Aerospace Engineering Commons^™

Innovative Dodecacopter Design – Bulgarian Knight, Svetoslav Zabunov, Garo Mardirossian

International Journal of Aviation, Aeronautics, and Aerospace

The current article aims at introducing a novel dodecacopter multirotor design called Bulgarian Knight. The aircraft implements a number of innovations and characteristics that give it an advantage over other contemporary multi-copters. Some of its novel characteristics are the mounting of the rotors under the fuselage by use of pusher propellers. Further, the design implements twelve rotors positioned in an optimal geometric coverage.

Design And Optimization Of Aircraft Configuration For Minimum Drag, Zin Win Thu, Aung Myo Thu, Phyo Wai Thaw

International Journal of Aviation, Aeronautics, and Aerospace

This paper presents a reliable and robust optimization for minimum drag of an aircraft at the conceptual design phase. Firstly, the conceptual design code was developed and existing Single Seat Aerobatic (SSA) aircraft was chosen to validate the reliability of developed code. The resulted data from the developed code showed good agreement with the existing data. Secondly, Sequential Quadratic Programming (SQP) optimizer was created and employed as a tool to explore possible aircraft configurations that are more efficient and less costly than an existing design. The optimized results gave lower Drag and better performance.

Meniscus Modeling And Emission Studies Of An Ionic Liquid Ferrofluid Electrospray Source Emitting From A Magneto-Electric Instability, Brandon Jackson

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

This dissertation presents three studies on the electrospray of ionic liquid ferrofluid. Ionic liquid ferrofluids are electrically conductive super-paramagnetic fluids which respond strongly in the presence of electric and magnetic fields. When a small reservoir of ionic liquid ferrofluid is positioned within a magnetic field, magnetic stresses will deform the fluid interface into a peak. The addition of a strong electric field will further stress the fluid interface until a threshold stress is reached at which point the surface tension cannot contain the combined stresses and a spray of fluid or ions results at the apex. This process is termed …

A New Technique To Determine Accommodation Coefficients Of Cryogenic Propellants, Kishan Bellur

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

The control of propellant boil-off is essential in long-term space missions. However, a clear understanding of cryogenic propellant phase change and the values of accommodation coefficients are lacking. To that effect, a new method to determine accommodation coefficients using a combination of neutron imaging, thin film evaporation modeling and CFD modeling has been established. Phase change experiments were conducted in the BT-2 Neutron Imaging Facility at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) by introducing cryogenic vapor (H2 and CH4) at a set pressure into Al6061 and SS316L test cells placed inside a 70mm cryostat. Condensation is achieved by …

Electrostatic Potential And Valence Modulation In La0.7sr0.3mno3 Thin Films, Robbyn Trappen, A. C. Garcia- Castro, Vu Thanh Tra, Chih-Yeh Huang, Wilfredo Ibarra-Hernandez, James Fitch, Sobhit Singh, Jingling Zhou, Guerau Cabrera, Ying-Hao Chu, James M. Lebeau, Aldo H. Romero, Mikel B. Holcomb

Faculty & Staff Scholarship

The Mn valence in thin film La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 was studied as a function of film thickness in the range of 1–16 unit cells with a combination of non-destructive bulk and surface sensitive X-ray absorption spectroscopy techniques. Using a layer-by-layer valence model, it was found that while the bulk averaged valence hovers around its expected value of 3.3, a significant deviation occurs within several unit cells of the surface and interface. These results were supported by first principles calculations. The surface valence increases to up to Mn3.7+, whereas the interface valence reduces down to Mn2.5+. The change in valence from the expected …

Guardian Condor, Jake Stefanick, Matt Wallace, Dan Bologna, Kevin Bayonnet

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

The group was tasked with designing a 3D printed glider. The scope of this assignment is to someday use the developed glider design and equip it with electronics and controls to deliver medical materials to remote areas in drone-like fashion. The glider was to be designed so that it could be printed using a lower-end, compact, and relatively portable 3D printer for optimal field efficiency. For this reason, the makerbot 3D printer was selected. The compact base plate of the makerbot printer left the team with strict size limitations, so the glider was printed in a series of nine parts …

