Aerospace Engineering Commons^™

Sensitivity Analysis Of A High-Power Wireless Power Transfer Charging Pad For Heavy-Duty Electric Vehicles To Inform Thermal Management, Jorge A. Hernandez-Ramiro

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

As the world shifts to net zero carbon emissions, many challenges lie ahead. Currently, heavy-duty vehicles produce a large amount of pollutants that are released into the air, affecting air quality in small and large cities. Transitioning heavy-duty vehicles, such as trucks and buses, into electric vehicles can help resolve this problem.

Electric vehicles and the infrastructure to support them are becoming a viable solution to combating climate change. By no means is electrification perfect yet. Concerns like range anxiety have made the transition to electrifying transportation a slow process. However, implementing Wireless Power Transfer (WPT) charging pads is a …

Stability Analysis Of Turbulent Fluid Flow, Adam D. Schroeder

Mathematics, Statistics, and Computer Science Honors Projects

Hydrodynamic stability refers to the study of when and how laminar flows transition to turbulence. This includes investigations of the mechanisms of transition, as well as the classification of known flow configurations as either stable or unstable and the identification of critical values of flow parameters at which this bifurcation occurs. In this thesis, we introduce the mathematical theory behind continuum mechanics and fluid dynamics as well as some tools from the study of dynamical systems. We apply these concepts to the linear stability analysis of zero pressure gradient flat plate flow via numerical simulations in OpenFOAM, discussing both the …

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 …

Micro Wind Turbine - Modelling And Testing, Mohammad Uzair Bhati

All Theses

The global energy demand continues to rise as people consume more electricity to power their personal electronics, electric vehicles, and consumer products such as outdoor tools. To generate renewable energy, large scale solar and wind farms continue to receive the most commercial attention. However, portable wind energy turbines have the potential to generate sufficient power for cell phones and other electronic devices. There are two types of wind turbines, horizontal and vertical axis each having their pros and cons. Vertical-axis wind turbines are the main focus of this thesis, with a reduction in their form factor or size and portable …

2025 Spring Graduate Recognition Program, Propulsion Research Center, Robert Frederick

PRC Graduate Recognition

This program includes the graduate recognition program for spring 2025. Includes photographs, upcoming events, recent publications, and student profiles.

Nonlinear Control System Design And Hardware Testing Of An Overactuated Multicopter, William A. Wearren

Graduate Theses and Dissertations (2019 - present)

For the concept of Urban Air Mobility to be implemented into everyday life, the safety of passengers, bystanders, and surrounding infrastructure needs to be held paramount [1]. In previous work done at the University of South Alabama Facility for Aerospace Systems and Technology (FAST) lab, a reconfigurable control law was derived and tested on a scratch built multicopter [2]. The goal of the control law was to stabilize an X8 model multicopter in the event of motor outages [2]. The control law was tested on a simulated model and flight tested on a small-scale X8 multicopter to verify the effectiveness …

Autonomous Control Of A Hybrid Unmanned Aerial Towed System On A Moving Platform, Zachary M. Miller

Graduate Theses and Dissertations (2019 - present)

With tethered rotor drones being more popular for aerial surveillance, moving platforms for tethered drones are being researched. However, these systems require constant power to the rotor drones for stabilization. With this difficulty in power consumption, a hybrid drone solution is presented. The hybrid drone is similar to an airplane, with quadcopter motors attached for stabilization and thrust when not moving.

The controller for the hybrid drone was tested and verified in simulation. The simulation of the system was built in Fortran and consists of a driver, a tether, and a hybrid drone. The driver was modeled after a generic …

An Msbe–Driven Advanced Air Mobility Post–Disaster Response System, Olabode A. Olanipekun

Graduate Theses and Dissertations (2019 - present)

In this work, an overarching conceptual design model towards the realization of a proposed Advanced Air Mobility Post–Disaster Response System (AAMPDR system) was explored through the focal lenses of systems thinking (ST), socio–technical systems (STS) and model–based systems engineering (MBSE) paradigms. Initially aimed at providing intervention for casualties and aerial support to emergency rescue workers on the ground in the event of a hurricane disaster around the Gulf shore of the Mobile bay area, Mobile city, AL., the scope of this research subsequently expanded to include a global outlook. Thereafter, culminating in the development of a generalized AAMPDR system model …

