Aerospace Engineering Commons^™

Sixth Grade Lesson Plan: Heat Moves, Getaway Special Team 2009

Education and Outreach

No abstract provided.

Avoiding Aircraft Icing Accidents, Nihad E. Daidzic

Aviation Department Publications

No abstract provided.

The Effect Of Pilot And Air Traffic Control Experiences & Automation Management Strategies On Uas Mission Task Performance, Christopher J. Reynolds

Master's Theses - Daytona Beach

Unmanned aircraft are relied on now more than ever to save lives and support the troops in the recent Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. The demands for UAS capabilities are rapidly increasing in the civilian sector. However, UAS operations will not be carried out in the NAS until safety concerns are alleviated. Among these concerns is determining the appropriate level of automation in conjunction with a suitable pilot who exhibits the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to safely operate these systems.

This research examined two levels of automation: Management by Consent (MBC) and Management by Exception (MBE). User …

Flight Regime And Maneuver Recognition For Complex Maneuvers, Jerome H. Travert

Master's Theses - Daytona Beach

The purpose of this study is to demonstrate capability of flight regime recognition during complex maneuvers flown in a fixed wing airplane using measured data from an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU). Flight Regime Recognition (FRR) is required for numerous applications in the aerospace and aviation industry, including the determination of loads for stress and strain analysis. It can also be used in recreational aviation for maneuver recognition, for example in aerobatics.

This study uses a flight simulator to generate representative flight data that is parsed by a specifically developed algorithm into appropriate flight regimes. This algorithm is a filter technique …

Application Of Systems Engineering To Rapid Prototyping For Close Air Support, John M. Colombi, Richard G. Cobb

Faculty Publications

Twenty-first century military operations have brought forth many new challenges for the Armed Forces of the United States. One such challenge is with new operating environments, where current systems are not always effective. While it is desirable to apply a systems engineering approach to best meet critical user needs, there may be a misconception that systems engineering requires a lengthy and detailed process not nimble enough for a rapid prototyping effort. This article describes how a classic systems engineering methodology was successfully tailored to the rapid development of potential material solutions to meet a critical operational need. Key observations are …

Reinforcement-Learning-Based Output-Feedback Control Of Nonstrict Nonlinear Discrete-Time Systems With Application To Engine Emission Control, Peter Shih, Brian C. Kaul, Jagannathan Sarangapani, J. A. Drallmeier

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

A novel reinforcement-learning-based output adaptive neural network (NN) controller, which is also referred to as the adaptive-critic NN controller, is developed to deliver the desired tracking performance for a class of nonlinear discrete-time systems expressed in nonstrict feedback form in the presence of bounded and unknown disturbances. The adaptive-critic NN controller consists of an observer, a critic, and two action NNs. The observer estimates the states and output, and the two action NNs provide virtual and actual control inputs to the nonlinear discrete-time system. The critic approximates a certain strategic utility function, and the action NNs minimize the strategic utility …

Compression After Impact Load Prediction In Graphite/Epoxy Laminates Using Acoustic Emission And Artificial Neural Networks, Anthony Michael Gunasekera

Master's Theses - Daytona Beach

The purpose of this research was to investigate the effectiveness of artificial neural networks (ANNs) in predicting the compression after impact (CAI) load of graphite/epoxy laminates from acoustic emission (AE) nondestructive testing (NDT) data. Thirty-four 24-ply bidirectional woven cloth laminate coupons were constructed and impacted at various energy levels ranging from 8 to 20 Joules, generating barely visible impact damage (BVID). Acoustic emission data were acquired as the coupons were compressed to failure. Not having been analyzed by previous experimenters, several noise tests were also performed to determine the impact of external noise on acoustic emission data during testing. Once …

An Analytical Investigation Of Natural Frequency For A Symmetric Composite Box-Beam With Thermal Effects, Lakshmi Narayana Sanjeev Chitikela

Master's Theses - Daytona Beach

The main purpose of the following analysis is to develop an analytical method for determining the natural frequency of a symmetric composite box-beam subjected to temperature gradient. A set of coupled partial differential equations of motion is obtained by means of small defection theory and D'Alembert's method. The Smith and Chopra stiffness matrix is used in the governing equations of motion and an appropriate MATLAB® code has been written to solve for the stiffness matrix elements of the box-beam. The resulting governing equations of motion are solved to obtain the natural frequencies of the box-beam in flap and lag directions …

Thermal Modeling Of Lithium-Ion Energy Storage Systems For Hybrid Electric Vehicles Using Computational Fluid Dynamics With Conjugate Heat Transfer, Craig R. Czlapinski

Master's Theses - Daytona Beach

The success and performance of a Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) relies largely on its Energy Storage System (ESS). High temperatures and thermal variations can significantly affect a battery's performance and lifecycle. An effective thermal management system is vital to the health and safe operation of the ESS's batteries. A well designed thermal management system begins with the accurate prediction of the battery's thermal conditions. In hot climates, HEVs may be required to operate within ten degrees Celsius of the maximum safe operating temperature of their batteries. This study aims to evaluate the thermal management system of a lithium-ion based energy …

Determination Of Stability And Control Derivatives For A Modern Light Composite Twin Engine Airplane, Monica M. Londono

Master's Theses - Daytona Beach

To develop and compare full envelope stability and control derivatives and their associated errors for a modern light composite twin engine airplane from flight test data and digital DATCOM (Data Compendium). This development is to serve three purposes 1) to provide data for validation of newer analytical techniques such as Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), 2) to provide public domain static and dynamic stability and control derivatives for a modern twin engine airplane, 3) to analyze the relationship between test design and error for both output error and equation error methods.

