The presented dissertation aims to develop a graph-centric framework for the analysis and synthesis of networked dynamic systems (NDS) consisting of multiple dynamic units that interact via an interconnection topology. We examined three categories of network problems, namely, identification, controllability, and randomness. ...

Mochi.Labjet is a new experiment at the University of Washington developed to investigate the interaction of shear flows in plasma jets with boundary conditions similar to an accretion disc system. This thesis details the engineering design and first plasmas of the Mochi.Labjet experiment. The experiment required construction ...

Hydroxylammonium nitrate-based (HAN-based) monopropellant is being investigated as an alternative to hydrazine due to its lower inherit hazard of handling and higher energy density. It is hypothesized the light-off temperature and corresponding preheat power required for microthrusters using HAN-based monopropellants decrease ...

A Continuous Rotating Detonation Engine (CRDE) was tested with two unique features. First, the conventional pre-detonator was replaced by a novel detonation wave generator. This generator sequentially fired spark plugs at a speed near the acoustic speed of a reactant gas mixture thereby producing free radicals ready to partake ...

The baffled-tube ram accelerator is an innovation in hypervelocity launch technology that allows the acceleration of axisymmetric projectiles in the velocity range of 500 to 3000 meters per second. This device has the potential to double the thrust performance of the conventional smooth-bore ram accelerator while reducing its ...

Fluid-based plasma models are typically applied to parameter regimes where a local thermal equilibrium is assumed. The applicability of this regime is valid for many plasmas, however, it is limited to plasma dynamics dominated by collisional effects. This study attempts to extend the validity of the collisional fluid regime ...

The thesis presents the development of a new fully-integrated, MATLAB based simulation capability for aeroservoelastic (ASE) uncertainty analysis that accounts for uncertainties in all disciplines as well as discipline interactions. This new capability allows probabilistic studies of complex configuration at a scope and with ...

Laminated composites have exceptional in-plane strengths and fatigue properties. However, they are susceptible to the interlaminar mode of failure, namely disbond and delamination. This failure mode challenges the edges of structural interface, such as the skin-stringer flange and run-out, where interlaminar tension, shear, ...

Two air safety tools are developed in the context of the FAA’s NextGen program. The first tool addresses the alarming increase in the frequency of near-collisions between manned and unmanned aircraft by equipping a common hobby class UAV with an ADS-B transponder that broadcasts its position, speed, heading and unique ...

The performance of an Inductively Driven Liner Compression (IDLC) driver system for the Fusion Driven Rocket (FDR) application is optimized in this study by performing a parametric analysis of the IDLC driver configurations. The FDR is a novel concept developed by MSNW LLC, which directly converts fusion energy into propulsive ...