The primary objective of this research project is to improve the efficiency of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling by integrating deep learning and optimizing computational expenses through enhanced shock detection and shock capture methods. These enhancements will advance CFD’s diagnostic and design capabilities in research and commercial use. These objectives motivate the focus of this project, which involves the development of both a modified convolution-based and a multigrid-based shock detector technique utilizing a hierarchy of grids with varying levels of fidelity. These detectors will be implemented into the Air Force Research Laboratory’s high-fidelity flow solver FDL3DI. The final task in this project will be extending both detectors into a multilayer perceptron (MLP) algorithm to differentiate between shockwave and turbulence conditions in 3D space.
Preliminary research in pursuit of this project has been centered on developing a strided convolution-based shock detection system. This endeavor involved creating and evaluating this system using the high-fidelity flow solver FDL3DI, made available by the Air Force Research Laboratory. To assess the effectiveness of the shock detection system, a straightforward test case, the 3D Explosion test, was selected. In this scenario, a spherical diaphragm separates a high-pressure, high-density region from a lower-pressure, lower-density region. At time zero, the diaphragm ruptures, causing an expanding shock wave to propagate in all directions. The Density Gradient Magnitude indicates the region that should be identified as a shock sometime after the diaphragm’s rupture. The strided convolution shock detector exhibits a more precise detection of the relevant shock, delineating a narrower flagged region, whereas the compressibility shock detector identifies a broader area extending beyond the critical shock point. Since shock regions necessitate reduced-order shock-capturing techniques to mitigate oscillations, these regions lose their high-order characteristics compared to non-flagged areas. The extended shock region identified by the compressibility shock detector implies that regions where reduced-order shock capturing is unnecessary will still undergo calculation using these techniques.
Drone swarms have shown to be useful for multiple applications including search and rescue missions, environmental monitoring, and entertainment purposes. The objective of this work is to develop control algorithms, set up localization and communication systems, and writing code to enable to flight of many quadrotor drones at once. Over the summer, we set up a communication bridge between MATLAB and the Python swarming platform. This allows us to perform calculations and generate Bernstein polynomial trajectories in MATLAB and send those to the drones through ROS. We are currently expanding to new lab with a much larger flight space. With this new space, we plan to increase our swarm size to over 200 drones and potentially more in the future.
The field of gaseous materials has many far reaching and impactful applications. The ability to deliver gas to a specific area within the body has been shown to have therapeutic properties and can be beneficial for wound healing, improving cancer treatments, and decreasing inflammation. Many current methods for gas entrapment and delivery are inefficient and difficult to administer. Under the supervision of Dr. James Byrne at the University of Iowa, we are working to fabricate a solid, biodegradable implant that has the capability of high-volume gas release. Our goal is to develop a matrix conducive to delivering a variety of gasses in vivo and be able to control the dissolution of the matrix to optimize timing of gas delivery. We are working to evaluate the potential of different biomaterials that form amorphous crystalline arrangements and to alter the properties of the material to control the timing of its dissolution within the body. These innovative devices can be used to store drugs, oxygen, and any other desired material to be delivered to biological systems. They could be extremely useful in expanding the capabilities of human spaceflight exploration and the survival of living systems in space. These devices have the potential to benefit and prolong life on earth as well as enhance and enable future space exploration.
Medical imaging serves a crucial role in establishing diagnosis, determining severity, monitoring progression, and uncovering the pathophysiology associated with many diseases. This research, led by Dr. Sean Fain, explores novel applications of hyperpolarized (HP) 129Xe magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in populations including those suffering from Long Covid, cystic fibrosis, interstitial lung disease, and radiation-induced pulmonary changes associated with radiation therapy. This technique differs from standard imaging practices today while measuring lung function more directly than conventional pulmonary tests delivering quantitative measures of ventilation, perfusion, and gas exchange of the lungs. After more research, these novel biomarkers could possibly guide adjustments to treatment and deployment of potential therapies to improve outcomes.
While experiencing zero gravity in space, astronauts without proper exercise will begin to develop muscle atrophy which can limit their ability to return to Earth safely. To combat this problem, researchers have suggest the use of centripetal force to mimic the gravitation force on Earth. However, this also comes with a host of problems both financially and physically. MISSFIT’s Artificial Gravity group works towards a new model of artificial gravity that will be both affordable to build, practical for space travel, and avoid negative health effects. The model prototype is currently being worked on right now, with much progress towards a finished prototype being made over the past few months.
Stellar merger remnants are most often obscured by opaque clouds of gas and dust. TYC 2597-735-1 presents a rare opportunity to observe the post-merger remnant and its surroundings in the near-infrared in order to better understand the impacts stellar mergers have on their systems.
This research project concentrates on the design, development, and evaluation of a bio-ionic platform that facilitates physiological studies through continuous and real-time monitoring of cellular ionic activities. This platform functions at the interface of biological cells and interacts with the cells’ bioenvironment, enabling the monitoring of various biological attributes such as metabolism, growth, stress response, damage repair, physiology, and development, as these attributes are reflected in the cells’ ionic activities. The outcome of the research will serve as the foundation for a larger project, wherein we aim to gain a comprehensive understanding of how space environment and gravity impact cellular functions.
As the aviation industry continues to push forward with greener and more efficient travel, new design concepts are needed to reach the next level of aircraft aerodynamic efficiency. This research aims to conduct external flow analyses for conceptual aircraft over the complete flight envelope of modeled aircraft through CFD methods and wind tunnel testing. The first phase of the research will focus on the applicability of the turbulence models for benchmarked cases of airfoils for which experimental results are already available. Following data validation, the second phase will involve applying the same computational models to a scaled conceptual aircraft configuration to explore improved aerodynamic efficiency, drag reduction, and opportunities for greener propulsion. A scaled version of the aircraft configuration will be 3D printed and subsequently tested using a wind tunnel. The experimental results will be compared to current aircraft to validate advances in the aerodynamic efficiency of the conceptual models.
Homologous recombination is a DNA repair technique in which nucleoprotein RAD51 facilitates strand exchange between the broken double-stranded DNA and a homologous strand. RAD51, with assistance from mediators, forms nucleoprotein filaments on single-stranded DNA overhangs produced after a double-stranded break. Mutations in the RAD51 interface can have negative effects on the stability of the nucleoprotein filament. Using FRET and mass photometry this study examines the effect of a mutation in the F86E residue on essential RAD51 functions.