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Articles 61 - 90 of 213
Full-Text Articles in Aerospace Engineering
Characteristics Of Rotating Detonation Engines For Propulsion And Power Generation, Robert Burke
Characteristics Of Rotating Detonation Engines For Propulsion And Power Generation, Robert Burke
Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023
Conventional engines are limited by the efficiency of their combustion mode. Compared to present constant pressure deflagration-based engines, detonation-based systems can realize a higher thermodynamic cycle efficiency, making them an attractive candidate for next generation propulsion systems that will take humanity to hypersonic speeds and even to Mars. For all its performance gains, detonation engines are still far off from implementation. One system, the rotating detonation engine (RDE) is promising as a detonation-based engine concept for its stability, simplicity, and versatility. For these reasons, RDEs have been the subject of studies internationally in efforts to understand their operation and integration …
The Effects Of Supersonic Reacting Flow Over A Wedge, Taylor R. Brown
The Effects Of Supersonic Reacting Flow Over A Wedge, Taylor R. Brown
Honors Undergraduate Theses
There is a growing need for a fundamental understanding of how detonations are formed and sustained as propulsion technology advances toward the use of detonation-based engines. The deflagration-to-detonation transition (DDT) phenomenon is studied to better understand both the fundamentals of detonation physics and the conditions surrounding how detonations are formed and sustained. This research aims to study the effects of a wedge on DDT and detonation formation. A hydrogen-air mixture is pumped into a chamber and ignited by a spark plug. Turbulence-driven flame acceleration is induced by turbulators in the chamber through which the flame propagates. The flame then flows …
Thrust Augmentation Of Rotating Detonation Rocket Engines, Alexander G. Rodriguez
Thrust Augmentation Of Rotating Detonation Rocket Engines, Alexander G. Rodriguez
Honors Undergraduate Theses
This thesis aims to perform a detailed analysis on a 5th Order Polynomial Nozzle, verifying its effectiveness in improving the thrust performance of a Rotating Detonation Rocket Engine. Rotating detonation engines are a promising engine type that uses detonations as a means of combustion rather than traditional conflagration. Through this method, these engines can produce significant amounts of energy while burning less fuel in the process. However, exhaust flow instabilities and swirl limit the engine's potential for use as a means of propulsion. The 5th Order Polynomial Nozzle was previously demonstrated to reduce and control this swirl; however, analysis was …
Vibrations Of Rotationally Periodic Structures: A Metric For Mistuning Characterization And Vibration Localization, Andres Rodriguez
Vibrations Of Rotationally Periodic Structures: A Metric For Mistuning Characterization And Vibration Localization, Andres Rodriguez
Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023
Blisk components are an integral part of jet engines and power generation systems. Composed of a single monolithic structure, integral blisks combine the blade-and-disk portion of primary components such as the fan, compressor stage, or turbine stage. This design modification increases the aerodynamic performance while decreasing the cost and eliminating time of assembly. However, these benefits come with the loss of blade-disk connection interfaces, which greatly reduces the structure's damping and its ability to attenuate unwanted structural vibrations. Blisk dynamics are impacted by mistuning, which is a disruption of the periodic symmetry of otherwise identical bladed sections. This disruption degrades …
Shape Parameter & Nodal Distribution Insensitive Radial Basis Functions For Nonlinear Optimal Control Problems, Ahmed Elsadek Ahmed Elshafee Seleit
Shape Parameter & Nodal Distribution Insensitive Radial Basis Functions For Nonlinear Optimal Control Problems, Ahmed Elsadek Ahmed Elshafee Seleit
Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023
Computational optimal control relies mainly on pseudospectral methods. The use of Chebyshev and Legendre polynomials is ubiquitous in the literature. This family of methods has good accuracy characteristics but constraints the nodal distribution to a certain grid that is denser at the boundaries. In this work, a set of novel Coupled Radial Basis Functions (CRBFs) is introduced as an approximation means for the nonlinear optimal control problem. CRBFs are real-valued Radial Basis Functions (RBFs) augmented with a conical spline. They do not require a specific nodal distribution. A plethora of research articles were published on the optimization of the shape …
Generic Behavior Framework Of Sx And Ds Nickel-Base Superalloys With Applications To Constitutive And Life Prediction Modeling, Firat Irmak
Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023
Selection of materials to be used for components experiencing extreme conditions is a critical process in the design phase. Nickel-base superalloys have been frequently used for hot gas path components in the turbomachinery industry. These components are required to withstand both fatigue and creep at extreme temperatures during their service time. In general, the extreme temperature materials mostly embody polycrystalline, directionally solidified, and single crystal superalloys. It is essential for design engineers to predict accurate damage behavior and lifespan for these components to prevent catastrophic failures. This dissertation presents a new framework to represent mechanical behavior of Nickel-base superalloys under …
Influence Of Nonlinear Multiaxial Matrix Viscoelasticity On Piezoresistivity Of Carbon Nanotube Polymer Composites, Wolfgang Klimm
Influence Of Nonlinear Multiaxial Matrix Viscoelasticity On Piezoresistivity Of Carbon Nanotube Polymer Composites, Wolfgang Klimm
Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023
Nanocomposites are prominent candidates to extend the capabilities in areas of established fiber reinforced composites. Carbon nanotubes (CNT) with their outstanding mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties are of particular interest. Especially polymers profit from the addition of CNTs, and can be rendered significantly stiffer, stronger, and even electrically conductive. The resulting electrical conductance is deformation-sensitive, known as piezoresistivity, and is utilized in strain sensing applications. However, the polymer matrix introduces time- and temperature-dependency into the mechanical behavior, known as viscoelasticity, and thus affects the relationship between deformation and electrical conductivity over time. Although piezoresistivity and polymer viscoelasticity have been studied …
Sensitivity Of Combustion Liner Contour To Sand Ingestion Clogging, Nelson Padilla
Sensitivity Of Combustion Liner Contour To Sand Ingestion Clogging, Nelson Padilla
Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023
This currently presented work is an evaluation of the characteristics of different cooling hole geometries to particulate ingestion clogging. Experimentation was conducted using a premixed bluff body flame combustor facility to generate high temperature combustor flow conditions. Sand ingestion along the cooling path of the combustion liner was reproduced using an air-assisted seeder providing consistent sand ingestion. Mass flow rate of cooling air was controlled using a sonic orifice downstream of a pressure regulator so that the mass flow rate of the air and sand mixture is independent of the clogging state. Pressure data upstream of a small section of …
Design And Mechanical Characterization Of Functionally Graded Sandwich Beams Fabricated Via Additive Manufacturing, Timothy Grondin
Design And Mechanical Characterization Of Functionally Graded Sandwich Beams Fabricated Via Additive Manufacturing, Timothy Grondin
Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023
Lightweight aerospace structures have been sought after since humans took flight in 1903, making major strides in NASA's pursuit of the moon with the development of sandwich panel composites. Sandwich structures typically consist of two stiff phases (i.e., face sheets) separated by a lightweight phase (i.e., core), which are stacked together through adhesive layers. Such a structural arrangement provides a high stiffness-to-weight ratio and is often used in applications where weight saving is critical. Functionally Graded Materials (FGMs), refer to multifunctional materials, which contain a spatial variation of composition and/or microstructure for the specific purpose of altering thermal and structural …
On Liquid Rotating Detonation Rocket Engines Characterization And Performance, Vidhan Malik
On Liquid Rotating Detonation Rocket Engines Characterization And Performance, Vidhan Malik
Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023
