Aerospace Engineering Commons^™

Improving Neural Network Efficiency With Multi-Fidelity And Dimensionality Reduction Techniques, Vignesh Sella, Thomas O'Leary-Roseberry, Xiaosong Du, Mengwu Guo, Joaquim R.R.A. Martins, Omar Ghattas, Karen Willcox, Anirban Chaudhuri

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Design problems in aerospace engineering often require numerous evaluations of expensive to-evaluate high-fidelity models, resulting in prohibitive computational costs. One way to address the computational cost is through building surrogates, such as deep neural networks (DNNs). However, DNNs may only be an effective surrogate when sufficient evaluations of the high-fidelity model are required such that the up-front training cost is amortized, or in situations that require real-time responses (such as interactive visualizations). Typically, the data requirements for adequately accurate training of DNNs are often impractical for engineering applications. To alleviate this issue, the proposed work utilizes output dimensionality reduction along …

An Adaptive Sampling Strategy On Optimal Takeoff Trajectory Prediction Of Electric Drones, Dheeraj Paramkusham, Samuel Sisk, Jiachen Wang, Shuan Tai Yeh, Xiaosong Du, Nathan Roberts

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft transforms future transportation systems by alleviating transportation congestion on the ground. This eVTOL technique possesses unique features, including reduced noise, low pollutant emissions, efficient operating costs, and flexible maneuverability. Meanwhile, battery consumption poses critical challenges to flight task duration. Thus, optimal takeoff trajectory design is essential due to immense power demands during eVTOL takeoffs. Conventional design optimization, however, iteratively evaluates high fidelity simulation models, making the design process computationally intensive. In this work, we implement a machine learning-enabled inverse mapping optimization concept, i .e., directly predicting optimal design based on design requirements (including …

High-Order Dynamic Mode Decomposition For Multidimensional Harmonic Retrieval, Yanming Zhang, Steven Gao, Lijun Jiang

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Estimating channel parameters such as azimuth, elevation, Doppler shift, and delay is a key challenge in wireless communication, often formulated as a multidimensional harmonic retrieval (MHR) problem. To address this, we propose a high-order dynamic mode decomposition (HODMD) framework for robust frequency estimation from high-dimensional signals in noisy environments. The HODMD approach combines high-order singular value decomposition (HOSVD) to decompose tensor data into a core tensor and mode matrices, with dynamic mode decomposition (DMD) to extract frequencies from the imaginary parts of the DMD eigenvalues. Simulation examples validate the effectiveness of the proposed method, demonstrating its efficiency in solving MHR …

Characterizing Intralaminar Distal Crack And Delamination In Multidirectional Laminates Under Low Velocity Impact: Modeling Approach With Ultrasound Testing Validation, Niildiip Chandraa, Rachel Van Lear, Arief Yudhanto, Yuqing Zhao, David A. Jack, Douglas E. Smith

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Multidirectional laminated composites are essential for load-bearing structures, especially under frequent impact loading. While existing modeling techniques simulate various impact damage modes, our understanding of the underlying mechanisms, specifically the initiation and progression of intralaminar distal cracks and interlaminar delamination, needs improvement. Validating these mechanisms is crucial for enhancing modeling accuracy and expediting the design process. In this work, we propose a three-dimensional finite element modeling (3D FEM) approach aimed at elucidating the impact damage mechanisms in multidirectional carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP). Our model incorporates cohesive zone models (CZM) to simulate the behavior of intralaminar cracks at distal points …

Test And Integration Facilities And Equipment Eat, Utah State University Space Dynamics Laboratory

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

Agenda

• Hardware Protection

• Why, When and How

• Hardware protection breakdown

• ESD

• Cleanrooms

• Procedures

• Training

• Hardware Handling

• School Equipment Guidance

• Training References

Phase Change Cells And Verification Of Gallium As Thermal Calibration Reference In Space, Harri Latvakoski, T. Shane Topham, Gail Bingham, Mike Watson, Igor Podolski

