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Full-Text Articles in Engineering

A Cfd Investigation Of Axisymmetric Microthruster Nozzles For Use On Nano-Satellites, Michael R. O'Gara Dec 2007

A Cfd Investigation Of Axisymmetric Microthruster Nozzles For Use On Nano-Satellites, Michael R. O'Gara

Master's Theses - Daytona Beach

The performance of microthruster nozzles (^ 0.1 N thrust) depending on nozzle contour, propellant and surroundings, destined for use in nanosatellite missions, is investigated via a numerical approach using the Wind-US flow solver. An experimental apparatus designed to measure microthruster performance in atmospheric or vacuum conditions used to aid numerical simulations is also presented. Comparing the numerical and experimental results show an approximate 25% drop in efficiency for unknown reasons. An evaluation of favorable nozzle contours suggested by previous researchers is conducted, and the results demonstrate the need for a more rigorous treatment of the nozzle flow at the exit …


Controller Design For Accurate Antenna Pointing Onboard A Spacecraft, Victor M. Barba Jun 2007

Controller Design For Accurate Antenna Pointing Onboard A Spacecraft, Victor M. Barba

Theses and Dissertations

Controller design for a spacecraft mounted flexible antenna is considered. The antenna plant model has a certain degree of uncertainty. Additionally, disturbances from the host spacecraft are transmitted to the antenna and need to be attenuated. The design concept explored herein entails feedforward control to slew the antenna. Feedback control is then used to compensate for plant uncertainty and to reject the disturbance signals. A tight control loop is designed to meet performance specifications while minimizing the control gains. Simulations are conducted to show that the integration of feedforward control action and feedback compensation produces better responses than the implementation …


Final Development, Testing, And Flight Preparation Of The Rigidizable Get-Away-Special Experiment (Rigex), Zachary R. Miller Jun 2007

Final Development, Testing, And Flight Preparation Of The Rigidizable Get-Away-Special Experiment (Rigex), Zachary R. Miller

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research is to support the final development of the Rigidizable Inflatable Get-Away-Special Experiment (RIGEX). The RIGEX program is an experimental initial step in developing large-scale rigidizable inflatable structures, which can be utilized in space applications. The primary intent of RIGEX is to verify and validate ground testing of inflation and rigidization methods for inflatable space structures against a zero-gravity space environment. This is performed by designing a Canister for All Payload Ejections (CAPE) experiment to collect data on space rigidized structures for validation of ground testing methods. The results presented in this thesis provide documentation needed …


Optimal Spacecraft Attitude Control Using Aerodynamic Torques, Michael L. Gargasz Mar 2007

Optimal Spacecraft Attitude Control Using Aerodynamic Torques, Michael L. Gargasz

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis introduces a method of three-axis spacecraft attitude control using only aerodynamic torques. Attitude actuation is achieved using four control panels mounted on the rear of a cubical spacecraft bus. The controller consists of an outer loop using linear state feedback to determine desired control torque and an inner loop to choose appropriate control panel angles. The inner loop uses a Jacobian-based approach to invert the nonlinear relationship between panel angles and generated torque. Controller performance is evaluated via simulations, which show that three-axis control is possible over a range of initial angles and angular rates. The analysis used …


Control System Design And Simulation Of Spacecraft Formations Via Virtual Formation Approach, Pavan Donepudi Jan 2007

Control System Design And Simulation Of Spacecraft Formations Via Virtual Formation Approach, Pavan Donepudi

Master's Theses - Daytona Beach

The problem of formation control of multiple spacecraft using the virtual structure approach is studied. The thesis first summarizes the progress made in the area of spacecraft formation control and then provides an overview of the virtual structure method. Modifying earlier established control design techniques, new feedback laws are constructed to control both the rotational and translational motion of a group of spacecraft. Several computer simulations are performed to illustrate the effectiveness of the modified control laws. The ephemeris and attitude data files generated via Matlab are exported to Satellite Tool Kit (STK) to create 3D animations. Various formation scenarios …


Propulsion Enhancement Contributions To The Performance Of Space Launch Vehicles, Russell H. Edwards Jan 2007

Propulsion Enhancement Contributions To The Performance Of Space Launch Vehicles, Russell H. Edwards

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

A research effort has been undertaken to investigate critical aspects of launch vehicle performance as affected by variations in specific launch vehicle parameters. The major portion of the study involves liquid propellant systems. However, since solid propellant systems also play a role in today's launch systems, a representative solid-propellant launch vehicle has also been analyzed. The research undertaken determined that the payload capability of a space launch vehicle, or, conversely, the vehicle total liftoff mass, is highly sensitive to the manner in which the space launch vehicle is staged. The research has led to the development and programming of a …