What I Learned From College Projects

Spacecraft Propulsion System Project – Professor James Cutler

The purpose of this project was to design a propulsion system to transport a small satellite from Earth’s orbit to the orbit of the Mars moon Phobos. This involved conducting a trade study to determine what kind of propulsion system (e.g. electrical, chemical) to use, using criteria such as system and propellant mass, maximum and minimum thrust, and required power. Once a system was decided upon, another trade study was conducted to determine what type of fuel and oxidizer to use, using criteria such as ease of ignition and specific impulse. Next, we did some research to determine the appropriate nozzle, tanks, and valves for the system. Various calculations were performed to determine the volume of the tanks and ratio and volume of the fuel and oxidizer. MATLAB simulations were performed to determine the orbit this system would create and whether it would be sufficient enough to reach the desired orbit. All of this project, including the final report and presentation portion, was conducted via computer in the aerospace engineering building’s computer lab. This project taught me how to use trade studies in making design decisions, how to simulate orbits and trajectories in MATLAB, and how to use calculations to set design parameters.

Exhaust-Driven Fan Testing – Professor Tim Smith/Professor Donald Geister

The purpose of this project was to develop a design process for an exhaust-driven fan for use by a student team. The goals of the fan were to maximize its thrust to weight ratio while minimizing its thrust specific fuel consumption. Using an already-developed thrust stand in the aerospace lab, we tested three different propellers for thrust, velocity, and power output. After calibrating the thrust stand, we took the pertinent measurements and used them to calculate the thrust to weight ratio and thrust specific fuel consumption. From these numbers, we could recommend a design for the student team to use. This project taught me how to properly conduct tests using a thrust stand and how to interpret the data it creates. It also taught me how to compile and present lab data in a digestible and understandable manner and gave me an idea of the parameters that go into the design of fan blades.

Cubesat Re-entry Project – Professor James Cutler

The purpose of this project was to develop a structure to help a Cubesat satellite safely re-enter Earth’s orbit after collecting data. This project involved researching current technology that was feasible for this mission and working it down to a smaller scale to fit the requirements. We designed an Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerator to protect the scientific payload. Using MATLAB, orbit simulations for the re-entry were performed and a landing zone for the spacecraft was determined. We also used MATLAB to map the performance of the IAD. Power and communication systems were researched and from this data, we calculated the power needed to operate the system. This project taught me how to use already existing technology and apply it to a smaller scale. I learned how to research and compare different power and communication hardware and find products that would fit within our power requirements.