Aerospace Engineering Commons^™

Accurate Covariance Estimation For Pose Data From Iterative Closest Point Algorithm, Rick H. Yuan, Clark N. Taylor, Scott L. Nykl

Faculty Publications

One of the fundamental problems of robotics and navigation is the estimation of the relative pose of an external object with respect to the observer. A common method for computing the relative pose is the iterative closest point (ICP) algorithm, where a reference point cloud of a known object is registered against a sensed point cloud to determine relative pose. To use this computed pose information in downstream processing algorithms, it is necessary to estimate the uncertainty of the ICP output, typically represented as a covariance matrix. In this paper, a novel method for estimating uncertainty from sensed data is …

The Plastics Collection Reference Packet, Special Collections Research Center

Special Collections Research Center

This reference packet is an informational tool to support further research into the history of plastics—whether interested in companies, individuals within the plastics industry's history, historical plastics materials, essays, and more. All content featured within this packet was previously published on the former plastics.syr.edu website as part of a Syracuse University Libraries and Special Collections Research Center (SCRC) partnership established in 2007 with the Plastics Pioneers Association (PPA)—an association of plastics industry professionals interested in preserving the plastics industry's past.

Kinetic Particle Simulations Of Plasma Charging At Lunar Craters Under Severe Conditions, David Lund, Xiaoming He, Daoru Frank Han

Mathematics and Statistics Faculty Research & Creative Works

This paper presents fully kinetic particle simulations of plasma charging at lunar craters with the presence of lunar lander modules using the recently developed Parallel Immersed-Finite-Element Particle-in-Cell (PIFE-PIC) code. The computation model explicitly includes the lunar regolith layer on top of the lunar bedrock, taking into account the regolith layer thickness and permittivity as well as the lunar lander module in the simulation domain, resolving a nontrivial surface terrain or lunar lander configuration. Simulations were carried out to study the lunar surface and lunar lander module charging near craters at the lunar terminator region under mean and severe plasma environments. …

On The Development Of Part-Scale Fem Modeling For Laser Powder Bed Fusion Of Aisi 316l Stainless Steel With Experimental Verification, Muhammad Arif Mahmood, Asif Ur Rehman, M. Mustafa Azeem, Abedalkader Alkhouzaam, Marwan Khraisheh

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

In laser powder bed fusion (LPBF), the effects of operating conditions on thermal gradients and residual stresses are the utmost challenges that require significant attention. The magnitudes of residual stress in the printed layers, as well as the distribution along the printed components, have not been well explained for LPBF parts. In this study, a 3D finite element thermo-mechanical model has been established to investigate the effect of operating conditions on thermal distribution, melt pool evolution, residual stress distribution, and part distortion. The printed AISI 316L stainless steel cubes have been characterized experimentally. The results showed a proportional correlation among …

Modeling, Control, And Hardware Development Of A Thrust-Vector Coaxial Uav, Andrew North

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

This thesis introduces a unique thrust vector coaxial unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) configuration and presents a comprehensive investigation encompassing dynamics modeling, hardware design, and controller development. Using the Newton-Euler method, a dynamic model for the UAV is derived to gain in-depth insights into its fundamental flight characteristics. A simple thrust model is formulated and modified by comparing it with data obtained from vehicle testing. The feasibility of manufacturing such a vehicle is assessed through the development of a hardware prototype. Finally, a linear state feedback controller is designed and evaluated using the non-linear dynamics model. The results demonstrate successful validation …

In-Flight Testing & Verification Of An Adaptive Distributed Fault-Tolerant Control Architecture, Michael Budihartono

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

The interest in utilizing multi-agent systems (MAS) has increased in the aerospace industry. Its scalability, efficiency, robustness, fault tolerance, and cost-effectiveness make it ideal for performing real-world missions that require more than one agent. However, in completing the tasks, the multi-agent systems are still vulnerable to environmental disturbances, cyber-attacks, and hardware failures. Therefore, an adaptive distributed fault-tolerant control architecture is needed to minimize the impacts of the previously stated circumstances and ensure the mission can continue successfully.

