Aerospace Engineering Commons^™

Development And Testing Of An 8-Bit Digitally Throttled Hybrid Rocket Motor, Trevor W. Coombs

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Hybrid rocket motors that use a solid fuel grain and liquid oxidizer are low-cost and safer alternatives to traditional rocket motors. Another benefit of hybrid rocket motors is that during a burn, the amount of oxidizer into the combustion chamber can be changed, this capability is called throttling. To take advantage of the throttling ability of hybrid rocket motors, a throttling valve made up of 8 individually controlled valves is designed, developed, and tested, which is documented in this thesis. The results of the testing campaign show that the 8-bit digital throttling valve technology is an effective throttling technology and …

Predictive Ai Applications For Sar Cases In The Us Coast Guard, Joshua Nelson

Cybersecurity Undergraduate Research Showcase

This paper explores the potential integration of predictive analytics AI into the United States Coast Guard's (USCG) Search and Rescue Optimal Planning System (SAROPS) for deep sea and nearshore search and rescue (SAR) operations. It begins by elucidating the concept of predictive analytics AI and its relevance in military applications, particularly in enhancing SAR procedures. The current state of SAROPS and its challenges, including complexity and accuracy issues, are outlined. By integrating predictive analytics AI into SAROPS, the paper argues for streamlined operations, reduced training burdens, and improved accuracy in locating drowning personnel. Drawing on insights from military AI applications …

Theory Of Development And Improvement Of The Mathematical Model Of The Methodology Of Public Control In The Management Of Occupational Safety And Industrial Risks, Aliakbar Khamidullaevich Rasulev, Sunnatilla Suleymanovich Suleymanov, Nodira Bakhadirzhanovna Gaibnazarova

Technical science and innovation

The article develops and analyzes a mathematical model based on a logical flowchart of the methodology of public control in the management of occupational safety and industrial risks and probability theory, according to the model, the results of compliance with the requirements of social cooperation on occupational safety lead to a sharp increase in the probability of reliability, management efficiency becomes higher. Analysis of the mathematical model of the developed logical flowchart based on probability theory has shown that when the parties cooperate to monitor the results of compliance with labor protection requirements, they lead to a sharp increase in …

Solving Water Resources Problems - Water Saving In The Republic Of Uzbekistan, Rustam Muxammatdjanovich Raximov

Technical science and innovation

In this article we will talk about the problems of water resources in the Republic of Uzbekistan. The problem of drinking water supply, solutions to provide drinking water to the population of Uzbekistan. The largest consumers of fresh water in Uzbekistan are farmers. Due to outdated infrastructure, 40% of water is wasted. Rising food prices and the risk of spreading disease are the first signs of water shortages that we may experience in the coming еars. Uzbekcosmos told how to solve the problem. Water is an invaluable resource used not only in the home, but also in the production and …

Selective Oxidation Of Iron In Chalcopyrite For Enhanced Copper Recovery, Khojiakbar Shuxrat O'G'Li Sultonov, Shokhrukh Toshpulatovich Khojiev, Gulnoza Berdiyor Qizi Beknazarova, Malika Sayfullayevna Saidova

Technical science and innovation

This study explores the thermodynamic feasibility of selectively oxidizing iron contained in chalcopyrite mineral while preventing the oxidation of copper sulphide, with the ultimate goal of enhancing the copper concentration in the sulphide concentrate. A redox reaction in the solid phases between chalcopyrite and copper (I) oxide was constructed and subjected to thermodynamic analysis. The research identifies a crucial temperature range of 498-598 K (225-325 °C) as the most favourable for the redox reaction. The equilibrium constants at the selected optimal temperatures, 1.152 for chalcopyrite and 1.137 for copper (I) oxide, indicate that the redox reaction adheres to the expected …

Modelling Of Heat Transfer In An Air Solar Collector, Shakhnoza Abduvaxitovna Sultanova, Jasur Esirgapovich Safarov, A.A. Mambetsheripova

Technical science and innovation

This study is the prediction, depending on time and different geographical and climatic situations, of different operating parameters: solar radiation, ambient and outlet coolant temperature, heat exchange coefficients and losses. All these determine, in the absence of measurements, the efficiency of the system modelled with existing models with respect to these parameters. These models are usually compared with experimental results. Before modelling, it is necessary to investigate the different heat transfer and exchange regimes that exist between the different elements of this system in order to eventually have a system of equations governing this exchange. The modelling principle is to …

