1. |
- Schnell, Rainer, et al.
(author)
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Assessment of a Turbo‐Electric Aircraft Configuration with Aft‐Propulsion Using Boundary Layer Ingestion
- 2019
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In: Aerospace. - Zurich, Switzerland : MDPI AG. - 2226-4310. ; 6:12
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In this paper, a turbo‐electric propulsion system was analyzed, and its performance was assessed. The aircraft considered here was a single‐aisle, medium‐range configuration targeting a capacity of 150 Pax. The propulsion concept comprised two boosted geared turbofan engines mounted under‐wing. Those main engines were supported by an electrically driven aft‐propulsor contributing to the thrust generation and by taking advantage of ingesting the boundary layer of the fuselage for potentially higher levels of propulsive efficiency and allowing for the improved operation of the main engines. The performance assessment as carried out in the context of this paper involved different levels: Firstly, based on the reference aircraft and the detailed description of its major components, the engine performance model for both main engines, as well as for the electrically driven aft‐propulsor was set up. The methodology, as introduced, has already been applied in the context of hybrid‐electric propulsion and allowed for the aforementioned aircraft sizing, as well as the subsequent gas turbine multi‐point synthesis (simulation). A geared turbofan architecture with 2035 technology assumptions was considered for the main engine configuration. The present trade study focused on the design and performance analysis of the aft‐propulsor and how it affected the performance of the main engines, due to the electric power generation. In order to allow for a more accurate description of the performance of this particular module, the enhanced streamline curvature method with an underlying and pre‐optimized profile database was used to design a propulsor tailored to meet the requirements of the aft propulsor as derived from the cycle synthesis and overall aircraft specification; existing design expertise for novel and highly integrated propulsors could be taken advantage of herein. The resulting performance characteristics from the streamline curvature method were then fed back to the engine performance model in a closely coupled approach in order to have a more accurate description of the module behavior. This direct coupling allowed for enhanced sensitivity studies, monitoring different top‐level parameters, such as the thrust/power split between the main engines and the aft propulsor. As a result, different propulsor specifications and fan designs with optimal performance characteristics were achieved, which in return affected the performance of all subsystems considered.
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2. |
- Borgue, Olivia, 1989, et al.
(author)
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Constraint Replacement-Based Design for Additive Manufacturing of Satellite Components: Ensuring Design Manufacturability through Tailored Test Artefacts
- 2019
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In: Aerospace. - : MDPI AG. - 2226-4310. ; 6:11
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Additive manufacturing (AM) is becoming increasingly attractive for aerospace companies due to the fact of its increased ability to allow design freedom and reduce weight. Despite these benefits, AM comes with manufacturing constraints that limit design freedom and reduce the possibility of achieving advanced geometries that can be produced in a cost-efficient manner. To exploit the design freedom offered by AM while ensuring product manufacturability, a model-based design for an additive manufacturing (DfAM) method is presented. The method is based on the premise that lessons learned from testing and prototyping activities can be systematically captured and organized to support early design activities. To enable this outcome, the DfAM method extends a representation often used in early design, a function-means model, with the introduction of a new model construct-manufacturing constraints (Cm). The method was applied to the redesign, manufacturing, and testing of a flow connector for satellite applications. The results of this application-as well as the reflections of industrial practitioners-point to the benefits of the DfAM method in establishing a systematic, cost-efficient way of challenging the general AM design guidelines found in the literature and a means to redefine and update manufacturing constraints for specific design problems.
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3. |
- Dordlofva, Christo
(author)
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A Design for Qualification Framework for the Development of Additive Manufacturing Components : A Case Study from the Space Industry
- 2020
-
In: Aerospace. - : MDPI. - 2226-4310. ; 7:3
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Additive Manufacturing (AM) provides several benefits for aerospace companies in terms of efficient and innovative product development. However, due to the general lack of AM process understanding, engineers face many uncertainties related to product qualification during the design of AM components. The aim of this paper is to further the understanding of how to cope with the need to develop process understanding, while at the same time designing products that can be qualified. A qualitative action research study has been performed, using the development of an AM rocket engine turbine demonstrator as a case study. The results show that the qualification approach should be developed for the specific application, dependent on the AM knowledge within the organization. AM knowledge is not only linked to the AM process but to the complete AM process chain. Therefore, it is necessary to consider the manufacturing chain during design and to develop necessary knowledge concurrently with the product in order to define suitable requirements. The paper proposes a Design for Qualification framework, supported by six design tactics. The framework encourages proactive consideration for qualification and the capabilities of the AM process chain, as well as the continuous development of AM knowledge during product development.
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4. |
- Fentaye, Amare Desalegn, et al.
(author)
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A Review on Gas Turbine Gas-Path Diagnostics : State-of-the-Art Methods, Challenges and Opportunities
- 2019
-
In: Aerospace. - Zurich, Switzerland : MDPI. - 2226-4310. ; 6:7
-
Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Gas-path diagnostics is an essential part of gas turbine (GT) condition-based maintenance (CBM). There exists extensive literature on GT gas-path diagnostics and a variety of methods have been introduced. The fundamental limitations of the conventional methods such as the inability to deal with the nonlinear engine behavior, measurement uncertainty, simultaneous faults, and the limited number of sensors available remain the driving force for exploring more advanced techniques. This review aims to provide a critical survey of the existing literature produced in the area over the past few decades. In the first section, the issue of GT degradation is addressed, aiming to identify the type of physical faults that degrade a gas turbine performance, which gas-path faults contribute more significantly to the overall performance loss, and which specific components often encounter these faults. A brief overview is then given about the inconsistencies in the literature on gas-path diagnostics followed by a discussion of the various challenges against successful gas-path diagnostics and the major desirable characteristics that an advanced fault diagnostic technique should ideally possess. At this point, the available fault diagnostic methods are thoroughly reviewed, and their strengths and weaknesses summarized. Artificial intelligence (AI) based and hybrid diagnostic methods have received a great deal of attention due to their promising potentials to address the above-mentioned limitations along with providing accurate diagnostic results. Moreover, the available validation techniques that system developers used in the past to evaluate the performance of their proposed diagnostic algorithms are discussed. Finally, concluding remarks and recommendations for further investigations are provided.
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5. |
- Knöös Franzén, Ludvig, 1990-, et al.
(author)
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A Breakdown of System of Systems Needs Using Architecture Frameworks, Ontologies and Description Logic Reasoning
- 2021
-
In: Aerospace. - : MDPI. - 2226-4310. ; 8:4
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Aerospace systems are connected with the operational environment and other systems in general. The focus in aerospace product development is consequently shifting from a singular system perspective to a System-of-Systems (SoS) perspective. This increasing complexity gives rise to new levels of uncertainty that must be understood and managed to produce aerospace solutions for an ever-changing future. This paper presents an approach to using architecture frameworks, and ontologies with description logic reasoning capabilities, to break down SoS needs into required capabilities and functions. The intention of this approach is to provide a consistent way of obtaining the functions to be realized in order to meet the overarching capabilities and needs of an SoS. The breakdown with an architecture framework results in an initial design space representation of functions to be performed. The captured knowledge is then represented in an ontology with description logic reasoning capabilities, which provides a more flexible way to expand and process the initial design space representation obtained from the architecture framework. The proposed approach is ultimately tested in a search and rescue case study, partly based on the operations of the Swedish Maritime Administration. The results show that it is possible to break down SoS needs in a consistent way and that ontology with description logic reasoning can be used to process the captured knowledge to both expand and reduce an available design space representation.
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6. |
- Larsson, Roger, et al.
