Multifunctional Material and Aerospace Structures Optimization Lab

Research website for the Hartl research team at Texas A&M

Thomas Cognata

tjcognata@tamu.edu

B.S. in Mechanical Engineering (2002) – Texas A&M University

M.S. in Mechanical Engineering (2008) – University of Houston

Thomas is an engineer in the Power and Propulsion division at NASA’s Johnson Space Center (JSC) in Houston, TX. He has joined the Texas A&M Aerospace Engineering Doctoral program through a fellowship from the Engineering directorate at JSC. Thomas received his Masters in Mechanical Engineering from University of Houston in 2008 and his Bachelor degree in Mechanical Engineering in 2002 from Texas A&M University. His career has dealt with power systems, including gas turbines and fuel cells, with aerospace Environment Control and Life Support Systems (ECLSS), including active thermal management, suit development, and human thermoregulation modeling, and with passive applications for shape memory materials, including in thermal management for fuel cell power systems and for spacecraft.

Current Research Project:

Experience:

  • NASA JSC Energy Conversion Systems Branch (EP3), AST Direct Energy Conversion (August 2020 – Present)
  • Paragon Space Development Corp., Senior Engineer (September 2013 – August 2020)
  • JSC Engineering Technology and Science (JETS) Contract, Senior Engineer (September 2008 – September 2013)
  • Protonex LLC, Project Engineer (February 2006 to September 2008)

Patents:

  • Variable Heat Rejection Device, 10,288,19
  • Phase Separator Device for removing condensate and particulate from a gas stream, Application 2021/006046
  • Systems and Methods for Integrating a Busbar and coldplate for battery cooling, Application 2018/026199
  • Roller vane pump with integrated motor, Application 2010/0047097

Publications:

  • Cognata, T., Hollingsworth, D., K., and Witte, L., “High Speed Visualization of Two-Phase Flow in a Micro-Scale Pin-Fin Heat Exchanger”, J’ Heat Transfer Engineering, 2007

Conference Publications:

  • Zimmerman, B., Cognata, T., “Condensate Separator for Microgravity Conditions (COSMIC) for Two-Phase Separation” 49th Int’l Conf. on Environmental Systems, Boston, MA, 201
  • Kelsey, L., Pasadilla, P., Cognata, T., “Closing the Water Loop for Exploration: 2018 Status of the Brine Processor Assembly” 48th Int’l Conf. on Environmental Systems, 201
  • Bertagne, C., Cognata, T., et. al. “Overview of Technology Development of Shape Memory Alloy Morphing Radiators for Crewed Space Exploration Vehicles” 47th Int’l Conf. on Environmental Systems, 201
  • Kelsey, L., et.al “Closing the Water Loop for Exploration: Status of the Brine Processor Assembly” 47th Int’l Conf. on Environmental Systems, 201
  • Cognata, T., “Lessons learned and a path forward for all-ceramic solid oxide electrolysis” 47th Int’l Conf. on Environmental Systems, 2017
  • Cognata, T., “Results from the 3-D Wissler Human Thermal Model for a Space Suit and PLSS in representative exploration environments” 46th Int’l Conf. on Environmental Systems, 201
  • Cognata, T., Fricker, J., “Prediction of Human and Spacesuit Thermal Behavior using the 3-D Wissler Suit model with integrated PLSS” 45th Int’l Conf. on Environmental Systems, 201
  • Cognata, T., Hartl, D., et. al. “A Morphing Radiator for High-Turndown Thermal Control of Crewed Space Exploration Vehicles” 23rd AIAA/AHS Adaptive Structures Conference, SciTech Forum, Kissimmee, FL, 201
  • Bertagne, C., Hartl, D., Cognata, T., “Analysis of Highly Coupled Thermal-Structural Responses in Morphing Radiative Bodies” 23rd AIAA/AHS Adaptive Structures Conference, SciTech Forum, Kissimmee, FL, 201
  • Durrant, T., Cognata, T., et. al. “Exploration of Suit Thermal Performance in a Variety of Environments” 44th Int’l Conf. on Environmental Systems (ICES 2014), Tucson, AZ, 2014
  • Cognata, T., Durrant, T., “3D Modeling of Human Thermal Interactions in Complex Environments using the Wissler Human Thermal Model” 44th Int’l Conf. on Environmental Systems (ICES 2014), Tucson, AZ, 201
  • Cognata, T., Leimkuehler, T., et. al. “Model Development and Experimental Validation of the Fusible Heat Sink Design for Exploration Vehicles” 43rd Int’l Conf. on Environment Systems, Vail, CO, 2013
  • Cognata, T., Bue, G., “Human Thermal Model Evaluation using the JSC Human Thermal Database” 42nd Int’l Conf. on Environmental Systems, San Diego, CA, 2012
  • Cognata, T., Leimkuehler, T., “A Review of the Experimental and Model Development of a Water Phase Change Heat Exchanger for Future Exploration Support Vehicles” 41st Int’l Conf. on Environmental Systems, Portland, OR, 2011
  • Lillibridge, S., Cognata, T., et. al. “Freezable Radiator Coupon Testing and Full-Scale Radiator Design” 40th Int’l Conf. on Environmental Systems, 201
  • Cognata, T., Conger, B., “Results of the Particulate Contamination Control Trade Study for Space Suit Life Support Development” 39th Int’l Conf. on Environmental Systems, 2009
  • Cognata, T., Hollingsworth, D., K., and Witte, L., “High Speed Visualization of Two-Phase Flow in a Micro-Scale Pin-Fin Heat Exchanger”, 6th International Conf. Boiling Heat Transfer, Spoleto, Italy, 2006

Research:

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