This thesis describes the development of an experimental setup for testing and validating an adaptive consensus algorithm and a bio-inspired health management architecture. …

In-Situ Thermal And Deformation Characterization Of Additive Manufacturing Processes, Nicholas Phillips

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

Additive manufacturing (AM) is a rapidly growing industry with numerous applications in the aerospace industry such as aircraft parts and emergency tools on the International Space Station. Defects in additively manufactured structures, however, can waste a lot of time and money. Being able to monitor the manufacturing process for defects is one of the first steps which can be taken to mitigate these losses. This study focuses on the use of thermography in conjunction with deep learning to identify flaws during 3D printing of composite structures made using Onyx, a mixture of chopped carbon fiber and nylon, composite prints. In …

Empowering Student Success: Unlocking The Potential Of Project-Based Steel Design Education, Aly Mousaad Aly

Faculty Publications

In the pursuit of student success, it is essential to acknowledge that a singular teaching style does not universally cater to all students. The educator's crucial role lies in creating an optimal learning environment that fosters students' endeavors to excel. This endeavor transcends mere classroom success or employment prospects, encompassing a broader impact on societal well-being. An experiential learning approach, where students actively engage in practical tasks, emerges as the most effective mode of instruction. Integrating project-based learning activities into the curriculum holds immense potential for enhancing student learning. Additionally, the utilization of analysis software tools like FTool and STAAD …

Advances In Multiagent Systems Control: Multiplex Information Networks-Based Approaches And Beyond, Kimberly Witke

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Multiagent systems control designs offer numerous advantages to increasingly complex civilian, military, and scientific tasks ranging from intelligent satellite swarm controls or autonomous traffic controls to remote triage and repair or remote wildlife observation, where the performance of a single agent is insufficient to execute the task at hand. Traditional methods in multiagent systems controls, however, have been infeasible for use in scalable, large-group formation controls.

With this in mind, the contribution of this dissertation is to bridge the gap in knowledge through both theoretical and experimental validation of multiagent systems control architectures. It addresses the challenges presented by unreliable, …

Consumer 3d Printing For Remote Control Aircraft Wings: Development Of Novel Wingbox Structure, Ian Clark

University Honors Theses

Remote control aircraft construction and can be a very expensive and time-consuming hobby. With 3D printer consumer adoption rates skyrocketing, there is a gap between demand for RC aircraft and suitable well-designed models available to creators and hobbyists. By creating and testing two iterations of wingbox geometries, this research aims to help close that gap by producing an easily printable wing structure. While there are improvements that can be made on this work, this research has been effective in generating a novel wingbox structure for FFF 3D printing that has distinct advantages over other designs currently available.

Time-Orbiting-Potential Chip Trap For Cold Atoms, C. A. Sackett, J. C. Stickney

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

We present a design for an atom chip trap that uses the time-orbiting-potential technique. The design offers several advantages compared with other chip-trap methods. It uses a simple crossed-wire pattern on the chip, along with a rotating bias field. The trap is naturally close to spherically symmetric, and it can be modified to be exactly symmetric in quadratic order of the coordinates. Loading from a magneto-optical trap is facilitated because the trap can be positioned an arbitrary distance from the chip. The fields can be modified to provide a gradient for support against gravity, and the three-dimensional trap can be …

In Situ Formation Of Silica Nanoparticles Decorated With Well-Defined Homopolymers And Block Copolymers, Fatimah Aldakheel, Konstantinos Ntetsikas, Arief Yudhanto, Gilles Lubineau, Nikos Hadjichristidis

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Grafting non-polar polymer chains on the surface of polar nanoparticles (e.g., silica) is an effective way to enhance particle/matrix interactions and thus promote their homogeneous dispersion within a non-polar matrix, which leads to improved mechanical properties. Current grafting methods have not yet produced nanoparticles with well-defined polymers on the surface and high grafting density. Here, we employed anionic polymerization high vacuum techniques to synthesize ω-triethoxysilyl polystyrene (PS-TEOS) and PS-b-PI macromonomers followed by hydrolysis/condensation of macromonomers, leading to the in-situ formation of grafted (grafting through) silica nanoparticles with either PS or polystyrene-b-polyisoprene (PS-b-PI) chains. The molecular characteristics of the precursors PS-TEOS …

Crazyflie 2.1 Quadcopter Nonlinear System Identification, Nhat V. Nguyen, Hope Storro, John Plimpton

2023 Symposium

Quadcopters (quad) are used widely in many industries with crucial applications such as infrastructure inspection or package delivery. The Crazyflie 2.1 quad from Bitcraze provides an excellent platform for research and development. In this project, our goal is to perform system identification on the Crazyflie to propose a complete model. A gray box method is explored, which includes leveraging the parameters that are already known, to develop a set of equations. Through theory, simulations, and measurements, a complete quadcopter model is developed.

