Engineering Commons^™

Autonomous Mission Planning For Spacecraft Rendezvous And Proximity Operations, Julia C. Bell

Theses and Dissertations

The evolving space environment has created a demand for autonomous spacecraft that can maneuver in complex and sometimes contentious environments. Constraint enforcement, such as an avoidance zone to prevent collision with a target, is a key component of autonomous control to ensure safety and performance requirements are met. Finite-horizon Model Predictive Control (MPC) is a popular control method due to its improved computation time while optimizing performance. Two areas of MPC in need of expansion are time-varying constraints and phase transitions in multi-phase applications. In this work, MPC is employed to track the reference trajectory of a multi-phase satellite inspection …

Six Degree-Of-Freedom Mission Planning For Reentry Trajectories, Peter Davis

Theses and Dissertations

Traditional reentry dynamics and planning has typically explored 3 Degrees-of- Freedom (3 DOF) or pseudo 6-DoF problem formulations. This research expands upon previous work and presents a path-constrained optimal control formulation of a fully 6 Degrees-of-Freedom (3 DOF) dynamic system for an unpowered Reentry Vehicle (RV). In a full 6-DoF dynamic system, the translation, rotation and rotational rates are continually tracked. A system of equations of motion are developed to express the dynamics of the RV in terms of defined states and the RV's physical control detections. A neural-network is used to approximate the aerodynamic database of an exemplary RV. …

Improving The Stability And Operability Of A Small-Scale Rotating Detonation Engine, Nathan T. Fiorino

Theses and Dissertations

A small scale RDE was designed with a channel diameter of 28 mm and channel gap of 2 mm and operated on nitrous oxide (N₂O) and ethylene (C₂H₄) as the oxidizer and fuel respectively. Changes to the original Jets in Crossflow (JIC) injection scheme and spark plug ignition method were implemented to counteract previously observed wave instabilities. Successful detonation was observed over a range of mass flows (0.035-0.068 kg/s) and equivalence ratios (ɸ = 0.6-1.4) and a stable single wave mode with frequency up to 16.8 kHz was observed for the first time. Injection …

Simulation Of A Configurable Hybrid Aircraft, Brandon Bartlett

Master's Theses

As the demand for air transportation is projected to increase, the environmental impacts produced by air travel will also increase. In order to counter the environmental impacts while also meeting the demand for air travel, there are goals and research initiatives that aim to develop more efficient aircraft. An emerging technology that supports these goals is the application of hybrid propulsion to aircraft, but there is a challenge in effectively exploring the performance of hybrid aircraft due to the time and money required for safe flight testing and due to the diverse design space of hybrid architectures and components. Therefore, …

Metallurgical And Thermal Processing Investigation Of Additively Manufactured Superalloys Jbk-75 And Nasa-Hr-1, Allyse Birken, Derek Noel

Materials Engineering

Aerojet Rocketdyne is investigating the use of directed energy deposition (DED), an additive manufacturing process, to reduce cost and lead time for manufacturing complex rocket engine components for their RS-25 engines. JBK-75 and NASA-HR-1, two Fe-Ni-base, age-hardenable (γ′) superalloys, are used for nozzle structural jackets and hot gas manifolds. Currently, these parts are produced using traditional forging or casting methods followed by intensive machining operations. Additionally, these alloys were designed for use in the wrought condition and require a different set of post-processing heat treatments when produced using DED due to their dendritic, segregated microstructure in the as-built condition. Homogenization …

Space Suit Attachment Quick Release System, Elyse C. Gillis-Smith, Andres I. Elzaurdia, Cole H. Stanton, Michael T. Roth

Mechanical Engineering

NASA plans to make it back to the Moon by 2024 with their Artemis Program, and stay there for a longer period of time to conduct research which will support the future of space exploration. While on the lunar surface, astronauts need to maximize their efficiency by carrying tools on their Exploration Extravehicular Mobility Unit (xEMU), and to accommodate this need, the Extravehicular Activity (EVA) Tools Team is pursuing a utility belt concept. The objective of this project is to develop a system capable of interfacing between the utility belt and any given tool, while also accommodating numerous restrictions and …

