21-30 of 81 results
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Understanding the Coupled Interactions Between Hair-Like Micromechanoreceptors and Wall Turbulence
PI Ebenezer Gnanamanickam
This research focuses on understanding the interactions between turbulent flows and long (high aspect ratio), flexible hair-like microstructures or micropillars inspired by those encountered in nature. Some examples include lateral line sensors in fish, airflow sensors in bats and hair cover of animals such as seals and bats.
This research focuses on understanding the interactions between turbulent flows and long (high aspect ratio), flexible hair-like microstructures or micropillars inspired by those encountered in nature. Some examples include lateral line sensors in fish, airflow sensors in bats and hair cover of animals such as seals and bats. These structures perform several physiological functions such as balance and equilibrium sensors, flow sensors, flight control sensors, thermal regulators and water harvesters. Particularly, hair-cell sensors have such structures which in conjunction with the animal's nervous system forms a mechanoreceptive device i.e., they turn a force or displacement, in response to the flow energy, into a nervous system response. These structures that vibrate in response to the background flow are also important in energy harvesting systems. However, these interactions are poorly understood primarily due to the complexity of the underlying physics. Capturing this physics requires simultaneous, combined measurements of the micropillar motion and the flow velocities which are challenging. The proposed research will use advanced image-based flow diagnostic tools to measure in detail the interactions between arrays of these micropillars and the background flow. The planned outreach activities will target a group that is almost exclusively comprised of students who are under-represented in the sciences, while also being economically disadvantaged. The graduate student supported will be involved in outreach activities, inculcating a spirit of outreach into the next generation of engineers.
The interactions between wall turbulence and these micropillars occur in the following manner. Flow structures of scales spanning several orders of magnitude, present within wall turbulence, excites the response of the micropillars. The deflection or vibratory response of the micropillars will then feedback and modify the non-linear, background turbulence, resulting in a non-linearly coupled system. In addition, this interaction occurring at the wall can affect the entire layer resulting in a multiscale interacting layer. Of particular interest are energy transfer pathways between the micropillars and the background turbulence. To describe this coupled interaction and the associated energy transfer mechanisms, advanced diagnostic tools such as multi-camera, multi-resolution, mosaicing particle image velocimetry will be used to capture the dynamics of the background flow while simultaneously tracking the motion of relevant micropillars using particle tracking techniques. Together these tools will provide unique multiscale measurements that will elucidate the coupled physics, advancing fields ranging from physiology to aerospace engineering to non-linear energy systems.
Categories: Faculty-Staff
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Aeroelastic Gust-Airfoil Interaction Numerical Studies
PI Vladimir Golubev
The project conducted in collaboration with WPAFB and Eglin AFB AFRL scientists over the past 8 years employs DOD HPC and ERAU computer facilities to conduct high-fidelity, low-Reynolds, aeroelastic gust-airfoil interaction studies to model unsteady responses and their control for small UAVs operating, e.g., in highly unsteady urban canyons.
The focus is on modeling airfoil interactions with canonical upstream flow configurations including time-harmonic and sharp-edge gusts, vortices and synthetic turbulence with prescribed characteristics tailored to a specified unsteady flight-path environment. Note that this and other listed projects that include noise predictions and noise/flow control components are partially supported by Florida Center for Advanced Aero Propulsion (FCAAP) in these effortsCategories: Faculty-Staff
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Self-Sustained Flow-Acoustic Interactions in Airfoil Transitional Boundary Layers
PI Vladimir Golubev
CO-I Reda Mankbadi
This work carries out collaborative theoretical, experimental and numerical investigations of flow-acoustic resonant interactions in transitional airfoils which are responsible for sudden appearance of prominent acoustic tones and unsteady aerodynamic fluctuations in low-Reynolds-number airfoils.
The experimental part of the efforts is implemented in France at anechoic wind tunnel facility of Ecole Centrale de Lyon, while numerical and theoretical studies are conducted at Embry-Riddle using DOD HPC facilities. The project involves several PhD and MSAE students both in U.S. and France.Categories: Faculty-Staff
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Synthetic Jet-Based Robust MAV Flight Controller
PI Vladimir Golubev
This project conducts theoretical and high-fidelity numerical analyses of UAV robust flight controller employing synthetic-jet actuators (SJAs). The technology-demonstration feasibility study focuses on SJA-based suppression of gust-induced airfoil flutter.
It joins AE and Engineering Physics faculty and students (including undergraduate) in preparation for Phase 2 effort that will include experimental validation and further development and commercialization of the novel flight control technology
Categories: Faculty-Staff
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Wake Vortex Safety Analysis in the Context of UAS Integration in the NAS
PI Vladimir Golubev
This project is a collaboration with several research organizations under the supervision of FAA. The focus of the current research efforts is on developing and employing variable-fidelity prediction approaches to examine safety implications of the future integration of variable-size UAS systems in the National Aerospace System (UAS).
