Aeroelastic Evaluation of the Structural Concept for a Hydrogen Aircraft with a Dry Wing Configuration

Institut

Lehrstuhl für Luftfahrtsysteme

Typ

Semesterarbeit / Masterarbeit /

Inhalt

theoretisch /  

Beschreibung

As climate change gains increasing attention, reducing carbon emissions has become an urgent priority in the aviation industry. In alignment with the ambitious targets set by the Flightpath 2050 initiative, the industry aims to cut CO2 emissions by 75%, NOx emissions by 90%, and noise footprints by 60% by 2050, compared to the year 2000 levels [1].
Hydrogen-powered aviation is considered the most cost-effective and sustainable pathway to achieving carbon neutral air travel in the long term [2]. However, storing hydrogen in gaseous form at 164 bar and 288.15 K requires 5.6 times the volume of kerosene to provide the same energy content [3]. This low volumetric energy density makes storing fuel in the wings impractical, leading to a ”dry wing” configuration. The loss of inertial relief provided by fuel in conventional designs could result in a heavier wing structure.
On the other hand, the absence of fuel in the wings offers new design opportunities, allowing for the exploration of different structural concepts.
The DWiTE project is focused on exploring the design space opened up by the dry wing concept and finding solutions to mitigate the weight penalty caused by the absence of fuel.

This research proposal aims to conduct an aeroelastic evaluation of different structural concepts enabled by the dry wing configuration in hydrogen-powered aircraft. The study will begin by identifying two promising structural concepts based on a qualitative assessment and engineering judgment. Aeroelastic models for the selected concepts will be generated using an in-house modeling tool. A detailed structural sizing process, incorporating buckling constraints, will be undertaken to ensure the structural integrity of each design. Following this, aeroelastic analyses will be performed to verify the designs. A comparative evaluation of the concepts will be conducted, focusing on structural weight and performance. The outcomes of the study will be comprehensively documented and presented.

Voraussetzungen

We are seeking motivated students who possess an interest in structural design and aeroelastic analysis. The candidate should be capable of working independently and maintaining a systematic approach to their work. A fundamental understanding of aeroelasticity is required, and any prior experience with Nastran and Python is highly valued.

Möglicher Beginn

sofort

Kontakt

Fanglin Yu, M.Sc.
Raum: Raum 3633
Tel.: +49 (89) 289 - 15988
fanglin.yutum.de

Ausschreibung