Advancing Additive Manufacturing For Extreme Environments Through Simulated Microgravity Printing, Laura Nayeli Molina

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Additive Manufacturing (AM) holds significant potential for space exploration by enabling on-demand fabrication of components, reducing payload costs, and enhancing mission adaptability. However, microgravity introduces challenges in thermal regulation, material deposition, and structural integrity. This research explores the feasibility of submerged AM using neutral buoyancy in silicone oil to simulate microgravity conditions on Earth. A 3D printer was modified for submerged operation, with samples printed under three conditions: no oil (ambient air), submerged in oil, and simulated microgravity at varying temperatures. Mechanical tests, fracture surface analysis, and density measurements were performed to evaluate tensile strength, surface adhesion, and dimensional stability. …

Engineering Of Metallic Interpenetrating Phase Composites For The Control Of Deformation And Failure Modes During Dynamic Events, David Kiyoshi Santacruz

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Aerospace components, automotive structures, and ballistics armor are all engineered to withstand high strain rate service events through a combination of material selection and design choices. However, structural components may be less effective when their implementation is constrained by other factors such as weight or design limitations. To meet these challenges, the development of next-generation materials will need to increasingly rely on composite material systems rather than monolithic materials. This thesis presents the fabrication, dynamic characterization testing, and post-mortem analysis of 316L/A356 interpenetrating phase composites (IPCs) made from the PrintCasting methodology. These composites consist of additively manufactured 316L stainless steel …

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 …

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 …

Implementation Of Unscented Kalman Filter-Based State Estimation For Multiple Spacecraft Using Global Positioning System Measurements, Bala Prenith Reddy Gopu

Theses and Dissertations

This study presents an implementation of state estimation for a drag-based rendezvous mission involving multiple chaser spacecraft and a single target, using Unscented Kalman Filtering (UKF) with Global Positioning System (GPS) measurements. The implemented method combines GPS navigation solutions with UKF to provide real- time state estimates of all spacecraft involved. Nonlinear least squares method is employed to process pseudorange and pseudorange rate measurements to determine receiver states, UKF utilizes these states as measurements to estimate absolute space- craft positions and velocities. This implementation also addresses practical challenges including raw GPS measurement processing, and varying GPS satellite geometries.

Experimental And Theoretical Fracture Analysis Of Additively Manufactured Orthotropic V-Notches, Venkata Siva Sainath Bavapuram

Theses and Dissertations

This study presents a comprehensive investigation into the fracture behavior of additively manufactured orthotropic V-notched components made of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) material. The research integrates both theoretical and finite element approaches to evaluate stress intensity factors (SIFs) in Modes-I and II, which are fundamental in characterizing stress field distributions around notches under applied loading conditions. Unlike isotropic materials, where stress fields depend only on geometry of the component, the anisotropic nature of 3D-printed ABS introduces a dependency on material properties that necessitate different approaches to include anisotropy of the material.

Tensile specimens are 3D-printed with specific material orientations to …

Towards Visual Inertial Navigation With Fixed Tetrahedral Targets, Joao Leonardo Silva Cotta

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation presents a robust method for 6DoF position estimation under impaired visual conditions utilizing a minimum 4-point Perspective-n-Point (P4P) solver designed for tetrahedral targets. Using SO(3) × R 3 instead of SE(3), the method uses a Lie group-based formulation to discriminate between rotation and translation, thereby enabling computationally efficient, resource-conscious op- optimization while preserving correct geometric behavior. Designed using the contemporary C++17 library ShomerTarget, the solver is analytically formulated and assessed under pragmatic robotic conditions. Particularly in low-light and high-dynamic environments, experiments on embedded systems, UAVs, and NASA’s Astrobee show that the proposed solver attains enhanced accuracy compared to …

