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Articles 301 - 330 of 1780
Full-Text Articles in Aerospace Engineering
Fatigue Of Two Oxide/Oxide Ceramic Matrix Composites At 1200°C In Air And In Steam. Effect Of Diamond Drilled Effusion Holes, Anthony R. Cabri
Fatigue Of Two Oxide/Oxide Ceramic Matrix Composites At 1200°C In Air And In Steam. Effect Of Diamond Drilled Effusion Holes, Anthony R. Cabri
Theses and Dissertations
The tension-tension fatigue behavior of two oxide-oxide ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) was investigated at 1200°C in laboratory air and steam. Both composites consist of a porous oxide matrix reinforced with laminated, woven mullite/alumina (NextelTM720) fibers. The first composite had an alumina matrix, while the second had an alumina-mullite matrix. First, we assessed the effects of incorporating mullite into the matrix material on fatigue performance by studying the tension-tension fatigue behavior of alumina-mullite matrix CMC. Second, we evaluated the effects of effusion holes on the alumina matrix CMC's fatigue performance. Specimens containing an array of 17 effusion holes of 0.5-mm diameter …
Improving Manufacturability And Reducing Cracking In Additively Manufactured Tungsten Alloys, Christopher P. Fassio
Improving Manufacturability And Reducing Cracking In Additively Manufactured Tungsten Alloys, Christopher P. Fassio
Theses and Dissertations
Additively Manufactured tungsten suffers from low () densities due to high concentrations of microcracks as the printed layers cool past tungsten's high ductile to brittle transition temperature. In this study, tungsten-rhenium and tungsten rhenium hafnium carbide compositions were evaluated on density and tensile strength. In addition to varying the compositions of each alloy, printing parameters and post-processing methods were also compared. Print parameters varied for all compositions on an MLab 200R C using included the laser scan strategy, hatch spacing, scan speed, laser power, and print bed material. Post processing techniques of the WRe compositions included hot isostatic pressing and …
Optimizing Design Parameters For Active Flow Control Boundary-Layer Fence Performance Enhancement On A Delta Wing, Nathan L. Tedder
Optimizing Design Parameters For Active Flow Control Boundary-Layer Fence Performance Enhancement On A Delta Wing, Nathan L. Tedder
Theses and Dissertations
Utilizing computational fluid dynamic (CFD) simulations, the presented study is able to further the investigation of replicating and improving upon the performance of a NACA 0012 cropped half-span delta-wing at high angles-of-attack with an active flow control fluidic fence via wall-normal, steady blowing from an optimized single chordwise slot located at z/b = 70%,. The data is generated using CREATE-AV Kestrel v10.1rc5 CFD software on the Department of Defense High Performance Computing systems. The flight regime is held constant at a Mach number of 0.18 and a Reynolds number (Re) of 5.0 x 105, based on the root …
Density Measurements Of Neutral Xenon Using Multiphoton Ionization And Microwave Spectroscopy In A Hall Effect Thruster, Taylor J. Foy
Density Measurements Of Neutral Xenon Using Multiphoton Ionization And Microwave Spectroscopy In A Hall Effect Thruster, Taylor J. Foy
Theses and Dissertations
A new dye laser and microwave scattering system for measuring low speed xenon particles was installed to characterize a commercially sourced 600 W Hall effect thruster. The new system uses multiphoton ionization and microwave spectroscopy to determine number density and velocity measurements of neutral xenon atoms in the plume of a Hall thruster. A study was conducted to ensure the new system will be able to accurately measure these neutrals in future work. The ultimate goal of this new system is to isolate and characterize the extra thrust produced in Hall Effect Thrusters due to finite volume vacuum chambers.
