Short Strand Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polylactic Acid Filament For Additive Manufacturing,
2024
The University of Akron
Short Strand Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polylactic Acid Filament For Additive Manufacturing, Dale Chenoweth, Lukas Seggi, Luke Phillips
Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects
In this design project, the additive manufacturing filament of short strand carbon fiber (SSCF) reinforced polylactic acid (PLA) composite was developed. The micro-size, precision cut SSCFs were mixed with the PLA pellets through a melting homogenization process. Through this process the composite material block is cut and divided into pieces for ease of pelletizing. The material block pieces are then pelletized to be fed through the single screw extruder to develop the SSCF-PLA composite filament. The SSCF-PLA filaments were manufactured with a varying amount of SSCF ranging from 0.5% to 10% of the material block's weight. Development of a 1% …
Inspection/Fault Detection Team,
2024
The University of Akron
Inspection/Fault Detection Team, James Worrall
Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects
Our project deals with a common problem that is encountered with satellites in earth orbit or beyond. It is very common in space for there to be small collisions between satellites and foreign space debris, and it takes a lot of time and money to send a person out to repair the damage caused by the collision. Our goal is to develop a way to perform these repairs autonomously. We plan to develop a way to scan a satellite or spacecraft hull for damage using a robot and then repair the damage while still maintaining the material specifications required for …
Space Force Spacecraft Hull Inspection: Creation Of A Process To Inspect, Compare, And Fault Detect On The Surface Of A Spacecraft Hull,
2024
The University of Akron
Space Force Spacecraft Hull Inspection: Creation Of A Process To Inspect, Compare, And Fault Detect On The Surface Of A Spacecraft Hull, Ethan Rainsburg
Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects
The Space Force Inspection design project aims to create a system for scanning the hull of a spacecraft, identifying any damage by cross-checking the new scan with a previous scan, and fixing any identified damage picked up by the scan. This project contains key objectives such as defining testable parameters for any given scanner, creating a repeatable process for comparing scans, and automating the process using open-source code and software. The ideal outcome for this project is to have the fully automated system implemented to a robot that is being designed and manufactured by a sister team. Some of the …
Uav To Carry Heavy Loads,
2024
The University of Akron
Uav To Carry Heavy Loads, Jacob Cannon, Robert Connor Downs, Anthony Orlando
Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects
Our senior design project aims to develop an innovative Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) capable of carrying heavy payloads up to 50 lbs. This UAV will address the growing demand for efficient and autonomous cargo transportation, unlocking new possibilities in logistics and remote deliveries. The primary goal is to design, build, and test a robust UAV platform equipped with advanced propulsion systems, stabilizing mechanisms, and a secure payload attachment system. The heavy-lift UAV will be capable of transporting payloads in challenging environments, enhancing its versatility for various industries, including emergency response, disaster relief, and commercial logistics. For the extent of this …
Ambient Temperature Strength Degradation Of A Ceramic Matrix Composite Due To Solid Particle Erosion,
2024
The University of Akron
Ambient Temperature Strength Degradation Of A Ceramic Matrix Composite Due To Solid Particle Erosion, Jonathan Clawson
Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects
Solid particle erosion (SPE) is an issue for aircraft exposed to hard, fine particles, such as sand or dust, that can be ingested into the engine at a high velocity without reaching their melting point, resulting in material removal. SPE can be attributed to the intake of particulate debris from the runway or from airborne particulates. The cumulative mass loss from SPE damage affects the structural integrity and performance of the engine; however, its effects on ceramic matrix composites (CMCs), that are being employed in the aerospace industry, are not well understood in literature. The limited SPE research studies that …
Systems Engineering In Zips Aero Design,
2024
The University of Akron
Systems Engineering In Zips Aero Design, Benjamin Kemal Sabic, Mathieu Kumiega
Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects
This research project has the goal of implementing systems engineering in the Zips Aero Design team at the University of Akron at a general member level. The use of systems engineering techniques will be employed to keep every member on track throughout the competition season. The deliverables of this project are the PDR, CDR, AIAA DBF Proposal, AIAA Technical Design Report, the Prototype Aircraft, and the Competition Aircraft.
