Development And Testing Of An 8-Bit Digitally Throttled Hybrid Rocket Motor,
2024
Utah State University
Development And Testing Of An 8-Bit Digitally Throttled Hybrid Rocket Motor, Trevor W. Coombs
All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present
Hybrid rocket motors that use a solid fuel grain and liquid oxidizer are low-cost and safer alternatives to traditional rocket motors. Another benefit of hybrid rocket motors is that during a burn, the amount of oxidizer into the combustion chamber can be changed, this capability is called throttling. To take advantage of the throttling ability of hybrid rocket motors, a throttling valve made up of 8 individually controlled valves is designed, developed, and tested, which is documented in this thesis. The results of the testing campaign show that the 8-bit digital throttling valve technology is an effective throttling technology and …
Oxider To Fuel Ratio Shift Compensation Via Vortex Strength Control In Hybrid Rocket Motors,
2024
Utah State University
Oxider To Fuel Ratio Shift Compensation Via Vortex Strength Control In Hybrid Rocket Motors, Max W. Francom
All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present
Hybrid motors have existed as a hypothetical propulsion system for decades in a wide range of upper stage rocket motors due to their simple, robust, non-toxic, and versatile nature. However, inherent to hybrids is Oxidizer to Fuel ratio (O/F) shift over time, which results in performance losses for the majority of the rocket’s lifetime. The purpose of this study is to develop a hybrid rocket motor capable of manipulating O/F at will, resulting in an engine which eliminates the undesirable effects of O/F shift. By developing and refining a numerical simulation, a novel injector system, and an open-loop control scheme, …
Development, Modeling, Identification, And Control Of Tilt-Rotor Evtol Aircraft,
2024
Utah State University
Development, Modeling, Identification, And Control Of Tilt-Rotor Evtol Aircraft, Clayton T. Spencer
All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present
This thesis includes the development, modeling, identification, and control of an electric-Vertical-Take-Off-and-Landing (eVTOL) aircraft with tiltable rotors. The front two rotors have tilting capability for transition flight from vertical-take-off to forward-level flight. This work details the development of an eVTOL aircraft and the selection of sub components such as electric motors, batteries, and controllers. After the aircraft build, mathematical model is derived to describe the motion of the aircraft. Unknown parameters in the mathematical model are identified using a Least-Squares-regression (LSR) method that can handle parameter constraints. This is done using real flight data collected from the aircraft. Lastly, this …
Meta Project: Construction, Validation, And Flight Testing Of A New Meta Aircraft Design,
2024
University of South Alabama
Meta Project: Construction, Validation, And Flight Testing Of A New Meta Aircraft Design, William Andrew Wearren
Honors Theses
Meta aircraft are a type of aircraft that can connect via wingtip, nose-to-tail, or both wingtip and nose-to-tail in order to create a lattice of aircraft that can fly together to a site, detach, survey different areas, and then reattach for flight back to the main base. The project started at the Georgia Institute of Technology with Dr. Carlos Montalvo and is being continued at the University of South Alabama Facility for Aerospace Systems and Technology Lab. This paper seeks to theoretically verify the new aircraft design for the META project, complete the development of the design, and to experimentally …
A Study Of Varying Dielectric Constant And Thickness Of Dielectric Barrier Discharge Devices And Their Subsequent Plasma Actuation,
2024
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
A Study Of Varying Dielectric Constant And Thickness Of Dielectric Barrier Discharge Devices And Their Subsequent Plasma Actuation, Sharon Kardasz
Mechanical Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses
The principles of air-breathing ion propulsion are relatively unestablished in the aerodynamic realm as traditional forms of combustion for propulsion systems have remained in use. However, due to increasing environmental, economic, and efficiency concerns of traditional combustion, interests in innovative propulsion methodologies, such as electric propulsion, are emerging. A primary technology of interest for use of ion propulsion is the Dielectric Barrier Discharge Device (DBD). Preliminary research conducted at the University of Arkansas has determined the most favorable DBD geometry. This work will continue the preliminary research to decipher the most favorable DBD configuration by varying dielectric thickness and dielectric …
Cosmic Object Space Management Operations System (C.O.S.M.O.S.),
2024
Kennesaw State University
Cosmic Object Space Management Operations System (C.O.S.M.O.S.), Riah Ivy, Tyler Bumpus, Gabriel Soter
Senior Design Project For Engineers
In the expansive realm of outer space, humanity has ventured into new territories, yet this progress is accompanied by challenges. Among the most significant challenges confronting space exploration today is the growing amount of space debris within low earth orbit. Satellites, spent rocket stages, and assorted fragments orbiting Earth present a considerable hazard to spacecraft and astronauts, and this issue is steadily worsening. For years, the task of remedying this orbital congestion has remained formidable and unresolved. This design provides a novel and innovative solution to this growing problem.
