Aerospace Engineering Commons^™

Space Degradable Pyrotechnic Fastener, Jonathan Baker

Honors Theses

Space debris has become a critical threat to orbital operations, with over 30,000 tracked objects currently circling Earth. Traditional separation charges used in satellite launches contribute significantly to this problem by generating unpredictable shrapnel that can remain in orbit for decades or centuries. This project proposes the design and development of a spacedegradable explosive bolt that exploits the harsh space environment to accelerate material breakdown after use.

The design utilizes advanced polymer materials selected for their susceptibility to degradation from UV radiation — an environmental factor abundant in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). Our prototype will be engineered to meet industry-standard …

Low Power Magnetically Shielded Krypton Hall Thruster Design, Grace Klang

Honors Theses

This project investigates the design and modeling of a low-power Hall-Effect Thruster optimized for krypton propellant, serving as a continuation of Western Michigan University’s Hall thruster development series. Krypton is selected as an alternative to xenon due to its significantly lower cost and increased availability, though its higher ionization energy and reduced atomic mass introduce performance, ionization, and efficiency challenges that must be addressed through careful design. The goal of this study is to design two 300-W class thrusters capable of achieving high efficiency and long operational life on krypton propellant while maintaining full compatibility with existing laboratory facilities and …

Design, Optimization, And Initial Results Of An Automatic Impedance Matching Network For Nitrogen Inductively Coupled Plasma, Logan Anthony Alvesteffer

Masters Theses

The electric propulsion industry is witnessing a strategic interest toward the utilization of molecular propellants as alternatives to noble gases due to increasing cost constraints and logistical requirements. This transition is hindered by a fundamental deficiency in the understanding of molecular plasma and radio frequency physics, including the excitation, dissociation, and ionization cross-sections, which mandates a reliance on computationally inefficient, empirically modified atomic thruster designs. Furthermore, current state-of-the-art electric propulsion devices, such as gridded ion thrusters and Hall effect thrusters, utilize an electrode (cathode) for ionization and are thus susceptible to chemical poisoning and material erosion, which is prevalent while …

Analysis Of The Effects Of Extractor Orientation On The Performance Of An Electrospray System, Hannah Grace Sargent

Masters Theses

In this thesis, a single-emitter porous electrospray thruster was tested at nine different extractor electrode positions. The nine positions were: center, four slightly offset in each cardinal direction, and four significantly offset in each cardinal direction. Slightly offset was defined as ~25% of the distance from the center to the edge of the extractor orifice (~125 ± 2 μm) and significantly offset was defined as ~60% of the distance from the center to the edge of the extractor orifice (~302 ± 2 μm). Three diagnostic measurements were recorded to determine the effect of the extractor electrode position on thruster operation: …

Boeing 747 Fixed Drive Link Redesign, Eric White

Honors Theses

This project focuses on redesigning the fixed drive link for the Boeing 747-400, a critical component of the flap actuation system that connects the drive mechanism to the flaps. Over recent years, this part has been prone to fracturing under full flap deflection. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Boeing have investigated this issue but have not successfully developed a durable solution.

This problem was presented by Kalitta Air, an air freight company experiencing frequent failures and costly maintenance related to the fixed drive link. If fracturing of the fixed drive link occurs the component must immediately be replaced. Similar …

Emission Behavior At The Single Emitter Scale From A Porous Media Ionic Liquid Ion Source, Thomas Victor Kerber

Dissertations

Ionic liquid ion sources (ILIS) are being developed as one solution to fill a technology gap in low power, high efficiency, high specific impulse space propulsion systems. With a sufficiently intense electric field applied between an emitter electrode and an extractor electrode, charged particles are extracted from the fluid surface and accelerated out of the thruster. In this work, three experimental campaigns examine emission behavior of a single emitter ILIS made of porous material that allows passive propellant feed via capillary action of the ionic liquid 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (EMI-BF₄).

