Aerospace Engineering Commons^™

Design And Implementation Of An Embedded Control System For The Cal Poly Spacecraft Attitude Dynamics Simulator, Neil Mahesh Bedagkar

Master's Theses

This thesis presents the development of a cascaded reaction wheel control system for Cal Poly's Spacecraft Attitude Dynamics Simulator. This work considers system architecture, empirical modeling, high-fidelity simulation, embedded firmware, hardware integration, and experimental characterization. In discrete-time simulation, it is shown that nonlinear direct model reference adaptive control (NDMRAC) enables a nonlinear, partially known plant with realistic actuator dynamics to track the response of a canonical second-order transfer function, with settling time within 4.67% and percent overshoot within order of magnitude of the second-order response. In hardware, the feasibility of a cascaded reaction wheel control architecture is experimentally demonstrated, achieving …

Design And Development Of A Resonance Ignition System Using Gaseous Propellants, Benjamin J. Hoefer

Master's Theses

This work presents the development and experimental evaluation of a resonance igniter (RI) operating with premixed gaseous propellants. Resonance ignition is a non-electrical ignition concept in which an underexpanded jet impinges on a closed-end Hartmann–Sprenger tube (HST), generating cyclic compression and expansion waves that rapidly heat gas near the tube endwall. A modular experimental system was designed and built to investigate resonance ignition using methane–air and methane–oxygen mixtures. The system includes a supplemental configuration that may probe for mixture conditions favorable to ignition, informing RI testing. Pressure and temperature measurements were used to characterize pressure control, mixture pressure ratio (MPR), …

Improving The Reliability And Performance Of A Supersonic Indraft Tube Wind Tunnel, Christian J. Kaml

Master's Theses

Access to supersonic testing is increasing in demand, and wind tunnels remain one of the safest and most cost-effective methods for gathering high-speed flow data. Despite being more economical than alternative options, supersonic wind tunnel facilities often require substantial investment to construct, operate, and maintain.

The novel indraft tube tunnel architecture was conceived as a high-speed flow testbed that incorporates features of both Ludwieg tubes and indraft wind tunnels to maintain costs low enough to be accessible even to small universities. This design was first developed and tested in 2018 at California Polytechnic State University, featuring a cost per test …

Aerodynamic Design And Structural Evaluation Of A Global Minimum Torque Inspired Multirotor Propeller, Zeke Bukovansky

Master's Theses

This thesis develops a repeatable design, CAD, aerodynamic postprocessing, structural screening, and manufacturing feasibility workflow for a 22-inch global minimum torque inspired multirotor propeller. Matched MIL and GMT geometries were compared at a 35 N, 4000 rpm static-hover operating condition using BEMT/XFOIL aerodynamic postprocessing, with diameter, blade count, chord distribution, airfoil schedule, and target thrust held constant. The final modeled comparison predicted a modest 1.5% reduction in torque and shaft power for the GMT case while maintaining the same thrust target. CAD construction, MATLAB reduced-order beam model, Abaqus screening, and manufacturing planning were used to identify geometry level structural and …

Tracking Continuous Non-Differentiable Trajectories In Euler–Lagrange Systems With Continuous Dynamics, Nilay Kant

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Tracking controllers for Euler–Lagrange systems are designed under the assumption that reference trajectories are continuous, and at least twice differentiable with respect to time. However, this assumption precludes several use cases, such as when a robot end-effector must track a path with corners at constant speed. This paper introduces the control design for tracking continuous but non-differentiable trajectories in fully actuated Euler–Lagrange systems that have continuous-time dynamics. The proposed controller combines a continuous feedback law with impulsive inputs, that are intermittently applied at the instants of non-differentiability. A Lyapunov stability analysis establishes global exponential convergence of the tracking error to …

Evaluation Of The Effect Of Vibration On Signal Reflection In Coaxial Cable Connectors For Vibration Sensing In Aircraft Structures And Systems, Saidanvar Esanjonovich Valiev, Anthony C. Okafor, Jeremiah J. Rittenhouse, Daniel S. Stutts, Jie Huang

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

This paper investigates the effects of vibration on signal reflection (S11) in aerospace data transmission line (ADTL) and commercial data transmission line (DTL) connectors for their alternative use as vibration sensors. The impact of vibration on the S11 signal was investigated on five ADTL and four DTL connectors at six vibration frequencies (20 Hz, 40 Hz, 80 Hz, 160 Hz, 320 Hz, and 640 Hz) and four vibration accelerations (0.5G, 1 G, 2 G, and 4G). The experiment was conducted using a split-plot design with a cable type assigned as the main-plot factor, with vibration frequency and acceleration as subplot …

