Aerospace Engineering Commons^™

Attitude Determination & Control Algorithms, Utah State University Space Dynamics Laboratory

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

Purpose

• Quick-look overview of all elements of ADCS (e.g. this control loop)
• Give references and terminology but not the complete "how-to"

Optimizing Concrete Strength: How Nanomaterials And Ai Redefine Mix Design, Dan Huang, Guangshuai Han, Ziyang Tang

Physics and Engineering Science

Nanomaterials and supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) are typically used together in efforts to enhance the performance of concrete and mitigate the environmental impact of concrete construction. However, the complex interactions between nanomaterials, SCMs, and cement make concrete mix design a challenging, iterative, and labor-intensive process, often relying on trial-and-error experimentation. Machine learning (ML) offers an opportunity to better understand the influence of input parameters and to accelerate the optimization of mix designs through data-driven insights. This study proposes an open-source and easy-to-access framework, Canopy, to support the concrete research community in optimizing mix design. Using a dataset collected from the …

Geometric Calibration Of Near Focus Infrared (Ir) Sensors For Spacecraft Missions, Alex Allgrunn

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

SDL Presentation on Geometric Calibration of Near Focus IR Sensors for Spacecraft Missions

Bounding Case Requirements For Power Grid Protection Against High-Altitude Electromagnetic Pulses, Connor A. Lehman, Darrell Robinette, Wayne Weaver, David G. Wilson

Michigan Tech Publications

Securing the power grid is of extreme concern to many nations as power infrastructure has become integral to modern life and society. A high-altitude electromagnetic pulse (HEMP) is generated by a nuclear detonation high in the atmosphere, producing a powerful electromagnetic field that can damage or destroy electronic devices over a wide area. Protecting against HEMP attacks (insults) requires knowledge of the problem’s bounds before the problem can be appropriately solved. This paper presents a collection of analyses to determine the basic requirements for controller placements on a power grid. Two primary analyses are conducted. The first is an inverted …

A Review Of Direct Ink Writing Of Polymer Derived Ceramics, Victoria Bishop, Saket Chand Mathur, Nhu Nguyen, Bhisham Sharma, Mary Drouin, Bin Li, Cheol Park, Wei Wei

Michigan Tech Publications

With the growing demand for materials capable of withstanding extreme temperatures and pressures, ceramic components with exceptional corrosion resistance and reliable mechanical properties have experienced a significant surge in demand. However, traditional ceramic forming methods involve high-temperatures and energy-intensive processes that often struggle to produce complex parts or composites efficiently. Polymer-Derived Ceramics (PDCs) offer a transformative solution by using polymeric precursors that can be converted into a wide variety of silicon-based and non-silicon-based ceramics through heat treatment. The polymeric nature of PDC precursors enables the fabrication of geometrically intricate components using conventional polymer-forming techniques at significantly lower processing temperatures. Furthermore, …

Integration Of Machine Learning Techniques With Computational Fluid Dynamics For Enhanced Backward-Facing Step Flow, Yahya Mekkaoui

Theses and Dissertations

This research presents a novel integrated framework combining computational fluid dynamics (CFD) with machine learning techniques to enhance the analysis of backward-facing step flows. A high-fidelity OpenFOAM CFD simulation was developed and validated against experimental data, accurately predicting the reattachment length (��/�� ≈ 6.18) and velocity profiles throughout the domain. Machine learning models, including Random Forest, Gradient Boosting, and Support Vector Regression, were integrated through a robust data pipeline, with the ensemble approach demonstrating superior performance (RMSE of 1.18 m/s, ��2 of 0.951). Feature importance analysis revealed pressure (32%) and turbulent kinetic energy (28%) as the dominant physical parameters governing …

Impact Of Circular And Non-Circular Nozzle Exit Geometries On Jet Flow Propagation And Turbulence Characteristics, Hiba Maazioui