Repeated measurements of the emitter and extractor current as …

Turbulence And Energetic Ion Production In The Partially Magnetized Hollow Cathode Plume, Margaret Mary Mooney

Dissertations

Hall effect thrusters (HETs) are the most widely used electric propulsion (EP) device for in-space satellite propulsion. EP devices provide high efficiencies for extended mission lifetimes and low thrust for precision maneuvers. The hollow cathode is a critical HET component and undergoes extensive lifetime testing in addition to the lifetime testing of the full HET. Significant density gradients, non-Maxwellian electron behavior, and magnetic fields sufficiently strong enough to magnetize electrons in hollow cathode plumes create favorable conditions for the formation of plasma instabilities, which have an impact on cathode lifetime. Cathode qualification testing is typically conducted independently and includes a …

Aerodynamic Noise Reduction Of Wind Turbine Blades, Steven Davenport

Honors Theses

This project is presented to meet Western Michigan University’s College of Engineering and Applied Sciences Senior Design requirements. With wind turbines becoming increasingly popular as a form of energy generation, the need to reduce the aerodynamic noise is needed. Most commercial wind farms use turbines with a NACA 0012 airfoil. Thus, that is the only profile shape considered in this research. Seven modifications were made to a NACA 0012 airfoil to reduce aerodynamic noise. The airfoils were designed in SolidWorks and 3D printed at the WMU College of Aviation. The airfoils were simulated in Ansys Fluent and experimentally tested in …

Deployable Assembly Structure And Harnessing For A Langmuir Probe (Dash-Lp), Sean Cowell

Honors Theses

The nanosatellite being designed by the Western Aerospace Launch Initiative (WALI) will demonstrate the technology of single-polarity electrospray thrusters. Essential to the mission is the collection of information from the ionospheric plasma surrounding the CubeSat in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). Due to the plasma sheath generated by the spacecraft, a 1.75 m boom is required to extend the Langmuir probe (LP) outside of the region of disturbed plasma. This project, Deployable Assembly Structure and Harnessing for a Langmuir Probe (DASH-LP), developed components that accompany the boom deployment system. In particular, a cable stowage system to store the RG403 shielded triaxial …

A Model For Spacecraft Relative Motion Using Continuous Periodic Thrust, Philip Alan Hittepole

Dissertations

A model for modifying the relative orbit of a deputy satellite with respect to a chief satellite in a near-circular orbit using continuous periodic thrust is presented. This model is built on the Lovell-Spencer relative orbital elements (ROEs). The four linear ROEs (xr, yr, ar, and Az) can be linearly modified. The two angular ROEs (Er and ) can be set to advance at a desired, constant rate. Each ROE can be modified individually but may cause intra-orbit variations in other ROEs which return to their original values at the end of a thrust cycle. A method to easily calculate …

Design Of Telemetry And Remote-Control System For Electric Propulsion Testing, Logan Alvesteffer

Honors Theses

Ground testing of electric propulsion (EP) devices occurs inside vacuum chambers and is monitored using high-frequency and low-frequency telemetry systems. These systems provide critical operational information about the device’s performance by monitoring values such as voltage, current, gas flow rates, and chamber pressures. Ground facility telemetry systems can operate as integrated control and safety architecture while testing EP devices. EP testing at Western Michigan University (WMU) is located within the Aerospace Laboratory for Plasma Experiments (ALPE). The Cold plasma Experimental Research Station (CEReS) is outfitted with CTI-250F and CTI-10 cryogenic pumps for a combined pumping capacity of 5,200L/s-air. CEReS facilitates …

Electric Ducted Fan Lander, Maggie Waechter

Honors Theses

This report, and corresponding project, addresses the fact that there are not many student experiments with controlling real spacecrafts due to the scarceness of the craft, cost, risk, and finite fuel supply. This project demonstrates the possibility of a classroom substitute for students to understand how landers would operate on planetary bodies. In order to achieve flight from the drone, there were two separate designs produced, the electrical and structural system, that were integrated together to form a full prototype. The performance of the electric ducted fans (EDFs) as well as the batteries were tested to ensure that the components …

