Skye Mceowen's Ph.D. Defense
Skye Mceowen's PhD Dissertation Defense
Trajectory Optimization Methods for Hypersonic Flight and Aerospace Vehicles, Committee
Behcet Acikmese (Chair), Mehran Mesbahi, Michael Szmuk, Lillian Ratliff, Eli Livne
Abstract
This dissertation develops trajectory optimization methodologies that improve convergence behavior and solution optimality in numerical optimal control. The central contribution is the use of dual variable information to reduce coupling between problem parameters and algorithmic hyperparameters within sequential convex programming (SCP). This decoupling is particularly important in highly sensitive optimal control problems, such as hypersonic flight, where small parameter variations can significantly impact convergence. We introduce a set of auto-tuning algorithms that adapt penalty weights using dual information, providing robustness to changes in problem formulation and parameterization. These methods are integrated with state-of-the-art SCP formulations and applied to a range of entry,…
Event interval: Single day event. Campus location: More Hall (MOR). Online Meeting Link: https://washington.zoom.us/j/95601127555. Campus room: 221. Accessibility Contact: aafrontdesk@uw.edu. Event Types: Academics.
Friday, April 24, 2026, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM.
A&A Distinguished Speaker Seminar with UC Irvine Professor and Chair Julian Rimoli
Discontinuous compression structures: From tensegrity planetary landers to failure-resistant metamaterials , Abstract
The term tensegrity, derived from tensional integrity, refers to a class of structural systems composed of bars and strings that achieve mechanical stability through pre-stressing of their string members. Conventional models of these structures assume rigid bars, linear elastic cables, and treat the Euler buckling load of any bar as a failure threshold. In practice, these assumptions break down under dynamic loading. In the first part of this talk, we introduce a physics-based reduced-order model for studying the dynamic and nonlinear response of tensegrity-based planetary landers. Using this model, we demonstrate that buckling of individual members does not necessarily imply structural failure; on the contrary, post-buckling behavior acts as a load-limiting mechanism that distributes forces evenly throughout the structure, dramatically increasing the amount of energy that can be stored…
Event interval: Single day event. Campus location: Student Union Building (HUB). Campus room: 334. Accessibility Contact: aafrontdesk@uw.edu. Event Types: Lectures/Seminars.
Monday, April 27, 2026, 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM.
A&A Distinguished Speaker Seminar with MIT Professor Chuchu Fan
Details coming.
Event interval: Single day event. Campus location: Student Union Building (HUB). Campus room: 145. Accessibility Contact: aafrontdesk@uw.edu. Event Types: Lectures/Seminars.
Monday, May 4, 2026, 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM.
A&A Faculty Meeting
Event interval: Single day event. Campus location: Guggenheim Hall (GUG). Campus room: 211D. Accessibility Contact: aafrontdesk@uw.edu. Event Types: Meetings.
Thursday, May 7, 2026, 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM.
A&A Distinguished Speaker Seminar with UC Berkeley Professor Lining Yao
Details coming.
Event interval: Single day event. Campus location: Student Union Building (HUB). Campus room: 334. Accessibility Contact: aafrontdesk@uw.edu. Event Types: Lectures/Seminars.
Monday, May 18, 2026, 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM.
Memorial Day Holiday
Event interval: Single day event. Accessibility Contact: aafrontdesk@uw.edu. Event Types: Academics.
Monday, May 25, 2026.
A&A's 🦈 SHARC Attack: SHowcase of Aerospace Research & Capstones
Join us for our annual celebration of our research and capstones! Graduate lightning pitches , Graduate and undergraduate poster sessions , Capstone hardware on display , Capstone Film Fest, <scribe-shadow data-crx="okfkdaglfjjjfefdcppliegebpoegaii" id="crxjs-ext" style="position: fixed; width: 0px; height: 0px; top: 0px; left: 0px; z-index: 2147483647; overflow: visible; visibility: visible;"></scribe-shadow>.
Event interval: Single day event. Campus location: Student Union Building (HUB). Campus room: Lyceum. Accessibility Contact: aafrontdesk@uw.edu. Event Types: Exhibits.
Tuesday, May 26, 2026, 4:30 AM – 7:00 PM.
A&A Faculty Meeting
Event interval: Single day event. Campus location: Guggenheim Hall (GUG). Campus room: 211D. Accessibility Contact: aafrontdesk@uw.edu. Event Types: Meetings.
Thursday, June 4, 2026, 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM.
Spring Quarter Exams
Event interval: Single day event. Accessibility Contact: aafrontdesk@uw.edu. Event Types: Academics.
Saturday, June 6, 2026 – Friday, June 12, 2026.
A&A Graduation
See the latest info on our A&A Graduation page.
Event interval: Single day event. Accessibility Contact: aafrontdesk@uw.edu. Event Types: Ceremonies.
Tuesday, June 9, 2026.
UW Commencement
Event interval: Single day event. Accessibility Contact: aafrontdesk@uw.edu. Event Types: Academics.
Saturday, June 13, 2026.
Juneteenth Holiday
Event interval: Single day event. Accessibility Contact: aafrontdesk@uw.edu. Event Types: Academics.
Friday, June 19, 2026.
Independence Day Holiday
Event interval: Single day event. Accessibility Contact: aafrontdesk@uw.edu. Event Types: Academics.
Saturday, July 4, 2026.