Shock Migration On An Oscillating Straked Delta Wing Using An Unsteady Euler Solver, Alexander J. Brown
Shock Migration On An Oscillating Straked Delta Wing Using An Unsteady Euler Solver, Alexander J. Brown
Theses and Dissertations
This research contributes to the understanding of Shock Induced Trailing Edge Separation (SITES) as a driver of Limit Cycle Oscillation (LCO) by performing a computational investigation of nonlinear aerodynamic phenomena on a straked delta wing in transonic flow, oscillating in pitch. ZEUS, an Euler-based aeroelastic solver with a boundary layer coupling scheme meant to capture viscous flow effects within the boundary layer, was used to analyze aerodynamic flow around the wing for various mean incidence angles, oscillation amplitudes, and Mach numbers within the transonic region. The dynamic characteristics of the airflow around the wing were investigated in order to characterize …
Gps-Denied Localization Of Daughter-Ships In A Mother-Daughter Ship Collaborative Environment, Ethan W. Jacquin
Gps-Denied Localization Of Daughter-Ships In A Mother-Daughter Ship Collaborative Environment, Ethan W. Jacquin
Theses and Dissertations
This research investigates the possibility of using the communication link between a mothership and daughter-ship UAV and an Extended Kalman Filter algorithm as a replacement of GPS, assuming a ranging link exists between the mothership and daughter-ship and that the mothership is GPS-enabled. A simulation study examines the viability of the approach and the effect of parameters such as distance, altitude, roll angle, speed, ranging sensor noise, and inertial measurement unit uncertainty were considered. The magnitude of the errors between predicted and measured position were examined and a range of acceptable flight parameters was formed.
Real-Time Aerial Magnetic And Vision-Aided Navigation, Daniel J. Clarke
Real-Time Aerial Magnetic And Vision-Aided Navigation, Daniel J. Clarke
Theses and Dissertations
Aerial magnetic navigation has shown to be a viable alternative navigation method that has the potential for world-wide availability, to include over oceans. Obtaining GPS-level accuracy using magnetic navigation alone is challenging, but magnetic navigation can be combined with other alternative navigation methods that are more posed to obtaining GPS-level accuracy in their current state. This research presents an aerial navigation solution combining magnetic navigation and vision-aided navigation to aid an inertial navigation system (INS). The navigation solution was demonstrated in real-time playback using simulated magnetic field measurements and flight-test captured visual imagery. Additionally, the navigation solution was flight-tested on …
Automated Find Fix And Track With A Medium Altitude Long Endurance Remotely Piloted Aircraft, Aubrey L. Olson
Automated Find Fix And Track With A Medium Altitude Long Endurance Remotely Piloted Aircraft, Aubrey L. Olson
Theses and Dissertations
A limitation in RPA ISR operations is loss of target track if the command link is severed. For an RPA to effectively execute the ISR mission without a command link, it needs the capability to F2T targets autonomously. Automated Find Fix and Track (AFFTRAC) was developed to help solve this problem by demonstrating a proof of concept tactical autopilot. Monocular stereo vision was used to process sequential images acquired during orbit to produce a partial structural point cloud of the original structure. This partial structural point cloud was then exploited to create a holding area density for the aircraft to …
Impendance Probe Payload Development For Space-Based Joint Service Collaboration, Brian T. Kay
Impendance Probe Payload Development For Space-Based Joint Service Collaboration, Brian T. Kay
Theses and Dissertations
Collaborations utilizing small spacecraft in near earth orbit between the U. S. Coast Guard Academy (CGA), Naval Research Lab (NRL), the U. S. Naval Academy (USNA), and the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) have initiated scientific and engineering space-based experiments. Sourced opportunities like the VaSpace ThinSat missions have provided a platform for payload, sensor, and experiment development that would have otherwise been resource prohibitive. We have constructed an impedance probe payload derived from the existing ‘Space PlasmA Diagnostic suitE’ (SPADE) mission operating from NASA’s International Space Station. Currently both space and laboratory plasmas are investigated with AC impedance measurements …
Modeling Situation Awareness In A Uav Scenario Using Sysml, Tommy R. Hernandez
Modeling Situation Awareness In A Uav Scenario Using Sysml, Tommy R. Hernandez
Theses and Dissertations
The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) is rapidly moving towards using increasingly automated systems. Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) will be used in contested environments where direct human control may be impossible for long stretches of time. This increase in automation brings with it challenges in maintaining resilient Situation Awareness (SA) for operators, who still need to set goals for the UAS to accomplish their missions. Simultaneously, the DoD is increasing the adoption of Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) in the development of weapon systems. This thesis explores the use of SysML to model of an SA repair system for a UAS …
Neuromorphic Vision Sensors For Space-Based Applications, Jessica L. Horn
Neuromorphic Vision Sensors For Space-Based Applications, Jessica L. Horn
Theses and Dissertations
This research examines the viability of event-based vision (neuromorphic) sensors for future use on satellites. Outputting single pixel events only when a change in intensity is detected, event-based vision sensors offer a potential low power, low latency, high temporal resolution, and high dynamic range solution as compared to traditional CCD or CMOS camera technology. The commercial off-the-shelf DVS240C sensor, is analyzed to determine if operability is affected by launch conditions and the low Earth space environment through vacuum, thermal vacuum, and vibration tests. No appreciable changes in sensor operation was observed throughout testing. Additionally, the sensor was able to detect …
Cislunar Debris Propagation Following A Catastrophic Spacecraft Mishap, Nathan R. Boone
Cislunar Debris Propagation Following A Catastrophic Spacecraft Mishap, Nathan R. Boone
Theses and Dissertations
This research involves theoretical analysis of the short- and long-term motion of space debris in cislunar trajectories following a spacecraft catastrophic mishap. Specifically, the research formulates a debris propagation model using four-body dynamics and determines debris trajectories following breakup events for a variety of different initial orbital positions. A spacecraft survivability model is then used to quantify the risks from the debris to other cislunar spacecraft. First, a study of the risks due to natural debris comprising the Kordylewski clouds at the Earth-Moon ��4 and ��5 Lagrange points is conducted as an introduction to cislunar debris propagation. Next, …
Hybridized Spacecraft Attitude Control Via Reinforcement Learning Using Control Moment Gyroscope Arrays, Cecily C. Agu
Hybridized Spacecraft Attitude Control Via Reinforcement Learning Using Control Moment Gyroscope Arrays, Cecily C. Agu
Theses and Dissertations
Machine learning techniques in the form of reinforcement learning (RL) can solve complex nonlinear problems found within spacecraft attitude determination and control systems (ADCS). Three CMG arrays were implemented in two simulated spacecraft environments using a reinforcement learning controller. The performance of the controllers were evaluated using target profiles from traditional control law implementations, singularity measure, and variable initial state values. The current research demonstrates that while RL techniques can be implemented, further exploration is needed to investigate the operational efficacy of an approach for producing comparable performance attributes with respect to traditional control laws.
Nebulizer-Based Systems To Improve Pharmaceutical Aerosol Delivery To The Lungs, Benjamin M. Spence
Nebulizer-Based Systems To Improve Pharmaceutical Aerosol Delivery To The Lungs, Benjamin M. Spence
Theses and Dissertations
Combining vibrating mesh nebulizers with additional new technologies leads to substantial improvements in pharmaceutical aerosol delivery to the lungs across therapeutic administration methods. In this dissertation, streamlined components, aerosol administration synchronization, and/or Excipient Enhanced Growth (EEG) technologies were utilized to develop and test several novel devices and aerosol delivery systems. The first focus of this work was to improve the poor delivery efficiency, e.g., 3.6% of nominal dose (Dugernier et al. 2017), of aerosolized medication administration to adult human subjects concurrent with high flow nasal cannula (HFNC) therapy, a form of continuous-flow non-invasive ventilation (NIV). The developed Low-Volume Mixer-Heater (LVMH) …
Analysis For Hybrid Rocket Fuel Regression Using Stereolithographic Geometry, Michael P. King
Analysis For Hybrid Rocket Fuel Regression Using Stereolithographic Geometry, Michael P. King
Theses and Dissertations
Hybrid Rocket Engines (HRE) have characteristically low fuel regression that limits their performance. Additive manufacturing and rapid prototyping can possibly solve some of the problems with Hybrid propulsion regression by creating geometry not possible with conventional manufacturing. This work is attempting to make geometric regression simulation of HRE easier by using STereoLithography (STL files) as the geometry. This analysis sets flow conditions, boundary conditions, propellant selection, and allows for fuel geometry to be altered to simulate geometry’s effects on regression rate and propellant performance. This model can be used for more advanced geometric analysis to improve and predict performance.
