Engineering Commons^™

Laboratory Experiments On Long Waves Interacting With Rigid Vertical Cylinders, R. Basile, F. De Serio, D. Raffaele

International Junior Researcher and Engineer Workshop on Hydraulic Structures

The impact of waves caused by storm surges or floods could lead to significant damage to marine and fluvial structures. Hydraulic forces add significant hydrodynamic loads on bridges built in coastal and fluvial environments; therefore, the effect of the wave impact on bridge substructures must be properly considered for the safe and cost-effective design of the piers. The use of laboratory-scale models is a direct approach to investigate the effects of long waves on simple structures, mimicking bridge piers. The present study describes a laboratory-scale model, where the propagation of two different long waves in a flume, in the presence …

Approach Flow Depth Influence On Nonlinear Weir Discharge Capacity, Benane Redha, Sebastien Erpicum, Michel Pirotton

International Junior Researcher and Engineer Workshop on Hydraulic Structures

The high hydraulic efficiency and the compactness of nonlinear weirs favor their use in several rehabilitation or new dams projects. Main types of nonlinear weirs are labyrinth and piano key weirs.The purpose of this paper is to provide indications on the influence of the approach flow depth on the discharge capacity of these nonlinear weirs. To do so, a series of experimental tests have been carried out in the laboratory of Engineering Hydraulics of the Liege University. A labyrinth and a piano key weir have been tested in channel configuration (upstream flow width equal to the weir width) considering various …

Discharge Capacity Of A Piano Key Weir With Curvilinear Keys, R. K. Mishra, Z. Ahmad

International Junior Researcher and Engineer Workshop on Hydraulic Structures

The Piano Key Weir (PKW) has emerged as a cost effective and viable solution for dam rehabilitation and new projects with high level of space constraints. The geometrical dimensions of PKW are main factors affecting their discharging capacity. Since, it is a relatively new type of weir that has only been developed in recent years, the description of the effect of its geometrical parameters is still immature. The geometric designs of these weirs presented in the literatures incorporate only linear floor slope of the keys. For better understanding of the influence of curvilinear shapes of outlet key slopes on discharge …

Development Of A 1 Kw Gravitational Water Vortex Hydropower Plant Prototype, A. Sapkota, A. Gautam, A. B. Timilsina, S. Dhakal, S. R. Shakya, T. R. Bajracharya

International Junior Researcher and Engineer Workshop on Hydraulic Structures

A pilot testing of a Gravitational Water Vortex Hydropower Plant (GWVHP) has been done to evaluate the applicability in a real-world scenario and validate the results from the lab-scale model. A scaled-up model of a capacity of 1 kW was constructed for the evaluation purpose. The test provided data in good agreement with a lab-scale model and a proper visualization to install Gravitational Water Vortex in real-world scenarios. The project lasted for nearly four months and thus provided important information on the problems that might arise in scaling up the lab model to a micro-hydro system. The pilot testing shows …

Europa Environmental Testing Of Thermal Hardware For The Mapping Imaging Spectrometer For Europa (Mise) Instrument, Ian M. Mckinley, Jose I. Rodriguez, Mason Mok, Kristen S. Maynard, Curtis Bingham, Andrew Ostler, Patrick Strong

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

The Europa Clipper spacecraft, scheduled for launch in June 2022, hosts a suite of instruments including the Mapping Imaging Spectrometer for Europa (MISE). MISE is a high-optical through-put push-broom infrared imaging spectrometer that can collect measurements within Europa’s challenging radiation environment. It is externally mounted to the spacecraft and as a result is exposed to high radiation levels and cold temperatures. The instrument consists of a scan mirror assembly, an optical bench including a Dyson spectrometer and a telescope, and a structure that supports a cryocooler and a radiator. The cryocooler is used to actively cool the focal plane array …

An Open Web-Based Module Developed To Advance Data-Driven Hydrologic Process Learning, Belize A. Lane, Irene Garousi-Nejad, Melissa A. Gallagher, David G. Tarboton, Emad Habib

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications

The era of ‘big data’ promises to provide new hydrologic insights, and open web-based platforms are being developed and adopted by the hydrologic science community to harness these datasets and data services. This shift accompanies advances in hydrology education and the growth of web-based hydrology learning modules, but their capacity to utilize emerging open platforms and data services to enhance student learning through data-driven activities remains largely untapped. Given that generic equations may not easily translate into local or regional solutions, teaching students to explore how well models or equations work in particular settings or to answer specific problems using …

Transport-Based Pattern Recognition Versus Deep Neural Networks In Underwater Oam Communications, Patrick L. Neary, Jonathan M. Nichols, Abbie T. Watnik, K. Peter Judd, Gustavo K. Rohde, James R. Lindle, Nicholas S. Flann

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

Comparisons between machine learning and optimal transport-based approaches in classifying images are made in underwater orbital angular momentum (OAM) communications. A model is derived that justifies optimal transport for use in attenuated water environments. OAM pattern demultiplexing is performed using optimal transport and deep neural networks and compared to each other. Additionally, some of the complications introduced by signal attenuation are highlighted. The Radon cumulative distribution transform (R-CDT) is applied to OAM patterns to transform them to a linear subspace. The original OAM images and the R-CDT transformed patterns are used in several classification algorithms, and results are compared. The …

Proceedings Of The 8th International Junior Researcher And Engineer Workshop On Hydraulic Structures, International Association For Hydro-Environmental Engineering And Research

International Junior Researcher and Engineer Workshop on Hydraulic Structures

Full proceedings for the 8th International Junior Researcher and Engineer Workshop on Hydraulic Structures.

Reu Site: Stem For Plant Health, David W. Britt

Funded Research Records

No abstract provided.

Autonomous Optimal Trajectory Planning For Orbital Rendezvous, Satellite Inspection, And Final Approach Based On Convex Optimization, Nicholas Ortolano, David K. Geller, Aaron Avery

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

Convex optimization techniques have deterministic convergence properties, are self-starting, i.e., they do not require an initial guess, and have been tested in real-time environments. These optimization techniques are applied to the trajectory planning problem for orbital rendezvous and proximity operations. Spacecraft rendezvous, inspection, and final approach trajectories are considered. Optional trajectory constraints are considered, including approach corridors, keep-out zones, and maximum thrust acceleration levels. Two linear dynamics models are investigated: Clohessy-Wiltshire dynamics to describe the relative motion in a local-horizontal local-vertical frame, and a new relative orbital motion dynamics model to describe the motion relative to a spinning or uncontrolled …

Evolution Of A Digital Twin For Wing Assembly By Refill Friction Stir Spot Welding, Johnathon Hunt

Utah Space Grant Consortium

Refill Friction Stir Spot Welding (RFSSW) is an emerging solid state joining process for thin sheet aluminum. Many researchers are developing RFSSW process parameters and best practices for manufacturing, thus enabling the use of RFSSW in many industries. Within this development, this work focuses to predict the resultant residual stresses and distortion in a joined part after welding. These residual stresses are caused by the heat & mechanical inputs from the RFSSW process. This report provides the preliminary results of the two step solution to resultant temperature and stresses from a series of RFSSW in thin sheet aluminum.

Reliable Mode Tracking In Gradient-Based Optimization Frameworks With Flutter Constraints, Taylor Mcdonnell

Utah Space Grant Consortium

In this paper a new mode tracking method is presented which incorporates backtracking logic to maintain a high degree of confidence in mode tracking results. The effectiveness of this mode tracking method is demonstrated on linear and nonlinear aeroelastic systems of varying complexity in the context of aeroelastic analyses and optimizations with stability constraints. The high degree of confidence in mode correlations provided by the new mode tracking method allows for the creation and use of mode-specific C¹ continuous stability constraints in gradient-based optimization frameworks. Using our mode tracking method in the context of a gradient-based optimization framework with …

Sparse Monocular Scene Reconstruction Using Rolling Voxel Maps, Jacob Johnson

Utah Space Grant Consortium

We present a method for creating 3D obstacle maps in real-time using only a monocular camera and an inertial measurement unit (IMU). We track a large amount of sparse features in the image frame. Then, given scale-accurate pose estimates from a front-end visual-inertial odometry (VIO) algorithm, we estimate the inverse depth to each of the tracked features using a keyframe-based feature-only bundle adjustment. These features are then accumulated within a probabilistic robocentric 3D voxel map that rolls as the camera moves. This local rolling voxel map provides a simple scene representation within which obstacle avoidance planning can easily be done. …

Evaluation Of Liquid Doping Methods For Use In Laser Powder Bed Fusion, Taylor Davis

Utah Space Grant Consortium

Laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) is an additive manufacturing (AM) process that is well known for its geometric versatility and high-quality parts. While the properties of LPBF parts are commonly superior to those made using other AM techniques, LPBF is generally limited to a single material in any given build. While LPBF can accommodate the integration of multiple components into a single part geometrically, the material limitation leads to over-designing to ensure that every component can complete their various functions. Some studies have shown potential methods of 3D composition control throughout a part, but these methods are subject to high …

