Mechanical Engineering Commons^™

Design Of An Experimental Solid Rocket Motor, Johnathan Bettes, Andrew Fuller

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

This project utilizes mechanical and chemical principles to characterize propellant grains and to manufacture a custom nozzle to create experimental Solid Rocket Motors (SRMs) with a propellant called Angry Listerine. For the propellant grains, one major non-chemical factor that determines its thrust performance is the grain geometry, or the core of the grains for which hot gases flow through the propellant and out of the nozzle to further react with exposed chemical surfaces. The two kinds of grain geometries analyzed and tested in this report are called MoonBurner, an offset circular core, and Finocyl, a gear-shaped core. The nozzle for …

Optimization Of High-Bypass Turbofan High-Pressure Compressor Blade – A Case Study, Adeel Khalid, Vlad Mandzyuk

The Kennesaw Journal of Undergraduate Research

This research determines the relationship between the High-Pressure Compressor (HPC) rotor blade design variables and compressor pressure ratio of a high bypass turbofan engine. Alterations in the HPC blades span, chord, taper, twist, number, and angle of incidence are performed and their effect on the HPC pressure ratio is observed. The objective is to determine key parameters that could maximize the performance of a high-pressure compressor for a given mission. Physics-based modeling, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), and wind-tunnel testing are performed to compare and validate findings. Physics-based modeling is performed to serve as the benchmark for data obtained through other …

Propulsion Heat Analysis Nuclear Trajectory Optimization (Phantom), Ana Clecia Alves Almeida, Jonathan Davis, Ryan Dippolito

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Interplanetary Travel requirements necessitate the use of increasingly complex propulsion systems. Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP) is a cutting-edge concept that holds immense potential for the future of space exploration. By utilizing nuclear fission to heat a propellant and generate thrust, NTP offers the potential for unprecedented efficiency, enabling faster interplanetary travel and extended mission capabilities. A nuclear thermal rocket engine is a type of propulsion system that utilizes the heat generated by a nuclear reactor to heat and expel a propellant, typically hydrogen, at high velocities to produce thrust. The engine consists of three main subsystems: the nuclear reactor, the …

Analysis Of Variations In Flow-Independent Liquid Jet-In-Crossflow Injections, Michael Scott

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Liquid fuel injection is a critical mechanism for the deliverance of liquid fuel in contemporary aircraft propulsion combustion systems due to its outsized influence in providing optimal combustion conditions and improving overall aircraft efficiency and performance. Despite this, these liquid jet in crossflow (LJIC) systems are highly variable due to conditions in the jet and the surrounding airflow, leading to variability in performance behavior and inconsistency in fuel mixing and combustion efficiency. This has prompted the introduction of solid pintile obstructions of novel designs to provide a more flow-independent fuel injection scheme and decrease variability of the jet properties against …

Investigations Of Performance And Emissions Of A Fischer-Tropsch Gtl Sustainable Aerospace Fuel With Lubricity Improver In A Compression Ignition Engine With Butanol Port Fuel Injection, James B. Willis

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

As there is increasing concern over emissions of traditional fossil fuels, as well as the future of continued reliance on this dwindling resource, it is becoming increasingly evident that alternative fuels are a necessity. This research investigates the use of a Fischer-Tropsch fuel from natural gas feedstocks, S8, in an internal combustion research engine with a common rail fuel injection system. This synthetic kerosene fuel has a high DCN of 62, indicating high affinity to autoignition compared to conventional pump diesel (ULSD) at 48 DCN. However, due to the process by which it is produced, this fuel lacks the necessary …

Experimentatal And Numerical Investigation Of Turbojet Engine Performance, Emissions, And Noise/Vibrations Using Jet-A And F24 Fuel, John W. Mcafee Jr

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Drastic improvement in cost effectiveness of high-power computing resources has generated a great interest numerical simulation to reduce the overhead cost of engine manufacturing, maintenance, and environmental concerns of engine testing. To accomplish this goal, this research presents the differences between military F24 fuel and commercial aviation fuel Jet-A from a thermochemical and engine performance perspective. This experimental data was used to create and validate a numerical model of the engine used in the experiments fueled with both Jet-A and F24 fuels. The experimental data was collected using a research based single stage turbojet engine outfitted with many sensors for …

Comprehensive Review And Development Of A High-Pressure Hydraulic Impedance Tube For Vibroacoustic Attenuator Characterization, Matthew D. Beals