Uav For Medical Equipment Distribution, Richard Barakat, Logan Christensen, Brandon Halebsky, Justin Slavick

Mechanical Engineering

This Final Design Review report documents the senior project participating in the Vertical Flight Society’s 38th Annual Student Design Competition sponsored by The Boeing Company. The goal of this project and competition is to develop an unmanned vertical lift for medical equipment distribution capable of safely delivering a 50 kg payload over distances up to 200 km. This system must be autonomous and have a backup plan to land if any part of the system malfunctions. We discuss the research and justification that drove the selection of the aircraft configuration, a winged quadcopter with a rear propeller. Furthermore, we document …

One Dimensional Study Of Magnetoplasmadynamic Thrusters For A Potential New Class Of Heavy Ion Drivers For Plasma Jet Driven Magnetoinertial Fusion, Patrick M. Brown

Theses and Dissertations

Plasma Jet Driven Magnetoinertial Fusion (PJMIF) requires high velocity heavy ion drivers in order to compress a magnetized target to fusion conditions. Previous work with heavy ion drivers has revealed sub-par accelerations due to plasma instabilities; thus, it is necessary to investigate new methods of heavy ion plasma acceleration. One such method is Magnetoplasmadynamic (MPD) thrusters. Past studies of these thrusters have been conducted at an initial temperature at or below the energy of full ionization. Here MPD thrusters are investigated using a Godunov type MHD solver with a Harten-Lax van Leer-D (HLLD) flux solving scheme assuming the plasma is …

Passive Disposal Of Launch Vehicle Stages In Geostationary Transfer Orbits Leveraging Small Satellite Technologies, Marc Alexander Galles

Master's Theses

Once a satellite has completed its operational period, it must be removed responsibly in order to reduce the risk of impacting other missions. Geostationary Transfer Orbits (GTOs) offer unique challenges when considering disposal of spacecraft, as high eccentricity and orbital energy give rise to unique challenges for spacecraft designers. By leveraging small satellite research and integration techniques, a deployable drag sail module was analyzed that can shorten the expected orbit time of launch vehicle stages in GTO. A tool was developed to efficiently model spacecraft trajectories over long periods of time, which allowed for analysis of an object’s expected lifetime …

Soarnet, Deep Learning Thermal Detection For Free Flight, Jake T. Tallman

Master's Theses

Thermals are regions of rising hot air formed on the ground through the warming of the surface by the sun. Thermals are commonly used by birds and glider pilots to extend flight duration, increase cross-country distance, and conserve energy. This kind of powerless flight using natural sources of lift is called soaring. Once a thermal is encountered, the pilot flies in circles to keep within the thermal, so gaining altitude before flying off to the next thermal and towards the destination. A single thermal can net a pilot thousands of feet of elevation gain, however estimating thermal locations is not …

Prediction Of In-Plane Stiffnesses And Thermomechanical Stresses In Cylindrical Composite Cross-Sections, Bryson M. Chan

Master's Theses

Accurate mechanical analysis of composite structures is necessary for the prediction of laminate behavior. Cylindrical composite tubes are a mainstay in many structural applications. The fundamental design of circular composite cross-sections necessitates the development of a comprehensive composite lamination theory. A new analytical method is developed to characterize the behavior of thin-walled composite cylindrical tubes using a modified plate theory. A generated numerical solver can predict properties such as axial stiffness, bending stiffness, layer stresses, and layer strains in composite tubes subjected to combined mechanical loading and thermal effects. The model accounts for the curvature by transforming and translating the …

Analytical, Numerical, And Computational Methods To Analyze The Time To Empty Open, Closed, And Variable-Topped Inverted Bottles, Callen Schwefler

Master's Theses

Recent unexpected experimental observations of the emptying of inverted bottles with perforations has generated interest in modeling and simulation of this phenomenon. It was observed that as a perforation, i.e., a small hole at the "top" of the inverted bottle, is added and enlarged, the overall emptying time first increases to a maximum value and then decreases until it reaches a lower limit. The change in emptying time is associated with a transition from jetting, where only water exits the neck, to glugging, a competition between air and water flows at the neck of the bottle.

This paper develops analytical …

Adaptive-Optimal Control Of Spacecraft Near Asteroids, Madhur Tiwari

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

Spacecraft dynamics and control in the vicinity of an asteroid is a challenging and exciting problem. Currently, trajectory tracking near asteroid requires extensive knowledge about the asteroid and constant human intervention to successfully plan and execute proximity operation. This work aims to reduce human dependency of these missions from a guidance and controls perspective. In this work, adaptive control and model predictive control are implemented to generating and tracking obstacle avoidance trajectories in asteroid’s vicinity.

Specifically, direct adaptive control derived from simple adaptive control is designed with e modification to track user-generated trajectories in the presence of unknown system and …

Electric Field Induced Self-Assembly Of Mesoscale Structured Materials And Smart Fluids, Suchandra Das

Dissertations

This dissertation aims to study the forces that drive self-assembly in binary mixtures of particles suspended in liquids and on fluid-liquid interfaces when they are subjected to a uniform electric or magnetic field. Three fluid-particle systems are investigated experimentally and theoretically : (i) Suspensions of dielectric particles in dielectric liquids; (ii) Suspensions of ferromagnetic and diamagnetic particles in ferrofluids; and (iii) Dielectric particles on dielectric fluid-liquid interfaces. The results of these studies are then used to estimate the parameter values needed to assemble materials with desired mesoscale microstructures.

The first fluid-particle system studied is an electrorheological (ER) fluid formed using …

Issue 4: Contributors, W.M. (Mac) Evans

Online Journal of Space Communication

The material in this issue has been developed and supplied by Telesat, the Communications Research Centre, and the Canadian Space Agency - the major players in Satellite Communications in Canada.

The Role Of Partnerships Government/Industry/International, W.M. (Mac) Evans

Online Journal of Space Communication

Much of Canada's involvement in space activities, particularly in the earlier years, related to its interest in satellite communications as a means to provide equitable access by all Canadians to telecommunications services. It also provided the impetus for Canada signing a cooperative agreement with ESA. There are a number of firsts in satellite communications to which Canada can lay claim. However the environment for space communications systems and services has changed dramatically and continues to change due to factors such as global deregulation, rapid advance of telecommunications technology, industrial consolidation and intense competition.

Market Analysis, W.M. (Mac) Evans

Online Journal of Space Communication

Canadian space companies have developed impressive and globally competitive competencies in some niche areas of satellite communications. This has allowed them to be very successful in domestic and export markets. In fact, 63% of total 2000 revenues of $1.4 billion were from Telecommunications. Satellite communications can be considered the cornerstone of the Canadian space industry at large.

Industry Capabilities And Services, W.M. (Mac) Evans

Online Journal of Space Communication

Space Communication technologies have provided the world with satellite communications and global satellite navigation infrastructures that have become strategic assets for the economic, political, and military sectors of countries around the world. Their omnipresence in our everyday lives and their significant role in world commerce, security and humanitarian operations such as Search and Rescue have made telecommunications and global navigation satellites indispensable.

