Propulsion and Power Commons^™

The Regeneratively Cooled Engine Development (R.E.D.) Project, Joseph Traverso, Sharjeel Malik, Ford Catlin

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

The Experimental Rocket Propulsion Lab (ERPL) is a student-run organization dedicated to designing, building, and testing experimental rocket engines. With ERPL transitioning toward flight vehicles, developing engines with longer burn times is critical to future club success. One limitation to burn time is an engine’s ability to withstand extreme combustion temperatures, typically in excess of 5000 F. ERPL engines have found success with passive cooling techniques such as ablative, heatsink, and film cooling, but these techniques aren’t suitable for extended burn times. Therefore, ERPL has created the Regeneratively cooled Engine Development (R.E.D) project, with the objective to design, analyze, and …

Zfq-50 "Radiance", Craig Slovensky, Michael Rath Iii, Kyan Spaete, Long P. Nguyen, Woo Hyun Lee, Roman Czerniejewski

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

This project presents the preliminary design of the ZFQ-50 "Radiance", a Collaborative Unmanned Vehicle (CUV) built around the VerdeGo VH-5 blended turbofan intended for military defense applications. This design presents a novel aircraft coupled with a powerplant that blends traditional combustion thrust with electrical power output, an new and evolving capability within the aerospace industry. This aircraft was sized considering multiple constraint parameters, configuration trade studies, CFD analysis, and mission requirements including carrier assisted take-off and landing, an effective operational range, and a loiter period with 40 kW of continuous power output from the powerplant. The selected configuration allows for …

Preliminary Jetpack Design For Air, Space, And Sea Applications, Andrew Thummel

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

This course work is intended as an exploratory engineering and design program dedicated to the building and testing of an underwater jetpack design, using dynamic similarity principles to extrapolate how tested results and performance in an underwater environment transition to airborne or zero gravity testing. By testing underwater, it is estimated that the design will attain a Reynolds number in the range of 8 to 10 million, creating novel qualitative research on how a blended wing body jetpack design built at human scale performs and handles in extremely turbulent and high Reynolds number flows.

Satellite Autonomous Launch Assembly (Satlass), Anthony Todisco, Jaden Caradine, Justin Della, Essence Howard, Andrew Hawks, Alexander Kushto, Colin Mccaughey, Javier Narvaez, Frányerson R. López Ochoa, Diana Tormo

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

The Satellite Autonomous Launch Assembly (SATLASS) is a Cube Satellite deployer whose development falls under the Embry-Riddle Orbital Research Association (ERORA), an organization focusing on CubeSat technology development. Project SATLASS provides hands-on experience in spacecraft subsystem development, including propulsion design, instrumentation, applied structural analysis, and experimental testing. The current objectives of this research are to map pressure changes throughout a high-pressure feed system, evaluate the pressure and velocity response of nitrogen gas after solenoid valve actuation, and determine the most effective nozzle geometry through direct thrust measurements. A static propulsion test stand was designed and fabricated to house a high-pressure …

Turbine Aerodynamics And Performance Characterization, Anuranan Bharadwaj, Kalkamanali Satvaldy, Vincent Shi

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

This research presents an integrated study combining computational modeling and experimental validation to enhance the design and performance characterization of small-scale turbine systems. The theoretical component focuses on developing an object-oriented Python code for the preliminary design and performance prediction of radial turbines, capable of generating velocity triangles, thermodynamic properties, and geometric parameters from user-defined inputs. The tool employs Whitfield-based correlations and fundamental gas-dynamic relations to estimate exit flow parameters, work ratio, and efficiency, offering flexibility for expansion into geometry export and CAD integration.   Complementing the computational model, the experimental component aims to improve the aerodynamic testing capabilities of the …

Magnesium-Enhanced Methane: A Novel Metalized Fuel For Mars Return Missions And Next-Generation Propulsion Systems, Kinga Wysocka

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

This research investigates magnesium-enhanced methane as a novel metalized fuel concept for high-performance, in-situ resource utilization (ISRU)-compatible rocket propulsion. While methane is a leading candidate for Mars missions due to its producibility via the Sabatier process, its combustion performance is limited by the high activation energy of the initial C–H bond (~4 eV). To address this limitation, density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed to analyze methane and hydrogen interactions with a Mg(0001) surface. A converged slab model (3×3×4 and 3×3×5) was validated with energy differences below 1 meV per atom for k-point sampling and ~13.99 meV per atom for …

Experimental Manufacturing Optimization Of 3d-Printed Ducted Fans, Stanlie Cerda-Cruz