Wast3d Potential, Andrew Larsen

Masters Theses

Waste is obsolete. Standard building industry practices are harmful to the environment. Non-traditional construction methods were examined as alternatives. Circular design logic was the guiding principle in material choice. Additive manufacturing is a proven modern method for building construction. Research on 3D printing case studies revealed that recycled plastic is a proven material and readily available. Removing plastic waste from the environment and sequestering it in architectural components gives the material a new purpose. The component of focus was a building block for a wall assembly. Inspiration was taken from the hexagonal Basalt rock formations found near volcanic fault lines. …

Improving The Tensile Mechanical Properties Of Direct Energy Deposited (Ded) Inconel 718 Aircraft Components Using A Standard Heat Treatment, Spencer Vincent Flynn

Materials Engineering

This project aimed to improve the mechanical properties of as-printed additively manufactured Inconel 718 samples using a heat treatment usually used for cast and wrought Inconel 718. The mechanical properties sought to be optimized were yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, elongation, and reduction in area. The property goals were to match or exceed those of cast and heat treated Inconel 718. Wire-fed electron beam direct energy deposition (DED) was used to manufacture the samples, which were then heat treated using the AMS 5663 standard in an inert atmosphere. The samples were then tested in tension to obtain data on their …

Morphology And Hemodynamics Of Cerebral Arteries And Aneurysms In A Rare Pair Of Monozygotic Twins, Hang Yi, Zifeng Yang, Luke C. Bramlage, Bryan R. Ludwig

Mechanical and Materials Engineering Faculty Publications

In this preliminary study, the underlying pathophysiology mechanisms of cerebral aneurysms (CAs) in monozygotic twins (MTs) were investigated via a rare pair of MTs (twin A and twin B) involving four reconstructed arterial models using preclinical information. First, dimensions and configurated outlines of three-perspective geometries were compared. Adopting an in-vitro validated numerical CA model, hemodynamic characteristics were investigated in the MTs, respectively. Despite expected genetic similarities, morphological comparisons show that configurations of cerebral arteries exhibit significant differences between the twins. The ICA size of twin A is larger than that in twin B (2.23~25.86%), varying with specific locations, attributing to …

Cooled Liquid Rocket Thrust Chamber, Benjamin Gibson, Kealan Frederick Harris, Ryan Frank Schackel, Bjorn Thorsen

Mechanical Engineering

Cooling may affect the thrust output of a small-scale rocket. Little research is published about small-scale rocket performance. We hypothesize the thrust produced varies as the amount of cooling varies. To facilitate assessing this hypothesis, we have designed and built a liquid rocket engine rated for at approximately 25 lb_f of thrust. Our objective was to build in parallel with Cal Poly Space Systems, who built a rocket engine with similar specifications except without cooling. Our challenge is to integrate film cooling, so that the effects of cooling may be compared to Cal Poly Space System’s engine which has …

Autonomous Attitude Consensus For Nanosatellite Formations In Leo, Laird J. Mendelson

Master's Theses

Consensus strategies are examined as a possible approach to achieving attitude alignment for a large, close-proximity formation of nanosatellites in low earth orbit (LEO). An attitude-only distributed consensus approach is selected for further consideration due to its comparatively low data transmission requirements. The convergence of a connected network of satellites to the attitude agreement subspace under this control law is shown using a Lyapunov stability approach with a set of idealizing assumptions. A moderate-fidelity simulation demonstrates the performance of the control law under realistic conditions that violate those assumptions. Particular emphasis is placed on the conditions that arise from the …

Coupled Boundary Conditions For Modeling Airbreathing Engines, Adam Louis Waldemarson

