Related papers: CFD-Driven Optimization of Dual-Throat Micro-Nozzl…
The performance of convergent and divergent nozzles is critical in aerospace propulsion systems, where the efficient expansion of high-temperature, high-pressure gases directly impacts thrust generation. In this study, we investigate a…
Today\'s world of space\'s primary concern is the uncontrolled growth of space debris and its probability of collision with spacecraft, particularly in the low earth orbit (LEO) regions. This paper is aimed to design an optimized…
The optimal design seeks the best possible solution(s) for a mechanical structure, device, or system, satisfying a series of requirements and leading to the best performance. In this work, optimized nozzle shapes have been designed for a…
Converging diverging micro nozzle is fundamentally intended for flow acceleration through the generation of kinetic energy for the advanced micro-propulsion systems. Such supersonic micro nozzles have significant applications in the…
Micro aerial vehicles are making a large impact in applications such as search-and-rescue, package delivery, and recreation. Unfortunately, these diminutive drones are currently constrained to carrying small payloads, in large part because…
This study introduces a new approach to optimize the geometrical parameters of pipe diffusers in centrifugal compressors for Micro Gas Turbines, tailored for a 100 kW unit. The methodology draws insights from optimized airfoil-type…
This paper presents a conjugate flow-thermal analysis of a rocket nozzle protected by a charring ablative thermal protection system (TPS). The study employs a coupled approach, integrating a CFD solver with an in-house transient material…
Underexpanded jets are present in various engineering applications; in recent years, they have gained special attention because of the development of gas-fueled propulsion systems. In these apparatuses, the direct injection of fuels such as…
It has been widely accepted that nozzle exit over-pressure is responsible for thrust augmentation in starting jets over steady jets and a few pulsed jet propulsion systems have been developed based on this finding. However, no other study…
Astrophysical jets are often observed as bent or curved structures. We also know that the different jet sources may be binary in nature, which may lead to a regular, periodic motion of the jet nozzle, an orbital motion or precession. Here,…
Sloshing Platform for In-Orbit Controller Experimentation is an ambitious, student run mission to design and fly a cubesat to study fluid sloshing in spacecraft. The project will examine zero-g propellant sloshing from an experimental…
We report here on initial studies of a pulsed hydromagnetic plasma gun that can operate in either a pre-filled or a gas-puff mode on demand. These modes enable agile and responsive performance through tunable thrust and specific impulse.…
Despite the importance of pulsed jets for underwater propulsion, the effect of multiple-jet interactions remains poorly understood. We experimentally investigate how interactions between neighboring jets in a pulsed-jet thruster affect the…
Pocket-sized autonomous nano-drones can revolutionize many robotic use cases, such as visual inspection in narrow, constrained spaces, and ensure safer human-robot interaction due to their tiny form factor and weight -- i.e., tens of grams.…
A special surface discharge is proposed based on the multi-anode electrode geometry. Instead of the traditional surface flashover of creepage on the insulator surface between the electrodes, a surface discharge with one of the electrodes…
Electroaerodynamic propulsion, where force is produced through collisions between electrostatically accelerated ions and neutral air molecules, is an attractive alternative to propeller- and flapping wing-based methods for micro air vehicle…
This study employs large-eddy simulations with a flamelet progress variable approach to systematically quantify the influence of nozzle geometry on combustion efficiency, mixing, and blowout resistance in non-assist methane flares. Five…
Recent advancements in the development of Applied-Field Magnetoplasmadynamic thrusters (AF-MPDTs) present themselves to be an increasingly promising propulsion technology for deep space exploration missions. Various entities, ranging from…
Challenging space missions include those at very low altitudes, where the atmosphere is source of aerodynamic drag on the spacecraft. To extend the lifetime of such missions, an efficient propulsion system is required. One solution is…
Solid-fuel ramjets offer a compact, energy-dense propulsion option for long-range, high-speed flight but pose significant challenges for thrust regulation due to strong nonlinearities, limited actuation authority, and complex multi-physics…