Analysis of the influence of day and night temperature difference on oxygen concentration in ullage space of fuel tank

Abstract

Purpose

Determining the variation law of the oxygen concentration in the ullage space of the fuel tank is the key to the design of the inert system. Among various factors affecting the oxygen concentration in the ullage space of the fuel tank, the temperature difference between day and night shows particular importance while relevant analysis and calculation are scarce.

Design/methodology/approach

This study establishes a theoretical simulation model of the central wing fuel tank of an aircraft according to the relevant provisions of day-night temperature variation in FAR25 airworthiness regulations, verifies the model with the existing experimental data and discusses the corresponding relationship between the oxygen concentration in the ullage space of the fuel tank and the day-night temperature difference. The influence of day and night temperature difference, fuel type, fuel load rate, initial oxygen concentration, dissolved oxygen evolution and other factors on the oxygen concentration in the ullage space of the fuel tank were analyzed, and the limit of initial oxygen concentration of the fuel tank before the shutdown at night meeting the requirements of the airworthiness provisions was proposed.

Findings

The results show that the temperature difference between day and night, fuel load rate, initial oxygen concentration and other factors have different effects on the oxygen concentration in the ullage space of fuel tank. The initial oxygen concentration limit before shutdown shall be 2% below the 12% oxygen concentration stipulated by FAA.

Research limitations/implications

The research results in this paper will be of good reference value to the design of the inert system and the calculation of the flammability exposure evaluation time. This paper aims to be good reference of the design of the inert system and the calculation of the flammability exposure evaluation time.

Originality/value

The research results of this paper can provide practical guidance for the current civil airworthiness certification work.

Citation

Zhang, R. and Liu, W. (2023), "Analysis of the influence of day and night temperature difference on oxygen concentration in ullage space of fuel tank", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 95 No. 2, pp. 358-364. https://doi.org/10.1108/AEAT-03-2022-0068