(author)
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A Method for Improved Flight Testing of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Using Multisine Inputs
- 2020
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In: AEROSPACE. - : MDPI. - 2226-4310. ; 7:9
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Unless a segregated airspace and the corresponding clearances can be afforded, flight testing of remotely piloted aircraft is often done near the ground and within visual line-of-sight. In addition to the increased exposure to turbulence, this setup also limits the available time for test manoeuvres on each pass, especially for subscale demonstrators with a relatively high wing loading and flight speed. A suitable testing procedure, efficient excitation signals and a robust system identification method are therefore fundamental. Here, the authors use ground-based flight control augmentation to inject multisine signals with low correlation between the different inputs. Focusing on initial flight-envelope expansion, where linear regression is common, this paper also describes the improvement of an existing frequency-domain method by using an instrumental variable (IV) approach to better handle turbulence and measurement noise and to enable real-time identification analysis. Both simulations and real flight tests on a subscale demonstrator are presented. The results show that the combination of multisine input signals and the enhanced frequency-domain method is an effective way of improving flight testing of remotely piloted aircraft in confined airspace.
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7. |
- Lawand, Lydia, et al.
(author)
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Dynamic lifecycle cost modeling for adaptable design optimization of additively remanufactured aeroengine components
- 2020
-
In: Aerospace. - : MDPI AG. - 2226-4310. ; 7:8
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Additive manufacturing (AM) is being used increasingly for repair and remanufacturing of aeroengine components. This enables the consideration of a design margin approach to satisfy changing requirements, in which component lifespan can be optimized for different lifecycle scenarios. This paradigm requires lifecycle cost (LCC) modeling; however, the LCC models available in the literature consider mostly the manufacturing of a component, not its repair or remanufacturing. There is thus a need for an LCC model that can consider AM for repair/remanufacturing to quantify corresponding costs and benefits. This paper presents a dynamic LCC model that estimates cumulative costs over the in-service phase and a nested design optimization problem formulation that determines the optimal component lifespan range to minimize overall cost while maximizing performance. The developed methodology is demonstrated by means of an aeroengine turbine rear structure.
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8. |
- Madrid, Julia, 1988, et al.
(author)
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A Virtual Design of Experiments Method to Evaluate the Effect of Design and Welding Parameters on Weld Quality in Aerospace Applications
- 2019
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In: Aerospace. - : MDPI AG. - 2226-4310. ; 6:6, s. 74-
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- During multidisciplinary design of welded aircraft components, designs are principally optimized upon component performance, employing well-established modelling and simulation techniques. On the contrary, because of the complexity of modelling welding process phenomena,much of the welding experimentation relies on physical testing, which means welding producibility aspects are considered after the design has already been established. In addition, welding optimization research mainly focuses on welding process parameters, overlooking the potential impact of product design. As a consequence, redesign loops and welding rework increases product cost. To solve these problems, in this article, a novel method that combines the benefits of design of experiments (DOE) techniques with welding simulation is presented. The aim of the virtual design of experiments method is to model and optimize the effect of design and welding parameters interactions early in the design process. The method is explained through a case study, in which weld bead penetration and distortion are quality responses to optimize. First, a small number of physical welds are conducted to develop and tune the welding simulation. From this activity, a new combined heat source model is presented. Thereafter, the DOE technique optimal design is employed to design an experimental matrix that enables the conjointly incorporation of design and welding parameters. Welding simulations are then run and a response function is obtained. With virtual experiments, a large number of design and welding parameter combinations can be tested in a short time. In conclusion, the creation of a meta-model allows for performing welding producibility optimization and robustness analyses during early design phases of aircraft components
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9. |
- Müller, Jakob, 1987, et al.
(author)
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Design space exploration of a jet engine component using a combined object model for function and geometry
- 2020
-
In: Aerospace. - : MDPI AG. - 2226-4310. ; 7:12, s. 1-18
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The design of aircraft and engine components hinges on the use of computer aided design (CAD) models and the subsequent geometry-based analyses for evaluation of the quality of a concept. However, the generation (and variation) of CAD models to include radical or novel design solutions is a resource intense modelling effort. While approaches to automate the generation and variation of CAD models exist, they neglect the capture and representation of the product’s design rationale—what the product is supposed to do. The design space exploration approach Function and Geometry Exploration (FGE) aims to support the exploration of more functionally and geometrically different product concepts under consideration of not only geometrical, but also teleological aspects. The FGE approach has been presented and verified in a previous presentation. However, in order to contribute to engineering design practice, a design method needs to be validated through application in industrial practice. Hence, this publication reports from a study where the FGE approach has been applied by a design team of a Swedish aerospace manufacturers in a conceptual product development project. Conceptually different alternatives were identified in order to meet the expected functionality of a guide vane (GV). The FGE was introduced and applied in a series of workshops. Data was collected through participatory observation in the design teams by the researchers, as well as interviews and questionnaires. The results reveal the potential of the FGE approach as a design support to: (1) Represent and capture the design rationale and the design space; (2) capture, integrate and model novel solutions; and (3) provide support for the embodiment of novel concepts that would otherwise remain unexplored. In conclusion, the FGE method supports designers to articulate and link the design rationale, including functional requirements and alternative solutions, to geometrical features of the product concepts. The method supports the exploration of alternative solutions as well as functions. However, scalability and robustness of the generated CAD models remain subject to further research.
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10. |
- Mårtensson, Hans
(author)
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Harmonic Forcing from Distortion in a Boundary Layer Ingesting Fan
- 2021
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In: AEROSPACE. - : MDPI AG. - 2226-4310. ; 8:3
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Integrating a fan with a boundary layer ingestion (BLI) configuration into an aircraft fuselage can improve propulsion efficiency by utilizing the lower momentum airflow in the boundary layer developed due to the surface drag of the fuselage. As a consequence, velocity and total pressure variations distort the flow field entering the fan in both the circumferential and radial directions. Such variations can negatively affect fan aerodynamics and give rise to vibration issues. A fan configuration to benefit from BLI needs to allow for distortion without large penalties. Full annulus unsteady computational fluid dynamics (CFD) with all blades and vanes is used to evaluate the effects on aerodynamic loading and forcing on a fan designed to be mounted on an adapted rear fuselage of a Fokker 100 aircraft, i.e., a tail cone thruster. The distortion pattern used as a boundary condition on the fan is taken from a CFD analysis of the whole aircraft with a simplified model of the installed fan. Detailed simulations of the fan are conducted to better understand the relation between ingested distortion and the harmonic forcing. The results suggest that the normalized harmonic forcing spectrum is primarily correlated to the circumferential variation of inlet total pressure. In this study, the evaluated harmonic forces correlate with the total pressure variation at the inlet for the first 12 engine orders, with some exceptions where the response is very low. At higher harmonics, the distortion content as well as the response become very low, with amplitudes in the order of magnitude lower than the principal disturbances. The change in harmonic forcing resulting from raising the working line, thus, increasing the incidence on the fan rotor, increases the forcing moderately. The distortion transfers through the fan resulting in a non-axisymmetric aerodynamic loading of the outlet guide vane (OGV) that has a clear effect on the aerodynamics. The time average aerodynamic load and also the harmonic forcing of the OGV vary strongly around the circumference. In particular, this is the case for some of the vanes at higher back pressure, most likely due to an interaction with separations starting to occur on vanes operating in unfavorable conditions.
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11. |
- Nieto Peroy, Cristóbal, et al.
(author)
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A Concurrent Testing Facility Approach to Validate Small Satellite Combined Operations
- 2021
-
In: Aerospace. - : MDPI. - 2226-4310. ; 8:12
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Federated remote laboratories allow for the execution of experiments ex situ. The coordination of several laboratories can be used to perform concurrent experiments of combined space operations. However, the latency of the communications between facilities is critical to performing adequate real-time experiments. This paper presents an approach for conducting coordinated experiments between floating platforms at two remote laboratories. Two independently designed platforms, one at Luleå University of Technology and the other at La Sapienza University of Rome, were established for this purpose. A synchronization method based on the Simple Network Time Protocol was created, allowing the offset and delay between the agents to be measured.Both platforms exchange data about their measured time and pose through a UDP/IP protocol over the internet. This approach was validated with the execution of simulated operations. A first demonstrative experiment was also performed showing the possibility to realize leader/follower coordinated operations. The results of the simulations and experiments showed communication delays on the order of tens of milliseconds with no significant impact on the control performance. Consequently, the suggested protocol was proven to be adequate for conducting coordinated experiments in real time between remote laboratories.
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12. |
- Nyberg, Erik, 1986-, et al.