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

This research establishes a versatile test bench for characterizing hydraulic vibroacoustic attenuators. The primary evaluation metric is the transfer matrix, determined experimentally, with an emphasis on key properties such as transmission loss. To ensure accuracy and broad applicability, the methodology is based on industry-standard techniques for determining the transfer matrix. A comprehensive literature review consolidates existing approaches for hydraulic attenuator characterization. The test bench features a hydraulic impedance tube equipped with eight dynamic pressure transducer (DPT) taps strategically positioned before and after the sample interface. This setup accommodates arbitrary samples terminated with standard hydraulic fittings. Using ASTM E2611, the transfer …

Simulation Of Reacting Supersonic Flow In A Cavity Flameholder, Mohamed Benjelloun Touimi

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Scramjet engines, or Supersonic Combustion Ramjets, are pivotal for achieving and maintaining hypersonic flight speeds. These engines leverage the high-speed airflow to compress and mix air and fuel for combustion. A significant challenge in Scramjet engine design is ensuring stable and efficient combustion within this high-speed environment. Cavity flameholders are crucial components that stabilize the combustion process by creating a subsonic region where the fuel-air mixture can ignite and sustain combustion. This research simulates this supersonic flow within the combustion chamber to accurately model and analyze the combustion dynamics. Various turbulence models, including RANS, and DES, are evaluated for their …

Machine Learning-Assisted Multiscale Simulation And Design Optimization Of Composite Jackets Under Low-Velocity Impacts, Masoud Mohammadi

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This research presents the development of a data-driven machine learning-assisted approach to simulate and optimize the design of composite materials subjected to low-velocity impacts. It focuses on a specific type of hybrid composite comprised of fiberglass and Kevlar fabrics stitched with Kevlar threads. The study begins by creating a multiscale finite element simulation for the composite under a low-velocity impact, which operates across three scales: microscale, mesoscale, and macroscale. This simulation accepts various inputs, such as different layer configurations and orientations, and provides impact outputs including maximum load and energy absorption capacity and displacement at failure.

Python and MATLAB scripts …

Kinetic Modeling And Simulations Of Plasma-Surface-Dust Interactions For Lunar Exploration, David Clifford Lund

Doctoral Dissertations

"Due to the recent relevance of NASA’s focus on lunar missions, a better understanding of the lunar plasma-surface-dust environment is vital for their success. The lunar surface, devoid of an atmosphere and a global magnetic field, is directly exposed to solar radiation and solar wind plasma. This exposure leads to the electrical charging of the lunar surface due to the bombardment of solar wind plasma and the emission/collection of photoelectrons. Therefore, this research developed accurate and efficient computational models of plasma-surface-dust interactions and extend a legacy simulation code, namely the Immersed-Finite-Element Particle-in-Cell (IFE-PIC), to a parallel version: Parallel Immersed-Finite-Element Particle-in-Cell …

Optimizing The Total Life Cycle Of Li-Ion Batteries: From Constant Gradient Charging To Aged Cell Performance Restoration, Kasim Adesegun Adewuyi

Doctoral Dissertations

As demand for Lithium-Ion Batteries (LIBs) have skyrocketed over the past decade, the need for better charging methodologies and recycling methods have become vitally important. At a fundamental level, this dissertation strives to fulfill the green promise of a future without fossil fuels. In order to promote a transition away from fossil fuels, LIBs for vehicles require ultrafast charging times equivalent to a normal vehicle (6 mins). However, this process leads to high volume expansion for next generation electrode materials which causes degradation. Without limiting this factor, the environmental impact shifts from oil rigs to Li mines and landfills. The …

Numerical Analysis Of A Multi-Stage Elastohydrodynamic Seal For Aircraft Engines, Md Wasif Hasan

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

At present, both governmental and private aviation enterprises are trying to develop aircraft that are swifter, more lightweight, and more cost-effective in order to maintain competitiveness on both the domestic and global stage. Continuous innovation and sustainability efforts are necessary to achieve advancements in aviation systems, such as fans, compressors, combustors, and turbines, as well as sub-systems, like engine seals. Advanced engine seals exhibit considerable potential in enhancing the engine's pressure ratio and cycle temperatures, leading to reduced engine weight, increased thrust, and improved fuel economy. In this study, a novel multistage seal idea has been proposed for the supercritical …

Fluid Flow And Thermal Performance Investigation Of Twisted Elliptical Tubes For Use In High Prandtl Number Systems, Connor F. Donlan

Theses and Dissertations

The development of clean energy systems is paramount to reducing mankind's climate impact. These clean energy systems include solar, wind, and nuclear power where nuclear power shows a reduced lifetime carbon dioxide footprint per kilowatt hour compared to other sources [102]. Advanced nuclear reactors, fusion energy systems, and concentrated solar power designers are looking at using molten salt heat transfer fluids and improved heat exchanger design to increase power production and efficiency of clean energy systems. The improving heat transfer within the main heat transfer components within advanced nuclear reactors will enable increased efficiencies and power production.

