Other Aerospace Engineering Commons^™

Performance Of Adaptive Wingtips On A Tailless Supersonic Business Jet, Khushi Piparava

2025 Fall Honors Capstones Projects - Archive

The growing interest in supersonic business travel has renewed focus on efficient, low-drag configurations that can achieve high performance while maintaining stability and structural integrity. This research investigates the aerodynamic and structural implications of adaptive folding wingtips on a tailless supersonic business jet (SBJ) concept designed under the SkyBreaker senior design program. Using a conceptual aerodynamic model based on linearized supersonic theory, the Polhamus leading-edge suction analogy, and an empirical compression-lift correlation, the study evaluates how varying wingtip droop angles influence lift, drag, lift-to-drag ratio (L/D), and static stability. The analysis was performed parametrically in MATLAB, using geometry inputs derived …

Exploratory Study Of Semiconductor Nanomembranes In Em Applications, Grant D. Heileman

Electrical and Computer Engineering ETDs

Antenna systems are a cornerstone of modern technologies, playing an increasingly vital role in their advancement. As demand for compact, high-performance, and adaptable communication platforms grows reconfigurable antenna technologies are becoming essential. This research explores a novel front-end reconfigurable antenna system (FERAS) architecture that leverages the mechanical flexibility and photoconductive behavior of semiconductor nanomembrane (SNM) devices. By exploiting the emergent properties of ultra-thin silicon (Si) or gallium arsenide (GaAs) nanomaterials and optically exciting these samples using vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) arrays, this study develops lightweight, low-cost, deployable antenna structures for satellite communications, remote sensing, GPS, and radar. Despite their significant …

Sal-E: Responsive Space Pathfinder Mission, Adrian Serniak, Kayla Wong

College of Engineering Summer Undergraduate Research Program

The main objective of the SAL-E mission is to grow the Cal Poly CubeSat Lab’s (PolySat) capabilities in rapid spacecraft design and testing, as well as to provide the current generation of students with the opportunity to design, test, integrate, and communicate with a satellite. This summer we will mainly be focusing on aspects of spacecraft test and integration, as we prepare for our satellite handoff in the Fall. Specifically, we will be conducting satellite assembly, Thermal Vacuum Chamber (TVAC) Testing, Vibrations Testing, and software validation and testing on the flight unit satellite. Students participating in this multidisciplinary SURP will …

Hybrid Machine Learning--Finite Element Solvers For Solid And Fluid Mechanics, Victor Alcantara-Arias, Spandan Suthar

College of Engineering Summer Undergraduate Research Program

The goal of this project is to develop a new class of hybrid solvers for partial differential equations (PDEs) encountered in solid and fluid mechanics that blend traditional finite element methods (FEM) with modern machine learning algorithms. While FEM solvers are well developed, they can be computationally expensive for realistic problems. Machine learning algorithms have emerged as possible new solutions to cut down the computational cost associated with expensive FEM simulations, but these are typically not interpretable. Previous work on this topic resulted in a class of fully interpretable machine learning solvers for PDEs that had two primary drawbacks: (i) …

Unresolved Image Simulation For Space Situational Awareness Applications, Fox Coniglario

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

The knowledge of what lies in orbit around Earth is at best a guess. Decades of spaceflight, debris buildup, and vehicle collisions have contributed to a large number of objects that are simply not able to be catalogued. Ongoing efforts to catalog debris in orbit have reached limits by conventional measures and as such, research is active in the field of in-orbit space situational awareness. This thesis intends to help fill a hole in the development of such orbital platforms by assisting the development of image processing software pipelines though the simulation of unresolved space imagery. The simulation uses accurate …

Active Measurement Of A Micron-Order Gap Under High-Speed And High-Temperature Conditions, Andrew Becker

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

The hypersonic regime poses numerous challenges that researchers face in the development of hypersonic flight vehicles. Due to their excellent thermomechanical properties, ultra-high-temperature ceramics (UHTCs) have risen as a promising solution to act as a protective barrier between the harsh environment and surface materials of these flight bodies. The mechanical operation of a portable hypersonic simulation device was developed in-house and tested at Argonne National Laboratories (ANL) to gather in-situ material response of prospective UHTC samples when exposed to a hypersonic regime. An edge detection-based algorithm was developed and used in LabVIEW to monitor the health and operation of the …

High-Fidelity Modeling Of Evtol Rotor Unsteady Aerodynamic And Aeroacoustic Response To Time-Harmonic Gust, Vadim Voropayev

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

The rapid emergence of Urban Air Mobility (UAM) demands accurate prediction and mitigation of noise generated by electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft operating in complex urban environments. Among the various noise sources, the aerodynamic and acoustic response of rotors to unsteady inflow represents a major uncertainty in community-noise assessment and certification. This thesis investigates the aerodynamic and aeroacoustic behavior of a representative eVTOL rotor subjected to time-harmonic inflow disturbances, providing a detailed numerical framework to quantify how periodic gusts influence rotor performance, unsteady loading, and sound radiation.

The study employs a three-stage computational methodology using the open-source solver …

Methodologies And Applications Of Precision Shot Peening To Hole Or Slot Geometry, James C. Hoffman

15th International Conference on Shot Peening

Shot peening, a commonly used method of fatigue and surface enhancement, is a critical process in many of the components in the aerospace industry. When it comes to small holes and/or slot geometries in these components, the process can become a challenge when these features are smaller than a conventional size Almen strip. In these cases, a decision must be made about how to process this type of geometry. Oftentimes, the method to apply the shot peen process is already defined in a process specification or part print so we must adhere to that method. If a method is not …

A Feasibility Study Into The Usability And Application Of An Unmanned Aerial Vehicle For Aircraft Inspection And Quality Assurance Inspections, Reece P. Bhave

Journal of Aviation Technology and Engineering

The global aviation industry is often characterized as one of the safest modes of transportation in the modern world. With an abundance of quality assurance inspections and checks to determine operations safety, modern-day commercial aircraft that are utilized for passenger and cargo flights are held to a higher safety standard defined by regulatory bodies, such as the Federal Aviation Administration in the United States of America and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency in the European Union. While these quality standards are maintained via a series of inspections, checks, and preventative maintenance procedures, they are limited to only visual or …

An Inexpensive, Open, And Extensible Hardware-In-The-Loop Cubesat Test And Simulation Infrastructure, Andrew Greenberg, Glenn Lebrasseur, Max Eltzroth, Rose Edington, Anna Meneely, Maxwell Millar

Small Satellite Conference

We have developed an inexpensive, open source, and extensible hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) test and simulation system to allow even small CubeSat teams to dramatically improve their testing infrastructure to increase reliability during flight.

Advancing Real-World Implementation Of The Well Optimized Linear Finder (Wolf) High-Speed Atmospheric Turbulence Compensation Method, Timothy Evan Coon

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation advances the real-world implementation of the Well Optimized Linear Finder (WOLF) method for high-speed Atmospheric Turbulence Compensation (ATC). Atmospheric turbulence introduces phase aberrations into optical wavefronts and degrades image quality in terrestrial imaging systems. Traditional phase diversity methods are computationally intensive and poorly suited to real-time operation. The WOLF method addresses these limitations through a novel, point-wise formulation of the optical transfer function (OTF) as a structured autocorrelation of the generalized pupil function (GPF). This formulation enables the estimation of phase aberrations at individual spatial coordinates with distributed computational complexity.

The research begins by developing a MATLAB-based simulation …

Impact Assessment Of Multipoint Video Distribution Systems On Satellite Signal Reception, Ali Karaki, Hiba Abdallah, Mohammed Al-Husseini, Hamza Issa

BAU Journal - Science and Technology

This work analyzes the potential interference impact on Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) satellites stemming from Multipoint Video Distribution System (MVDS) transmissions, specifically examining side lobe radiation within Lebanon. Through simulations and analysis of antenna emission patterns, the study measures how varying MVDS power outputs affect the carrier-to-noise (C/N) ratio at the satellite receiver. Results reveal a significant impairment of signal quality, showing the C/N falling to -2.3 dB with an MVDS power level of 0 dBW under current system parameters. To counter this interference, a potential two-phase mitigation strategy is presented and its effectiveness considered. The study contributes to improving …

Reusing Materials In The Aerospace Industry, Lama Alanazi, Burtegeljin Gombosuren, Byhalia Jewett

Beyond: Undergraduate Research Journal

This research explores the material recycling methods used by the aerospace industry, particularly in comparison to the reusability of aerospace materials and with the objective to find uses for recycled materials from aircraft. Through an analysis of various other material mitigation methods, it is apparent that the physical degradation of materials after they go through recycling processes and the cost of recycling are the most prominent issues holding the aerospace industry back from being able to recycle aircraft up to 100%. From a comparison of physical characteristics of materials after reprocessing, several materials were found to meet industry standards, while …

An Engineering Solution For Fan Aeroacoustics Measurements Correction In A Non-Anechoic Testing Environment, Saad-Eldin Taha, Mohamed Y.Zakaria, Mohamed Abdelgaied, M.M. Bassuoni Prof. Dr.

Journal of Engineering Research

Abstract- Nowadays, acoustic signatures of daily used applications are to be minimized. The study of noise generated through aerodynamic interaction with moving bodies has passed through different phases since the early 50s, and this leads to the evolvement of many analytical, empirical and computational techniques in order to be able to estimate the emitted noise. Concerning fan blades, until now the researches are still going for a reliable method for noise estimation during the early phases of design which help in the development of blades with a lower aeroacoustic signature, the Brooks, Pope and Marcolini (BPM) model was chosen to …

Sees Presentation: Small Satellites Power Systems, Robert J. Twiggs

Robert "Bob" Twiggs STEM Education Collection

A PowerPoint Presentation created by Professor Bob Twiggs titled "SEES Presentation: Small Satellites Power Systems" from June 12, 2025.

How Education Sats Started, Robert J. Twiggs

Robert "Bob" Twiggs STEM Education Collection

A PowerPoint Presentation created by Professor Bob Twiggs titled "How Education Sats Started" from June 12, 2025.

Space Program, Robert J. Twiggs

Robert "Bob" Twiggs STEM Education Collection

A PowerPoint Presentation created by Professor Bob Twiggs titled "Space Program" from June 12, 2025.

Thermally Perfect Augmentation Of A Supersonic Inlet Design Tool That Uses Method Of Characteristics, Mario V. Guardado

Master's Theses

This work is the first in a series to augment a supersonic air inlet design tool based in Python 3 to incorporate new models that increase the range of applicability of the tool. This effort focuses on improving the thermodynamics model by incorporating a thermally perfect gas model. This tool utilizes method of characteristics to solve the governing equations for an inviscid, irrotational, isentropic, steady, supersonic flow field. Multiple test cases are used to assess the accuracy of all new models. A comparison is made between the original code’s test case for a supersonic inlet at low temperatures to verify …

Investigation Into Silicone-Silicate Conversion Due To Atomic Oxygen In The Low Earth Orbit Environment, Justin T. Self

Master's Theses

Silicones have been widely used over the years in spacecraft for a variety of functions, but atomic oxygen (AO) exposure in Low Earth Orbit causes a silicate (SiO₂) surface layer to rapidly develop on the silicone which results in a permanent change in its thermal and optical properties. Although this silicone to silicate conversion is known to occur, statistical predictions of layer formation as a function of time on orbit are not found in literature. This thesis utilized optical and scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, and nonlinear regression statistical techniques after RF plasma asher …

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 …

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 …

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.

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 …

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, …

Machine Learning Methods For Hypervelocity Fragment Flyout Characterization, Katharine Larsen

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

Resulting from breakup events, such as collisions and explosions, hypervelocity fragments create potential hazards for both terrestrial and on-orbit environments, such as terrestrial weapons explosions and satellite breakup events, respectively. To avoid unnecessary damage, an accurate understanding or characterization of hypervelocity fragmentation events is vital. Currently, publicly available two-line elements collected from on-orbit breakup events are limited, excluding pre-detonation parent body conditions, such as orientation, and information of smaller fragments. The uncertainty of these datasets varies between each collected set. Therefore, the overall goal of this work is to employ machine learning to estimate distribution characteristics of a space debris …

Lethality And Survivability Of Autonomous Self-Sensing Uavs, Jeffrey T. Wilson

Theses and Dissertations

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have seen increased usage over the past two decades during the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT), operating in low-risk environments against dispersed enemies with minimal counter-drone capabilities. However, as the U.S. military shifts focus to Multi-Domain Operations (MDO) and Large Scale Combat Operations (LSCO), UAVs face significantly higher risks, including frequent and successful attacks, as well as the exploitation of their technology. Battle damage assessment (BDA) is not new; however, autonomous self-assessment by UAVs represents a novel advancement. Currently, UAV BDA relies on manual inspection, requiring approximately eight hours per drone. By adopting self-sensing technology, UAVs …

Deep Reinforcement Learning For Leo Satellite Grouping, James E. Minteer

Theses and Dissertations

This research investigates jamming evasion using DRL to provide an autonomous solution that repositions a geostationary satellite experiencing directed, terrestrial based jamming. Second, this thesis applies DRL to an area of research for LEO satellite constellations, user grouping, using a portion of an Air Force Research Lab reinforcement learning framework. As LEO satellites orbit the earth, they must constantly re-evaluate not only which users they are able to connect to, but on which of its multiple beams. This model succeeds in finding a balance between maximizing signal strength and minimizing overhead from switching user assignments, all while requiring fewer costly …

Choosing Robust Leadership: Encompassing The Best-Of-N Model And Swarm Intelligence Optimization For Heterogeneous Multiple Autonomous Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Systems, Kudamuhandiramlage Harith Kolitha Warnakulasooriya

Shelby Hall Graduate Research Forum Presentations

Presentation slides for a presentation given at the 1st annual Shelby Hall Graduate Research Forum at the University of South Alabama.