A flight test program was conducted on a Diamond Twin …

Dynamic Interaction Of Elevated Guideway With Uncontrolled Maglev Vehicles, Sumanth Reddy Velma

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

A flexible guideway on an elevated foundation is a key to affordable maglev urban transit. The flexible guideway can undergo significant dynamic motion, either when a vehicle solely relies on an open-loop control system or when a vehicle equipped with feedback control system experiences failure, due to fluctuating magnetic forces between the vehicle and the guideway. In an attempt to understand the effect of the uncontrolled vehicle on the structural response of the guideway, its dynamic interaction with maglev vehicles is investigated under various operating conditions. To this end, two vehicle models using Electrodynamic suspension (EDS) and Electromagnetic suspension (EMS) …

Aerodynamic Analysis Of An Urban Magnetic Levitation Vehicle, John Matthew Wells

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

This thesis will detail the aerodynamic qualities of a magnetic levitation concept vehicle designed to be installed on Old Dominion University's campus. The vehicle is representative of a class of small, low-speed Maglev systems commonly referred to as Urban Maglev. A 1:12 scale model underwent testing in Old Dominion's low speed wind tunnel. Force and moment coefficients were measured over a wide range of yaw angles. Results give insight into crosswind effects and how these forces affect vehicle dynamics. An analysis of this type is important in understanding the ride quality and safety of the system. Force Coefficients range from …

Development Of A Supersonic Nozzle For A Compressed Carbon Dioxide Propulsion System Intended For Mars Surface Applications, Erin K. Blass

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

This work focuses on the development of a reusable rocket nozzle unit for near-term Mars surface applications, utilizing Mars atmosphere as a propellant source. Mars atmosphere is more than 95% carbon dioxide, and its low ambient temperatures facilitate the condensation of dry ice out of the atmosphere. Furthermore, the low critical temperature of carbon dioxide enables . the production of a supercritical fluid by heating dry ice at constant volume to temperatures on the order of 400 K. The goal of this research was to develop a supersonic nozzle for reusable high-thrust propulsion. Due to the complex behavior of supercritical …

Multidisciplinary Design Optimization Of An Extreme Aspect Ration Hale Uav, Bryan Morrisey, Robert A. Mcdonald

Aerospace Engineering

Development of High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) aircraft systems is part of a vision for a low cost communications/surveillance capability. Applications of a multi payload aircraft operating for extended periods at stratospheric altitudes span military and civil genres and support battlefield operations, communications, atmospheric or agricultural monitoring, surveillance, and other disciplines that may currently require satellite-based infrastructure. The central goal of this research was the development of a multidisciplinary tool for analysis, design, and optimization of HALE UAVs, facilitating the study of a novel configuration concept. Applying design ideas stemming from a unique WWII-era project, a "pinned wing" HALE aircraft …

Cost-Benefit Analysis Of Error Reduction For Complex Systems, Robert A. Mcdonald

Aerospace Engineering

The cost-benefit tradeoff of analysis fidelity in complex systems analysis has been posed as an optimization problem providing quantitative guidance for investment in improving analysis. A nonlinear constrained optimizer to solve this problem has been integrated into an error tradeoff environment providing an intuitive tool for the decision maker to consider investment in fidelity at the same time as design decisions are considered. An example demonstrates the efficacy of the improved interface to enable fidelity improvement investment decisions.

Space Systems Design: Building A Satellite To Detect Forest Fires, Robert J. Twiggs

Robert "Bob" Twiggs STEM Education Collection

A PowerPoint Presentation created by Professor Bob Twiggs titled "Space Systems Design Building a Satellite to Detect Forest Fires" from September 10, 2009.

Precision Navigation Using Pre-Georegistered Map Data, Frederick C. Webber

Theses and Dissertations

Navigation performance in small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) is adversely affected by limitations in current sensor technology for small, lightweight sensors. Because most UAVs are equipped with cameras for mission-related purposes, it is advantageous to utilize the camera to improve the navigation solution. This research improves navigation by matching camera images to a priori georegistered image data and combining this update with existing image-aided navigation technology. The georegistration matching is done by projecting the images into the same plane, extracting features using the techniques Scale Invariant Feature Transform (SIFT) [5] and Speeded-Up Robust Features (SURF) [3]. The features are matched …

Netherlands Antilles Satellite Orbit Development, Leonardo De Abreu Ladeira

Robert "Bob" Twiggs STEM Education Collection

A PowerPoint Presentation created by Leonardo de Abreu Ladeira   titled "Netherlands Antilles Satellite Orbit Development" from September 9, 2009.