The current research investigates a next-generation method of combustion called detonations for propulsive applications which has support from the Combustion Services Branch at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) of the Rocket Propulsion Division. The overall initiative seeks to explore the viability of detonation-based systems to augment or replace current rocket propulsion methods in the coming five years. The present work progresses this vision by providing proof of a liquid RP-2 based Rotating Detonation Rocket Engine (RDRE) as well as the fundamentals associated with the physics involved to further the understanding of the phenomenon and its potential uses. Phase one …
A Unified Tool For Adaptive Collocation Techniques Applied To Solving Optimal Control Problems, Bethany Kelly
A Unified Tool For Adaptive Collocation Techniques Applied To Solving Optimal Control Problems, Bethany Kelly
Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023
In this work, a user-friendly MATLAB tool is introduced to solve nonlinear optimal control problems by applying collocation techniques using Coupled Radial Basis Functions (CRBFs). CRBFs are a new class of Radial Basis Functions combined with a conical spline r^5, which provides the advantage of insensitivity to the shape parameter while maintaining accuracy and robustness. To solve optimal control problems, software tools are often employed to implement numerical methods and apply advanced techniques to solving differential equations. Although several commercial software tools exist for solving optimal control problems, such as ICLOCS2, GPOPS, and DIDO, there are no options available that …
The Breakup Of Rp-2 Liquid Fuel Droplets In A Detonation Field, Daniel Dyson
The Breakup Of Rp-2 Liquid Fuel Droplets In A Detonation Field, Daniel Dyson
Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023
Experimentally obtained droplet breakup patterns are presented for RP-2 liquid fuel droplets in the environment behind a detonation wave. To the best of our knowledge, this data is the first of its kind to examine the fundamental interactions between detonation waves and an individual fuel droplet. The experiments presented here are expected to support the ongoing effort of creating accurate models of droplet breakup in a variety of environments, which in turn will lead to enhanced predictions of rotating detonation engine performance, improved safety considerations for facilities operating in hazardous conditions, and new knowledge in energetics, hypersonics, and explosion dynamics …
Broadband Investigation Of The Pyrolysis Of Propane Using A Mir Optical Parametric Oscillator, Robert Greene
Broadband Investigation Of The Pyrolysis Of Propane Using A Mir Optical Parametric Oscillator, Robert Greene
Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023
The chemistry of propane continues to play a pivotal role in today's power production technologies. As reliance on natural gas expands as greener cleaner fuels are sought throughout the world, especially as countries are attempting to transition away from traditional coal and crude-oil fired plants towards solar, wind, and hydro-electric sources. Natural gas, often seen as a bridge fuel between these two competing ends, has been in the recent past and for the foreseeable future will continue to play an important role in the energy sector. Among the components of natural gas, propane plays a key role in the chemistry …
Investigating Ground Interactions Of A Rotocraft Landing Vehicle On Titan, Adam Rozman
Investigating Ground Interactions Of A Rotocraft Landing Vehicle On Titan, Adam Rozman
Honors Undergraduate Theses
The exploration of celestial bodies has recently advanced from rovers to rotorcraft. This includes the recent flights of Mars Ingenuity and the upcoming Dragonfly mission to explore the terrain of Saturn’s moon Titan as part of NASA’s New Frontiers Program. Flight-based landers can travel quickly to sites kilometers apart and land in complex terrain. Although cruise conditions for these rotorcrafts are well understood, studies are necessary to understand take-off and landing. In ground effect conditions, a rotor wake impinges and reflects off the ground, creating changes in aerodynamics such as increased lift. Additionally, operating over loose surfaces, the rotors can …
Investigation Of Pitching And Plunging Motions On A Tandem Wing Configuration, Riley M. Capiro
Investigation Of Pitching And Plunging Motions On A Tandem Wing Configuration, Riley M. Capiro
Honors Undergraduate Theses
From the beginning of the history of flight, inspiration has been drawn from nature. Evolution has spent millions of years optimizing creatures that rely on flight as their means of locomotion. Today, aerial vehicles are very different to those from the time of the Wright brothers. One kind of vehicle that stands to benefit in mimicking nature is the drone, particularly smaller drones. Commonly used today by militaries, industry and civilians, drones are increasingly affordable while also decreasing in size thanks to advancements in electronics and manufacturing methods. The purpose of this thesis is to investigate how pitching and rolling …
