Digital Commons Network^™

Servo Mounting Device And Collective Control System Design For The Forward Flight Aero Test Stand, Aaron Jones

NASA-Missouri Space Grant Consortium

The majority of the ten-week internship was spent designing a servo mounting device, and a collective control system for the Forward Flight Aero Test (FFAT) stand. The servo mounting device uses four threaded standoffs along with a top plate, held together with screws, that raises the servos above the protruding threaded rods and screws. The collective control system is a rectangular block that attaches the swashplate to the servo arms connected to the servo motor. This control rod is used to translate the rotation from the servo arm into collective control for the blade angle. The control rod has two …

Safety Performance Of Different Game-Theoretical Models In An Unsupervised Intersection Crossing Scenario, Brady Bateman

NASA-Missouri Space Grant Consortium

There are several methods for an autonomous vehicle (AV) to determine its behavior. One area of interest is in using game-theoretical models to determine an AV’s behavior. If AV designers know the relationship between the action taken by players and their corresponding reward functions, then the behaviors of all players can be predicted. This allows for the simulation of player vehicles at an unsupervised intersection. An unsupervised intersection is one where there are no stop signs or traffic lights to help the players make decisions. The motivation of this project is to study the safety and efficiency of three different …

Overdetermined Control Systems On Time Scales, Drew Barnes, Danian Castillo, Nick Wintz

NASA-Missouri Space Grant Consortium

Control theory is a branch of mathematics focused on observing or controlling a process governed by a dynamic equation. We use state-space notation to represent all meaningful information about of our process. This means our processes are expressed in vector form. Typically, the state matrix is square. In this project, we consider a control system where the corresponding state is over-determined, meaning there are more rows than columns. In addition, our state equation is on a time scale T, which allows us to consider discrete, continuous, or hybrid measurements. Here, we offer two methods to solve the dynamic system. Finally, …

Novel Topological Semimetals: Growth & Characterizing Sm3hfbi5, Patrick Lambdin

NASA-Missouri Space Grant Consortium

After dozens of reactions, the Missouri State University Crystal Growth Lab created a likely-topological material, Sm3HfBi5, through flux crystal growth methods. First created experimentally in 2015, Weyl materials are desirable and have garnered much interest due to the materials’ ability to conduct electricity exclusively on their surfaces. This paper discusses methods of selecting and mixing materials to be sealed inside an evacuated or argon-backfilled glass tube which itself is placed inside a furnace kept at high temperatures, as part of a flux growth method, as well as discussing results and difficulties encountered while growing the crystals.

Input Data Preparation For Ai Gravity Prediction Pipeline, Jacob Wilson, Emily Sigmund

NASA-Missouri Space Grant Consortium

The AI Gravity Project uses machine learning techniques to predict the actual value of gravity anomalies in places where data cannot be physically collected due to multiple constraining factors. Artificial intelligence is used to predict these anomalies. The predicted anomalies combined with the physically collected anomalies will eventually be combined to create higher resolution gravity models of the Earth. Here, the details of the first steps of the AI Gravity Project are presented. This includes the data pulling, cleaning, and analyzing the data prior to training the model.

Exploring New Methods For The Synthetization Of Pdms Based Microgels, Ethan Wandfluh

NASA-Missouri Space Grant Consortium

Microgels are soft granular particles consisting of highly swollen polymeric networks. At relatively low polymer concentrations, these granular particles undergo a jamming-like transition and behave like a soft elastic solid under low applied stresses but will flow like a fluid when the applied stress exceeds the yield strength. This transition from solid-like to fluid-like behavior has led to their application as rheological modifiers for many cosmetic products. Recently, packs of aqueous microgel have been utilized as a sacrificial support bath for embedded 3D-printing of soft materials, including polymers, hydrogels, colloidal particles, and fluid phases. Here, the printing nozzle locally yields …

An Introductory Investigation Of Dust Devils On Mars: Computational Fluid Dynamics Modeling, Alexios Nicolas Philippou, Kakkattukuzhy M. Issac

NASA-Missouri Space Grant Consortium

This report investigates the flow characteristics of tornado like vortices which can be used to describe an array of axisymmetric rotating vertical columns of fluid such as dust devils, steam devils and tornadoes. These vortices have been recreated within vortex chambers in research facilities, but in focus of this report the investigation is conducted through numerical simulations using the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software package provided by ANSYS. By varying the main governing nondimensional parameter of swirl ratio through the computational domain’s boundary conditions, different flow characteristics appear which confirm theories presented in previous papers. This enables the research conducted …

Dynamics And Timescales Of Magmatic Processes At Cerro Uturuncu, Bolivia, Sarah Rasor

NASA-Missouri Space Grant Consortium

Between 12-25°S latitude there is prolific volcanism fueled by the Altiplano-Puna Magmatic Body (APMB), a mid-crustal magma body above the 30° subduction of the Nazca plate and within 70-80 km thick South American crust. Cerro Uturuncu, the volcano directly above the APMB, demonstrates that the APMB experiences considerable mixing with the surrounding continental crust. Within the past 1 Ma, Uturuncu has experienced six distinct stages of andesitic to dacitic lava. With this research, we contribute greater understanding to the homogenization of and mixing within the APMB and comment on how this relates to magma residence times. The influx and recharge …

