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Article
Publication date: 10 July 2024

Md Helal Miah, Dharmahinder Singh Chand and Gurmail Singh Malhi

The pivotal aspect of aircraft assembly lies in precise measurement accuracy. While a solitary digital measuring tool suffices for analytical and small surfaces, it falls short…

Abstract

Purpose

The pivotal aspect of aircraft assembly lies in precise measurement accuracy. While a solitary digital measuring tool suffices for analytical and small surfaces, it falls short for extensive synthetic surfaces like aircraft fuselage panels and wing spars. The purpose of this study is to develop a “combined measurement method” (CMM) that enhances measurement quality and expands the evaluative scope, addressing the limitations posed by singular digital devices in meeting measurement requirements across various aircraft components.

Design/methodology/approach

The study illustrated the utilization of the CMM by combining a laser tracker and a portable arm-measuring machine. This innovative approach is tailored to address the intricate nature and substantial dimensions of aircraft fuselage panels. The portable arm-measuring machine performs precise scans of panel components, while common points recorded by the laser tracker undergo coordinate conversion to reconstruct the fuselage panel’s shape. The research outlines the CMM’s measurement procedure and scrutinizes the data processing technique. Ultimately, the investigation yields a deviation vector matrix and chromatogram deviation distribution, pivotal in achieving enhanced measurement precision for the novel CMM device.

Findings

The use of CMM noticeably enhances fuselage panel assembly accuracy, concurrently reducing assembly time and enhancing efficiency compared to conventional measurement systems.

Practical implications

The research’s practical implication lies in revolutionizing aircraft assembly by mitigating accuracy issues through the innovative digital CMM for aircraft synthetic structure type product (aircraft fuselage panel). This ensures safer flights, reduces rework and enhances overall efficiency in the aerospace industry.

Originality/value

Introducing a new aircraft assembly accuracy compensation method through digital combined measurement, pioneering improved assembly precision. Also, it enhances aerospace assembly quality, safety and efficiency, offering innovative insights for optimized aviation manufacturing processes.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 96 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1748-8842

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 July 2024

Yenhsu Lin and Rong-Her Chiu

Blockchain is the fastest-growing technology currently being used in the aviation industry, especially in aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services. This study aims…

Abstract

Purpose

Blockchain is the fastest-growing technology currently being used in the aviation industry, especially in aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services. This study aims to create an analytic framework to assess the main factors and subfactors that have significantly influence the blockchain used in aviation MRO services. A mixed-methods approach is used to gain a comprehensive understanding of how blockchain is being adopted in aircraft maintenance facilities, Semi-structured interviews and questionnaires are used to gather data. The questionnaire is focused on the present state of the MRO industry.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the literature review, a framework including four factors and 12 subfactors is developed, and the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) is then established. This study explores how these factors influence the implementation of blockchain in aviation MRO services. The five aviation MRO services providers in Taiwan, namely, “Evergreen Aviation Technologies Corporation,” “Taiwan Aircraft Maintenance and Engineering Co., Ltd.,” “Air Asia Company Ltd.,” “Aerospace Industrial Development Corp.” and “GE Evergreen Engine Services Corporation” are considered; furthermore, 55 experts working in these organizations were invited to evaluate the relative importance criteria in the AHP framework.

Findings

The results indicate that “inventory management” is the most important criterion, followed by “provisioning, procurement and sales” and “maintenance planning.” In addition, the three most important subfactors are “parts interchangeability,” “customer stock” and “SPEC2K interface for ATA SPEC 2000.”

Originality/value

Asia is ranked as the second most important aviation MRO service market in the world. Taiwan has the shortest flight hours in the western Pacific region, the seven major foreign cities in this area. Aviation MRO service providers located in Taiwan are the best choices for aircraft MRO in the Asia-Pacific region, indicating that Taiwan serves as a promising market development evaluation model for blockchain aviation MRO services. The results offer a comprehensive overview of the relative importance of different criteria for MRO services that use blockchains. In addition, the findings present the market potential for key players in the aviation industry, including aircraft engineers, airline companies, aircraft component manufacturers and aviation MRO service providers.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 96 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1748-8842

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 August 2024

Yanhua Zhang, Kaixin Ying, Jialin Zhou, Yuehua Cheng, Chenghui Xu and Zhigeng Fang

This paper aims to optimize the air pressure regulation scheme of the aeroengine pressure test bench.

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to optimize the air pressure regulation scheme of the aeroengine pressure test bench.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the requirements of pressure regulation process and the operating mechanism of aeroengine pressure test bench, a grey performance evaluation index system is constructed. The combination of principal component analysis and grey theory is employed to assign weights to grey indexes. The grey target evaluation model is introduced to evaluate the performance of historical regulation processes, and the evaluation results are analyzed to derive optimization mechanism for pressure regulating schemes.

Findings

A case study based on monitoring data from nearly 300 regulation processes verifies the feasibility of the proposed method. On the one hand, the improved principal component analysis method can achieve rational weighting for grey indexes. On the other hand, the method comparison intuitively shows that the proposed method performs better.

Originality/value

The pressure test bench is a fundamental technical equipment in the aviation industry, serving the development and testing of aircraft engines. Due to the complex system composition, the pressure and flow adjustment of the test bench heavily rely on manual experience, leading to issues such as slow adjustment speed and insufficient accuracy. This paper proposes a performance evaluation method for the regulation process of pressure test bench, which can draw knowledge from historical regulation processes, provide guidance for the pressure regulation of test benches, and ultimately achieve the goal of reducing equipment operating costs.

Details

Grey Systems: Theory and Application, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2043-9377

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 August 2024

Mehmet Ziya Sogut

The altitude and weather conditions affect directly fuel consumption and engine efficiency of the aircraft engines. The thermo-physical properties of the weather of altitude play…

Abstract

Purpose

The altitude and weather conditions affect directly fuel consumption and engine efficiency of the aircraft engines. The thermo-physical properties of the weather of altitude play a significant role in this process. Unfortunately, engine performance based on altitude conditions also causes waste heat and environmental pollution due to engine entropy generation. However, environmental impact assessment is needed to improve environmental sustainability. This study aimed to analyse the energy and environmental performance of a piston engine based on altitude conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on the entropy approach, and it aims to assess the environmental impact of the engine. Exergy analysis with together two new indices to evaluate the environmental effects caused by the engine under altitude conditions was used.

Findings

The analysis reveals that the exergy efficiency of the piston engine is 23.9% on average for the three referenced altitudes, while the exergy efficiency difference between altitude boundary conditions is 11%. In addition, the entropy production of the engine is on average 10.55 kW/K. In this case, the environmental pollution potential resulting from the entropy production of the engine is on average 3.29 times higher due to reversible conditions, while the improvement rate was found to be 58%.

Originality/value

This analysis shows that engine efficiency increases as altitude increases. Similarly, it can also be said that the environmental impacts are reduced and the improvement of the engine has opportunities for operational processes. Besides, in the study, some suggestions for motor performance impact analysis were presented.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 96 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1748-8842

Keywords

Expert briefing
Publication date: 9 September 2024

He said this was based on concerns that the relevant weapons could be used to violate human rights in Gaza. The decision to impose a partial ban has been criticised by Muslim…

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 26 April 2024

Sultan Mohammed Althahban, Mostafa Nowier, Islam El-Sagheer, Amr Abd-Elhady, Hossam Sallam and Ramy Reda

This paper comprehensively addresses the influence of chopped strand mat glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) patch configurations such as geometry, dimensions, position and the…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper comprehensively addresses the influence of chopped strand mat glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) patch configurations such as geometry, dimensions, position and the number of layers of patches, whether a single or double patch is used and how well debonding the area under the patch improves the strength of the cracked aluminum plates with different crack lengths.

Design/methodology/approach

Single-edge cracked aluminum specimens of 150 mm in length and 50 mm in width were tested using the tensile test. The cracked aluminum specimens were then repaired using GFRP patches with various configurations. A three-dimensional (3D) finite element method (FEM) was adopted to simulate the repaired cracked aluminum plates using composite patches to obtain the stress intensity factor (SIF). The numerical modeling and validation of ABAQUS software and the contour integral method for SIF calculations provide a valuable tool for further investigation and design optimization.

Findings

The width of the GFRP patches affected the efficiency of the rehabilitated cracked aluminum plate. Increasing patch width WP from 5 mm to 15 mm increases the peak load by 9.7 and 17.5%, respectively, if compared with the specimen without the patch. The efficiency of the GFRP patch in reducing the SIF increased as the number of layers increased, i.e. the maximum load was enhanced by 5%.

Originality/value

This study assessed repairing metallic structures using the chopped strand mat GFRP. Furthermore, it demonstrated the superiority of rectangular patches over semicircular ones, along with the benefit of using double patches for out-of-plane bending prevention and it emphasizes the detrimental effect of defects in the bonding area between the patch and the cracked component. This underlines the importance of proper surface preparation and bonding techniques for successful repair.

Graphical abstract

Details

Frontiers in Engineering and Built Environment, vol. 4 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2634-2499

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 August 2024

Wasan Al-Masa’fah, Ismail Abushaikha and Omar M. Bwaliez

This study aims to evaluate the enhancement in prosthetic supply chain capabilities resulting from the implementation of additive manufacturing (AM) technologies. The study…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate the enhancement in prosthetic supply chain capabilities resulting from the implementation of additive manufacturing (AM) technologies. The study presents an emerging model outlining the key areas that undergo changes when integrating 3D printing technologies into the prosthetic supply chain.

Design/methodology/approach

Employing a qualitative approach, data were collected through field observations and 31 in-depth interviews conducted within various Jordanian organizations associated with the prosthetic industry and 3D printing technologies.

