Engineering Commons^™

Gyroless Nanosatellite Attitude Determination Using An Array Of Spatially Distributed Accelerometers, Kory J. Haydon

Master's Theses

The low size and budget of typical nanosatellite missions limit the available sensors for attitude estimation. Relatively high noise MEMS gyroscopes often must be employed when accurate knowledge of the spacecraft’s angular velocity is necessary for attitude determination and control. This thesis derived and tested in simulation the “Virtual Gyroscope” algorithm, which replaced a standard gyroscope with an array of spatially distributed accelerometers for a 1U CubeSat mission. A MEMS accelerometer model was developed and validated using Root Allan Variance, and the Virtual Gyroscope was tested both in the open loop configuration and as a replacement for a gyroscope in …

Autonomous Attitude Consensus For Nanosatellite Formations In Leo, Laird J. Mendelson

Master's Theses

Consensus strategies are examined as a possible approach to achieving attitude alignment for a large, close-proximity formation of nanosatellites in low earth orbit (LEO). An attitude-only distributed consensus approach is selected for further consideration due to its comparatively low data transmission requirements. The convergence of a connected network of satellites to the attitude agreement subspace under this control law is shown using a Lyapunov stability approach with a set of idealizing assumptions. A moderate-fidelity simulation demonstrates the performance of the control law under realistic conditions that violate those assumptions. Particular emphasis is placed on the conditions that arise from the …

Design And Analysis Of Asymmetric “String-Of-Pearls” Common Repeating-Ground-Track Satellite Constellations For Missions Requiring Regional Coverage, Nathaniel Choo

Theses and Dissertations

Satellite constellation design must balance many factors that emerge from multiple sources, including environmental hazards and competing mission objectives. The dynamic nature of space systems makes the problem of ‘optimal’ satellite constellation design even more challenging. Restricting satellite constellation designs to predefined geometric frameworks can alleviate many challenges associated with the design problem; however, it raises an important question: which geometric framework performs best for each mission set? This research leverages simulations, metaheuristics, and mathematical programming techniques to address this question for missions focusing on Earth-observation of one or more regions.

First, this research captures the current state of satellite …

Decomposition Of The Wall-Heat Flux Of Compressible Boundary Layers, Dongdong Xu, Pierre Ricco, Lian Duan

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

We use the method developed by Elnahhas and Johnson ["On the enhancement of boundary layer skin friction by turbulence: An angular momentum approach," J. Fluid Mech. 940, A36 (2022)] and Xu et al. ["Decomposition of the skin-friction coefficient of compressible boundary layers," Phys. Fluids 35, 035107 (2023)] for the decomposition of the skin-friction coefficient to integrate the mean temperature equation for high-Reynolds-number compressible boundary layers and arrive at an identity for the decomposition of the wall-heat flux. The physical interpretation of the identity and the limitations of this approach are discussed. We perform an integration on the mean temperature equation …

A Hybrid Admm For Six-Degree-Of-Freedom Entry Trajectory Optimization Based On Dual Quaternions, Chaoying Pei, Changhuang Wan, Ran Dai, Jeremy R. Rea

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

This article investigates the six-degree-of-freedom (6-DoF) entry trajectory optimization problem in a Human-Mars entry, powered descent, and landing mission. During the entry phase, aerodynamic forces are employed to decelerate the vehicle. Instead of being treated as a point mass, both translational and rotational motions of the entry vehicle are considered. Specifically, the 6-DoF rigid body motion of the entry vehicle is modeled using the unit dual quaternion representations to avoid highly nonlinear terms in the flight dynamics expression originally based on the flight-path coordinates. Then, the entry trajectory optimization problem is to minimize the terminal speed subject to dynamical, operational, …

Instrumented Control Column For Optionally Piloted Aircraft, Andrew J. Klein

Electrical Engineering

Natilus, an aerospace company that is rapid-prototyping optionally piloted aircraft (OPA) for the shipping industry, needs a system that retrieves control column position data in order to manipulate flight simulator parameters in software. At present, a universally compatible system for all aircraft does not exist. Typically, established aerospace companies will sink significant time and money into developing proprietary systems for control column data retrieval as every aircraft is unique in its layout and linkage design. However, as a startup developing their first aircraft, Natilus does not have the privilege of modifying an existing sensor system to work with their HIL …