The Early Propagation And Burning Of Hydrogen In The Process Of The Deflagration To Detonation Transition, Rom Amasay
The Early Propagation And Burning Of Hydrogen In The Process Of The Deflagration To Detonation Transition, Rom Amasay
Honors Undergraduate Theses
The safe and efficient propagation of the Deflagration to Detonation Transition (DDT) is a topic that has been researched for many years due to its applications in Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering. DDT is when fire caused by the burning of fuel is accelerated to the upper CJ point on the Rankine Hugoniot curve due to instabilities in the flame and the turbulence caused by these instabilities. The complex flame dynamics that go along with DDT have ensured that the process is yet to be fully understood and defined. This research will work towards observing the early stages of burning hydrogen-air …
Atomization Of A Liquid Water Jet In Crossflow At Varying Hot Temperatures For High-Speed Engine And Stratospheric Aerosol Injection Applications, Luke Caetano
Honors Undergraduate Theses
This paper aims to study how varying crossflow burning temperatures from 1100 C to 1800 C affect the liquid droplet breakup, size distribution, and atomization of a liquid water jet injected into a vitiated crossflow. The LJIC injection mechanism was implemented using the high-pressure axially staged combustion facility at the University of Central Florida. The measurement devices used to gather particle data from the exhaust plume were the TSI Aerodynamic Particle Sizer (APS), which measures particles between 0.523 µm and 20 µm, and the Sensirion SPS30 (SPS30), which measures particles between 0.3 µm and 10 µm. Both measurement devices were …
Autoignition Delay Time Measurements And Chemical Kinetic Modeling Of Hydrogen/Ammonia/Natural Gas Mixtures, Jessica Baker
Autoignition Delay Time Measurements And Chemical Kinetic Modeling Of Hydrogen/Ammonia/Natural Gas Mixtures, Jessica Baker
Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023
In recent years, hydrogen-carrying compounds have accrued interest as an alternative to traditional fossil fuels due to their function as zero-emission fuels. As such, there is interest in investigating hydrogen-carrying compounds to improve understanding of the fuels' characteristics for use in high pressure systems. In the current study, the oxidation of ammonia/natural gas/hydrogen mixtures was carried out to study CO formation profiles as well as the ignition delay times behind reflected shock waves in order to refine chemical kinetic models. Experiments were carried out in the University of Central Florida's shock tube facility by utilizing chemiluminescence to obtain OH* emission …
Shock Tube And Gas Dynamic Design Considerations And Implementation For Extended Test Times, Jacklyn Higgs
Shock Tube And Gas Dynamic Design Considerations And Implementation For Extended Test Times, Jacklyn Higgs
Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023
A new shock tube test section has been designed and manufactured for the purpose of increasing the test time and expanding the applications of the shock tube for a multitude of ongoing and future projects. One purpose for the test section extension is to allow for flow visualization of droplets impacted by a shock wave for the interaction of hypersonic vehicles and atmospheric disturbances. Another purpose is to measure behind the incident shock to capture the chemical kinetics for a high-altitude environment and low-pressure, high-temperature space applications. This new test section contains 24 round optical ports for laser spectroscopy for …
Investigating The Effect Of Cmas Infiltration On Residual Stress Of High Temperature Ceramic Coatings For Turbine Engines Using 3d Confocal Raman Spectroscopy, Zachary Stein
Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023
Calcium-magnesium-aluminosilicates (CMAS), such as sand or volcanic ash, are ingested by aircraft jet engines during operation. CMAS then becomes molten while traveling through the combustor of the engine before depositing onto turbine blades within the turbine section of the engine. The molten CMAS melt infiltrates and interacts with the high temperature ceramic coated turbine blades. This infiltration increases coating stiffness and promotes coating phase destabilization, encouraging micro-crack formation and increasing the risk of spallation. Thermomechanical effects from CMAS infiltration were mapped over time with confocal Raman spectroscopy. The residual stresses within infiltrated 7YSZ EB-PVD coatings were captured with microscale resolution. …
