Integrated Distributed Electric Augmented Lift (IDEAL) applies upper surface blowing in a novel way to achieve electric short take-off and landing to meet the growing need for urban air transportation. Additional research on propulsion airframe interaction (PAI) with trailing edge flaps at low Reynolds numbers was necessary to advance the...
The intention of this undergraduate research project was to design and build a fully functional high-vacuum chamber testing environment for use in the development of ion propulsion engines. This project was conducted in an effort to aid ongoing projects between the Deep Space Propulsion Group (DSPG) at Oregon State University...
In the event of a mid-flight flameout of a gas turbine engine, reignition is paramount to occupant safety. Ignition at high altitude can be challenging, due in part to the potentially lower ambient pressures. An understanding of the effects of sub-atmospheric pressures on the temperature evolution of spark kernels is...
The current knowledge on the microstructural evolutions and mechanical properties of selective laser melting (SLM) produced H13 tool steel components is limited. This research is focused on optimization of SLM processing parameters for H13 tool steel and investigation of microstructure and mechanical properties of H13 tool steel components after SLM...
The unsustainable use of fresh water sources and unavailability of fresh water in certain parts of the world have created a demand for water desalination systems. Desalination methods are effective at producing consumable water, but often require large scale setups, high energy consumption, and careful maintenance. A team of students...
In anatomical education, clinicians, surgeons, and anatomists support the use of human cadavers over digital or artificial alternatives. Cadaver use raises the challenge of preventing tissue dehydration. The OSU cadaver labs attempt to maintain hydration by re-covering the exposed tissues with original skin, layers of plastic wrap, and/or towels and...
Spot fires caused by lofted embers (i.e., firebrands) can be a significant factor in the spread of wildland fires. Embers can be especially dangerous near the wildland-urban interface (WUI) because of the potential for the fire to be spread near or on structures. Many studies have investigated the transport of...
Currently, little work has been performed studying energy consumption in hop kilning. This thesis explores drying with an alternative drying schedule that extends the initially elevated drying temperature currently used by growers and examines its impact on drying time and energy use. Extending the time of the initially elevated drying...
To investigate the melting stage of indirect freeze desalination three numerical models were developed. A zeroth, first, and second order analyses modeled the melting of ice around the outside of a pipe as a function of time. The zeroth order analysis assumes the system to be steady state. The first...
Studying honey bee behavior is a very important aspect of horticulture, especially in recent years as honey bee colonies face population decline, or colony collapse. While studying honey bees, researchers often keep honey bees in captivity, where it can be challenging to meet nutritional and hydration requirements using existing liquid...
An experimental setup has been partially developed to investigate the impact of an actively controlled trailing edge component upon the energy harvesting performance of an oscillating airfoil in a pitching and heaving regime. While previous and current efforts have and continue to
function to characterize the performance of such a...
The intent of this thesis is to develop three creative non-fiction essays exploring the experience of being an undergraduate woman in a STEM field. The essays will all take on variations in form, humor, and perspectives. The purpose is to explore the position of women in STEM and the different...
Between Oregon State University and DHBW Ravensberg, Global Formula Racing produces two Formula style vehicles every year for competition. This thesis has served as a pre-development project in the ergonomics and driver interface of the team's vehicles. This project will determine the position of the seat back, steering wheel, and...
Turbulent flows with suspended, non-spherical particles are common in many natural and industrial processes. To identify the effects of anisotropic geometry on particle dynamics, a one-way coupled Lagrangian direct numerical simulation solver was written, verified, and used to collect data on particles simulated in multiple flows. This thesis explains the...
Smoldering combustion in wildland fires is a critical phenomenon that needs in-depth study because it can initiate with weaker ignition sources, can persist for long periods, is difficult to suppress, and can transit to flaming combustion. Cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin are the major organic constituents within biomass, in varying proportions...
The forebody wake effect (FWE) is important to consider when designing parachute systems because it can affect parachute performance. Parachutes work by altering the aerodynamic properties of an attached forebody to control a descent. The FWE can reduce parachute drag, causing the system to descend faster than desired. This drag...
Legged robots, while advancing quickly, have far to go before they can recover from major disturbances safely and consistently. Reflected inertia, which affects how quickly the actuators can physically respond to an environmental disturbance, and delay, which describes the time necessary for the controller to sense, re-plan, and respond to...
Marching band activities consist of both physically and cognitively demanding tasks. The demands that this activity has on players has largely been unstudied. The goal of this study was to investigate the effects of players’ experience level, role, and gender on the workload of marching band players via a field...