Aero Project 2: Hydrogen Fuel Cell Research for Aircraft Propulsion Electrification

Faculty Mentor: Prof. Gökçin Çınar

Project Description:
This project explores the use of hydrogen fuel cells as a clean energy source for aircraft propulsion electrification. The student will engage in cutting-edge research to understand and develop hydrogen fuel cell systems suitable for aviation applications. This includes studying the integration of fuel cells into aircraft propulsion systems, analyzing their performance, and assessing their environmental impact. The project offers an opportunity to contribute to the transition towards zero-emission aviation. Additionally, the student will support administrative activities in the IDEAS Lab, including procurement and website updates, and play a role in disseminating research findings through online articles. The student will have the chance to interact with the IDEAS Lab team throughout the summer.
In-person work is preferred but remote or hybrid modes are also an option for strong candidates.

Aero Project 3: SmallSat Steward: Autonomous Online Learning and Planning for Safe Inspection of Cislunar Stations

Faculty mentor: Oliver Jia-Richards

Prerequisites: Familiarity with orbital mechanics (e.g., AEROSP 343) and time integration techniques (e.g., AEROSP 423) is useful, but not required.

Project description:
Future orbital outposts, like Lunar Gateway, will provide a stepping stone for human and robotic exploration of cislunar space and beyond. However, these stations will potentially be uncrewed for extended periods of time, and demand significant robotic autonomy to handle maintenance, interior payload management, and more. Operating in close proximity to such structures, on-orbit inspection and servicing small spacecraft offer a solution to external surveying and automated servicing and repair. Such tasks will require responsiveness to online system model changes including both payload manipulation tasks, like repair and repositioning, and robustness to failures (e.g. thruster failure) while performing surveying. This project will evaluate prior spacecraft missions that performed exterior inspection of other spacecraft and develop modeling approaches for typical thruster failure modes. The primary work will be cataloguing and modeling typical performance metrics and failure modes of prior thruster systems as well as integrating the models into a simulation of the inspection mission.

Research mode: In-person

Aero Project 4: Evaluating Latitudinal Dependency of Iodine Deposition in Earth’s Upper Atmosphere from Satellite Propulsion System Emissions

Faculty mentor: Oliver Jia-Richards

Prerequisites: Familiarity with orbital mechanics (e.g., AEROSP 343) and time integration techniques (e.g., AEROSP 423) is useful, but not required.

Project description: 
The desire for satellite mobility as well as operation in very-low-Earth orbits has increased the demand for commercially-viable electric propulsion systems beyond what may be sustainable with xenon, the traditional propellant for spacecraft electric propulsion. As a result, alternative propellants such as iodine are actively being explored as options to support future commercial space activities in low-Earth orbit. Prior terrestrial-based studies conclude that iodine has a relatively high ozone depletion efficacy compared to other ozone-depleting elements, but has relatively lower abundance and may not as easily reach the stratosphere from the Earth’s surface. Emission of iodine from a satellite propulsion system would represent a novel source of iodine deposition into the upper atmosphere, and could alter the resulting ozone depletion. This project will develop simulation tools in order to trace the path of iodine ions from their emission from a thruster to deposition into Earth’s atmosphere, specifically to evaluate any latitudinal dependencies of the deposition. The primary work will be modeling of the forces acting on the iodine particles as well as effects that may change the forces such as neutralization of the iodine atoms.

Research mode: in person

Aero Project 5: Analyzing the Impact of Launch Vehicle Noise Emissions

Faculty mentors: Gökçin Çınar and Oliver Jia-Richards 

Prerequisites: None

Project description:
As interest in the utilization of space for commercial operations grows, the frequency of launches from both current and future spaceports as well as size of launch vehicles is anticipated to increase. In the specific case of the SpaceX Starship launch from Boca Chica, TX, the FAA estimated that the peak noise level in the nearby city of Brownsville (24 km away from the spaceport) during a launch is approximately 100 dB, similar to an active construction site. For intermittent launches, such noise levels may be acceptable. However, if the frequency of launches continues to increase, such noise levels may have a sustained detrimental impact on the surrounding communities and ecosystems. The goal of this project is to understand how the increased frequency of space launches might impact communities and ecosystems nearby to spaceports. The primary work will be on cataloguing the expected noise levels and disruption frequency of rocket launches as well as the corresponding impact on surrounding communities and ecosystems. 

Research mode: In-person, hybrid, or remote

Aero Project 6: Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) Lab Facility Development

Faculty mentor: George Halow

Prerequisites: 

• Demonstrated experience with hardware builds and debugging software. 
• Strong English language writing skills. Prior experience (and high grade) in 288/388 a significant plus.