In particular, variable-fidelity prediction methods to accurately resolve all aspects of aircraft wake generation, evolution, interaction and control are developed. The results of this research will be incorporated in the FAA Integrated Safety Assessment Model developed for analysis of risk implications of UAS operations in the terminal zones and beyond.
Categories: Faculty-Staff
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Demonstration of an Electrostatic Dust Shield on the Lunar Surface
PI Troy Henderson
This project will demonstrate the capability of an electrostatic dust shield, developed by NASA/KSC engineers, to remove dust from the lens of a camera after impact on the lunar surface.
This project, which is funded by NASA Kennedy Space Center, will demonstrate the capability of an electrostatic dust shield, developed by NASA/KSC engineers, to remove dust from the lens of a camera after impact on the lunar surface. Laboratory tests will confirm the experiment design, followed by a flight to the lunar surface in early 2022
Categories: Faculty-Staff
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Hazard Detection and Avoidance for Lunar Landing
PI Troy Henderson
This project develops and demonstrates algorithms for detecting and avoiding areas of large rocks and high slopes for a lunar lander
This project, funded by Intuitive Machines, develops and demonstrates algorithms for detecting and avoiding areas of large rocks and high slopes for a lunar lander. Preliminary work uses an optical camera and future work will include a lidar sensor. These algorithms will be tested in simulation, tested in laboratory experiments and demonstrated on a lunar lander flight mission.
Categories: Faculty-Staff
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Improved Image Processing for Orbit Estimation
PI Troy Henderson
This project seeks to improve orbit estimation methods using advanced image processing techniques applied to images from ground and space-based telescopes.
This project, funded by Air Force Research Laboratory, seeks to improve orbit estimation methods using advanced image processing techniques applied to images from ground and space-based telescopes. Additional work uses RF signals to estimate orbits of transmitting spacecraft.
Categories: Faculty-Staff
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Multiscale Computational and Experimental Framework to Elucidate the Biomechanics of Infant Growth
PI Victor Huayamave
There is currently a lack of biomechanical quantification of growth and development because: (1) there is no generic musculoskeletal infant model, and (2) the lack of infant data in the literature.
There is currently a lack of biomechanical quantification of growth and development because: (1) there is no generic musculoskeletal infant model, and (2) the lack of infant data in the literature. An infant’s spontaneous movements generate forces that are constantly acting on the joints and can affect the morphology and development of soft bone. Using experimental motion capture data, statistical shape modeling, and multi-scale musculoskeletal mechanobiological models, we will be able to predict the complex adaptation of the joint to biomechanical factors, thus providing a biomechanical basis for improved prevention and treatment of developmental disorders. This project pioneers the development of solutions that improve intervention and outcomes of conditions such as scoliosis, spina bifida, clubfoot, and developmental dysplasia of the hip. The model provides a non-invasive three-dimensional approach to study the dynamics of human movements using biomechanical parameters that are difficult or impossible to examine using physical experiments alone. Our proposed research will advance pediatric movement science and will uncover the underlying mechanisms involved in the maturation of the hip joint during early development. Results from the proposed research will: (1) Provide experimental data and computational models that can serve as the basis for developing innovative solutions for infant developmental disorders; (2) Develop innovative tools to aid clinicians, pediatricians, and physical therapists when managing joint disorders; (3) Identify factors that drive and regulate growth early in life that may have long-term benefits for prevention of early arthritis. Each of these contributions is significant given that joint disorders such as developmental dysplasia of the hip underlie around 29% of all primary hip replacements in adults.
Categories: Faculty-Staff
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Integrated Structural Health Sensors for Inflatable Space Habitats
PI Dae Won Kim
PI Sirish Namilae
Under this research project we will develop an innovative structural health monitoring system for inflatable space habitat structures by integrating nanocomposite piezoresistive sensors
Inflatable structures for space habitats are highly prone to damage caused by micrometeoroid and orbital debris impacts. Although the structures are effectively shielded against these impacts through multiple layers of impact resistant materials, there is a necessity for a health monitoring system to monitor the structural integrity and damage state within the structures. Assessment of damage is critical for the safety of personnel in the habitat, as well as predicting the repair needs and the remaining useful life of the habitat. We are developing a unique impact detection and health monitoring system based on hybrid nanocomposite sensors composed of carbon nanotube sheet and coarse graphene platelets. An array of these sensors sandwiched between soft good layers in a space habitat can act as a damage detection layer for inflatable structures. We will further develop algorithms to determine the event of impact, its severity, and location on the sensing layer for active health monitoring. Our sensor system will be tested in the hypervelocity impact testing facility at UDRI in future.Categories: Faculty-Staff
21-30 of 81 results