Guardian Condor, Kevin Bayonnet

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Our group has teamed up with Dr. Williams from Discovery Lab Global to research the capabilities of 3D printed Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). The goal of our project is to deliver a 3D printed glider prototype which can later be fitted with electronics for controlled flight. The glider must also carry a payload of 2 to 3 pounds in addition to the electronics. These requirements must be met all while using a basic 3D printer with low cost plastic

Throughout the Fall 2017 semester, our group made a significant amount of progress by completing the conceptual design portion of the …

Budget Quadcopter Kit, Connor Bailey, Taylor Stephens

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Over the past few years quadcopters, also known as drones, have really started to take off in a recreational market. The technology has come a long way over the past decade and as with most technology, as it has matured it has become cheaper and more accessible to everyday people. So much so that anyone can go online and purchase a small quadcopter for under $20. They are relatively easy to fly and can even be flown indoors due to how safe they are as well. However, buying a quadcopter online doesn't really allow the consumer to develop a true …

Take-Off Characteristics For Naca 4612 Aerofoil In A Twin-Wing Configuration With Optimum Angles Of Attack, Elena Vishnevskaya, Kenneth L. Witcher, Ian R. Mcandrew

Publications

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles are used generally at low levels and speeds. The research reported in this article investigates the possible use of twin-wing designs for higher altitudes with a focus on the possible lift capable for either short runways or high payloads. The wing aerofoil and unique Angles of Attack, AoA, are set 5o on the upper wing and 10o on the lower. There is a positive upper wing stagger of 50% of the chord length at height separation of 1 chord. These parameters have been established from previous research and this research investigates how they generate lift at take-off …

How Nationality, Weather, Wind, And Distance Affect Consumer Willingness To Fly In Autonomous Airplanes, Nadine K. Ragbir, Bradley S. Baugh, Stephen Rice, Scott R. Winter

Publications

Several studies have examined passengers’ trust in human-operated systems versus autonomous systems. Prior studies have also reported cultural differences among individuals from India and the United States. The purpose of this study was to investigate how nationality, weather, wind, and distance affect passengers’ willingness to fly in autonomous aircraft. Participants included 161 volunteers from the United States and 137 volunteers from India. In 12 different conditions, participants were asked to rate their willingness to fly in an autonomous aircraft, given information about the weather (sunny, raining, or snowing), the wind level (no wind versus strong wind), and the flight distance …

Investigation Of The Onset Of Cavitation In Additively Manufactured Venturis, Erik Korzon

Summer Community of Scholars Posters (RCEU and HCR Combined Programs)

No abstract provided.

Optical Analysis Of High Pressure Microplasma Discharges, Noah Latham

Summer Community of Scholars Posters (RCEU and HCR Combined Programs)

No abstract provided.

Application Of Improved Fast Dynamic Allan Variance For The Characterization Of Mems Gyroscope On Uav, Qian Zhang, Xueyun Wang, Shiqian Wang, Chaoying Pei

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) are core components in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV). The precision of MEMS sensors is very important when the GPS signal is invalid. However, the precision and performance of MEMS sensors will be degraded by the changing of environment. Therefore, estimation and identification of the various noise terms existing in MEMS sensors are deemed to be necessary. The Allan variance is a common and standard method to analyze MEMS sensors, but it cannot be used to analyze the dynamic characteristics. The dynamic Allan variance (DAVAR) is a sliding version of the Allan variance. It is a practical tool …

Human-Robot Collaborative Force-Controlled Micro-Drilling For Advanced Manufacturing And Medical Applications, Parimal Mahesh Prajapati