Utilizing Machine Learning Models To Estimate Energy Savings From An Industrial Energy System, Eva Mclaughlin, Jun-Ki Choi

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Publications

Energy audits are an important part of reducing energy usage, costs, and carbon emissions, but there have been discrepancies in the quality of audits depending upon the auditor, which can negatively affect the impacts and credibility of the energy assessment. In this paper, historical energy auditing data from a U.S. Department of Energy sponsored research program was gathered and analyzed with a machine-learning algorithm to predict demand savings from a compressed air system assessment recommendation in industrial manufacturing facilities. Different energy auditors calculate savings for repairing leaks in compressed air systems in various ways, so the energy demand savings have …

Disc Golf Throwing Robot, Nevada S. Schultz, Sydney M. Lewis, Erick Edmundo Daza, Rachel Alysse Greenberg, Peter M. Kean

Mechanical Engineering

Disc golf companies need better methods to test disc flight. The scope of this project is to create a disc throwing robot that can throw a disc golf driver 450-500 feet, with control over the speed, spin, and release angle. Research shows that multiple disc-throwing products exist; however, none meet the full requirements of this project. The Cal Poly senior project design team created a proof-of-concept machine. This prototype started as a two-wheel mechanism. Eventually, a third wheel was added, allowing for complete control over disc spin. The three-wheel prototype reached 62 mph when perfectly calibrated. The prototype is accurate, …

Distributed Control Of Servicing Satellite Fleet Using Horizon Simulation Framework, Scott Plantenga

Master's Theses

On-orbit satellite servicing is critical to maximizing space utilization and sustainability and is of growing interest for commercial, civil, and defense applications. Reliance on astronauts or anchored robotic arms for the servicing of next-generation large, complex space structures operating beyond Low Earth Orbit is impractical. Substantial literature has investigated the mission design and analysis of robotic servicing missions that utilize a single servicing satellite to approach and service a single target satellite. This motivates the present research to investigate a fleet of servicing satellites performing several operations for a large, central space structure.

This research leverages a distributed control approach, …

3d Printed Aircraft, Matthew Nagy, Charles D'Amico, Alexis Salgado Medina

Mechanical Engineering

This project is to design, build, and test a 3D-printable aircraft. The goal is to create a final design that will be able to fly for the longest duration possible, around 20 seconds. To determine the correct preliminary design and manufacturing process for a 3D printed RC aircraft, an analysis of multiple design options and manufacturing materials was performed. This allowed for a variety of choices for aircraft type, airfoil design, structure, among other topics to be narrowed down to the most promising option. It has been found that the aircraft will follow a design similar to industry motor-gliders, with …

Refactoring Dependency Loading And Standardizing Factory Patterns In The Horizon Simulation Framework, Jack W. Kelly

Master's Theses

The Horizon Simulation Framework (HSF) is an open-source community driven mod- eling and simulation tool developed over 15 years by a lineage of Cal Poly graduate students. The tool excels in its flexibility to model an assortment of complex systems, with prebuilt modeling elements available for the simulation of space missions. A high-level simulation tool like HSF lends itself to an agile development cycle as system constraints can be quickly identified through day in the life simulation of the modeled system. The objective of the work presented in this thesis is to refactor the way in which several modeling elements …

Solving Supersonic Flows Using The Method Of Integral Relations In Python, Eddie Hsieh

Master's Theses

This thesis presents a modern approach to the Method of Integral Relations implemented in the Python programming language. This work is based on South's reports on solving supersonic conical flows and Belotserkovskii's publications on solving supersonic flows over blunt bodies. The Python SciPy library is extensively used in this thesis. A root finder module is used to perform South's solution process, and the Runge-Kutta ODE solver with dense output is implemented to replicate Belotserkovskii's solution process. The implementation of Python makes the development efficient and serves as an open-source framework for future work to build on. This work focuses on …

Composite Solid Rocket Motor Case Optimization With Matlab Genetic Algorithm, Aleksandr Breit

