Engineering Commons^™

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, 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 …

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 …

Machine Learning-Based Gps Jamming And Spoofing Detection, Alberto Squatrito

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

The increasing reliance on Global Positioning System (GPS) technology across various sectors has exposed vulnerabilities to malicious attacks, particularly GPS jamming and spoofing. This thesis presents an analysis into detection and mitigation strategies for enhancing the resilience of GPS receivers against jamming and spoofing attacks. The research entails the development of a simulated GPS signal and a receiver model to accurately decode and extract information from simulated GPS signals. The study implements the generation of jammed and spoofed signals to emulate potential threats faced by GPS receivers in practical settings. The core innovation lies in the integration of machine learning …

Reducing Glass Loss During Transportation And Storage, Abdulaziz Muzafarovich Qurbanov, Mirzaabdullayev Jaxongir Baxtiyorovich

Technical science and innovation

The article discusses the processes of transportation and storage of sheet glass in the production of protective glass for cars. The experience of organizing the transportation and storage of glass in developed countries of the world was analyzed in order to study the problems of losses of raw materials during the transportation and storage of laminated glass, as well as to develop and approve a regulatory and technical document. in this field. The supplies of various brands of polished laminated glass used in the production of protective glass for cars to Avtooina LLC from different addresses, from different manufacturers were …

Aerodynamic Design And Analysis Of A Modified 2006 Mazda Miata, William N. Recher

Honors College Theses

Aerodynamic forces developed by automobiles have destabilizing effects at high speed. These forces tend to skew toward a vehicle’s rear which can present safety concerns, especially for rear-wheel-drive automobiles like the Mazda Miata. To address oversteer and high-speed instability, a vehicle’s design can be tailored to bring about aerodynamic balance and improve traction. LiDAR was used to bring the physical automobile into the digital space. Then, a splitter and diffuser were added to reduce the magnitude of the destabilizing forces. Next, the size and shape of the rear-wing required to balance the vehicle was calculated using a combination of parameters …

Experimental Investigation Of Various Hydrogen Knock Limit Extension Strategies On A Hydrogen-Gasoline Dual Fuel Spark Ignition Engine, Sanad Puthan Purayil

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

Hydrogen is a clean and carbon free substitute with the ability to significantly cut down the harmful emissions while enhancing the energy efficiency of internal combustion engines (ICE) typically powered by conventional fossil fuels. Hydrogen is the most abundant element which can be easily obtained from sources like water and biomass. The wide flammability range and high laminar flame velocity outstands hydrogen from other fuels. However, hydrogen fueled engines are more prone to abnormal combustion like knock and backfire due to its low ignition energy and high adiabatic flame temperature. To avoid backfire, several well-developed approaches have been reported. Unlike …

Microgravity Aeroponics System Project, Andrew W. Diddle

Morehead State Theses and Dissertations

A thesis presented to the faculty of the College of Science and Engineering at Morehead State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree Master of Science by Andrew W. Diddle on April 22, 2024.

Martian Atmospheric Rover Simulation (M.A.R.S.), Matt Berard, Shelby Beddard, Alexander Brunette, Emma Conti, Collin Duke, Delaney Novak, Keelin Weaver

Aerospace, Physics, and Space Science Student Publications

While rovers have been used by various agencies to explore Mars, their travel is limited by terrain obstacles, which may prevent mission completion. Creating a vehicle equipped with both driving and flight capabilities would allow greater range of motion on extraterrestrial planets. Integrating the technology for both transportation modes into one rover allows for efficiency and advancements in technological and planetary research.