Thermal Control For A Miniaturized Fabry-Perot Interferometer In A Cubesat, Callie Pilkington

Honors Theses

The evaluation of neutral winds is critical in understanding the ever-changing weather and climate of the thermosphere, which can develop into a hostile environment for satellites. To measure these neutral winds, Michigan Aerospace Corporation is developing a 6U CubeSat that utilizes a miniaturized Fabry-Perot interferometer. For ideal operation, the Fabry-Perot interferometer requires a closely maintained thermal environment. These requirements are crucial in obtaining accurate measurements and for sustaining instrument and mission life due to the vast temperature range experienced in the thermosphere. With the solutions outlined in this proposal, the goal is to provide Michigan Aerospace with an optimized configuration …

High Power Rocket Motor Test Bench, Jonathan Wine

Honors Theses

Static ground testing of rocket motors is used to gather performance data and troubleshoot the propulsion system, allowing propulsion engineers to compare actual characteristics to the designed parameters. It is also used in the development and validation of new propulsion systems and alterations to the fuel and oxidizer mixtures. Test benches are used to continuously collect data throughout the burn of a rocket motor, which allows engineers to plot the thrust as a function of time. This plot, a thrust curve, displays several important pieces of information about a rocket motor. This information is crucial to allow astronautical engineers to …

Analysis And Mitigation Of Pneumatic Regulator Resonance, Luke Fouch

Honors Theses

Internal resonance in pneumatic regulators can result in heavy leakage, which can lead to less efficient processes. To address this issue, two simulations were developed to simulate pneumatic regulation systems. The first simulation involved deriving a mathematical model of the equations of motion for a regulator and applying it using MATLAB. The second simulation involved developing a Simulink model that incorporated physical regulator properties. To verify the accuracy of both models, physical testing data was used. After verification, the models were modified in various ways to determine the main drivers of resonance in pneumatic systems. Additionally, Finite Element Analysis was …

Design Of A Dynamometer Test Platform For Formula Sae Internal Combustion And Electric Powertrains, Ryan Bare

Honors Theses

This dynamometer project was completed for the Formula SAE team at Western Michigan University and aimed to deliver a functional and safe engine dynamometer test stand. Formula SAE is a student organization that designs and manufactures a new formula style race car from the ground up every year to compete at an international collegiate competition. The purpose of the dynamometer is to allow the team to tune their internal combustion (IC) engine and the newly developed electric powertrain (EV). The engine dynamometer is important to the Formula team as it will allow engine tuning and diagnosis prior to the completion …

The Design And Development Of A Miniature Gridded Ecr Ion Thruster, Nicholas Nuzzo

Masters Theses

Plasma propulsion, a specific subset of electric propulsion (EP), is a class of space propulsion that produces plasma by excitation of a propellant at or above its ionization energy. This ionized propellant is then accelerated by an externally applied field (magnetic and/or electric) and produces thrust. There is an increasing need for miniaturization in spacecraft technology and the use of plasma EP devices in space propulsion. These systems provide an advantage over traditional chemical propulsion solutions which are less efficient and have more mass. Miniaturization of EP devices allows missions to have more space and mass available for their payloads …

Channeling Influence On Noise And Aerodynamic Performance Of Naca 0012 Airfoil As A Possible Solution Of Wind Turbines Noise, Hussein Khudhayer Mohammad

Dissertations

This work numerically and experimentally investigates the effect of using channels inside airfoils on the noise level as a possible resolution for aerodynamic noise generated by wind turbines. The work also investigates aerodynamic performance and turbulence around the employed airfoils. The results reveal that some of the samples show some improvement in reducing the aerodynamic noise. The reduction of the aerodynamic noise is explained as the trailing edge blowing injection that reduces the wake momentum deficit of the blade and reduces the pressure fluctuation which is responsible for noise production. Particularly, the angles of channel inclination with respect to the …