(author)
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Tribology in Space Robotic Actuators : Experimental Method for Evaluation and Analysis of Gearboxes
- 2021
-
In: Aerospace. - : MDPI. - 2226-4310 .- 2226-4310. ; 8:3
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Liquid lubricants are critical to enable long-life operation of high-performance machinery, such as geared actuators employed in robotics. In space applications, actuator gearboxes must operate in low temperatures, where liquid lubricants face inherent problems related to low temperature rheology. Heaters are relied upon to provide acceptable gearbox temperatures. Unfortunately, heating is energy-intense and does not scale well with increasing mechanism mass and performance. Effective boundary lubrication (BL), on the other hand, can minimize problems of low temperature rheology. BL relies on tribofilm formation over conventional fluid film separation. Effective space grade boundary lubricants can potentially allow for drastically reduced amounts of oil and the accompanying rheological problems. In this work, we describe the design of a methodology to evaluate and analyze tribology of actuator gearboxes operated under cryogenic oil-starved conditions in N2 atmosphere. The devised methodology enables research pertinent to space actuator tribology by accelerated testing and advanced analysis, as demonstrated by a lubricant candidate case study. Complementary microscopy techniques are discussed, and a novel methodology devised for gear internal microstructure analysis by X-ray microtomography (XMT) is presented.
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13. |
- Sahoo, Smruti, et al.
(author)
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A Review of Concepts, Benefits, and Challenges for Future Electrical Propulsion-Based Aircraft
- 2020
-
In: Aerospace. - : MDPI AG. - 2226-4310. ; 7:4
-
Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Electrification of the propulsion system has opened the door to a new paradigm of propulsion system configurations and novel aircraft designs, which was never envisioned before. Despite lofty promises, the concept must overcome the design and sizing challenges to make it realizable. A suitable modeling framework is desired in order to explore the design space at the conceptual level. A greater investment in enabling technologies, and infrastructural developments, is expected to facilitate its successful application in the market. In this review paper, several scholarly articles were surveyed to get an insight into the current landscape of research endeavors and the formulated derivations related to electric aircraft developments. The barriers and the needed future technological development paths are discussed. The paper also includes detailed assessments of the implications and other needs pertaining to future technology, regulation, certification, and infrastructure developments, in order to make the next generation electric aircraft operation commercially worthy.
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14. |
- Seitz, Arne, et al.
(author)
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Proof of concept study for fuselage boundary layer ingesting propulsion
- 2021
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In: Aerospace. - : MDPI AG. - 2226-4310. ; 8:1, s. 1-65
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Key results from the EU H2020 project CENTRELINE are presented. The research activities undertaken to demonstrate the proof of concept (technology readiness level-TRL 3) for the so-called propulsive fuselage concept (PFC) for fuselage wake-filling propulsion integration are discussed. The technology application case in the wide-body market segment is motivated. The developed performance bookkeeping scheme for fuselage boundary layer ingestion (BLI) propulsion integration is reviewed. The results of the 2D aerodynamic shape optimization for the bare PFC configuration are presented. Key findings from the high-fidelity aero-numerical simulation and aerodynamic validation testing, i.e., the overall aircraft wind tunnel and the BLI fan rig test campaigns, are discussed. The design results for the architectural concept, systems integration and electric machinery pre-design for the fuselage fan turbo-electric power train are summarized. The design and performance implications on the main power plants are analyzed. Conceptual design solutions for the mechanical and aerostructural integration of the BLI propulsive device are introduced. Key heuristics deduced for PFC conceptual aircraft design are presented. Assessments of fuel burn, NOx emissions, and noise are presented for the PFC aircraft and benchmarked against advanced conventional technology for an entry-into-service in 2035. The PFC design mission fuel benefit based on 2D optimized PFC aero-shaping is 4.7%.
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15. |
- Semlitsch, Bernhard, 1985-, et al.
(author)
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Evaluation of Injection Strategies in Supersonic Nozzle Flow
- 2021
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In: Aerospace. - : MDPI. - 2226-4310. ; 8:12, s. 369-369
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The ability to manipulate shock patterns in a supersonic nozzle flow with fluidic injection is investigated numerically using Large Eddy Simulations. Various injector configurations in the proximity of the nozzle throat are screened for numerous injection pressures. We demonstrate that fluidic injection can split the original, single shock pattern into two weaker shock patterns. For intermediate injection pressures, a permanent shock structure in the exhaust can be avoided. The nozzle flow can be manipulated beneficially to increase thrust or match the static pressure at the discharge. The shock pattern evolution of injected stream is described over various pressure ratios. We find that the penetration depth into the supersonic crossflow is deeper with subsonic injection. The tight arrangement of the injectors can provoke additional counter-rotating vortex pairs in between the injection.
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16. |
- Sobron, Alejandro, 1990-, et al.
(author)
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A Review of Current Research in Subscale Flight Testing and Analysis of Its Main Practical Challenges
- 2021
-
In: Aerospace. - Basel, Switzerland : MDPI. - 2226-4310. ; 8:3
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Testing of untethered subscale models, often referred to as subscale flight testing, has traditionally had a relatively minor, yet relevant use in aeronautical research and development. As recent advances in electronics, rapid prototyping and unmanned-vehicle technologies expand its capabilities and lower its cost, this experimental method is seeing growing interest across academia and the industry. However, subscale models cannot meet all similarity conditions required for simulating full-scale flight. This leads to a variety of approaches to scaling and to other alternative applications. Through a literature review and analysis of different scaling strategies, this study presents an overall picture of how subscale flight testing has been used in recent years and synthesises its main issues and practical limitations. Results show that, while the estimation of full-scale characteristics is still an interesting application within certain flight conditions, subscale models are progressively taking a broader role as low-cost technology-testing platforms with relaxed similarity constraints. Different approaches to tackle the identified practical challenges, implemented both by the authors and by other organisations, are discussed and evaluated through flight experiments.
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17. |
- Thoma, Evangelia Maria, 1996, et al.
(author)
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Quantifying the Environmental Design Trades for a State-of-the-Art Turbofan Engine
- 2020
-
In: Aerospace. - : MDPI AG. - 2226-4310. ; 7:10, s. 1-16
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Aircraft and engine technology have continuously evolved since their introduction and significant improvement has been made in fuel efficiency, emissions, and noise reduction. One of the major issues that the aviation industry is facing today is pollution around the airports, which has an effect both on human health and on the climate. Although noise emissions do not have a direct impact on climate, variations in departure and arrival procedures influence both CO2 and non-CO2 emissions. In addition, design choices made to curb noise might increase CO2 and vice versa. Thus, multidisciplinary modeling is required for the assessment of these interdependencies for new aircraft and flight procedures. A particular aspect that has received little attention is the quantification of the extent to which early design choices influence the trades of CO2, NOx, and noise. In this study, a single aisle thrust class turbofan engine is optimized for minimum installed SFC (Specific Fuel Consumption). The installed SFC metric includes the effect of engine nacelle drag and engine weight. Close to optimal cycles are then studied to establish how variation in engine cycle parameters trade with noise certification and LTO (Landing and Take-Off) emissions. It is demonstrated that around the optimum a relatively large variation in cycle parameters is allowed with only a modest effect on the installed SFC metric. This freedom in choosing cycle parameters allows the designer to trade noise and emissions. Around the optimal point of a state-of-the-art single aisle thrust class propulsion system, a 1.7 dB reduction in cumulative noise and a 12% reduction in EINOx could be accomplished with a 0.5% penalty in installed SFC.
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18. |
- Abedi, Hamidreza, 1979, et al.
