In An Aircraft Wing, Daniel Ingleton, Ethan Burrell, Noah Evans
Discovery Day - Daytona Beach
Aircraft wings experience vibrations during flight due to aerodynamic forces, turbulence, engine effects, and the flexibility of the structure itself. If these vibrations are not properly controlled, they can affect the wing’s performance, structural life, and overall aircraft safety. This research project focuses on modeling how damping reduces mechanical vibrations in an airplane wing. To make the problem manageable, the wing will be represented as a simplified cantilever beam. The project will examine how damping, stiffness, and mass influence the wing’s vibration response over time. Using mathematical equations of motion and simulation tools such as MATLAB or ANSYS, the study …
Simulation-Based Analysis Of Aeroelastic Flutter Using A 2-Dof Mass–Spring–Damper Model,
2026
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Simulation-Based Analysis Of Aeroelastic Flutter Using A 2-Dof Mass–Spring–Damper Model, Jamie Shore, Jose Murphy, Emily Brown, Leia Vargas Ii, Carl Pellegrino
Discovery Day - Daytona Beach
This research project focuses on utilizing a mass-spring dampening system to analyze wing flutter. Given that wing flutter is an instability caused by elastic and inertial forces, these create increasing oscillations that lead to structural failure. Our group will create a simulator developed in MATLAB to analyze data on how different variables such as angle of attack, aspect ratio and wind speed influence the flutter. The simulation will help us to determine how flutter is affected by mass, structural stiffness, and the damping coefficient on several materials. These materials include aluminum 6061, birch wood, steel 36, and tungsten. The goal …
Optimization Of Engine,
2026
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Optimization Of Engine, Jordan Reed, Dev Shah
Discovery Day - Daytona Beach
A matrix-based framework for modeling and optimizing fluid and gas in feed systems to pressurize for propulsion applications using advanced linear algebra techniques will be used in this project. The governing equations are derived from conservation of mass, momentum, and energy and are formulated in state space form. This enables the system to be expressed as a set of coupled linear differential equations. These equations are assembled into structured system matrices that show the interactions between pressure, flow rate, and component dynamics. This representation allows for numerical implementation and scalability to complex systems with multiple components. System behavior is analyzed …
Laser-Based Optical Communications For Spacecraft Information Transfer,
2026
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Laser-Based Optical Communications For Spacecraft Information Transfer, Ibrahim Arnous
Discovery Day - Daytona Beach
This course-based, in-progress project explores optical communications as a spacecraft subsystem and examines how light-based systems can be used to transmit information in space. As modern missions demand faster and more efficient data transfer, optical communications have emerged as an important area of interest alongside traditional communication methods. The purpose of this project is to study the role of optical communication in spacecraft design, with attention to its principles, advantages, limitations, and broader relevance to future missions. Using a comparative and research-based approach, the project investigates how these systems function, what engineering challenges they introduce, and why they are becoming …
Modeling Seiche Oscillations Using Damped Vibration Differential Equations,
2026
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Modeling Seiche Oscillations Using Damped Vibration Differential Equations, Sharjeel Malik, Justin Della
Discovery Day - Daytona Beach
Combustion instability in liquid rocket engines is driven by coupling acoustic pressure oscillations and unsteady heat release. To achieve specific desired outcomes, small perturbations can be made to either decay or grow, depending on system dynamics and artificial parameters. Using a linearized eigenvalue framework, where eigenvalues determine growth/decay rates and frequencies, and eigenvectors describe spatial mode shapes and couplings between pressure, velocity, and heat release, a mathematical model can be derived to describe said behavior for a cross-section of the rocket engine. The Rayleigh criterion is used to identify conditions under which energy is added to oscillations, while flame transfer …
Navier Stokes Pressure Drop Derivation,
2026
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Navier Stokes Pressure Drop Derivation, Brayden Benedetti, Gedaliah Dimbert, Jaden Turobiner
Discovery Day - Daytona Beach
Accurate prediction of pressure losses in propellant and fluid feed systems is essential for reliable design and operation of aerospace and industrial flow networks. This project presents a systematic derivation of a practical pressure drop calculator for a feed system using isopropyl alcohol, beginning from the fundamental conservation laws and culminating in an engineering-level computational model. Starting with the differential form of the Navier–Stokes equations for incompressible flow, the governing equations are simplified through a series of physically justified assumptions, including steady-state flow, negligible body forces, and fully developed internal flow within circular piping. The resulting momentum balance is reduced …
Application Of Navier Stokes In Cfd,
2026
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Application Of Navier Stokes In Cfd, Hayden Kerkhoff, Gavin Palmer, Garret Seckinger
Discovery Day - Daytona Beach
This project investigates the use of 2-Dimensional Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to analyze aerodynamic behavior, then compare data with the numerical solution of the Navier–Stokes equations run by MATLAB. By leveraging open‑source and possible industry CFD platforms—including OpenFOAM and commercial solvers such as ANSYS Fluent and Inventor Professional—the study evaluates how computational methods simulate, optimize, and predict key aerodynamic quantities such as lift, drag, stall angle, and Reynolds number. The project focuses on modeling an airflow over specific parameters, such as different angles of attacks and ISA Atmospheric Conditions. Parametric variations in density, angle of attack, chord length, and temperature …
