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Article
Publication date: 23 January 2009

H.W. Ng and F.L. Tan

In‐flight refueling is one of the most important technologies developed in military aviation. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the dynamic behaviour of fuel during a refuel

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Abstract

Purpose

In‐flight refueling is one of the most important technologies developed in military aviation. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the dynamic behaviour of fuel during a refuel process by means of an internal flow analysis software program.

Design/methodology/approach

The dynamic behaviour of fuel during a refuel process is analyzed by means of an internal flow analysis software program called Flowmaster. The refueling system is analyzed by representing physical components as flow resistances and control volumes and calculating the flow rates and pressures along the system. Both steady and transient state analyses are performed to identify the locations where high‐pressure surges are likely. The peak pressures are compared to allowable proof pressures of system components to ensure that they are not exceeded.

Findings

It was found that a transient analysis of the fuel behaviour in the refuel pod system for a complete refueling process can be completed successfully with Flowmaster software.

Originality/value

The paper models a complete refueling process with the sequence of trail, fuel transfer and rewind phase in order to analyse the fuel‐transient behaviour, in particular near to the times where the valves are activated.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 81 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0002-2667

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 May 1996

Terry Ford

Discusses the requirements for refuelling civil airliners, particularly under pressure refuelling. Analyses the problems that can arise and demonstrates how advancing technology…

Abstract

Discusses the requirements for refuelling civil airliners, particularly under pressure refuelling. Analyses the problems that can arise and demonstrates how advancing technology has changed the appearance and efficiency of many components, particularly with reference to the control panel. Describes in detail the workings of a typical system; aspects of control of fuel quantity in refuelling; refuel control panels; and fuel gauges, with particular reference to the Boeing 777.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 68 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0002-2667

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 July 2020

Zhuming Bi, Chaomin Luo, Zhonghua Miao, Bing Zhang and Chris W.J. Zhang

Since the market penetrations of service robots are only successful to a limited types of services, the purpose of the paper is to look into the reasons why the market…

Abstract

Purpose

Since the market penetrations of service robots are only successful to a limited types of services, the purpose of the paper is to look into the reasons why the market penetrations are lagged from both technical and nontechnical perspectives. Automatic robotic recharging services, especially robotic refueling systems, are used as the case study for the investigation.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper surveyed the relevant technologies and products and conducted the feasibility study and risk management for new development of automated robotic refueling systems. This paper developed a cost model for the evaluation of robotic refueling systems.

Findings

There are no major technical barriers that exist for the development of robotic refueling systems, but two main risks of developing new robotic refueling systems are interference of existing patents and the extreme effort to further reduce the development cost of automated refueling systems. The recommendations have been made to new developers of service robots.

Research limitations/implications

The suggestions are made for further development on service robots, in general; however, this paper does not cover the physical development of service robots.

Practical implications

This study was actually conducted for a client company who has a strong interest in developing new products for automatic robotic refueling systems. The reported work has great significance for new comers in this area to understand the state of the art, technological challenges and some potential risks in the field.

Originality/value

To the best of authors’ knowledge, it will be the first academic paper to summarize the research and development effort on automatic recharging business. The targeted field is very typical in promoting robots in services. Even robotic refueling was proposed at very early stage of robotic application, the market penetration of refueling robots the market penetration is very limited, not because the technology readiness but some other factors. This work has its significance to identify technical and nontechnical challenges to promote robots in services.

Details

Industrial Robot: the international journal of robotics research and application, vol. 48 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-991X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 September 1964

P.S. Macgregor

EVER since the inception of the hcavier‐than‐air flying machine, the need to refuel in flight has been apparent. The cartoon reproduced in fig. 1 was first published in Punch in…

Abstract

EVER since the inception of the hcavier‐than‐air flying machine, the need to refuel in flight has been apparent. The cartoon reproduced in fig. 1 was first published in Punch in 1909, at a time when the payload of the aeroplane was very small, due to the large tare weight of the airframe and engine. Present day aircraft have a much higher payload capability, in relation to tare weight, but it is still necessary to carry the energy for propulsion within the aircraft, with the result that long range can only be achieved at the expense of payload. The propulsion energy in orthodox aircraft has always been carried in the form of hydrocarbon fucls,bccause of their ready availability, high calorific value per pound weight and high calorific value per cubic foot. Work has been in progress for some years to develop solid fuel conversion, in the interests of saving weight and space, but such fuels are likely to be extremely expensive and potentially dangerous to handle. However, the problem remains that a consumable fuel source must be carried in the aircraft, with consequent reduction of payload or range. The use of nuclear engines for aircraft has been contemplated, but it seems probable that the weight of shielding and coolant, associated with this type of engine, will limit its use to very large aircraft.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 36 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0002-2667