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis aims to investigate the impact of nozzle exit geometry on jet flow propagation and turbulence characteristics. Computational fluid dynamics simulations were performed using ANSYS Fluent, employing the Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) approach, to compare circular, elliptic, and rectangular nozzle geometries. The analysis focused on velocity distributions, turbulence characteristics, and cross-flow interactions. Results indicate that circular jets have the longest potential core and slowest velocity decay, reflecting lower mixing rates. In contrast, elliptic and rectangular jets have shorter potential cores, faster velocity decay, and elevated TKE peaks, suggesting enhanced turbulence and mixing. These findings highlight the significant role of nozzle …

An Adaptation Of Nonlinear Aerodynamic Models For Non-Traditional Control Effectors, Christian R. Bolander, Douglas F. Hunsaker

Engineering Education Faculty Publications

This paper presents the development of a novel aerodynamic model tailored for the Bio-Inspired Rotating Empennage (BIRE), a non-traditional fixed-wing aircraft empennage inspired by avian flight. The BIRE replaces the conventional vertical stabilizer with an extra degree of freedom for the horizontal stabilizer, which is allowed to rotate about the body-fixed x axis. This empennage is similar to the tail of a bird, and allows control of both longitudinal and lateral moments. However, such a design introduces complex nonlinear longitudinal and lateral aerodynamic interactions, not typically accounted for in most fixed-wing aircraft aerodynamic models below stall. This work presents a …

Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis Of A Turbine Blade, Luis Luna, Fabiha Samiha

Publications and Research

In Aerospace engineering, the use of computer-aided design (CAD) software, such as SolidWorks, is crucial when designing and validating high-performance parts. SolidWorks provides a valuable tool for simulating computational fluid dynamics (CFD), allowing engineers to analyze and visualize how parts behave under real-world aerodynamic conditions.

One such part is a turbine blade, an airfoil-shaped component inside a jet engine that compresses and redirects airflow to generate thrust. This study aims to perform aerodynamic testing of a single turbine blade design while evaluating SolidWorks' ability to simulate external flow conditions. By visualizing velocity profiles, pressure distribution, and vortex formation, the simulation …

Gradient Fibro-Porous Materials For Tailored Sound Absorption, William Johnston, Janith Godakawela, Bhisham Sharma

Michigan Tech Publications

Reducing the pore size of bulk sound absorbers often increases weight and introduces manufacturing challenges, limiting their practical use. To address these issues, a class of materials is introduced that uses 3D printing to seamlessly integrate fibers within porous scaffolds, allowing improved sound absorption performance without a significant weight addition. The reliance on 3D printing enables the creation of gradient fibro-porous structures with customizable acoustic properties. This study explores the effect of through-thickness gradients in the scaffold’s relative density, fiber thickness, and fiber density on the acoustical performance with the goal of identifying the optimal strategy to obtain broader and …

Solar Sailing Adaptive Control Around The Earth-Moon Lagrange Point L4 For Stellar Observations, Luis Mendoza Zambrano

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

To expand our knowledge about the influence of the Sun in the cislunar region, as well as our understanding of shocks due to Coronal Mass Ejections and large coronal magnetic reconnection, a solar sailing approach is proposed to separately capture lunar occultations and observe the solar corona from L₄ of the Earth-Moon system. Single and multiple shooting techniques are described along with a pseudo arc-length continuation method for preliminary orbit design. Periodic orbits in the vicinity of L₄ are obtained in the context of the Earth-Moon circular restricted three-body problem (CR3BP) and the Sun-Earth-Moon bi-circular restricted four-body problem …

Satellite Reorientation Using Reinforcement Learning Under Unknown Attitude Failure, Matthew Willoughby

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

This study presents a reinforcement learning (RL) approach for reestablishing communication with deep-space satellites under unknown attitude determination and control system (ADCS) failures. When traditional fault-tolerant control methods cannot restore signal, the proposed RL controller acts as a last-resort measure by autonomously reorienting the satellite’s antenna toward Earth while charging the battery via solar panels. A generic reward function, designed for the RL-based method, enables the controller to adapt to diverse failure scenarios, including severe actuator noise, misalignment, and complete actuator failure. Simulations are conducted in the Basilisk environment and trained with the tonic framework and demonstrate ranging capabilities of …

Pressure Switch Tester, Michael Starasinich, Andrew Dobson, Jordan Huschen, Mitchell Smith, Melvin Brown Iii

Honors Capstones

Abstract—- The Pressure Switch Test Stand is a comprehensive and automated testing solution designed to streamline the actuation and validation of simultaneously. At the core of the system is a PLC-controlled architecture that enables precise control and simulation of pressure conditions, replicating real-world scenarios to ensure accurate and reliable switch performance.

