Preliminary Architecture Assessment Of Lunar Surface Sensors For Cislunar Ssa,
2024
Air Force Institute of Technology
Preliminary Architecture Assessment Of Lunar Surface Sensors For Cislunar Ssa, Clint J. Spesard
Theses and Dissertations
The exploration of the lunar and cislunar realm is becoming increasingly active as several entities, private and public, foreign and domestic, set their sights beyond traditional Earth-centered space operations. Along with this renewed activity is a growing need for comprehensive Space Situational Awareness (SSA) and Space Traffic Management (STM) in the inherently chaotic cislunar system. This thesis seeks to embolden the study of cislunar SSA by considering the lunar-surface as a platform from which to conduct optical SSA. In this thesis, a lunar-based SSA system is heuristically optimized via a genetic algorithm through three separate implementations. All surface locations considered …
Development Of Cost Factors For Satellite Rechargeable Batteries,
2024
Air Force Institute of Technology
Development Of Cost Factors For Satellite Rechargeable Batteries, Katelyn A. Clements
Theses and Dissertations
Factors are often used by the cost estimating profession to predict costs of future projects or project components. Cost factors can be useful when little to no cost data is available from which to build an initial estimate or as an easy-to-use cross check of a primary estimate. Specific to satellites, previous studies have examined cost factors at higher Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) levels (e.g., Level 2 or Level 3), while this research analyzes cost factors developed using data specific to rechargeable batteries at USCM WBS Level 4 and its parent, the Electrical Power System (EPS) at Level 3. Within …
Standardization Of Risk Classifications For Unmanned Space Vehicle Missions,
2024
Air Force Institute of Technology
Standardization Of Risk Classifications For Unmanned Space Vehicle Missions, Collin A. Gwaltney
Theses and Dissertations
This paper seeks to model risk classification levels (A-D) for 122 Space Vehicle programs. Models include multinomial logistic regression as well as random forest, a machine learning technique based on decision trees. We use independent variables (IVs) which are theoretically correlated to risk class for the regression and one random forest model. We then include all IVs and allow the random forest technique to use those which provide the most information on risk class before paring down the number of IVs to only 7. We show that the accuracy of predictions increases from 62% to 87% by using random forest …
Comparative Analysis Of Satellite Battery Technologies: A Cross-Sectional And Temporal Study Within And Across Battery Types,
2024
Air Force Institute of Technology
Comparative Analysis Of Satellite Battery Technologies: A Cross-Sectional And Temporal Study Within And Across Battery Types, Andrew H. Chung
Theses and Dissertations
Trends in costs for batteries incorporated in satellite electrical power systems (EPS) have been identified by Space Systems Command (SSC) within the Unmanned Space Vehicle Cost Model (USCM) database. A subset of pre-1980s data consisting of Nickel-Cadmium battery costs was excluded from battery cost estimating relationship (CER) development as a result of this determination. This research aims to ascertain the impacts of these trends on satellite cost estimating practices by assessing developments in battery costs over time, comparing normalized Nickel-Cadmium (NiCd) / NickelHydrogen (NiH2) / Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) battery costs, identifying differences between the NiH2 and Li-Ion modern battery types, and …
Going Airborne: Kent State's Pioneering Leap Into Integrated Advanced Air Mobility,
2024
Kent State University
Going Airborne: Kent State's Pioneering Leap Into Integrated Advanced Air Mobility, Jason T. Lorenzon
National Training Aircraft Symposium (NTAS)
This proposal centers on the development of a Concept of Operations in Advanced Air Mobility (AAM). Kent State University's College of Aeronautics and Engineering is poised to pioneer the integration of drones and electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) systems, bridging the gap between its campus and airport by transporting students and faculty the 3NM distance from campus to the airport and back by a UAV. Beyond a standard research initiative, this proposal signifies a groundbreaking effort to reshape the landscape of educational aeronautics and Advanced Air Mobility and Urban Air Mobility. Our overarching goal is to transcend conventional boundaries …
Experimental Analysis Of The Integrated High-Lift Propulsor,
2024
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Experimental Analysis Of The Integrated High-Lift Propulsor, Robert W. Deters, Byron Ward, Shreyas Narsipur
Publications
Wind tunnel testing was conducted to evaluate the performance of the Integrated High Lift Propulsor (IHLP), a novel Distributed Electric Propulsion (DEP) system. The IHLP integrates traditional Krueger flap/slat elements with a Distributed Electric Propulsion design, enhancing high lift performance and cruise efficiency compared to conventional pylon-mounted DEP configurations. Starting from a baseline configuration determined from pretest Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analyses, a parametric study was performed to determine the influence on the aerodynamic characteristics (���� , ����, and ����). The study involved variations in flap settings, slat angles, overlap, propeller tilt, and propeller position. The impact of Reynolds number, …
