Aircraft systems architecting methodologies for more electric, hybrid and unconventional configurations

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The proposed research program will develop a methodology and associated mathematical models to perform effective aircraft systems architecting as an integrated part of the aircraft design process, pivotal to the development of environmentally friendly air vehicles. Background The aerospace industry has ambitious targets to contribute in the fight against climate change. To achieve this goal, novel aircraft configurations, hybrid-electric or all-electric air vehicles seem promising. However, the evaluation of the feasibility of these concepts is complex, requiring to the development of novel design and prediction methods. Within, the development of associated system architectures is essential. The system architecture (consisting of hydraulic, electric and pneumatic power systems, flight control systems, avionics systems, environmental control systems, and many more) impacts significantly the weight, vehicle shape, reliability, cost and emissions of air vehicles. For aircraft with a hybrid-electric or all-electric propulsion system, the system architecture needs to change to a more-electrical architecture, leading to system integration challenges in terms of architecture, space requirements and thermal aspects. Today, there is a gap regarding methodologies for conceptual design of aircraft systems suitable to tackle complex integration challenges of novel aircraft configurations. Advanced research is necessary. Scientific approach The research program is structured in two long term research objectives (RO): RO1 will develop novel methodologies for: (1) system architecture definition and management of design space alternatives, (2) analysis of uncertainty propagation and scenarios, (3) system architecture feasibility analysis for safety requirements. These methodologies will be integrated with a parametric conceptual sizing framework for vehicle-level system architecture evaluation and integration. RO2 will develop a library of a conceptual estimation models and technologies for novel aircraft system architectures evaluation and integration for weight, power demand, size and reliability. A bottom-up approach will be used, performing simplification while establishing physical scalability on component and system level. Significance This proposed research innovates in the field of conceptual aircraft design. New mathematical models will contribute to technological advancement in aircraft conceptual design. The HQP gap in the field of aircraft systems design in Canada will be reduced. Aircraft manufacturers, engine manufacturer, system developers or research institutions will be able to perform analysis of unconventional configurations considering the important aspect of system integration. Therefore, the conceptual design framework is crucial to mature faster more environmentally friendly air vehicle of concepts, enabling sustainable mobility, and to increase the competitiveness of the Canadian aerospace industry.