Engineering Commons^™

Microgravity Testing Of A Phase Change Reference On The International Space Station, T. Shane Topham, Gail E. Bingham, Harri Latvakoski, Igor Podolski, Vladimir S. Sychev, Andre Burdakin

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

Orbital sensors to monitor global climate change during the next decade require low drift rates for onboard thermometry, which is currently unattainable without on-orbit recalibration. Phase change materials (PCM), such as those that make up the ITS-90 standard, are seen as the most reliable references on the ground and could be good candidates for orbital recalibration. Space Dynamics Lab (SDL) has been developing miniaturized phase change references capable of deployment on an orbital blackbody for nearly a decade. To determine if and how microgravity will affect the phase transitions, SDL conducted experiments with ITS-90 standard material (gallium, Ga) on the …

Characterizing Noise Trends Of The Cross-Track Infrared Sounder (Cris), Bryce Walker, Mark Esplin, Ben Esplin, Deron Scott

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

Outline

• CrIS Summary

• Noise characterization process

• Noise trending results

• Recent Changes

• Conclusions

Dcgs: Image Processing, Screening, & Product Distribution Solution, Space Dynamics Laboratory

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

SCALABLE, CROSS-PLATFORM SOLUTION FOR NEAR REAL-TIME IMAGE PROCESSING, SCREENING, & PRODUCT DISTRIBUTION

SDL provides the Distributed Common Ground System (DCGS) community with a powerful image processing, screening, and product distribution solution by combining a ground station with the VANTAGE™ tactical intelligence software suite and the Sky Lynx data link interface hardware. This system's cost-effectiveness is achieved through the use of flexible and robust hardware configurations that enable the customer to scale the system to their DCGS program needs.

Remediation Of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons In Soil Using Hemoglobin-Catalytic Mechanism, Guyoung Kang, Kapsung Park, Jaechang Cho, David King Stevens, Namhyun Chung

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications

It is suggested in this paper that recalcitrant organopollutants can be degraded efficiently by a hemoglobin-catalytic reaction in the presence of hydrogen peroxide (i.e., H2O2). The catalytic mechanism was studied with 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) as a compound for oxidation. Various evidence suggests that the catalytic mechanism is very similar to those of horseradish peroxidase and lignin peroxidase. The catalytic intermediates are known to oxidize various chemicals, indicating that the intermediates of hemoglobin can nonspecifically degrade many different types of organopollutants. To prove the hypothesis, an attempt was made to remediate polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH)-contaminated field soil. The results showed that …

Can Suspended Fine Sediment Transport In Shallow Lakes Be Predicted Using Mvrvm With Limited Observations?, H. A. Batt Ph.D., David King Stevens

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications

The study of sediment transport in water natural bodies is a challenging task. There have been several attempts to describe sediment mathematically using hydraulic characteristics of water bodies. Most researchers who developed empirical formulas to describe sediment transport performed laboratory experiments with assumptions that did not take into account variations of hydraulic parameters and the fine sediment sizes that are part of this phenomenon. Recently, new approaches for studying sediment transport have been developed involving the use of machine-learning algorithms that have proven accuracy and efficiency in predicting sediment transport. A novel machinelearning method, the Multivariate Relevance Vector Machine (MVRVM), …

Buckling Instability Of Crown Sealing, J. O. Marston, Mohammad M. Mansoor, Tadd T. Truscott, S. T. Thoroddsen

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Publications

Despite the scholarly fascination with water entry of spheres for well over a century,¹ we present a new observation, namely, the crown-buckling instability. This instability is characterized by striations appearing near the top of the crown walls just prior to the surface seal, as shown in Fig. 1(a). The crown wall collapses inward due to the pressure differential across the wall created by the moving air in the wake of the sphere and surface tension within the crown. Since the rate of collapse is faster than that at which fluid drains out from the neck region, fluid collects into …

High Regression Rate Hybrid Rocket Fuel Grains With Helical Port Structures, Stephen A. Whitmore, Sean D. Walker, Daniel P. Merkley, Mansour Sobbi

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Publications

Results froma development campaign, where modern additive manufacturing methods are used to fabricate hybrid rocket fuel grains with embedded helical ports, are presented. The fuel grains were constructed from acrlyonitrile butadiene styrene using commercially available three-dimensional printer feedstockmaterial.Gaseous oxygen is used as the oxidizer for this test campaign.When compared to cylindrical fuel ports, significant increases in fuel regression rates were observed, and these increases in regression rate diminished with time as the helical fuel port burns to become progressivelymore cylindrical. Comparisons to the helical pipe flow skin friction correlation developed by Mishra and Gupta indicate that increased skin friction only …

Matryoshka Cavity, Randy Craig Hurd, T. Fanning, Zhao Pan, C. Maybey, Kyle G. Bodily, Kip Schafer Hacking, Nathan B. Spiers, Tadd T. Truscott