Development Of A 3d Printed Optimization-Driven Aeroelastically Scaled Wind Tunnel Model For High Aspect Ratio Flying Wings,
2024
The University of Texas at Arlington
Development Of A 3d Printed Optimization-Driven Aeroelastically Scaled Wind Tunnel Model For High Aspect Ratio Flying Wings, Mikaela K. Leevy
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Theses - Archive
Design optimization coupled with 3D printing and parametric CAD offers a unique approach to investigating flutter phenomena by creating low-cost iterative aeroelastic wind tunnel models. Recently, there is an interest in studying flutter phenomena at low air speeds in flying wing configurations. The X-56 experimental flying wing was designed to investigate flutter phenomena and flutter suppression, which makes the X-56 a logical choice for the full-scale model. The goal of this work is to optimize, physically print, and geometrically characterize a scaled aeroelastic wind tunnel model. The 18% reduced scale X-56 model was optimized by matching the mode shapes to …
Optimizing Multi-Agent Network For Target Localization Through Mutual Information Maximization,
2024
University of Texas at Arlington
Optimizing Multi-Agent Network For Target Localization Through Mutual Information Maximization, Bibek Adhikari
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Theses - Archive
A multi-agent network is a system comprising multiple interacting agents that coexist collaboratively within a networked, autonomous environment. The thesis addresses the target localization problem using a multi-rover network, described as autonomous agents, using an information-theoretic distributed control framework. The objective of the mission, through the integration of the particle filter representation of the posterior probability distribution of the target state and the observable, is to compute control input to arrange agents’ locations, maximizing the mutual information between the target’s position and sensor measurements. Consequently, the method leads to future observation which minimizes the future uncertainty of the target state. …
Numerical Simulation And Optimization Of Fin Configurations For Enhanced Heat Sink Performance In Aluminum And Copper Materials,
2024
University of Texas at Arlington
Numerical Simulation And Optimization Of Fin Configurations For Enhanced Heat Sink Performance In Aluminum And Copper Materials, Rimpy Singh
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Theses - Archive
The constant evolution of data centers and high-power electronic systems has raised critical challenges in heat dissipation and thermal management. Single-phase immersion cooling, where electronic components are submerged in a thermally conductive but non-electrically conductive liquid (dielectric liquid), offers improved heat dissipation capabilities and emerges as a promising alternative to traditional air-cooling methods, which often fail to meet the thermal demands of densely packed, high-power systems. This study investigates and compares the thermal performance of aluminum and copper heat sinks with fin thicknesses of 0.33 mm and 0.54 mm, respectively, using finite element analysis based on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) …
Mobile Robot Adhesion Methodology And Development Of An Automatous Robot Module,
2024
The University of Akron
Mobile Robot Adhesion Methodology And Development Of An Automatous Robot Module, Lauren Baird, Zachariah Stone, Madison Lemons, Jonathon Moody
Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects
Due to the increasing availability of space travel as not only a scientific exploration but a commercial exploration, there is a need for an onsite repair station that can be deployed in the event of aircraft maintenance, damage, or failure. We have been tasked with researching and creating a prototype of an automatous robot that can be attached to a spacecraft body, move along the surface while avoiding obstacles, scan for damage, 3D print a repair piece, and then make the repair, all without the need of direct human input. Our team, as will be discussed throughout, was tasked with …
Materials Testing For Large Format 3d Printing,
2024
The University of Akron
Materials Testing For Large Format 3d Printing, William Jenkins
Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects
An ABS Carbon Fiber blend was printed into single walled hexagons at a variety of settings on a Cincinnati BAAM large format 3D printer. These hexagons were then cut down into sheets and had tensile and flexural test samples cut out of them, in order for materials testing to be performed. Tensile strength, tensile strain, young’s modulus, flexural strength, deflection and elastic modulus were all determined. A desktop CNC machine and a planer were purchased for the manufacturing of these samples, and an efficient cutting procedure was designed and optimized. After all data collection concluded, this data was thoroughly analyzed, …
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% …
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.