(author)
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Preliminary Analysis of Compression System Integrated Heat Management Concepts Using LH 2 -Based Parametric Gas Turbine Model
- 2022
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In: Aerospace. - : MDPI AG. - 2226-4310. ; 9:4
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The investigation of the various heat management concepts using LH2 requires the development of a modeling environment coupling the cryogenic hydrogen fuel system with turbofan performance. This paper presents a numerical framework to model hydrogen-fueled gas turbine engines with a dedicated heat-management system, complemented by an introductory analysis of the impact of using LH2 to precool and intercool in the compression system. The propulsion installations comprise Brayton cycle-based turbofans and first assessments are made on how to use the hydrogen as a heat sink integrated into the compression system. Conceptual tubular compact heat exchanger designs are explored to either precool or intercool the compression system and preheat the fuel to improve the installed performance of the propulsion cycles. The precooler and the intercooler show up to 0.3% improved specific fuel consumption for heat exchanger effectiveness in the range 0.5–0.6, but higher effectiveness designs incur disproportionately higher pressure losses that cancel-out the benefits.
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19. |
- Cha, Jihyoung, 1988-, et al.
(author)
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A Numerical Approach to Optimize the Design of a Pintle Injector for LOX/GCH4 Liquid-Propellant Rocket Engine
- 2023
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In: Aerospace. - : MDPI. - 2226-4310. ; 10:7
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This study presents an optimal design approach of a pintle injector for a deep throttlable liquid-propellant rocket engine (LPRE). Even though the pintle injector is used in rocket engines, it has become more important since reusable launch vehicles (RLVs) recently became a trend due to their economic and environmental benefits. However, since many variables must be determined to design a pintle injector, optimizing the pintle injector design is complicated. For this, we design a pintle injector to optimize the performance parameters; the spray angle, vaporization distance, and Sauter mean diameter (SMD). To confirm the approach, we design a pintle injector using an optimization method based on convex quadratic programming (CQP) for a 1000 N thrust and a throttle ability of 5 to 1 LPRE with liquid oxygen and gaseous methane. Then, we verify the performance using a numerical simulation. Through this work, we check the effectiveness of the optimization method for a pintle injector design.
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20. |
- Cha, Jihyoung, 1988-
(author)
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Numerical Simulation of Chemical Propulsion Systems: Survey and Fundamental Mathematical Modeling Approach
- 2023
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In: Aerospace. - : MDPI. - 2226-4310. ; 10:10
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This study deals with the mathematical modeling and numerical simulation of chemical propulsion systems (CPSs). For this, we investigate and summarize a comprehensive collection of the simulation modeling developments of CPSs in academic works, applications, and industrial fields. Then, we organize and analyze the simulation modeling approaches in several ways. After that, we organize differential-algebraic Equations (DAEs) for fundamental mathematical modeling consisting of the governing Equations (ordinary differential equations, ODEs) for the components and other equations derived from several physical rules or characteristics (algebraic equations or phenomenological equations, AEs) and then synthesize and summarize the fundamental structures of analytic mathematical modeling by types (liquid-propellant rocket engines, solid-propellant rocket motors, and hybrid-propellant rocket motors) of CPSs.
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21. |
- Cha, Jihyoung, 1988-, et al.
(author)
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Performance Comparison of Control Strategies for a Variable-Thrust Solid-Propellant Rocket Motor
- 2022
-
In: Aerospace. - : MDPI. - 2226-4310. ; 9:6
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This paper deals with a performance comparison of the control algorithm for a variable-thrust solid-propellant rocket motor (VTSRM). To do this, we develop a simulation model of a VTSRM considering characteristic changes in the combustor and design control systems for pressure and thrust. We use three types of control algorithms for the pressure control: classical PID control, feedback linearization control, and fuzzy PID control, and two control algorithms for thrust control: classical PID control and fuzzy PID control. Finally, we compare the performance of each control system through a numerical simulation using step responses. Through this work, we check that feedback linearization is better in pressure control, and fuzzy PID control is more appropriate in thrust control. Especially using fuzzy PID control, we can get fast settling with a small undershoot even if the system is a nonminimum phase system.
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22. |
- Di Marzo, Marcela A. D., et al.
(author)
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Computational Tool for Aircraft Fuel System Analysis
- 2024
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In: AEROSPACE. - : MDPI. - 2226-4310. ; 11:5
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Fuel level gauging in aircraft presents a significant flight mechanics challenge due to the influence of aircraft movements on measurements. Moreover, it constitutes a multidimensional problem where various sensors distributed within the tank must converge to yield a precise and single measurement, independent of the aircraft's attitude. Furthermore, fuel distribution across multiple tanks of irregular geometries complicates the readings even further. These issues critically impact safety and economy, as gauging errors may compromise flight security and lead to carrying excess weight. In response to these challenges, this research introduces a multi-stage project in aircraft fuel gauging systems, as a continuum of studies, where this first article presents a computational tool designed to simulate aircraft fuel sensor data readings as a function of fuel level, fuel tank geometry, sensor location, and aircraft attitude. Developed in an open-source environment, the tool aims to support the statistical inference required for accurate modeling in which synthetic data generation becomes a crucial component. A discretization procedure accurately maps fuel tank geometries and their mass properties. The tool, then, intersects these geometries with fuel-level planes and calculates each new volume. It integrates descriptive geometry to intersect these fuel planes with representative capacitive level-sensing probes and computes the sensor readings for the simulated flight conditions. The method is validated against geometries with analytical solutions. This process yields detailed fuel measurement responses for each sensor inside the tank, and for different analyzed fuel levels, providing insights into the sensors' signals' non-linear behavior at each analyzed aircraft attitude. The non-linear behavior is also influenced by the sensor saturation readings at 0 when above the fuel level and at 1 when submerged. The synthetic fuel sensor readings lay the baseline for a better understanding on how to compute the true fuel level from multiple sensor readings, and ultimately optimizing the amount of used sensors and their placement. The tool's design offers significant improvements in aircraft fuel gauging accuracy, directly impacting aerostructures and instrumentation, and it is a key aspect of flight safety, fuel management, and navigation in aerospace technology.
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23. |
- Drego, Adelia Darlene, 1987-, et al.
(author)
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Parameter Tuning of a Vapor Cycle System for a Surveillance Aircraft
- 2024
-
In: Aerospace. - : MDPI. - 2226-4310. ; 11:1
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Surveillance aircraft perform long-duration missions (>eight hours) that include detection and identification of objects on the ground, the water, or in the air. They have surveillance systems that require large amounts of cooling power (typically 10 s of kW) for long durations. For aircraft application, vapor cycle systems (VCS) are emerging as a more efficient alternative to conventional cooling systems. In this study, a two-part method was applied to a cooling system with a VCS that can be installed on a surveillance aircraft. The first part focused on a parameter tuning study set-up and demonstrated how after identifying the operating conditions, constraints, and requirements, the only cooling system parameter available for tuning was the VCS compressor speed. The second part focused on a modelling and solving strategy for the cooling system and showed how the capacity of an aircraft cooling system was impacted by tuning the VCS compressor speed (Hz) for a surveillance system heat flow rate from 10 kW to 70 kW. The results from this study can be used to design a control strategy for the compressor. In a broader perspective, the two-part method and the results analysis presented can serve as a preliminary method for aircraft VCS control optimization studies.
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24. |
- Fureby, Christer, et al.
(author)
-
Large Eddy Simulation of Combustion for High-Speed Airbreathing Engines
- 2022
-
In: Aerospace. - : MDPI AG. - 2226-4310. ; 9:12
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Large Eddy Simulation (LES) has rapidly developed into a powerful computational methodology for fluid dynamic studies, between Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) and Direct Numerical Simulation (DNS) in both accuracy and cost. High-speed combustion applications, such as ramjets, scramjets, dual-mode ramjets, and rotating detonation engines, are promising propulsion systems, but also challenging to analyze and develop. In this paper, the building blocks needed to perform LES of high-speed combustion are reviewed. Modelling of the unresolved, subgrid terms in the filtered LES equations is highlighted. The main families of combustion models are presented, focusing on finite-rate chemistry models. The density-based finite volume method and the reaction mechanisms commonly employed in LES of high-speed H2-air combustion are briefly reviewed. Three high-speed combustor applications are presented: an experiment of supersonic flame stabilization behind a bluff body, a direct connect facility experiment as a transition case from ramjet to scramjet operation mode, and the STRATOFLY MR3 Small-Scale Flight Experiment. Several combinations of turbulence and combustion models are compared. Comparisons with experiments are also provided when available. Overall, the results show good agreement with experimental data (e.g., shock train, mixing, wall heat flux, transition from ramjet to scramjet operation mode).
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25. |
- Giacomini, Enrico, et al.
(author)
-
Rotorcraft Airfoil Performance in Martian Environment
- 2024
-
In: Aerospace. - : MDPI. - 2226-4310. ; 11:8
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In 2021, the Ingenuity helicopter performed the inaugural flight on Mars, heralding a new epoch of exploration. However, the aerodynamics on Mars present unique challenges not found on Earth, such as low chord-based Reynolds number flows, which pose significant hurdles for future missions. The Ingenuity’s design incorporated a Reynolds number of approximately 20,000, dictated by the rotor’s dimensions. This paper investigates the implications of flows at a Reynolds number of 50,000, conducting a comparative analysis with those at 20,000 Re. The objective is to evaluate the feasibility of using larger rotor dimensions or extended airfoil chord lengths. An increase in the Reynolds number alters the size and position of Laminar Separation Bubbles (LSBs) on the airfoil, significantly impacting performance. This study leverages previous research on the structure and dynamics of LSBs to examine the flow around a cambered plate with 6% camber and 1% thickness in Martian conditions. This paper details the methods and mesh used for analysis, assesses airfoil performance, and provides a thorough explanation of the results obtained.
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26. |
- Hultman, Hugo, et al.
(author)
-
Predicting Geometrical Variation in Fabricated Assemblies Using a Digital Twin Approach Including a Novel Non-Nominal Welding Simulation
- 2022
-
In: Aerospace. - : MDPI AG. - 2226-4310. ; 9:9
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The aerospace industry faces constantly increasing demands on performance and reliability, especially within the vital area of engine development. New technologies are needed in order to push the limits of high precision manufacturing processes for the next generation of aircraft engines. An increased use of in-line data collection in manufacturing is creating an opportunity to individualize each assembly operation rather than treating them identically. Welding is common in this context, and the interaction between welding distortion and variation in part geometries is difficult to predict and manage in products with tight tolerances. This paper proposes an approach based on the Digital Twin paradigm, aiming to increase geometrical quality by combining the novel SCV (Steady-state Convex hull Volumetric shrinkage) method for non-nominal welding simulation with geometrical data collected from 3D scanning of parts. A case study is presented where two parts are scanned and then welded together into an assembly. The scan data is used as input for a non-nominal welding simulation, and the result of the simulation is compared directly to scan data from the real welded assembly. Three different welding simulation methods are used and assessed based on simulation speed and ability to predict the real welding result. The segmented SCV method for welding simulation shows promising potential for this implementation, delivering good prediction accuracy and high simulation speed.
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27. |
- Jesudasan, Rejish, et al.
(author)
-
Investigating Planar and Nonplanar Wing Planform Optimisation for Ground Effect Aircraft
- 2017
-
In: Aerospace. - : MDPI AG. - 2226-4310. ; 10:11
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Wing-in-Ground (WIG) effect aircraft are gaining attention for their potential in reducing environmental impact. However, optimising wing planforms based solely on aerodynamics might improve performance while compromising static height stability of WIG aircraft. This study investigates the effects of planar and nonplanar wing planform optimisation for regional transport ground effect aircraft. Three distinct multiobjective wing planform optimisations are explored: planar wing optimisation, nonplanar wing optimisation, and nonplanar wingtip optimisation. These optimisations assess the impact on both aerodynamic efficiency and static height stability characteristics of a wing planform in ground effect, at three different flying altitudes. In extreme ground effect, the Pareto set includes wings with negative spanwise camber, enhancing both cushion sensation and aerodynamic efficiency by effectively utilizing ground effect, thus proving advantageous over planar wing configurations.
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28. |
- Kindström-Andersson, Karl, et al.
(author)
-
Development of Scenarios as Problem-Space Descriptions in Aerospace Conceptual Design
- 2024
-
In: Aerospace. - 2226-4310. ; 11:7, s. 1-17
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In the defense and security domain, scenarios are often descriptions of stakeholder needs, future events, and the environment. They are used for the elicitation of requirements in development of capabilities, organizations, and technical systems. In the conceptual design of aerospace applications, models of scenarios can also represent and communicate a problem-space, enabling trade-space exploration and system effectiveness robustness analysis, which provide valuable input to decision-makers. This study utilizes design science to develop a scenario framework for solution-agnostic representations of a problem-space for use in aerospace conceptual design- and trade-space exploration. A scenario ontology is developed, describing the constituent concepts of scenarios and their relationships, followed by a method for creating scenarios and evaluating their validity. Within the EU project COLOSSUS, it is demonstrated that the scenario framework has utility both for market-pull and technology-push conceptual design. Establishing an ontology for scenarios and a method for creating them as well as evaluating their validity is another step in improving the aerospace conceptual design phase.
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29. |
- Knöös Franzén, Ludvig, et al.
(author)
-
Optimization Framework for Early Conceptual Design of Helicopters
- 2022
-
In: Aerospace. - : MDPI. - 2226-4310. ; 9:10
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This work illustrates how a proposed method can be used to create optimization frameworks for early conceptual design studies and to increase overall knowledge at an early design stage. The method is intended to facilitate concept selection in challenging domains that typically involve multidisciplinary design problems with contradictory requirements. The main focus of the work presented here is on the conceptual design of helicopters; however, the method is intended to be applicable to early design studies in other domains as well. In short, statistics about existing helicopters are collected and compiled to provide a basis for various regression analyses. The purpose of this is to unravel relationships in the data and to obtain simple estimation models from statistical regressions that can be used in conjunction with existing formulas and equations to generate an initial helicopter design estimate. Models for each discipline, such as aerodynamics, are then created using the outcomes of the regression analyses and existing equations. Lastly, the method is used to define a multidisciplinary design optimization framework incorporating all the models obtained from the different disciplines. A case study based on search and rescue operations is used to test the proposed framework in order to obtain possible first suggestions for the baseline design of a new general-purpose search and rescue helicopter.
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30. |
- Madrid, Julia, 1988, et al.
(author)
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A virtual design of experiments method to evaluate the effect of design andwelding parameters on weld quality in aerospace applications
- 2019
-
In: Aerospace. - 2226-4310. ; 6:6
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- During multidisciplinary design of welded aircraft components, designs are principally optimized upon component performance, employing well-established modelling and simulation techniques. On the contrary, because of the complexity of modelling welding process phenomena, much of the welding experimentation relies on physical testing, which means welding producibility aspects are considered after the design has already been established. In addition, welding optimization research mainly focuses on welding process parameters, overlooking the potential impact of product design. As a consequence, redesign loops and welding rework increases product cost. To solve these problems, in this article, a novel method that combines the benefits of design of experiments (DOE) techniques with welding simulation is presented. The aim of the virtual design of experiments method is to model and optimize the effect of design and welding parameters interactions early in the design process. The method is explained through a case study, in which weld bead penetration and distortion are quality responses to optimize. First, a small number of physical welds are conducted to develop and tune the welding simulation. From this activity, a new combined heat source model is presented. Thereafter, the DOE technique optimal design is employed to design an experimental matrix that enables the conjointly incorporation of design and welding parameters. Welding simulations are then run and a response function is obtained. With virtual experiments, a large number of design and welding parameter combinations can be tested in a short time. In conclusion, the creation of a meta-model allows for performing welding producibility optimization and robustness analyses during early design phases of aircraft components.
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31. |
- Moraes Da Silva, Lucilene, 1987, et al.