Implementing A Solar Photovoltaic Station In Watering Systems Utilizing Complex Software, Akbarxon Sarvar O'G'Li Uroqov, Faxriddin Jaylovovich Nosirov, G'Olibjon Pardayevich Arzikulov, Zarina Amriddin Qizi Sayfutdinova

Technical science and innovation

This article explores the benefits of transitioning from traditional agricultural irrigation systems to more cost-effective alternatives powered by renewable energy sources. By integrating solar photovoltaic technology into irrigation processes, significant reductions in resource wastage, estimated at 45-50%, are achievable through the implementation of drip irrigation techniques. This results in enhanced agricultural productivity. Moreover, the utilization of solar panels in green zones mitigates surface temperature increases, contributing to a 2-5% boost in electricity production. Currently, irrigation facilities primarily rely on the main energy grid. However, transitioning to renewable energy sources decreases reliance on non-renewable fuels, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and fosters …

Research Of The Influence Of Dust On Photovoltaic Modules, Anvarjon Mirolimov, Xalmurat Iliev

Technical science and innovation

The influence of dust concentrations on the current-voltage characteristics (voltampere characteristics) of photovoltaic modules (PVM) based on crystalline silicon in laboratory conditions. It was investigated how an uncleaned panel affects the output power. The tests were carried out in the city of Tashkent on the territory of the “National Research Institute of Renewable Energy Sources”. The objects were located co-plurally as specified in GOST R 60904-1 Photoelectric devices. Part 1. Measurement of current-voltage characteristics. Measurements of a cleaned photovoltaic module with a maximum power of 330 W and not a cleaned one of 236 W were obtained. Based on the …

Use Of Mathematical Skills For Technical Condition Assessment Of Power Autotransformers, Dilafruz Rustamjon Qizi Abdullabekova, Nurali Berdiyorovich Pirmatov

Technical science and innovation

In this paper, we review innovative approaches to assess the technical condition of autotransformers using mathematical methods. The main purpose of these methods is to increase the efficiency of diagnostics and prevent possible failures in power systems. The developed mathematical expression is based on complex data analysis, application of statistical methods and machine learning technologies. This makes it possible to achieve more accurate and earlier detection of potential problems. As a result of these innovative approaches, the possibilities for early detection and prevention of faults are significantly increased. This is important for ensuring the smooth operation of power systems and …

Quantitative Assessment And Characterization Of Tool Wear Phenomena In Advanced Manufacturing Processes, Oybek Valijonovich Tuyboyov

Technical science and innovation

This paper explores the quantitative assessment and characterization of tool wear phenomena in advanced manufacturing processes, employing a multifaceted approach encompassing traditional measurements, image processing, machine learning, and predictive modeling. The study emphasizes the intricate dynamics of tool wear and its direct impact on cutting tool performance, addressing challenges in real-time monitoring and optimization of machining operations. Traditional methods like VBmax measurement are juxtaposed with advanced techniques such as the improved conditional generative adversarial net with a high-quality optimization algorithm (CGAN-HQOA), efficient channel attention destruction and construction learning (ECADCL), and shape descriptors based on contour, moments, orientations, and texture. Artificial …

A Study On The Influence Of Cutting Parameters On Surface Roughness And Visualization Through Contour Plots And 3d Surface Profiles, Zayniddin Nosirovich Muxiddinov

Technical science and innovation

This research investigates the intricate relationship between cutting parameterscutting speed, feed rate, and depth of cut and surface roughness in machining processes. Surface roughness is a key determinant of machined surface quality, and optimizing cutting parameters is crucial for achieving superior finishes. Employing advanced visualization techniques, including contour plots and 3D surface profiles, the study offers a comprehensive exploration of surface topography dynamics. Statistical analyses and regression modeling enhance the quantitative understanding of how cutting parameters interact to shape surface roughness. The research affirms the significant influence of cutting speed, feed rate, and depth of cut, providing practical insights for …

Damage Control Measures In Composites: Focus On Damage Tolerance Of Aerospace Structures, Kais Jribi

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

Barely Visible Impact Damage (BVID) in composite materials presents a stealthy yet significant risk to structural integrity, particularly challenging due to its elusive nature. The approach adopted here diverges from traditional methodologies, focusing on the novel application of Digital Image Correlation (DIC) to map surface area changes during in-situ Compression After Impact (CAI) tests. This technique allows for an in-depth analysis of planar strains along the x and y axes, shedding light on the material's behavior under stress.

