Olivia McKeever

Undergraduate Research Assistant @Oklahoma State Mechanical And Aerospace Engineering

Stillwater, OK, US

In this position I am a research assistant under Dr. Kurt Rouser where I am researching and publishing a paper on the rapid design and analysis of a 100-newton micro-turbojet intended for unmanned aircraft. The motivation for this is to establish a fast, repeatable design process for small turbojets while maintaining simplicity and manufacturability. As demand grows for compact propulsion systems, the need for quickly designed, reliable micro-turbomachinery increased accordingly. A simplified cycle analysis at sea-level static conditions guided the selection of key parameters. My specific role was to create a mechanical layout centered on a single rotating assembly supported by angular contact bearings. A five-section shaft allowed direct attachment of the compressor and turbine while enabling rotational speeds up to revolutions per minute, supporting the 100-newton thrust requirement. This work benefits designers and researchers developing small, rapidly produced propulsion systems for unmanned aircraft, educational and research prototypes, and micro-scale turbomachinery efforts.

Oklahoma State University

Minor, Aerospace Security

Oklahoma State University

Bachelor of Science - BS, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering