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1 – 10 of 66Aishwarya Dhara and J.V. Muruga Lal Jeyan
This research is associated with the real-time parameters of wide- and narrow-body aircraft to recognize the quantitative relationship framework. This paper aims to find the…
Abstract
Purpose
This research is associated with the real-time parameters of wide- and narrow-body aircraft to recognize the quantitative relationship framework. This paper aims to find the superiority of aircraft design technology which triggers the reduction in specific fuel consumption (SFC) and economic competitiveness.
Design/methodology/approach
The real case study is performed with 22 middle-of-the-market (MoM) aircraft. This paper develops a fuel burn mathematical model for mid-size transport aircraft by a multi-linear regression approach. In addition, sensitivity analysis is performed to establish the authentication of the fuel burn model.
Findings
The study reveals that the MoM aircraft would be the future aircraft design in terms of better fuel economy and carbon footprint. From the multi-regression analysis, it is observed that the logarithmic regression model is the best fit for estimating the SFC. Moreover, fineness ratio, aspect ratio, gross weight, payload weight fraction, empty weight fraction), fuel weight fraction, payload, wing loading, thrust loading, range, take-off distance, cruise speed and rate of climb are observed as the suitable parameters which provide the best fitness value as 0.9804.
Originality/value
Several existing literature reveals that a few research has been performed on the MoM aircraft with wide-body configuration. Moreover, mathematical modelling on the fuel consumption was insignificantly found. This study examines several parameters which affect the fuel consumption of a wide-body aircraft. A real-case study for design configurations, propulsive systems, performance characteristics and structural integrity parameters of 22 different MoM aircraft are performed. Moreover, multi-regression modelling is developed to establish the relation between SFC and other critical parameters.
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Saeed Mahjouri, Rasoul Shabani and Martin Skote
The first touchdown moment of aircraft tyres on a runway is the critical phase where maximum of the vertical and horizontal ground loads is produced. Some valuable drop tests have…
Abstract
Purpose
The first touchdown moment of aircraft tyres on a runway is the critical phase where maximum of the vertical and horizontal ground loads is produced. Some valuable drop tests have been performed at Langley research centre to simulate the touchdown and the spin-up dynamics. However, a long impact basin and a huge power source to accelerate and decelerate the landing gear mechanism have been used. Based on a centrifugal mechanism, the purpose of this paper is to propose the conceptual design of a new experimental setup to simulate the spin-up dynamics.
Design/methodology/approach
A schematic view of the proposed mechanism is presented, and its components are introduced. Operating condition of the system and the test procedure are discussed in detail. Finally, tyre spin-up dynamics of Boeing 747 is considered as a case study, and operating condition of the system and the related test parameters are extracted.
Findings
It is shown that the aircraft tyre spin-up dynamics can be simulated in a limited laboratory space with low energy consumption. The proposed setup enables the approach velocity, sink rate and vertical ground load to be adjusted by low power actuators. Hence, the proposed mechanism can be used to simulate the tyre spin-up dynamics of different types of aircraft.
Research limitations/implications
It is important to note that more details of the setup, including the braking and actuating mechanisms together with their control procedures, should be clarified in practice. In addition, the curved path introduced as the runway will cause errors in the results. Hence, a compromise should be made between the tyre pressure, path curvature, the induced error and the cost of the experimental setup.
Practical implications
The proposed experimental setup could be constructed in a limited space and at a relatively low cost. Low power actuators are used in the proposed system. Hence, in addition to the performance tests, fatigue tests of the landing gear mechanism will also be possible.
Originality/value
Based on a centrifugal mechanism, the conceptual design of a new experimental setup is presented for simulating the tyre spin-up dynamics of aircraft. Considering that the drag load developed during tyre spin-up following initial touchdown is an important factor governing the design of the landing gear mechanism and aircraft structure, the authors hope this paper encourages engineers to continuously make efforts to increase the transparency of the touchdown process, enabling optimisation of landing gear design.
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Amar Benkhaled, Amina Benkhedda, Braham Benaouda Zouaoui and Soheyb Ribouh
Reducing aircraft fuel consumption has become a paramount research area, focusing on optimizing operational parameters like speed and altitude during the cruise phase. However…
Abstract
Purpose
Reducing aircraft fuel consumption has become a paramount research area, focusing on optimizing operational parameters like speed and altitude during the cruise phase. However, the existing methods for fuel reduction often rely on complex experimental calculations and data extraction from embedded systems, making practical implementation challenging. To address this, this study aims to devise a simple and accessible approach using available information.
