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Article
Publication date: 18 March 2024

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.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 96 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1748-8842

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 March 2024

Insong Kim, Hakson Jin, Kwangsong Ri, Sunbong Hyon and Cholhui Huang

A combustor design is a particularly important and difficult task in the development of gas turbine engines. During studies for accurate and easy combustor design, reasonable…

Abstract

Purpose

A combustor design is a particularly important and difficult task in the development of gas turbine engines. During studies for accurate and easy combustor design, reasonable design methodologies have been established and used in engine development. The purpose of this paper is to review the design methodology for combustor in development of advanced gas turbine engines. The advanced combustor development task can be successfully achieved in less time and at lower cost by adopting new and superior design methodologies.

Design/methodology/approach

The review considers the main technical problems (combustion, cooling, fuel injection and ignition technology) in the development of modern combustor design and deals with combustor design methods by dividing it into preliminary design, performance evaluation, optimization and experiment. The advanced combustion and cooling technologies mainly used in combustor design are mentioned in detail. In accordance with the modern combustor design method, the design mechanisms are considered and the methods used in every stage of the design are reviewed technically.

Findings

The improved performances and strict emission limits of gas turbine engines require the application of advanced technologies when designing combustors. The optimized design mechanism and reasonable performance evaluation methods are very important in reducing experiments and increasing the effectiveness of the design.

Originality/value

This paper provides a comprehensive review of the design methodology for the advanced gas turbine engine combustor.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 96 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1748-8842

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 March 2024

Tugrul Oktay and Yüksel Eraslan

The purpose of this paper is to improve autonomous flight performance of a fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) via simultaneous morphing wingtip and control system design…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to improve autonomous flight performance of a fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) via simultaneous morphing wingtip and control system design conducted with optimization, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and machine learning approaches.

Design/methodology/approach

The main wing of the UAV is redesigned with morphing wingtips capable of dihedral angle alteration by means of folding. Aircraft dynamic model is derived as equations depending only on wingtip dihedral angle via Nonlinear Least Squares regression machine learning algorithm. Data for the regression analyses are obtained by numerical (i.e. CFD) and analytical approaches. Simultaneous perturbation stochastic approximation (SPSA) is incorporated into the design process to determine the optimal wingtip dihedral angle and proportional-integral-derivative (PID) coefficients of the control system that maximizes autonomous flight performance. The performance is defined in terms of trajectory tracking quality parameters of rise time, settling time and overshoot. Obtained optimal design parameters are applied in flight simulations to test both longitudinal and lateral reference trajectory tracking.

Findings

Longitudinal and lateral autonomous flight performances of the UAV are improved by redesigning the main wing with morphing wingtips and simultaneous estimation of PID coefficients and wingtip dihedral angle with SPSA optimization.

Originality/value

This paper originally discusses the simultaneous design of innovative morphing wingtip and UAV flight control system for autonomous flight performance improvement. The proposed simultaneous design idea is conducted with the SPSA optimization and a machine learning algorithm as a novel approach.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 96 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1748-8842

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 December 2023

Robert Bogue

The purpose of this paper is to provide a detailed insight into the global military robot industry with an emphasis on products and their applications.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a detailed insight into the global military robot industry with an emphasis on products and their applications.

Design/methodology/approach

Following an introduction which includes a brief historical account, this provides an industry overview, including various market dimensions and a discussion of the geopolitical and technological factors driving market development. The three following sections provide details of land, airborne and marine robots, their capabilities and deployments in recent conflicts. Finally, brief conclusions are drawn.

Findings

Military robots which operate on land, in the air and at sea constitute a multi-billion dollar industry which is growing rapidly. It is being driven by geopolitical tensions, notably the military-technology arms race between China and the USA and the conflict in Ukraine, together with technological progress, particularly in AI. Many robots possess multi-functional capabilities, and the leading application is presently intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. An increasing number of heavily armed robots are being developed, and AI has the potential to impart these with the capacity to deliver lethal force without human intervention. Although heavily criticised in some quarters, this capability has probably already been deployed on the battlefield. With ever-growing military budgets, escalating political tensions and technological innovations, robots will play an increasingly significant role in future conflicts.

Originality/value

This provides a detail account of military robots and their role in modern warfare.

Details

Industrial Robot: the international journal of robotics research and application, vol. 51 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-991X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 February 2024

Kaye Kye Sung Chon and Fei Hao

This study aims to chart the impact of technological advancements on tourism from the post–Second World War era to the present and forecast their influence until 2050. It assesses…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to chart the impact of technological advancements on tourism from the post–Second World War era to the present and forecast their influence until 2050. It assesses how technologies have reshaped travel experiences and operations, with a focus on upcoming innovations such as the metaverse, Web 3.0 and AI, and their implications for sustainable and ethical tourism.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a hybrid approach, combining historical analysis and future projections. It analyzes archival data, industry reports and academic literature.

