This thesis research examines the fuel optimal trajectories for a spacecraft going to Mars and returning to Earth. Challenges encountered include the defining of equations of motion and optimality conditions, formulation ...

This dissertation introduces a new multiscale stochastic finite element method (MSFEM) for determining the mechanical properties of polymer nanocomposites (PNC) consisting of polymers reinforced with single-wall carbon ...

In an effort to improve the safety and road-holding capabilities of vehicles, manufacturers have begun a trend toward increasing vehicle body roll resistance by introducing stiffer roll-stabilizer bars. In this study vehicle ...

Spacecraft equipped with a Reaction Control System (RCS) for attitude control typically utilize a "bang-off-bang" control algorithm for rotational maneuvers. This type of algorithm, which commands two distinct control ...

General problems of interest in computational fluid dynamics are investigated by means of optimization. Specifically, in the first part of the dissertation, a method of optimal incremental function approximation is developed ...

Although chemical rocket propulsion is widely used in space transportation, large amounts of propellant mass limit designs for spacecraft missions to Mars. Electrical propulsion, which requires a smaller propellant load, ...

Methods of dynamic analysis of large structural systems used in aerospace applications are examined. Full-system solutions are undesirable due to computational cost and logistics issues. Traditional substructuring methods ...

Beside our arms, it is our hands that help us to perform tasks. At first glance, we seems to move our arms and use our hands naturally. On closer inspection, however, we find that both our arms and hands are redundant ...

In the present investigation, single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT or SWNT) reinforced titanium (Ti) matrix composites have been produced by powder metallurgy (PM) and induction heating methods. It has been found that a ...

A non equilibrium molecular dynamics simulation was used to calculate thermal conductivity of a single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT). Effective thermal conductivity was calculated for the same SWNT surrounded by nitrogen ...