Wake Expansion Continuation: Multi-Modality Reduction In The Wind Farm Layout Optimization Problem, Jared J. Thomas

Utah Space Grant Consortium

In this paper we present a continuation optimization method for reducing multi-modality in the wind farm layout optimization problem that we call Wake Expansion Continuation (WEC). We achieve the reduction in multi-modality by starting with an increased wake diameter while maintaining normal velocity deficits at the center of the wakes, and then reducing the wake diameter for each of a series of optimization runs until the accurate wake diameter is used. We applied and demonstrated the effectiveness of WEC with two different wake models. We tested WEC on four optimization case studies with a gradient-based optimization method and a gradient-free …

Passive Atmospheric Safety Feature For Small Molten Salt Reactors In Accident Conditions, Brent Edgerton

Utah Space Grant Consortium

This investigation aims to discover the utility of atmospheric cooling of residual heat in Martian applications (1.5 MW_t). It also considers the possible terrestrial application (45 MW_t) of these concepts. The peculiarities of atmospheric cooling require novel geometric arrangements and material selection. The average convection coefficient is derived and applied to ANSYS Transient Thermal analysis for both terrestrial and Martian environments. This preliminary analysis found that atmospheric cooling is a viable method of Martian passive cooling and may serve as a possible method in terrestrial conditions. The key finding of this investigation is that the …

Automatic Data Collection System And Video Laryngoscope Database, Gabrielle Hoyer

Utah Space Grant Consortium

The aggregate intubation data collected by a network of video laryngoscopes can be processed to understand the quality of an individual’s or a group of individual’s practice(s). Currently, all data surrounding intubations is self-reported and not understood on an aggregate basis. We are developing a technology which can enable monitoring and benchmarking of intubations across a wide variety of practices.

Tuning Radiation And Microgravity Exposure For Human Brain Organoids, Bailey Mcfarland

Utah Space Grant Consortium

The environment of space, specifically radiation and microgravity, poses a substantial threat to astronauts' brain health. Understanding the damage mechanism and therefore paving the way to finding potential remedies is critical to protect astronauts during space flight. Current models are insufficient at representing the human brain, and insufficient research has been conducted on the effect of radiation and microgravity on the higher structures of the human brain. This ongoing research aims to use brain organoids, a tissue-engineered model that recapitulates the human brain's anatomy and structure and investigate the effects of radiation and microgravity on the brain. At the current …

Miniature Multi-Sensor Array (Mini-Msa) For Ground-To-Stratosphere Air Measurement, Phase Ii, Zachary Kennedy, Drew Huber, Huiling Renee Xie

Utah Space Grant Consortium

There are numerous college research groups doing high altitude ballooning and working with drones. Many of these are making air quality measurements. Those measurements are effectively random. We are designing an inexpensive and easy to build assembly that others can build for under $500 with the goal of having a uniform data set that can be compared. This will provide more useful data for atmospheric studies. Our first version had too many noise issues and the gas sensor signals were unstable. In December 2020 Winsen Sensors (China) came out with a “multi-in-one sensor module,” the ZPHS01B. At a price point …

Simulated And Phantom Detection Of Microscopic Targets By Raman Spectroscopy, Jordyn Hales

Utah Space Grant Consortium

The goal of this study is to determine the minimum spatial sampling resolution required to accurately detect microscopic targets within a sample using Raman spectroscopy. The resolution depends on the light scattering properties of the material. We use Monte Carlo simulations to study how measurement geometry and optical properties of a sample affect the Raman signal detected from an embedded target. We confirm these results using polystyrene beads embedded in artificial tissue phantoms.

Identifying Carbon Structure Via Raman Spectroscopy, Nathaniel Bunker

Utah Space Grant Consortium

• Raman Spectroscopy: a method to determine molecular composition.
• Graphene: a conductive, strong, and lightweight material.
• Our Setup: meant for examining biological samples, not optimized for graphene analysis.

Byu 2021 High Power Rocketry Team, Ryan Thibaudeau, Ryan Merrell

Utah Space Grant Consortium

Project Objective

Design, build and test a high-power rocket that is capable of carrying a 4 kg payload to 10,000 feet AGL with a commercial motor with less than 40,960 N_-S of impulse.

Project Background

The BYU Rocketry Association competes annually in the Spaceport America Cup's International Rocket Engineering Competition. Previous rockets have flown to within 500 feet of the target with a variety of payloads.