Article
Publication date: 6 April 2012

Chunjie Chi, Tieju Ma and Fujin Ning

Diffusion of a new technology and its required infrastructure is a complex process involving various adaptive decision makers interacting with each other, and this is extremely…

Abstract

Purpose

Diffusion of a new technology and its required infrastructure is a complex process involving various adaptive decision makers interacting with each other, and this is extremely true in diffusion of alternative fuel vehicles. The purpose of this paper is to explore the dynamics of alternative fuel vehicles/infrastructure diffusion through a case study about the diffusion of NGVs (natural gas vehicles) in Shanghai, China.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper first provides a case study of the adoption of NGVs in Shanghai; then the major infrastructure and economic indicators, obstacles in the market penetration process are analyzed. Finally, an agent‐based model is established to simulate the diffusion of NGVs in Shanghai.

Findings

The findings show that several factors limited the adoption of NGV in Shanghai. The initial distribution of refueling stations can be critical to determining whether the technology/infrastructure system survives to become mature and successful. Therefore, the strong support offered to consumers and equipment suppliers from government is important for the market penetration. These findings are also applicable to other alternative fuel vehicles such as hydrogen.

Originality/value

Little real‐world observations have been carried out on the dynamics of alternative fuel vehicles/infrastructure. The paper can enrich people's understanding about the dynamics of diffusion of alternative fuel vehicles/infrastructure and gives policy implications for initializing and keeping a successful demonstration project.

Details

International Journal of Energy Sector Management, vol. 6 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-6220

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 August 1973

UTILISING EXPERIENCE gained from many similar projects and working in close conjunction with Focke Wulf engineers, Hymatic evolved the eventual VAK 191B fuel tank pressurisation…

Abstract

UTILISING EXPERIENCE gained from many similar projects and working in close conjunction with Focke Wulf engineers, Hymatic evolved the eventual VAK 191B fuel tank pressurisation system from a feasibility study undertaken on the Focke Wulf FW 1262. The VAK 191B is equipped with a tank pressurisation and venting system for its ten permanently installed fuel tanks, these being arranged in two tank groups. The forward tank group, consisting of tank Nos. 1, 2, 2A, 2B, 2C, 3 and 4 is located in front of the cruise engine. The rear tank group, consisting of tank Nos. 6, 7 and 8, is located aft of cruise engine. Each tank group is filled from a single point pressure refuelling system through a refuelling valve. The forward group is fed at tanks 2C and 1, and the aft group is fed at tank 6. To prevent tank over‐pressurisation during refuelling, the refuelling pipe has installed in it a fixed orifice. Normally the refuelling valve shuts off the refuelling supply when the tanks are full. However, in the event of refuelling valve failure in the open condition an arrangement has been made whereby tank safe overpressure is not exceeded.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 45 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0002-2667

Abstract

Details

Airport Design and Operation
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78441-869-4

Article
Publication date: 1 April 1975

KINGSTON Design Engineers always arrived at system simplicity and reliability, which has been carried through by Flight Refuelling Ltd in the Hawk fuel system. Fuel is contained…

Abstract

KINGSTON Design Engineers always arrived at system simplicity and reliability, which has been carried through by Flight Refuelling Ltd in the Hawk fuel system. Fuel is contained in a fuselage bag tank, a wing integral tank and wing collector tank. Means for pressure de‐fuelling is also a requirement.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 47 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0002-2667

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.

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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

Article
Publication date: 1 February 1995

Terry Ford

A conference at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers detailed many features concerned with fuel systems in airframes and the aspects of refuelling today's large‐capacity…

Abstract

A conference at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers detailed many features concerned with fuel systems in airframes and the aspects of refuelling today's large‐capacity aircraft. The influence of the aircraft requirements on both civil and military aircraft fuel‐system specifications were dealt with, the former by British Aerospace Airbus.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 67 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0002-2667

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