AE Brown Bag Seminar

 

Friday, November 21

11:00 a.m. - 12:20 p.m.

Guggenheim 442

 

William Cooksey

Mark Gorrow

Lucas Odom

Nina Phelan

Frank Wei

 

William Cooksey

Title:

Keeper Discharge Filter for a Hollow Heater-less Cathode

Abstract

This presentation summarizes the development and integration of a keeper discharge filter required for the operation of a heater-less hollow cathode used in the High-Power Electric Propulsion Lab (HPEPL). Firstly, giving a brief overview of the major EP technologies and the rationale for proceeding with a heater-less design, and secondly, providing the necessity of the filter for integration within our testing hardware, further covering the schematic and assembly, and finally concluding with the results enabled by this filter within the scope of successfully characterizing this cathode on two different types of propellant.

Faculty Advisor:

Professor Mitchell Walker​

Mark Gorrow

Title:

MPDT Thrust Stand Development

Abstract:

The goal of this project is to create a thrust stand that can measure the thrust of a magneto plasma dynamic thruster (MPDT). The challenge with a thrust stand for electric propulsion devices stems from the difficulty of working in a vacuum, the heat transfer from the thruster, and the extremely small levels of thrust. This seminar covers the analysis of alternatives for the MPDT thrust stand and the methods used for the analysis. Our work in creating various models (analytical, Simulink, FEA, and CAD) for each system revealed which configuration worked best. The converged design stayed true to our aim to create a simple and effective design with models that show strong agreement. The performance analysis discussed in detail shows the steady state deflection for 10 mN of thrust is 33 micro meters, and with the selection of a fiber optic displacement sensor, the thrust stand could achieve 3% displacement error at this thrust level, while performing in a vacuum.

Faculty Advisor:

Prof. Sedina Tsikata

Lucas Odom

Title:

Collection-as-a-Service (CAAS) Platform: Enabling a Circular Space Economy

Abstract:

The number of defunct satellites and debris in low Earth orbit (LEO) is steadily increasing. This creates several threats, and the long-term sustainability of space activities may be impacted. Current end-of-life practices in LEO rely almost exclusively on atmospheric burning, a simple and economical solution but results in accumulated atmospheric pollution, wasted resources, and congestion at deorbit altitudes. The Collection-as-a-Service (CAAS) project aims to address these challenges by developing a reverse logistics chain between LEO and Earth by preserving and bringing satellites back to Earth. With the implementation of CAAS, satellites will be reused, remanufactured , or recycled on Earth. Enabling the recovery, storage, and controlled return of end-of-life (EOL) satellites represents a concrete step toward a circular space economy, bridging the gap between the current "throwaway" paradigm and future in-orbit servicing and recycling capabilities. The concept of the CAAS platform relies on a modular space system dedicated to the management of satellites in orbit. Acting as an orbital collection hub, the CAAS is capable of performing rendezvous, capture, and storage of end-of-life satellites before their return aboard large re-entry vehicles such as Starship or Nova.

Faculty Advisor:

Tristan Sarton Du Jonchay

Nina Phelan

Title:

Electronic Life-Detection Instrument for Europa/Enceladus (ELIE)

Abstract:

One major goal in planetary science and exploration is to search for life beyond Earth, particularly on ocean worlds such as Enceladus and Europa. The Electronic Life-Detection Instrument for Europa/Enceladus (ELIE) is designed to detect amino acids, nucleic acids, and other molecules through single-molecule electronic measurements. ELIE operates using a nanogap sensor that measures quantum electron tunneling across a sub-nanometer gap formed by a mechanically controlled break junction. The gap is precisely adjusted in real time using a piezo actuator that bends the nanogap chip in a three-point configuration, allowing the system to detect current spikes when individual molecules interact with the gap. These tunneling events provide distinct electronic signatures that can be analyzed to identify target molecules. The ELIE 3.0 prototype builds on previous versions by continuing to reduce system mass and volume, improve noise performance, and increase automation. This presentation focuses on several new developments that advance the instrument’s capabilities. A smaller jig was designed and fabricated to securely hold the silicon chip used for single-molecule detection, improving both alignment and repeatability. A new stainless-steel Faraday cage was constructed to provide improved electrical shielding and reduce background noise. In addition, 3D-printed sample delivery interfaces were designed to integrate with commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) microfluidic components for prototyping of automatic sample transport. These updates move the ELIE instrument closer to a higher technology readiness level (TRL) by preparing it for autonomous operation and integration with electrophoresis-based molecular control. Future work will focus on testing these subsystems together to demonstrate a fully automated detection process and continue progress toward a flight-ready life-detection instrument. Ultimately, ELIE’s universal electronic sensing approach provides a path toward identifying biosignatures in environments where the chemistry of life may differ from that on Earth.

Faculty Advisor: 

Professor Christopher Carr

Frank Wei

Title:

NOx production in a nonpremixed rich relaxation lean combustor under infinitely fast mixing

Abstract:

We analyze NOx emissions levels within a nonpremixed, rich, relaxation, lean (NRRL) combustor using Cantera. The analysis assumes infinitely fast mixing and demonstrates the potential to achieve emissions levels comparable to or lower than conventional LPM architectures, provided sufficient residence times. The study reveals the importance of certain production and destruction pathways of key precursor species that result in NO formation.

Faculty Advisor:

Professor Tim Lieuwen