Mapping Relative Sand Abundance, Ice-Rich Regions, And Linear Dune Properties Of Titan, Ben Lake, Delaney Rose

Utah Space Grant Consortium

The equatorial regions of Titan are dominated by linear dune fields made of complex organic particles [1, 2] and have many similarities to terrestrial dunes such as those found in the Namib Sand Sea [1, 3]. Previous studies of Titan’s sand seas included mapping sand sea margins [4, 5, 6, 7] and some dune tracing, but did not involve mapping relative sand abundances. Our work involves mapping relative sand abundances coupled with relative abundances of water ice, as well as more detailed mapping of linear dune morphology.

Lunar Mining: Designing A Versatile Robotic Mining System, James Ehlers, Alexander Charters, Joshua Miraglia, Rian Simpson

Utah Space Grant Consortium

The annual NASA Robotic Mining Challenge: Lunabotics tasks teams with building robots capable of traversing and mining in a simulated Lunar terrain. The competition goal is to utilize automation and sensing alongside mechanical systems to harvest icy regolith (simulated with gravel) from beneath the satellite’s surface.

Creation And Optimization Of A Mechanical Obstacle Avoidance Sensor For Autonomous Exploration Of Venus, Ryan Hardin

Utah Space Grant Consortium

Exploration of the surface of Venus is currently one of the most lacking areas of planetary research in our solar system today. This is because the surface of Venus is an extremely hostile environment, especially when considering the use of conventional Mars-type rovers. With temperatures exceeding 400 degrees Celsius, pressures 90 times that of Earth, and a sulfuric acid atmosphere, traditional electronics would quickly fail.

A Preliminary Approach To Select An Origami Source Pattern For Deployable Space Arrays, Diana S. Bolanos

Utah Space Grant Consortium

This paper presents a systematic approach for selecting an origami pattern for deployable space array applications. A wide variety of origami patterns exist, thereby introducing a daunting task to decide on which pattern is most suitable for the application at hand. Similarly, different space missions present varying requirements. The focus of this paper is to provide aerospace engineers and designers with a framework for identifying optimal origami source models for space array applications.

Ultra-Low Power Adcs For Space Sensors And Instruments, Shea Smith

Utah Space Grant Consortium

A 28nm 0.1V 10-bit 2kS/s time domain ADC design is proposed. This design opens the doors to both low supply and low power space sensors and instruments. Due to the stringent voltage supply, unique challenges arise that are met with innovation in the sample switch and the quantizer design. These components of the ADC architecture are optimized to perform successfully at a 0.1V supply with a sample rate suitable for most sensor applications.

Assessing Thickness Accommodation Techniques For Deployable Hexagonal Origami Space Arrays, Collin Ynchausti

Utah Space Grant Consortium

Origami-based and origami-inspired designs provide paths to achieve highly compact, stowable designs, that can be deployed to large surface areas. This potential is highly beneficial to the area of space antennas and LIDAR as these require compact stowing in a launch payload, but large apertures when deployed in space. Because the engineering materials used to build these antennas are thick, thickness accommodation techniques must be applied to realize the same folding motions as the zero-thickness models. This paper presents a hexagonal twist origami pattern in thick materials using three different thickness accommodation techniques. These techniques are compared. The metrics used …

Resolution Enhancement Limitations For Spaceborne Scatterometers, Harrison Garrett

Utah Space Grant Consortium

The main limitation to the resolution enhancement of spaceborne scatterometers is the amplification of both measurement noise and model error. A few components to model error include: model discretization errors, interpolation errors, and the aliasing of frequency content introduced by each measurement spatial response function (MSRF). Using bandlimited reconstruction theory, we estimate the maximum resolution enhancement of a given sampling geometry through its inherent maximum square bandlimit. Simulations suggest that under bandlimited assumptions, the number of independent and uniformly distributed samples are proportional to the area of the sampling geometry’s supported bandlimit. Furthermore, if we assume that the measurement noise …

Electromagnetic 3d Printing For Responsive Architectures With An Orthogonal Magnetic Field, Brian Elder

Utah Space Grant Consortium

The integration of nanomaterials with 3D printing can enable the creation of responsive architecture with highly tunable functional properties. Magnetic nanopatterning is attractive for its ability to produce untethered, high energy density actuation with a broad range of applications. For example, biocompatible materials (such as silicone rubber) can be programmed in an extrusion-based 3D printing process to create a responsive medical soft robot structure.