Master's Theses

Modeling the flight conditions of an aircraft that utilizes an airbreathing propulsion system necessitates a method to account for the increase in energy introduced into the flow. Current methods for modeling engines either assign fixed conditions on flat faces on the intake and exhaust through a manual process with the use of external models or attempt to model the flow through the engine within the simulation using complex and computationally expensive geometry and solvers. The method presented attempts to provide an intermediate option to model airbreathing engines through coupling the intake and exhaust boundary conditions with a parametric engine model. …

Feasibility Assessment Of An All-Electric, Narrow-Body Airliner, Ariel Sampson

Master's Theses

Combustion emissions from aviation operations contribute significantly to climate change and air pollution. Accordingly, there is increasing interest in advancing battery-powered propulsion for aviation applications to reduce emissions. As batteries continue to improve, it is essential to recognize breakthroughs in battery specific energy in the context of air transport vehicles. Most electric aircraft designs and programs have focused on small aircraft because of restrictive battery performance. This work presents a feasibility assessment for an all-electric airliner based on an Airbus A220-100 with turbofan engines replaced by electric motors and propellers. The analysis compares the performance characteristics of the electric airliner …

Gyroless Nanosatellite Attitude Determination Using An Array Of Spatially Distributed Accelerometers, Kory J. Haydon

Master's Theses

The low size and budget of typical nanosatellite missions limit the available sensors for attitude estimation. Relatively high noise MEMS gyroscopes often must be employed when accurate knowledge of the spacecraft’s angular velocity is necessary for attitude determination and control. This thesis derived and tested in simulation the “Virtual Gyroscope” algorithm, which replaced a standard gyroscope with an array of spatially distributed accelerometers for a 1U CubeSat mission. A MEMS accelerometer model was developed and validated using Root Allan Variance, and the Virtual Gyroscope was tested both in the open loop configuration and as a replacement for a gyroscope in …

Decomposition Of The Wall-Heat Flux Of Compressible Boundary Layers, Dongdong Xu, Pierre Ricco, Lian Duan

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

We use the method developed by Elnahhas and Johnson ["On the enhancement of boundary layer skin friction by turbulence: An angular momentum approach," J. Fluid Mech. 940, A36 (2022)] and Xu et al. ["Decomposition of the skin-friction coefficient of compressible boundary layers," Phys. Fluids 35, 035107 (2023)] for the decomposition of the skin-friction coefficient to integrate the mean temperature equation for high-Reynolds-number compressible boundary layers and arrive at an identity for the decomposition of the wall-heat flux. The physical interpretation of the identity and the limitations of this approach are discussed. We perform an integration on the mean temperature equation …

A Hybrid Admm For Six-Degree-Of-Freedom Entry Trajectory Optimization Based On Dual Quaternions, Chaoying Pei, Changhuang Wan, Ran Dai, Jeremy R. Rea

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

This article investigates the six-degree-of-freedom (6-DoF) entry trajectory optimization problem in a Human-Mars entry, powered descent, and landing mission. During the entry phase, aerodynamic forces are employed to decelerate the vehicle. Instead of being treated as a point mass, both translational and rotational motions of the entry vehicle are considered. Specifically, the 6-DoF rigid body motion of the entry vehicle is modeled using the unit dual quaternion representations to avoid highly nonlinear terms in the flight dynamics expression originally based on the flight-path coordinates. Then, the entry trajectory optimization problem is to minimize the terminal speed subject to dynamical, operational, …

Identifying Adhesion Characteristics Of Metal-Polymer Interfaces: Recent Advances In The Case Of Electroplated Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, Arief Yudhanto, Xiaole Li, Ran Tao, Ruslan Melentiev, Gilles Lubineau

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Applying thin metallic coating layers on the surface of polymeric parts or structures (metallization) that is generally performed via electroplating process aims to improve both mechanical integrity and design aesthetics. The mechanical integrity of the electroplated polymeric parts, which is greatly controlled by the strong interfacial adhesion between metal and polymer, can be measured using standardized tests, such as tape test and peel test, among others. However, various factors pertaining to the electroplating and the nature of these standardized tests affect our interpretation on the identified metal–polymer adhesion. In this paper, we reviewed the recent advances in the effective electroplating …

