Engineering Commons^™

Graphene Characterization With 785 Nm Raman Spectroscopy, Seth Stringham, Audrey Elison, Kevin Shurtleff, Paul Weber, Dustin Shipp

Utah Space Grant Consortium

Graphene, a single atom-thick layer of carbon, is a focal point in various research fields due to its unique properties. With researchers developing new methods to create this material, it's crucial to establish tools to confirm the authenticity of graphene samples. This study utilizes 785 nm Raman spectroscopy, focusing on Raman spectral analysis and the construction of a Carbon Spectral Library. Leveraging G and 2D bands, Raman spectroscopy identifies structural and vibrational properties, while the Carbon Spectral Library aids in accurate comparison and identification. The study's findings emphasize the significance of the 785 nm Raman spectrometer as an effective tool …

Optimization Of Animal Hair Preparation For Scanning Electron Microscopy (Sem), Cristina De La Vieja Medina, Samuel Tobler, Wendy Schatzberg

Utah Space Grant Consortium

This study investigates the best method to prepare animal hair samples for scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The main objective is to identify the most effective method to clean, cut, and position the hair to achieve a better image of the hair without external elements. Various cleaning methods were explored, but the best option was a 15-minute sonication in water followed by a 24-hour immersion in a 90% ethanol-10% methanol mixture. Samples were placed with different types of glue to ensure the hair remained stable. A diamond blade was used to cut the hairs but did not provide the desired results …

Wok The Line: Searching For The Hydrogen 21 Cm Emission, Jade Marchant, Matt Wilkinson, Gaige Jordan

Utah Space Grant Consortium

Prior to this research, the students and faculty of the Weber State Physics and Astronomy Department, and any other interested parties, did not have access to instruments that would allow us to perform observations of astronomical objects that emit in the radio portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. To address this problem, we set out to build a small and affordable radio telescope in an effort to encourage future undergraduate research in both observational instrumentation and radio astronomy research. This device is composed of a kitchen wok with a diameter of 61 centimeters that acts as a reflector and a dipole …

Testing The Limits: Characterizing The Ability Of The Ktpo Telescope To Observe Exoplanetary Transits, Eden Saxton, John C. Armstrong, Jade Marchant, Matt Wilkinson, Spencer Brickey

Utah Space Grant Consortium

The goal of this project is to characterize the ability of the Keith Terry Palen Observatory (KTPO) to be able to reliably detect exoplanets. The KTPO telescope has already been shown to be excellent at taking data of other time series events, and being able to take data of a wider variety of targets will allow the telescope to have a wider research draw. Additionally, the methodology utilized in characterizing the telescope’s capabilities for this particular kind of event can be expanded to allow for more robust criterion regarding choosing targets and taking data.

Exploring Microbialite Mats Of Great Salt Lake, Alivia Preston, Brooks Hawkes, Caitlin Christensen, Bonnie Baxter

Utah Space Grant Consortium

Among the major contributors to the bottom of the food chain in the Great Salt Lake, microbialites are mats of microorganisms supported by rock-like structures. The microbiome includes photosynthesizers such as cyanobacteria, but they also include more complex organisms such as algae. We have recently, for the first time, discovered evidence of fungi associated with the microbiolite mats. Little research has been conducted on fungi of the Great Salt Lake. The microbialites are the foundation for the food chain in the lake, and without them, the food chain will likely face a collapse. As the Great Salt Lake is shrinking, …

Analysis Of Total Solar Eclipse Images, Quincy Stewart, Julia Kamenetzky

Utah Space Grant Consortium

In efforts to comprehend and predict space weather, specifically solar flares and coronal mass ejections, studying the Sun's corona is crucial. The innermost corona layer is best observed during a total solar eclipse when brighter light interference is minimized. Citizen CATE captured corona images during the 2017 eclipse, and in preparation for the 2024 event, we enhanced image quality by stacking varied exposure images. This method allows for the creation of radial brightness profiles, starting from the Sun's surface, at 1 solar radii, while other methods such as LASCO typically start at 3.0 solar radii.

