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Article
Publication date: 1 November 1987

Mayday

A means to alert the flightcrew of an aircraft's potentially unsafe low fuel quantity was the subject of a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) issued earlier this year. It was…

Abstract

A means to alert the flightcrew of an aircraft's potentially unsafe low fuel quantity was the subject of a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) issued earlier this year. It was emphasised that there have been several recent fuel depletion incidents involving loss of power or thrust on all engines that could have resulted in forced landings and injury or loss of life. Most of these incidents resulted from improper fuel management techniques and this proposal from the FAA would require new transport category aircraft designs to incorporate a low fuel quantity alert to the flightcrew that would allow either correction of certain fuel management errors or the opportunity to make a safe landing prior to engine fuel starvation.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 59 no. 11
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0002-2667

Article
Publication date: 13 September 2024

Dinesh Kumar Choudhury, Siva Kiran Guptha and Rajiv Gurung

More than 40% of Indian households still rely on unclean cooking fuels, exposing particularly women and children to adverse health effects. This paper explores the factors…

Abstract

Purpose

More than 40% of Indian households still rely on unclean cooking fuels, exposing particularly women and children to adverse health effects. This paper explores the factors determining a household’s cooking fuel choice in India.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used the fifth round of the National Family Health Survey (2019-21) dataset. A chi-square test and a logistic regression were used for empirical analysis. Cooking fuel was categorized as “clean” and “unclean” cooking fuel.

Findings

The result shows that around 47% of the households are still using unclean cooking fuel in India. Households with a better-educated or female head, those with smaller family sizes, those with a higher level of wealth and those located in urban areas are more likely to use clean cooking fuel. Similarly, households headed by younger individuals and Muslim households are linked to more usage of clean cooking fuels. However, Scheduled Tribe (ST) and Other Backward Classes (OBC) households and those headed by older individuals are less likely to use clean cooking fuels.

Research limitations/implications

The cross-sectional nature of data enables us to draw only associations between the variables and not causal relationships between them. The findings of this study have important implications for household energy policies in India and other developing nations. There is a need for policymakers to seriously consider socioeconomic factors in addressing issues and challenges associated with household energy consumption.

Originality/value

The study extends the empirical literature on determinants of household cooking fuel choice using the latest round of National Family Health Survey data from India.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-12-2023-0988

Details

International Journal of Social Economics, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0306-8293

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 September 2024

Peter Hooper

This paper aims to conduct an experimental and theoretical investigation into fuel pre-delivery effects for a heavy fuel crankcase scavenged spark ignition two-stroke cycle engine…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to conduct an experimental and theoretical investigation into fuel pre-delivery effects for a heavy fuel crankcase scavenged spark ignition two-stroke cycle engine for unmanned aerial vehicle application.

Design/methodology/approach

One-dimensional computational fluid dynamic modelling of the engine system using WAVE software supported by experimental dynamometer testing of the subject engine with kerosene JET A-1 and gasoline and fuels.

Findings

The experimental research has shown performance improvements using fuel preheating via use of auxiliary transfer port fuel injection. Computational simulation has allowed comparisons with auxiliary transfer port injection and direct in-cylinder injection to be made.

Practical implications

While some heavy fuel engines are now available for unmanned aerial vehicles the best solution to meet the military equipment single fuel policy remains an area of evolving research. The findings within this study show possibilities for fuel pre-treatment.

Originality/value

One-dimensional computational fluid dynamic modelling of the engine system using WAVE software supported by experimental dynamometer testing of the subject engine with kerosene JET A-1 and gasoline fuels.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1748-8842

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 July 2024

Wei Jiang, Hun Guo, Danye Zhu and Ray C. Chang

This study aims to enhance the fuel efficiency of jet transport aircraft based on mathematical models and flight crew operating manual (FCOM) for the purpose to assist the civil…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to enhance the fuel efficiency of jet transport aircraft based on mathematical models and flight crew operating manual (FCOM) for the purpose to assist the civil aviation industry in improving flight safety and operational efficiency.

Design/methodology/approach

The research applies flight data mining and fuzzy logic modeling technologies to set up lift-to-drag ratio (L/D) models and nine models of thrust, Mach number, engine pressure ratio and fuel flow rate to estimate the deviation of each flight parameter. All performance deviations are calculated based on the values of flight data recorded in the quick access recorder and FCOM at the observed flight conditions. The L/D model can obtain the influence of each flight parameter and estimate the insufficient amount of each parameter by averaging it with the least square method. In the estimation of optimal altitude, nine models are built based on data from FCOM to estimate the optimal altitude and complete comparative analysis of the airspeed, Mach number and fuel flow rate at the optimal altitude.