Cavitation In Pumps And Propellers: Causes, Effects, Prevention, And Future Trends,
2026
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Cavitation In Pumps And Propellers: Causes, Effects, Prevention, And Future Trends, Gillian Negron Burgos, Olivia Wilson
Discovery Day - Daytona Beach
In this research, we will explore cavitation in pumps and propellers, including its causes, effects on system performance, prevention methods, and future engineering solutions. Cavitation occurs when the local pressure of a flowing liquid drops below its vapor pressure, forming vapor-filled bubbles that collapse and damage mechanical components. Disciplines such as fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and materials science contribute to understanding and mitigating cavitation in fluid machinery. When vapor bubbles collapse near metal surfaces, they generate localized shock waves that cause pitting, erosion, vibration, and noise. These effects reduce efficiency, increase maintenance requirements, and shorten the lifespan of rotating machinery used …
Numerical Modeling Of Badminton Shuttlecock Trajectories,
2026
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Numerical Modeling Of Badminton Shuttlecock Trajectories, Lola G. Torres, Cassandra Pumphrey, Jadyn Peterson, Domenic Barsotti
Discovery Day - Daytona Beach
The Trajectory of a badminton Shuttlecock can vary significantly when compared to a classic projectile motion, primarily due to aerodynamic drag. This project aims to model the flight of the shuttlecock using Newton's second law for gravitational and drag related forces, resulting in a nonlinear system of a first order differential equation. The given parameters include the shuttlecock mass, cross-sectional area, air density, as well as the drag coefficient, determining the overall magnitude of the drag force. The resulting initial value problem is solved numerically using a multitude of Runge_Kutta methods to compare the accuracy and stability across different computational …
Motion With Air Resistance,
2026
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Motion With Air Resistance, Gauge Mccain, Jacob Bealefeld, Francesca Wise
Discovery Day - Daytona Beach
The motion of objects moving through air is influenced not only by gravity but also by air resistance, which affects the speed and acceleration of the object over time. This project examines the motion of a falling object by modeling it with an ordinary differential equation that accounts for both gravitational force and a resistive drag force proportional to velocity. Using Newton’s Second Law, a first-order differential equation is derived to describe how the velocity of the object changes as it falls. The solution of this equation demonstrates how the velocity increases initially and gradually approaches a constant value known …
Engineering Path Trajectories With Gravitational Fields,
2026
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Engineering Path Trajectories With Gravitational Fields, Eliane Dean, Aidan Hart, Isabel Noot, Nathan Browning, Valeria Villazon Fito
Discovery Day - Daytona Beach
This project explores how vector calculus concepts play a role in aerospace engineering though spacecraft trajectory design. In particular, the notion of vector fields is used to model the gravitational force, whose work done is expressed through line integrals. By taking the curl of the gravitational field and showing it is zero, the field is recognised as conservative, implying that the work done by gravity is path independent. This property is conceptually linked to gravitational potential energy and the principle of energy conservation. The results are then applied to spacecraft motion, where engineers use energy-base methods to determine efficient trajectories …
Modelling Quadcopter Thrust And Torque Using Lu-Decomposition,
2026
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Modelling Quadcopter Thrust And Torque Using Lu-Decomposition, Diya Patil
Discovery Day - Daytona Beach
3 & 4 motor systems have been in the world of aviation in many different forms as the field grows and evolves. To understand the complexities of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) and its stability, assessing the amount of thrust put into each motor can help generate the torque produced despite factors such as multidirectional movement. While a UAV does this multiple times a second, producing a simplified version of this calculation can aid in simpler models simulating UAV movement. Due to the popularity of the quadcopter drone, a simple algorithm depicting thrust through each spinning motor can aid in …
Simulations Of Phugoid Motion Of Jal 123,
2026
Gordon College - Barnesville
Simulations Of Phugoid Motion Of Jal 123, Dereth J J. Drake Scheuermann
Georgia Journal of Science
Airplanes rely on a balance between the four forces of flight: lift, weight, thrust, and drag. If these forces are balanced, the airplane will remain stable. However, if structurally or systematically compromised, the motion can rapidly become unstable. In the aviation industry, mistakes in repairs and aircraft design can lead to accidents causing the loss of life in some cases. In this article, we will be analyzing what happened 70 Japan Airlines flight 123 and how the flight’s motion deteriorated due to a defective repair. More specifically, we will discuss the aerodynamic effects of phugoid motion and how it developed …
Feasibility And Performance Of Aerogravity Assists For Ceres Missions,
2026
University of Colorado, Boulder
Feasibility And Performance Of Aerogravity Assists For Ceres Missions, Divinaa E. Burder
International Journal of Aviation, Aeronautics, and Aerospace
This work investigates the feasibility and performance of aerogravity assist (AGA) maneuvers for missions to Ceres, with emphasis on both interplanetary trajectory design and atmospheric flight dynamics. AGAs provide substantially greater turning capability than pure gravity assists by exploiting aerodynamic lift during atmospheric passes, thereby enabling greater heliocentric energy changes than pure gravity assists. To quantify these benefits, this study integrates a broad interplanetary trajectory search with high-fidelity atmospheric performance modeling. Candidate trajectories for launch years 2030–2050 are generated for multiple inner-planet encounter sequences using vehicles with lift-to-drag ratios (L/D) between 1 and 7. Atmospheric flight segments are simulated using …