Experimental And Computational Analysis Of Progressive Failure In Bolted Hybrid Composite Joints, John S. Brewer
Experimental And Computational Analysis Of Progressive Failure In Bolted Hybrid Composite Joints, John S. Brewer
Theses and Dissertations
Composite materials are strong, lightweight, and stiff making them desirable in aerospace applications. However, a practical issue arises with composites in that they behave unpredictably in bolted joints, where damage and cracks are often initiated. This research investigated a solution to correcting the problem with composite bolted joints. A novel hybrid composite material was developed, where thin stainless steel foils were placed between and in place of preimpregnated composite plies during the cure cycle to reinforce stress concentrations in bolted joints. This novel composite was compared to control samples experimentally in quasi-static monotonic loading in double shear configuration in 9-ply …
Test And Evaluation Of An Artec Leo 3d Scanner, Chelsea Alexis Reichard
Test And Evaluation Of An Artec Leo 3d Scanner, Chelsea Alexis Reichard
Theses and Dissertations
With new and innovative technologies, companies have begun utilizing 3-Dimensional Scanners to reverse engineer objects of virtually any size or complexity. These scanners increase efficiency, allowing companies to import physical items into the computer without the hassle of modeling it themselves in Computer Aided Design (CAD) software. Although these highly advanced devices can be very fast and effective, we will be studying the surfaces that are incompatible to these scanners. The study performed in this research will test the limitations of a new, highly advanced, wireless 3D Scanner; The Artec Leo. For many scanners, including the one used in this …
Assessing Observer Stations For Cislunar Space Domain Awareness, Michael S. Rosenof
Assessing Observer Stations For Cislunar Space Domain Awareness, Michael S. Rosenof
Theses and Dissertations
With renewed worldwide interest in cislunar space, the need for reliable domain awareness in that extended region of space is clear. This investigation quantifies the suitability of several possible stations for observer satellites in cislunar space by calculating the specific irradiance each would observe as they track satellites in various realistic lunar free-return trajectories across a decade, using reflected sunlight. This investigation includes one class of free return trajectories for target satellites, eleven distinct observer stations, and three different metrics for comparing the effectiveness of each observer station or combination of observer stations for sensing targets using reflected sunlight. The …
Electro-Optic Satellite Constellation Design Using Multi-Objective Genetic Algorithm, Yasin Tamer
Electro-Optic Satellite Constellation Design Using Multi-Objective Genetic Algorithm, Yasin Tamer
Theses and Dissertations
Satellite constellation design is a complex, highly constrained, and multidisciplinary problem. Unless optimization tools are used, tradeoffs must be conducted at the subsystem level resulting in feasible, but not necessarily optimal, system designs. As satellite technology advances, new methods to optimize the system objectives are developed. This study is based on the development of a representative regional remote sensing constellation design. This thesis analyses the design process of an electrooptic satellite constellation with regional coverage considerations using system-level optimization tools. A multi objective genetic algorithm method is used to optimize the constellation design by utilizing MATLAB and STK integration. Cost, …
Flight Tests Of Trajectory Energy Management Systems Using A Vertical Takeoff And Landing Vehicle, Emils Senkans
Flight Tests Of Trajectory Energy Management Systems Using A Vertical Takeoff And Landing Vehicle, Emils Senkans
Theses and Dissertations
The rise of new aircraft propulsion methods (e.g. powered by batteries, fuel cells or hybrid electric systems), the increased use of automated and integrated flight control systems, and the envisioned use of personal Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) vehicles in urban environments (urban aerial mobility) leads to novel technical and regulatory challenges for aircraft manufacturers, certification authorities and operators. Of primary concern is operational safety, and closely connected pilot situation awareness and workload. A particular safety factor for operating VTOL vehicles that depend on propulsive lift for the majority of their operations and that are operated over urban terrain, is …