Lunar Untethered Modular Inflatable Robot, Chris Paul, James Wade, Isaac Weaver, Simon Charles, Logan Yang, Ashleigh Cerven, Nathan Usevitch

Utah Space Grant Consortium

Sustained operations on the moon will require robotic structures that can perform tasks like building solar arrays and habitats, servicing equipment, exploring, or rescuing astronauts.

As an alternative to traditional rigid robots, inflatable soft robotics could be used to fill these needs while keeping weight low and taking up less payload volume for a mission.

Byu Rocketry: 2024 Irec & Spaceport America Cup, Casey Gooch, Spencer Stowell, Taylor Anderton, Aidan Rice, Zach Lyman, Haylee Sevy, Nathan Butler, Brad Hornfischer, Tyson Butterfield, Joshua Taylor, Gabe Slade, Barry Creighton, David Fullwood, Matt Allen

Utah Space Grant Consortium

BYU Rocketry will compete in the 2024 IREC competition at the Spaceport America Cup in June 2024 in the 10,000 ft commercial motor category. The 12.5 ft and 67 lb. rocket, Alta, beckons to BYU Rocketry’s past while honoring some of Utah’s most towering peaks.

Progress On The Optically Transparent Antenna Payload For The Gasrats Cubesat, Ethan Wayland, Tyler Day, Lorenzo High, Carter Page

Utah Space Grant Consortium

The Get Away Special Radio and Antenna Transparency Satellite (GASRATS) is an education and technology demonstration CubeSat mission being developed by the Get Away Special (GAS) Student Satellite Team at Utah State University (USU) in collaboration with USU professor Dr. Reyhan Baktur. The 3U CubeSat (34x10x10 cm) will demonstrate an optically transparent, solar panel-integrated patch antenna in low Earth orbit and verify its long-term durability in the space environment.

Aggie Aeroview's Trans-American High-Altitude Balloon, Jared Wallace, Kaeden Teague, Chris Harker, Spencer Anderson, Wade Palmer, Mason Anderson, Som Dutta

Utah Space Grant Consortium

No abstract provided.

Spaceport America Cup Rocket, Mary Bergquist, Wyatt Lane, Gavin Morgenegg, Patrick Merighe, Jake Newberry, Bryce Nichols, Nathan Schwemmer, Jonathan Sedwick, Hayden Stout, Braxton Wiggins

Utah Space Grant Consortium

The Spaceport America Cup Rocketry Competition is an international event with 20 countries and 152 teams competing. The goal is to build a rocket that delivers an 8.8 lb. payload as close to a 10,000 ft. apogee as possible using a commercial off the shelf motor, and to achieve the precise apogee with an innovative design that pushes rocket engineering while maintaining safe practices. The rockets are being launched in New Mexico, June 2024. After the rockets launch, a panel of judges comprised of industry professionals evaluate each team based on rocket performance and design.

Lunar Landscaping: Designing A Berm-Building Robot For Nasa Lunabotics, Chandler Millar, Andrew Tolton, Daniel Robinson, Najman Husaini, Nathaniel Bruns, Brycen Cheney, Jacob Wilson, Samuel Friel, Wyatt Jones, Joseph Youngblood, Leah Smock, Anthony Bolda, Vincent Banh, Carlos Carvajal, Ethan Larsen, Kwinten Hale, Mark Minor, John Davies, Ried Rouse

Utah Space Grant Consortium

The goal of the NASA Artemis missions are to establish long-term human presence on the moon. This year’s NASA Lunabotics competition tasks teams with building robots capable of traversing and landscaping in a simulated Lunar terrain to gather data on Lunar construction. The competition goal is to construct a robot capable of building a berm out of regolith simulant. A diagram of the competition, and of USR’s robot E.L.E is shown in Figure 1.