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

This study aims to assess the efficiency gains, feasibility, and practicality of 3D printing fan and ducts with pre and post processing techniques. With the rapid expansion of MAV use; labs, students, hobbyists, can benefit from manufacturing Electric Ducted Fans (EDFs), both fans and ducts, in-house rather than purchasing traditional propellers. There are several advantages of utilizing EDFs, as they can minimize wing tip vortices, reduce wake contraction, and induce a duct lip Coanda effect which all lead to an increased system efficiency. However, EDF implementation in MAV's remain largely unexplored due to the difficulty of development and the production …

Multi-Dimensional Particle-In-Cell With Monte Carlo Collisions (Pic-Mcc) Simulation For Visualizing Plasma Flow And Secondary Ionization In Constricted-Anode Geometries, Parth Thakar

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

Constricted-anode plasma sources generate locally intensified electric fields that enhance ionization near the anode, making them valuable in propulsion and laboratory plasma systems. However, the narrow geometry produces complex charge accumulation and secondary ionization effects that remain difficult to measure experimentally. To address this challenge, our research develops and applies a multi-dimensional Particle-in-Cell with Monte Carlo Collisions (PIC-MCC) simulation of a DC discharge in 1-D, 2-D, and 3-D configurations that model a constricted-anode device. PIC-MCC is a first-principles method that tracks electrons and ions individually while computing self-consistent electric fields and incorporating energy-dependent collision processes. This approach enables direct visualization …

Effect Of Anode Size On The Properties Of Constricted Hollow Anode Pulsed Plasma Source, Nirav Patel, Garret Seckinger

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

With the advent of ion thrusters, burns requiring large velocity changes can be performed with a fraction of the propellant required by traditional chemical rocket engines. However, current ion thrusters produce thrust in the order of millinewtons and thus cannot be viable for launching vehicles or burns requiring velocity changes in a small amount of time. Furthermore, current ion thrusters experience grid and component erosion, where the two grids at the termination of the nozzle slowly erode due to particle impact, and the hot electrodes degrade due to high thermal load. This limits the life of ion engines, which require …

Optimization Of Engine, Jordan Reed, Dev Shah

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

A matrix-based framework for modeling and optimizing fluid and gas in feed systems to pressurize for propulsion applications using advanced linear algebra techniques will be used in this project. The governing equations are derived from conservation of mass, momentum, and energy and are formulated in state space form. This enables the system to be expressed as a set of coupled linear differential equations. These equations are assembled into structured system matrices that show the interactions between pressure, flow rate, and component dynamics. This representation allows for numerical implementation and scalability to complex systems with multiple components. System behavior is analyzed …

Modeling Seiche Oscillations Using Damped Vibration Differential Equations, Sharjeel Malik, Justin Della

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

Combustion instability in liquid rocket engines is driven by coupling acoustic pressure oscillations and unsteady heat release. To achieve specific desired outcomes, small perturbations can be made to either decay or grow, depending on system dynamics and artificial parameters. Using a linearized eigenvalue framework, where eigenvalues determine growth/decay rates and frequencies, and eigenvectors describe spatial mode shapes and couplings between pressure, velocity, and heat release, a mathematical model can be derived to describe said behavior for a cross-section of the rocket engine. The Rayleigh criterion is used to identify conditions under which energy is added to oscillations, while flame transfer …

Navier Stokes Pressure Drop Derivation, Brayden Benedetti, Gedaliah Dimbert, Jaden Turobiner

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

Accurate prediction of pressure losses in propellant and fluid feed systems is essential for reliable design and operation of aerospace and industrial flow networks. This project presents a systematic derivation of a practical pressure drop calculator for a feed system using isopropyl alcohol, beginning from the fundamental conservation laws and culminating in an engineering-level computational model. Starting with the differential form of the Navier–Stokes equations for incompressible flow, the governing equations are simplified through a series of physically justified assumptions, including steady-state flow, negligible body forces, and fully developed internal flow within circular piping. The resulting momentum balance is reduced …

Thermoacoustic Effects Of A Variable Equivalence Ratio In A Single Element Methane Combustor, Carter Green

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

Combustion instability is one of the leading factors in limiting the progress and innovations of liquid rocket engines and power plants. Under certain operating conditions, unsteady heat release and acoustic wave interactions can couple and lead to instabilities, such as self-sustaining pressure oscillations, that can lead to reduced combustor performance and potentially hardware damage. In this project, the thermoacoustic effects of controlling the equivalence ratio of a single-element natural gas combustor were modeled and analyzed. The project used Fidelity Pointwise for meshing, ANSYS Fluent for modeling, ERAU VEGA HPC for computing, and MATLAB for acoustic analysis. A numerical model of …

Numerical Investigation Of Rotor-Gust Acoustic Interactions Using The Overflow Cfd Solver, Jordan Mills

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

The rapid expansion of Urban Air Mobility (UAM) necessitates high-fidelity modeling to predict and mitigate the noise signatures of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft within dense urban landscapes. A critical unknown in community-noise certification is the aeroacoustic response of rotors to unsteady inflow conditions. This research addresses this gap by investigating the aerodynamic and acoustic behavior of a representative rotor subjected to time-harmonic inflow disturbances. By establishing a robust numerical framework, this thesis quantifies the relationship between periodic atmospheric gusts and their impact on rotor performance, unsteady blade loading, and subsequent sound radiation. The research consists of a …

Effect Of Nozzle Pressure Ratio On Thrust And Flow Behavior In A Supersonic De Laval Nozzle, Esha Jain

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

Supersonic nozzles operate across a range of flow regimes. While an ideally expanded condition yields optimal thrust, practical propulsion systems rarely operate at this design point due to variations in altitude and engine operating conditions. As a result, nozzles frequently operate in off-design conditions. In overexpanded regime, where the exit pressure is lower than the ambient pressure, shock-induced separation may occur within the divergent section of the nozzle, potentially degrading nozzle performance. Understanding the aerodynamic behavior of nozzles operating under off-design conditions is therefore important for improving propulsion system performance and stability. In particular, direct thrust measurements provide a key …

Conceptual Exploration Of Film Cooling Techniques In Hydrogen Gas Turbines, Wen Wu

Student Research Symposium (SRS)

Film cooling is a key heat transfer technique that protects gas turbine blades from extreme temperatures, allowing higher turbine inlet temperatures and greater thermal efficiency. It works by ejecting a thin layer of cooler air from the compressor through small holes onto the hot surface, creating a protective film layer that lowers surface temperature and reduces thermal stress on blades. This process is vital in power generation and propulsion systems that operate near material limits. With growing emphasis on sustainability, film cooling has gained new importance in hydrogen-fueled gas turbines. Hydrogen combustion creates water vaper and low-density exhaust gases, which …

Thermal Management With Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Under Extreme Applications, Devon Hardy

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

A unique challenge in thermal system design is minimizing the power required to operate cooling systems while maintaining effective heat removal. Traditional cooling systems utilize single-phase fluids where the heat transfer mechanisms are well understood. To meet a variety of cooling demands, a range of technologies are available, including microchannel forced convection, jet impingement, porous media, nanofluids, pin fin arrays, and film cooling, each offering distinct advantages and limitations. While the performance of single- or two-phase cooling systems are generally predictable, in extreme thermal environments, new cooling solutions are needed to improve overall system efficiency and reliability.

Supercritical fluids, particularly …

Numerical Study On Flow Separation And Performance Characteristics Of Slot Nozzle, Chase Charpentier

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

The altitude compensating nozzle (ACN) is a type of rocket nozzle or engine that tries to minimize the negative effects of overexpansion at low altitudes. There are many forms of ACN's but most of them are heavier than traditional bell nozzles, alter the geometry of the nozzle, which requires extensive research into optimizing the new geometry, or require complex systems that can lead to structural, heating, or material problems. Out of the ACN's, the slot nozzle is a passive ACN that builds upon the bell nozzle and requires no additional weight or complex systems.

This slot nozzle is comprised of …

Aura Aero, A Perspective On Sustainability And Resilience, Mattia Padulo

Sustainability Conference

Since its foundation, AURA AERO has committed to tackle aviation related environmental impacts, through an incremental industrial approach that has allowed the company to become the first fully fledged aircraft manufacturer among the new players in the field of Advanced Air Mobility. AURA AERO product policy has been gradually shaped to scale-up towards bigger, smarter, greener products, and is now enriched by unmanned technologies, as an adaptation to newer societal demands induced by the current geopolitical context. The presentation will give an update on the latest company and product developments, and particularly those related to the INTEGRAL E - the …

Characterization Of Cooled Turbine Efficiency For Off-Design Performance Models, Alberto Garcia

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

Gas turbine performance modeling is essential for predicting engine behavior across design and off-design conditions. Yet the treatment of cooling or service flows remains inconsistent, as these streams interact with the main flow in complex ways and their contribution to turbine work depends on how they are represented in performance models. The challenge is especially present in “black-box” approaches, where only inlet and outlet conditions are known and engineers must decide whether to introduce cooling flows upstream (if performing useful work) or downstream (if not). This thesis examines how different definitions of isentropic power and cooling-flow treatment affect the apparent …

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 …

Aeroacoustics Applications To Jets And Rotors, Michael Marques G.

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

Aeroacoustics plays a critical role in the advancement of propulsion technologies for both conventional and emerging aerial systems. This dissertation investigates two key topics: noise suppression in supersonic rectangular jets and rotor noise characterization in hover and ground effect. Using high-fidelity numerical simulations and theoretical analyses, this research aims to develop effective noise mitigation strategies and improve predictive methodologies.

The first part of this study focuses on the reduction of noise in supersonic rectangular jets through active control techniques. A novel approach utilizing unsteady microjet actuation at the nozzle lip is explored to disrupt the formation of large-scale turbulent structures …

Experimental Investigation Of Heat Transfer To Tightly Packed Cylinder Arrays, Cameron M. Sexsmith

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

With the increased emphasis on the development of hybrid electric aircraft and other electric driven vehicles, the thermal demand on batteries is increasing. Unique to the aviation sector is the combined need of high battery thermal loads and a light-weight thermal management system. A proposed configuration is an array of batteries directly cooled with a dielectric coolant. The knowledge of heat transfer characteristics of battery cooling is becoming an ever pressing issue due to the need to optimize volume and mass in a safe manner. Tighter spacings between batteries provide higher pack densities, however, at the cost of increased cooling …

Hydrogen Standards And Aviation Sustainability, Eva Maleviti, Evan Stamoulis, Elen Paraschi

Publications

Standards from ISO, SAE, and ASTM are essential for certification, safety, and sustainability validation.

Hydrogen Readiness In Aviation & Challenges- Technology Meets Regulation And Market Demand, Eva Maleviti

Publications

Where technology meets regulation and market demand.

Assessing General Propulsion Architectures For Fast Transit Times To Mars For Crewed Missions, Vivek Bhatt

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

As NASA and commercial contractors, such as SpaceX, continue to develop their programs with Artemis and Starship, respectively, it is becoming more and more apparent that the program developments are ultimately for finding a way to put humans onto Mars. However, when we approach the current timeline of going to Mars, it usually involves a 6-9 month one way trip. Due to this, human spaceflight to Mars becomes more dangerous as exposure to affects such as solar radiation, long exposure to low gravity fields, and isolation. These are some of the many hazards that come with interplanetary space travel for …

Design Of A Safe And Sustainable Airplane For Future, Henil Patel, Carlie Vogt, Matthew Talty, Jemimah Davies, Kyle Smothers, Mellisa Pritchet

Sustainability Conference

As a part of Airplane Preliminary Design course, this Design Note estimates the capabilities, performance, and stability behaviors of our conceptual airplane design, Boeing 7S7 – Sanctum prior to proceeding to the preliminary stage. This aircraft seeks to create a solution to achieving Net Zero Emissions by 2050 and increasing the safety measures. The design of this aircraft uses various analytical methods such as the DAPCA IV model, other methods were derived from design books. This design involved the use of software such as CATIA, VSP, SURFACES, Microsoft Excel, and Python. Results demonstrates that this aircraft is able to fly …

Unleaded Fuel For General Aviation, Carolina Anderson, Laura Garcia

Sustainability Conference

The Clean Air Act, passed in the late 1970s, mandating the removal of lead from most fuels due its detrimental effects on public health, yet piston-driven aircraft continue to rely on leaded aviation gas (AvGas 100LL). This fuel remains the last lead-containing fuel regulated by the Department of Transportation (DOT). Lead, added as tetraethyl lead (TEL), enhances octane levels and prevents engine detonation, vital for high-compression aircraft engines. In response to the health effects, regulating bodies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have tightened lead standards and are assessing the risk posed by AvGas. Research links even low-level lead exposure …

Heat Transfer To Arrays Of Oscillating Impingement Jets, Alex Q. Clay

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

In gas turbine engines, the desire to increase turbine entry temperatures has become more relevant in order to increase engine efficiency. However, materials used in these engines can only withstand temperatures that are so high. Because of this, the ability to cool hot section components will always limit operating temperatures. Impingement cooling jets have become a common way of cooling due to the high rates of heat transfer that can be achieved. However, previous research has shown that the interaction of impingement jets with cylinder wake can improve the intensity and uniformity of heat transfer. The goal of this study …

Modeling Of Rotor Wake Vortex Dynamics And Interactions In Non-Homogenous Vertiport Environments, Garrison P. Shaw

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

The current research serves to analyze and study the effects ground forces can have on the thrust performance of a propeller in multiple different configurations. The current research utilizes an open source Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software known as OpenFOAM to generate calculate and visualize these runs. The model used for this experiment is a hybrid model that employs both a Unsteady Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (URANS) and a detached eddy simulation using a hybrid Large Eddy Simulation (LES) via a KomegaSSTDDES model. This model serves to save computational time as well as allow for accurate results. The three cases run are …