Design, Optimization, And Construction Of Flexure, Optical, Damping, And Leveling Systems For Electric Propulsion Thrust Stand, Logan Hefferan

Honors Theses

An Thrust Stand is a device that uses the basic principles of torsion and displace­ment to experimentally measure and calculate the thrust generated by an Electric Propulsion (EP) Thruster. Western Michigan University is host to three organiza­tions that work with electric propulsion thrusters currently without a way of ob­taining direct experimental thrust data. For this Senior Design Project, the flexure, optical sensing, damping and leveling systems for a thrust stand originally designed by Hannah Watts in her WMU Honors Thesis: Design of A Thrust Stand for Elec­tric Propulsion [13] will be constructed. The four subsystems will be redesigned, optimized, and …

Design And Optimization Of An Electron Cyclotron Resonance Thruster, Austen Thomas

Masters Theses

Presented in this work is the process in the design and optimization of a coaxial electron cyclotron resonance thruster. Electron cyclotron resonance thrusters are novel microwave-based thrusters which possess select technological advantages over mature electric propulsion concepts such as being electrodeless and only requiring a single power source. The thruster constructed in this work is a coaxial configuration and is termed the Western electron cyclotron resonance thruster. Thruster dimensions were optimized based on past experimentation completed with ECR thrusters. In an attempt to enhance the microwave plasma coupling of the coaxial thruster design three different antenna configurations were considered: a …

Dynamic Maneuvers For Satellite On-Orbit Servicing Utilizing Novel Continuum Robotics: Development & Experimentation, Nathan Dalton

Masters Theses

Robotic on-orbit servicing is a developing technology that seeks to increase the longevity and repairability of faulty or aging resident space objects. In this research, the development of a flexible continuum manipulator for a small satellite system that performs low-complexity on-orbit servicing or debris removal is presented. Derivations of manipulator kinematics are described in detail, a non-linear control scheme has been developed, and the accuracy and servicing applications for the prototype are evaluated and discussed. The manipulator has been tested on an air-bearing dynamics simulator, and the results are extensively analyzed. System recommendations and future work suggestions are presented.

Charge Tracing For Determining Electrical Facility Effects On Electric Spacecraft Propulsion Systems., Tyler Bye

Honors Theses

Electric Propulsion Systems are the future of deep space travel. Since its design in 2016 Western Michigan University has been testing a Hall-Thruster from a previous Senior Design Group. One issue with Electric Propulsion Systems is tracing where the electrons go after being used to ionize propellant for spacecraft acceleration. Induced magnetic fields on Earth alter the electron paths found in the vacuum of space.

One solution is the EP TEMPEST. The EP TEMPEST is an electron tracer designed by the Air Force Research Laboratory. The goal of this project is to design an electron tracer like the EP TEMPEST …

Long-Term Venus Lander, Scott Miller

Honors Theses

Venus continues to be a target of interest for the scientific community, as the similarities and differences to Earth pose intriguing questions about planetary evolution. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is looking to gain a better understanding of Earth’s sister planet and has presented a challenge to interested undergraduate student teams to develop a in-situ robotic explorer and accompanying relay. The student team representing Western Michigan University has designed a long-term Venusian lander to both survive the harsh environment for an extended period and gather scientific data on the planet’s atmosphere and surface to be communicated back to …

Optimum Double Rhombic Flap Design For Z-Plasty, Abdullah Khan

Honors Theses

In the medical field, especially in plastic surgery, Rhombic flap and z-plasty are common methods in surgical procedures to treat and close complex wounds of different types of injuries/surgery. Each conventional surgical method has its own pros and cons. When both conventional methods join, it would complement each other weaknesses. This senior design project purpose is to investigate the magnitude of stresses build on skin due to transposing of skin in these methods when the wound is close after the surgical procedure is done. In this project a combination of rhombic flap and z-plasty is studied which is Double Rhombic …