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 …
External Runtime Execution Monitoring Of A Cyber Physical System Via Trace Interfaces,
2024
Virginia Commonwealth University
External Runtime Execution Monitoring Of A Cyber Physical System Via Trace Interfaces, Peter Vaughan Truslow
Theses and Dissertations
In the past two decades, Unmanned Aerial Systems have progressed from expensive military hardware or one-off custom builds, to include off-the-shelf drones that can be purchased for a rather affordable price and flown by nearly anyone. As the technology and performance have improved, the door is opened to applications that require operation in environments where the consequences for failure are high, such as operating in the navigable airspace or in urban environments, or with human passengers. This requires a great deal of trust in the reliability and integrity of the control systems of the aircraft. A method of monitoring the …
Implementation Of Cavity Vortex Generators To Mitigate Stall And Ice Accretion On The Naca 0012,
2024
Georgia Southern University
Implementation Of Cavity Vortex Generators To Mitigate Stall And Ice Accretion On The Naca 0012, Eric Pernell
College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations
With the growing environmental concerns of international aviation carbon emissions are driven by the ever-increasing commercial aviation traffic. This study aims to increase the aerodynamic efficiency of the NACA 0012, by implementing cavity vortex generators with the intent to increase the effective stall angle without a substantial increase of drag. This study is performed with Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) at a low Reynolds of 5.0E+04 with varying cavity depths along the leading edge. The depths study is placed at 10 percent cord at depths of 3, 5, and 10 percent cord. All cavity vortex generators effectively increased the stall angle …
A System Theoretic Process Analysis Framework And Model Based Approach For Resilient Space Architecture Design,
2023
Air Force Institute of Technology
A System Theoretic Process Analysis Framework And Model Based Approach For Resilient Space Architecture Design, Eric T. Sommer
Theses and Dissertations
As the capabilities provided by space-based systems offer significant contributions toward defense applications, potential adversaries stand to gain significant value in disrupting them. Therefore, the United States must pursue the development and operation of resilient space architectures, capable of delivering capabilities in the face of disruptions. To support this development, systems engineering methods require innovation to effectively ensure design of complex space architectures to meet their objectives. This thesis recommends and demonstrates a System-Theoretic Process Analysis (STPA) framework to qualitatively analyze space architectures. The analysis outputs identify design considerations, requirements, and constraints required for resilience. To enable a model-based systems …
Task Optimization Utilizing Digital Transformation Concepts - Automation Project Execution Via Agile Methodology,
2023
Florida Institute of Technology
Task Optimization Utilizing Digital Transformation Concepts - Automation Project Execution Via Agile Methodology, Anthony Steven Maiello
Theses and Dissertations
Task Optimization via the use of automated process improvements is becoming more widespread as more industries lean into the concepts surrounding digital transformation. This shift also necessitates a complementary adaptation in project management methodologies to support the rapid and ever-changing environment, requirements, and innovations. This thesis examines the effectiveness of Agile methodology in managing digital automation projects, with a specific focus placed on process improvements with systems engineering. It accomplished this by contrasting the original model, designed and derived utilizing traditional project management techniques, with the proposed model which is a direct result of the application of Agile project practices. …
Testing And Implementation Of Attitude Determination & Control System For Arksat-1 Cubesatellite,
2023
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
Testing And Implementation Of Attitude Determination & Control System For Arksat-1 Cubesatellite, Cassandra Sands
Graduate Theses and Dissertations
ARKSAT-1 is a CubeSatellite (CubeSat) developed at the University of Arkansas and launched to the International Space Station on SpaceX mission SPX-27 launching from Kennedy Space Center as part of the NASA’s 8th CubeSat Launch Initiative CSLI-8. ARKSAT-1’s payload features a high-powered LED, the Solid State Inflatable Balloon (SSIB) deorbiting system applicable to small satellites, and a series of InfraRed and Visible cameras. To point the LED or take images of desired observational targets, the spacecraft will need to be able to determine its orientation within its orbit, as well as rotate. This will be achieved through the use of …
Kwad - Ksu All Weather Autonomous Drone,
2023
Kennesaw State University
Kwad - Ksu All Weather Autonomous Drone, Nick Farinacci, Sebastian Gomez, Stewart Baker, Ed Sheridan
Symposium of Student Scholars
"KWAD" or "KSU all-Weather Autonomous Drone" project was sponsored by Ultool, LLC to the KSU Research and Service Foundation to create a lightweight drone capable of capturing HD video during all-weather operations. The conditions of all-weather operation include rainfall of one inch per hour and wind speeds of up to twenty miles per hour. In addition, a global minimum structural safety factor of two is required to ensure the system's integrity in extreme weather conditions. Potential mission profiles include autonomous aerial delivery, topological mapping in high moisture areas, security surveillance, search and rescue operations, emergency transportation of medical supplies, and …