(author)
-
Analysis of Blade Aspect Ratio’s Influence on High-Speed Axial Compressor Performance
- 2024
-
In: Aerospace. - 2226-4310. ; 11:4
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The ratio between blade height and chord, named the aspect ratio (AR), plays an important role in compressor aerodynamic design. Once selected, it influences stage performance, blade losses and the stage stability margin. The choice of the design AR involves both aerodynamic and mechanical considerations, and an aim is frequently to achieve the desired operating range while maximizing efficiency. For a fixed set of aerodynamic and geometric parameters, there will be an optimal choice of AR that achieves a maximum efficiency. However, for a state-of-the-art aero-engine design, optimality means multi-objective optimality, that is, reaching the highest possible efficiency for a number of operating points while achieving a sufficient stability margin. To this end, the influence of the AR on the performance of the first rotor row of a multistage, multi-objective, high-speed compressor design is analyzed. A careful setup of the high-speed aerodynamic design problem allows the effect of the AR to be isolated. Close to the optimal AR, only a modest efficiency variation is observed, but a considerable change in compressor stability margin (SM) is noted. Decreasing the AR allows for increasing efficiency, but at the expense of a reduced surge margin. This allows the designer to trade efficiency for stability. Increasing the AR, however, is shown to reduce both the surge margin and efficiency; hence, a distinct optimality in stability is observed for the analyzed rotor blade row. In this work, optimality in the surge margin with respect to the AR is observed, whereas there is a close to optimal efficiency. The predicted range from AR = 1.10 to AR = 1.64 is only indicative, considering that the definition of multi-objective optimality requires balancing efficiency and the surge margin and that the choice of balancing these two criteria requires making a design choice along a pareto optimal front.
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32. |
- Mukundan, Arvind, et al.
(author)
-
The Dvaraka Initiative: Mars's First Permanent Human Settlement Capable of Self-Sustenance
- 2023
-
In: Aerospace. - : MDPI. - 2226-4310. ; 10:3
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- From the farthest reaches of the universe to our own galaxy, there are many different celestial bodies that, even though they are very different, each have their own way of being beautiful. Earth, the planet with the best location, has been home to people for as long as we can remember. Even though we cannot be more thankful for all that Earth has given us, the human population needs to grow so that Earth is not the only place where people can live. Mars, which is right next to Earth, is the answer to this problem. Mars is the closest planet and might be able to support human life because it is close to Earth and shares many things in common. This paper will talk about how the first settlement on Mars could be planned and consider a 1000-person colony and the best place to settle on Mars, and make suggestions for the settlement's technical, architectural, social, and economic layout. By putting together assumptions, research, and estimates, the first settlement project proposed in this paper will suggest the best way to colonize, explore, and live on Mars, which is our sister planet.
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33. |
- Nilsson, Stefan, 1985, et al.
(author)
-
Effects of Aeroelastic Walls on the Aeroacoustics in Transonic Cavity Flow
- 2022
-
In: Aerospace. - : MDPI AG. - 2226-4310. ; 9:11
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The effects of elastic cavity walls on noise generation at transonic speed are investigated for the generic M219 cavity. The flow is simulated with the Spalart–Allmaras (SA) improved delayed detached-eddy simulation (IDDES) turbulence model in combination with a wall function. The structural analysis software uses a modal formulation. The first 50 structural normal mode shapes are included in the simulation, spanning frequencies of 468–2280 Hz. Results are compared with those from a reference simulation with rigid cavity walls. A spectral analysis of pressure fluctuations from a microphone array above the cavity evinces a distinct tone at 816 Hz, which is absent in the reference simulation. Furthermore, the power of the 4th Rossiter mode at 852 Hz is depleted, implying a significant energy transfer from the fluid to the structure. Spectral proper orthogonal decomposition (SPOD) is employed for analyses of cavity wall pressure fluctuations and wall displacements. The SPOD mode energy spectra show results consistent with the spectra of the microphone array with respect to the tone at 816 Hz and the depletion of the energy at the 4th Rossiter mode. Furthermore, the SPOD mode energy spectra show energy spikes at additional frequencies, which coincide with structural eigenfrequencies.
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34. |
- Nordman, Aida, et al.
(author)
-
Extraction of CD & R Work Phases from Eye-Tracking and Simulator Logs: A Topic Modelling Approach
- 2023
-
In: AEROSPACE. - : MDPI. - 2226-4310. ; 10:7
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Automation in Air Traffic Control (ATC) is gaining an increasing interest. Possible relevant applications are in automated decision support tools leveraging the performance of the Air Traffic Controller (ATCO) when performing tasks such as Conflict Detection and Resolution (CD & R). Another important area of application is in ATCOs training by aiding instructors to assess the trainees strategies. From this perspective, models that capture the cognitive processes and reveal ATCOs work strategies need to be built. In this work, we investigated a novel approach based on topic modelling to learn controllers work patterns from temporal event sequences obtained by merging eye movement data with data from simulation logs. A comparison of the work phases exhibited by the topic models and the Conflict Life Cycle (CLC) reference model, derived from post-simulation interviews with the ATCOs, indicated that there was a correspondence between the phases captured by the proposed method and the CLC framework. Another contribution of this work is a method to assess similarities between ATCOs work strategies. A first proof-of-concept application targeting the CD & R task is also presented.
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35. |
- Otero, Evelyn, 1983-, et al.
(author)
-
Flight Procedure Analysis for a Combined Environmental Impact Reduction : An Optimal Trade-Off Strategy
- 2022
-
In: Aerospace. - : MDPI AG. - 2226-4310. ; 9:11, s. 683-683
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Many attempts have been made to reduce aviation’s environmental impact, as aviation traffic has grown exponentially in recent decades. While some approaches focus on technology and fuel alternatives, others strive to develop improved operational measures within air traffic management as a short-term action to mitigate aviation-induced climate change, as well as air pollution. In this work, different flight procedures are analyzed in terms of emissions and noise impact to define optimal trade-offs. The investigation is based on flight data recorders, emissions, and noise prediction models. An aircraft trajectory simulation code with flight procedure optimization is also implemented to define an environmentally optimal trajectory. The results show that while noise and the emissions proportional to the burned fuel may be reduced for some trajectories, other non-CO2 emissions could drastically increase if too low idle-thrust levels are reached. Therefore, a minimum threshold for idle thrust is suggested as a key factor to define a truly optimal trajectory in terms of CO2 emissions, non-CO2 emissions, and noise.
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36. |
- Ottersten, Martin, 1981, et al.
(author)
-
Inlet Gap Influence on Low-Frequency Flow Unsteadiness in a Centrifugal Fan
- 2022
-
In: Aerospace. - : MDPI AG. - 2226-4310. ; 9:12
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In this study, unsteady low-frequency characteristics in a voluteless low-speed centrifugal fan operating at a high mass flow rate are studied with improved delayed detached eddy simulation (IDDES). This study is motivated by a recent finding that the non-uniformly distributed pressure inside this type of fan could be alleviated by improving the gap geometry. The present simulation results show that the velocity magnitudes of the gap have distinct low and high regions. Intensive turbulent structures are developed in the low-velocity regions and are swept downstream along the intersection between the blade and shroud, on the pressure side of the blade. Eventually, the turbulence gives rise to a high-pressure region near the blade’s trailing edge. This unsteady flow behavior revolves around the fan rotation axis. Additionally, its period is 5% of the fan rotation speed, based on the analysis of the time history of the gap velocity magnitudes and the evolution of the high-pressure region. The same frequency of high pressure was also found in previous experimental measurements. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first time that the trigger of the gap turbulence, i.e., the unsteady local low velocity, has been determined.
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37. |
- Palos, Mario F., et al.
