Matching Items (15)
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- All Subjects: Aerospace Engineering
- Genre: Masters Thesis
- Creators: Dahm, Werner
- Creators: Tsakalis, Konstantinos
Description
This thesis examines themodeling, analysis, and control system design issues for scramjet powered hypersonic vehicles. A nonlinear three degrees of freedom longitudinal model which includes aero-propulsion-elasticity effects was used for all analyses. This model is based upon classical compressible flow and Euler-Bernouli structural concepts. Higher fidelity computational fluid dynamics and finite element methods are needed for more precise intermediate and final evaluations. The methods presented within this thesis were shown to be useful for guiding initial control relevant design. The model was used to examine the vehicle's static and dynamic characteristics over the vehicle's trimmable region. The vehicle has significant longitudinal coupling between the fuel equivalency ratio (FER) and the flight path angle (FPA). For control system design, a two-input two-output plant (FER - elevator to speed-FPA) with 11 states (including 3 flexible modes) was used. Velocity, FPA, and pitch were assumed to be available for feedback. Aerodynamic heat modeling and design for the assumed TPS was incorporated to original Bolender's model to study the change in static and dynamic properties. De-centralized control stability, feasibility and limitations issues were dealt with the change in TPS elasticity, mass and physical dimension. The impact of elasticity due to TPS mass, TPS physical dimension as well as prolonged heating was also analyzed to understand performance limitations of de-centralized control designed for nominal model.
ContributorsKhatri, Jaidev (Author) / Rodriguez, Armando Antonio (Thesis advisor) / Tsakalis, Konstantinos (Committee member) / Wells, Valana (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2011
Description
Localization tasks using two-way ranging (TWR) are making headway in modern daynavigation applications as an alternative to legacy global navigation satellite systems
(GNSS) such as GPS. There is not currently literature that provides a closed-form
expression for estimation performance bounds on position and attitude when a TWR
system is employed. A Cramer-Rao Lower Bounds (CRLB) is derived for position
and orientation estimation using both 2-D and 3-D geometries. A literature review is
performed to give background and detail on the tools needed for a thorough analysis of
this problem. Popular Least Squares techniques and solutions to Wahba’s problem are
compared to the derived bounds as proof of correctness using Monte Carlo simulations.
A brief exploration on estimation performance using an Extended Kalman Filter for
non-stationary users is also looked at as an introduction to future extensions to this
work. The literature Applications like the CHP2 system are discussed as well to show
how secure, inexpensive and robust implementation of TWR is highly feasible.
i
ContributorsWelker, Samuel (Author) / Bliss, Daniel (Thesis advisor) / Herschfelt, Andrew (Committee member) / Tsakalis, Konstantinos (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2022
Description
This thesis describes the extension of an aircraft-style time-step integrating mission performance simulation to address aero-spaceplane design challenges. The result is a computationally lean program compatible with current Multi-Disciplinary Optimization schemes to assist in the conceptual design of hypersonic vehicles. To do this the starting aircraft style “Mission Code” required enhancements to the typical point-mass simulation for high altitude and high Mach flight. Stability parameters and the rigid-body modes of Short-Period and Dutch-Roll are tracked to understand time-domain limits to aerodynamic control, along with monitoring the Lateral Control Departure Parameter to ensure that the aircraft is not prone to spin. Additionally, experience has shown that for high Mach Number flight designers must consider aerothermodynamic effects early in the vehicle design process, and thus, an engineering level aerothermodynamic model is included. Comparisons to North American X-15 flight test datasets demonstrate the validity of this method in that application, and trade studies conducted show the utility of this application.