Instrumented Control Column For Optionally Piloted Aircraft, Andrew J. Klein

Electrical Engineering

Natilus, an aerospace company that is rapid-prototyping optionally piloted aircraft (OPA) for the shipping industry, needs a system that retrieves control column position data in order to manipulate flight simulator parameters in software. At present, a universally compatible system for all aircraft does not exist. Typically, established aerospace companies will sink significant time and money into developing proprietary systems for control column data retrieval as every aircraft is unique in its layout and linkage design. However, as a startup developing their first aircraft, Natilus does not have the privilege of modifying an existing sensor system to work with their HIL …

Design And Analysis Of Asymmetric “String-Of-Pearls” Common Repeating-Ground-Track Satellite Constellations For Missions Requiring Regional Coverage, Nathaniel Choo

Theses and Dissertations

Satellite constellation design must balance many factors that emerge from multiple sources, including environmental hazards and competing mission objectives. The dynamic nature of space systems makes the problem of ‘optimal’ satellite constellation design even more challenging. Restricting satellite constellation designs to predefined geometric frameworks can alleviate many challenges associated with the design problem; however, it raises an important question: which geometric framework performs best for each mission set? This research leverages simulations, metaheuristics, and mathematical programming techniques to address this question for missions focusing on Earth-observation of one or more regions.

First, this research captures the current state of satellite …

Utilizing Machine Learning Models To Estimate Energy Savings From An Industrial Energy System, Eva Mclaughlin, Jun-Ki Choi

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Publications

Energy audits are an important part of reducing energy usage, costs, and carbon emissions, but there have been discrepancies in the quality of audits depending upon the auditor, which can negatively affect the impacts and credibility of the energy assessment. In this paper, historical energy auditing data from a U.S. Department of Energy sponsored research program was gathered and analyzed with a machine-learning algorithm to predict demand savings from a compressed air system assessment recommendation in industrial manufacturing facilities. Different energy auditors calculate savings for repairing leaks in compressed air systems in various ways, so the energy demand savings have …

Disc Golf Throwing Robot, Nevada S. Schultz, Sydney M. Lewis, Erick Edmundo Daza, Rachel Alysse Greenberg, Peter M. Kean

Mechanical Engineering

Disc golf companies need better methods to test disc flight. The scope of this project is to create a disc throwing robot that can throw a disc golf driver 450-500 feet, with control over the speed, spin, and release angle. Research shows that multiple disc-throwing products exist; however, none meet the full requirements of this project. The Cal Poly senior project design team created a proof-of-concept machine. This prototype started as a two-wheel mechanism. Eventually, a third wheel was added, allowing for complete control over disc spin. The three-wheel prototype reached 62 mph when perfectly calibrated. The prototype is accurate, …

Composite Solid Rocket Motor Case Optimization With Matlab Genetic Algorithm, Aleksandr Breit

Master's Theses

This study utilizes MATLAB genetic algorithm (GA) to perform optimization on a solid rocket motor (SRM) chamber structure. The (SRM) structure is modelled as a cylindrical composite laminate where unidirectional fiber orientations are the primary design variable in the optimization problem formulation. Additional design variables such as chamber length, diameter, and internal pressure are altered along with the ply angles to minimize the safety margin towards a near-zero value and encourage efficient layup design. Classical lamination theory with Tsai-Wu failure criterion are used to calculate ply-level safety margins. A thickness minimization scheme is employed to reduce the ply count from …

Distributed Control Of Servicing Satellite Fleet Using Horizon Simulation Framework, Scott Plantenga

Master's Theses

On-orbit satellite servicing is critical to maximizing space utilization and sustainability and is of growing interest for commercial, civil, and defense applications. Reliance on astronauts or anchored robotic arms for the servicing of next-generation large, complex space structures operating beyond Low Earth Orbit is impractical. Substantial literature has investigated the mission design and analysis of robotic servicing missions that utilize a single servicing satellite to approach and service a single target satellite. This motivates the present research to investigate a fleet of servicing satellites performing several operations for a large, central space structure.

This research leverages a distributed control approach, …