| Type of Document |
Master's Thesis |
| Author |
Morrow, Michael Thomas
|
| URN |
etd-07262005-085830 |
| Title |
A Self-Sustaining, Boundary-Layer-Adapted System for Terrain Exploration and Environmental Sampling |
| Degree |
Master of Science |
| Department |
Aerospace and Ocean Engineering |
| Advisory Committee |
| Advisor Name |
Title |
| Woolsey, Craig A. |
Committee Chair |
| Mason, William H. |
Committee Member |
| Schaub, Hanspeter |
Committee Member |
|
| Keywords |
- boundary layer
- internal actuation
- inboard wing
- Titan
- terrain exploration
- buoyancy-driven gliding
|
| Date of Defense |
2005-06-10 |
| Availability |
unrestricted |
Abstract
This thesis describes the preliminary design of a system for remote terrain exploration and environmental sampling on worlds with dense atmospheres. The motivation for the system is to provide a platform for long-term scientific studies of these celestial bodies. The proposed system consists of three main components: a buoyancy-driven glider, designed to operate at low altitude; a tethered energy harvester, extracting wind energy at high altitudes; and a base station to recharge the gliders. This system is self-sustaining, extracting energy from the planetary boundary layer.
A nine degree of freedom vehicle dynamic model has been developed for the buoyancydriven glider. This model was used to illustrate anecdotal evidence of the stability and controllability of the system. A representative system was simulated to examine the energy harvesting concept.
|
| Files |
| Filename |
Size |
Approximate Download Time
(Hours:Minutes:Seconds)
|
| 28.8 Modem |
56K Modem |
ISDN (64 Kb) |
ISDN (128 Kb) |
Higher-speed Access |
| |
Abstract.txt |
0.99 Kb |
< 00:00:01 |
< 00:00:01 |
< 00:00:01 |
< 00:00:01 |
< 00:00:01 |
| |
Figure8-Figure11.2005.08.09.txt |
3.73 Kb |
00:00:01 |
< 00:00:01 |
< 00:00:01 |
< 00:00:01 |
< 00:00:01 |
| |
Figures9-10.txt |
1.88 Kb |
< 00:00:01 |
< 00:00:01 |
< 00:00:01 |
< 00:00:01 |
< 00:00:01 |
| |
Thesis.pdf |
3.03 Mb |
00:14:01 |
00:07:13 |
00:06:18 |
00:03:09 |
00:00:16 |
|