Ferroresonance In Three-Phase Electrical Networks, Shavkat Ernstovich Begmatov

Technical science and innovation

Possible modes of ferroresonance in three-phase electric networks and analysis of substitution schemes where ferroresonance voltage increase is observed are considered. The most complete magnetization curve of the transformer core and the analysis of the generalized equivalent substitution scheme are presented, as a result of which more accurate formulas for determining the values of equivalent parameters of the electrical network and voltage transformer in ferroresonance mode are obtained. Factor of ferroresonance voltage increase is introduced, which determines ratio between amplitude values of transformer phase voltage and mains voltage. The method of determination of boundary conditions of steady ferroresonance voltage increase …

Main Prospects Of Natural Gas Purification Technologies From Acidic Compounds, Oybek Yusupdjanovich Aripdjanov, Diyora Zokhid Qizi Khayrullaeva, Jonibek Avazek Ogli Abdumuminov

Technical science and innovation

The article discusses the main prospects for the technology of purifying natural gas from acidic components and the problems of ensuring the purity of oil and gas products in accordance with state standards. An increase in the degree of purification from H₂S, CO₂, elemental sulfur, carbonyl sulfide, ethyl mercaptans (thiols), methyl mercaptan, carbon disulfide, sulfides, disulfides (dithioethers), thiophene, sulfoxides and sulfones is considered. Also, the physicochemical properties of the absorbent for the purification of sulfur compounds (generated during natural gas processing) are studied. Based on the study of various absorbents (ethanolamine (EA), methylethanolamine (MEA), diethanolamine (DEA), …

Design Of Telemetry And Remote-Control System For Electric Propulsion Testing, Logan Alvesteffer

Honors Theses

Ground testing of electric propulsion (EP) devices occurs inside vacuum chambers and is monitored using high-frequency and low-frequency telemetry systems. These systems provide critical operational information about the device’s performance by monitoring values such as voltage, current, gas flow rates, and chamber pressures. Ground facility telemetry systems can operate as integrated control and safety architecture while testing EP devices. EP testing at Western Michigan University (WMU) is located within the Aerospace Laboratory for Plasma Experiments (ALPE). The Cold plasma Experimental Research Station (CEReS) is outfitted with CTI-250F and CTI-10 cryogenic pumps for a combined pumping capacity of 5,200L/s-air. CEReS facilitates …

Electric Ducted Fan Lander, Maggie Waechter

Honors Theses

This report, and corresponding project, addresses the fact that there are not many student experiments with controlling real spacecrafts due to the scarceness of the craft, cost, risk, and finite fuel supply. This project demonstrates the possibility of a classroom substitute for students to understand how landers would operate on planetary bodies. In order to achieve flight from the drone, there were two separate designs produced, the electrical and structural system, that were integrated together to form a full prototype. The performance of the electric ducted fans (EDFs) as well as the batteries were tested to ensure that the components …

Analysis, Design, And Validation Of The Structural System Of Alainsat-1 Cubesat, Abdalla Saad Elshaal

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

This thesis presents the process of conducting structural analysis on AlAinSat-1 CubeSat through numerical solutions using Siemens NX. AlAinSat-1 is a 3U remote-sensing CubeSat equipped with two Earth observation payloads and is scheduled for launch using SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket. To ensure the mission's success and its ability to endure the launch environment, several scenarios must be analyzed. For the AlAinSat-1 model, the Finite Element Analysis (FEA) method is employed, covering four types of structural analyses: modal, quasi-static, buckling, and random vibration analyses. The workflow cycle includes idealization, meshing, assembly, applying connections and boundary conditions, and finally, running simulations using …

Synthesis And Structure-Property Relationships Of Sustainable Nanostructured Materials Towards Energy And Environment Applications, Nizamudeen Alungal Cherupurakal

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

This doctoral research aims to advance clean energy technologies by developing specialized nanostructured materials. The study covers significant research themes, each forming separate sections in the thesis, explaining the important role of nanostructures in enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of energy devices and photocatalytic technologies. The enduring effort toward stabilizing and improving the efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) has stirred the solar research community to follow innovative approaches. The primary objective of the research is centered on electrode materials design, which improves photoanodes' light-harvesting efficiency (LHE). To improve the Photoanode of DSSCs, a Metal-Organic Framework (MOF) derived porous photoanodes …

Friction Stir Welding Of Tube-To-Tubesheet And Spot Joints For Virgin And Recycled Thermoplastic Materials., Syed Haris Iftikhar