Relations Between Printability And Rheology In A Ceramic Paste Extrusion Process,
2024
University of Texas at El Paso
Relations Between Printability And Rheology In A Ceramic Paste Extrusion Process, Nicholas Durand
Open Access Theses & Dissertations
Ceramic additive manufacturing (AM) uses the same fundamentals as material extrusion (MEX) that utilizes polymers or resins for printing applications. Ceramic AM uses the same process of slicing an STL file to determine a toolpath for the printer that will facilitate material deposition to manufacture full parts; ceramic AM also provides a low-cost advantage when compared to processes that require high powered lasers for melting metal powders or heated nozzles used for dispensing thermoplastics. Despite having the similar design freedom and ability for rapid prototyping that other printing methods benefit from with the addition of low cost, ceramic AM has …
Development Of A Digital Engineering Testing Framework For Cubesat Applications,
2024
University of Texas at El Paso
Development Of A Digital Engineering Testing Framework For Cubesat Applications, Javier Alberto Martell
Open Access Theses & Dissertations
Digital Engineering (DE) is playing an important and expanded role in todayâ??s industry. As engineering systems become more and more complex with each new iteration, the need for a more efficient and agile methodology for project management and development is needed. The SleeperSat-1 (SPST-1) is a Modular Open System Architecture (MOSA) type of small satellite being developed by the UTEP Aerospace Center. The SPST-1 will mostly use digital engineering tools for its lifecycle research and development. CubeSats require rigorous environmental testing not only to ensure the success of the mission, but also to ensure the safety of the crew, space …
Modeling Of Rotor Wake Vortex Dynamics And Interactions In Non-Homogenous Vertiport Environments,
2024
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Modeling Of Rotor Wake Vortex Dynamics And Interactions In Non-Homogenous Vertiport Environments, Garrison P. Shaw
Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses
The current research serves to analyze and study the effects ground forces can have on the thrust performance of a propeller in multiple different configurations. The current research utilizes an open source Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software known as OpenFOAM to generate calculate and visualize these runs. The model used for this experiment is a hybrid model that employs both a Unsteady Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (URANS) and a detached eddy simulation using a hybrid Large Eddy Simulation (LES) via a KomegaSSTDDES model. This model serves to save computational time as well as allow for accurate results. The three cases run are …
Principles And Practices For Creating Inherently Resilient Smallsats Despite Constrained Resources,
2024
Space Dymamics Laboratory
Principles And Practices For Creating Inherently Resilient Smallsats Despite Constrained Resources, Lee Jasper, Tyler De Caussin
Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications
Over the past few years, small satellites have become heavily utilized for both constellations and single vehicle missions. Many organizations have learned how to be successful with these platforms however, while small, they are not simple systems and first-time creators of these systems still suffer high rates of failure. AFRL's Small Satellite Portfolio has established guiding practices/principles for satellite design that help reduce overall mission risk based upon both community and internal lessons learned. These principles help make the design technically resilient and can also help with programmatic execution. This paper will discuss the principles with some detail (such as …
Numerical Simulations Of Supersonic/ Hypersonic Flows In Compression Corners And A Hypersonic Flow Study Of Atmospheric Entry Of Mars Science Laboratory Capsule,
2024
Washington University in St. Louis
Numerical Simulations Of Supersonic/ Hypersonic Flows In Compression Corners And A Hypersonic Flow Study Of Atmospheric Entry Of Mars Science Laboratory Capsule, Dexter Allen
McKelvey School of Engineering Graduate Student Theses & Dissertations