Measuring Pilot Control Force In General Aviation: Strain Gauges And Load Cell, Benjamin David Wyma
Measuring Pilot Control Force In General Aviation: Strain Gauges And Load Cell, Benjamin David Wyma
Theses and Dissertations
Flight test requires a variety of sensors and data systems to accurately read variables on an aircraft during testing. One of these important variables is the pilots control force. Control force is used in many tests in flight test to ensure the aircraft being tested meets the required FAA standards. One essential test is stick free longitudinal stability where control force is needed to calculate the stick free neutral points of the aircraft [1]. The objective of the project was to explore two methods of electronically measuring control force and determining which method is best suited for Florida Institute of …
Existence Of Ballistic Capture Transfer Trajectories From Trans-Lunar Injection To Lunar Polar Orbit For All Lunar Phases At Time Of Departure, Anthony Lawrence Genova
Existence Of Ballistic Capture Transfer Trajectories From Trans-Lunar Injection To Lunar Polar Orbit For All Lunar Phases At Time Of Departure, Anthony Lawrence Genova
Theses and Dissertations
This dissertation reveals several families of trajectories that can reduce the change in velocity(ΔV) required to transfer from trans-lunar injection (TLI) to a lunar polar circular orbit with 100 km altitude by up to 26.5% compared to conventional transfers. The primary hypothesis states that such trajectories, termed lunar polar ballistic capture (LPBC) transfers, exist for all lunar phases at the time of lunar departure (i.e., initial lunar flyby).The existence of LPBC transfers for all lunar phases can enable missions with ride-share restrictions (CubeSat), limited propellant capability (small spacecraft), and/or payloads that are not time sensitive (cargo).Evidence to support the primary …
Specifying Space Defense Operator Interfaces Through The Application Of Cognitive Systems Engineering And Prototyping, Justin E. Oryschak
Specifying Space Defense Operator Interfaces Through The Application Of Cognitive Systems Engineering And Prototyping, Justin E. Oryschak
Theses and Dissertations
The Department of Defense needs better tools to support its operators as they strive to defend its space assets. The growing sophistication of anti-satellite weapons increasingly challenges the nation’s orbital communications and surveillance infrastructure. Operators face difficulties gathering useful information and dealing with the complexity of potential enemy actions. This research applied cognitive systems engineering and ecological interface design (EID) methodologies to create a prototype space mission management tool that enhances operator situation awareness and decision-making ability. Applied cognitive task analysis interviews were used to document space operator decision-making in their domain. Model-based systems engineering was applied to integrate work …
Chronos Spacecraft With Chiron Probe: Exploration Of The Hydrosphere, Principle Satellites, Atmosphere, And Rings Of Uranus, Payton E. Pearson
Chronos Spacecraft With Chiron Probe: Exploration Of The Hydrosphere, Principle Satellites, Atmosphere, And Rings Of Uranus, Payton E. Pearson
Theses and Dissertations
A design reference mission using more modern technological innovations has been developed for exploration of the outer reaches of our Solar System, specifically Uranus and its system of satellites. This mission will utilize theoretical technologies mostly without regard to their current technological readiness level (TRL), though most systems have a TRL of at least 5. The primary innovations explored in this thesis are the new launch systems that provide far greater payload capacity potentially sent to anywhere in the Solar System, new Stirling-engine radioisotope thermoelectric generators (SRTGs), vastly improved data storage technologies, optimized satellite antenna relay of data using much …
Investigation Of Factors Impacting A Helicopter Height-Velocity Diagram, Timothy A. Brown
Investigation Of Factors Impacting A Helicopter Height-Velocity Diagram, Timothy A. Brown
Theses and Dissertations
