AE Brown Bag Seminar
Friday, March 6
11:00 a.m. - 1:20 p.m.
Guggenheim 442
Pete Etheredge
Kaleb Patel
Ian Soledade
Grahm Speight
Harrison Yearwood
Pranav Poola
George Widmer
Pete Etheredge
Title:
Inverse Design of Elastic Response Under Tensioned Additive Manufacturing
Abstract:
In this presentation, I will explain how we create programmable geometric surfaces through a tensioned additive manufacturing process. To do this, we fabricate thin, quasi-2D surfaces, by 3D printing flexible TPU onto a tensioned elastic sheet. Once the print is finished, the sheet is released, and the energy stored as strain deforms the quasi-2D surface into a three-dimensional geometry. Currently, I am focusing on the manufacturing process as well as gaining an intuitive understanding of deformation patterns. The long-term goal of this work is to develop an inverse design algorithm that takes a target three-dimensional geometry and maps it to a 2D print pattern. This algorithm is being developed by collaborators at the National University of Singapore, while we continue to create surfaces.
Faculty Advisor:
Prof. Bolei Deng
Kaleb Patel
Title:
A Longitudinal Life Cycle Study of Lithium Polymer Batteries for AAM
Abstract:
Accurate battery modeling is critical for advanced air mobility (AAM) vehicle design and performance predictions. An 18-month longitudinal study at Georgia Tech analyzed battery degradation under real-world conditions, collecting extensive data to support a predictive life cycle battery model.
Faculty Advisor:
Prof. Marilyn Smith
Ian Soledade
Title:
Using MBSE/SysML in Aerospace Engineering
Abstract:
Model‑Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) with SysML offers a unified framework for developing aerospace systems. Requirement diagrams capture mission objectives and safety constraints, providing traceability throughout the project lifecycle. Block Definition Diagrams describe the hierarchical architecture and interfaces of both physical and digital subsystems. Parametric diagrams embed quantitative relationships (including mass, power, and thermal budgets) to enable early‑stage sizing and optimization. Behavioral aspects are expressed through a suite of diagrams: Use‑Case and Activity diagrams model mission workflows and fault‑tolerant procedures; Sequence diagrams illustrate the timing of software‑hardware interactions; and State‑Machine diagrams depict mode transitions of reconfigurable subsystems. By integrating these complementary views, engineers achieve end‑to‑end traceability from high‑level requirements to detailed design and test artifacts. This integrated approach streamlines change‑impact analysis, supports certification activities, and facilitates the creation of digital twins, ultimately enhancing the reliability, performance, and maintainability of aerospace systems.
Faculty Advisor:
Research Engineer Selcuk Cimtalay
Grahm Speight
Title:
Study of Hall Effect Thruster Ignition Process and Characteristics
Abstract:
This is a current ongoing experiment looking into the characteristics of ignition in electric propulsion systems, primally hall effect thrusters. Extensive research was put into finding parameters that were important to the process, then applying these ideas to a test within our lab. The idea of this test is to take a well known thruster (Busek BHT-200), and using our vacuum chamber at the high power electric propulsion lab, start and stop ignition several times testing different input parameters, to see how HET reliability and safety can be best met, as well as characterizing different types of ignitions.
Faculty Advisor:
Prof. Mitchell L. R. Walker
Harrison Yearwood
Title:
Design and Implementation of a Methane Augmenter for Nonreacting Spray Tests
Abstract:
An augmenter (or incinerator) is used during nonreacting spray tests to ensure that no reactants are left in exhaust systems of the test cell, eliminating the concern for fires or detonations. The BTZ Combustion Lab required an augmenter design that could be easily modified for use on multiple test rigs at varying conditions. The design was fairly straightforward with a CFD-verified flow spreader and simple injector geometry, but the implementation had "unexpected" results. Due to heating and high pressure conditions, the flow spreader plates deformed and caused a low-pressure recirculation zone that heavily reduced the effectiveness of the system, but a few large but relatively simple modifications allowed for the augmenter to work as intended. These issues provided insight as to what changes could be made when the design is used again in the future, were easily solved thanks to the modular nature of the design, and served as an example as to how ideas and concepts can be overshadowed by reality.
Faculty Advisor:
Advisor Xavier Cammon
Pranav Poola
Title:
Qualification of Hall-Effect Thruster Based Electric Propulsion Systems
Abstract:
It is necessary for hall thruster systems to go through a thorough qualification process before being used in the space environment. In general, qualification for these systems can be broken down into addressing mission requirements, spacecraft requirements, and propulsion system requirements. There are a few overarching steps to take that are shared for most hall thruster systems, but different systems also require their own specific procedures for qualification. This presentation will delve into the emerging technologies that encompass hall thruster systems, the qualification requirements necessary for these systems, and the rationale for carrying out these procedures.
Faculty Advisor:
Prof. Mitchell L. R. Walker
George Widmer
Title:
NASA ULI Combustor NOx and CO Emissions Analysis
Abstract:
The push for a decarbonized power grid requires a significant reduction in CO2 emissions produced by gas turbines. Several current gas turbines utilize traditional fossil fuels such as kerosene or #2 fuel oil/diesel fuel, and replacing these fuels with sustainably produced fuels is crucial for decarbonizing gas turbine infrastructure. Fuels produced from biomass, such as renewable diesel, bioethanol, and biomethanol have shown substantial reduction in life cycle CO2 emissions when replacing traditional fossil fuels. Work is being conducted to characterize the pollutant emissions created by these fuels, with most existing studies indicating either no change or a decrease in important emissions, such as NOx, CO, and particulate matter when burning sustainable fuels. However, there are comparatively few studies comparing many of these biofuels with each other. This report details the results of experiments conducted to evaluate
emissions produced by fossil fuels, synthetic fuels, and alcohol fuels, without changing hardware, and while maintaining a constant flame temperature. To this end, an 8 bar capable, optically accessible combustion test rig was constructed, utilizing aeroderivative combustor hardware. A gas analyzer measured the emissions concentrations in a sample pulled from a water-cooled probe placed in the exhaust of the liner. It was found that the renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuels had a negligible effect on NOx and CO emissions compared to diesel and Jet A when operating at a consistent set of conditions, while ethanol and methanol showed a decrease in NOx emissions and an increase in CO emissions when compared to the distillate fuels. Particulate matter production was significantly reduced when alcohol fuels were used.
Faculty Advisor:
Prof. Tim Lieuwen