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Publications

When a water droplet impacts a free surface with sufficient velocity, the momentum transfer results in the formation of a hemispherical cavity expanding radially from the point of impact.¹ This cavity continues to expand until the kinetic energy is completely converted to potential energy (Fig. 1(a)).² Pumphrey and Elmore equated the potential energy of this subsurface cavity with the kinetic energy of the impacting droplet, concluding that the magnitude of the cavity radius is proportional to impact velocity and droplet diameter.³

Experimental Validation Data For Cfd Of Mixed Convection On A Vertical Flat Plate, Blake W. Lance, Jeff R. Harris, Barton L. Smith

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Publications

Model validation for Computational Fluid Dynamics(CFD), where experimental data and model outputs are com-pared, is a key tool for assessing model uncertainty. In this work, mixed convection is studied experimentally for the purpose of providing validation data for CFD models with a high level of completeness. Experiments are performed in a facility built specifically for validation with a vertical, flat,heated wall. Data were acquired for both buoyancy-aided and buoyancy-opposed flows. Measured boundary conditions include as-built geometry, inflow mean and fluctuating velocity profiles, and inflow and wall temperatures. Additionally, room air temperature, pressure, and relative humidity are measured to provide fluid …

The Study Of Frequency-Scan Photothermal Reflectance Technique For Thermal Diffusivity Measurement, Zilong Hua, Heng Ban, David H. Hurley

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Publications

A frequency scan photothermal reflectance technique to measure thermal diffusivity of bulk samples is studied in this manuscript. Similar to general photothermal reflectance methods, an intensity-modulated heating laser and a constant intensity probe laser are used to determine the surface temperature response under sinusoidal heating. The approach involves fixing the distance between the heating and probe laser spots, recording the phase lag of reflected probe laser intensity with respect to the heating laser frequency modulation, and extracting thermal diffusivity using the phase lag–(frequency)^1/2 relation. The experimental validation is performed on three samples (SiO₂, CaF₂, and …

Smart Laboratory Instrument Control Framework, Kevin Scott Kennedy

Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects

The collection of experimental results in power electronic research requires the coordination of a wide variety of laboratory instrument. Depending on the type of results required, each data point can take a few minutes to collect. This process becomes time consuming when a large number of data points is needed and detracts from long-term research objectives. While there are industry standards that specify communication with these devices, many equipment vendors elect not to follow the standards and use their own protocols for communication. This project provides a framework for developing a smart and connected lab. This includes hardware and software …

3d Persistence Of Vision Display, Austin Jensen, Mark Elliott, Michael Reimer

Electrical and Computer Engineering

By rapidly sweeping a varying 2D image, a 3D image appears to the human eye. We have developed a 3D Persistence of Vision Display by rotating a 2D grid of LED’s. Our display has multiple operating modes and could be expanded to many other applications.

Acoustic Room Mapping Utilizing Blind Source Separation, Michael L. Schena

Electrical and Computer Engineering

• Acoustic signals used to map the walls of a room
• Blind Source Separation (BSS) technique used instead of traditional “pinging” techniques
• Locations of signal sources are not necessary
• Possibility to transmit data while locating signal sources

All Grades Technology (Agt) Laser Receiver, Tyler Wilson

Electrical and Computer Engineering

The AGT Laser Receiver is a landscaping tool used to measure the elevation offset from a given location (benchmark). The tool is used to set grade on a job site.

The AGT Laser Receiver consists of two main components, the AGT Remote and AGT Tool. The AGT Tool captures the laser beam and processes the information. The AGT Remote receives the processed data and displays the offset to the screen.

Auto/Manual Sprinkling System, Scott Petersen

Electrical and Computer Engineering

The Auto/Manual Sprinkling System was designed to be put in vineyards to evaluate moisture levels in the soil and water the vineyard accordingly. It has an automatic control which allows moisture sensors to control water flow, rather than a user. This is designed so the user can water with optimal efficiency. The manual control saves the user time because they can control the sprinklers from their computer instead of going out to the fields to turn on the sprinklers. This will also save the user money because water will be used more efficiently.

Autonomous Bond Car, Josh Harris, Tyler Butikofer, Trevor Kunz

Electrical and Computer Engineering

The Autonomous Bond Car System or "James" is designed to be a base architecture and platform for classic car enthusiasts to incorporate modern conveniences and features into older vehicular systems. As a demonstration of the systems abilities, a Facial Recognition Ignition Control (FRIC) feature has been implemented as well as a real-time data readout via Android app.

Computer Auxiliary Camera Hardware Extension Board, Jorden Luke

Electrical and Computer Engineering

The Get Away Special Passive Attitude Control System (GASPACS) project is investigating a way to passively control the attitude, the orientation a spacecraft in orbit, of a 1U Cubesat through the deployment of a one-meter long rigid boom. To obtain data on how the boom will be deployed and characterize the rigidness of the boom, a camera will be used to video the deployment and periodically take pictures of the boom. Subsequently the camera data will allow the GASPACS team to visually determine how much the boom flexes on orbit to to measure its rigidness.

