Kwanyoung Park | Astronautical Engineering at USC
I am an Astronautical Engineering student and researcher at the University of Southern California, passionate about the intersection of spacecraft propulsion and theoretical cosmology. Currently, I contribute to the USC Rocket Propulsion Lab and AeroDesign Team, focusing on composite fabrication and propulsion system optimization.
Focus
My goal is to bridge the gap between theoretical physics and applied astronautics. I am currently investigating De Laval Nozzle optimization and flight dynamics modeling. As a STEM Instructor at the Viterbi K-12 Center, I also work to make complex engineering concepts accessible to the next generation of explorers.
Current Mission Log
Status: Post-Processing 2022 Static Fire Data
Implementing a Savitzky-Golay filter in Python to smooth Load Cell noise and recalculate precise Specific Impulse ($I_{sp}$) values for cement-cast nozzle trials.
Status: Orbital Engine Optimization
Refining the Shooting Method logic in the N-Body Simulator to reduce Delta-V margins for Earth-Mars transfer windows.
Projects
De Laval Nozzle Optimization →
Developed a C++ numerical model to analyze nozzle performance and validated geometry using CAD. Discovered that controlling nozzle entrance angle is a primary control for small solid rocket motors.
N-Body Simulator →
Designed a Python-based simulator to model galactic collisions, achieving a 15% increase in computation speed through algorithm optimization.
3U CubeSat Structure
Developed a CAD model for a 3U CubeSat structure in SolidWorks, ensuring structural integrity under launch-phase vibrational loads.
Technical Skills
- Programming & Simulation
- C++, Python, MATLAB, Simulink, HTML5/CSS3
- CAD & Analysis
- SolidWorks (FEA), OpenSCAD, Flight On Simulation
- Engineering Tools
- STK 12, Ansys, LaTeX, Microsoft Office Suite
Philosophy:
"Just living..."
Being an engineer, I believe in staying grounded. I dream big but try to keep things simple.