Design Of An Experimental Solid Rocket Motor,
2024
The University of Akron
Design Of An Experimental Solid Rocket Motor, Johnathan Bettes, Andrew Fuller
Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects
This project utilizes mechanical and chemical principles to characterize propellant grains and to manufacture a custom nozzle to create experimental Solid Rocket Motors (SRMs) with a propellant called Angry Listerine. For the propellant grains, one major non-chemical factor that determines its thrust performance is the grain geometry, or the core of the grains for which hot gases flow through the propellant and out of the nozzle to further react with exposed chemical surfaces. The two kinds of grain geometries analyzed and tested in this report are called MoonBurner, an offset circular core, and Finocyl, a gear-shaped core. The nozzle for …
Integrated Organizational Machine Learning For Aviation Flight Data,
2024
Kansas State University
Integrated Organizational Machine Learning For Aviation Flight Data, Michael J. Pritchard, Austin T. Walden, Paul J. Thomas
Journal of Aviation/Aerospace Education & Research
Increased availability of data and computing power has allowed organizations to apply machine learning techniques to various fleet monitoring activities. Additionally, our ability to acquire aircraft data has increased due to the miniaturization of small form factor computing machines. Aircraft data collection processes contain many data features in the form of multivariate time series (continuous, discrete, categorical, etc.) which can be used to train machine learning models. Yet, three major challenges still face many flight organizations: 1) integration and automation of data collection frameworks, 2) data cleanup and preparation, and 3) developing an embedded machine learning framework. Data cleanup and …
Propulsion Heat Analysis Nuclear Trajectory Optimization (Phantom),
2024
The University of Akron
Propulsion Heat Analysis Nuclear Trajectory Optimization (Phantom), Ana Clecia Alves Almeida, Jonathan Davis, Ryan Dippolito
Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects
Interplanetary Travel requirements necessitate the use of increasingly complex propulsion systems. Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP) is a cutting-edge concept that holds immense potential for the future of space exploration. By utilizing nuclear fission to heat a propellant and generate thrust, NTP offers the potential for unprecedented efficiency, enabling faster interplanetary travel and extended mission capabilities. A nuclear thermal rocket engine is a type of propulsion system that utilizes the heat generated by a nuclear reactor to heat and expel a propellant, typically hydrogen, at high velocities to produce thrust. The engine consists of three main subsystems: the nuclear reactor, the …
Efficient Connectivity Management And Path Planning For Iot And Uav Networks,
2024
Virginia Commonwealth University
Efficient Connectivity Management And Path Planning For Iot And Uav Networks, Amirahmad Chapnevis
Theses and Dissertations
This dissertation explores how to better manage resources in mobile networks, especially for enhancing the performance of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV)-supported IoT networks. We explored ways to set up a flexible communication architecture that can handle large IoT deployments by making good use of mobile core network resources like bearers and data paths. We developed strategies that meet the needs of IoT networks and enhance network performance. We also developed and tested a system that combines traffic from several mobile devices that use the same user identity and network resources within the core mobile network. We used everyday smartphones, SIM …
Initial Solution Improvements To A Tethered Robotic Path Planner Using Random Geometric Graph Configurations And Biased Sampling,
2024
Michigan Technological University
Initial Solution Improvements To A Tethered Robotic Path Planner Using Random Geometric Graph Configurations And Biased Sampling, Austen J. Goddu
Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports
With NASA's ongoing efforts to establish a presence on the lunar surface to eventually move on to exploring mars, the development of intelligent robotic systems is more important than ever. The ability of robotics to explore hazardous and extreme terrain, coupled with long communication times from earth places an ever increasing need on more robust and efficient autonomy. Tethered robotics offer unique advantages to explore scientific targets both on the lunar and martian surfaces, capable of using their tether as a physical or metaphorical lifeline to allow the exploration of slopes, extreme dark regions, or areas in which wireless communication …