A dynamic helicopter model was incorporated into an optimal control problem to determine minimal landing velocities. The solutions were determined using pseudospectral collocation methods as implemented by the GPOPS-II software. These solutions were then compiled to develop a HV diagram. An HV diagram displays regions of flight based on a helicopter's airspeed and height above the ground in which a safe landing would not be possible following engine failure. The applied methodology for constructing the HV diagram reduced issues involving solution convergence that was encountered in previous research. The influence of ground effect on the dynamic model was also investigated. …
General Electric J85 Engine Flame Holder Tooling, Jacob Portugal
General Electric J85 Engine Flame Holder Tooling, Jacob Portugal
Theses and Dissertations
Larsen Motorsports competes in drag racing events all over the country using their jet power drag cars. These competitions are focused on getting the most performance out of the engine as possible by shaving weight off the vehicle and increasing the amount of power produced. One of the many factors in the amount of power produced by the car is the afterburner. Afterburners can increase thrust from ~3,000lb to ~5,000lb in a standard J85 engine. Due to this there is a good deal of attention paid to the efficiency and performance of the afterburner. The specific portion this thesis focused …
Application Of Neural Networks For Solving One Dimensional Inverse Heat Conduction Problems With Surface Ablation, Jian Zhang
Theses and Dissertations
Thermal protection systems (TPS) are critical for space vehicles to keep them safe against extensive aerothermal heating, particularly during the atmospheric entry. Ablative materials burn away gradually when subjected to extreme heat flux and therefore are considered as a practical option for TPS application. Measurement of TPS surface condition, particularly heat flux, is essential to reduce design margins and also improve active control strategies for damage avoidance. However, it is not possible to directly measure TPS surface heat flux, and alternative approaches must be utilized for this purpose. One method is to use temperature sensors at internal layers and solve …
Beacon Aided Robotics For Martian Cave Mapping, Ryan Joseph Capozzi
Beacon Aided Robotics For Martian Cave Mapping, Ryan Joseph Capozzi
Theses and Dissertations
At present, lava tubes on the Moon and Mars have been left wholly unexplored. There are many aspects of subterranean exploration that pose additional challenges over surface exploration, and one of these issues is in localization. This project seeks to expand upon the traditional communication beacon that is dropped behind a robotic operator in subterranean environments and make low cost and low power modifications to increase their functionality by making robot localization from these beacons possible. This has been tested with the use of LED beacons that could be easily added to current solutions and used for localization of the …
J-85 Model Development For Performance Optimization, Austin Childers
J-85 Model Development For Performance Optimization, Austin Childers
Theses and Dissertations
Larsen Motorsports is a local jet racing facility in Melbourne, Florida. Larsen Motorsports is a key partner with Florida Tech. Larsen Motorsports has a highly skilled manufacturing team along with a robust manufacturing capability. Through their team’s many years of racing Larsen Motorsports has tuned and developed engineering for both the J-60 and J-85 jet engines. These modifications vary from small design changes to production of components to entire system redesigns. One of the most extensive redesigns their team has developed is the afterburner section of the General Electric J-85 jet engine. Their team has designed and tuned the entire …
A Quantitative Analysis Of The Robinson R44 Performance Characteristics, Jon Carroll Holzman
A Quantitative Analysis Of The Robinson R44 Performance Characteristics, Jon Carroll Holzman
Theses and Dissertations
The Robinson R44 is the most prolific civil helicopter in the world with over 6,000 delivered to customers since 1992. Approved for normal category flight by the FAA through 14 CFR Parts 21 and 27, the accompanying Pilot's Operating Handbook includes all performance material required under the same. Practical planning materials, such as cruise charts and accompanying fuel flow rates for various operational weights and density altitudes, however, are absent. This leaves a large gap in flight planning resources needed for an airframe which is currently being used in a broad range of demanding civil capacities to include offshore oil …