Aerospace Engineering Commons^™

Production Box Cost Estimating Relationships For Dod Avionics, Carla J. Cisneros, Edward D. White, Brandon M. Lucas, Jonathan D. Ritschel, Robert D. Fass, Shawn M. Valentine

Faculty Publications

The authors use historical information obtained from the Cost Assessment Data Enterprise to estimate recurring production unit cost for DoD avionics via cost estimating relationships (CERs). The specific modeled responses include mean unit cost, median unit cost, and the 100th production unit cost (T100) utilizing learning curve theory. For T100, the authors adopt both a multiplicative and an additive error for CER comparison. Recommended CERs consist of the mean unit cost and the T100 utilizing a multiplicative error. Moreover, results reveal that weight has a significant effect on cost as well as a potential underaccounting of real price change or …

A Feedforward Kinematic Error Controller With An Angular Positioning Deviations Model For Backlash Compensation Of Industrial Robots, Mitchell R. Woodside, Tian Hao Cui, John Emelko, Soichi Ibaraki, Robert G. Landers, Douglas A. Bristow

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The accuracy of industrial robots, typically on the order of several millimeters, has inhibited their adoption in advanced aerospace manufacturing applications, such as robotic machining. For this reason, extensive investigations have been conducted to develop solutions to improve their accuracy. These solutions can be categorized into offline and online compensation strategies, both of which have advantages and limitations. Offline compensation has been shown to improve the accuracy of industrial robots by two to three orders of magnitude; however, the sensitivity of these solutions to environmental changes and external disturbances can degrade their performance. In contrast, online compensation, which utilizes real-time …

Impact-Free Gaits For Planar Bipeds: Changing Walking Speed And Gait, Aakash Khandelwal, Nilay Kant, Ranjan Mukherjee

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The problems of changing the walking speed and stride length of impact-free gaits for point-foot planar bipeds are addressed. The impact-free gaits are designed using an approach developed in prior work. It is shown that the impulse controlled Poincaré map (ICPM) approach can be modified to transition between orbits defining gaits with different walking speeds, and the continuous controller can be changed during the swing phase to transition between gaits that have distinct stride lengths. The effectiveness of the approaches is demonstrated using simulations carried out on a five-link biped.

Cryogenic Fuel Applications To Sustainable Commercial Aircraft, Jack R. Kisling, Lillian Panning

College of Engineering Summer Undergraduate Research Program

Finding a source of clean and renewable energy is one of the greatest challenges humanity will face in the 21st century. With populations expanding, developing countries increasing their use of resources, and the rapid and alarming effects of climate change, a shift to a sustainable future is an existential prospect.

The goal of our project is to take the first steps toward getting safety procedures and lab space established, so mechanical engineering senior projects can quickly begin to experiment with cryogenic fuels. They will explore the application of cryogenic fuels to commercial aviation.

Development Of Python Library For Spacecraft Modeling, Shreya Kale

College of Engineering Summer Undergraduate Research Program

This project involved developing a python library to be used in modeling spacecraft attitude dynamics and control

Attitude Control Of A Flexible Flapping Wing Uav Based On Fuzzy Logic, Reed M. Paulson, Tyson Chen, Diego Del Real, Nico Morrison

College of Engineering Summer Undergraduate Research Program

This project revolves around creating an a attitude controller for a hovering flexible flapping wing UAV that is based on a flying hummingbird. We based our model from a paper by Banazadeh and Taymourtash1 , First replicating the open-loop results using the nonlinear dynamic model and the equations of motion (seen below) while considering aerodynamic loads. Once replicated, we then used fuzzy logic to model the dynamic model. Subsequently, we designed a fuzzy controller to stabilize the hovering mode. We then considered and detailed future work needed to make further progress in this area.

In-Situ Characterization And Machine Learning Applications For Composite Processing, Pragathi Agraharam Chan

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

Numerous aircraft and spacecrafts utilize carbon fiber-reinforced polymer structures to significantly enhance their operational efficiency and overall performance. Autoclave composite processing offers a solution for the intricate design of complex structures. However, the rapid temperature and strain fluctuations experienced during the processing gives rise to a multitude of defects and residual stresses in the composite. In this study, we have devised an in-situ methodology that leverages Digital Image Correlation (DIC) and Machine Learning Applications to effectively observe and track defect deformations occurring throughout the process. This process presents a dataset derived from the curing process of 40 carbon fiber-reinforced polymer …