Mass - Modular Acoustic Suppression System, Julia Megargle, Michael A. Milner, Lucas Kaemmererer, Jonathan Corvera, Gabriel Choi, Emmi Cayer

Mechanical Engineering

The Modular Acoustic Suppression System (MASS) is a mass tuned damper that reverberates a membrane atop a cavity to absorb select acoustic frequencies produced by the Environmental Control and Life Support Systems (ECLSS) within NASA's Artemis Human Lander. The height of the reverberation chamber is adjusted to mitigate a range of varying tonal frequencies within the human lander.

Design And Optimization Of A Bluff Body For Energy Harvesting Of Transverse Galloping Induced By Low-Speed Wind Using Bernstein Polynomial Equations, Youssef Wael Abdelmoneim

Theses and Dissertations

In this thesis, a computational framework is proposed for optimizing the aerodynamic shape of bluff bodies used in galloping-based wind energy harvesters. The system targets low-wind speed environments, where normal wind turbines are not effective, offering a potential alternative to batteries used for powering small electronic devices such as wireless sensors. The design relies on the galloping effect, where airflow around a bluff body induces transverse oscillations that drive an energy conversion mechanism. To generate efficient bluff body geometry, the Class-Shape Transformation (CST) method is used to define a wide range of candidate shapes with minimal design parameters. These shapes …

Entropy-Constrained Closure For Steady, Quasi-One-Dimensional Flow Of Ideal Gases, Andrew A. Oliva

Michigan Tech Publications

An entropy-constrained closure is developed for steady quasi-one-dimensional flow of a calorically perfect ideal gas. Net irreversibility is represented by a prescribed entropy change between the inlet and outlet or, equivalently, by a stagnation pressure ratio together with the stagnation temperature ratio implied by the energy balance equation. The thermodynamic constraint, enforced through Gibbs relation together with conservation of mass and energy, yields an algebraic mapping from the inlet flow state, area ratio and prescribed stagnation property ratios to the outlet flow state. The momentum balance is retained only as an auxiliary post-processing relation and may be used to infer …

Sentience, Sheetal Agrawal

Masters Theses

The increasing urgency for sustainable and adaptive systems has driven research toward embedding intelligence directly into materials rather than relying solely on external sensing and control systems. This thesis explores how smart material1 embedded systems can be designed to recognize and respond to environmental signatures, defined as measurable patterns such as temperature fluctuations and mechanical forces. Central to this investigation is the integration of shape memory alloys, particularly Nitinol, with geometry-based actuation mechanisms that amplify material behavior into functional system responses.

The central argument is that designing with smart materials is a design problem, not primarily a materials science problem …

Comprehensive Analysis Of Spray Development And Low Temperature Combustion Characteristics In A Cvcc With Nvh Of Renewable Aerospace Fuels: Hefa & Ft Synthetic Kerosene (S8) Compared To Jet-A & Ulsd, Coleman Norton

Honors College Theses

A comprehensive analysis was conducted to research the viability of Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids (HEFA) and S8 Synthetic Kerosene fuels as a drop-in replacement for conventional petroleum-based fuels, Jet-A and ULSD (Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel). Global transportation remains heavily dependent on liquid fossil fuels, while renewable aerospace fuels offer a promising pathway to reducing life cycle greenhouse gas emissions and pollution. However, the combustion performance and long-term feasibility of these fuels remain insufficiently characterized. This study performed a thorough assessment of each fuel's thermophysical and combustion properties. Thermophysical characterization encompassed viscosity, freezing point, energy density, spray atomization, and volatility. …

Design Optimization Of Active-Stabilizing Canards For High-Powered Rockets, Simon Babcock

Senior Honors Theses

Rocket canards are a common means of stabilizing a high-powered rocket in flight by producing aerodynamic forces to correct the rocket's trajectory. The size, shape, and position of the canards relative to the rocket body determine their control effectiveness and aerodynamic efficiency – two objectives of canard design with an inverse relationship to each other. By integrating automated iterative rocket trajectory simulation with adaptive surrogate modelling, this research optimized the canard planform geometry for a high-powered rocket to maximize the canards’ control effectiveness and aerodynamic efficiency through multi-variable, multi-objective design optimization. The canard design was first parameterized into four design …

Ballistics Characterization Of Micro-Truss Reinforced Lunar-Inspired Geopolymer Concrete For Space Construction, Phoebe G. Johnson