This thesis consists of two related parts. The first part is the study of supersonic/hypersonic flow in compression corners. The compression corners are simple geometries but rich in flow-features that can be challenging for accurate prediction of their flow fields in high-speed compressible flow using the Reynold-Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equations in conjunction with a turbulence model. At higher degrees of corner angles, there exists a shock-boundary layer interaction region which includes a significant recirculation zone in the corner. In this thesis, experimentally available test cases for compression corner at Mach 3, 8, and 11 at various corner angles are modeled …
System Identification For Motion Control Of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Platform,
2024
Florida Institute of Technology
System Identification For Motion Control Of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Platform, Raj Ramesh Agarwal
Theses and Dissertations
Comprehensive research on Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) system identification for motion control parameters is presented in this thesis, with a focus on the necessity of precise control and improved performance. Using Pseudorandom Binary Sequence (PRBS) and Normally Distributed Random Numbers, it presents a unique technique for excitation of UAV dynamic systems. It also shows how effective random signals are in time-domain identification for precise control in a range of flying circumstances. The piece of research includes a thorough analysis and implementation of various approaches and its further improvements, highlighting the benefits and drawbacks of each. These approaches include the free …
A Comprehensive Investigation Of The Influence Of Geometric Structure On The Shape Memory Performance Of Nafion,
2024
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
A Comprehensive Investigation Of The Influence Of Geometric Structure On The Shape Memory Performance Of Nafion, Jade Thomas
Mechanical Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses
While perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA) membranes have primarily been used in fuel cells due to their chemical, thermal, and mechanical stability, one PFSA, Nafion, boasts two unique characteristics: a broad glass transition (~55 °C to 130 °C) and a temperature-persistent electrostatic network. The combination of these two characteristics endows Nafion with exceptional shape memory properties – the ability of a material to morph and transform into pre-programmed shapes when exposed to an external stimulus – with enhanced permanent shape memorization, and a potentially near-infinite number of temporary shape memorization. This study focused on expanding the base of knowledge surrounding Nafion’s shape …
An Investigation Into In-Flight Loss Of Control Accidents Due To Horizontal Stabilizer Changes On The Piper Cherokee,
2024
Florida Institute of Technology
An Investigation Into In-Flight Loss Of Control Accidents Due To Horizontal Stabilizer Changes On The Piper Cherokee, Connor John Geran
Theses and Dissertations
Loss of Control (LOC) while in-flight in General Aviation (GA) has been the subject of intense research by academic institutions and regulatory agencies in recent years [4] [9] [11] [19] [20] [21]. This interest is primarily due to a disproportionate number of all aircraft accidents occurring within the GA category of flight, with 94% of accidents in 2022 occurring within GA, caused primarily by pilot LOC, with 42% of accidents having LOC as the listed cause. Research into this subject at FIT yielded the results that many common GA aircraft tend to experience a strong pitch up response after undergoing …
Caelus: Cubesat Array For The Exploration Of The Uranus System,
2024
Florida Institute of Technology
Caelus: Cubesat Array For The Exploration Of The Uranus System, Dylan George Heidenrich Barnes
Theses and Dissertations
Following recommendations from the 2023-2032 Planetary Science and Astrobiology Decadal Survey, we propose a novel Pre-Phase A level Uranus exploration mission concept that is centered on using swarms of small spacecraft to observe the Uranus system. This mission could act as a supplement to the Flagship Uranus Orbiter and Probe mission detailed in said Decadal Survey. We propose launching a 4,500 kg spacecraft on an Earth-Jupiter-Uranus gravity assist transfer trajectory with a transfer time of six years, launching in 2033 and arriving at Uranus in 2039. This shorter transfer time and accelerated development timeline would allow for an earlier arrival …
High-Fidelity 3d Reconstruction Of Space Bodies Using Machine Learning And Neural Radiance Fields,
2024
Florida Institute of Technology
High-Fidelity 3d Reconstruction Of Space Bodies Using Machine Learning And Neural Radiance Fields, Timothy Jacob Huber
Theses and Dissertations