Using Refracted Light To Put Electricity On The Moon, Anika Reece

NASA-Missouri Space Grant Consortium

This study aims to research the conversion of solar energy into electricity on the moon. The approach is to use a heliostat system designed to guide reflective light from tandem reflective mirrors into the darkest craters on the moon. This study's purpose is to explore a system that uses a Fresnel lens and Keplerian telescope optics to capture, collect, and focus sunlight on a solar cell using refracted light. The main findings are that this is a plausible concept and would reduce the loss of light energy immensely. The significant components of this concept are the use of a heliostat's …

Using Methane As An Energy Source On The Moon, Trenton Henderson

NASA-Missouri Space Grant Consortium

Energy is needed on the moon for many different purposes. It can be used for powering household appliances such as stoves, for powering laboratory equipment, as well as for many other things. By creating and maintaining a methane-powered electrical generation system, powered by the moon’s methane, the applications’ user will be able to produce electricity that can be utilized for many applications in daily life on the moon. This methane-powered generator will be similar to a vehicle engine, in that it will use the sun light on the moon and methane gas. Heat, carbon dioxide, and water would be the …

Analysis Of Laser Cut Living Hinge Pattern Design, Andrew Weber, Hussein Nassar

NASA-Missouri Space Grant Consortium

Living hinges are flexure bearings that consist of one material which makes up both the hinge and rigid end connections. They are typically made of plastics that can naturally bend without causing permanent strain. Plastic living hinges usually consist of a flat, thin strip of material connecting two ends, and have a wide range of commercial applications. The function of these living hinges can be replicated in plywood samples through subtractive manufacturing. Laser cut patterns produced in plywood samples reduce the flexural rigidity of the material and are popular amongst hobbyists.

Missouri Satellite Design Team (M-Sat), Aneliese Hebenstreit

NASA-Missouri Space Grant Consortium

No abstract provided.

Modeling And Simulation Of An Electrostatic Lunar Particle Sieve, Aaron Berkhoff

NASA-Missouri Space Grant Consortium

No abstract provided.

Over-Determined Control Systems On Time Scales, Drew Barnes, Danian Castillok

NASA-Missouri Space Grant Consortium

No abstract provided.

2023 Argonia Cup Rocket, Abigail Penfield, Ryan Milewski

NASA-Missouri Space Grant Consortium

No abstract provided.

Astrobiology Research & Outreach At Truman State University, Nothan Shaw, Autumn Winslett, Daphne Zakarian

NASA-Missouri Space Grant Consortium

We present light curves for three potential exoplanet candidates: TIC 950525831.01 and TIC 346015394.01. These targets were chosen from the TESS Follow-Up Observing Program (TFOP) database¹. The primary goal of the TESS Follow-up Observing Program (TFOP) Working Group (WG) is to provide follow-up observations that will facilitate achievement of the Level One Science Requirement to measure masses for 50 transiting planets smaller than 4 Earth radii². Students remotely used the 1-m NPOI Lowell telescope on Anderson Mesa near Flagstaff, Arizona to target these objects. In total, students observed eight “TFOP” potential exoplanet targets. Students are working …

Competing In Suas 2023 Competition, Fauzan H. Hasanbasri, Fransisco Bueno

NASA-Missouri Space Grant Consortium

No abstract provided.

Mizzou Space Program’S Argonia Cup Rocket, Ryan Milewski, Abigail Penfield

NASA-Missouri Space Grant Consortium

No abstract provided.

Nationwide Eclipse Ballooning Project: April 2023 Status Report, Jill Schmidt

NASA-Missouri Space Grant Consortium

This report details the progress of the Missouri S&T Nationwide Eclipse Ballooning Project as of April 2023 and the future work the team will complete throughout the remainder of 2023 and 2024. This project began in January 2023, and students have been completing preliminary training activities, so they are prepared to begin assembling and testing the eclipse payloads during summer 2023. Throughout the summer, all team members will be actively engaged in this research project and participating in outreach events related to high altitude ballooning.

Quantifying And Reducing Light Pollution, Trace Ackley, Margaret Ferney, Addie Vandewalle

NASA-Missouri Space Grant Consortium

Faculty and undergraduate students at Truman State University participated in activities related to quantifying light pollution and creating awareness about the dangers associated with bad outdoor lighting. The research activities students were involved in include continuing our work on using “all-sky-cameras” and the TESS all-sky photometer to quantify the sky brightness at various locations in-and-around Kirksville; and starting a new interdisciplinary project involving counting bird-strikes near glass windows around the Truman campus. With regards to outreach & activism, students have continued to reach out to school administrators, the Truman State Physical Plant, and the local Kirksville city management to continue …

Miner Aviation Design Team, Dominic Zanti, John Mitchell, Anya Carpenter

NASA-Missouri Space Grant Consortium

No abstract provided.

Slu Aircraft Laboratory: Student Team Participation In The 2022-2023 Auvsi-Suas Competition, Fauzan Hasanbasri, Fransisco Bueno

NASA-Missouri Space Grant Consortium

No abstract provided.

Multi-Disciplinary Analysis Surrogate Based On Twin-Generator Generative Adversarial Networks For Electric Drone, Samuel Sisk

NASA-Missouri Space Grant Consortium

No abstract provided.

Modeling And Simulation Of An Electrostatic Lunar Particle Sieve, Aaron Berkhoff

NASA-Missouri Space Grant Consortium

The following research was conducted to develop a kinetic particle model, which simulates an electromagnetic sieve used for in-situ material utilization on the lunar surface. A code package was developed to simulate an electromagnetic sieve that uses electrodes to transport fine particles within a cylindrical device. Specifically, this research generates an initial working model for the sieve and tests different electrode configurations. The simulation models different electric fields generated by electrodes, kinetic particle dynamics, and lunar particle distribution. During the case study, which investigates different electrode configurations, it was determined that electrodes oriented such that electrodes located above and below …

High Pressure Injection Process For Ceramic Composites, Samuel Weiler

NASA-Missouri Space Grant Consortium

Ceramic materials are valued for good heat resistance and corrosion resistance. Due to these benefits, they are widely used in the aviation, automotive, medical, construction, and other industries. Ceramic materials are also both hard and brittle, qualities that are not ideal in many applications. To reduce brittleness, and other undesirable characteristics of ceramics, engineers have turned to composites to increase the mechanical properties of these materials. By adding composite particles or fibers, these characteristics can be improved. Constructing ceramic composites is not without its challenges, however. Current processes are prone to high porosity, high shrinkage, and poor accuracy of parts. …

Performance Evaluation Of Additively Manufactured Carbon/Peek Composites, Matik S. Heskin

NASA-Missouri Space Grant Consortium

Carbon/PEEK composites have a broad range of applications due to their combinations of superior creep properties and excellent strength to weight ratios. Like all fiber-based composites they are limited geometrically by their required manufacturing processes. Additively manufactured (AM) materials overcome this issue and can be formed into incredibly complex shapes. By combining these two fields, a material limited in application by geometry can have its shortcomings supported with AM processes.

AM carbon/PEEK composites have already been created but this relatively new material still needs property characterization. Therefore, the objective of this work will be to evaluate the structural performance of …

Electricity On The Moon Through Reactors, Joseph Bui

NASA-Missouri Space Grant Consortium

There are many different ways to create electricity. One of the most common methods nowadays that people conclude to use is nuclear reactors. There are many different types of reactors but they all use similar methods to produce electricity. The most widely used method for reactors is fission, nuclear reactors. Reactors that use fission are common nowadays within the United States and across other countries, countries that are not able to afford nuclear reactors or have not moved to that method are in the works of doing so as it’s powerful, long lasting, reliable, and very low maintenance compared to …

Evaluation Of Sustainable Transonic Truss-Braced Wing Aircraft Configurations Using Liquid Hydrogen Fuel, Bryce Thomas

NASA-Missouri Space Grant Consortium

There is pressing need for increase in efficiency and reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for the next generation commercial passenger aircraft in order to reduce the environmental impact of the aviation industry. The focus of this work is on the design considerations for a mid-range single aisle commercial aircraft using liquid hydrogen for propulsion. A matrix of aircraft configurations is considered with varying size of fuel tanks placed external or internal to the fuselage. In particular, an aircraft configuration with a high aspect ratio truss braced wing is investigated to improve lift and range in comparison to a more …

Distant Giant Planets And Their Influence On Inner Planet Formation, Caroline Witt

NASA-Missouri Space Grant Consortium

The most common planets within 1 AU of a star are a few Earth radii in size, dubbed 'super- Earths', and these planets exhibit a wide range of compositions and orbit properties. Yet our Solar system lacks a super-Earth. It is also known that it is possible for exoplanet systems to include a massive planet with an orbit distance of a few AU from the host star, similar to Jupiter in our solar system. It is natural to then question how the presence of such a massive, distant planet may affect the overall exoplanet system. This project investigated how the …

Investigating Outcomes Of Inner Planet Formation Influenced By A Jupiter-Like Perturber, Simarpreet Girn

NASA-Missouri Space Grant Consortium

The most common planets within 1 AU of a star are a few Earth radii in size, dubbed ‘super-Earths.’ Yet the Solar system lacks a super-Earth, and potentially the presence of Jupiter played a role. For this project, the outcomes of in situ inner planet formation under the influence of a massive outer planet were analyzed. Ninety-two N-body dynamical simulations were conducted of the in-situ formation process with a Jupiter-mass planet at a distance of five astronomical units from a host star. These simulations were then compared with the same inner planet conditions without a massive outer planet. The simulations …