ContributorsGriffin, Jack Aidan (Author) / Takahashi, Timothy (Thesis advisor) / Dahm, Werner (Committee member) / Rodi, Patrick (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2022
Description
This thesis addresses the issue of assessing longitudinal and lateral-directional trim capability during the conceptual design process. Modern high-performance aircraft are likely to feature complex flight control systems where the control system may independently command every control surface to develop necessary moments. However, to prove stability and controllability on such an aircraft requires a near-final set of control laws. This requirement is onerous at the conceptual design level, where engineering methods need to facilitate rapid, multidisciplinary design optimization trades. This work considers the differences in Attainable Moment Sets across a wide variety of airframes using a simplified “pre-mix” approach to controls as well as a model where the control systems have independent command authority over each control surface. This work indicates that the “independent-single-panel” model offers modest improvements in attainable moments over a “pre-mix” strategy. This suggests that a “pre-mix” approach used to assess basic combined trim problems will not lead to an overly conservative final design.
ContributorsHeinz, Joshua Holden (Author) / Takahashi, Timothy (Thesis advisor) / Dahm, Werner (Committee member) / Cotting, M. Christopher (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2023
Description
This thesis investigates the configurations needed to demonstrate positive lateraldirectional controllability across the flight envelope of a hypersonic vehicle. Itexamines the NASA Space Shuttle Orbiter as a baseline reference configuration, as it
was a successful hypersonic vehicle. However, the Orbiter had limited high-speed
maneuvering capability; it relied on reaction-control jets to augment controllability
due to a strong tendency for its aerodynamics to “control couple.” It was seen that
many problems associated with the control of the hypersonic Orbiter are due to its
slender configuration. This work relies upon the Evolved-Bihrle-Weissman chart as
an accurate indicator of lateral-directional stability and controllability. The also
explores variant configurations of larger wing tip verticals to explore what
configuration changes are needed to reduce dependence on reaction controls.
ContributorsHoopes, Connor Smith (Author) / Takahashi, Timothy (Thesis advisor) / Dahm, Werner (Committee member) / Perez, Ruben (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2023
Description
This thesis aims to determine how finite wing aerodynamic loads change in proximity to the ground. In this study, the primary design tool is an inviscid panel method code, VORLAX.
The validation tool is a commercial volume grid CFD package, ANSYS FLUENT. I use VORLAX
to simulate wings with different incidences and aspect ratios to look at how ground effect
impacts spanwise loading and incipient flow separation. Then the results were compared to
widely published equations such as McCormick, Torenbeek, and Hoerner & Borst. Because I
found that these “famous” equations function best only for specific conditions, I propose a
new empirical equation to estimate ground effect lift as a function of aspect ratio and
incidence. Using Stratford’s method to predict signs of flow separation in the inviscid
solutions, I found that variations in the height above the ground were not significant enough
to change the stall angle of low aspect ratio wings. I did find early signs of flow separation
with increasing aspect ratio. I observe significant changes in spanwise loading when in
ground effect; as I narrow the gap, the transverse loading builds higher near the center of the
wing. These effects were more apparent in wings with smaller aspect ratio; higher aspect
ratio wings experience a higher loading gradient near the tips in proximity to the ground. I
found that high aspect ratio wings have a smaller stall angle compared to that of lower
aspect ratio wings; these trends are consistent between the potential flow solution and the
volume grid CFD viscous solution.
ContributorsValenzuela, Jose Vanir (Author) / Takahashi, Timothy (Thesis advisor) / Dahm, Werner (Committee member) / Huang, Huei-Ping (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2024
Description
Two methods of improving the life and efficiency of the Pulsed Inductive Thruster
(PIT) have been investigated. The first is a trade study of available switches to
determine the best device to implement in the PIT design. The second is the design
of a coil to improve coupling between the accelerator coil and the plasma. Experiments
were done with both permanent and electromagnets to investigate the feasibility of
implementing a modified Halbach array within the PIT to promote better plasma
coupling and decrease the unused space within the thruster. This array proved to
promote more complete coupling on the edges of the coil where it had been weak in
previous studies. Numerical analysis was done to predict the performance of a PIT
that utilized each suggested switch type. This model utilized the Alfven velocity to
determine the critical mass and energy of these theoretical thrusters.
(PIT) have been investigated. The first is a trade study of available switches to
determine the best device to implement in the PIT design. The second is the design
of a coil to improve coupling between the accelerator coil and the plasma. Experiments
were done with both permanent and electromagnets to investigate the feasibility of
implementing a modified Halbach array within the PIT to promote better plasma
coupling and decrease the unused space within the thruster. This array proved to
promote more complete coupling on the edges of the coil where it had been weak in
previous studies. Numerical analysis was done to predict the performance of a PIT
that utilized each suggested switch type. This model utilized the Alfven velocity to
determine the critical mass and energy of these theoretical thrusters.
ContributorsRaines, Taylor (Author) / Takahashi, Timothy T (Thesis advisor) / White, Daniel B (Committee member) / Dahm, Werner (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2018
Description
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are widely used in many applications because of their small size, great mobility and hover performance. This has been a consequence of the fast development of electronics, cheap lightweight flight controllers for accurate positioning and cameras. This thesis describes modeling, control and design of an oblique-cross-quadcopter platform for indoor-environments.
One contribution of the work was the design of a new printed-circuit-board (PCB) flight controller (called MARK3). Key features/capabilities are as follows:
(1) a Teensy 3.2 microcontroller with 168MHz overclock –used for communications, full-state estimation and inner-outer loop hierarchical rate-angle-speed-position control,
(2) an on-board MEMS inertial-measurement-unit (IMU) which includes an LSM303D (3DOF-accelerometer and magnetometer), an L3GD20 (3DOF-gyroscope) and a BMP180 (barometer) for attitude estimation (barometer/magnetometer not used),
(3) 6 pulse-width-modulator (PWM) output pins supports up to 6 rotors
(4) 8 PWM input pins support up to 8-channel 2.4 GHz transmitter/receiver for manual control,
(5) 2 5V servo extension outputs for other requirements (e.g. gimbals),
(6) 2 universal-asynchronous-receiver-transmitter (UART) serial ports - used by flight controller to process data from Xbee; can be used for accepting outer-loop position commands from NVIDIA TX2 (future work),
(7) 1 I2C-serial-protocol two-wire port for additional modules (used to read data from IMU at 400 Hz),
(8) a 20-pin port for Xbee telemetry module connection; permits Xbee transceiver on desktop PC to send position/attitude commands to Xbee transceiver on quadcopter.
The quadcopter platform consists of the new MARK3 PCB Flight Controller, an ATG-250 carbon-fiber frame (250 mm), a DJI Snail propulsion-system (brushless-three-phase-motor, electronic-speed-controller (ESC) and propeller), an HTC VIVE Tracker and RadioLink R9DS 9-Channel 2.4GHz Receiver. This platform is completely compatible with the HTC VIVE Tracking System (HVTS) which has 7ms latency, submillimeter accuracy and a much lower price compared to other millimeter-level tracking systems.
The thesis describes nonlinear and linear modeling of the quadcopter’s 6DOF rigid-body dynamics and brushless-motor-actuator dynamics. These are used for hierarchical-classical-control-law development near hover. The HVTS was used to demonstrate precision hover-control and path-following. Simulation and measured flight-data are shown to be similar. This work provides a foundation for future precision multi-quadcopter formation-flight-control.
One contribution of the work was the design of a new printed-circuit-board (PCB) flight controller (called MARK3). Key features/capabilities are as follows:
(1) a Teensy 3.2 microcontroller with 168MHz overclock –used for communications, full-state estimation and inner-outer loop hierarchical rate-angle-speed-position control,
(2) an on-board MEMS inertial-measurement-unit (IMU) which includes an LSM303D (3DOF-accelerometer and magnetometer), an L3GD20 (3DOF-gyroscope) and a BMP180 (barometer) for attitude estimation (barometer/magnetometer not used),
(3) 6 pulse-width-modulator (PWM) output pins supports up to 6 rotors
(4) 8 PWM input pins support up to 8-channel 2.4 GHz transmitter/receiver for manual control,
(5) 2 5V servo extension outputs for other requirements (e.g. gimbals),
(6) 2 universal-asynchronous-receiver-transmitter (UART) serial ports - used by flight controller to process data from Xbee; can be used for accepting outer-loop position commands from NVIDIA TX2 (future work),
(7) 1 I2C-serial-protocol two-wire port for additional modules (used to read data from IMU at 400 Hz),
(8) a 20-pin port for Xbee telemetry module connection; permits Xbee transceiver on desktop PC to send position/attitude commands to Xbee transceiver on quadcopter.