Ridds: Removal Of Irregular Debris Using Double Nets, Kayann Coote

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

The quantity of debris in Earth’s orbit is increasing at an alarming rate, and without a sustainable solution, this will detriment the space environment, impacting the future of space travel and space traffic management. While numerous debris removal concepts and designs have been proposed, very few have made it to actual flight tests, and none can remove debris at a fast enough rate to stop debris growth. For debris currently in orbit, most proposed systems are costly on a large scale and cannot adapt to the wide variety of debris shape and geometry and tumbling. The purpose of the proposed …

Model Predictive Control For Autonomous Landing In Complex Scenarios, Konstantinos Sotirakos

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

The autonomous flight industry is ever-expanding and continuing to push the boundaries of what is possible within the limitations of technology. Multiple companies are exploring the use of autonomous flight for intra-city travel with air taxi services and package delivery vehicles. Other companies are exploring the use of autonomous vehicles for military applications, such as Sikorsky with a next generation Black Hawk helicopter to ensure the safety of soldiers in high threat or altogether dangerous scenarios. In this thesis model predictive control (MPC) algorithms are developed to enable a quadcopter to operate and land autonomously in challenging environments. Specifically, MPC …

Dynamic Estimation Of Large-Scale Flow Events In Open Cavity Flows, Alexandre Mota

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

Flow over an open cavity has a dynamically complex flowfield, generating pressure fluctuations that can amplify shear stress and cause structural damage to the stores within it and the aircraft as a whole. These pressure loads are linked to large-scale resonant shear layer phenomena. Consequently, it is crucial to establish this link by characterizing the large-scale flow events conditional upon pressure measurements to improve the prediction and control of the detrimental pressure fluctuations. In this study, a link between the pressure measurements (to control) and large-scale shear layer events (to actuate) will be established using a combination of two data-driven …

Adaptive Control And Estimation Of The Center Of Mass Of A 5-Degree-Of-Freedom Spacecraft Testbed, Pol Fontdegloria Balaguer

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

In space applications, on-ground experimentation is an essential step in control algorithm validation before real mission application. However, on-ground conditions greatly differ from space ones, where satellites operate under extremely low gravity and friction conditions. A common way to simulate these conditions is with air-bearing-based testbeds. These testbeds reduce friction significantly to almost space-like conditions. Air-bearing technology can provide virtually frictionless translational and rotational motion. However, when frictionless rotational motion is achieved, the testbed becomes highly sensible gravity torque. This external torque is produced by the offset between the predetermined geometrical center of rotation (CoR) and the center …

Overcoming Contamination Obstacles In Additive Manufacturing A Monolithic Propulsion Structure For The Sunrise Mission, Holly Walen, Emma Brown, Robert Fowler

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

The SunRISE propulsion system utilizes an additively manufactured monolithic structure containing a main tank, plenum, and six thrusters. The complex design geometry and novel manufacturing approach of this structure lends itself to several problems, primarily related to the consistent fabrication of the thruster channels. Standard cleaning methods for stereolithography printing were inadequate to meet program requirements for this structure, leading to the development of a rigorous cleaning approach and intermediate characterization of the thruster throughput during the manufacturing process. In this paper, we present the cleaning and characterization approach that lent to the successful manufacturing of the SunRISE propulsion structure.

Suppression Of Dynamic Aeroelastic Response Of A Semispan Wing Using Traditional And Distributed Sensing, James Ramey

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Characterization and management of aeroelastic effects are a vital part of aircraft design. Mitigation of these effects often includes control systems to suppress the vibrations. Control systems are constantly being developed and improved, with one such avenue of development being new sensing systems that can increase the information fed into the controller. Fiber Optic Strain Sensing (FOSS) technology is one such system that utilizes Fiber Bragg Gratings (FBGs) on a fiber optic cable to sense the strain on structural elements. This system has promise as a high-density feedback device, and the maturation of the technology has allowed assessment of its …

Computer Based Modeling For Small E-Vtol Propeller Performance, Ege Konuk

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

The emerging field of urban air mobility (UAM) offers a novel transportation method for civil, commercial, and military applications. Vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) configurations present challenges for performance prediction during crucial flight operations. An advanced computational framework for predicting propeller performance in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft during transition flight is essential for future concept designs. This research extends the Blade Element Momentum Theory (BEMT) to model propeller behavior at high incidence angles, crucial for eVTOL operation.