F-16 Ventral Fin Buffet Alleviation Using Piezoelectric Actuators, Joseph S. Browning

Theses and Dissertations

Buffet-induced vibrations can have a disastrous impact on aircraft structures. Early attempts at combating buffet vibrations included passive methods such as structural enhancements and leading edge fences. Active methods have shown greater promise, including active airflow control, control surface modulation, and active structural control using piezoelectric actuators. Surface mounted piezoelectric actuators impart directional strain reducing the negative effects associated with harmful vibration. The Block-15 F-16 ventral fin represents an aircraft structure prone to failure when subjected to the buffet field from the wake of a LANTIRN pod. This research takes advantage of the susceptibility to buffet vibration of the Block …

The Need For An Integrated Small Satellite Space Programme: Perspective From The Sumbandila Missions Operations, Pieter Kotze

Robert "Bob" Twiggs STEM Education Collection

A PowerPoint Presentation created by Pieter Kotze titled "The need for an integrated small satellite space programme: Perspective from the Sumbandila Missions Operations" from September 9, 2009.

Opportunities For Small Satellite Programs Provided By The Falcon Family Of Launch Vehicles, Spacex

Robert "Bob" Twiggs STEM Education Collection

A PowerPoint Presentation created by SpaceX titled "Opportunities for Small Satellite Programs Provided by the Falcon Family of Launch Vehicles" from September 9, 2009.

Satedu, University Didactic Satellite For Hands-On Training And Easy Access To Low Cost Small Satellite Missions, Esau Vicente Vivas

Robert "Bob" Twiggs STEM Education Collection

A PowerPoint presentation created by Esaú Vicente Vivas titled "SATEDU, University Didactic Satellite for Hands-on Training and Easy Access to Low Cost Small Satellite Missions" from September 9, 2009.

Isc Kosmotras Dnepr Cluster Launches: Large-Scale Opportunities For Small Satellites, Isc Kosmotras

Robert "Bob" Twiggs STEM Education Collection

A PowerPoint presentation created by the ISC Kosmotras titled "ISC Kosmotras DNEPR Cluster Launches: Large-Scale Opportunities for Small Satellites" from September 9, 2009.

Alternative Methods To Standby Gain Scheduling Following Air Data System Failure, Matthew W. Coldsnow

Theses and Dissertations

The United States Air Force has advanced fighter aircraft that lose the ability to operate in a large portion of their operating flight envelope when an air data system failure is experienced. These aircraft are reverted to a fixed set of standby-gains that limit their maneuverability, degrade handling qualities, and increase susceptibility to departure. The purpose of this research was to determine if three alternative methods of standby-gain-scheduling could provide robust control with minimal performance degradation despite the lack of air data. To accomplish this, three methods of standby-gain-scheduling were developed, integrated, and tested in the Infinity Cube simulator at …

Least-Squares, Continuous Sensitivity Analysis For Nonlinear Fluid-Structure Interaction, Douglas P. Wickert

Theses and Dissertations

A least-squares, continuous sensitivity analysis method is developed for transient aeroelastic gust response problems to support computationally efficient analysis and optimization of aeroelastic design problems. A key distinction between the local and total derivative forms of the sensitivity system is introduced. The continuous sensitivity equations and sensitivity boundary conditions are derived in local derivative form which is shown to be superior for several applications. The analysis and sensitivity problems are both posed in a first-order form which is amenable to a solution using the least-squares finite element method. Several example and validation problems are presented and solved, including elasticity, fluid, …

Pulsed Film Cooling On A Turbine Blade Leading Edge, James L. Rutledge

Theses and Dissertations

Unsteadiness in gas turbine film cooling jets may arise due to inherent unsteadiness of the flow through an engine or may be induced as a means of flow control. The traditional technique used to evaluate the performance of a steady film cooling scheme is demonstrated to be insufficient for use with unsteady film cooling and is modified to account for the cross coupling of the time dependent adiabatic effectiveness and heat transfer coefficient. The addition of a single term to the traditional steady form of the net heat flux reduction equation with time averaged quantities accounts for the unsteady effects. …

Using Small Satellites For Low Cost Space Education & Science Missions, Robert J. Twiggs

Robert "Bob" Twiggs STEM Education Collection

A PowerPoint Presentation created by Professor Bob Twiggs titled "Using Small Satellites for Low Cost Space Education & Science Missions" from September 8, 2009.

Itu Radio Regulations Related To N-Gso Satellites, International Telecommunication Union

Robert "Bob" Twiggs STEM Education Collection

A PowerPoint Presentation created by the International Telecommunication Union  titled "ITU Radio Regulations related to N-GSO satellites" from September 8, 2009.

Indian Launch Vehicle Programme: An Overview, Indian Space Research Organization

Robert "Bob" Twiggs STEM Education Collection

A PowerPoint Presentation created by Indian Space Research Organization titled "Indian Launch Vehicle Programme: An Overview" from September 6, 2009.

Avoiding Veer-Off Accidents On Contaminated Runways, Nihad E. Daidzic

Aviation Department Publications

No abstract provided.