AE Brown Bag Seminar
Friday, April 10
11:00 a.m. - 1:20 p.m.
Guggenheim 442
Sebastian Correcha
Frank George
Neathan Aresh
Jolie Chen
Corey Lindemann
Mohammed Maaz Dossa
Alexander Swift
Sebastian Correcha
Title:
An Overview of System Modeling Language and its Applications on Different Space Systems
Abstract:
System modeling is an incredibly useful tool when planning and breaking down complex systems that are being analyzed. In this seminar, we will cover the basics of the System Modeling Language (SysML), as well as cover some applications of the language for various different types of space systems. Beginning with block parametrics, this presentation will go over the different types of modelling diagrams and how to validate them, covering block definition, parametric, requirement definition, and state machine diagrams. Then, the presentation will cover the language’s uses when modeling the SLS spacecraft from the Artemis program as well as SpaceX’s Starship program.
Faculty Advisor:
Prof. Dimitri Mavris
Frank George
Title:
Analysis of Double Keeper Hollow Cathode Operation and Design in Electric Propulsion
Abstract:
Hollow cathodes are the primary electron emitters in electric propulsion systems, providing the electrons necessary for propellant ionization and plume neutralization in Hall thrusters and ion engines. The double keeper architecture introduces a secondary keeper electrode that can improve plasma stability, better control electron emission, and increase ignition reliability relative to conventional single keeper designs. This presentation focuses on understanding the operating principles of double keeper cathodes, evaluating their advantages in efficiency and lifetime, and exploring different geometric and electrical configurations. The goal is to identify design approaches that enable reliable, stable cathode operation for future electric propulsion applications.
Faculty Advisor:
Prof. Mitchell J. Walker
Neathan Aresh
Title:
Numerical Analysis of Different Baffle Shapes for Slosh Mitigation in Cylindrical Propellant Tanks
Abstract:
Liquid slosh in partially filled propellant tanks can generate destabilizing forces that affect vehicle performance and control. Internal baffles are commonly used to reduce this motion, but their effectiveness depends strongly on geometry. This seminar presents a numerical comparison of different baffle shapes in a cylindrical tank using computational fluid dynamics simulations. The study evaluates how each geometry influences free-surface motion, damping behavior, and overall slosh mitigation under prescribed excitation conditions. The results identify trends in baffle performance and provide insight into how internal tank design can be used to improve fluid stability in aerospace applications.
Faculty Advisor:
Prof. Álvaro Romero-Calvo
Jolie Chen
Title:
Markov Decision Process Congestion Games for Hex-grid Air Traffic Optimization
Abstract:
Near terminals, flight paths must be planned to minimize congestion and maintain separation criteria. However, weather and delays can cause flights to deviate from planned trajectories, resulting in conflicts, which must be handled by air traffic control operators. To reduce the number of occurrences of these high-stress situations, a Markov Decision Process congestion game is introduced. Iterative best response is used to minimize each player’s congestion and trajectory deviation until the Nash equilibrium for the game is reached. Results of the best response algorithm show an overall decrease in congestion and conflicts for stochastic transitions with small differences in arrival times.
Faculty Advisor:
Prof. Sarah H.Q. Li
Corey Lindemann
Title:
Investigation of Longitudinal Acoustic Effects on Scaled Can Combustor
Abstract:
Pressure oscillations at certain frequencies can deeply impact flame stability, in turn impacting pressure and creating a self-feeding cycle. This process can lead to a variety of undesirable combustion phenomena, an increase in mechanical wear, and emissions levels. In this work done at the Ben T. Zinn Combustion Laboratory, acoustic instabilities are analyzed during mode switching events induced by varying the exhaust branch length of the rig. The resulting pressure trace data acquired during testing is now being analyzed using sparse identification of nonlinear dynamics (SINDy) to uncover governing dynamical equations of the mode switching process.
Faculty Advisor:
Prof. Tim Lieuwen
Mohammed Maaz Dossa
Title:
TBD
Abstract:
TBD
Faculty Advisor:
TBD
Alexander Swift
Title:
Modeling the Georgia Tech Microgrid with MBSE and SysML
Abstract:
Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) provides a framework for describing the requirements and structures of complex systems. This project applies MBSE principles to model the Georgia Tech Microgrid, a small back-up power system designed to maintain power for the Georgia Tech High Performance Computing Center in the event of a power outage. The MagicDraw and the MagicGrid framework were used to develop a SysML model that characterized the requirements and structural hierarchies of the Microgrid’s power generation at the system, subsystem, and component levels. The resulting model improves accessibility and understanding of the Microgrid's design, while establishing a foundation for future behavioral and parametric analysis.
Faculty Advisor:
Research Engineer Selcuk Cimtalay