Aerospace

18 pages, 366 KiB

Open AccessReview

Review of Classical Diffusion-Limited Regression Rate Models in Hybrid Rockets

by Timothy Marquardt and Joseph Majdalani

Aerospace 2019, 6(6), 75; https://doi.org/10.3390/aerospace6060075 - 20 Jun 2019

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 7005

In this article, we undertake a concise review of several milestone developments in classical regression rate models of hybrid rocket motors. After a brief description of the physical processes entailed in hybrid rocket combustion, Marxman’s diffusion-limited theory is re-constructed and discussed. Considerations beyond [...] Read more.

In this article, we undertake a concise review of several milestone developments in classical regression rate models of hybrid rocket motors. After a brief description of the physical processes entailed in hybrid rocket combustion, Marxman’s diffusion-limited theory is re-constructed and discussed. Considerations beyond the scope of basic convection-driven models, which address disparate forms of the blowing correction, variable fluid properties, and pressure and radiation effects, are also given. Finally, a selection of kinetically-limited models is presented, with the aim of comparing the characteristics of several competing theories that become applicable under particular circumstances. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Hybrid Rocket Technology and Related Analysis Methodologies)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

23 pages, 4373 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Virtual Design of Experiments Method to Evaluate the Effect of Design and Welding Parameters on Weld Quality in Aerospace Applications

by Julia Madrid, Samuel Lorin, Rikard Söderberg, Peter Hammersberg, Kristina Wärmefjord and Johan Lööf

Aerospace 2019, 6(6), 74; https://doi.org/10.3390/aerospace6060074 - 20 Jun 2019

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 6384

Abstract

During multidisciplinary design of welded aircraft components, designs are principally optimized upon component performance, employing well-established modelling and simulation techniques. On the contrary, because of the complexity of modelling welding process phenomena, much of the welding experimentation relies on physical testing, which means [...] Read more.

During multidisciplinary design of welded aircraft components, designs are principally optimized upon component performance, employing well-established modelling and simulation techniques. On the contrary, because of the complexity of modelling welding process phenomena, much of the welding experimentation relies on physical testing, which means welding producibility aspects are considered after the design has already been established. In addition, welding optimization research mainly focuses on welding process parameters, overlooking the potential impact of product design. As a consequence, redesign loops and welding rework increases product cost. To solve these problems, in this article, a novel method that combines the benefits of design of experiments (DOE) techniques with welding simulation is presented. The aim of the virtual design of experiments method is to model and optimize the effect of design and welding parameters interactions early in the design process. The method is explained through a case study, in which weld bead penetration and distortion are quality responses to optimize. First, a small number of physical welds are conducted to develop and tune the welding simulation. From this activity, a new combined heat source model is presented. Thereafter, the DOE technique optimal design is employed to design an experimental matrix that enables the conjointly incorporation of design and welding parameters. Welding simulations are then run and a response function is obtained. With virtual experiments, a large number of design and welding parameter combinations can be tested in a short time. In conclusion, the creation of a meta-model allows for performing welding producibility optimization and robustness analyses during early design phases of aircraft components. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aerospace Manufacturing)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 5246 KiB

Open AccessArticle

TED Project: Conjugating Technology Development and Educational Activities

by Lorenzo Olivieri, Francesco Sansone, Matteo Duzzi and Alessandro Francesconi

Aerospace 2019, 6(6), 73; https://doi.org/10.3390/aerospace6060073 - 18 Jun 2019

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4865

Abstract

TED (Tethered Electromagnetic Docking) is a system proposed by a group of researchers and students of the University of Padova for close rendezvous and docking between spacecraft. It consists in a small tethered probe ejected by the chaser, reaching the proximity of the [...] Read more.

TED (Tethered Electromagnetic Docking) is a system proposed by a group of researchers and students of the University of Padova for close rendezvous and docking between spacecraft. It consists in a small tethered probe ejected by the chaser, reaching the proximity of the target with a controlled deployment, and then magnetically guided by a receiving electromagnet mounted on it. Because of the generated magnetic field, alignment and mating are possible; then, as the tether is rewound, the chaser is able to dock with the target. To perform a preliminary verification of TED, three groups of students have been involved in the project and contributed to the evaluation of its critical technologies in reduced gravity: in the framework of ESA “Drop your Thesis!” 2014 and 2016 campaigns the experiments FELDs and STAR focused on the test of the tether deployment and control, while PACMAN, in the framework of ESA “Fly Your Thesis! 2017” parabolic flights campaign, tested proximity operations by means of electromagnetic interactions. In this paper, a description of TED concept and its development roadmap is presented, introducing the critical technologies tested by FELDs, STAR, and PACMAN experiments. The second part of the paper focuses on the educational outcomes of the three experiments, introducing statistics on (1) student participation, (2) scientific publication production, and (3) influence of the educational programs on the students’ career. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Space Tether Missions)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 7294 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Insight on the Crashworthiness Behavior of a Full-Scale Composite Fuselage Section at Different Impact Angles

by Aniello Riccio, Salvatore Saputo, Andrea Sellitto, Angela Russo, Francesco Di Caprio and Luigi Di Palma