Findings

This study identifies crucial technological milestones that have significantly impacted tourism, including the rise of commercial aviation, the internet and AI. Future trends suggest emerging technologies will further transform the sector. Challenges in sustainability, ethics and inclusivity are highlighted as critical considerations for future development.

Originality/value

This paper offers a unique longitudinal perspective on technology’s influence on tourism, bridging past trends with future projections.

设计/方法论

本研究采取混合方法, 融合历史分析与未来趋势预测。研究分析了丰富的档案数据、行业报告以及学术文献。

研究目的

旨在勾勒从二战后至今技术进步对旅游业的影响, 并展望至2050年的潜在影响。本研究着重评估技术如何重塑旅游体验和运作, 特别是对元宇宙、网络3.0和人工智能等即将到来的创新技术及其对可持续和伦理旅游的意义。

研究发现

识别了旅游业中关键的技术里程碑, 包括商业航空、互联网和人工智能的崛起。研究指出, 未来趋势显示新兴技术将继续深刻改变旅游业。同时强调, 可持续性、伦理和包容性是未来发展中不可忽视的关键要素。

原创性/价值

本文从独特的纵向视角出发, 深入探讨了技术对旅游业的历史与未来影响, 将过去发展趋势与未来展望紧密结合。

Diseño/metodología/enfoque

Este estudio emplea un enfoque híbrido que combina el análisis histórico y las proyecciones de futuro. Analiza datos de archivo, informes del sector y bibliografía académica.

Objetivo

La investigación pretende trazar el impacto de los avances tecnológicos en el turismo desde la era posterior a la Segunda Guerra Mundial hasta la actualidad y prever su influencia hasta 2050. Evalúa cómo las tecnologías han reconfigurado las experiencias y las operaciones de viaje, centrándose en las próximas innovaciones como el Metaverso, la Web 3.0 y la IA, y sus implicaciones para un turismo sostenible y ético.

Resultados

El estudio identifica hitos tecnológicos cruciales que han tenido un impacto significativo en el turismo, como el auge de la aviación comercial, Internet y la IA. Las tendencias futuras sugieren que las tecnologías emergentes transformarán aún más el sector. Los retos en sostenibilidad, ética e inclusividad se destacan como consideraciones críticas para el desarrollo futuro.

Originalidad/valor

Este artículo ofrece una perspectiva longitudinal única sobre la influencia de la tecnología en el turismo, tendiendo un puente entre las tendencias pasadas y las proyecciones futuras.

Article
Publication date: 3 April 2024

Ashish Bhatt and Shripad P. Mahulikar

Aero-engine exhaust plume length can be more than the aircraft length, making it easier to detect and track by infrared seeker. Aim of this study is to analyze the effect of free…

Abstract

Purpose

Aero-engine exhaust plume length can be more than the aircraft length, making it easier to detect and track by infrared seeker. Aim of this study is to analyze the effect of free stream Mach number (M) on length of potential core of plume. Also, change in infrared (IR) signature of plume and aircraft surface with variation in elevation angle (θ) is examined.

Design/methodology/approach

Convergent divergent (CD) nozzle is located outside the rear fuselage of the aircraft. A two dimensional axisymmetric computational fluid dynamics (CFD) study was carried out to study effect of M on potential core. The CFD data with aircraft and plume was then used for IR signature analysis. The sensor position is changed with respect to aircraft from directly bottom towards frontal section of aircraft. The IR signature is studied in mid wave IR (MWIR) and long wave IR (LWIR) band.

Findings

The potential plume core length and width increases as M increases. At higher altitudes, the potential core length increases for a fixed M. The plume emits radiation in the MWIR band, whereas the aerodynamically heated aircraft surface emits IR in the LWIR band. The IR signature in the MWIR band continuously decreases as the sensor position changes from directly bottom towards frontal. In the LWIR band the IR signature initially decreases as the sensor moves from the directly bottom to the frontal, as the sensor begins to see the wing leading edges and nose cone, the IR signature in the LWIR band slightly increases.