The quadcopter platform consists of the new MARK3 PCB Flight Controller, an ATG-250 carbon-fiber frame (250 mm), a DJI Snail propulsion-system (brushless-three-phase-motor, electronic-speed-controller (ESC) and propeller), an HTC VIVE Tracker and RadioLink R9DS 9-Channel 2.4GHz Receiver. This platform is completely compatible with the HTC VIVE Tracking System (HVTS) which has 7ms latency, submillimeter accuracy and a much lower price compared to other millimeter-level tracking systems.
The thesis describes nonlinear and linear modeling of the quadcopter’s 6DOF rigid-body dynamics and brushless-motor-actuator dynamics. These are used for hierarchical-classical-control-law development near hover. The HVTS was used to demonstrate precision hover-control and path-following. Simulation and measured flight-data are shown to be similar. This work provides a foundation for future precision multi-quadcopter formation-flight-control.
ContributorsLu, Shi (Author) / Rodriguez, Armando A. (Thesis advisor) / Tsakalis, Konstantinos (Committee member) / Si, Jennie (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2018
Description
In previous work, the effects of power extraction for onboard electrical equipment and flight control systems were studied to determine which turbine shaft (i.e. high power shaft vs low power shaft) is best suited for power extraction. This thesis will look into an alternative option, a three-spool design with a high-pressure turbine, low-pressure turbine, and a turbine dedicated to driving the fan. One of the three-spool turbines is designed to be a vaneless counter-rotating turbine. The off-design performance of this new design will be compared to the traditional two-spool design to determine if the additional spool is a practical alternative to current designs for high shaft horsepower extraction requirements. Upon analysis, this thesis has shown that a three-spool engine with a vaneless counter-rotating stage has worse performance characteristics than traditional two-spool designs for UAV systems.
ContributorsBurgett, Luke Michael (Author) / Takahashi, Timothy (Thesis advisor) / Dahm, Werner (Committee member) / Trimble, Steve (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2019
Description
This thesis seeks to further explore off-design point operation of gas turbines and to examine the capabilities of GasTurb 12 as a tool for off-design analysis. It is a continuation of previous thesis work which initially explored the capabilities of GasTurb 12. The research is conducted in order to: 1) validate GasTurb 12 and, 2) predict off-design performance of the Garrett GTCP85-98D located at the Arizona State University Tempe campus. GasTurb 12 is validated as an off-design point tool by using the program to predict performance of an LM2500+ marine gas turbine. Haglind and Elmegaard (2009) published a paper detailing a second off-design point method and it includes the manufacturer's off-design point data for the LM2500+. GasTurb 12 is used to predict off-design point performance of the LM2500+ and compared to the manufacturer's data. The GasTurb 12 predictions show good correlation. Garrett has published specification data for the GTCP85-98D. This specification data is analyzed to determine the design point and to comment on off-design trends. Arizona State University GTCP85-98D off-design experimental data is evaluated. Trends presented in the data are commented on and explained. The trends match the expected behavior demonstrated in the specification data for the same gas turbine system. It was originally intended that a model of the GTCP85-98D be constructed in GasTurb 12 and used to predict off-design performance. The prediction would be compared to collected experimental data. This is not possible because the free version of GasTurb 12 used in this research does not have a module to model a single spool turboshaft. This module needs to be purchased for this analysis.
ContributorsMartinjako, Jeremy (Author) / Trimble, Steve (Thesis advisor) / Dahm, Werner (Committee member) / Middleton, James (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2014