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

Thermoplastic materials are becoming popular, due to their chemically inert and anti-fouling properties, for use in industrial heat exchanger applications involving heating/cooling of highly reactive fluids like acids. A novel nonconventional joining framework, based on the friction stir welding (FSW) technique, is developed to create high-quality thermoplastic tube-to-tubesheet joints (TTJs). The proposed technique has applications in the thermoplastic shell-andtube heat exchanger and piping industries (as flange-to-pipe joints). The primary objective is to study the feasibility of the FSW technique for developing thermoplastic TTJs, followed by optimization of the process parameters and detailed material characterizations. This work used workpieces (tube, tubesheet) …

Predictive Ai Applications For Sar Cases In The Us Coast Guard, Joshua Nelson

Cybersecurity Undergraduate Research Showcase

This paper explores the potential integration of predictive analytics AI into the United States Coast Guard's (USCG) Search and Rescue Optimal Planning System (SAROPS) for deep sea and nearshore search and rescue (SAR) operations. It begins by elucidating the concept of predictive analytics AI and its relevance in military applications, particularly in enhancing SAR procedures. The current state of SAROPS and its challenges, including complexity and accuracy issues, are outlined. By integrating predictive analytics AI into SAROPS, the paper argues for streamlined operations, reduced training burdens, and improved accuracy in locating drowning personnel. Drawing on insights from military AI applications …

Offshore Wind Farm Pycnocline Mixing From Varied Flow Types, Laura Lundahl

Student Research Symposium

As the demand for sustainable low carbon energy grows, offshore wind farms (OWFs) are becoming increasingly popular and are being pushed into stratified regions where a pycnocline exists (Figure 1). These wind farms may cause turbulent mixing of the pycnocline, which will harm the phytoplankton ecosystem. This project quantifies pycnocline mixing to gain knowledge of effective methods for mitigating harmful effects.

Using Efficient Global Optimization With Cfd For Aerodynamic Optimization, Aaron Spillars, Nathan Roberts, Xiaoping Du

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

Machine learning and optimization are the stepping blocks in broad engineering areas, such as computational fluid dynamics (CFO) and CFO-based design optimization. Using the CFO-based optimization framework, MACH-Aero, we were able to use the SLSQP optimizer and compared the results with a reference case completed by the SNOPT optimizer. Results verified that our SLSQP optimizer was working properly. The solver created showed that our objective function had a difference in magnitude of 0.000019 allowing us to conclude that our solver was working as intended. However, there were several failed attempts before reaching a successful run that gave us a satisfactory …

Uncertainty Quantification Of Thermal Capacitance Calorimeter For High-Enthalpy Flows, Logan Banker, Davide Vigano

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

Thermal capacitance calorimeters are the standard instrument used to measure cold wall heat fluxes in high-enthalpy flows that simulates hypersonic flight conditions. These instruments play a fundamental role in the development and testing of Thermal Protection Systems for space re-entry conditions. However, despite their rugged and simple design, they are affected by large uncertainty errors. These have been estimated in literature at 15%. Despite their importance, and large errors, no proper uncertainty analysis has been performed. Uncertainty analysis is difficult due to the complex physics of the environment these calorimeters have to operate into.

Development Of A Force Perturbation Handle For Physical Interaction Research In Humans, Henry Tien, Riley Still, Yun Seong Song

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

The vision of developing more advanced robots that physically interact with people begins with the study of how people interact with each other. Even the simplest interactions between humans, such as shaking hands, provides tremendous challenges for current robots and minimal research has been conducted on the inner workings of these interactions. Understanding the process and mechanics behind effective and intuitive physical human-human interaction (pHHI) will yield meaningful insight into designing robots capable of assisting the elderly, operating side by side with workers, or even dancing with people. To study this process, a custom Force Perturbation Handle (FPH) was developed, …

Supersonic Wind Tunnel Modeling, Noah Cain, Davide Vigano

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

Supersonic wind tunnels are essential for high-speed aerodynamics research, allowing studies ranging from fundamental flow physics to the advancement of supersonic transport. This work presents a physics-based model developed for the Missouri S& T supersonic wind tunnel, a blow-down facility employing a converging-diverging nozzle to achieve high-speed flow. The model accounts for real gas effects, including Joule-Thomson phenomena, as well as predictions of pressure losses and heat transfer. Implemented in Matlab, the model's accuracy was validated through comparison with experimental measurements, demonstrating excellent agreement. This research contributes to the reliable prediction of supersonic wind tunnel performance, thus advancing the understanding …