Design/methodology/approach
In this paper, a novel analytic method to estimate and optimize fuel consumption for aircraft equipped with jet engines is proposed, with a particular emphasis on speed and altitude parameters. The dynamic variations in weight caused by fuel consumption during flight are also accounted for. The derived fuel consumption equation was rigorously validated by applying it to the Boeing 737–700 and comparing the results against the fuel consumption reference tables provided in the Boeing manual. Remarkably, the equation yielded closely aligned outcomes across various altitudes studied. In the second part of this paper, a pioneering approach is introduced by leveraging the particle swarm optimization algorithm (PSO). This novel application of PSO allows us to explore the equation’s potential in finding the optimal altitude and speed for an actual flight from Algiers to Brussels.
Findings
The results demonstrate that using the main findings of this study, including the innovative equation and the application of PSO, significantly simplifies and expedites the process of determining the ideal parameters, showcasing the practical applicability of the approach.
Research limitations/implications
The suggested methodology stands out for its simplicity and practicality, particularly when compared to alternative approaches, owing to the ready availability of data for utilization. Nevertheless, its applicability is limited in scenarios where zero wind effects are a prevailing factor.
Originality/value
The research opens up new possibilities for fuel-efficient aviation, with a particular focus on the development of a unique fuel consumption equation and the pioneering use of the PSO algorithm for optimizing flight parameters. This study’s accessible approach can pave the way for more environmentally conscious and economical flight operations.
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María Carmona, Rafael Casado González, Aurelio Bermúdez, Miguel Pérez-Francisco, Pablo Boronat and Carlos Calafate
In the aerial transportation area, fuel costs are critical to the economic viability of companies, and so urgent measures should be adopted to avoid any unnecessary increase in…
Abstract
Purpose
In the aerial transportation area, fuel costs are critical to the economic viability of companies, and so urgent measures should be adopted to avoid any unnecessary increase in operational costs. In particular, this paper addresses the case of missed approach manouevres, showing that it is still possible to optimize the usual procedure.
Design/methodology/approach
The costs involved in a standard procedure following a missed approach are analysed through a simulation model, and they are compared with the improvements achieved with a fast reinjection scheme proposed in a prior work.
Findings
Experimental results show that, for a standard A320 aircraft, fuel savings ranging from 55% to 90% can be achieved through the reinjection method.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this work is the first study in the literature addressing the fuel savings benefits obtained by applying a reinjection technique for missed approach manoeuvres.
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Airlines are benefiting from a post-pandemic recovery in passenger demand, but they are struggling to meet this due to difficulties experienced by the leading aircraft…
Details
DOI: 10.1108/OXAN-DB281026
ISSN: 2633-304X
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Geographic
Topical
During the 1920s, military interests in Latin America and international and diplomatic relations gave the impetus to the creation national airlines. In countries like Colombia and…
Abstract
During the 1920s, military interests in Latin America and international and diplomatic relations gave the impetus to the creation national airlines. In countries like Colombia and Brazil, the technological and commercial approaches of Germany and other Europeans nations influenced the forms airlines took. In the following decade the United States began to exert its influence which was consolidated after the Second World War. The pattern continued until the 1980s and involved strong international regulation, the predominance of publicly owned national airlines, and American technological leadership. Market liberalization then brought about a new scenario involving privatizations of national airlines across the region, intensified competition, and mergers and acquisitions that led to the formation of large carriers. Today, passenger traffic in the region is dominated by two carriers: LATAM and Avianca. Other local airlines remain, often linked to a global alliance member. Air traffic has been grown, with the prospect of further growth after economic recovery flowing the COVID-19 pandemic. Historically, commercial air traffic has adapted to the needs of its vast territory but where institutional changes have played a very important and often decisive role.
Guihang Liu, Runxia Guo and Jiusheng Chen
Maintenance stands are the most valuable maintenance resources and provide the necessary maintenance space and maintenance facilities for aircraft maintenance. To expand the…
Abstract
Purpose
Maintenance stands are the most valuable maintenance resources and provide the necessary maintenance space and maintenance facilities for aircraft maintenance. To expand the maintenance market, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) urgently need to achieve a reasonable schedule between aircraft maintenance requirements and maintenance stand capability to improve aircraft maintenance continuity and reduce the risk of scratching due to aircraft movement. This study aims to design a maintenance stand scheduling (MSS) model based on spatiotemporal constraints to solve the problem of maintenance stand schedules.
Design/methodology/approach
To address the problem of maintenance stand schedules, this study introduces mixed-integer programming algorithm to design the MSS model on the basis of classical hybrid flow shop structure. When designing the optimization objective function of MSS modeling, the spatiotemporal constraints are mainly considered. Specifically, first, the spatial constraints between maintenance stands are fully considered so that more aircraft can be parked in the workshop. Second, the optimization objective is designed to minimize the number of aircraft movements by defining multiple maintenance capabilities of the stand. Finally, a solution based on spatiotemporal constraints is proposed in the solving process.
Findings
A set of MRO production data from Guangzhou is used as a test data set to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed MSS model.