Aerospace 2019, 6(6), 72; https://doi.org/10.3390/aerospace6060072 - 18 Jun 2019

Cited by 28 | Viewed by 10556

Abstract

In the present paper, advanced numerical methodologies have been adopted to investigate the influence of impact angle on the crashworthiness behavior of a composite fuselage section. The analyzed fuselage section, made of unidirectional fiber-reinforced material, woven fabric material, and aluminum material, is representative [...] Read more.

In the present paper, advanced numerical methodologies have been adopted to investigate the influence of impact angle on the crashworthiness behavior of a composite fuselage section. The analyzed fuselage section, made of unidirectional fiber-reinforced material, woven fabric material, and aluminum material, is representative of a regional aircraft fuselage. Two different angles of impact with rigid ground have been investigated and reported: Perpendicularly to the ground and with a pitch angle of 3 degrees with respect to the ground. The adopted numerical models have been preliminarily validated with experimental data from a drop test on a full-scale fuselage section, in terms of deformations and failure location and progression. The correlation between the numerical model and the experimental test has enabled evaluation of the effect of the impact angle on the deformation and damage in the sub-cargo floor area. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Crashworthiness Design for Aviation Safety)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

21 pages, 21210 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Hybrid Metal/Composite Lattice Structures: Design for Additive Manufacturing

by Francesco Di Caprio, Valerio Acanfora, Stefania Franchitti, Andrea Sellitto and Aniello Riccio

Aerospace 2019, 6(6), 71; https://doi.org/10.3390/aerospace6060071 - 16 Jun 2019

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 7917

Abstract

This paper introduces a numerical tool developed for the design and optimization of axial-symmetrical hybrid composite/metal structures. It is assumed that the defined structures are produced by means of two different processes: Additive Layer Manufacturing (ALM) for the metallic parts and Filament Winding [...] Read more.

This paper introduces a numerical tool developed for the design and optimization of axial-symmetrical hybrid composite/metal structures. It is assumed that the defined structures are produced by means of two different processes: Additive Layer Manufacturing (ALM) for the metallic parts and Filament Winding (FW) for the composite parts. The defined optimization procedure involves two specific software: ANSYS and ModeFrontier. The former is dedicated to the production of the geometrical and FE models, to the structural analysis, and to the post-process, focusing on the definition of the Unit Cells for the modelling of the metal part. The latter is dedicated to the definition of the best design set and thus to the optimization flow management. The core of the developed numerical procedure is the routine based on the Ansys Parametric Design Language (APDL), which allows an automatic generation of any geometrical model defined by a generic design set. The developed procedure is able to choose the best design, in terms of structural performance, changing the lattice metallic parameters (number of unit cells and their topology) and the composite parameters (number of plies and their orientation). The introduced numerical tool has been used to design several hybrid structures configurations. These configurations have been analysed in terms of mechanical behaviour under specific boundary conditions and compared to similar conventional metal structure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Additive Manufacturing for Aerospace and Defence)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

30 pages, 5346 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of a Multi-Directional Manoeuvre for Unified Handling Qualities Investigation

by Gaétan Dussart, Mudassir Lone and Roger Bailey

Aerospace 2019, 6(6), 70; https://doi.org/10.3390/aerospace6060070 - 10 Jun 2019

Viewed by 5325

Abstract

A slalom and alignment tracking manoeuvre was developed for multi-directional handling qualities analysis of large transport aircraft in simulation environments. The manoeuvre is defined and scaled as a function of aircraft characteristics, flight conditions using a simple set of mathematical models. Throughout the [...] Read more.

