Brown Bag Seminar
Friday, October 20
11:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m.
Guggenheim 442
Pizza will be served
Presenters
Griffin Rahn
Audrey Waliliong
Thomas Zaffiro
Griffin C. Rahn
Title:
Sensor Integration to Model Microgravity Propellant Sloshing
Abstract:
My presentation will discuss my work in the Low-Gravity Science and Technology (LGST) lab on the undergraduate propellant sloshing application team. I will first provide a background of my experience in engineering. After a brief discussion on sloshing theory, I will introduce my early work in the lab where I conducted MATLAB simulations of sloshing behavior in tanks of varying geometries. After providing the audience with an understanding of the work and motivations of LGST, I will focus on my current project: integrating two differential pressure transducers on a model rocket tank to accurately measure the oscillation behavior of the propellant during launch and flight.
Advisor:
Prof. Alvaro Romero-Calvo
Audrey Waliliong
Title:
Comprehensive Battery Discharge Testing and Other Analysis for eVTOL Applications
Abstract:
This research project focuses on comprehensive battery discharge testing to enhance the performance and reliability of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. Through the utilization of computerized battery analyzers and other data acquisition tools, this study evaluates battery performance including discharge capacity, end of charge and end of life analysis. Further, the test will encompass load testing through constant power discharge. The results of these tests will facilitate comparisons between different battery technologies, costs, and power densities, ultimately contributing to the optimization of eVTOL battery systems and sizing. By improving the safety and efficiency of eVTOLs, this research has the potential to significantly impact the future of urban air mobility and sustainable transportation networks.
Advisor:
Prof. Marilyn Smith
Thomas Zaffiro
Title:
Planning, Building and Running a Large-Scale Combustion Rig
Abstract:
Large-Scale combustion rigs are ambitious projects that must be built from the ground up. They require a pressure vessel to house the combustor that must be correctly navigated to conduct laser diagnostics. This presentation will outline the bottom-up process of planning building and running a combustion rig. Every aspect of the pressure vessel and combustor must be modeled in CAD, additionally support structures for the pressure vessel must be designed for ease of access. Laser diagnostics are run on the assembled combustion rig, in this case the diagnostic was OH-Planer Laser Induced Fluorescence (PLIF). OH-PLIF requires a very precise beam path with a finely tuned laser to excite electrons in OH-molecules. When running the rig and its accompanying laser diagnostics it is imperative that the rig can be fully seen and heard.
Advisor:
Prof. Adam Steinberg