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Full-Text Articles in Engineering
Conical Orbital Mechanics: A Rework Of Classic Orbit Transfer Mechanics, Cian Anthony Branco
Conical Orbital Mechanics: A Rework Of Classic Orbit Transfer Mechanics, Cian Anthony Branco
Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations
Simple orbital maneuvers obeying Kepler’s Laws, when taken with respect to Newton’s framework, require considerable time and effort to interpret and understand. Instead of a purely mathematical approach relying on the governing relations, a graphical geometric conceptual representation provides a useful alternative to the physical realities of orbits. Conic sections utilized within the full scope of a modified cone (frustum) were employed to demonstrate and develop a geometric approach to elliptical orbit transformations. The geometric model in-question utilizes the rotation of a plane intersecting the orbital frustum at some angle β (and the change in this angle) in a novel …
Onboard Autonomous Controllability Assessment For Fixed Wing Suavs, Brian Edward Duvall
Onboard Autonomous Controllability Assessment For Fixed Wing Suavs, Brian Edward Duvall
Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations
Traditionally fixed-wing small Unmanned Arial Vehicles (sUAV) are flown while in direct line of sight with commands from a remote operator. However, this is changing with the increased popularity and ready availability of low-cost flight controllers. Flight controllers provide fixed-wing sUAVs with functions that either minimize or eliminate the need for a remote operator. Since the remote operator is no longer controlling the sUAV, it is impossible to determine if the fixed-wing sUAV has proper control authority. In this work, a controllability detection system was designed, built, and flight-tested using COTS hardware. The method features in-situ measurement and analysis of …
Rotorcraft Blade Angle Calibration Methods, Brian David Calvert Jr.
Rotorcraft Blade Angle Calibration Methods, Brian David Calvert Jr.
Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations
The most vital system of a rotorcraft is the rotor system due to its effects on the overall flight quality of the vehicle. Therefore, it is of importance to be able to accurately determine blade position during flight so that fine adjustments can be made to ensure a safe and efficient flight. In this study, a current calibration method focusing on the pitch, flap, and lead-lag blade angles is analyzed and found to have larger than acceptable error associated with the sensor calibrations. A literature review is conducted which reveals four novel methods that can potentially increase the accuracy of …