A pivotal advancement lies in developing a method for precisely identifying when BVID-induced delamination recommences. By meticulously analyzing strain pattern deviations along …

Convolutional Spiking Neural Networks For Intent Detection Based On Anticipatory Brain Potentials Using Electroencephalogram, Nathan Lutes, V. Sriram Siddhardh Nadendla, K. Krishnamurthy

Computer Science Faculty Research & Creative Works

Spiking neural networks (SNNs) are receiving increased attention because they mimic synaptic connections in biological systems and produce spike trains, which can be approximated by binary values for computational efficiency. Recently, the addition of convolutional layers to combine the feature extraction power of convolutional networks with the computational efficiency of SNNs has been introduced. This paper studies the feasibility of using a convolutional spiking neural network (CSNN) to detect anticipatory slow cortical potentials (SCPs) related to braking intention in human participants using an electroencephalogram (EEG). Data was collected during an experiment wherein participants operated a remote-controlled vehicle on a testbed …

A Machine Learning Model Of Perturb-Seq Data For Use In Space Flight Gene Expression Profile Analysis, Liam F. Johnson, James Casaletto, Lauren Sanders, Sylvain Costes

Graduate Industrial Research Symposium

The genetic perturbations caused by spaceflight on biological systems tend to have a system-wide effect which is often difficult to deconvolute it into individual signals with specific points of origin. Single cell multi-omic data can provide a profile of the perturbational effects, but does not necessarily indicate the initial point of interference within the network. The objective of this project is to take advantage of large scale and genome-wide perturbational datasets by using them to train a tuned machine learning model that is capable of predicting the effects of unseen perturbations in new data. Perturb-Seq datasets are large libraries of …

Farmer Perceptions Of Land Cover Classification Of Uas Imagery Of Coffee Agroecosystems In Puerto Rico, Jose Cabrera, Blake Neal, Kevin Adkins, Ronny Schroeder, Gwendolyn Klenke, Shannon Brines, Nayethzi Hernandez, Kevin Li, Riley Glancy, Ivette Perfecto

Publications

Highly diverse agroecosystems are increasingly of interest as the realization of farms’ invaluable ecosystem services grows. Simultaneously there has been an increased use of uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) in remote sensing as drones offer a finer spatial resolution and faster revisit rate than traditional satellites. With the combined utility of UAS and the attention on agroecosystems, there exists an opportunity to assess UAS practicality in highly biodiverse settings. In this study, we utilized UAS to collect fine-resolution 10-band multispectral imagery of coffee agroecosystems in Puerto Rico. We created land cover maps through a pixel-based supervised classification of each farm and …

Relative Vectoring Using Dual Object Detection For Autonomous Aerial Refueling, Derek B. Worth, Jeffrey L. Choate, James Lynch, Scott L. Nykl, Clark N. Taylor

Faculty Publications

Once realized, autonomous aerial refueling will revolutionize unmanned aviation by removing current range and endurance limitations. Previous attempts at establishing vision-based solutions have come close but rely heavily on near perfect extrinsic camera calibrations that often change midflight. In this paper, we propose dual object detection, a technique that overcomes such requirement by transforming aerial refueling imagery directly into receiver aircraft reference frame probe-to-drogue vectors regardless of camera position and orientation. These vectors are precisely what autonomous agents need to successfully maneuver the tanker and receiver aircraft in synchronous flight during refueling operations. Our method follows a common 4-stage process …

Jet-Driven Mixing Regimes Identified In The Unsteady Isothermal Filling Of Rectangular Municipal Water Storage Tanks, Pramod Narayan Bangalore, K. (Kelly) O. Homan

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Poor mixing of old and new water in municipal water storage vessels is a well-documented basis for potentially harmful water quality degradation in drinking water distribution systems. This numerical study investigates the effects of inflow and operational variables on mixing in the jet-driven filling process, with a particular focus on the transition from inadequate to sufficient mixing levels. An isothermal unsteady reynolds-averaged-navier-stokes volume-of-fluid (RANS-VOF) simulation is used to model the variable-volume filling process, accounting for the moving free surface following a draw-down in the stored water volume. A low diffusivity tracer is used to mark the old-water volume, and a …

Heat Treatments For Minimization Of Residual Stresses And Maximization Of Tensile Strengths Of Scalmalloy® Processed Via Directed Energy Deposition, Rachel Boillat-Newport, Sriram Praneeth Isanaka, Jonathan Kelley, Frank Liou