Honors Theses

This research investigates the ballistics response and compressive strength of a Fly Ash/ Lunar Regolith hybrid geopolymer concrete developed for space construction. The study aimed firstly to optimize the Fly Ash/ Regolith mix ratio for maximum mechanical performance and secondly, to evaluate the effectiveness of carbon-fiber micro-truss reinforcement, produced by 3D printing, in mitigating damage from high-velocity impacts. Concrete specimens with varying Fly Ash-to-Regolith ratios (100-50% Fly Ash) were fabricated and tested under compression and ballistic loading. Compressive strength tests followed ASTM C109 using a 110 Kip 810-MTS testing apparatus on both unreinforced and reinforced 2” cubes. For unreinforced samples, …

Lunar Regolith Sintered Brick Apparatus, Andrew Fasano, Noah Parayil, Darius Felix Karra

Senior Design Project For Engineers

This project describes the preliminary design and analysis of the Semi-Autonomous Lunar Regolith Sintered Brick Apparatus that will assist in developing permanent infrastructure on the Moon. An issue with permanent lunar operations is the transportation of materials to the Moon. To address this, the designed device uses lunar regolith as the source material for producing bricks. This design considers the constraints set for operation with the Griffin lunar lander: maximum payload mass of 200 kg, power consumption below 5 kW, and limited payload dimensions. The design uses a combination of a laser sintering motion system, a regolith layering subsystem, a …

Lunar Manufacturing Systems And The Role Of Additive Recycling Technologies, Camille A. Newman

Honors Theses

Renewed international interest in sustained lunar exploration has created a growing demand for technologies to support long-duration space exploration. Part of the recent Artemis missions and the Moon to Mars initiative is to improve key mission capabilities and fill critical gaps necessary to sustain lunar habitation. Waste management, recycling systems, and manufacturing systems have been identified as critical technologies that need further development before a sustained mission is possible. This thesis explores the feasibility of an additive manufacturing and recycling system designed to process plastic waste generated during extended lunar habitation. Initial research focused on existing manufacturing and recycling technologies …

Tau Beta Pi Engineering Mentorship Program, Tyler Black

Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects

The purpose of this project is to design and implement a student-led engineering mentorship program directed by the members of the Utah Gamma Chapter of Tau Beta Pi on the Utah State University (USU) Logan campus. Retention data show that many undergraduate students who start engineering programs change their degree before graduation due to academic and social challenges that may be mitigated by the support of a peer mentor. The Tau Beta Pi Engineering Mentorship Program selects and trains upperclassman mentors to effectively mentor underclassman engineering students.

The design of the mentorship program is an application of backward design, where …

Two Applications Of Lifting-Line Theory For The Design Of Efficient Aircraft, Amanda K. Olsen

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Numerical lifting-line is a tool that can be used to evaluate the forces and moments of an aircraft wing. This method has limitations but it is beneficial in obtaining a large set of results with relatively little computational power. This research seeks to analyze two different flight scenarios through the use of two numerical lifting-line tools developed at the Utah State University AeroLab. The first scenario involves an aircraft in ground effect flight. When an aircraft flies close to the ground, a phenomenon called ground effect occurs where the lift is increased and the induced drag is decreased. Therefore, flying …

Safe Control Design For Quadruped Locomotion In Unstructured Environments Using Linear Transfer Operators, Sriram Sundar Krishnamoorthy Shankara Narayanan

All Dissertations

Deploying quadruped robots in unstructured, obstacle-rich environments requires control and planning methods that remain safe and reliable despite complex terrain geometry, limited sensing, and inevitable modeling errors. This thesis develops operator-theoretic tools for safe control design of robotic systems using linear transfer operators, with a focus on quadruped locomotion in unstructured environments. The central goal is to develop a unified operator-theoretic framework for safe control design based on the Perron–Frobenius (P–F) and Koopman operators. In particular, the thesis leverages \emph{density functions} to develop safe navigation frameworks in the dual space of densities. In the operator-theoretic perspective, the P–F operator governs …

Numerical Investigation On Lightning Survivability And Residual Strength Of Scarf-Patched And Z-Pinned Cfrp Composites, Logan Hales

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites are critical in aerospace applications yet remain vulnerable to lightning strikes due to orthotropic electrical conductivity and poor thermal resistance. Over the past decades, lightning-strike damage in pristine CFRP has been extensively investigated. However, the response of damaged and subsequently repaired laminates remains poorly understood, raising concerns about the structural integrity of repaired aircraft. This study aims to develop a sequentially coupled thermo-structural modeling framework to quantify how two common composite repair strategies (scarf patching and z-pinning), along with patch size, pin material, and configuration, influence lightning-induced damage and the residual flexural strength of …

Design And Development Of A Passive Dust Protection System For Lunar Docking Operations, Simon Thengvall

Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Lunar docking systems face a unique set of environmental conditions that can create significant challenges for mechanical design. Among these, the abrasive nature of lunar regolith can impair the kinematic function of traditional terrestrial mechanisms as well as contaminate critical spacecraft components such as environmental seals, causing them to fail. For crew-rated docking systems, failure of these systems not only threatens mission success, but also crew safety, so dust protection is crucial for docking components. To address the concerns of regolith intrusion, the Simple External Attachment for Lunar Openings (SEALO) is developed as a key architecture for mechanism evaluation when …

The Pid-Based Three Quadcopter Uavs Formation Control Under External Disturbance, Vo Van An, Trinh Luong Mien

Makara Journal of Technology

This paper presents the design and evaluation of a formation control strategy for three quadcopter UAVs, based on a PID controller in a leader–follower structure, under the influence of external disturbances. Each UAV employs a six-degree of-freedom dynamic model and utilises a cascade PID control architecture, in which the inner control loop stabilises the attitude. In contrast, the outer control loop regulates position and maintains the formation. The PID parameters are tuned using the Ziegler–Nichols method to ensure simple implementation and low computational cost. The performance of the control system is evaluated through simulations in the MATLAB environment for two …

Automatic Determination Of Mechanical Properties From Molecular Dynamic Stress-Strain Curves Using Regression Fringe Response, Josh Kemppainen, Tristan Muzzy, Travis Wavrunek, Gregory Odegard

Michigan Tech Publications

Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations have become a powerful tool for studying polymers, designing new materials, and composites. Mechanical behavior in MD simulations are typically evaluated through stress-strain curves. However, MD-generated stress-strain curves are often obscured by thermal noise from atomic vibrations. This noise complicates the reliable derivation of mechanical properties and hinders objective and reproducible analysis. The noise in the stress-strain curves has been removed by using a Butterworth low-pass filter, enabling clearer interpretation of stress-strain data. Building on this, a novel analysis framework the Regression Fringe Response (RFR) is introduced to systematically determine the Young's modulus, yield strength, and …

Three Degree Of Freedom Wave Energy Converter Design For Resonant Motion, Greg Ballen, David G. Wilson, Rush Robinett, Shangyan Zou, Wayne Weaver

Michigan Tech Publications

As multiple-degree-of-freedom (3-DOF) wave energy converters (WECs) have demonstrated the ability to produce more power than single-degree-of-freedom devices, the challenge of designing buoys for efficient energy harvesting has increased in complexity. In this paper, a cylindrical WEC is designed to naturally resonate in surge, pitch, and heave modes at a specific target frequency of 0.2 Hz. By utilizing a penalty-based optimization method to balance buoyancy requirements with natural resonance, the design achieves minimal control force input, thereby reducing fluctuations in energy output and local energy storage requirements. The performance is evaluated under irregular sea states using a Bretschneider spectrum. Results …

Hypersonic Impact Method For Aerodynamics And Convective Heating (Hi-Mach) With Sensitivities, Jeremiah Goates, Logan Freeman, Nathan Hoch, Douglas Hunsaker

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Student Publications and Presentations

The purpose of this paper is to present the development of an engineering level code for calculating hypersonic aerodynamics and convective heating, HI-Mach. Novel to this paper are the use of analytic methods for streamline tracing and the direct differentiation of geometric sensitivities for both forces and heat load. Independent panel inclination methods calculate the pressure distribution on the surface of a hypersonic vehicle. Normal shock relations provide the thermodynamic state on each panel. Streamlines are integrated using closed-form streamline equations. Flat plate formulas corrected for compressibility calculate the skin friction coefficient and acreage heat flux on each panel. Formulas …

Further Development Of A Low-Energy Arc-Ignition System For Nytrox/Abs Hybrid Propulsion Systems, Stephen A. Whitmore, Jared S. Coen, Ryan J. Thibaudeau

