• Multidisciplinary Design Optimization and Analysis Using a Hybrid Augmented Lagrangian Genetic Algorithm 

  Benabbou, Adam (University of Alabama Libraries, 2020)

  A major challenge in the aerospace design process is the balance between simulation fidelity and various types of resource constraints such as financial and computational. To develop new data analytical capabilities and ...
• Performance of Shark Skin Inspired Manufactured Models for Separation Control 

  Parsons, Jacob Chase (University of Alabama Libraries, 2020)

  The skin of fast-swimming sharks has been shown to have mechanisms able to reduce flow separation in both laminar and turbulent flows. This study analyzes arrays of bio-inspired microflaps and scales in a separated region ...
• Characterization and Modeling of Dual Phase Thermoplastic Self Healing System for Fiber Reinforced Thermoset Composite Structures 

  Jony, Bodiuzzaman (University of Alabama Libraries, 2020)

  The one characteristic that sets biological systems apart from human-engineered systems is its ability to heal itself repeatedly without any external intervention. In the last few decades, drawing inspiration from nature, ...
• Life Estimation of SR-FSW Pin Tools for NASA Application 

  Hagan, Zachary Matthew (University of Alabama Libraries, 2021)

  Self-reacting friction stir welding (SR-FSW) is one of the processes used in the fabrication of the liquid oxygen and hydrogen tanks that comprise NASA’s Space Launch System’s (SLS) rocket. The SR-FSW tool assembly both ...
• Exploring the Use of an Echo State Network in Modeling Turbulent Jet Behavior 

  Sapkota, Pradeep (University of Alabama Libraries, 2021)

  This work investigates the use of an Echo State Network (ESN) to predict turbulent jet flow behavior. ESNs are a particular class of Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs) that have been shown to model transient chaotic systems ...
• An Experimental Study of Drag Reduction Due to the Roller Bearing Effect Over Grooved Surfaces Inspired by Butterfly Scales 

  Gautam, Sashank (University of Alabama Libraries, 2021)

  Monarch butterfly wings are covered in minuscule scales (approximately 100 µm in length) which align together in a pattern that resembles roof shingles. Flight tests performed on live butterflies showed that these scales ...
• On the Use of Echo State Networks in Various Configurations to Predict the Dynamics of Adversarial Swarms 

  Gupta, Soham (University of Alabama Libraries, 2021)

  Adversarial (competitive) swarms consist of two or more systems (each system consisting of a collection of individuals, interconnected agents) where the goals of each group are conflicting. This work aims to use an Echo ...
• Application of Numerical Methods to the Hamilton-Jacobi-Isaacs Equation in Various Dynamical Systems 

  Ledbetter, William Gordon (University of Alabama Libraries, 2021)

  The field of differential games has broad applicability to topics of economics, engineering, business, and warfare. Given the increasing levels of autonomy implemented in man-made systems in these fields, competition-based ...
• Rapid On-Demand Launch Mission Planning for Timely Delivery of Spacecraft Constellations 

  Simpson, Christopher Ross (University of Alabama Libraries, 2021)

  On-demand launch from an airborne launch vehicle can provide a nanosatellite overhead in under an hour anywhere in the world. On-demand launch can support capabilities already on-orbit and provide tailored or new capabilities ...
• Game Theory Applications in Astrodynamics and Space Domain Awareness 

  Schoenwetter, Luke (University of Alabama Libraries, 2021)

  As the number of nations possessing space launch capabilities increases, Earth orbit inherently becomes a competitive environment. Furthermore, each competing agent possesses unique objectives that may or may not align ...
• Generalized Targeting Parameters for the Guidance of Aerospace Vehicles 

  McCraney, Richard Marvin (University of Alabama Libraries, 1968)

  This thesis presents the development of the equations necessary to compute the targeting parameters for the iterative guidance mode for all types of space missions. A brief introduction to the iterative guidance mode is ...
• Optimized extensions of arbitrary cubatures 

  Fister, Matthew Wood (University of Alabama Libraries, 2021)

  An optimization of cubature (OOC) method is developed to refine computationally intensive numerical integrations by optimally extending an existing cubature. Typically, to increase the accuracy of numerical integrations ...
• Parametric investigation of aerodynamic interaction between two rotors and a flat plate at low Reynolds number 

  Chen, Mingtai (University of Alabama Libraries, 2021)

  This research studies the rotor wake interaction of small rotors on the surface of a flatplate. The generic model is a simplification of the rotor wake and wing interaction that can exist for small-UAV tiltrotors. Most ...
• Passive drag sail applications for the accelerated deorbit and targeted reentry of spacecraft 

  Sweeten, Andrew Michael (University of Alabama Libraries, 2021)

  In the relatively short time that space has been an asset to humans, the amount of debris occupying the region has become a noticeable concern. Maintaining the usability of space for future generations requires consideration ...
• Development of multi-fidelity aeroelastic optimization framework for flexible wing conceptual design 

  Huang, Yanxin (University of Alabama Libraries, 2021)

  This dissertation introduces a framework to carry out the aeroelastic optimization around the steady-state for flexible fixed wings. Such a framework captures geometrical nonlinearities and aerodynamic unsteadiness, which ...
• Atomistic modeling and structure-property relationship of topologically accurate complex nanotube junction architectures 

  Nakarmi, Sushan (University of Alabama Libraries, 2020-08)

  Carbon nanotubes have remarkable material properties and are ideal for different space applications including thermal management devices, light-weight mechanical shock absorbers, and fiber-reinforced composites. Nanotube ...
• Design for a low-cost k-band communication satellite constellation 

  Strickland, Peyton Daniel (University of Alabama Libraries, 2020-12)

  The feasibility of using a low-cost K-band communication satellite constellation in low-Earth orbit to provide continuous global coverage to ground terminal restricted aerospace vehicles was investigated. A phased array ...
• Thrust measurement of the busek bht 20 microhall effect thruster 

  Burleson, Connor (University of Alabama Libraries, 2020-12)

  The research presented herein documents the process, data analysis, and results of testing a low power micro-hall effect thruster suitable for various mission objectives such as orbital maneuvers, momentum dumping, and ...
• Experimental investigations of shark skin inspired surfaces in air 

  Devey, Sean Patrick (University of Alabama Libraries, 2020-12)

  Flow separation is detrimental to the performance of a wide array of engineered systems. It is theorized that the shortfin mako shark has evolved a passive flow separation control mechanism – distinct from that of riblet ...
• Helicopter rotor smoothing with a continuous trailing - edge flap 

  Ding, Lan (University of Alabama Libraries, 2020)

  Helicopters are prone to high vibration with its elastic blades whirling in a turbulent aerodynamic environment. The high vibration leads to discomfort of crew and passengers and shortens service life of on-board avionics, ...

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