Urine Supplementation Of Nostoc Muscorum In Mgs-1 Media, Alix Elliston

Utah Space Grant Consortium

Cyanobacteria have been referred to as the architects of Earth's atmosphere and are widely credited with being the planet's first oxygenators. While it is speculated that cyanobacteria could similarly be utilized to oxygenate the atmosphere of Mars, one constraint is resource scarcity on the planet. Studies have shown that certain cyanobacteria can survive at least short term in media comprised of Martian regolith; however, their ability to thrive long term in such nutrient-deprived conditions is questionable. This study aims to investigate whether a cyanobacterial culture grown in a nutrient-deprived, Mars regolith simulant media can be supplemented with urine to facilitate …

Sustainability Of Cyanobacteria In A Co2 Rich Environment, Lonnie Ernst

Utah Space Grant Consortium

The goal of this project is to grow the cyanobacterium, Nostoc muscorum, under a Mars-like condition by growing N. muscorum in an anaerobic chamber supplemented with 100% CO2 and observe the rise in O2 levels. One culture is grown to density outside the chamber and a second culture is subcultured from the first, then the two cultures are placed into the CO2 chamber. The O2 and CO2 levels are measured daily and the cultures density are visually observed each day to determine if cyanobacteria can grow and survive in a CO2 dense environment.

Identifying Secondary Metabolites In Corals Of The Order Corallimorpharia For Novel Medicinal Use, Dave Huish, Jane Lee

Utah Space Grant Consortium

Medicinal and bioactive compounds have been found in various species of corals and are currently being used for, but not limited to, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic/chemotherapy, antimicrobial, antivirus, and antifouling. Currently, acquiring compounds and derivatives is limited by naturally occurring resources. This project is investigating corals from the order Corallimorpharia that are known rapid reproducers and potentially invasive. They demonstrate many of the same attributes as corals that have been studied suggesting that they have similar compounds. The specific coral of interest is Rhodactis howesii. Samples have been obtained, DNA has been isolated, and their genomes are in the process of being …

Chemical Synthesis Of Aerogel Fabric Under Standard Lab Conditions, Antonio Ruiz, Cristina Kinosian, Lane Law, John Flood

Utah Space Grant Consortium

Aerogels are a fascinating material that function as great insulators. Nasa has partnered with Aspen Aerogels to produce a commercially viable product that aims to tackle a variety of problems such as space shuttle insulation, space particle collection, thermal safety, and cryogenic applications. The main objective of our project is to reproduce an aerogel blanket using standard lab conditions and chemicals. We will be producing the blanket using the silica gel process. We will compare properties of durability, cost, and thermal conductivity. We plan to pinpoint a procedure that provides the most cost effective, durable, and thermally conductive material under …

Historical El Nino/La Nina Patterns In Slc, Sea, And La, Eric Wykstra, Jonathan Barnes

Utah Space Grant Consortium

Temperature and precipitation patterns vary across the United States. Different environmental influences can affect these patterns in predictable ways. El Nino and La Nina are two such environmental influences. It is a temperature reading of a section of the ocean that reads 0.5 Celsius above or below the average ocean temperature. In this project we follow the temperatures and levels of precipitation in three cities: Salt Lake City, Seattle, and Los Angeles. We then compare them to the temperatures of El Nino and La Nina to see if there are correlations between the data.

Molecular Dynamics Simulations For Molten Salt Mixtures, Bryant Jones, Shane Schaugaard, Maggie Wu, Ashely Littlefield

Utah Space Grant Consortium

No abstract provided.