(author)
-
Electric Sail Mission Expeditor, ESME : Software Architecture and Initial ESTCube Lunar Cubesat E-Sail Experiment Design
- 2023
-
In: Aerospace. - : MDPI AG. - 2226-4310. ; 10:8
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The electric solar wind sail, or E-sail, is a novel deep space propulsion concept which has not been demonstrated in space yet. While the solar wind is the authentic operational environment of the electric sail, its fundamentals can be demonstrated in the ionosphere where the E-sail can be used as a plasma brake for deorbiting. Two missions to be launched in 2023, Foresail-1p and ESTCube-2, will attempt to demonstrate Coulomb drag propulsion (an umbrella term for the E-sail and plasma brake) in low Earth orbit. This paper presents the next step of bringing the E-sail to deep space—we provide the initial modelling and trajectory analysis of demonstrating the E-sail in solar wind. The preliminary analysis assumes a six-unit cubesat being inserted in the lunar orbit where it deploys several hundred meters of the E-sail tether and charges the tether at 10–20 kV. The spacecraft will experience acceleration due to the solar wind particles being deflected by the electrostatic sheath around the charged tether. The paper includes two new concepts: the software architecture of a new mission design tool, the Electric Sail Mission Expeditor (ESME), and the initial E-sail experiment design for the lunar orbit. Our solar-wind simulation places the Electric Sail Test Cube (ESTCube) lunar cubesat with the E-sail tether in average solar wind conditions and we estimate a force of (Formula presented.) N produced by the Coulomb drag on a 2 km tether charged to 20 kV. Our trajectory analysis takes the 15 kg cubesat from the lunar back to the Earth orbit in under three years assuming a 2 km long tether and 20 kV. The results of this paper are used to set scientific requirements for the conceptional ESTCube lunar nanospacecraft mission design to be published subsequently in the Special Issue “Advances in CubeSat Sails and Tethers”.
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38. |
- Panarotto, Massimo, 1985, et al.
(author)
-
Modelling Flexibility and Qualification Ability to Assess Electric Propulsion Architectures for Satellite Megaconstellations
- 2020
-
In: Aerospace. - : MDPI AG. - 2226-4310. ; 7:12
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The higher satellite production rates expected in new megaconstellation scenarios involve radical changes in the way design trade-offs need to be considered by electric propulsion companies. In relative comparison, flexibility and qualification ability will have a higher impact in megaconstellations compared to traditional businesses. For these reasons, this paper proposes a methodology for assessing flexible propulsion architectures by taking into account variations in market behavior and qualification activities. Through the methodology, flexibility and qualification ability can be traded against traditional engineering attributes (such as functional performances) in a quantitative way. The use of the methodology is illustrated through an industrial case related to the study of xenon vs. krypton architectures for megaconstellation businesses. This paper provides insights on how to apply the methodology in other case studies, in order to enable engineering teams to present and communicate the impact of alternative architectural concepts to program managers and decision-makers.
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39. |
- Rehfeld, Nadine, et al.
(author)
-
Round-Robin Study for Ice Adhesion Tests
- 2024
-
In: Aerospace. - : Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI). - 2226-4310. ; 11:2
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Ice adhesion tests are widely used to assess the performance of potential icephobic surfaces and coatings. A great variety of test designs have been developed and used over the past decades due to the lack of formal standards for these types of tests. In many cases, the aim of the research was not only to determine ice adhesion values, but also to understand the key surface properties correlated to low ice adhesion surfaces. Data from different measurement techniques had low correspondence between the results: Values varied by orders of magnitude and showed different relative relationships to one another. This study sought to provide a broad comparison of ice adhesion testing approaches by conducting different ice adhesion tests with identical test surfaces. A total of 15 test facilities participated in this round-robin study, and the results of 13 partners are summarized in this paper. For the test series, ice types (impact and static) as well as test parameters were harmonized to minimize the deviations between the test setups. Our findings are presented in this paper, and the ice- and test-specific results are discussed. This study can improve our understanding of test results and support the standardization process for ice adhesion strength measurements.
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40. |
- Slavinskis, Andris, et al.
(author)
-
Electric Sail Test Cube–Lunar Nanospacecraft, ESTCube-LuNa: Solar Wind Propulsion Demonstration Mission Concept
- 2024
-
In: Aerospace. - : MDPI AG. - 2226-4310. ; 11:3
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The electric solar wind sail, or E-sail, is a propellantless interplanetary propulsion system concept. By deflecting solar wind particles off their original course, it can generate a propulsive effect with nothing more than an electric charge. The high-voltage charge is applied to one or multiple centrifugally deployed hair-thin tethers, around which an electrostatic sheath is created. Electron emitters are required to compensate for the electron current gathered by the tether. The electric sail can also be utilised in low Earth orbit, or LEO, when passing through the ionosphere, where it serves as a plasma brake for deorbiting—several missions have been dedicated to LEO demonstration. In this article, we propose the ESTCube-LuNa mission concept and the preliminary cubesat design to be launched into the Moon’s orbit, where the solar wind is uninterrupted, except for the lunar wake and when the Moon is in the Earth’s magnetosphere. This article introduces E-sail demonstration experiments and the preliminary payload design, along with E-sail thrust validation and environment characterisation methods, a cis-lunar cubesat platform solution and an early concept of operations. The proposed lunar nanospacecraft concept is designed without a deep space network, typically used for lunar and deep space operations. Instead, radio telescopes are being repurposed for communications and radio frequency ranging, and celestial optical navigation is developed for on-board orbit determination.
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41. |
- Suarez, David Orozco, et al.
(author)
-
CMAG : A Mission to Study and Monitor the Inner Corona Magnetic Field
- 2023
-
In: Aerospace. - 2226-4310. ; 10:12
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Measuring magnetic fields in the inner corona, the interface between the solar chromosphere and outer corona, is of paramount importance if we aim to understand the energetic transformations taking place there, and because it is at the origin of processes that lead to coronal heating, solar wind acceleration, and of most of the phenomena relevant to space weather. However, these measurements are more difficult than mere imaging because polarimetry requires differential photometry. The coronal magnetograph mission (CMAG) has been designed to map the vector magnetic field, line-of-sight velocities, and plane-of-the-sky velocities of the inner corona with unprecedented spatial and temporal resolutions from space. This will be achieved through full vector spectropolarimetric observations using a coronal magnetograph as the sole instrument on board a spacecraft, combined with an external occulter installed on another spacecraft. The two spacecraft will maintain a formation flight distance of 430 m for coronagraphic observations, which requires a 2.5 m occulter disk radius. The mission will be preferentially located at the Lagrangian L5 point, offering a significant advantage for solar physics and space weather research. Existing ground-based instruments face limitations such as atmospheric turbulence, solar scattered light, and long integration times when performing coronal magnetic field measurements. CMAG overcomes these limitations by performing spectropolarimetric measurements from space with an external occulter and high-image stability maintained over time. It achieves the necessary sensitivity and offers a spatial resolution of 2.5 '' and a temporal resolution of approximately one minute, in its nominal mode, covering the range from 1.02 solar radii to 2.5 radii. CMAG relies on proven European technologies and can be adapted to enhance any other solar mission, offering potential significant advancements in coronal physics and space weather modeling and monitoring.
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42. |
- Suewatanakul, Siwat, et al.
(author)
-
Conceptual Design of a Hybrid Hydrogen Fuel Cell/Battery Blended-Wing-Body Unmanned Aerial Vehicle—An Overview
- 2022
-
In: Aerospace. - : MDPI AG. - 2226-4310. ; 9:5, s. 275-275
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The manuscript presents the conceptual design phase of an unmanned aerial vehicle, withthe objective of a systems approach towards the integration of a hydrogen fuel-cell system and Li-ionbatteries into an aerodynamically efficient platform representative of future aircraft configurations.Using a classical approach to aircraft design and a combination of low- and high-resolution computationalsimulations, a final blended wing body UAV was designed with a maximum take-off weightof 25 kg and 4 m wingspan. Preliminary aerodynamic and propulsion sizing demonstrated that theaircraft is capable of completing a 2 h long mission powered by a 650Wfuel cell, hybridized with a100 Wh battery pack, and with a fuel quantity of 80 g of compressed hydrogen.
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43. |
- Yao, Huadong, 1982, et al.