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Robotic drilling finds applications in diverse fields ranging from advanced manufacturing to the medical industry. Recent advances in low-cost, and human-safe, collaborative robots (e.g., Sawyer) are enabling us to rethink the possibilities in which robots can be deployed for such tedious and time-consuming tasks. This thesis presents a robotic drilling methodology with features of force-control enabled micro-drilling and human-robot collaboration to reduce programming efforts and enhance drilling performance. A Sawyer robot from Rethink Robotics, which offers safe physical interactions with a human co-worker, kinesthetic teaching, and force control, is used as the test bed. The robot’s end-effector was equipped with …

Efficient Inverse Design Of Transonic Airfoils Using Variable-Resolution Models And Manifold Mapping, Xiaosong Du, Leifur Leifsson, Slawomir Koziel

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

This paper presents an efficient approach for simulation-based inverse design of airfoil shapes using variable-fidelity computational fluid dynamics models and manifold mapping (MM). Inverse design involves determining an airfoil shape fulfilling a given target performance characteristic. In particular, the pressure coefficient distribution is typically used in aerodynamic inverse design. Such a task can be challenging when using computationally expensive simulations. In the context of local optimization, the MM technique searches for a new design in the vicinity of the current design by constructing a fast multi-fidelity model, which is setup by the available evaluations of each of the high- and …

Electrospray Mass Spectroscopy Of A Han-Based Monopropellant, Mitchell J. Wainwright, Joshua L. Rovey, Shawn W. Miller, Benjamin D. Prince, Steven P. Berg

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

A mixture of [Emim][EtSO4]-HAN is a potential propellant suitable in a multi-mode chemical-electric microtube-electrospray micro propulsion system. This paper reports experimental mass spectrum results for this liquid when electro sprayed in a 50 μm capillary emitter. Mass spectra from 0-600 amu were obtained over a variety of angles and flow rates from 2 pL/sec to 3 nL/sec in both cation and anion extraction mode. Effects of flow rate and angular orientation on the spectra agree well with literature. Results show at least three of the four monomer species are emitted, along with numerous other species, some of which have been …

Design And Evaluation Of Novel Attitude Estimation System Using Mems Sensors For Indoor Uas, Joshua Bruce Milam

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Most small unmanned aerial systems in use today, employ extended Kalman filter sensor fusion algorithms in order to provide accurate estimations of attitude or orientation. These complex algorithms use measurements from GPS receivers and magnetometer sensors that can be rendered useless in GPS denied environments or areas of significant magnetic interference, such as inside buildings or other structures. The complexity of these algorithms makes them inaccessible for some researchers and hobbyists who wish to code their own attitude estimation algorithms. This complexity is also computationally expensive and requires processors that are powerful enough to operate the algorithms along with any …

Thermal-Fatigue And Thermo-Mechanical Equivalence For Transverse Cracking Evolution In Laminated Composites, Javier Cabrera Barbero

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) are potential materials for many aerospace and aeronautical applications due to their high specif strength/weight and a low coeffcient of thermal expansion (CTE) resulting in a high long-term stability. Among candidate structures, the re-entry reusable launch vehicles (RLV), the fuel oxidant storage and transportation at cryogenic temperature, space satellites, and aircraft structure (frame, wings, etc...) can be highlighted. However, CFRP are prone to internal damage as a result of high residual stresses and thermal fatigue loading. In this study, micro-cracking damage evolution in laminated composites subjected to monotonic cooling and thermal cyclic loads is developed …

Erosion Degradation Characteristics Of A Linear Electro-Hydrostatic Actuator Under A High-Frequency Turbulent Flow Field, Yuan Li, Shaoping Wang, Mileta M. Tomovic, Chao Zhang