The First Snap Surface Brightness Fluctuation Distances, Mikaela Cowles, Joseph B. Jensen, Brent Tully, John P. Blakeslee, Ehsan Kourkchi

Utah Space Grant Consortium

We have successfully acquired F110W (J-band) images of 68 massive elliptical galaxies in clusters and groups out to 80 Mpc by taking advantage of the efficient Hubble Space Telescope SNAP observing mode. We used the Surface Brightness Fluctuation (SBF) technique to measure distances to 44 of the galaxies so far with a typical uncertainty of ~5% in distance by implementing a new Python-based pipeline to simplify and automate the SBF analysis procedure. This new SNAP sample doubles the total number of IR SBF distances to galaxies beyond 50 Mpc. The new distances will allow for more accurate determination of the …

Artemia In Space, Holbrook Hawkes, Elizabeth Blackburn, Bonnie K. Baxter

Utah Space Grant Consortium

The panspermia hypothesis poses that life originated in space. To test this hypothesis, a model organism capable of withstanding the extreme conditions of space must be used. The brine shrimp genus Artemia represents species of extremophilic zooplankton with adaptations to survive extreme temperatures (-273˚°C to 90˚°C), hydrogen sulfide-reducing environments, HZE particles, oxidation, desiccation, ion exposure, electromagnetic radiation, and anoxia (Skoultchi and Morowitz, 1964; Clegg, 1978; van Stappen, 1996, 2002; Willsie and Clegg, 2001; Clegg and Trotman, 2002; MacRae, 2016). Artemia are so hardy in part due to their ability to produce oviparous encysted embryos instead of live nauplii that can …

Ecological Dynamics Of The Hypersaline Great Salt Lake North Arm, Amanda Lee, Alex Phillips, Bonnie Baxter, Amy Schmid

Utah Space Grant Consortium

Great Salt Lake (GSL) is home to a massive variety of microorganisms and these populations will aid in understanding the ecosystem. The Union Pacific’s railroad causeway divided GSL into two distinct sections, the green South Arm and pink North Arm, and each have nurtured two accordingly distinctive ecosystems. Breaches periodically opened in the causeway allow the waters to mix and provide opportunity for the microbial communities of the two arms to intermingle. This project focuses on procuring a picture of the North Arm’s microbial diversity and the extent that it adapts to new environments over the four seasons, as well …

White Light Observations Of The Total Solar Eclipse, Maxwell Lynch, Julia Kamenetzky

Utah Space Grant Consortium

This year, we have had the opportunity to see two total solar eclipses. I helped create training materials for volunteer scientists who took photographs of these eclipses. Our group worked with the Dynamic Eclipse Broadcast Initiative, which has organized groups for this project across North America. My role was to work with the DEB team to write instructions for our systems, and then to observe both eclipses.

Byu University Rover Challenge, Ethan Smith, Ben Broce, Phineas Jensen, Aaron Thomas, Jackson Harwood, Caleb Betteridge, Grant Thompson, Ben Duncan, Spencer Stowell, Spencer Mosley, John Carmen, Trevor Reay, Cameron Stoker, Luke Zollinger, Carson Moon, Ian Reid, Ross Beeson, Mihai Stanciu, Ben Wright, Jacob Moore, Joey Mcconkie, Noah Peterson, Brandon Sutherland, Joseph Heal, Marc Killpack

Utah Space Grant Consortium

THE CHALLENGE Our objective is to produce a robust and well-defined rover which will score greater than the 90th percentile in each of the University Rover Challenge (URC) missions. These missions are as follows: Extreme Delivery Find, lift, carry and deliver objects up to 5kg in mass to predetermined GPS coordinates and maneuver precisely through difficult terrain. Equipment Servicing Accurately manipulate controls on a mock lander, simulating a human's dexterity and speed. Science Detect life in a desert environment, recording the temperature, moisture, and GPS coordinates at the sample site. Autonomy Navigate to multiple GPS waypoints, detect objects with AI, …

Byu Rocketry: 2023 Irec & Spaceport America Cup, Derrick Walker, Riley Brown, Will Hart, Anya Jeppson, Aidan Rice, Nathan Butler, Bradley Hornfischer, Blake Jensen, Alexander Potter, Joshua Taylor, Dallan Trentman, David Fullwood

Utah Space Grant Consortium

BYU Rocketry competed in the 2023 IREC competition at the Spaceport America Cup in the 10,000 ft commercial motor category. The 12 ft and 71 lb. rocket, Solitude beckons to BYU Rocketry’s past while honoring some of Utah’s most towering peaks.