Findings

Analyze 11 relevant parameters from the sensitivity derivative of L/D model to obtain how each parameter affected fuel consumption and explore the causes of additional fuel consumption. Complete the estimation of the optimal cruise altitude of the aircraft, and calculate the comparative analysis of the altitude, speed, Mach number and other parameters with the sensitivity derivative of the L/D. The estimation of the optimal cruise altitude of the aircraft can meet the analysis of the sensitivity derivative.

Research limitations/implications

This study is to enhance the fuel efficiency of jet commercial transport based on mathematical model and FCOM. FCOM is required to conduct this study. The estimation of the optimal cruise altitude through the nine models of the aircraft could meet the analysis of the sensitivity derivative.

Practical implications

The object of present research is to demonstrate the effectiveness of optimization of flight conditions through model analysis to get knowledge of the effects of each influencing flight variable to L/D for future flight operations’ reference.

Social implications

The model-based derivative analysis had the ability to perform derivative prediction analysis on any input parameters, more flight parameters could be optimized in future research to help airlines improve flight safety and operational efficiency.

Originality/value

The present enhancement method of fuel efficiency is an innovation to examine the abnormal aircraft performance and its flight operations, thereby to explore the causes of additional fuel consumption. The present method can become an auxiliary tool for flight operations quality assurance to improve fuel efficiency for the airlines.

Details

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

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 April 1967

J.D. Smith

The effects of a number of metals and alloys on the thermal stability of Avtur 50 have been evaluated from ASTM‐CRC and high temperature coker tests. The materials tested are used…

Abstract

The effects of a number of metals and alloys on the thermal stability of Avtur 50 have been evaluated from ASTM‐CRC and high temperature coker tests. The materials tested are used in current aircraft fuel systems or are possible alternatives for fuel systems of supersonic aircraft where they will be in contact with hot fuel. The alloys currently used in aircraft fuel systems have been classified and their probable effects on the stability of hot fuel listed. A number of the materials affected stability adversely, particularly alloys containing significant amounts of copper, and the use of these should be avoided. The pick‐up of copper by Avtur 50 at ambient temperature from alloys such as brass and gun‐metal has also been investigated. The results indicated that sufficient copper to affect thermal stability adversely is readily picked up from these alloys.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 39 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0002-2667

Article
Publication date: 1 May 2006

Changduk Kong, Myoung‐cheol Kang, Chang‐ho Lee and Dong‐ju Han

To set‐up a specific design procedure for the smart unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) fuel supply system which has been developed by Korean Aerospace Research Institute, and to design…

1853

Abstract

Purpose

To set‐up a specific design procedure for the smart unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) fuel supply system which has been developed by Korean Aerospace Research Institute, and to design it preliminarily with the fuel system requirement and target reliabilities.

Design/methodology/approach

The fuel system layout and fuel tank were determined through consideration of total fuel volume, fuel flow rate, reliability, weight, centre of gravity, etc. In sizing of components such as booster pumps, jet pumps, piping system, vent subsystem, refuelling and defuelling subsystem, engine fuel flow requirement, pressure loss, component failure rate, weight and centre of gravity were considered. Finally, the reliability analysis of the preliminary designed fuel system was carried out.

Findings

According to the reliability analysis and weight estimation results, it was confirmed that the proposed fuel system agreed well with the design specifications and target reliabilities required by the vehicle system.

Research limitations/implications

In current preliminary design phase, the most important consideration is the reliability of the fuel system. Therefore, the weight estimation of the designed fuel system to meet this reliability requirement could not meet partially the system's requirements. In the next design step, the proper fuel system for weight reduction will be performed through an optimization process between weight and reliability.

Originality/value

A specific design procedure components' sizing to meet system requirement target reliability for UAV vertical take‐off/landing was proposed.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 78 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0002-2667

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 September 2016

De-Xing Peng

This paper aims to evaluate the effect of biodiesel additive in fuel system of diesel engines to reduce wear characteristics. Biofuels are environmentally friendly and renewable…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to evaluate the effect of biodiesel additive in fuel system of diesel engines to reduce wear characteristics. Biofuels are environmentally friendly and renewable alternatives to mineral-based fuels and cause low pollution; thus, they can be used to comply with future emission regulations to safeguard environmental and human health.

