The Akronauts Rocket Design Team has a strong history of research and innovation. Throughout the years, multiple members have published their work in academic and professional settings. These publications cover a range of topics, including propulsion testing, aerodynamics, materials science, and avionics. Research from our team has been featured in conferences and journals through institutions such as the University of Akron, the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), and other leading aerospace organizations. These contributions not only advance the field of rocketry but also provide valuable experience for our members as they prepare for careers in the aerospace industry.
Design of a Low Barrier to Entry Reusable Rocket Engine and Test Stand (2025)
Authors: Nicole Zimmerli, Seth Arkwright, Matthew DiPofi, Jackson Godsey, Joshua Slivka
Organization: AIAA
Link: https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2025-0121
Design and Flight Vehicle Integration of a VAPAK Liquid Engine Rocket (2025)
Authors: Ana Clecia Alves Almeida, Reece Davis, Jonathan Armbrust
Organization: AIAA
Link:
Propulsion Heat Analysis Nuclear Trajectory Optimization (PHANTOM) (2024)
Authors: Ana Clecia Alves Almeida, Jonathan Davis, Ryan Dippolito
Organization: The University of Akron
Link: https://ideaexchange.uakron.edu/honors_research_projects/1808/
Design of an Experimental Solid Rocket Motor using Angry Listerine Propellant (2024)
Authors: Andrew Fuller, Johnathan Bettes, Manigandan Kannan
Organization: AIAA
Link: https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2024-86189
Design of a GRCop-42 Regeneratively Cooled Thrust Chamber Assembly and Feed System (2024)
Authors: Dillon Petty, Nicole Zimmerli, Ana Clecia Alves Almeida
Organization: AIAA / NASA
Link: https://arc.aiaa.org/doi/10.2514/6.2023-71803
Design of an Experimental Solid Rocket Motor (2024)
Authors: Johnathon Bettes, Andrew Fuller
Organization: University of Akron
Link: https://ideaexchange.uakron.edu/honors_research_projects/1877/
Liquid Engine External Pressurizer (LEEP) (2022)
Authors: Emily Armbrust
Organization: University of Akron
Link: https://ideaexchange.uakron.edu/honors_research_projects/1559
Autonomous Payload Design with Systems Engineering (2022)
Authors: Michael Downs, Christopher James Liebhart 2nd
Organization: University of Akron
Link: https://ideaexchange.uakron.edu/honors_research_projects/1552/
Rocket Motor Nozzle (2020)
Authors: Corey Hillegass
Organization: University of Akron
Link: https://ideaexchange.uakron.edu/honors_research_projects/1135/
Research and Design of a Two-Stage Supersonic Rocket (2020)
Authors: Ryan Hannaford, James Gase, Matthew Reppa, Harrison Lewis
Organization: University of Akron
Link: https://ideaexchange.uakron.edu/honors_research_projects/1222
Rocket Telemetry System (2019)
Authors: Monica Lacek, Clark Bryant III, David Dalvin, Nicholas Wolgamott
Organization: University of Akron
Link: https://ideaexchange.uakron.edu/honors_research_projects/931
Design of Shape-Conforming Nosecone for Optimal Fluid Flow from Transonic to Supersonic Range (2018)
Authors: Anna Tombazi
Organization: University of Akron
Link: https://ideaexchange.uakron.edu/honors_research_projects/672
Structural Design and Fabrication of a Rocket (2016)
Authors: Michael R. Lostoski, Jeff Szucs, Matt Schwenning
Organization: University of Akron
Link: https://ideaexchange.uakron.edu/honors_research_projects/387/
Structural Design and Fabrication of a Rocket (2016)
Authors: Michael R. Lostoski, Jeff Szucs, Matt Schwenning
Organization: University of Akron
Link: https://ideaexchange.uakron.edu/honors_research_projects/387/