Extracting Meanline Modeling Parameters For Radial Turbomachinery From Cfd, Jason Metten, Dallan Trentman

Utah Space Grant Consortium

This study uses Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to explore how geometric changes to centrifugal compressors impact key Two-Zone modeling parameters. While centrifugal impellers are an important part of many systems, the flow through such impellers is inherently complicated making performance often difficult to predict. There are many approaches for modeling this complex flow environment, one method being the Two-Zone model developed by Dave Japikse. This model divides all flow through a centrifugal impeller into a primary zone which is isentropic, and a secondary zone which contains losses. To apply this method, a few key parameters are needed. These parameters are …

Precise Impulse Design For Hybrid Rockets Using Machine-Learning Informed Digital Throttle Input, Eric Larsen, Stephen Whitmore, Som Dutta

Utah Space Grant Consortium

Hybrid rocket motors are known to be safer and greener than solid motor rockets. Hybrid rockets provide additional benefits to mission design with the ability to shutdown, restart, and throttle reliably. Capabilities well suited to applications such as sounding rockets, orbital insertion of small satellites, and surface launch systems. The implementation of hybrid rockets does not come without its own complications. A significant uncertainty in hybrid rocket thrust output is the Oxidizer-to-Fuel ratio (O/F) producing variable thrust, also known as the O/F shift. The effect of O/F shift on thrust has the potential to limit the performance and reliability of …

Nitrification Rate Depends On Nitrogen Fertilizer Source In Root-Zones For Bioregenerative Life-Support, Noah J. Langenfeld, Bruce Bugbee

Utah Space Grant Consortium

Nitrification helps recycle nitrogen (N) in closed root-zones with multiple N inputs. We studied nitrification rates in peat moss soilless media adjusted to pH 6.5 to 7 and watered with nutrient solutions containing 9 mM N from ammonium nitrate, ammonium, nitrate, urea, or microbial biomass (lysed cells of the N-fixing bacteria Azotobacter vinelandii). We leached the media with nutrient solution every week for 150 days and measured the pH, electrical conductivity, and nitrate concentration. We measured ammonium in the peat moss at the end of the study using a potassium chloride extraction and quantified total N by combustion. Nitrification …

Estimating The Full Pressure Field Immediately Downstream From A Propeller Using Stereoscopic Piv, Nathan Welker, Daniel Maynes

Utah Space Grant Consortium

Despite their relative importance in aerodynamic and turbulent flow measurements, pressure data has long been limited to time-mean fields made using tedious and intrusive pitot probe arrays. However, velocity-based measurements, such as particle image velocimetry (PIV), can be combined with the governing flow equations to derive high resolution pressure fields in a non-intrusive way. Using phase-locking and a multi-plane stereo-PIV approach, the pressure fields in the wake of an isolated propeller were measured using this method. The results were compared to data obtained from a traditional pitot probe. It was found that the pressure profile from the PIV approach was …

Expedited Cellular Uptake Of Hydrophobic Antioxidants For Oxidative Stress Mitigation Via F127 Micelle Encapsulation, Kyle Jackson, Kade Robison, David Britt, Yu Huang

Utah Space Grant Consortium

Various hydrophobic antioxidants remain unexplored for the treatment of space radiation and oxidative stress due to their inability to enter the cell without a drug delivery vehicle. Here, we explore the Pluronic F127 drug delivery vehicle, known as a micelle, and examine cellular responses following antioxidant delivery and oxidative stress mitigation. We also investigate methods for producing antioxidant-loaded micelles and their potential suitability for astronauts, including the best ways they might be administered during space flight missions. This research paves the way for new antioxidants to be used to protect astronauts from diseases caused by space conditions such as radiation …

Earth Observation Satellite Data Reveals Correlations Between Temperature, Turbidity, And Chlorophyll-A In Utah Lake, Kaylee B. Tanner

Utah Space Grant Consortium

No abstract provided.