Design/methodology/approach

Two types of diesel fuel, pure petrodiesel and soybean oil, were compared for their fuel properties and tribological performance. The ball-on-disk wear testing method was used as an analytical tool for this purpose. The lubricating efficiency of the fuels was estimated using a photomicroscope to measure the average diameter of the wear scar produced on the test ball.

Findings

The wear experiments showed that the wear scar diameters were 1.13 and 0.94 mm for lubrication of the pure petro-diesel and soybean oil, respectively. However, fatty acids containing biodiesel typically have thicker molecular layers than mineral pure petro-diesel, and thus can reduce the wear rate of the sliding metals. This improved the boundary lubrication conditions and the lubricity of the fuel. Biodiesel fuels are effective lubricity enhancers and have greater lubricity enhancing properties than petro-diesel.

Originality/value

The ability of biodiesel to be highly biodegradable and its superior lubricating property when used in compression ignition engines make it an excellent fuel. Biofuel is an attractive alternative fuel to various energy sectors, particularly the transportation sector. Biofuel has immense potential for use in a sustainable energy mixture in the future.

Details

Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, vol. 68 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0036-8792

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 June 1980

John Butson

The declared aim of this paper is to explore the possible effects of the need for energy conservation (and in particular the need for economy in the use of oil‐based fuels) on…

Abstract

The declared aim of this paper is to explore the possible effects of the need for energy conservation (and in particular the need for economy in the use of oil‐based fuels) on road vehicle development in the UK over the next few decades. In the absence of the author, his colleague, R J Francis, also of Harwell, presented this paper at the conference held by the Institute of Management Services in London, September 1980. He stressed the fact that the views here are those of ETSU, and may not necessarily be regarded in any way as “government policy”. ETSU is the Energy Technology Support Unit, which is based at Harwell, and was established in 1974 to formulate and manage research, development and demonstration programmes in the technology of renewable energy sources and conservation under contract to the Department of Energy. There are approximately 45 professional staff at ETSU (mainly scientists and engineers) working in three main areas: strategic planning of research and development, management of R&D on the renewable energy sources, and research, development and demonstration in energy conservation. When introducing this paper, Richard Francis said that it set out to establish the need for conservation in general, as well as to explain how this is to be achieved in practice. This subject, he commented, leads on to the special task of improving fuel economy and achieving wider fuel flexibility within road transport, which itself has wide implications for road vehicle technology. This paper reviews all the more realistic alternatives, and then attempts to identify those which seem most promising and also to quantify the impact they might have in reducing our dependence on oil‐based fuels.

Details

Retail and Distribution Management, vol. 8 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0307-2363

Article
Publication date: 3 April 2007

Elena Carcadea, H. Ene, D.B. Ingham, R. Lazar, L. Ma, M. Pourkashanian and I. Stefanescu

This paper aims to present a three‐dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model that simulates the fluid flow, species transport and electric current flow in PEM fuel…

4099

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to present a three‐dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model that simulates the fluid flow, species transport and electric current flow in PEM fuel cells.

Design/methodology/approach

The model makes use of a general‐purpose CFD software as a basic tool incorporating fuel cell specific submodels for multi‐component species transport, electrochemical kinetics, water management and electric phase potential analysis in order to simulate various processes that occur in a PEM fuel cell.

Findings

Three dimensional results for the flow field, species transport, including waster formations, and electric current distributions are presented for two test flow configurations in the PEM fuel cell. For the two cases presented, reasonable predictions have been obtained, and this provides an insight into the effect of the flow designs to the operation of the fuel cell.

Research limitations/implications

It is appreciated that the CFD modeling of fuel cells is, in general, still facing significant challenges due to the limited understanding of the complex physical and chemical processes existing within the fuel cell. The model is now under further development to improve its capabilities and undergoing further validations.

Practical implications

The model simulations can provide detailed information on some of the key fluid dynamics, physical and chemical/electro‐chemical processes that exist in fuel cells which are crucial for fuel cell design and optimization.

Originality/value

The model can be used to understand the operation of the fuel cell and provide and alternative to experimental investigations in order to improve the performance of the fuel cell.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. 17 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 June 1998

Terry Ford

Explains the fuel system of the Boeing 777‐200 aircraft. Looks at the system’s features, the fuel feed, the fuel jettison and the flight deck displays in terms of the fuel system.

2836

Abstract

Explains the fuel system of the Boeing 777‐200 aircraft. Looks at the system’s features, the fuel feed, the fuel jettison and the flight deck displays in terms of the fuel system.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 70 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0002-2667

Keywords

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