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Scalmalloy® is an Al-Mg-Sc-Zr-Based Alloy Specifically Developed for Additive Manufacturing (AM). This Alloy is Designed for Use with a Direct Aging Treatment, as Recommended by the Manufacturer, Rather Than with a Multistep Treatment, as Often Seen in Conventional Manufacturing. Most Work with Scalmalloy® is Conducted using Powder Bed Rather Than Powder-Fed Processes. This Investigation Seeks to Fill This Knowledge Gap and Expand Beyond Single-Step Aging to Promote an overall Balanced AM-Fabricated Component. for This Study, Directed Energy Deposition (DED)-Fabricated Scalmalloy® Components Were Subjected to Low-Temperature Treatments to Minimize Residual Stresses Inherent in the Material Due to the Layer-By-Layer Build Process. …

Going Airborne: Kent State's Pioneering Leap Into Integrated Advanced Air Mobility, Jason T. Lorenzon

National Training Aircraft Symposium (NTAS)

This proposal centers on the development of a Concept of Operations in Advanced Air Mobility (AAM). Kent State University's College of Aeronautics and Engineering is poised to pioneer the integration of drones and electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) systems, bridging the gap between its campus and airport by transporting students and faculty the 3NM distance from campus to the airport and back by a UAV. Beyond a standard research initiative, this proposal signifies a groundbreaking effort to reshape the landscape of educational aeronautics and Advanced Air Mobility and Urban Air Mobility. Our overarching goal is to transcend conventional boundaries …

Extraterrestrial Life: The Possibility Of A Human-Alien Interaction, Ariana M. Piscoya

CAFE Symposium 2024

We all have heard of at least one case where someone assured having seen a flying extraterrestrial object. There are thousands of thousands of videos we can find online that “prove” the existence of aliens. In the hypothetical case where aliens are really out there, why haven't we been able to talk to them and look at them face-to-face? A human-extraterrestrial interaction has not yet been achieved for two reasons. First, alien energy is much more powerful than that of humans, so it would require thousands of thousands of years for the human race to develop a technology able to …

Systemization & Survival -- “Houston, We Have A Problem” – Business Lessons From Apollo 13, Judith Jacob Iddy, Njeru Zakayo

Markets, Globalization & Development Review

In the business world, there are different factors that determine whether a business will survive or not. Apollo 13 film perfectly demonstrates what every business undergoes throughout its lifecycle. Apollo 13 spacecraft started its journey to the moon successfully with the mission being to land on the moon. Unfortunately, within a very short period of time, Apollo 13 started to experience a series of problems that required quick actions and decisions to be made with the involvement of different sets of technical skills. Ultimately, by using the prototype and systems which NASA had established for Apollo 13, the teams managed …

Effects Of Laser Defocusing On Bead Geometry In Coaxial Titanium Wire-Based Laser Metal Deposition, Remy Mathenia, Aaron Flood, Braden Mclain, Todd Sparks, Frank W. Liou

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Coaxial wire-based laser metal deposition is a versatile and efficient additive process that can achieve a high deposition rate in the manufacturing of complex structures. In this paper, a three-beam coaxial wire system is studied, with particular attention to the effects of deposition height and laser defocusing on the resulting bead geometry. As the deposition standoff distance changes, so does the workpiece illumination proportion, which describes the ratio of energy going directly into the feedstock wire and into the substrate. Single titanium beads are deposited at varying defocus levels and deposition rates and the bead aspect ratio is measured and …

Mission-Driven Inverse Design Of Blended Wing Body Aircraft With Machine Learning, Rohan S. Sharma, Serhat Hosder

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The intent of this work was to investigate the feasibility of developing machine learning models for calculating values of airplane configuration design variables when provided time-series, mission-informed performance data. Shallow artificial neural networks were developed, trained, and tested using data pertaining to the blended wing body (BWB) class of aerospace vehicles. Configuration design parameters were varied using a Latin-hypercube sampling scheme. These data were used by a parametric-based BWB configuration generator to create unique BWBs. Performance for each configuration was obtained via a performance estimation tool. Training and testing of neural networks were conducted using a K-fold cross-validation scheme. A …

Upconversion Photoluminescence Of Monolayer Wse2 With Biaxial Strain Tuning, Shrawan Roy, Jie Gao, Xiaodong Yang