A slalom and alignment tracking manoeuvre was developed for multi-directional handling qualities analysis of large transport aircraft in simulation environments. The manoeuvre is defined and scaled as a function of aircraft characteristics, flight conditions using a simple set of mathematical models. Throughout the manoeuvre, the trajectory and overall performances are monitored at a set of gross position and alignment control checkpoints methodically distributed and sized to buoy the task and allow handling qualities analysis based on Cooper Harper Ratings and quantitative data analysis. Initial tests have shown that the manoeuvre sizing method led to feasible manoeuvres at multiple points of the flight envelope of a large civil transport aircraft. The manoeuvre capability to highlight desirable and undesirable handling qualities was also highlighted based on the initial findings for a couple of commercial large transport aircraft, a high aspect ratio wing and in-flight folding wingtip aircraft concepts. The relevance and applicability of the manoeuvre for multi-directional studies are discussed and compared against a more conventional offset landing manoeuvre. Finally, the potential use of the manoeuvre for different aircraft type and test flight is also suggested based on augmented reality technology. Full article

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

20 pages, 3150 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sound Transmission Analysis of Viscoelastic Composite Multilayered Shells Structures

by Stefano Valvano, Andrea Alaimo and Calogero Orlando

Aerospace 2019, 6(6), 69; https://doi.org/10.3390/aerospace6060069 - 06 Jun 2019

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 5792

Abstract

In the development of aircraft comfort, one of the main issues is the sound transmission analysis to estimate the insulation capability of aeronautical panels. In this work, a higher-order shell finite element is proposed for the passive noise insulation analysis of composite laminated [...] Read more.

In the development of aircraft comfort, one of the main issues is the sound transmission analysis to estimate the insulation capability of aeronautical panels. In this work, a higher-order shell finite element is proposed for the passive noise insulation analysis of composite laminated structures embedding viscoelastic layers. Starting from the Principle of Virtual Displacements, the present Finite Elements are obtained by making use of higher-order Layer-Wise theories, employing the Mixed Interpolated Tensorial Components (MITC) method to avoid the shear locking effect and taking into account the frequency dependence of the viscoelastic material through the use of a fractional derivative model. The Rayleigh integral method is considered for the evaluation of the acoustic insulation of the panels. Numerical studies are carried out to demonstrate that the present shell finite element is an efficient and accurate tool for the sound transmission analysis. Different lamination sequences, different boundary conditions and various radius to thickness ratios are taken into account. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

29 pages, 24584 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Trajectory Planning in Time-Varying Adverse Weather for Fixed-Wing Aircraft Using Robust Model Predictive Control

by Federico Mothes

Aerospace 2019, 6(6), 68; https://doi.org/10.3390/aerospace6060068 - 05 Jun 2019

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 7692

Abstract

The avoidance of adverse weather is an inevitable safety-relevant task in aviation. Automated avoidance can help to improve safety and reduce costs in manned and unmanned aviation. For this purpose, a straightforward trajectory planner for a single-source-single-target problem amidst moving obstacles is presented. [...] Read more.

The avoidance of adverse weather is an inevitable safety-relevant task in aviation. Automated avoidance can help to improve safety and reduce costs in manned and unmanned aviation. For this purpose, a straightforward trajectory planner for a single-source-single-target problem amidst moving obstacles is presented. The functional principle is explained and tested in several scenarios with time-varying polygonal obstacles based on thunderstorm nowcast. It is furthermore applicable to all kinds of nonholonomic planning problems amidst nonlinear moving obstacles, whose motion cannot be described analytically. The presented resolution-complete combinatorial planner uses deterministic state sampling to continuously provide globally near-time-optimal trajectories for the expected case. Inherent uncertainty in the prediction of dynamic environments is implicitly taken into account by a closed feedback loop of a model predictive controller and explicitly by bounded margins. Obstacles are anticipatory avoided while flying inside a mission area. The computed trajectories are time-monotone and meet the nonholonomic turning-flight constraint of fixed-wing aircraft and therefore do not require postprocessing. Furthermore, the planner is capable of considering a time-varying goal and automatically plan holding patterns. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aircraft Trajectory Design and Optimization)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

15 pages, 9207 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Studies on the Electro-Impulse De-Icing System of Aircraft

by Xingliang Jiang and Yangyang Wang

Aerospace 2019, 6(6), 67; https://doi.org/10.3390/aerospace6060067 - 05 Jun 2019

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 6694

Abstract

In order to solve the accidents caused by aircraft icing, electro-impulse de-icing technology was studied through numerical simulation and experimental verification. In addition, this paper analyzed in detail the influence of the number, placement arrangement, and starting time of pulse coils on the [...] Read more.