Engineering Technology Faculty Publications

The paper proposes a performance degradation analysis model based on dynamic erosion wear for a novel Linear Electro-Hydrostatic Actuator (LEHA). Rather than the traditional statistical methods based on degradation data, the method proposed in this paper firstly analyzes the dominant progressive failure mode of the LEHA based on the working principle and working conditions of the LEHA. The Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) method, combining the turbulent theory and the micro erosion principle, is used to establish an erosion model of the rectification mechanism. The erosion rates for different port openings, under a time-varying flow field, are obtained. The piecewise linearization …

Thermal Analysis And Control Of Small Satellites In Low Earth Orbit, Katelyn Elizabeth Boushon

Masters Theses

"Small satellites are becoming more popular in the space sector, primarily due to their lower cost and shorter development time. Much of the information available about satellite thermal analysis and control refers to larger spacecraft. Sorting through this information to find the practices specifically applicable for small satellites can be a daunting task, particularly for inexperienced engineers. This thesis study is intended to inform the reader about basic thermal control and analysis methods that relate specifically to small satellites in low Earth orbit. A case study involving a satellite designed by the Missouri University of Science and Technology Satellite Research …

Characterization Of Ionic Liquid Monopropellants For A Multi-Mode Propulsion System, Alex J. Mundahl

Masters Theses

"Multi-mode micropropulsion is a potential game-changing technology enabling rapidly composable small satellites with unprecedented mission flexibility. Maximum mission flexibility requires one shared propellant between the chemical and electric systems. A deep eutectic 1:2 molar ratio mixture of choline-nitrate and glycerol ([Cho][NO₃] - glycerol) is investigated as a fuel component in a binary mixture propellant for such a multi-mode micropropulsion. Specifically, binary mixtures of the novel ionic liquid fuel with hydroxyl-ammonium nitrate (HAN) and ammonium nitrate (AN) are considered and compared against the previously investigated propellant [Emim][EtSO₄]-HAN. Chemical rocket performance simulations predict this new propellant to have …

Evaluating The Effect Of Turbulence On Aircraft During Landing And Take-Off Phases, Anthony O' Connor, Derek Kearney

International Journal of Aviation, Aeronautics, and Aerospace

—— Low level wind shear and turbulence present a serious safety risk to aircraft during the approach, landing and take-off phases. Low level wind shear has been identified as one of the primary factors for aircraft go-arounds and aborted landings. During any given year, wind shear occurs thousands of times at airports around the world, affecting the arrival and departure of aircraft. This paper has quantified the direct cost of flight Go-arounds. This paper will show the potential savings to the aviation industry. This paper will argue that a solution to the problem of forecasting low level wind shear and …

Design Of Revising Proximity Between Space And Time Cues On Flight Deck Displays To Support Nextgen – The First Phase, Chang-Geun Oh, Jennie J. Gallimore, Pamela S. Tsang

International Journal of Aviation, Aeronautics, and Aerospace

The objective of this study is to develop and evaluate novel display formats to support RTA operations for near to midterm NextGen. Traditional cockpit displays separate space and time information in distant display sources in heterogeneous formats (graphics vs. text). This design composition may cause potential pilot errors when required time of arrival (RTA) obligations are imposed at every waypoint in NextGen. Pilots were randomly assigned to four different display conditions in a simulator – one traditional display with distant space and time cues, and three novel displays with close spatial proximity between the two cues. In the first phase …

Design Of Revising Proximity Between Space And Time Cues On Flight Deck Displays To Support Nextgen – The Second Phase, Chang-Geun Oh, Jennie J. Gallimore, Pamela S. Tsang

International Journal of Aviation, Aeronautics, and Aerospace

The prior first phase of this study investigated the effectiveness of new design of flight deck display for required time of arrival operation of NextGen by collecting objective query response data during autopilot flights and subjective data about the perception between display condition and situation awareness level. To evaluate pilots’ mental workload during the operations when they interacted with novel flight deck display design, this second phase provided pilots with simulation flight tasks arriving at four successive waypoints on time in the same display conditions as the first phase and asked them to rate their mental workload ratings. The workload …

