September Additional Blog Post

     This month, I have not done too much outside work revolving around my senior topic. However, I have been extensively looking into an in-development aircraft. It is known as "Synergy" and is being designed to provide a stable aircraft, comparable to a limousine of the sky, that can achieve high speeds and great fuel efficiency. It is fast and comfortable and combines many aerodynamic and other drag-reduce proven technologies to provide substantial fuel-economy.

(Synergy Aircraft)

     One of the main features this aircraft's design implements is a high span efficiency. Span efficiency is basically the distance a wing can travel vertically, before dropping horizontally. It also pertains to the aircraft's aspect ratio, which is the wingspan(b) and area of wings(s) (b^2/s). By making the wings non planar(box shape on the wings) it helps increase the span efficiency, which ultimately allows the plane to go much further and efficiently for the same wingspan as normal craft, while also being capable of higher speeds.

(Non planar wings shown above)

I plan to continue to research this aircraft as it gets further along in development and research. Currently, it has created a kickstarter program to raise funds to get it up in the air and create more prototypes. The ultimate end goal of this project is similar to my current proposed essential question,( What is the best way to alter the basic design of an aircraft to improve fuel-efficiency?) because they are altering the basic structure to increase the efficiency and provide comfort. 

 

Blog 6 - Second Interview Preparation

1. Who is your mentor and where do they work?

     Frank Pina at the NASA Aero Institute in Palmdale has told me I can revisit the facility for mentorship whenever he is available, however I am going to continue to look for a more convenient and closer mentorship.

2. What five questions will you ask them about their background?

• Where did you attend college? Did you pursue an aerospace degree higher than the minimum 4 year bachelor-program? 
• What is your official position at your workplace, and how did you come about the job offer?
• What kind of internships and aerospace work did you complete before your current position?
• What led your decision to choose aerospace engineering over the many other specialties in engineering? 
• What has this company done for the aerospace engineering industry? Has it left a large impact on the industry? What is it known for?

Blog 5 - Mentorship Reflection

1. Mentorship question: Describe your experience in how you found your mentorship? If you haven't found one yet, describe your experience so far in the search of a mentor.

     Well, I have basically found a mentor, but am still going to continue searching for one. I have not logged any hours outside of summer, however, so I have been searching. My experience in looking for one has kind of been awkward. One JPL engineer I had called and emailed talked to me up to the point where he wanted my academic resume, I sent it and never heard from him again. This kind of thing has happened a few times and is kind of frustrating, but understandable. My mom has been a big help in this because she has made so many contacts over the years. Her friend's have put me into contact with the NASA site I did my summer mentorship at and have given me a few leads as of late.

2. Research question: What has been your most important article you have read so far and why?

I think the most important article I read so far was one titled "Atmospheric Flight" straight from the NASA website. This article basically introduced me to the basics of airplane and airplane design. It gave me the information I needed to root my essential question in fuel conservation because it introduced me to the concepts of drag, and how it effects an aircraft. My core understanding of lift and how wings make planes flyable also came mostly from reading this article all the way through. Ultimately, it just gave the basic information I needed to understand aerospace engineering a little deeper.