Automated Bartender, Christopher Herman, Isaac Cocar

Electrical and Computer Engineering

The Automated Bartender (AB) provides a timely and economical means of making and delivering drinks to customers. With a rotating platform and cup detectors, the AB, unlike similar projects on the market, can handle a queue. The AB utilizes a gravity fed solenoid valve to control the delivery of the liquid. The flow sensor, in line with the valve allows for precise measurements. We have implemented a calibration technique in the software to ensure consistent and accurate flow count.

Knock Activated Door Lock, Connor George

Electrical and Computer Engineering

The Knock Activated Door Lock system is intended to provide an alternative to a traditional lock and key system for unlocking and locking a door. It’s primary value comes from its convenience and its uniqueness. The user knocks on the door in a particular pattern in order to unlock the door. This pattern can be customized to the user’s desire.

Scaled Ev Model, Christopher Dachota Keller

Electrical and Computer Engineering

Design and select the Major Electrical Systems of an Electric Vehicle, i.e.:

• Motor
• Battery
• Power Electronics
• Controls

That would comply with the DOE (Department of Energy) performance standards for Electric Vehicles, such as acceleration and range.

Energy Generating Led Snowboard, Usu Department Of Electrical And Computer Engineering

Electrical and Computer Engineering

This snowboard will encourage people of all ages to start snowboarding while keeping all of their electronics fully charged. The LED strands will light different colors according to the use of the snowboard.

Fish Tracker: A Software Defined Radio Application, Cody Herndon, Serena Makin

Electrical and Computer Engineering

Flying a software defined radio allows us to reduce hardware to create a time saving and modular method to track tagged fish for the purpose of learning how rivers change from year to year.

Fitness Watch, Jason Macy

Electrical and Computer Engineering

The Fitness Watch is consists of a microcontroller ideally worn on the wrist, a heart rate sensor, and a PC based application. Its an amazing tool for facilitating and tracking the effectiveness of workouts. It includes features such as current heart rate, workout recording, months of storage and, calendar and graph based tracking of calories burned.

Hay And Silage Product Applicator System, Marshall Folkman

Electrical and Computer Engineering

This project is an agricultural system for applying hay and silage preservatives at the time of bailing or swathing. This system provides a solution which enables customers to have better automated control, monitoring, and flexibility over the flow-rates at which product is applied to their crops.

Headphone Tester, Derrick Chugg, Michael Welch

Electrical and Computer Engineering

Have you ever wondered if your set of headphones were the best? Or if you always wanted to try those expensive headphones but have never got the money? The Headphone Tester will solve this problem by,

• Correcting the frequency response of your headphones
• Altering your headphones frequency response to sound just like another headphone

With the Headphone Tester, you can test any set of headphones with just your current headphones.

Model Aircraft Stabilization Control System, Braden Allen, Brandon Packer, Justin Weight

Electrical and Computer Engineering

Many first time hobby fliers find it difficult to control a remote control airplane. The goal of this project is to make an inexpensive control system to aid beginner flyers in controlling the aircraft.

Motorized Automated Dumbbell (M.A.D.), Aaron Anderson, Tyler Tolman

Electrical and Computer Engineering

The MAD system is a space saving dumbbell set. How does it work? Two dumbbells, with weighted plates on each end of the dumbbells, are placed on a platform. A person selects a desired weight by the push of a button or through an app on a mobile device. The weight range a person can select is from 2.5 pounds to 52.5 pounds for each dumbbell. A motor then grabs the unwanted plates at the ends of the dumbbells, leaving only the selected weight.

Multipurpose Fabrication Tool, Ryan Hathaway

Electrical and Computer Engineering

Many fabrication processes share one thing in common: they are carried out by a computer controlled machine using XYZ motion. The purpose of this project is to build a multipurpose fabrication tool with a solid XYZ platform that can easily be adapted to take advantage of several different fabrication methods. Since the XYZ motion is the most expensive portion of these types of machines, the cost can be reduced significantly by giving the XYZ motion multiple uses.

This multipurpose fabrication tool is constructed using rigid, high precision components for precise repeatable operations including, but not limited to: milling, 3D printing, …

Iris Real Time Closed-Captioning System, Kyler Anderson, Bradley Diamond

Electrical and Computer Engineering

The IRIS Real Time Closed-captioning System provides real-time closed-captioning of the surrounding verbal conversation to improve understanding for the user. Millions affected by hearing impairments in the US¹. Existing translation methods are not sufficient in many situations. Our objectives include:

• Translate near real time
• Achieve high accuracy
• Allow eye contact
• Allow mobility

By making a speech-to-text translation available instantly and alongside the visual cues of the conversation, individuals with hearing impairments will be connected to a world of possible conversations.

Quadcopter Chase Cam, Dorothy Johnson, Cameron Madsen, Jacob Rice

Electrical and Computer Engineering

The Project

• Quadcopter with detachable GoPro camera
• Free open source software to allow the quadcopter to chase
• Autonomously follows within a specified distance and elevation
• GPS dongle to provide accurate location