Project Description:  
Procurement, installation, and debugging of equipment to supplement the Aerospace Engineering MBSE Leadership Lab. Types of equipment will include high-end computing and processing machines for high-fidelity systems modeling, as well as verification hardware facilities and devices (e.g. optical scanners, PCB printer). May be more than one position – potentially including effort software and applications (Siemens Teamcenter tools, Cameo requirements tool, digital engineering dashboard) in addition to laboratory hardware. It is expected that the SURE student(s) will write clear and concise instructional manuals, for safe and efficient operation of all equipment staged (plus potentially others), as well as instructional guides for labs, and grading rubrics, and possibly some lecture material.

Research mode: In-person, in laboratory; some limited virtual work can be accommodated. Safety training will likely be required.

Aero Project 7: Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) Pedagogical Material Development

Faculty mentor: George Halow

Prerequisites: Prior experience (and high grade) in 288/388.

Project Description:
There are three projects going on at present around the role of 488 in the x88/Aerospace portfolio, the scaling of all x88 courses to ever larger audiences, several years into the future, and the deeper incorporation of leading-edge MBSE tools and processes into the curriculum.
This project will involve:

• Completion of unfinished work during the winter, 2024 semester
• Consolidating and linking the work of each project into an integrated and cohesive whole
• Creating and proving out teaching materials for delivery in fall, 2024

It is expected that the SURE student(s) will write clear and concise instructional manuals, for safe and efficient operation of all equipment staged (plus potentially others), as well as instructional guides for labs, and grading rubrics.

Research Mode: In-person, in laboratory; some limited virtual work can be accommodated. Safety training will likely be required.

Aero Project 8: Technologies for Small Satellite Missions

Faculty Mentor: James Cutler

Prerequisites: Hands-on project work: mechanical, electrical, and software.

Description: 
We are developing technologies for next-generation small satellite missions.  Our next mission, MC-10, will fly novel solar cell technology (organic photovoltaics) and a novel, low-noise magnetometer.  We are also collaborating to develop new thruster systems and interferometric cubesat constellations.    

Research Mode: onsite

Aero Project 9: Spacecraft Dynamics, Modeling and Control for Autonomous Operation in Cislunar Space

Faculty Mentor: Ilya Kolmanovsky

Prerequisites:

• Strong interest in spacecraft missions, dynamics and control.
• Knowledge of fundamentals of mechanics (kinematics and dynamics), ordinary differential equations (ODEs), and developing simulations based on ODE models.

Project Description:
This SURE research position is dedicated to advancing autonomous orbital transfer, station keeping, and proximity operations in cislunar space, specifically in orbits like Halo orbits positioned between the Earth and the Moon. The primary goal is to minimize fuel consumption, maximize operational life, and ensure the safety of operations. In this project, the SURE researcher could contribute to the development of first principle-based and data-driven models, implement simulations (e.g., in Matlab), analyze trajectory properties, design maneuvers, develop innovative maneuvering and control approaches, and assist in creating educational modules.

Aero Project 10: Multi-agent drone system development

Faculty Mentor: Alex Gorodetsky

Prerequisites:

• Advanced experience with python
• Experience building and setting up similar systems
• (Preferred) Experience with ROS

Project Description: 
This project is about building multi-agent drone systems that can execute tasks in a coordinated manner. The eventual aim is to develop a robust system of a swarm of drones that can coordinate and accomplish tasks using only cameras as the external sensor.  As part of this project students can be involved with (1) building and configuring small flying and driving drones; (2) developing software to enable the drones to communicate; (3) deploying the drones and showing how they communicate. Students will be involved in all aspects of this project and can gain both hardware and software experience.

Aero Project 11: Probabilistic Analysis of Space Propulsion Simulations

Faculty Mentor: Alex Gorodetsky

Prerequisites:

• Advanced experience with python
• Previous experience with probability and statistics

Project Description:
Work with NASA and the University of Michigan on data science and uncertainty quantification applied to simulations of advanced space propulsion Hall-effect plasma thrusters inside a space simulation vacuum chamber. Help NASA develop new advanced rocket engines for deep space exploration missions to Moon, Mars, and beyond. In this project, the student will be performing Monte Carlo Simulation to aid in the analysis of existing models of a Hall Effect Thruster / facility system. This analysis will be used to provide

probabilistic predictions for how the thruster will operate in space. The student will also perform Bayesian inference to calibrate the model to ensure its fit to available experimental data. Machine-learning surrogate models may be developed in cases where the model becomes too expensive for use within Monte Carlo analysis.