Analysis Of Variations In Flow-Independent Liquid Jet-In-Crossflow Injections,
2024
University of Central Florida
Analysis Of Variations In Flow-Independent Liquid Jet-In-Crossflow Injections, Michael Scott
Honors Undergraduate Theses
Liquid fuel injection is a critical mechanism for the deliverance of liquid fuel in contemporary aircraft propulsion combustion systems due to its outsized influence in providing optimal combustion conditions and improving overall aircraft efficiency and performance. Despite this, these liquid jet in crossflow (LJIC) systems are highly variable due to conditions in the jet and the surrounding airflow, leading to variability in performance behavior and inconsistency in fuel mixing and combustion efficiency. This has prompted the introduction of solid pintile obstructions of novel designs to provide a more flow-independent fuel injection scheme and decrease variability of the jet properties against …
Electronics Design For Krepe Atmospheric Entry Capsule Avionics,
2024
University of Kentucky
Electronics Design For Krepe Atmospheric Entry Capsule Avionics, Matt Ruffner
Theses and Dissertations--Electrical and Computer Engineering
This research documents the design, testing, and implementation of sensing, control, and communications subsystems for small atmospheric entry capsules. Atmospheric entry capsules pose a unique electronics design challenge given mission requirements, environmental constraints, and inherent risk involved in space based missions. Previous work on small satellites developed the CubeSat platform as a means of ensuring reliability after university-led small satellite missions experienced failures. The publication of the CubeSat platform allowed researchers to focus on the payload science utilizing a standardized form-factor and reusable electronics. Environmental and operational constraints of CubeSats and atmospheric entry capsules overlap and best-practices associated with building …
Computational Analysis Of A Naca 0012 Straight Wing At Various Reynolds Numbers Approaching Stall,
2024
Georgia Southern University
Computational Analysis Of A Naca 0012 Straight Wing At Various Reynolds Numbers Approaching Stall, John E. Crowe Iii
College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations
As the capabilities and power of computational resources improve with each passing year, the implementation of simulation in the field of aerospace engineering also increases due to its increased efficiency, as it allows for reducing both time and resources. In this study, a computational method is created and tested for determining and visualizing the effect of increasing flow velocity on a NACA 0012 3D wing as it approaches and reaches stall. For this study, the flow over a NACA 0012 3D wing is simulated using a Reynolds-averaged Navier Stokes simulation at angles of attack of 6, 8, 10, 12, and …
Orbit Determination Demonstration Using Onboard One-Way Radiometrics From The Iris Radio On The Capstone Mission,
2024
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Orbit Determination Demonstration Using Onboard One-Way Radiometrics From The Iris Radio On The Capstone Mission, Todd A. Ely, Anthony Zara, Dana Sorensen, Zaid J. Towfic, Connor Ott, Alec Forsman, John D. Baker
Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications
Onboard one-way radiometric tracking from an Iris Radio paired with a Chip Scale Atomic Clock (CSAC) on NASA’s CAPSTONE mission has been collected and demonstrated to be able to determine its near rectilinear halo orbit. This is a first-ever demonstration of one-way radiometric tracking originating from the DSN and being collected onboard a spacecraft. For CAPSTONE, the tracking data from the Iris/CSAC pair are shown to have sufficient accuracy to enable future autonomous radio navigation for missions with modest navigation requirements. This work will compare the space-based data with prior ground-based test results, as well as assess CAPSTONE’s orbit solution …
Target Size Estimation Through Sensor Fusion,
2024
Space Dynamics Laboratory
Target Size Estimation Through Sensor Fusion, Morgan Davidson, Cory Brinck, Kori Moore, Tanner Chase
Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications
Target size is an important quantity in both classification and multi-sensor target tracking applications, but it is often an unknown. In some imaging applications, target size is assumed based on classification results. This assumed size is sometimes used in the synthesis of range measurements from monocular imagery, based on the apparent target size that is observed. Range-from-apparent-size measurements may be the only range measurements available during times when sensors that produce range information (such as radar) are not available. This range-from-apparent-size approach is typically plagued by range bias in the resulting measurements due to several factors. In this work, we …
Ai-Based Defect Detection In Aerospace Ultrasonic Signals,
2024
Northern Illinois University
Ai-Based Defect Detection In Aerospace Ultrasonic Signals, Rami Issac Lake
Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations
Ensuring the safety and integrity of materials and structures throughout the manufacturing cycle is a critical concern across various industries, including aerospace, automotive, oiland gas, and civil engineering. Non-Destructive Inspection (NDI) techniques allow for the examination of materials without causing damage or alteration, enabling the early detection of potential issues before materials are utilized in the field. The inspection of fuselage composites presents a particular challenge due to their complex structures, diverse materials, and differences in thickness, making defect detection a challenging yet crucial task. Moreover, defects of various types and causes can emerge across all depths of the material …
Dynamics Of A 3-D Inlet/Isolator Measured With Fast Pressure-Sensitive Paint,
2024
University of Notre Dame
Dynamics Of A 3-D Inlet/Isolator Measured With Fast Pressure-Sensitive Paint, Andrew N. Bustard, Mark E. Noftz, Mitsugu Hasegawa, Hirotaka Sakaue, Joseph S. Jewell, Nicholas J. Bisek, Thomas J. Juliano
Publications
Fast pressure-sensitive paint (PSP) was applied to an inlet/isolator designed using the Osculating Internal Waverider Inlet with Parallel Streamlines (OIWPS) method. The dorsal isolator surface pressure was measured using anodized-aluminum PSP through transparent cast acrylic that makes up the ventral portion of the isolator. Temperature-sensitive paint was utilized to correct for the PSP’s temperature sensitivity. The model was tested under Mach 5.7 flow at Re = 8.5 ×106 /m and 10.2 ×106 /m in the AFOSR–Notre Dame Large Mach-6 Quiet Tunnel (ANDLM6QT) under conventional noise conditions. Flow phenomena, such as shocks originating in the inlet and flow separation at the …
Control Of Flow Instabilities With Acoustic Metamaterials,
2024
University of Rhode Island
Control Of Flow Instabilities With Acoustic Metamaterials, Jensen E. Mctighe
Open Access Master's Theses
Acoustic metamaterials (AMs) have been proposed for uses in flow control, as they offer a passive control method and can be engineered independently, without needing complex fluid structure interactions simulations. For example, AMs embedded into flat plate surfaces have been demonstrated to delay (or speed up) the onset of laminar-to-turbulent boundary layer transition by attenuating (or strengthening) Tollmein-Schlicting waves through numerical simulation. However, as of present, no experimental research has been conducted to study or demonstrate the behaviors of AMs designed to interact with flow structures. An experiment was performed in which an AM was embedded into a flat plate …
Experimental Characterization And Quantification Of Deformation Behavior In A Porous Carbon Fiber Network,
2024
University of Kentucky
Experimental Characterization And Quantification Of Deformation Behavior In A Porous Carbon Fiber Network, Robert N Quammen
Theses and Dissertations--Chemical and Materials Engineering
Due to their wide range of attractive functional properties (such as low thermal conductivity and low density) porous materials are utilized in a variety of applications. In order to characterize these properties and others, the intrinsically heterogeneous microstructures of these materials need to be taken into account. These microstructures result in interactions across multiple length scales spanning several orders of magnitude. This makes the creation of robust computational models and straight-forward predictions of mechanical properties difficult for porous materials. With this in mind, this dissertation aims to provide experimental mechanical and deformation information spanning the length scales of interest for …
