ECE Graduate Seminar 4/2/2020
Old Dominion University
College of Engineering and Technology
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
All lectures to be held at 3:00pm on Fridays online at https://vs.prod.odu.edu/kvs/interface_reach/?cid=201920_ECEGraduateSeminarVS_96453
For more information, contact Dr. Dimitrie Popescu at (757) 683-5414 or e-mail dpopescu@odu.edu.
Friday, April 2, 2020 Seminar Topic:
SPACE SYSTEMS ENGINEERING RESEARCH FOCUS by Dr. Sharan Asundi, Ph.D., Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Old Dominion University
Abstract: The advent of containerized satellites, particularly pico/nano/micro-satellites (PNMSats) has ignited a new flame in the hearts of space enthusiasts across the world. However, their almost ad hoc emergence is raising concerns among the more responsible fraternity. This talk reviews efforts of the presenter to identify and address some of these concerns, including space debris mitigation and deployable PNMSats, among others. Due to the relative ease of designing, low-cost of development and the availability of commercial-off-the-shelf systems, a large number of PNMSats are being launched every year. This trend has raised alarming concerns with regards to the creation of space debris. The presenter is working on solutions to limit space debris and equip PNMSats with autonomous drag enhancing systems for their rapid re-entry, post mission completion. In particular, these systems are being designed/developed (Figure 1) – (i) multifunctional Drag Enhancement and Measurement System - mDEMS and (ii) Ultra-thin Wires Drag Enhancement System – UWDES. The presenter is also working on identifying and addressing technical anomalies due to the compact packaging of actuators, sensors, and instrumentation in containerized PNMSats. In particular, magnetic mapping of PNMSats in a Helmholtz Coil Cage is being researched to address adverse effects of magnetic activity on the placement of sensors and magnetically sensitive instrumentation. Apart from these, the presenter has design, developed/prototyped systems for PNMSats, including a reaction wheel system, and a dual-band spectrometer. Last but not the least, the presenter has developed a novel brainstorming methodology to teach a course in Satellite Design, which has been critical in identifying and addressing limitations of PNMSats.
Bio: Sharan Asundi, a native of INDIA, is a Ph.D. from University of Florida working as an Assistant Professor of Space Systems Engineering in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Old Dominion University (ODU). Currently, he is engaged in several teaching and research activities, largely focused on furthering the Space Systems Engineering Program at ODU. He has engaged in research collaboration with NASA Goddard as a Science Collaborator and has been awarded grants by the U.S. Air Force, National Science Foundation, U.S. Department of Agriculture to research Magnetic Mapping of Pico/Nano/Micro-Satellites and study the impact of magnetic field exposure on plant germination, growth. He is actively engaged in collaboration with academic institutions in India. As part of invited visits, Dr. Asundi has conducted several short courses and workshops in Systems Engineering Based Design of PNMSats.
Posted By: Lori Barrett
Date: Tue Mar 31 18:20:51 EDT 2020