Findings

The findings suggest that the adoption of 3D printing technologies improves the prosthetic supply chain’s capabilities in terms of customization, responsiveness, innovation, environmental sustainability, cost minimization and patient empowerment. The study sheds light on the specific areas affected in the prosthetic supply chain following the adoption of 3D printing technologies, emphasizing the overall improvement in supply chain capabilities within the prosthetic industry.

Practical implications

This study provides recommendations for governmental bodies and prosthetic organizations to maximize the benefits derived from the use of 3D printing technologies.

Originality/value

This study contributes as the first of its kind in exploring the impact of 3D printing technology adoption in the Jordanian prosthetic industry, elucidating the effects on the supply chain and identifying challenges for decision-makers in an emerging market context.

Details

The TQM Journal, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1754-2731

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 June 2023

Mandeep Singh, Khushdeep Goyal and Deepak Bhandari

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the effect of titanium oxide (TiO2) and yttrium oxide (Y2O3) nanoparticles-reinforced pure aluminium (Al) on the mechanical properties of…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the effect of titanium oxide (TiO2) and yttrium oxide (Y2O3) nanoparticles-reinforced pure aluminium (Al) on the mechanical properties of hybrid aluminium matrix nanocomposites (HAMNCs).

Design/methodology/approach

The HAMNCs were fabricated via a vacuum die-assisted stir casting route by a two-step feeding method. The varying weight percentages of TiO2 and Y2O3 nanoparticles were added as 2.5, 5, 7.5 and 10 Wt.%.

Findings

Scanning electron microscope images showed the homogenous dispersion of nanoparticles in Al matrix. The tensile strength by 28.97%, yield strength by 50.60%, compression strength by 104.6% and micro-hardness by 50.90% were improved in HAMNC1 when compared to the base matrix. The highest values impact strength of 36.3 J was observed for HAMNC1. The elongation % was decreased by increasing the weight percentage of the nanoparticles. HAMNC1 improved the wear resistance by 23.68%, while increasing the coefficient of friction by 14.18%. Field emission scanning electron microscope analysis of the fractured surfaces of tensile samples revealed microcracks and the debonding of nanoparticles.

Originality/value

The combined effect of TiO2 and Y2O3 nanoparticles with pure Al on mechanical properties has been studied. The composites were fabricated with two-step feeding vacuum-assisted stir casting.

Details

World Journal of Engineering, vol. 21 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1708-5284

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 September 2024

Hongbin Li, Zhihao Wang, Nina Sun and Lianwen Sun

Considering the influence of deformation error, the target poses must be corrected when compensating for positioning error but the efficiency of existing positioning error…

Abstract

Purpose

Considering the influence of deformation error, the target poses must be corrected when compensating for positioning error but the efficiency of existing positioning error compensation algorithms needs to be improved. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to propose a high-efficiency positioning error compensation method to reduce the calculation time.

Design/methodology/approach

The corrected target poses are calculated. An improved back propagation (BP) neural network is used to establish the mapping relationship between the original and corrected target poses. After the BP neural network is trained, the corrected target poses can be calculated with short notice on the basis of the pose correction similarity.

Findings

Under given conditions, the calculation time when the trained BP neural network is used to predict the corrected target poses is only 1.15 s. Compared with the existing algorithm, this method reduces the calculation time of the target poses from the order of minutes to the order of seconds.

Practical implications

The proposed algorithm is more efficient while maintaining the accuracy of the error compensation.

Originality/value

This method can be used to quickly position the error compensation of a large parallel mechanism.

Details

Robotic Intelligence and Automation, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2754-6969

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 July 2024

Zengkun Liu and Justine Hui

This study aims to introduce an innovative approach to predictive maintenance by integrating time-series sensor data with event logs, leveraging the synergistic potential of deep…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to introduce an innovative approach to predictive maintenance by integrating time-series sensor data with event logs, leveraging the synergistic potential of deep learning models. The primary goal is to enhance the accuracy of equipment failure predictions, thereby minimizing operational downtime.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology uses a dual-model architecture, combining the patch time series transformer (PatchTST) model for analyzing time-series sensor data and bidirectional encoder representations from transformers for processing textual event log data. Two distinct fusion strategies, namely, early and late fusion, are explored to integrate these data sources effectively. The early fusion approach merges data at the initial stages of processing, while late fusion combines model outputs toward the end. This research conducts thorough experiments using real-world data from wind turbines to validate the approach.

Findings

The results demonstrate a significant improvement in fault prediction accuracy, with early fusion strategies outperforming traditional methods by 2.6% to 16.9%. Late fusion strategies, while more stable, underscore the benefit of integrating diverse data types for predictive maintenance. The study provides empirical evidence of the superiority of the fusion-based methodology over singular data source approaches.

Originality/value

This research is distinguished by its novel fusion-based approach to predictive maintenance, marking a departure from conventional single-source data analysis methods. By incorporating both time-series sensor data and textual event logs, the study unveils a comprehensive and effective strategy for fault prediction, paving the way for future advancements in the field.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 44 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

1 – 10 of 101