Studying The Electrostatic Effects On The Dynamics Of Charged Lunar Dust Via Discrete Element Method, Hao Wang
Studying The Electrostatic Effects On The Dynamics Of Charged Lunar Dust Via Discrete Element Method, Hao Wang
Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023
Dust problems raise significant concerns in planetary surface exploration. The unusual behavior of the dust particles that surround the vehicle after engine cutoff has the potential to have more of an influence on surface systems than the high velocity lunar rocket plume ejecta in the landing process. A prevailing hypothesis attributes the levitation and transport of dust particles on the surface of airless bodies to the electrostatic effects and electric field. However, there is no accurate model considering the inter-particle electrostatic interactions, especially when the particles are charged by plume. This dissertation aims to understand the behavior of charged lunar …
Exploration Of Shock-Droplet Ignition And Combustion, John Patten
Exploration Of Shock-Droplet Ignition And Combustion, John Patten
Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023
Liquid fuels are desirable in aerospace applications due to their higher energy density when compared to gaseous fuels. With the advent of detonation-based engines, it is necessary to characterize and analyze how liquid fuel interacts with detonation waves as well as shocks to ignite. While liquid fuel sprays have been proven to successfully aid and sustain detonations, the physical mechanism by which the individual liquid droplets accomplish this is yet to be understood. Such knowledge allows for more predictable detonation properties, which in turn can let detonation-based engines be sustained more easily. This research seeks to quantify and characterize interactions …
Quantification Of The Aerodynamic Drivers Of A Deployable Propeller, David Malyszek
Quantification Of The Aerodynamic Drivers Of A Deployable Propeller, David Malyszek
Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023
With the use deployable drones becoming more common research into their improvement is necessary. Deployable drones that are launched from tubes have size limits on the diameter of the propeller during launch and storage. The purpose of this research is to develop deployable propeller blades for practical uses, such as tube launched propeller driven drones and easier to transport wind turbine blades. A deployable propeller will allow for the utilization of larger propellers when a large non-deployable blade isn't an option. Because deployable propellers need to fold, the deployable propeller blades were designed to be hollow and with a slit …
Aerodynamic Characterization Of An Elliptical Fairing In The Wake Of A Bluff Body, Luis Amaya
Aerodynamic Characterization Of An Elliptical Fairing In The Wake Of A Bluff Body, Luis Amaya
Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023
Aerodynamic optimization is a key step in designing planes, cars, and even buildings. Numerical modeling is used to automate the optimization process and can use different methods to iterate through designs. In this process, consideration of the starting design is paramount as a poor choice can use up computational time and effort. Often, these designs are made with the intention of being out in the open, for which studies on shape variations in freestream situations abound. However, for the case where an object must be placed in the wake of another, there is little research. The study presented here aims …
Modeling And Experimentation Of Buckling Of Composite Deployable Booms Under Bending, Christopher D. Rehberg
Modeling And Experimentation Of Buckling Of Composite Deployable Booms Under Bending, Christopher D. Rehberg
Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023
This thesis presents experimental and finite element analysis results of eccentrically loaded carbon-fiber composite booms that can deploy solar sails. Using the collapsible tubular mast design along with the geometry from the upcoming Advance Composite Solar Sail System mission, short composite booms segments were manufactured for testing. New clamps were also designed to allow a column bending test to achieve eccentric loading. As buckling through eccentric loading has not previously seen much research, the geometry and composite layups were simplified to allow for ease of manufacturing and verification. The work presented here shows that a finite element simulation, using a …