The study begins with a review of tilt-wing/rotor configurations for eVTOLs and tackles the complex aerodynamic phenomena associated with rotors …

Boosting Predictive Accuracy Of Single Particle Models For Lithium-Ion Batteries Using Machine Learning, Emmanuel Olugbade, Jonghyun Park

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The accuracy of single particle (SP) models for lithium-ion batteries at high C-rates is constrained by lithium concentration gradients in the electrolyte, which affect ionic conductivity, overpotential, and reaction rates. This study addresses these limitations using extreme gradient boosting machine learning (ML). By training our ML model with data from a comprehensive electrochemical (P2D) model and performing sensitivity analysis on key battery parameters, we enhance predictive accuracy. Compared to conventional SP and P2D models under constant current loading, our ML-based SP model achieves similar predictive accuracy to P2D, with significant improvements in computational efficiency. Additionally, the ML-based SP model demonstrates …

Atmospheric Waves Experiment (Awe) Advanced Mesopheric Temperature Mapper (Amtm) Optical System Design, Alignment, And Image Quality Verification, James Champagne, Roy Esplin, Tyrel Rupp, Greg Hopkins, Burt Lamborn, Erik Syrstad, Mike Holt, Matt Ralphs

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

The AWE AMTM is a wide field-of-view (WFOV) infrared imaging radiometer designed for use in measuring the P₁(2) and P₁(4) emission lines of the earths OH layer. From these measurements, the atmospheric temperature is determined and finally images of gravity waves will be produced as the AWE field of view transverses the OH layer. Designed, built, and characterized by Utah State University (USU) and its Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL), the sensor has been externally mounted to the International Space Station (ISS) looking nadir. Images will be collected and analyzed for a minimum of two years. The …

Self-Oxidation Of The Atmospheres Of Rocky Planets With Implications For The Origin Of Life, Anders Johansen, Eloi Camprubi, Elishevah Van Kooten, H. Jens Hoeijmakers

School of Integrative Biological & Chemical Sciences Faculty Publications

Rocky planets may acquire a primordial atmosphere by the outgassing of volatiles from their magma ocean. The distribution of O between H2O, CO, and CO2 in chemical equilibrium subsequently changes significantly with decreasing temperature. We consider here two chemical models: one where CH4 and NH3 are assumed to be irrevocably destroyed by photolysis and second where these molecules persist. In the first case, we show that CO cannot coexist with H2O, since CO oxidizes at low temperatures to form CO2 and H2. In both cases, H escapes from the thermosphere within a few 10 million years by absorption of stellar …

Redwater Test Data, Paul Van Susante, Kris Zacny

Michigan Tech Research Data

The RedWater mission is to extract water from subterranean glaciers found on Mars. Honeybee robotics has contracted the PSTDL to conduct small scale tests in order to collect data on the power consumed by a high-density cartridge heater to melt through cryogenic clear ice at Martian atmospheric pressure.

A Panel Data Regression Model For Defense Merger And Acquisition Activity, Corey D. Mack, Clay Koschnick, Michael Brown, Jonathan D. Ritschel, Brandon M. Lucas

Faculty Publications

Excerpt: This paper examines the relationship between a prime contractor's financial health and its mergers and acquisitions (M&A) spending in the defense industry. It aims to provide models that give the United States Department of Defense (DoD) indications of future M&A activity, informing decision-makers and contributing to ensuring competitive markets that benefit the consumer.

The results show a significant relationship between efficiency and M&A spending, indicating that companies with lower efficiency tend to spend more on M&As. However, there was no significant relationship between M&A spending and a company's profitability or solvency. These results were consistent with previous research and …

Experimental Study Of Drag Characteristics And Dust Removal Performance Of A Hybrid Wet-Filter Precipitator, Hang Yi, Zifeng Yang, Deqiang Chang, Xinjiao Tian, Jingxian Liu

Mechanical and Materials Engineering Faculty Publications

With their advantages of high dust removal efficiency and low drag characteristics, hybrid wet-filter precipitators have great potential for dust control in coal mines, but the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. In this study, to help fill this knowledge gap, a hybrid wet-filter precipitator consisting of a 40-layer metal filter and a defogger device is designed and a prototype is constructed. Experiments are conducted to investigate its drag characteristics under wind velocities from 0.85 to 5.68 m/s and its dust removal performance under wind velocities of 2 and 4 m/s. On the basis of results with the initial design, …