Aero Project 12: Aerodynamic Shape Optimization

Faculty Mentor:  Joaquim R.R.A. Martins

Project Description: 
Dive into cutting-edge aerodynamic design through our undergraduate research opportunity focused on shape optimization for minimum drag. You will learn to use powerful tools for aerodynamic shape optimization and apply them to a design problem of your choice, such an aircraft wing, propeller, rotor, hydrofoil, wind turbine, or car spoiler. Collaborate with a team of passionate MDO Lab researchers to pave the way for next-generation aerodynamic design.

Aero Project 13: Design Optimization of Hydrogen-powered Aircraft

Faculty Mentor: Joaquim R.R.A. Martins

Project Description: 
Hydrogen-powered aircraft have the potential to significantly reduce the environmental impact of air travel, enabling sustainable aviation. In this undergraduate research opportunity, you will dive into the conceptual design of aircraft that harness the power of hydrogen propulsion and other novel propulsion architectures. Engage in innovative analysis and design, exploring how these advanced technologies can be integrated into efficient aircraft. Join the MDO Lab in pioneering next-generation sustainable air transportation.

Aero Project 14: Using Shear-Extension Coupling of Carbon Fibers for Shear Strain Measurements using Fiber Optical Systems

Faculty Mentor: Carlos Cesnik

Prerequisites: Knowledge of structural mechanics (e.g., AEROSP 215/315) and laboratory methods (e.g., AEROSP 305) is desirable

Project Description:
Monitoring the strain field in flying structures can provide useful information for many applications (e.g., monitoring of loads, displacements, vibration modes, etc.). The availability of high-density strain-sensing fiber optic fibers has the potential to uncover a detailed map of the strain field. However, the fiber optic sensor can only measure strain along the fiber direction (axial strain). To characterize the strain field, we also need the shear strain component. The goal of this task is to take advantage of the shear-extension coupling on composite laminate and combine with the high-density strain-sensing fiber optic fibers to create a sensor capable of recovering the local shear strain. The student will be involved in the composite substrate design, autoclave manufacturing, and testing of the new sensor in slender metallic structures typically used as spars for our Wind Tunnel models. The student is expected to document their work in a timely and efficient manner and will be provided with helpful mentorship and guidance throughout the semester.

Research Mode: In-person, in laboratory; some limited virtual work can be accommodated. Safety training will likely be required.

Aero Project 15: Aero Project: Flight Simulation and Visualization of Very Flexible Aircraft

Faculty mentor: Prof. Carlos Cesnik

Prerequisites: 

• The ideal candidate will have a passion for flying and flight simulation.
• Interested in computational analysis and creative visualization techniques. The project builds towards flight simulation capabilities focused on very flexible aircraft.
• Advanced experience with Python, MATLAB and/or C++
• Junior or Senior standing is preferred

Project Description:
Computer simulation tools, particularly novel, research-based academic software, suffer from a lack of real-time visualization capabilities. This project will leverage an existing flight simulation tool developed at U-M’s A2SRL and link its output to a professional visualization environment (Unreal Engine 5, a video game development engine used to create realistic visuals). The student will build APIs to interact with the results of and visualize flight simulations to enable tracking the aircraft (and their dynamic deformations) during flight. The outcome will be full 3D deformable mesh(es) representing the aircraft as it undergoes flight and an automated postprocessing method to interact with the results of such flight simulations. The student is expected to document their work in a timely and efficient manner and will be provided with helpful mentorship and guidance throughout the semester.

Research Mode: In-person or hybrid.

Aero Project 16: Development of a table top electric thruster

Faculty mentor: Benjamin Jorns

Prerequisites:

• Hands-on project work in both mechanical and electrical engineering.
• Programming experience in MatLab and LabView.

Project Description:
The purpose of this project is to design and build a small-scale electric propulsion device that will be used to demonstrate the principles of operation of the next-generation space propulsion technologies developed at Plasmadynamics and Electric Propulsion Laboratory. The student will assist with design, fabrication, and implementation. Additional work will involve probe construction and GUI development for data visualization.
Research Mode: TBD

Aero Project 17: Next Generation Space Propulsion Testing

Faculty mentor: Benjamin Jorns

Prerequisites: Hands-on project work in both mechanical and electrical engineering. Programming experience in MatLab and LabView. 

Project Description: 
The purpose of this project is to assist the faculty mentor and his graduate students in a series of experimental campaigns planned over the summer. The goal is to perform performance and plasma measurements for several new electric thruster concepts under development at Plasmadynamics and Electric Propulsion Laboratory. Tasks may include probe construction, data analysis, or thruster development.