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Publications

Utah State University has developed a high-performance “green” hybrid propulsion technology based on the unique electrical breakdown properties of 3D-printed acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. Using 3D-printed ABS as fuel, typical startup sequences require approximately 5–15 joules and, once started, the system can be sequentially fired with no additional energy inputs required. The number of possible ignitions is limited only by the amount of fuel. The most technologically mature version uses gaseous oxygen (GOX) as oxidizer and 3D-printed ABS as fuel. While GOX is mass-efficient, it lacks volumetric efficiency unless highly pressurized. Nytrox, a blend of GOX and nitrous oxide, improves propellant …

Mathematical Modelling And Optimisation Of The Reactor For The Esterification Process Of Safflower Oil With N-Butyl Alcohol, Sadritdin Makhamatdinovich Turabdjanov Academician, Hasan Sadriddin Ugli Fozilov, Ozoda Bakhronovna Axmedova, Sadriddin Fayzullayevich Fozilov

Technical science and innovation

This study addresses the mathematical modelling and optimisation of a reactor for the esterification of safflower oil with n-butyl alcohol. To improve process controllability and reduce the need for numerous pilot-scale trials, an ideal-mixing continuous stirred-tank reactor (CSTR) model was adopted. Incorporating reaction kinetics, the effect of contact time on the relative viscosity of the product mixture was analysed. The modelling results indicate that achieving an acceptable degree of feedstock conversion is difficult when a single ideal-mixing reactor is used. Therefore, a CSTR cascade was proposed, and the configuration with N = 2 reactors was selected as the most appropriate …

Development Of New Methods For Calculating Pressure And Energy Losses For Pumping Station Water Intakes, Faxriddin Jaylovovich Nosirov, Oleg Yakovlevich Glovatsky, Jurabek Abdyrahmon O'G'Li Urolov, Abduqodirkhon Samatkhonovich Abdullakhaev, Anvar Mamur Ugli Uzokov

Technical science and innovation

The aim of this study is to improve the efficiency of water resource management methods. Improvements to the water intake of the Karshi Main Canal are considered using calculations of pressure losses at the entry and exit of liquid into the flow, which differ from pressure losses in a stationary medium. The article considers some of the methods for using renewable energy sources, where the change in gravitational potential energy does not depend on the way of using energy and the operating scheme is a gravitational energy pump. The implementation of control and monitoring systems is necessary to ensure optimal …

Refinement Of Wind Speed Estimation At Turbine Hub Height Using Satellite Data And Regression Analysis Under Complex Terrain Conditions, Isroil Abriyevich Yuldoshev, Tulqin Rustamovich Jamolov, Sa'dullo Sayfiddin Ugli Fazliddinov, Jumanazar Farhodjon OʻGʻL Abdurashidov

Technical science and innovation

Reliable assessment of wind energy potential in regions characterized by complex terrain is often constrained by the limited availability of ground-based meteorological measurements. This study proposes an improved regression-based approach for refining wind speed estimates at the wind turbine hub height of 65 m using satellite-derived data from the NASA POWER database combined with a logarithmic vertical wind profile. The proposed methodology is validated using real operational data from a 750 kW wind power plant located in the mountainous Bostanlyk district of Uzbekistan for the period 2018–2021. The regression analysis demonstrates a strong linear relationship between the extrapolated wind speed …

Theoretical And Practical Foundations Of Healthcare System Digitalization, Sanjarbek Bekturdiev Sharifboyevich Phd, Muxlisa G‘Ulom Qizi G‘Ofurova

Technical science and innovation

The digital transformation of healthcare represents a key direction in improving the accessibility, quality, and efficiency of medical services. This study examines the main components of eHealth, including telemedicine, electronic health records, cloud technologies, and mobile applications, as well as the role of international organizations in promoting national digital health strategies. Particular attention is given to the current state of digital healthcare in the Republic of Uzbekistan, where significant progress has been made in developing infrastructure and implementing information systems, although challenges related to integration, standardization, and regulatory support remain. The work identifies the main trends in the development of …

Manufacturing Of Functional Surface Coatings In The Automotive Industry, Gulirano Saidakhmedova

Technical science and innovation

The development of environmentally sustainable technologies for material processing represents one of the most pressing scientific and technical challenges in modern industrial production. This issue is particularly relevant to the automotive industry, where growing demands for energy efficiency, durability, and environmental safety necessitate the adoption of advanced manufacturing methods. Special attention is given to developing vacuum-based, import-substituting equipment and technologies for producing functional coatings from composite materials with predefined physical, mechanical, and optical properties, including reflective and protective characteristics. Current requirements for mechanical engineering products and production technologies drive the need for innovative approaches to material processing and specialized technical …