Environmentally Friendly Alternates To Chemlok 233 Adhesive Cement, Madeline M. Busch

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

The purpose of this project was to determine and qualify suitable, environmentally friendly replacement(s) for the current Chemlok 233 adhesive cement used by UTC Aerospace. Chemlok 233 was discontinued by the manufacturer based on the availability of a hazardous solvent (Trichloroethylene – TCE). The Chemlok 233 Control and four Experimental alternates with similar properties were lab tested for adhesion strength in various UTC proprietary cement specifications. The specifications modeled Chemlok’s uses in the construction of pneumatic de-icers. Chemlok 2332 was selected for use in Cement A, and Chemlok 402 was chosen for use in Cement B based on their highest …

Design Of Shape-Conforming Nosecone For Optimal Fluid Flow From Transonic To Supersonic Range, Anna Tombazzi

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Modern flight vehicles, such as rockets, missiles, and airplanes, experience a force caused by forebody wave drag during the flight. This drag force is induced when the frontal point of each vehicle breaks the pressure wave during flight. Efforts to reduce this wave drag force to improve flight efficiency include modifying the nosecone profile of the flight vehicles to lower the drag force.

This project revolved around creating a design to make the transformation of nosecone shapes from a ¾ Parabolic profile to a ½ Power Series profile possible, mid-flight. Using a novel nosecone assembly, shape memory alloys (SMAs) and …

Autonomous Uav Battery Swapping, Reed Jacobsen, Nikolai Ruhe, Nathan Dornback

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

One of the main hindrances of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology are power constraints. One way to alleviate some power constraints would be for two UAVs to exchange batteries while both are in flight. Autonomous mid-air battery swapping will expand the scope of UAV technology by allowing for indefinite flight times and longer missions. A single board computer will control each UAV’s flight software to respond to inputs to align with each other mid-flight. When the two UAVs have joined, mechanical components will exchange a depleted battery on the worker UAV for a freshly charged battery that belongs to the …

Spacecraft Fire Safety Research: Combustion Of Lithium-Ion Batteries To Predict Fire Scenarios, Elisabeth Meyer

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

The purpose of this project was to research characteristics of a Lithium-ion battery fire to determine if trends exist in measured fire characteristics that can help predict different fire scenarios. These experiments will ultimately aid in developing an alarm threshold for a spacecraft smoke detector, specifically for Orion, a new, multi-purpose crew vehicle under development by NASA. Orion is the next-generation of spacecraft designed to replace the space shuttle and will play an important role in NASA’s journey to Mars.

In the experiments performed, Lithium-ion batteries were placed in a test chamber and ignited while smoke concentration was measured, simulating …

New Dimensions For A Challenging Security Environment: Growing Exposure To Critical Space Infrastructure Disruption Risk, Adrian V. Gheorghe, Alexandru Georgescu, Olga Bucovetchi, Marilena Lazăr, Cezar Scarlat

Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Faculty Publications

Space systems have become a key enabler for a wide variety of applications that are vital to the functioning of advanced societies. The trend is one of quantitative and qualitative increase of this dependence, so much so that space systems have been described as a new example of critical infrastructure. This article argues that the existence of critical space infrastructures implies the emergence of a new category of disasters related to disruption risks. We inventory those risks and make policy recommendations for what is, ultimately, a resilience governance issue.

Evaluating The Effect Of Turbulence On Aircraft During Landing And Take-Off Phases, Anthony O'Connor, Derek Kearney

Articles

— Low level wind shear and turbulence present a serious safety risk to aircraft during the approach, landing and take-off phases. Low level wind shear has been identified as one of the primary factors for aircraft go-arounds and aborted landings. During any given year, wind shear occurs thousands of times at airports around the world, affecting the arrival and departure of aircraft. This paper has quantified the direct cost of flight Go-arounds. This paper will show the potential savings to the aviation industry. This paper will argue that a solution to the problem of forecasting low level wind shear and …