Originality/value
The types of maintenance stands are defined and divided into four categories: fixed stand, temporary stand, half-body stand and engine ground test stand, which facilitates optimal modeling; a new scheduling model is designed considering both temporal constraints and spatial constraints, which can improve both the utilization of maintenance stand and safety (reduce the risk of scratching between aircraft).
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Hamdi Ercan, Cüneyt Öztürk and Mustafa Akın
This paper aims to assess the impact of electrifying the environmental control system (ECS) and ice protection system (IPS), the primary pneumatic system consumers in a…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to assess the impact of electrifying the environmental control system (ECS) and ice protection system (IPS), the primary pneumatic system consumers in a conventional commercial transport aircraft, on aircraft weight, range, and fuel consumption.
Design/methodology/approach
The case study was carried out on Airbus A321-200 aircraft. Design, modelling and analysis processes were carried out on Pacelab SysArc software. Conventional and electrical ECS and IPS architectures were modelled and analysed considering different temperature profiles.
Findings
The simulation results have shown that the aircraft model with ±270 VDC ECS and IPS architecture is lighter, has a more extended range and has less relative fuel consumption. In addition, the simulation results showed that the maximum range and relative fuel economy of all three aircraft models increased slightly as the temperature increased.
Practical implications
Considering the findings in this paper, it is seen that the electrification of the conventional pneumatic system in aircraft has positive contributions in terms of weight, power consumption and fuel consumption.
Social implications
The positive contributions in terms of weight, power consumption and fuel consumption in aircraft will be direct environmental and economic contributions.
Originality/value
Apart from the conventional ECS and IPS of the aircraft, two electrical architectures, 230 VAC and ±270 VDC, were modelled and analysed. To see the effects of the three models created in different temperature profiles, analyses were done for cold day, ISA standard day and hot day temperature profiles.
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Zhenlong Peng, Aowei Han, Chenlin Wang, Hongru Jin and Xiangyu Zhang
Unconventional machining processes, particularly ultrasonic vibration cutting (UVC), can overcome such technical bottlenecks. However, the precise mechanism through which UVC…
Abstract
Purpose
Unconventional machining processes, particularly ultrasonic vibration cutting (UVC), can overcome such technical bottlenecks. However, the precise mechanism through which UVC affects the in-service functional performance of advanced aerospace materials remains obscure. This limits their industrial application and requires a deeper understanding.
Design/methodology/approach
The surface integrity and in-service functional performance of advanced aerospace materials are important guarantees for safety and stability in the aerospace industry. For advanced aerospace materials, which are difficult-to-machine, conventional machining processes cannot meet the requirements of high in-service functional performance owing to rapid tool wear, low processing efficiency and high cutting forces and temperatures in the cutting area during machining.
Findings
To address this literature gap, this study is focused on the quantitative evaluation of the in-service functional performance (fatigue performance, wear resistance and corrosion resistance) of advanced aerospace materials. First, the characteristics and usage background of advanced aerospace materials are elaborated in detail. Second, the improved effect of UVC on in-service functional performance is summarized. We have also explored the unique advantages of UVC during the processing of advanced aerospace materials. Finally, in response to some of the limitations of UVC, future development directions are proposed, including improvements in ultrasound systems, upgrades in ultrasound processing objects and theoretical breakthroughs in in-service functional performance.
Originality/value
This study provides insights into the optimization of machining processes to improve the in-service functional performance of advanced aviation materials, particularly the use of UVC and its unique process advantages.
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Lejla Nikšić and Ebru Arıkan Öztürk
This study aims to analyse the air traffic control (ATC)-related accidents and incidents. The paper aims to determine technical, operational and environmental factors that…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to analyse the air traffic control (ATC)-related accidents and incidents. The paper aims to determine technical, operational and environmental factors that influence ATC-related accidents and incidents. This is important to reduce the number of these accidents.
Design/methodology/approach
This predictive and dipendence study investigated situational factors indicated in the data sets of National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) (for the period 2008–2018). The specific factors were time of day in which accident occurred, location, air traffic management (ATM) contribution, flight rules, ATC unit and outside factors. Logistic regression was used to differentiate factors between fatal ATC-related accidents versus ATC-related incidents. Further, by using Pearson’s chi-squared test, significant relationships between all factors in ATC-related accidents and ATC-related incidents were identified.
Findings
The results showed that five factors of total six factors – ATM contribution, flight rules, ATC unit, outside factors and aircraft location – influence to ATC-related accidents and incidents. Further, results showed significant relationships between each all factors in ATC-related accidents and incidents. According to that, differences and similitudes are presented.
Originality/value
After more than 20 years, study about ATC-related accidents and incidents was necessary to establish changements in thıs type of accidents. Belong of that, this is the first study that used data sets of both, NTSB and EASA, to determine the factors that affect ATC-related accidents and incidents.
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