In order to solve the accidents caused by aircraft icing, electro-impulse de-icing technology was studied through numerical simulation and experimental verification. In addition, this paper analyzed in detail the influence of the number, placement arrangement, and starting time of pulse coils on the de-icing effect, which plays a guidance role in the design and installation of the subsequent electro-impulse de-icing system. In an artificial climate chamber, the new de-icing criteria were obtained by tensile test, and the platform for the electro-impulse de-icing system was built. Replacing the skin with an aluminum plate, an electro-impulse de-icing system with a single coil was used. A three-dimensional skin-ice layer model was established by using Solidworks software. The finite element method was adapted. Through comparison between the de-icing prediction results and the test results in the natural environment, it was proven that the calculation process of de-icing prediction was correct, which laid a theoretical foundation for the selection of the number, placement arrangement, and starting time of the pulse coils. Finally, in this paper, by choosing the leading edge of NACA0012 wing as the research object, the influence of the number, placement arrangement, and starting time of pulse coils on the de-icing effect was analyzed. The results show that to get a better de-icing effect, the electro-impulse de-icing system with two impulse coils should be selected. The two coils were installed in the central position of the top and bottom surfaces of the leading edge, respectively. In addition, one of the impulse coils started working 1200 μs later than the other one. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aircraft Design (SI-2/2020))

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

18 pages, 3294 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Unexplored Link between Communication and Trust in Aviation Maintenance Practice

by Anna V. Chatzi, Wayne Martin, Paul Bates and Patrick Murray

Aerospace 2019, 6(6), 66; https://doi.org/10.3390/aerospace6060066 - 03 Jun 2019

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 14419

Abstract

Communication and trust are fundamental factors in the operation of complex and highly regulated industries like aviation maintenance. This article reviews two preconditions of human error: communication and trust, as well as the way these are linked as aviation researchers have only recently [...] Read more.

Communication and trust are fundamental factors in the operation of complex and highly regulated industries like aviation maintenance. This article reviews two preconditions of human error: communication and trust, as well as the way these are linked as aviation researchers have only recently started to study factors not individually, but rather by combining their effects. Communication is essential in the exchange of information and knowledge in aviation maintenance. The conditions that make communication effective and miscommunication avoidable are explored. Next, ways of communication, like aircraft maintenance documentation, are discussed along with appreciation of how communication is valued in aviation maintenance. Trust within different aspects of maintenance practice (interpersonal trust, trust towards technology, initial levels of trust) is presented and analysed, as well as examined as a prerequisite of effective communication. The characteristics of trust, its forms and results are identified in the literature with limited sources from the aviation bibliography, as it is a domain barely explored. Therefore, a gap has been identified in the study of trust and the exploration of the combined traits of communication and trust in aviation maintenance. Recommendations for additional research in this field are provided. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Civil and Military Airworthiness: Recent Developments and Challenges)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

51 pages, 2170 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Theoretical Investigation on Feedback Control of Hybrid Rocket Engines

by Jérôme Messineo and Toru Shimada

Aerospace 2019, 6(6), 65; https://doi.org/10.3390/aerospace6060065 - 03 Jun 2019

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 7193

Abstract

Despite the fact that hybrid propulsion offers significant benefits, it still suffers from some limitations such as the natural oxidizer to fuel ratio shift which induces variations of the engines’ performances while operating. To overcome that issue, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has [...] Read more.

Despite the fact that hybrid propulsion offers significant benefits, it still suffers from some limitations such as the natural oxidizer to fuel ratio shift which induces variations of the engines’ performances while operating. To overcome that issue, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has been studying an innovative concept for several years based on the combination of controlled axial and radial oxidizer injections, called altering-intensity swirling-oxidizer-flow-type engine. This type of motor is theoretically capable of managing both the thrust and the oxidizer to fuel ratio independently and instantaneously by using a feedback control loop. To be effective, such engines would require in-flight instantaneous and precise thrust and an oxidizer to fuel ratio measurements as well as an adapted feedback control law. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of measurement errors on the engine control and to propose a regulation law suitable for these motors. Error propagation analysis and regulation law are developed from fundamental equations of hybrid motors and applied in a case where resistor-based sensors are used for fuel regression rate measurement. This study proves the theoretical feasibility of hybrid engines feedback control while providing some methods to design the engine and regression rate sensors depending on the mission requirements. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Hybrid Rocket Technology and Related Analysis Methodologies)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 4550 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Supersonic Compressor Cascade Shape Optimization under Multiple Inlet Mach Operating Conditions

by Marco Casoni, Andrea Magrini and Ernesto Benini

Aerospace 2019, 6(6), 64; https://doi.org/10.3390/aerospace6060064 - 30 May 2019

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 5918

Abstract

Transonic compressors are widely used today in propulsion and industrial applications thanks to their higher specific work compared to subsonic. In this work, the aerodynamic optimization of a two-dimensional Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model of the transonic cascade ARL-SL19 is described. The validated [...] Read more.