Heat transfer improvements …

Dynamics Of A 3-D Inlet/Isolator Measured With Fast Pressure-Sensitive Paint, Andrew N. Bustard, Mark E. Noftz, Mitsugu Hasegawa, Hirotaka Sakaue, Joseph S. Jewell, Nicholas J. Bisek, Thomas J. Juliano

Publications

Fast pressure-sensitive paint (PSP) was applied to an inlet/isolator designed using the Osculating Internal Waverider Inlet with Parallel Streamlines (OIWPS) method. The dorsal isolator surface pressure was measured using anodized-aluminum PSP through transparent cast acrylic that makes up the ventral portion of the isolator. Temperature-sensitive paint was utilized to correct for the PSP’s temperature sensitivity. The model was tested under Mach 5.7 flow at Re = 8.5 ×106 /m and 10.2 ×106 /m in the AFOSR–Notre Dame Large Mach-6 Quiet Tunnel (ANDLM6QT) under conventional noise conditions. Flow phenomena, such as shocks originating in the inlet and flow separation at the …

Depressurization Characteristics Of Steam-Based Reciprocating Vacuum Pump, Hongling Deng

Dissertations

This dissertation introduces a novel vacuum technology that leverages low-pressure saturated steam and cooling-controlled condensation, offering an efficient way to utilize low-grade thermal energy sources like waste heat, steam, or solar energy. At the heart of this technology is a unique duo-chamber vacuum pump system, featuring a reciprocating piston and a heat-conductive wall, designed to generate a vacuum through steam-condensation and cooling processes.

The core of this research lies in developing and validating mechanistic models for the steam-condensation depressurization process, a complex phenomenon involving phase change and transport mechanisms. Prior to this work, these mechanisms were not sufficiently modeled or …

The Interaction Of The Cotton Piece With The Piles Of The Scrabble Cotton Drum, Fazliddin Egamberdiev, Ilkhom Abbazov, Oybek Kholmuratov, Rashid Kaldybaev

Technical science and innovation

This article presents the results of an analytical study of the process of loosening and cleaning raw cotton from small debris by pileging working bodies of purifiers, on the basis of which directions for further research were chosen to optimize the parameters of the developed pile drum with spherical piles and rubber strips. Cotton entering production contains impurities. The processes of loosening and cleaning the fiber shreds are key in the initial stages of ginning, as they prepare the raw cotton for ginning and directly affect the reliability, productivity of these processes and the quality of the resulting fiber. Weed …

Adaptation Algorithm For Self-Tuning Of Parameters Of Models Of Multi-Stage Flotation Processes, Nilufar Sharifzhanova, Maksadhan Yakubov, Francesco Gregoretti

Technical science and innovation

Modern methods for solving problems of planning the execution of batches of tasks in multi-stage systems are characterized by the presence of restrictions on their dimensionality, the impossibility of guaranteed obtaining better results in comparison with fixed packages for different values of the input parameters of the problem. In the article, the author solved the problem of optimizing the composition of job packages running in multi-stage systems using the branch and bound method. Research has been carried out on various ways to form package execution orders tasks in multi-stage systems (heuristic rules for ordering packages tasks in the sequence of …

An Experimental Investigation Of The New Vibration Viscometer, Jamshidbek Ulugbek Ugli Shamuratov

Technical science and innovation

The characteristics of the new oscillating-plate viscometer have been investigated experimentally. The results obtained are as follows: the resonant frequency of plate oscillation decreases with increasing viscosity; the apparatus constant 𝐾 determined experimentally includes the end and slip effects; the dimensions of the plate should be determined by referring to empirical relations between 𝜌𝜇 and Λ(≡{(𝐸𝑎𝐸)−1}𝑛) for various dimensions of the plate; where 𝜌 is the density, 𝜇 is the viscosity; 𝐸𝑎 the resonant amplitude of plate in the air; E the amplitude of plate in a liquid, and 𝑛 a constant. If the distance between the plate and the …

Indicators Affecting Passenger Service Processes And Their Scientific Interpretation, Maxliyoxon Madaminova Maxamatjon Qizi, Saidazim Amanullayevich Ganihodjayev

Technical science and innovation

Many traffic flow parameters affect the performance of the road network at high voltage. These are low vehicle speeds, high vehicle distances relative to road capacity, and density per unit time (lane occupancy). In turn, a number of factors affect the decrease in traffic speed: the presence of slow-moving vehicles in the stream; pedestrians crossing the road irregularly; increase in traffic flow, etc. The issues of public transportation depend on many factors, each of which requires a separate approach and a complex solution. In large cities around the world, the quality indicators of public transport services, including the issues of …

Multi-Mode Regulation Of The Drying Process Of Industrial Gas, Isamidin Xakimovich Sidikov Pr, Nashvandova Gulruxsor Murot Qizi Phd

Technical science and innovation

Currently, much attention is paid to the issue of energy efficiency of gas processing enterprises. The continuous growth of world prices for energy resources requires constant improvement of the management system, providing the most optimal conditions for the flow of technological processes. A conceptual model of the heat-mass transfer process occurring in the absorber as an object of research has been developed, which characterizes the relationship of the variables involved in the drying process of natural gas, control, measurable and immeasurable, as well as controlled parameters have been selected, which are used to develop and study a mathematical model of …

Aerodynamic Dimpling For The Nose Cone Of A High-Power Competition Rocket, Graham Geoffrey Monroe

Mechanical Engineering ETDs

This thesis investigates nose cone dimpling for the reduction of the aerodynamic drag of a Level 3 High-Power amateur rocket. Two rocket launches were conducted. The first used a COTS nose cone with a smooth surface. A dimple distribution was created according to dimensions calculated by Sandia National Laboratories’ proprietary Right- Size Dimple Evaluator. A dimpled nose cone, designed with geometry matching the COTS component, was 3D printed. Axial acceleration and barometric pressure data, recorded by an onboard flight computer, were used to calculate and plot the drag coefficient as a function of the Reynolds number for the smooth and …

Modeling Of Frontal Polymerization Of Carbon Fiber And Dicyclopentadiene Woven Composites With Stochastic Material Uncertainty, Ahmadreza Mohammad Sharifi, Dong-Jun Kwon, S. Z. H. Shah, Juhyeong Lee

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Publications

A novel finite element modeling framework is proposed for simulating dicyclopentadiene (DCPD) frontal polymerization in carbon fiber (CF) woven composites. A mesoscale CF/DCPD representative volume element (RVE) model was developed with two triggering directions, resulting in out-of-plane and in-plane DCPD polymerization. The Arrhenius equation coupled with a modified Prout-Tompkins autocatalytic model was used to evaluate the dynamic DCPD polymerization process. The rate and degree of DCPD cure were calculated by the material property uncertainties of DCPD with and without random void inclusions (3% used as a reference in this work). The DCPD frontal polymerization in CF/DCPD composite was strongly influenced …

Experimental And Modelling Of Lightning Damage To Carbon Fibre-Reinforced Composites Under Swept Stroke, Chengzhao Kuang, Kunkun Fu, Juhyeong Lee, Huixin Zhu, Qizhen Shi, Xiaoyu Cui

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Publications

Lightning swept stroke creates multiple lightning attachments along an aircraft in flight. This introduces distinct structural damage compared to that from a single-point lightning current injection test in laboratory. This study presents both experimental and numerical studies on lightning damage in carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites under swept stroke. Coupled electrical–thermal finite element (FE) models were proposed to predict lightning damage to CFRP composites under single-point current injection and swept stroke, respectively. A lightning swept stroke testing method was proposed by embedding a copper wire inside the composites to simulate multiple lightning attachments on the composites. The FE-predicted damage from …

Design And Demonstration Of An Inertial-Stabilized Single-Axis Headlamp For Mobile Systems, Thomas Avery Allsup

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Dissertations - Archive

The introduction of adaptive headlamps has added left and right movement of the headlamps to enhance the vision of the driver during a turn at night. Adaptive headlamps also allow up and down motion of headlamps in either two discrete positions with low and high beams based on vehicle speed and oncoming traffic lights or using the vehicle suspension measurement to adjust headlamp beam angles in any angle between low and high. Using the vehicle suspension ignores the roadway influence on where the headlamps should be positioned to illuminate the roadway for the driver. This dissertation develops governing equations and …

On The Development Of A Sensing System Methodology To Evaluate The Viscoelastic Properties Of Soft Tissues As A Means Of Disease Prognosis, Shashank S. Kumat

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Dissertations - Archive

Identification of tissue viscoelastic properties could provide valuable information for assessing its healthiness or disease state. Current technologies present challenges to access and perform localized tissue assessment in confined spaces in the human body through contact indentation/palpation. As such, there is a need for a diagnostic system capable of measuring tissue relaxation response at the local site by accessing the tissue through a natural orifice. This dissertation presents a strain gauge-based uniaxial micro-force sensor, part of the aforementioned system, capable of measuring tissue response data in confined human space environments. A sensing system design methodology is developed and presented. The …

Optimizing Energy Efficiency And Performance In High-Performance Computing Through Advanced Direct-To-Chip Liquid Cooling And Labview-Based Monitoring And Analysis, Chandraprakash Ashok Hinge

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Dissertations - Archive

This research endeavors to significantly enhance energy efficiency and performance in the realm of high-performance computing (HPC). This goal is pursued through a synergistic approach that leverages advanced direct-to-chip liquid cooling systems and integrates LabVIEW for real-time monitoring and analysis within data centers. The primary aims of this study are manifold. First, it seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of different single-phase liquid coolants when employed in direct-to-chip cold plate cooling for HPC systems. Additionally, the research focuses on characterizing row manifolds, crucial elements in the design of efficient data centers. The study also endeavors to devise a strategic control mechanism …

Multiple Dipole Source Position And Orientation Estimation Using Non-Invasive Eeg-Like Signals, Saina Namazifard

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Dissertations - Archive

The human brain comprises of neurons that connect with each other via electrical signals. One can record and measure these activities using an electroencephalogram (EEG). An essential use of the EEG is in locating the generating source of these signals, usually approximated by dipoles. This is important because, in some particular circumstances, neurons may not function optimally and could make the equivalent dipole generate abnormal signals. This could be a result of seizures or other brain disorders. In order to isolate such disorders, the challenge is to find a non-invasive way to locate the anomalous source. This research aims to …

Thermo-Mechanical Analysis Of Heterogenous Integrated Packages And Immersion Cooling Of Data Center Servers, Krishna Bhavana Sivaraju

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Dissertations - Archive

III-V materials such as Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) and Indium Phosphide (InP) are used as substrates for opto-electronic devices like vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSEL), edge emitting lasers and light emitting diodes. System in Package integration of the III-V materials to silicon requires a reliable bonding technique. Though there are several bonding techniques like direct wafer bonding like hetero-epitaxially grown islands on a silicon wafer bonding enable the bonding, flip-chip bonding is used in this study owing to its superior electrical connectivity, mechanical reliability, heat conduction capability and ease of fabrication due to self-alignment. Finite element models of four different …

The Role Of Atomic Layer Deposited Coatings On Lithium-Ion Transport: A Comprehensive Study, Yufang He, Hiep Pham, Xinhua Liang, Jonghyun Park

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The Use of Ultrathin Film Coatings Prepared through Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) Has Become Widespread for Improving Lithium-Ion Diffusivity of Active Particles, Which Plays a Crucial Role in Determining the Rate Capability of Lithium-Ion Batteries (LIBs). in This Study, the Impact of ALD Coating Thickness on Ionic Diffusivity in CeO2-Coated LiMn2O4 (LMO) Cathode Particles is Comprehensively Investigated through First-Principles Calculations by Focusing on the Trade-Offs between the Physical Properties of the Film and its Impact on the Diffusivity of Ions. Our Findings Indicate that Several Physical Factors Affect the Diffusivity of the Coating, Including the Crystal-Amorphous Structure that Depends on …

Analysis Of A Nanoparticle’S Dynamics In An Optical Tweezer, Vatsal Asitkumar Joshi

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Dissertations - Archive

This work presents a simulation and experimental analysis of a nanoparticle's motion in an optical tweezer. Specifically, different simulation and analysis techniques are developed to investigate a suspected regime change in the dynamics of the micro/nano particles from overdamped to underdamped motion as the particle size reduces to submicron scale. Moreover, the simulation techniques developed here provide accurate prediction of the particle dynamics along with low computation time. Finally, the experimental setup developed here provides new experimental data that help answer the question of the regime change with increased certainty. Micro- and nano- scale systems, such as an optical tweezer, …