Long-Duration Venus Explorer, Ethan Reid

Honors Theses

Venus continues to be a target of interest for the scientific community, as the similarities and differences to Earth pose intriguing questions about planetary evolution. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is looking to gain a better understanding of Earth’s sister planet and has presented a challenge to interested undergraduate student teams to develop a in-situ robotic explorer and accompanying relay. The student team representing Western Michigan University has designed a long-term Venusian lander to both survive the harsh environment for an extended period and gather scientific data on the planet’s atmosphere and surface to be communicated back to …

Design Of A Full-Scale Plant For Plastic Pyrolysis, Hannah Sargent

Honors Theses

With over thirty million tons of plastic accumulating in the United States every year, the need for an environmentally safe means of disposal is increasing. Only ten percent of this plastic is recycled while the majority is disposed of via landfill. With recent advances in pyrolysis research, a permanent solution is presented. By creating a pyrolysis plant, not only could billions of pounds of plastic be prevented from contributing to landfills, but also be converted to oil resulting in an environmentally beneficial and lucrative solution to plastic waste.

Long Duration Venus Lander, Aidan Wales

Honors Theses

Venus continues to be a target of interest for the scientific community, as the similarities and differences to Earth pose intriguing questions about planetary evolution. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is looking to gain a better understanding of Earth’s sister planet and has presented a challenge to interested undergraduate student teams to develop a in-situ robotic explorer and accompanying relay. The student team representing Western Michigan University has designed a long-term Venusian lander to both survive the harsh environment for an extended period and gather scientific data on the planet’s atmosphere and surface to be communicated back to …

Development Of A Single Emitter Ionic Liquid Ion Source Research Platform, Thomas V. Kerber

Masters Theses

A single emitter ionic liquid ion source using porous borosilicate glass was developed. Two emitters with different radii of curvatures were tested using 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (EMI-BF₄). I-V curves of the currents on the extractor electrode and a collector plate were obtained for potential differences between the emitter and the extractor ranging from 0 V to 3500 V. For the first emitter chip, extraction began near 2400 V. The highest emission current measured on the first chip was 80 µA at 3500 V with an interception current on the extractor of 4.86 µA. An new collector plate was used …

Investigating Newly Discovered Oscillation Modes In Magnetically Shielded Hall Effect Thrusters Utilizing High Speed Diagnostics, Matthew Joseph Baird

Dissertations

Magnetically shielded Hall effect thrusters (MSHETs) are a variant of Hall effect thrusters (HET) that provide the favorable thrust-to-power ratio and high specific impulse of traditional stationary plasma type (STP) HETs but with an extremely long lifetime. MSHETs exhibit unique discharge plasma oscillations compared to traditional unshielded HETs. In this study, measurements of plasma oscillations in the state-of-the-art 12.5 kW Hall Effect Rocket with Magnetic Shielding (HERMeS) were obtained at various discharge voltages while holding other operation parameters constant. Data were collected using high-speed imaging, voltage, current, and plasma probes. The thruster exhibits two dominant oscillation modes within the discharge …

Accumulation Of Polar Vorticity On Giant Planets: Towards A Three-Dimensional Theory, Shawn R. Brueshaber

Dissertations

My research investigates the polar atmospheric dynamics of the giant planets: Jupiter and Saturn (gas giants), and Uranus and Neptune (ice giants). I conduct my research modifying and applying the Explicit Planetary Isentropic Coordinate global circulation code to model the polar regions of the four giant planets.

The motivation behind my research is to uncover the reason why giant planet polar atmospheric dynamics differ. Jupiter features multiple circumpolar cyclones arranged in geometrical configurations, whereas Saturn features a single pole-centered cyclone. Uranus and Neptune also appear to have single pole-centered cyclones, albeit, larger than those on Saturn. …