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Mechanical strain can be used to tune the optical properties of monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides (1L-TMDs). Here, up conversion photoluminescence (UPL) from 1L-WSe₂ flakes is tuned with biaxial strain induced by cruciform bending and indentation method. It is found that the peak position of UPL is redshifted by around 24 nm as the applied biaxial strain increases from 0% to 0.51%. At the same time, the UPL intensity increases exponentially for the up-conversion energy difference that lies within a broad range between −157 meV to −37 meV. The observed linear and sublinear power dependence of UPL emission in 1L-WSe …

Control And Estimation Of Unmanned Aerospace Vehicles In The Presence Of Constraints And Dynamic Uncertainties, Abhijit Dongare

Dissertations - ALL

In the first part of this dissertation, we consider the control of autonomous systems in the presence of pointwise-in-time state and control constraints. Firstly, we propose the attitude and pointing control of a rigid body in the presence of constraints. Artificial potentials are used to achieve desired tracking and avoid pointing direction constraints. The proposed control law ensures the asymptotic convergence to the desired attitude and pointing direction. Additionally, the control of driftless control-affine systems is also considered. The feedback system converges in a stable manner to the desired safe set in the state space, while avoiding the unsafe exclusion …

Cubesat Reaction Wheel Attitude Control Platform System Architecture, Justin Hartland

Beyond: Undergraduate Research Journal

In the classroom, physics behind spacecraft attitude dynamics and controls is abstract and difficult to comprehend. It is common that students struggle to develop the connection between the math they learn and how it can be applied in the real world. The goal of this project is to design and manufacture a 1U, 3U, and 6U CubeSat testbed for autonomous control systems utilizing reaction wheels. The testbed will include three separate reaction wheels each mounted on its own respective axis to control the attitude in 3 degrees of freedom. The end goal of the CubeSat Control Platform is to be …

Effects Of Organic Surface Contamination On The Mass Accommodation Coefficient Of Water: A Molecular Dynamics Study, Jordan Hartfield, Eric Bird, Zhi Liang

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The mass accommodation coefficient (MAC), a parameter that quantifies the possibility of a phase change to occur at a liquid-vapor interface, can strongly affect the evaporation and condensation rates at a liquid surface. Due to the various challenges in experimental determination of the MAC, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations have been widely used to study the MAC on liquid surfaces with no impurities or contaminations. However, experimental studies show that airborne hydrocarbons from various sources can adsorb on liquid surfaces and alter the liquid surface properties. In this work, therefore, we study the effects of organic surface contamination, which is immiscible …

Aerospace Vehicle Navigation And Control System Comprising Terrestrial Illumination Matching Module For Determining Aerospace Vehicle Position And Attitude, Liberty M. Shockley, Robert A. Bettinger

AFIT Patents

The present invention relates to an aerospace vehicle navigation and control system comprising a terrestrial illumination matching module for determining spacecraft position and attitude. The method permits aerospace vehicle position and attitude determinations using terrestrial lights using an Earth-pointing camera without the need of a dedicated sensor to track stars, the sun, or the horizon. Thus, a module for making such determinations can easily and inexpensively be made onboard an aerospace vehicle if an Earth-pointing sensor, such as a camera, is present.

Research On An Improved Cotton Cleaner Unit, Muzaffar Djurayev, Sherqul Hakimov, Ilhom Abbazov, Rashid Kaldybaev

Technical science and innovation

This article analyzes the results of changes to the working parts of a cotton cleaning unit from small and large impurities. It is known that the UXK installation uses continuous cleaning technology, that is, the cotton entering the purifier is cleaned in all its cleaning sections and then transferred to another process. In these sections, pieces of cotton wool from the separated waste are regenerated in a separate drum. Existing purifier suppliers use a manually operated mechanical system to monitor its performance. These factors do not make it possible to control the cleaning process when the quality indicators of cotton …

Evaluation Of First-Order Actuator Dynamics And Linear Controller For A Bio-Inspired Rotating Empennage Fighter Aircraft, Benjamin C. Moulton, Matthew W. Harris, Douglas F. Hunsaker, James J. Joo

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Student Publications and Presentations

This paper considers the problem of stabilizing a bio-inspired fighter aircraft variant at its Air Combat Maneuver Condition. The aircraft equations of motion are linearized, and an infinite-horizon linear quadratic regulator design is conducted for this aircraft. Included in the dynamics are first-order actuator models, which have the effect of slowing actuator responses. This is particularly important for the bio-inspired variant because it requires rotation of the empennage, which has relatively large inertia. The bio-inspired variant open-loop system is unstable in the short period and Dutch roll modes, which is mitigated in the closed-loop system. Monte Carlo simulation responses to …