This test stand integrates robust mechanical fixtures, a reliable pneumatic control system, custom-designed electrical circuits, and a modular software interface, working in unison to deliver consistent and high-fidelity testing outcomes. Each pressure switch undergoes a sequence of pressure ramps and holds, with the system continuously monitoring switch states, activation …

Re-Analysis Of The Anthropogenic Effect Of The Covid-19 Global Lockdown On Night-Time Lunar Surface Temperatures, W. Schonberg, S. Haque

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

A study by Durga Prasad and Ambily observed an anomalous decrease in the lunar surface temperatures during the period April–May 2020, which they then attributed to the anthropogenic effects of the COVID-19 global lockdown effect. We have re-examined their data and while the anomalous decrease in the lunar surface temperature during April–May 2020 appears in our analysis as well, so does another significant dip in early 2018. Furthermore, the decline to the minimum observed during April–May 2020 is seen to begin in 2019, that is, quite some time before the COVID-19 event that led to the global lockdown and the …

Thermal Design And Control Of A Pcb-Based Solid-State Gas Generator (Ssgg) Heater For Space Applications, Chandler Dye

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This thesis presents the development and experimental validation of a compact, solid-state gas generator (SSGG) heater integrated into a printed circuit board (PCB) for use in satellite deorbiting systems. Designed for CubeSat-class spacecraft, the system produces gas via the thermal decomposition of sodium azide (NaN₃). The project emphasizes minimal mass, low power consumption, and mechanical simplicity – key constraints for modern space missions. The heater system relies on Joule heating through patterned copper coils embedded within the PCB structure. NaN₃ is deposited into wells drilled into the board surface, where localized heating initiates its decomposition near 300°C. A range of …

Development Of A Cost-Effective Daq For Measuring Brake Performance In Race Cars, Adrin Alias

2025 Spring Honors Capstone Projects - Archive

This project explores the feasibility of creating a cost-effective data acquisition (DAQ) system for high-speed, real-time brake performance testing of Formula SAE racecars. The research addresses the limitations of the current MoTeC DAQ system currently employed by the team, which is costly and time-consuming to set up for on-car testing. The team will use a brake dynamometer for steady-state comparisons of different brake pad compounds (senior design project), but evaluating real-world performance requires on-car testing. By systematically comparing various hardware platforms, sensors, communication protocols, and storage solutions, this project aims to balance cost-efficiency with reliability and performance. The research evaluates …

Air And Missile Defense Threat Scenario Variation To Reduce Pretest Sensitization, Video Games As A Case Study, Julie Renee Szekerczes

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study uses fixed and variable video game types to measure pretest sensitization as a proxy for repeated and varied threat test scenarios in system performance testing of air and missile defense systems. The pretest sensitization phenomenon exists when repeated exposure to a test condition influences the participant's response. Research shows air and missile defense development correlates with video games, resulting in similar interfaces and computer operating environments. Department of Defense acquisition test and evaluation results must reflect system performance without prior knowledge of the threat scenarios confounding the results. System performance results inform acquisition decisions, such as further funding …

Ultrafast Laser Surface Structuring For Wettability Control On Copper, Akshay Arvind Nagvenkar

All Theses

Wettability is a crucial surface property influencing various phenomena, including heat transfer, cell adhesion, and corrosion. Engineering devices can achieve superior performance by precisely manipulating surface wettability. As a result, extensive research has focused on developing surfaces that exhibit either extreme water attraction (superhydrophilic) or strong water repellency (superhydrophobic). Tailoring surface wettability paves the way for numerous applications, such as drag reduction in marine vessels, controlled drug delivery, efficient water collection, advanced liquid transport systems, oil-water separation, anti-corrosion coatings, friction reduction, and self-cleaning materials. Ultrafast laser surface structuring is a promising approach for engineering multifunctional surfaces, effectively modifying material properties …

