Research

Additive Manufacturing

Adaptable Structures

In-Space Manufacturing

Inflatable and Origami Structure

Space Debris Removal

Additive Manufacturing

AM Method for MXene Integration for Electromagnetic Interference Shielding

To develop a safer, scalable synthesis process for titanium carbide MXenes and demonstrate integration of MXenes into AM systems for advanced EMI shielding aerospace materials.

Researcher(s): Madison Hardiman

SEM images of titanium carbide MXene powder

Adaptable Structures

Adapted Leading Edge Enabled by Pneumatic Artificial Muscle Actuators

Develop a compact, lightweight morphing leading-edge fairing system capable of dynamically modulating surface geometry to actively control junction-flow structures around the wing–body interface.

Researcher(s): Aliya Zhagiparova

Fairing attached to wing with the PAM actuator inside (left) side view and (right) front view

Smoke visualization at 10 m/s for α = 15◦, baseline (0 Hz)

Smoke visualization at 10 m/s for α = 15◦, actuation at 10 Hz

Heatmap at 10 m/s for α = 15◦, between baseline (0 Hz) and actuation at 10 Hz

In-Space Manufacturing

Simulated Microgravity Using a Random Positioning Machine for In-Space Additive Manufacturing

This project focuses on developing a dual-axis Random Positioning Machine (RPM) to simulate microgravity conditions for in-space manufacturing (ISM) research.

Researcher(s): Miles Lettinga

Simulation of mean acceleration at the center of RPM

Model of final design concept

Inflatable and Origami Structures

Project Oracle

Project Oracle works to find and analyze general algorithms which are able to solve angle relationships within complex thick-panel origami structures without relying on oversimplification or pattern-specific solutions. The project has already found two Laws of Thick Origami which can solve single-cell structures, and is currently working on expanding to much larger and more intensive origami patterns.

Researcher(s): Jackson Schuler

Angular Rotation of origami patterns with 6 degrees of freedom

Project Vulcan

Current hinges often utilize multi-part designs which require lubrication and introduce many failure points, while also being bulky and limiting full range of motion. By swapping out metal or plastic hinge assemblies for composite single-part structures, Project Vulcan increases range of motion, operating loads and environments, while decreasing mass and failure points for articulating structures.

Researcher(s): Jackson Schuler, Josh Shuster

Origami panels in the folded and unfolded orientation

Space Debris Removal

RIDDANCE: Removal of Irregular Debris using Double Assisted Nets with Controlled Enhancement

To design and develop a compact, latch-based dual-net deployment mechanism for active space debris removal.

Researcher(s): Sahasra Boyapati, Chester See Yue Zhe

Net Capture Simulation

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