Master's Theses

This study utilizes MATLAB genetic algorithm (GA) to perform optimization on a solid rocket motor (SRM) chamber structure. The (SRM) structure is modelled as a cylindrical composite laminate where unidirectional fiber orientations are the primary design variable in the optimization problem formulation. Additional design variables such as chamber length, diameter, and internal pressure are altered along with the ply angles to minimize the safety margin towards a near-zero value and encourage efficient layup design. Classical lamination theory with Tsai-Wu failure criterion are used to calculate ply-level safety margins. A thickness minimization scheme is employed to reduce the ply count from …

Feasibility Assessment Of An All-Electric, Narrow-Body Airliner, Ariel Sampson

Master's Theses

Combustion emissions from aviation operations contribute significantly to climate change and air pollution. Accordingly, there is increasing interest in advancing battery-powered propulsion for aviation applications to reduce emissions. As batteries continue to improve, it is essential to recognize breakthroughs in battery specific energy in the context of air transport vehicles. Most electric aircraft designs and programs have focused on small aircraft because of restrictive battery performance. This work presents a feasibility assessment for an all-electric airliner based on an Airbus A220-100 with turbofan engines replaced by electric motors and propellers. The analysis compares the performance characteristics of the electric airliner …

Coupled Boundary Conditions For Modeling Airbreathing Engines, Adam Louis Waldemarson

Master's Theses

Modeling the flight conditions of an aircraft that utilizes an airbreathing propulsion system necessitates a method to account for the increase in energy introduced into the flow. Current methods for modeling engines either assign fixed conditions on flat faces on the intake and exhaust through a manual process with the use of external models or attempt to model the flow through the engine within the simulation using complex and computationally expensive geometry and solvers. The method presented attempts to provide an intermediate option to model airbreathing engines through coupling the intake and exhaust boundary conditions with a parametric engine model. …

Meeting The Psychological Needs Of Astronauts In The Flourishing Human Spaceflight Frontier: The Case For Astronaut-Trained Psychologists, Skylar Jordan Laham

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Space psychology (i.e., astronaut psychological counseling and support) has remained largely unchanged since the onset of long-duration low-Earth-orbit (LEO) human spaceflight missions, with teletherapy utilized as the primary means of psychotherapy delivery. However, with NASA’s plans to establish a permanent human presence on the Moon, the suitability of teletherapy – as well as astronaut-trained psychologists, an alternative space psychology method suggested for human spaceflight beyond LEO – must be ascertained. The aim of this novel space psychology investigation was to identify and compare the effectiveness of three astronaut psychotherapy treatment conditions (i.e., teletherapy with a 2 second Earth to LEO …

Model-Assisted Online Optimization Of Gain-Scheduled Pid Control Using Nsga-Ii Iterative Genetic Algorithm, Shen Qu, Tianyi He, Guoming Zhu

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Publications

In the practical control of nonlinear valve systems, PID control, as a model-free method, continues to play a crucial role thanks to its simple structure and performance-oriented tuning process. To improve the control performance, advanced gain-scheduling methods are used to schedule the PID control gains based on the operating conditions and/or tracking error. However, determining the scheduled gain is a major challenge, as PID control gains need to be determined at each operating condition. In this paper, a model-assisted online optimization method is proposed based on the modified Non-Dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithms-II (NSGA-II) to obtain the optimal gain-scheduled PID controller. …

Design And Implementation Of A Behavioral Sequence Framework For Human-Robot Interaction Utilizing Brain-Computer Interface And Haptic Feedback, Sudip Hazra, Shane Whitaker, Panos S. Shiakolas

Mechanical and Aerospace Student Research - Archive

In assistive robotics, research in Brain Computer Interface aims to understand human intent to enhance Human- Robot Interaction and augment human performance. In this research, a framework to enable a person with an upper limb disability to use an assistive system towards maintaining self-reliance is introduced and its implementation and evaluation are discussed. The framework interlinks functional components and establishes a behavioral sequence to operate the assistive system in three stages; action classification, verification, and execution. An action is classified based on identified human intent and verified through haptic and/or visual feedback before execution. The human intent is conveyed through …

A Geometrical, Reachable Set Approach For Constrained Pursuit–Evasion Games With Multiple Pursuers And Evaders, Olli Jansson, Matthew W. Harris