Level Of Fidelity Adaptation Of Structural Models To Support In-Space Servicing, Assembly, And Manufacturing (Isam), Maximilian Manuel Rothblatt

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

In-space servicing, assembly, and manufacturing (ISAM) operations increasingly rely on digital twin technology to perform predictive structural analysis in resource-constrained environments. A key challenge in deploying structural finite element analysis (FEA) within a digital twin lies in determining mesh fidelity settings that balance simulation accuracy with computational efficiency. This thesis presents the development of a MATLAB-based adaptive mesh refinement framework designed to identify optimal FEA mesh parameters prior to integration into a digital twin system.

The tool iteratively refines mesh resolution across faces, edges, and vertices based on von Mises stress distribution and convergence behavior. Termination criteria are governed by …

Graphics Processing Unit-Enabled Path Planning Based On Global Evolutionary Dynamic Programming And Local Genetic Algorithm Optimization, Junlin Ou, Ge Song, Yi Wang

Faculty Publications

This paper presents a novel path planning method for real-time robotic path planning in a dynamic environment involving moving obstacles. It combines on a holistic platform a global approach to rapidly generate initial paths of prominent diversity and a heuristic approach to enable local path refinement for enhanced computational efficiency, exploration, and robustness. The global approach innovates a formulation that treats a path planning problem with a visibility graph as a Markov decision process and decomposes the process into many subproblems. A new evolutionary dynamic programming approach (EDP) is proposed to solve these subproblems in an iterative manner using …

Effects Of The Gravity Gradient On The Path Of 1i/‘Oumuamua, Hannah R. Richardson

Poster Presentations

In October 2017, the asteroid 1I/’Oumuamua first passed into viewing range [1]. The asteroid is notable for being the first interstellar object to enter the solar system. 1I/’Oumuamua was also unusual in its geometry; it is thought to have an aspect ratio of 6:1 and a length of approximately 400 m [2] [3]. The asteroid was observed to experience a non-Keplerian acceleration estimated to be on the order of 1×10−6 m s-2 Several theories have been proposed for the cause of this acceleration, all of which are non-gravitational in nature: volatile outgassing, photon pressure, and solar winds [1][4]. However, none …

Characterizing Heating And Resistance Properties Of Nichrome Burn Wire To Be Used In Cubesat Actuation, Noah Moix

Mechanical Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses

This thesis investigates the use of Nichrome 60 wire as a burn wire mechanism, commonly utilized in CubeSats and other aerospace engineering applications requiring precise, single-use release systems. The experiment focused on characterizing the thermal and resistive behavior of Nichrome 60 wire under Joule heating conditions. Four wire configurations were tested: 34-gauge and 36-gauge wires, each at lengths of 1 inch and 2 inches. Each configuration was subjected to a constant current until thermal failure occurred. During testing, real-time measurements of electrical resistance and wire temperature were recorded. This data was used to generate resistance vs. temperature profiles for each …

Reconfigurable Python Autopilot Software For Rc Aircraft, Kate Doiron

Honors Theses

No abstract provided.

De Novo Design Of Ablative Polymers For Aerospace Thermal Protection Systems Through An Integrated Ai-Theory-Experiment Approach, Rene Damaso Boisseau

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Novolac phenolic resin (NPR) is a widely used polymeric ablative material (PAM) for thermal protection systems (TPS) due to its high thermal decomposition temperature (TD, 500â?¯Â°C) and char yield (YC, 55â?¯wt%). However, its drawbacks (including high thermal conductivity, low mechanical properties and water uptake) prompt the need for improved PAMs. This study explores the pyrolysis behavior and char-forming capabilities of NPR and a potential alternative PAM, poly(1,6-dimethyl phenol) (PPO), through both theoretical and experimental approaches. A graph neural network (GNN) was developed to predict structure-property relationships, revealing that benzyl group positioning and oxygen atom placement significantly influence YC. PPO's para-positioned …

