Abstract
Modern naval ships use missile launchers that must safely operate under extreme conditions. When pressure builds too quickly, equipment can be damaged, and personnel can be harmed. My capstone project addresses this problem by developing a model that predicts pressure changes inside these missile launchers. This project combines computer modeling with small-scale physical testing to identify safety risks early in the design process, thus reducing the likelihood of accidents and improving system reliability.
While this technical work focuses on safety and performance, my STS research examines how aerospace and related engineering fields are understood by the public. I analyzed how science-fiction films such as Interstellar, The Martian, and Ad Astra portray engineers as explorers solving complex problems in space. These stories emphasize discovery, survival, and human progress. However, real-world data shows that most aerospace work is tied to defense systems, aviation, and economic priorities rather than deep-space exploration. Public perception influences how people understand engineering, what careers they pursue, and how technologies are supported or funded. Science-fiction narratives can inspire future engineers, but they can also oversimplify or misrepresent the realities of engineering work. Concepts from Science and Technology Studies (STS), specifically the idea that technology and society shape each other and that shared visions of the future influence innovation, help explain how these narratives affect what people expect from engineering. To explore this, I employed documentary research methods and discourse analysis. I analyzed government data on aerospace employment and funding and examined themes in selected films. This comparison revealed a clear gap between how engineering is imagined and how it operates in practice. Films highlight exploration and heroism, while real-world engineering is shaped by economic incentives and national defense priorities. My technical project and STS research highlight an important connection between perception and practice. Although this project improves safety in missile launchers, it is influenced by defense needs and public understanding. This highlights the importance of engineers considering both technical solutions and their broader impact on society. Ultimately, improving both safety and public understanding can lead to more responsible engineering and better-informed decisions about technology.