Organic Contaminant Effects On The Mac Of Water, Jordan Hartfield

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

The evaporation or condensation rate of a liquid surface is directly proportional to the mass accommodation coefficient (MAC). Since the MAC is difficult, if not impossible, to experimentally measure, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations have been employed to study it. Experimental studies have shown that airborne hydrocarbon contaminants from a variety of sources can adsorb on liquid surfaces and significantly alter the surface properties. We have therefore studied the effects of organic surface contaminants, which are immiscible with water, on the MAC using equilibrium and nonequilibrium MD simulations. Our equilibrium MD simulation results show that the MAC decreases linearly with increases …

Simulating Low Gravity Particle-Laden Flow, Ryan Lewis

Student Research Symposium

No abstract provided.

Density Fluctuations Measurements In Supersonic Flows, Allie Dingfield, Davide Vigano

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

Turbulence in compressible flows plays a major role in a variety of aerospace applications. However, due to fluctuating thermodynamic quantities, compressible turbulence is challenging to analyze. Of these quantities, density fluctuations are of high importance due to their role in describing turbulence. A method to obtain quantitative measurements of density fluctuations has been developed using the optical technique of shadowgraph imaging. Shadowgraph imaging has frequently been used to obtain qualitative information about density gradients in fluids. However, quantitative application of these methods is much less common. The quantitative shadowgraph method presented here relates the light intensity variations in an image …

Fea Analysis On S& T Student Designed Satellite, Joseph Nguyen

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

The Missouri Rolla and Missouri Rolla Second Satellite (MR & MRS) is a paired satellite developed by the Missouri S& T Satellite Reseach Team (M-SAT) designed to test new technologies in support of missions involving proximity operations. The M-SAT team won first place in the Nanosatellite Competition hosted by Air Force Research Laboratory in 2015 and obtained funding to proceed with design development. The MR & MRS satellite today will undergo extensive revisions to meet new design requirements and changing technological advancements. The alterations planned for MR & MRS will not only change the structure but directly affect the thermal …

New Testing Capabilities Of The Missouri University Of Science And Technology Supersonic Wind Tunnel, Joshua Gary, Davide Vigano

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

The development of non-intrusive, laser-based diagnostic techniques has significantly enhanced supersonic experimental aerodynamics, enabling the measurement of many parameters in complex flow fields. Among these techniques, Tomographic Particle Image Velocimetry, capable of measuring 3 components of velocity in 3-dimensional volumes, is now available at the Aerodynamics Research Laboratory of the Missouri University of Science and Technology. To integrate this new system into the university's supersonic wind tunnel, a redesigned nozzle, test section, and diffuser have been implemented. The upgraded modular test section features 4 large ports which can be configured with windows for optical diagnostics or lead plates for model …

Successful Rocket Launch In Argonia, Seungyou Cho

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

The object of launching the PK-56 (The name of the kit) rocket is how to take off and land safely using the parachute deployment. To inspect the engineering process, I tried to get an L1 certification from Tripoli Rocketry Association who is judging whether the rocket was flying stable. This consisted of building the structure, deployment system, engine system, anddesigning process. The most important thing was to read the instructions thoroughly, and to build a safe rocket.

Since launching high-power rockets needs a comprehensive understanding of those processes, I tested with small rocket with a motor that impulses 1.26 N …

High-Fidelity Turbulence Modelling Of Double-Diffusive Mixing In Buoyancy Driven Flows, Sanaz Izadifar

Student Research Symposium

Double-diffusive convection is the flow caused by buoyancy gradient in a fluid, where two different scalars cause density gradients, and each scalar has significantly different diffusion rates.

Wake Characteristics Of In-Phase And Out-Phase Array Of Oscillation Airfoils, Yi-Cheng Chen

Student Research Symposium

In order to solve the hydrodynamics of a school of fish using the open-source SEM solver Nek5000, an oscillating mesh is required to simulate fish oscillations and at the same time simplify the process of mesh partitioning and satisfy the limitation of nek5000 that the mesh must be quadrilateral.