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

• Phase change cell introduction

• Design and ground testing of on-orbit phase cells

• ISS phase cell flight experiment

Defense In Depth Exercise (Didex) 25: Technology Quad Chart, Kori Moore, Troy Johnson

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

SDL poster for DiDEX 25

F-Layer Parameters Derived By Airglow Emissions At Pituffik Sb, Greenland, Jessica Norrell, Ivana Molina, Michael Negale, Jeffrey Holmes

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

Atomic oxygen airglow has long been used as tracer for the peak height and electron density of the F-layer (e.g. Sahai et al., 1981). Tinsley and Bittencourt (1975) described a method by which OI airglow is used to determine F-layer parameters. They found that the square root of the column emission rate of an optically thin layer created by radiative recombination emission was proportional to the peak electron density of the F-layer.

An all-sky imager (ASI) was recently installed at Pituffik, Greenland (76.51˚N, 68.74˚W), with four filters relevant to this study: 5725, 6300, 7715 and 7774 Å. We have used …

Principles Of Modular Open Architectures For Enabling Future Capabilities, Jacob Christensen

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

What is Modular Open Architecture?

Vision

• Modular Open Architectures enable affordable and evolutionary capabilities

Principles

• Employ Modular Design
• Designate Key Interfaces
• Select Open Standards

Benefits

• Reduce schedule
• Reduce cost
• Faster upgrades
• Enhanced interoperability
• Increased competition
• Increased innovation

Radiometric Sensor Level Calibration For Remote Sensing (Planning, Testing, And Operation), Joe Tansock

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

Contents

• What is Calibration and Why is it Important (example) 
• Remote Sensor Calibration Approaches
• Typical Space-based Sensor Lifecycle and Calibration Efforts at SDL
• EO Calibration Applications (example) 
• Example Calibrations at SDL
• Calibration Testing at SDL and example Calibration Equipment
• Calibration is Multi-Path
• Student Employment/Projects to Support SDL Calibration

100 Days, Phil Hale

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

Organizational Overview

Total Employees: 1367

Calibration For Small Satellite Payloads, Jason Knudsen, Christian Conkle, Alex Allgrunn, Deron Scott

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

SDL Presentation on Calibration for Small Satellite Payloads

Rbi Ground Calibration, Harri Latvakoski, Greg Cantwell, James Peterson, Joel Cardon

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

• RBI overview

• Ground calibration objectives

• Calibration configurations & chamber setup

• Calibration tests & equipment

Software, Utah State University Space Dynamics Laboratory

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

Agenda

• Workflow
• Version Control
• Reviews
• Testing
• Constraints
• Concepts
• Assurance

Small Satellite Payload Calibration, Deron Scott, Cole Miller, Eli Salay, Shane Canfield, Scott Hansen, Matt Berghout, Jan Kunzler, Duane Miles

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

SmallSat missions have cost, time, and scale limitations. Calibration methods can be optimized to enable mission success at a low cost by providing customers the best “bang for their buck.”

Multi-Layered Security Approaches For A Modular Open Network Architecture-Based Satellite, Brandon Shirley, Quinn Young, Peter Wegner, Jacob Christensen, Jeffrey Janicik

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

Overview

• Introduction
• Open System Architecture (OSA) and Modular Open Network Architecture (MONA) background
• Security Challenges
• Security Principles
• Solutions

The Atmospheric Waves Experiment (Awe), Ludger Scherliess, Yucheng Zhao, Pierre-Dominique Pautet

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

Modern theory and modeling indicate vertically propagating Gravity Waves (GWs), waves generated primarily by severe weather disturbances, have profound effects on the variability and mean state of the Ionosphere-Thermosphere-Mesosphere (ITM) system, and can significantly impact space-based communications, navigation, and tracking.

Acoustic-Gravity Wave Evolutions And Layered Observables In The Mlt, Jonathan B. Snively

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

ERAU Presentation on the Model for Acoustic & Gravity Wave Interactions and Coupling (MAGIC)

Autonomy For Dark Swarms In Degraded Environments, Thomas J. Walls, Brad Petersen, Matt Didericksen

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

A system that manages electromagnetic emissions and signature by design to avoid detection

Arctic Over-The-Horizon-Radar Ontic (Arothron): A Model Definition For The Support Of Radio Frequency Radars, J. Vincent Eccles, John Retterer, Jeffrey M. Holmes

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

The high-latitude and subauroral ionosphere regions are organized and disorganized by a number of competing processes of ionization, convective transport, and plasma instabilities. The complexity makes it difficult for physics-based models or data-assimilation methodologies to specify the ionosphere with sufficient resolution and accuracy to adequately support radio signal technologies during space weather disturbance events. External drivers of ionospheric ionization include solar EUV and X-ray irradiance, medium and energetic particle precipitation, and solar proton events. External drivers of plasma transport include convective electric fields for high density plasma at mid-latitudes (e.g., storm enhanced densities or SEDs) and parallel plasma motion driven …

Design And Testing Of An Intrusive Arm For Supersonic Flow Sampling, Caleb Roberts, Davide Viganò

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Intrusive probes are critical tools in supersonic wind tunnel testing, enabling direct measurement of flow properties such as pressure and heat flux. To support these measurements, a single-axis intrusive arm was designed and implemented in the Missouri S&T Supersonic Wind Tunnel. The system is designed to maintains precise probe positioning, while withstanding the aerodynamic loads, and preserving a dynamic seal between the test section and ambient environment. Its modular design accommodates a range of probe types for various research applications. This paper presents the design methodology, including structural, mechanical, and aerodynamic considerations, and details the integration process. System performance was …

Physics-Constrained Generative Artificial Intelligence For Rapid Takeoff Trajectory Design, Samuel Sisk, Xiaosong Du

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The urban air mobility (UAM) industry is rapidly growing to alleviate regional transportation congestion. Electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft plays a critical role in this growth due to their efficiency and reduced operating cost. However, excessive energy demands by the takeoff phase impact the practicality of the aircraft. Conventional multidisciplinary analysis and optimization (MDAO) identifies a minimum energy trajectory but can be computationally intensive due to iteratively evaluating high-fidelity simulation models. In addition, complex constraints in practical MDAO pose crucial challenges to the already demanding process. Surrogate models enable efficient design optimization, but complex constraints could prohibit surrogate-based …

Versatile Injector Platform: A Modular Design For Supersonic Flow Research, Connor Bell, Davide Viganò

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Fuel–air mixing remains a critical challenge in the development of high-speed air-breathing propulsion due to the extremely short residence times in supersonic combustors. Experimental studies are essential to investigate the underlying mixing mechanisms, but they require injection systems that can deliver repeatable and controlled flow conditions. In this work, we present the design of a modular strut-type injection platform developed for the Missouri S&T Supersonic Wind Tunnel. In its initial configuration, the platform features a planar trailing-edge slit to generate a two-dimensional jet and includes interchangeable trailing-edge modules to support a wide range of geometries and flow-control strategies. Designed with …

Deep Reinforcement Learning-Based Optimal Takeoff Trajectory Design Of An Evtol Drone, Nathan M. Roberts, Bingling Huang, Xiaosong Du

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The continuing development of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft presents promising opportunities to alleviate transportation congestion. However, designing and executing takeoff trajectories that optimally balance energy usage, passenger comfort, and aircraft constraints remains challenging. Conventional design optimization provides a solution for pre-defined flight conditions and environments but is not ideal in real-world applications. In contrast, deep reinforcement learning (DRL) implements optimal policy making real-time decisions with no assumption of mathematical models. Seeing the lack of literature on DRL-based takeoff trajectory design of eVTOL aircraft, we implement and conduct DRL-based optimal takeoff trajectory designs for the Airbus³ Vahana …

Optimizing Uav Swarm Deployment For Efficient Communication Signal Strength Alignment In Disaster Scenarios, Mina Khalilzadeh Fathi, Chaoying Pei

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

In disaster scenarios, establishing reliable communication infrastructure is critical, and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) swarms offer a promising solution as temporary base stations. This study models communication demand in disaster-affected areas by applying Gaussian kernels to building data, forming a spatial demand distribution. Signal strength is estimated using the normalized inverse Free Space Path Loss (FSPL) to account for realistic attenuation. To guide UAV placement, we extract high-demand regions from the demand distribution using a gradient-based thresholding method. Based on this information, we develop a greedy algorithm to iteratively position UAVs for optimal coverage in areas with the greatest communication …

Few-Shot Learning-Enhanced Tiered Path Planning For Mars Rover Navigation, Ziyi Wang, Di Yu, Mina Khalilzadeh Fathi, Chaoying Pei

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Path planning for Mars rovers presents significant challenges due to the diverse terrain, ranging from easily navigable areas to hazardous zones. Traditional methods typically classify terrain simply as passable or impassable, failing to account for the nuances of more moderately challenging areas. In this paper, we introduce a tiered terrain-aware path planning strategy, employing few-shot learning to classify and segment Martian terrain into levels of difficulty. The few-shot learning model, trained on Earth, is sent to the rover, enabling real-time processing of images from satellites or helicopters. The flexibility of few-shot learning, which requires minimal data and training time, enables …

Little Problems: Photosynthetic Textile Treatments As A Source Of Oxygen, Morgan Campbell

Open Access Master's Theses

During human space travel, oxygen (O2) must be stored and carried aboard the shuttle for the entire journey; compressed O2 is highly flammable and combustible, thus doing so puts the crew’s lives at risk in the event of a fire (Mandel, 2019). By creating O2 onsite, the necessity of compressed O2 canisters and the associated risks can be reduced or erased entirely. Photosynthesis, the process through which plants convert atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) into O2, is one method of creating O2 (Lorch, 2020). The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has experimented with photosynthetic O2 systems since its inception but …

Investigation Of Subsurface Thermal Radiation Phenomena In Fibrous Thermal Protection Systems, Colby L. Gore

Theses and Dissertations--Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education

Atmospheric re-entry induces intense thermal stress upon vehicles through a high-enthalpy boundary layer that encompasses the craft. To protect these vehicles, numerous insulative methods, known as thermal protection systems (TPS), are deployed to protect the craft during re-entry. The TPS materials insulate the craft from intense thermal transmission that would terminate a mission. In hypersonic environments, vast temperature gradients exist, enforcing the exponential effect of thermal radiation. However, TPS materials are commonly low-density fibrous materials that allow for the potential to be penetrated by thermal radiation. A series of arc-jet tests was completed to replicate enhanced radiative conditions in a …

Numerical Investigation Of Wind Disturbance Around A Multirotor Uav In Crosswind And Vertical Flight, Garrison Page

Theses and Dissertations--Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are being increasingly utilized in a wide range of research applications, especially in meteorology. This is due to such factors as their ease of use, maneuverability compared to other forms of data collection, and for rotor- craft, the ability to hover. However, the rotorwash generated by UAVs can introduce significant disturbances, potentially affecting measurement accuracy from sensors. While several studies have investigated the rotorwash of individual UAVs utilizing Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), there is limited exploration into how different rotor configurations and external wind conditions influence regions of turbulent flow around …

Development Of An Immersed Boundary Method-Wall Modeled Large Eddy Simulation Approach For Incompressible Flows And Aeroacoustic Predictions, John C. Higgins

Theses and Dissertations--Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

The performance capabilities of rotorcraft have improved significantly in the past decade as both manned and unmanned rotorcraft become a larger part of future transportation systems. Private companies as well as various government offices have worked to develop capabilities ranging from transportation/package delivery to intelligence/surveillance to livestock monitoring. Their practicality in both rural and urban areas, however, is questionable due to the significant tonal and broadband noise which is produced by the rotors. Public acceptance of rotorcraft, namely small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (sUAVs), in transportation systems is an issue largely associated with the noise generation and it's effect on nearby …