In the era of burgeoning space exploration, the growing population of spacecraft heightens the inevitability of collisions. While traditional imagery remains effective for damage assessment, its lack of 3D representation of the object necessitates more advanced approaches. This research delves into cutting-edge methodologies, with a primary focus on leveraging machine learning and computer vision technologies to enhance the precision and efficiency of damage assessment by taking imagery of a space body and creating a 3D model. The study extensively investigates TransMVSNet, a neural network code employing classical computer vision techniques such as multi-vision stereo (MVS) and depth maps. This approach …
Analysis Of The Temperature Dynamics In General Aviation Brake System,
2024
Florida Institute of Technology
Analysis Of The Temperature Dynamics In General Aviation Brake System, Rajnea Anthony Coley
Theses and Dissertations
As aircraft brakes are subjected to intense heat generation during landings and braking maneuvers, comprehending the temperature dynamics is essential for ensuring optimal performance, longevity, and, most importantly, the safety of flight operations. This paper dives into understanding heating and cooling in the brake systems of the Piper Aircraft PA28. In order to investigate the thermal behavior of aircraft brake components, this study evaluates a variety of general aviation braking scenarios, from light to heavy braking, including stop-and-go landings, full-stop taxi backs, and continuous braking while taxiing. It was noticeable that light braking exhibits slight temperature increases and cooling rates. …
Experimental And Numerical Analysis Of Laminar And Transitional Flow Through Annular Corrugated Pipes,
2024
Florida Institute of Technology
Experimental And Numerical Analysis Of Laminar And Transitional Flow Through Annular Corrugated Pipes, Joseph Russell Sargent
Theses and Dissertations
This dissertation presents studies on pressure loss through annular corrugated pipes to determine a friction factor coefficient using nitrogen. Ten different corrugated pipes’ geometries were evaluated via testing and experimentation. The ratio of corrugation height to inner diameter varied from 0.233 to 0.333 and the ratio of corrugation pitch to inner diameter varied from 0.181 to 0.446. Nitrogen flow rates between 0.25 to 94.4 standard liters per minute were used, resulting in Reynolds numbers, based on the corrugated pipe inner diameter, from 100 to 23,000. The experimental set-up was validated using smooth-pipe pressure loss measurements and the derived friction factor …
Deep Learning System Identification, Linearization And Control Of Dynamical Systems Utilizing Koopman Theory With Applications In Orbital Systems,
2024
Florida Institute of Technology
Deep Learning System Identification, Linearization And Control Of Dynamical Systems Utilizing Koopman Theory With Applications In Orbital Systems, George Mario Nehma
Theses and Dissertations
The computational and complexity burden of current linearization techniques is one that is a hinderance in the application of real world guidance, navigation and control systems. With the advancements in Deep Neural Networks, large data handling and Koopman Theory, the possibility of global linearizations of nonlinear systems is more prominent. This work demonstrates the capability of a Deep Neural Network learned Koopman operator to transform a nonlinear system into a Linear Time-Invariant system. The method presented is applied to both two purely dynamical systems and one controlled system to emphasize the ability for the technique to be applied in all …
Multifidelity Comparison Of Supersonic Wave Drag Prediction Methods Using Axisymmetric Bodies †,
2024
Utah State University
Multifidelity Comparison Of Supersonic Wave Drag Prediction Methods Using Axisymmetric Bodies †, Troy Abraham, David Lazzara, Douglas Hunsaker
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Student Publications and Presentations
Low-fidelity analytic and computational wave drag prediction methods assume linear aerodynamics and small perturbations to the flow. Hence, these methods are typically accurate for only very slender geometries. The present work assesses the accuracy of these methods relative to high-fidelity Euler, compressible computational-fluid-dynamics solutions for a set of axisymmetric geometries with varying radius-to-length ratios (R/L). Grid-resolution studies are included for all computational results to ensure grid-resolved results. Results show that the low-fidelity analytic and computational methods match the Euler CFD predictions to around a single drag count (~1.0 × 10–4) for geometries with R/L ≤ 0.05 …