Energy Based Diagnostics Of Cfd: Revealing New Insights To Complex Aerodynamics, George Loubimov
Energy Based Diagnostics Of Cfd: Revealing New Insights To Complex Aerodynamics, George Loubimov
Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023
This thesis documents a new approach to assess the aerodynamics of complex fluid dynamic systems using modern assessment methods associated with computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The method is developed to extract novel and additional insight in the context of a higher-fidelity modeling tool. Although the methods are based on classical control volume techniques balancing fluid momentum and energy, the approach uses the detailed data provided by CFD to expand on it. Classical methods typically use a fixing control volume defined at simple control surfaces, whereas this assessment method utilizes CFD to provide complex integrals on the control surfaces and uses …
Investigation Into Wedge Turbulator Effects In High Aspect Ratio Cooling Channels, Daniel Garcia
Investigation Into Wedge Turbulator Effects In High Aspect Ratio Cooling Channels, Daniel Garcia
Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023
With reusability being a novel design parameter for liquid rocket engines (LRE), the need to lower internal wall temperatures for an increased engine longevity is a desired outcome. One of the mechanisms that has been effectively implemented is the use of high aspect ratio cooling channels (HARCC) to promote fin-like effects from internal cooling channel sidewalls. In the gas turbine industry, the use of wedge turbulators has gained recognition for its heat augmentation properties with relatively low pressure drop penalty. In an ideal case, LRE's could adopt the wedge turbulator cooling technique to enhance the benefits of HARCC with minimal …
On Mode Transition Phenomenon And Operating Conditions In Rotating Detonation Rocket Engines, Taha Rezzag-Lebza
On Mode Transition Phenomenon And Operating Conditions In Rotating Detonation Rocket Engines, Taha Rezzag-Lebza
Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023
The work presented herein consist of first studying the instantaneous properties of the detonation waves in a rotating detonation rocket engine by tracking each individual wave and recording its position, velocity, and peak intensity as it travels around the annulus. Results for a steady portion of a test performed on a rotating detonation rocket engine show that the wave properties exhibit oscillatory behavior. Results obtained from the rotating detonation rocket engine show that the properties are highly dependent on the azimuthal position. In an attempt to understanding the cause of such a behavior, similar investigations were performed on an air-breathing …
Creasing Of Polyimide Thin Film For Use In Solar Sails, Andrew Allen
Creasing Of Polyimide Thin Film For Use In Solar Sails, Andrew Allen
Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023
Polymer thin membranes are used in a variety of deployable structures that require large areas and compact stowage. Packaging membrane structures often involves creasing the membrane along predefined fold lines to enforce the desired kinematics under folding action. Inducing permanent deformation by folding to a high curvature is a common method to create creases, particularly in the design of solar sails. The distinct mechanical characteristics at the crease regions have a profound effect on the subsequent deployment and tensioning of the membrane structures. The mechanical and geometric properties at the crease are related to the crease formation process, but the …
Molten Regolith Electrolysis Processing For Lunar Isru: Financial And Physics Analysis Of Spacex Starship Transportation, Cheyenne Harper
Molten Regolith Electrolysis Processing For Lunar Isru: Financial And Physics Analysis Of Spacex Starship Transportation, Cheyenne Harper
Honors Undergraduate Theses
The purpose of the following research is to explore molten regolith electrolysis (MRE) methodology for in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) of Highlands lunar regolith, to be explored during the initial Artemis missions. An analysis of potential commercial launch providers for MRE-equipment based on technology-readiness level (TRL), payload mass support, and $ USD/kg payload price is provided. SpaceX is ultimately proposed as a launch provider of MRE equipment following multi-factorial analysis, with the SpaceX Starship human landing system (HLS) variant proposed for supporting MRE payload. Finally, customers of regolith-derived oxygen, aluminum, and silicon are distinguished to form the business case for operating …