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Publications

This paper presents a solution strategy for deterministic time-optimal pursuit–evasion games with linear state constraints, convex control constraints, and linear dynamics that is consistent with linearized relative orbital motion models such as the Clohessy–Wiltshire equations and relative orbital elements. The strategy first generates polytopic inner approximations of the players’ reachable sets by solving a sequence of convex programs. A bisection method then computes the optimal termination time, which is the least time at which a set containment condition is satisfied. The pursuit–evasion games considered are games with (1) a single pursuer and single evader, (2) multiple pursuers and a single …

Study Of A Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composite Using A Biobased Polyurethane As A Thermosetting Resin, Teddy Mageto

Electronic Theses & Dissertations

Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer composites (CFRP) have garnered increasing interest in recent years especially in the aerospace and automobile industries where they are gradually replacing metals as structural materials. This is owing to their light weight, high strength, high modulus, and excellent strength-to-weight ratio. Polymers are typically used as thermosetting resins in these composites. However, the synthesis of polymers currently is conducted via petrochemical processes which leads to adverse effects on the environment. To this end, in this work a biobased Polyurethane (PU) was used as a thermosetting resin in a CFRP. The biobased PU was synthesized by the reaction …

Effects Of Alternative Jet Fuels On Aerospace-Grade Composites: Experimental And Modeling Studies, Naoufal Harich

Theses and Dissertations

The aviation industry aims to reduce its environmental impact through innovation and research. The usage of composite materials for multiple primary structures represents one such measure. Several alternative fuels were approved and used along with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). These alternative fuels are produced from wastes and biomasses. Some alternative fuels were initially only approved as drop-in fuels, meaning they must be blended with conventional fuels to operate. Fuel tanks are usually embedded into the wing structure, which is mainly made of composite materials. These composites tend to absorb fluids it encounters through their matrix phase. The absorption behavior …

Evaluation Of Early Maturing Cultivars, Optimal Harvest Timing, And Canopy Reflectance Of Peanut To Maximize Grade And Yield, Joseph Bryan Whittenton

Theses and Dissertations

Peanut digging timing is difficult to predict due to indeterminate growth and peanut pods maturing underground, resulting in the need to research methods that provide consistent measurements, while reducing time and effort for farmers and researchers. Experiments were conducted to evaluate the accuracy of the Maturity Index 1 and Maturity Index 2 in predicting peanut grade, the accuracy of the North Carolina 2 degree day method in predicting peanut yield, and remote sensing vegetative indices sensitivity equivalence (SEq) to peanut Maturity Index 2 and harvest grade (TSMK) for cultivars IPG-914 and Georgia-06G in Mississippi.

Maturity Index 1 and …

Developing Systems Engineering And Machine Learning Frameworks For The Improvement Of Aviation Maintenance, Fatine Elakramine

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation develops systems engineering and machine learning models for aviation maintenance support. With the constant increase in demand for air travel, aviation organizations compete to maintain airworthy aircraft to ensure the safety of passengers. Given the importance of aircraft safety, the aviation sector constantly needs technologies to enhance the maintenance experience, ensure system safety, and limit aircraft downtime. Based on the current literature, the aviation maintenance sector still relies on outdated technologies to maintain aircraft maintenance documentation, including paper-based technical orders. Aviation maintenance documentation contains a mixture of structured and unstructured technical text, mainly inputted by operators, making them …

Computational Analysis Of Steady Hypersonic Flow Fields Of Nasa Benchmark Geometries Utilizing Ansys Fluent, Aidan Murphy

McKelvey School of Engineering Graduate Student Theses & Dissertations

The Hypersonic International Flight Research Experimentation (HIFiRE) program explores and advances hypersonic aerospace systems by developing a multitude of test flight geometries and conducting experimental test flights to obtain data for use in validation of computational models and results. This study focuses on computational validation of heat flux, and calculation of static pressure profiles, skin friction coefficient profiles, and flow contours. The flow fields studied are for Mach number 7.18 and angles of attack (α) of 0° & 2°. These flow fields include many compressible flow features such as an expansion wave at the intersection of the cone and flat …