(author)
-
Blade-Tip Vortex Noise Mitigation Traded-Off against Aerodynamic Design for Propellers of Future Electric Aircraft
- 2022
-
In: Aerospace. - : MDPI AG. - 2226-4310. ; 9:12
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We study noise generation at the blade tips of propellers designed for future electric aircraft propulsion and, furthermore, analyze the interrelationship between noise mitigation and aerodynamics improvement in terms of propeller geometric designs. Classical propellers with three or six blades and a conceptual propeller with three joined dual-blades are compared to understand the effects of blade tip vortices on the noise generation and aerodynamics. The dual blade of the conceptual propeller is constructed by joining the tips of two sub-blades. These propellers are designed to operate under the same freestream flow conditions and similar electric power consumption. The Improved Delayed Detached Eddy Simulation (IDDES) is adopted for the flow simulation to identify high-resolution time-dependent noise sources around the blade tips. The acoustic computations use a time-domain method based on the convective Ffowcs Williams–Hawkings (FW-H) equation. The thrust of the 3-blade conceptual propeller is 4% larger than the 3-blade classical propeller and 8% more than the 6-blade one, given that they have similar efficiencies. Blade tip vortices are found emitting broadband noise. Since the classical and conceptual 3-blade propellers have different geometries, especially at the blade tips, they introduce deviations in the vortex development. However, the differences are small regarding the broadband noise generation. As compared to the 6-blade classical propeller, both 3-blade propellers produce much larger noise. The reason is that the increased number of blades leads to the reduced strength of tip vortices. The findings indicate that the noise mitigation through the modification of the blade design and number can be traded-off by the changed aerodynamic performance.
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44. |
- Yao, Huadong, 1982
(author)
-
Special Issue “Aeroacoustics and Noise Mitigation” (EditoriAL)
- 2023
-
In: Aerospace. - 2226-4310. ; 10:7
-
Journal article (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Aerospace, an open access journal operated by MDPI, recently released a Special Issue entitled “Aeroacoustics and Noise Mitigation”. Dr. Hua-Dong Yao from Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden served as the Guest Editor for this edition. In this Special Issue, readers can explore a collection of 11 articles that encompass various subjects, ranging from fundamental research to practical applications in the real world. As the study of sound increasingly incorporates multidisciplinary physics, today, aeroacoustics has been expanded from the study of sound generation alone to a process that partially or completely combines sound generation, propagation, and mapping at receivers. Moreover, aeroacoustics is not limited to flows such as external noise pollution, footprint, and indoor environment quality, but also deals with flow–structure interaction (FSI), aero-vibro-acoustics, and damage detection and health monitoring of structures, etc. Due to the common basis of mathematical algorithms and physics, theories and methods developed for aeroacoustics with air as the medium have been applied to other fluid media such as water. The application scenarios are also not limited to aircraft, but extend to, for example, ground vehicles, HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) systems, wind turbines, ship propellers, and underwater vehicles. According to the instructions provided by ICAO (the International Civil Aviation Organization), aircraft noise mitigation can be achieved by noise source controlling, air traffic management, operating procedures, land-use planning, and relevant regulations and policies. However, with the emergence of clean-energy air vehicles such as flying cars and drones, available technologies and policies should be updated to meet the new demands and situations of rural/urban air mobility.
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45. |
- Zaccaria, Valentina, 1989-, et al.
(author)
-
Probabilistic model for aero-engines fleet condition monitoring
- 2020
-
In: Aerospace. - : MDPI Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute. - 2226-4310. ; 7:6
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Since aeronautic transportation is responsible for a rising share of polluting emissions, it is of primary importance to minimize the fuel consumption any time during operations. From this perspective, continuous monitoring of engine performance is essential to implement proper corrective actions and avoid excessive fuel consumption due to engine deterioration. This requires, however, automated systems for diagnostics and decision support, which should be able to handle large amounts of data and ensure reliability in all the multiple conditions the engines of a fleet can be found in. In particular, the proposed solution should be robust to engine-to-engine deviations and dierent sensors availability scenarios. In this paper, a probabilistic Bayesian network for fault detection and identification is applied to a fleet of engines, simulated by an adaptive performance model. The combination of the performance model and the Bayesian network is also studied and compared to the probabilistic model only. The benefit in the suggested hybrid approach is identified as up to 50% higher accuracy. Sensors unavailability due to manufacturing constraints or sensor faults reduce the accuracy of the physics-based method, whereas the Bayesian model is less aected.
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46. |
- Zhao, Xin, 1986, et al.
(author)
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Parameter Sensitivity Study on Inflow Distortion of Boundary Layer Ingested Turbofans
- 2022
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In: Aerospace. - : MDPI AG. - 2226-4310. ; 9:8
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The inflow distortion to the fan introduced by the ingestion of the fuselage boundary layer is the most critical challenge in realizing the benefits of boundary later ingesting (BLI) concepts. Minimizing the level of distortion while maintaining the desired amount of ingested boundary layer and free stream flow is crucial in minimizing the penalties to fan efficiency and noise emissions. In this paper, a parametric sensitivity study is performed to examine the integration of two semi-buried BLI turbofans at the rear end of a typical tube-and-wing body (TWB) fuselage. The key parameters influencing BLI, such as the nacelle installation positions, wing position, fuselage length, rear fuselage shape, intake shape and operating conditions were evaluated by computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Among the investigated parameters, increasing the nacelle spanwise installation spacing improved inflow distortion by reducing the diffusion separation, but this needs to be offset against the added weight and nacelle drag. A high wing position variant showed strong interference between the wing and the nacelle, which must be avoided as this significantly increases the complexity of the inflow distortion. A moderate angle of attack (AOA) variation did not affect the fan inflow distortion but there was a tendency for interference from the wing to increase when the AOA was increased. The general conclusions from this study will be useful in the conceptual design of a similar type of BLI configuration, as well as a more comprehensive optimization of this type of aircraft–engine integration.
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47. |
- Åkerblom, Arvid, et al.
(author)
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Numerical Modeling of Chemical Kinetics, Spray Dynamics, and Turbulent Combustion towards Sustainable Aviation
- 2024
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In: Aerospace. - 2226-4310. ; 11:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- With growing interest in sustainable civil supersonic and hypersonic aviation, there is a need to model the combustion of alternative, sustainable jet fuels. This work presents numerical simulations of several related phenomena, including laminar flames, ignition, and spray flames. Two conventional jet fuels, Jet A and JP-5, and two alternative jet fuels, C1 and C5, are targeted. The laminar burning velocities of these fuels are predicted using skeletal and detailed reaction mechanisms. The ignition delay times are predicted in the context of dual-mode ramjet engines. Large Eddy Simulations (LES) of spray combustion in an aeroengine are carried out to investigate how the different thermodynamic and chemical properties of alternative fuels lead to different emergent behavior. A novel set of thermodynamic correlations are developed for the spray model. The laminar burning velocity predictions are normalized by heat of combustion to reveal a more distinct fuel trend, with C1 burning slowest and C5 fastest. The ignition results highlight the contributions of the Negative Temperature Coefficient (NTC) effect, equivalence ratio, and hydrogen enrichment in determining ignition time scales in dual-mode ramjet engines. The spray results reveal that the volatile alternative jet fuels have short penetration depths and that the flame of the most chemically divergent fuel (C1) stabilizes relatively close to the spray.
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48. |
- Åkerblom, Arvid, et al.
(author)
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Numerical Simulations of Spray Combustion in Jet Engines
- 2022
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In: Aerospace. - : MDPI AG. - 2226-4310. ; 9:12
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The aviation sector is facing a massive change in terms of replacing the currently used fossil jet fuels (Jet A, JP5, etc.) with non-fossil jet fuels from sustainable feedstocks. This involves several challenges and, among them, we have the fundamental issue of current jet engines being developed for the existing fossil jet fuels. To facilitate such a transformation, we need to investigate the sensitivity of jet engines to other fuels, having a wider range of thermophysical specifications. The combustion process is particularly important and difficult to characterize with respect to fuel characteristics. In this study, we examine premixed and pre-vaporized combustion of dodecane, Jet A, and a synthetic test fuel, C1, based on the alcohol-to-jet (ATJ) certified pathway behind an equilateral bluff-body flameholder, spray combustion of Jet A and C1 in a laboratory combustor, and spray combustion of Jet A and C1 in a single-sector model of a helicopter engine by means of numerical simulations. A finite rate chemistry (FRC) large eddy simulation (LES) approach is adopted and used together with small comprehensive reaction mechanisms of around 300 reversible reactions. Comparison with experimental data is performed for the bluff-body flameholder and laboratory combustor configurations. Good agreement is generally observed, and small to marginal differences in combustion behavior are observed between the different fuels.
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