Originality/value

The novelty of this study comes from the data reported on the effect of free stream Mach number on the potential plume core and variation of the overall IR signature of aircraft with change in elevation angle from directly below towards frontal section of aircraft.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 96 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1748-8842

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 November 2023

Mengxia Du, Qiao Wang, Yan Zhang, Yu Bai, Chunqiu Wei and Chunyan Liu

As to different angles of attack and nonlinear problems caused by high temperatures in coexisting hypersonic aircraft, people mainly rely on fluid software for research but lack…

Abstract

Purpose

As to different angles of attack and nonlinear problems caused by high temperatures in coexisting hypersonic aircraft, people mainly rely on fluid software for research but lack analysis of flow mechanisms. Owing to computational difficulties, few people use numerical algorithms to combine them for discussion. Hence, this study aims to make a deep inquiry into the laminar flow and heat transfer of compressible Newtonian fluid in hypersonic aircraft with small attack angles.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, on the basis of mass, momentum and energy conservation laws, the governing equations of the hypersonic boundary layer are established. Viscosity, specific heat capacity and thermal conductivity are considered nonlinear functions concerning temperature. In virtue of the MacCormack finite difference method, the stationary numerical solutions are solved directly, and the validity of the algorithm is verified.

Findings

The results demonstrate that at Mach number 5, compared to the 0° attack angle, the maximum temperature near-wall at the 3° attack angle increases by about 25%. An enjoyable phenomenon is discovered, where the position corresponding to the maximum wall shear force shifts back as the attack angle and Mach number increase. The relationship between the near-wall maximum temperature versus attack angle and Mach number is fitted through numerical calculation results.

Originality/value

Empirical formulas can be used to estimate heat transfer characteristics at small attack angles, which will guide the design of aircraft thermal protection systems.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. 34 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 December 2023

Tuncer Akay and Cevahir Tarhan

One of the sectors most affected by the variable weather events caused by climate change and global warming is the aviation sector. Especially in aircraft accidents, weather…

Abstract

Purpose

One of the sectors most affected by the variable weather events caused by climate change and global warming is the aviation sector. Especially in aircraft accidents, weather events increasing with climate change and global warming are effective. The purpose of this study is to determine how much the change in weather conditions caused by global warming and climate changes affect the aircraft in the world between the years 2010 and 2022.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, it was investigated which weather events were more effective in aircraft crashes by determining the rates of air events and aircraft crashes in aircraft crashes with a passenger capacity of 12 or more that occurred between 2010 and 2022.

Findings

It is clearly seen that increasing weather conditions with global warming and climate change increase the effect of weather conditions in aircraft crashes.

Originality/value

The difference of this study from other studies is the evaluation of the data of the past 12 years, in which the increasing consequences of global warming and climate change have been felt more. It also reveals the necessity of further research on the effects of weather conditions on aircraft.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 96 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1748-8842

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 January 2024

Kajal Vinayak and Shripad P. Mahulikar

In recent years, increased use of all-aspect infrared (IR)-guided missiles based on the long-wave infrared (LWIR; 8–12 µm) band has lowered the probability of aircraft survival in…

Abstract

Purpose

In recent years, increased use of all-aspect infrared (IR)-guided missiles based on the long-wave infrared (LWIR; 8–12 µm) band has lowered the probability of aircraft survival in warfare. The lock-on of these highly sensitive missiles is difficult to break, especially from the front. Aerodynamically heated swept-back leading edges (SBLE), because of their high temperature and large area, serve as a prominent LWIR source for aircraft detection from the front. This study aims to report the influence of sweep-back angle (Λ, based on the Mach number [M]) on aerodynamic heating and the LWIR signature of SBLE.

Design/methodology/approach

The temperature along SBLE is obtained numerically as radiation equilibrium temperature (Tw) by discretizing the SBLE length into “n” number of segments, and for each segment, emission based on Tw is evaluated. IR radiance due to reflected external sources (sky-shine and Earthshine) and radiance due to Tw are collectively used to determine the IR contrast between SBLE and its replaced background in the LWIR band (icont-SBLE,LWIR).

Findings

The results are obtained for low subsonic turboprop aircraft (Λ = 3°, M = 0.44); high subsonic strategic bombers (Λ = 35°, M = 0.8); fifth-generation stealth aircraft (Λ = 40°, M = 1.6); and aircraft with supercruise/supersonic capability (Λ = 50°, M = 2.5). The aircraft with supersonic capability (Λ = 50°, M = 2.5) reports the maximum LWIR signatures and hence the highest visibility from the front. The results obtained are compared with values at Λ = 0° for all cases, which shows that increasing Λ significantly reduces aerodynamic heating and LWIR signatures.

Originality/value

The novelty of this study comes from its report on the influence of Λ on the LWIR signatures of aircraft SBLE in the frontal aspect for the first time.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 96 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1748-8842

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 19 March 2024

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.

Details

Journal of Intelligent Manufacturing and Special Equipment, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2633-6596

Keywords

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