Online Estimation Of Unknown Parameters For Flexible Spacecraft, Nicolo Woodward

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

Attitude controls methods of highly flexible spacecraft have seen increased interest over the last decades thanks to the technological development of flexible solar panels and deploy-ables, which improves the capabilities of small satellites. However, a high-fidelity model of the flexible mode dynamics is hard to obtain in on-ground testing because not all modes of frequencies can be observed, complicating the controller design. Furthermore, plastic deformations due to long periods of storage of stowed flexible components could result in exciting frequencies outside of the designed controller’s bandwidth, leading to an uncontrollable system. This thesis proposes a method to develop a high-fidelity …

An Online Adaptive Machine Learning Framework For Autonomous Fault Detection, Nolan Coulter

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

The increasing complexity and autonomy of modern systems, particularly in the aerospace industry, demand robust and adaptive fault detection and health management solutions. The development of a data-driven fault detection system that can adapt to varying conditions and system changes is critical to the performance, safety, and reliability of these systems. This dissertation presents a novel fault detection approach based on the integration of the artificial immune system (AIS) paradigm and Online Support Vector Machines (OSVM). Together, these algorithms create the Artificial Immune System augemented Online Support Vector Machine (AISOSVM).

The AISOSVM framework combines the strengths of the AIS and …

Multiscale Damage Modelling Of Notched And Un-Notched 3d Woven Composites With Randomly Distributed Manufacturing Defects, S.Z.H. Shah, Juhyeong Lee, P.S.M. Megat-Yusoff, Syed Zahid Hussain, T. Sharif, R.S. Choudhry

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Publications

This work proposes a stochastic multiscale computational framework for damage modelling in 3D woven composite laminates, by considering the random distribution of manufacturing-induced imperfections. The proposed method is demonstrated to be accurate, while being simple to implement and requiring modest computational resources. In this approach, a limited number of cross-sectional views obtained from micro-computed tomography (µCT) are used to obtain the stochastic distribution of two key manufacturing-induced defects, namely waviness and voids. This distribution is fed into a multiscale progressive damage model to predict the damage response of three-dimensional (3D) orthogonal woven composites. The accuracy of the proposed model was …

Sensor Module Network For Monitoring Trace Gases In The International Space Station, Aaron Beck, Drake Provost, Christopher English, Kamrin Gustave

Honors Capstones

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) aims to develop a sensor network for the International Space Station (ISS) to ensure a comprehensive understanding of air quality within the station. The accumulation of carbon dioxide (CO­­­­­₂) can lead to cognitive impairment, headaches, and potentially dangerous situations at high concentrations. Monitoring air content at the ISS is critical to maintaining a healthy environment for crew onboard. Exposure to harmful gases causes negative side effects that make crew sick, which may interfere with their responsibilities. CO₂ is a gas that should be monitored …

Enhancing Microstructure, Composition Homogeneity, And Mechanical Properties In Laser Powder Bed Fused Metallic Alloys: Design, Fabrication, And Evaluation, Bahzad Farhang

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Dissertations - Archive

ABSTRACT: Over the past five decades, Nickel-based and Titanium-based alloys have become increasingly popular materials. As the manufacturing industry for these alloys has advanced, the demand for fabricating complex parts with enhanced mechanical properties at elevated temperatures has grown. Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF), one of the most prevalent additive manufacturing techniques, has been employed successfully to produce these alloys. Nonetheless, there is still considerable effort being made to improve the microstructural, compositional, and mechanical properties of LPBF-processed components. In this study, we focused on adjusting the multi-scale microstructure and composition of LPBF-fabricated Nickel-based and Titanium-based alloys. The first objective …

Theoretical And Numerical Analysis Of Thermal Runaway Propagation In Li-Ion Battery Packs, Dhananjay Mishra

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Dissertations - Archive

Strategies to prevent or minimize propagation of thermal runaway in a pack of Li-ion cells are critically needed to ensure safe operation, storage and transportation. While significant literature already exists on thermal runaway simulations, several key questions of practical relevance have remained unaddressed. This work presents multi-mode heat transfer simulations to predict the onset and propagation of thermal runaway in a pack of cylindrical Li-ion cells. The impact of inter-cell gap and thermal properties of the interstitial material on onset and propagation of thermal runaway is studied. It is shown that high interstitial thermal conductivity promotes thermal runaway propagation. However, …