Effects Of The Gravity Gradient On The Path Of 1i/‘Oumuamua, Hannah R. Richardson

Honors Theses

In October 2017, the asteroid 1I/’Oumuamua first passed into viewing range [1]. The asteroid is notable for being the first interstellar object to enter the solar system. 1I/’Oumuamua was also unusual in its geometry; it is thought to have an aspect ratio of 6:1 and a length of approximately 400 m [2] [3]. The asteroid was observed to experience a non-Keplerian acceleration estimated to be on the order of 1⇥10−6 m s2 . Several theories have been proposed for the cause of this acceleration, all of which are non-gravitational in nature: volatile outgassing, photon pressure, and solar winds [1][4]. However, …

Developing End-To-End Imitation Learning For Asteroid Proximity Operations, Patrick David Quinn

Theses and Dissertations

Asteroid exploration remains a popular topic in the scientific community, however hurdles still exist for controlling spacecraft within the asteroid environment. Communication delays often require the usage of limited onboard computing hardware for navigation. Additionally, long mission timelines must be accommodated with highly efficient fuel use. Considering these issues, it is apparent that any guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) system in these spacecraft should emphasize both computational and fuel efficiency in its design. Furthermore, the integration of a robust state estimation system is necessary for the successful deployment of such systems. The development of a controller aiming to address these …

Mixed-Mode Fracture Analysis Of Additively Manufactured Periodic Orthotropic Functionally Graded Microcellular Materials, Behnam Shahbazian

Theses and Dissertations

The quest for safety, efficiency, and innovation in aerospace engineering demands a relentless focus on understanding how materials and structures behave under extreme and complicated loading conditions. Among the many challenges faced by engineers in this field, predicting and preventing structural failure stands out as both a fundamental necessity and a complex problem. Fracture mechanics, the science of how materials fail under stress, is a cornerstone of this effort. Whether it is the fuselage of an aircraft enduring cyclic loading or the lightweight components of a spacecraft resisting impact, the ability to accurately predict fracture behavior directly influences the reliability …

Exploring Metal Additive Manufacturing In Martian Atmospheric Environments, Zane Mebruer

Mechanical Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses

On-surface manufacturing is key to the success of a planetary colonization, especially that of Mars. However, traditional subtractive manufacturing processes are equipment, energy, and material intensive, meaning novel additive manufacturing (AM) processes must be pursued for this end. Selective laser melting, one of the most effective and versatile AM methods, would be incredibly beneficial to a Martian mission but requires an artificial argon atmosphere to create effective parts. The purpose of this study was to examine if carbon dioxide, the gas that makes up over 95% of Mars’ surface atmosphere, would be a sufficient substitute for argon in SLM fabrication. …

Thermal Characterization Of 3d Printing Materials For Increasing Insulation Potential And Practicality, Jackson H. Minnick

Mechanical Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses

This study served as an exploration into the possible existence of a correlation between the infill lattice structure of a 3D printed wall section and the thermal performance of that sample as characterized by thermal conductivity measured in units of Watts per meter Kelvin. With the continual increase in the practicality, fidelity, and applicable fields of additive manufacturing, namely FDM 3D printing, research on specific print characteristics and their effects on the material and thermal characteristics of the part in question is steadily becoming more commonplace. Although the thermal conductivity of 3D printed wall sections as a function of infill …

Causes And Contributing Factors In General Aviation Fixed-Wing Stall And Spin Accidents, Lauren Westfall

Mechanical Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses

General Aviation operations are all civil aviation operations excluding commercial airline operations and cargo transport. General Aviation accidents comprise approximately 94% of all aviation accidents in the United States annually. Stall and spin accidents are the third most common causes of fatal General Aviation accidents, accounting for 7.28% of such accidents in 2013–2022. The National Transportation Safety Board investigates and records all General Aviation accidents in the United States. Using the National Transportation Safety Board’s accident database, I investigated stall and spin accidents between 2013 and 2022 to find (1) the most common phases of flight where stall and spin …