Canada: Innovation And Inclusion In The Network Age, Michael Binder

Online Journal of Space Communication

Michael Binder, Assistant Deputy Minister Spectrum Information Technologies and Telecommunications Industry Canada

Paper based on a presentation given to the Canadian Satellite Users Association October 31, 2002

Ecanada = Equality Of Life; Fast Forward To Canadian Prosperity, Laurier J. Boisvert

Online Journal of Space Communication

Speaking notes for an address at the 17th Annual CATAAlliance Innovation and Leadership Awards Reception and Gala Smart City Summit April 23, 2002, Ottawa, Canada

Crc Perspective, Gerry Turcotte

Online Journal of Space Communication

Gerry Turcotte, President Communications Research Centre Canada

Internationacommunications Satellite Systems Conference Speaking Notes, Marc Garneau

Online Journal of Space Communication

Speaking notes at the plenary session of the International Communications Satellite Systems Conference Montreal, Canada

The Future Of Satcom In Canada: R & D Labs, Paul Bush

Online Journal of Space Communication

Recognizing the need to evaluate and test emerging technologies and applications, Telesat has recently made a significant additional investment to its existing R&D lab. The upgraded facility is a 4000 square-foot area dedicated to satellite-based broadband trials and demonstrations. The R&D Lab hosts active computing platforms that are networked over satellite and linked by a common theme of connecting Canada and Canadians. On-going trials are managed from a hub area and a network control centre within the Lab. The lab is designed to provide both a development environment and an educational and demonstration area.

The Future Of Satcom In Canada: New Technologies Needed, Virendra Jha

Online Journal of Space Communication

The Government of Canada has a clear goal of making Canada the most connected country in the world. The vast geographic topology and wide population distribution - some in remote communities - raise distinct technical and economic challenges in achieving this goal. In addition, communications are already used in virtually all space projects - either for the command of the Spacecraft, or as the raison d'être of the mission. Undoubtedly, to support the very nature of space projects and to achieve the goal of connecting all Canadians, ever-improved technologies are being sought.

The Future Of Satcom In Canada: Smart Communities, Paul Bush

Online Journal of Space Communication

Telesat has been a pioneer in the development of satellite-based smart communities

The Future Of Satcom In Canada: Schoolnet, Paul Bush

Online Journal of Space Communication

Telesat became involved in the Schoolnet I initiative by providing a satellite solution to facilitate Internet connectivity to approximately 1600 schools located in remote parts of Canada. Approximately 10% of the schools were connected under the Schoolnet I initiative.

The Future Of Satcom In Canada: New Applications/Services, Paul Bush

Online Journal of Space Communication

Telesat is the world's most experienced commercial fixed satellite operator, and a highly respected consultant and partner in satellite ventures around the globe. The Company competes with other top international satellite fleets in providing telecommunications and broadcasting services to more than 275 customers throughout the Americas. With over thirty years of engineering and technical experience, Telesat is a diversified, end-to-end satellite services company with some 500 employees stationed throughout the Americas and on international assignment.

Satcom Today In Canada: Significant Research: Broadband Satellite Communications List Of Citr Related Publications (1998-2003), W.M. (Mac) Evans

Online Journal of Space Communication

Journal Papers

Conference Papers

Contributions to Standards

Canadian Space Agency Recent Publications

Satcom Today In Canada: Significant Research: Overview Of The Cospas-Sarsat Satellite System For Search And Rescue, J. V. King

Online Journal of Space Communication

Cospas-Sarsat, an international satellite system for search and rescue, started operating in 1982 and has been credited with saving thousands of lives since then. Hundreds of thousands of aviators, mariners and land users worldwide are equipped with Cospas-Sarsat distress beacons, which could help save their lives in emergency situations anywhere in the world. This paper outlines the evolution of the system and describes how satellites are constantly circling the globe monitoring for ‘SOS signals’, while tracking stations on six continents receive the satellite signals, compute the locations of the distress events and forward the calls for help to the appropriate …

Satcom Today In Canada: Significant Research: Evolution Of Portable Ka-Band Terminals At Crc, Pierre Tardif

Online Journal of Space Communication

The Satellite Systems Research group (www.crc.ca/rss) of the Communications Research Centre Canada (CRC) conducts research and development on systems, concepts and technologies suitable for future generations of communication and navigation satellites. Over the past decade, R&D has been carried out in portable satellite terminals operating at Ka-Band frequencies (30/20 GHz). This paper presents the evolution and a chronological overview of the terminals’ development. The three generations of prototypes are presented.