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 …

Experimental And Theoretical Fracture Analysis Of Rift Manufactured Carbon Fiber-Vinyl Ester Lamina, Daniel Joseph Longo

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis investigates the fracture behavior of unidirectional carbon fiber-vinyl ester (CFVE) laminates manufactured using the Resin Infusion with Flexible Tooling (RIFT) process, a cost-effective alternative to autoclave-based fabrication methods. Composite materials like CFVE are increasingly adopted in high-performance applications due to their high strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance; however, their anisotropic nature presents challenges in predicting crack initiation and propagation. To address this, a comprehensive approach combining experimental testing, finite element modeling (FEM), and classical fracture mechanics was employed. Orthotropic mechanical properties were first determined through tensile and shear tests, providing critical properties for FEM simulations. A series of …

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 …

Investigation Of Control Strategies For Swing-Up Maneuver Of A Double Inverted Pendulum On Rotating Link, Abdulrahman Mohammad Rahmani

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

This thesis is concerned with investigation of the swing-up control problem of underactuated mechanical systems namely the double rotary inverted pendulum using the optimal control theory. The research aims to develop a robust controller to achieve the swing-up and stabilization of the pendulum in the upright unstable equilibrium position while regulating the angular displacement of the rotating arm and the two pendulum angles. The performance of the designed controller was evaluated through numerical simulations in the MATLAB/Simulink environment. A comprehensive review of the literature was conducted and the challenges that researchers face in the control of underactuated mechanical systems were …

Campus Navigator: A Mobile App For Seamless University Navigation, Hafsa Mohammed, Ali Rahimzadehfard, Rachab Wilson, Mathias Rossi, Turaj Ashuri, Amir Ali Amiri Moghadam

Symposium of Student Scholars

Navigation services play a big role in everyone’s daily lives, from directing them on new roads to guiding them through buildings. Outdoor navigation services have evolved from physical maps to digital ones like Google Maps for ease of use and accessibility. Upon conducting literature research, the team found that many navigation apps lack clear and accurate instructions for how to navigate university campuses such as Marietta campus. Due to the size of KSU’s Marietta campus and its buildings, effortless navigation has been a common challenge for students, faculty, and visitors alike. Additionally, all buildings are referred to by letters, numbers, …

Implementing Maintenance 4.0 Methods In Ventilation Systems: A Case Study In Uaeu Laboratories, Ammar Yaser Abdullah

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

This study introduces an advanced Maintenance 4.0 framework aimed at systematically evaluating and mitigating air quality risks within laboratory environments, specifically applied to the context of the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU). Employing real-time monitoring through sophisticated IQ-Air sensors, this research continuously captures key indoor environmental parameters, such as particulate matter concentrations (PM₁, PM₂.₅, PM₁₀), carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels, ambient temperature, and humidity. State-of-the-art machine learning algorithms are developed and operationalized to enhance ventilation system efficiencies and proactively forecast maintenance requirements, thereby transitioning from reactive to predictive maintenance strategies.
Empirical results indicate that Maintenance 4.0 applications significantly enhance the capacity …

Team Safe Skies: Project Talon Interceptor, Cole Carlson, Peter Dinh, Sebastian Gomez, Alex Widner

Senior Design Project For Engineers

This report aims to lay out our design process for the missile interceptor aircraft. Our Talon Interceptor is an inexpensive, scaled-down, autonomous F-16 for mass production. The aircraft can ascend quickly for mission requirements while avoiding detection with its internal weapons bay. Multiple decisions have been made to ensure the initial and maintenance costs are reasonable without compromising the missions. TOPSIS reviews have been used to measure significant components unbiasedly and objectively. Our aircraft meets all the AIAA requirements while coming in under budget.

G.W.A.I.H.I.R. Guided Wing Aircraft For Intelligent Hybrid Insertion And Recovery, Abdirahman Ahmed Shirwa, Zach Richards, Derek Harwood, Alex Duncan

Senior Design Project For Engineers

The paper outlines the conceptual and preliminary design of a hybrid vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) heavy lift unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) for autonomous cargo transport missions. The primary design objective was to create an aircraft capable of carrying a 15 kg payload over a range of 33 km, achieving a top cruise speed of 45 km/h and maintaining an endurance capacity of at least 90 minutes.

A comprehensive literature review informed key design decision, including airfoil selection, structural material, propulsion system configuration, and control. Key requirements were established early in the design process, such as payload capacity, energy efficiency, …

Owlsat, David Amaya, Grant Keuhne

Senior Design Project For Engineers

The OwlSat project, conducted by senior aerospace engineering students at Kennesaw State University, represents the university’s inaugural entry into the 2025 CanSat Competition. The mission objective was to design, build, and validate a CanSat capable of controlled deployment from a rocket, stable descent via an autogyro system, real-time telemetry transmission, and onboard video recording, while meeting strict mechanical, structural, and operational requirements.

A comprehensive design methodology was employed, incorporating trade studies, computational simulations, Finite Element Analysis (FEA), and iterative prototyping. Key innovations include a foldable blade autogyro system based on the Selig S1223 airfoil, a robust canister release mechanism, and …

Data-Driven D Region Model (D3r) Svdd: Software Version Description Document (Svdd), James Vincent Eccles

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

This is the Software Version Description Document of the Data-Driven D Region (D3R) model. There are 2 main distributions: (a) D3R designed for containerized deployments (D3Rc) and (b) D3R designed for testing and development. These two distributions are maintained in parallel, and this document describes both. The D3R for containerization is typically provided to customers. The D3R model is a physics-based model for calculating electron density profiles across the D Region ionosphere altitudes (50 km to 95 km) and E Region altitudes (95 km to 120 km) for any given geolocation. The model has two main programs: one to solve …

Utilizing Augmented Reality For Immersive Space Mission Design, Joseph Anderson

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

Designing spacecraft mission trajectories is a complex, tedious, and stringent process that requires a strong background in astrodynamics and programming due to the complex dynamical environment of space. The current 2D visualization methods for displaying these geometrically abstract trajectories make it difficult to understand the true nature of more complex orbits. Advancements in immersive headsets and their intuitive interaction capabilities make them ideal for solving and understanding 3D problems that require complex spatial representations, revealing an innovative and unique opportunity for the astrodynamics and space mission planning field. This effort covers the development of an immersive space mission design tool …

Boeing 747 Fixed Drive Link Redesign, Eric White

Honors Theses

This project focuses on redesigning the fixed drive link for the Boeing 747-400, a critical component of the flap actuation system that connects the drive mechanism to the flaps. Over recent years, this part has been prone to fracturing under full flap deflection. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Boeing have investigated this issue but have not successfully developed a durable solution.

This problem was presented by Kalitta Air, an air freight company experiencing frequent failures and costly maintenance related to the fixed drive link. If fracturing of the fixed drive link occurs the component must immediately be replaced. Similar …

Flow Characterization Past ​ Large Arrays Of Oscillating 2d Airfoils, Yi-Cheng Chen

Student Research Symposium

Oscillating or rotating array structures at distinct frequencies are prevalent in natural systems and engineering applications.

• Flow Control in Engineering Systems:

Arrays of vibrating plates can be used to manipulate free-shear and boundary layer flows, reduce drag, or delay flow separation in aerodynamics and hydrodynamics.

• Wave Mitigation Structures:

Arrays of oscillating structures may dissipate energy in coastal areas, reducing the impact of waves on structures or preventing erosion

• Biological Studies:

Simulations of synchronized oscillating arrays can provide insights into fish schooling behavior and hydrodynamic benefits in nature.

• Advanced Cooling Systems:

Oscillating plates in fluid environments …

Production And Decay Of Sheared Turbulence In A Turbulence Box, Ankit Gautam

Student Research Symposium

Introduction

• Turbulence
• Irregular flow with eddies, swirls, and flow instabilities

A Pressure-Based Estimate Of Multi-Orifice Synthetic Jet Performance, Rhett Parry

Student Research Symposium

Synthetic Jets

• Zero-Net Mass Flux
• Wide voltage and frequency response
• Trends with physical and nondimensional parameters