Transonic compressors are widely used today in propulsion and industrial applications thanks to their higher specific work compared to subsonic. In this work, the aerodynamic optimization of a two-dimensional Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model of the transonic cascade ARL-SL19 is described. The validated computational model is used for a multi-objective optimization of the cascade at three different inlet Mach numbers using a genetic algorithm and an artificial neural network, with the aim of reducing total pressure loss and increasing maximum pressure ratio. Finally, the optimized shapes on the Pareto fronts are investigated, analyzing mechanisms responsible for loss reduction and enhanced compression. Profiles having the lowest losses have flatter camberlines and reduced acceleration of flow on the suction side, while geometries achieving the highest pressure ratio values have a more cambered shape with a concave suction side. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Progress in Jet Engine Technology)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

27 pages, 1682 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Identification of In-Flight Wingtip Folding Effects on the Roll Characteristics of a Flexible Aircraft

by Gaétan Dussart, Sezsy Yusuf and Mudassir Lone

Aerospace 2019, 6(6), 63; https://doi.org/10.3390/aerospace6060063 - 30 May 2019

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 6860

Abstract

Wingtip folding is a means by which an aircraft’s wingspan can be extended, allowing designers to take advantage of the associated reduction in induced drag. This type of device can provide other benefits if used in flight, such as flight control and load [...] Read more.

Wingtip folding is a means by which an aircraft’s wingspan can be extended, allowing designers to take advantage of the associated reduction in induced drag. This type of device can provide other benefits if used in flight, such as flight control and load alleviation. In this paper, the authors present a method to develop reduced order flight dynamic models for in-flight wingtip folding, which are suitable for implementation in real-time pilot-in-the-loop simulations. Aspects such as the impact of wingtip size and folding angle on aircraft roll dynamics are investigated along with failure scenarios using a time domain aeroservoelastic framework and an established system identification method. The process discussed in this paper helps remove the need for direct connection of complex physics based models to engineering flight simulators and the need for tedious programming of large look-up-tables in simulators. Instead, it has been shown that a generic polynomial model for roll aeroderivatives can be used in small roll perturbation conditions to simulate the roll characteristics of an aerodynamic derivative based large transport aircraft equipped with varying fold hinge lines and tip deflections. Moreover, the effects of wing flexibility are also considered. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aeronautical Systems for Flow Control)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

17 pages, 6752 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Chemical Reactivity on the Formation of Gaseous Oblique Detonation Waves

by Chian Yan, Hong Hui Teng, Xiao Cheng Mi and Hoi Dick Ng

Aerospace 2019, 6(6), 62; https://doi.org/10.3390/aerospace6060062 - 28 May 2019

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4667

Abstract

High-fidelity numerical simulations using a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)-based solver are performed to investigate oblique detonations induced by a two-dimensional, semi-infinite wedge using an idealized model with the reactive Euler equations coupled with one-step Arrhenius or two-step induction-reaction kinetics. The novelty of this [...] Read more.

High-fidelity numerical simulations using a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)-based solver are performed to investigate oblique detonations induced by a two-dimensional, semi-infinite wedge using an idealized model with the reactive Euler equations coupled with one-step Arrhenius or two-step induction-reaction kinetics. The novelty of this work lies in the analysis of chemical reaction sensitivity (characterized by the activation energy E_a and heat release rate constant k_R) on the two types of oblique detonation formation, namely, the abrupt onset with a multi-wave point and a smooth transition with a curved shock. Scenarios with various inflow Mach number regimes M₀ and wedge angles θ are considered. The conditions for these two formation types are described quantitatively by the obtained boundary curves in M₀–E_a and M₀–k_R spaces. At a low M₀, the critical E_a,cr and k_R,cr for the transition are essentially independent of the wedge angle. At a high flow Mach number regime with M₀ above approximately 9.0, the boundary curves for the three wedge angles deviate substantially from each other. The overdrive effect induced by the wedge becomes the dominant factor on the transition type. In the limit of large E_a, the flow in the vicinity of the initiation region exhibits more complex features. The effects of the features on the unstable oblique detonation surface are discussed. Full article

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Aerospace, Volume 6, Issue 6 (June 2019) – 14 articles

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI