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Research Report

The Adoption of Digital Twins in Integrated Vehicle Health Management

2023-10-26
EPR2023024
To many, a digital twin offers “functionality,” or the ability to virtually rerun events that have happened on the real system and the ability to simulate future performance. However, this requires models based on the physics of the system to be built into the digital twin, links to data from sensors on the real live system, and sophisticated algorithms incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). All of this can be used for integrated vehicle health management (IVHM) decisions, such as determining future failure, root cause analysis, and optimized energy performance. All of these can be used to make decisions to optimize the operation of an aircraft—these may even extend into safety-based decisions.
Standard

A Guide to APU Health Management

2023-09-15
CURRENT
AIR5317A
AIR5317 establishes the foundation for developing a successful APU health management capability for any commercial or military operator, flying fixed wing aircraft or rotorcraft. This AIR provides guidance for demonstrating business value through improved dispatch reliability, fewer service interruptions, and lower maintenance costs and for satisfying Extended Operations (ETOPS) availability and compliance requirements.
Journal Article

Framework for Initializing the Conceptual Design of Hypersonic Aircraft

2023-01-18
Abstract To assist in initializing the conceptual design of hypersonic aircraft, we outline a new, systematic framework based on historical aircraft data and primarily composed of design data and regression models. It is a rapid, low-fidelity analysis to provide a starting point for the conceptual design process by (1) assessing the performance capabilities of four types of high-speed aircraft, (2) providing initial estimates for weights and geometry with uncertainty, and (3) exploring how changes in these affect performance within design spaces. Using this framework, an initial set of reasonable aircraft configurations is obtained based on speed, altitude, and payload requirements, which can serve to accelerate the design process and avoid unforeseen problems later in the design cycle. An example is provided to demonstrate the application of the framework to launch the conceptual design of a new hypersonic aircraft with a given set of mission requirements.
Journal Article

Infrared Signature of Fixed and Variable Area C-D Nozzle of Aircraft Engine

2023-01-02
Abstract The use of converging-diverging (C-D) variable area nozzle (VAN) in military aeroengines is now common, as it can give optimal expansion and control over engine back pressure, for a wide range of engine operations. At higher main combustion temperatures (desired for supercruise), an increase in the nozzle expansion ratio is needed for optimum performance. But changes in the nozzle throat and exit areas affect the visibility of engine hot parts as the diverging section of the nozzle is visible for a full range of view angle from the rear aspect. The solid angle subtended by engine hot parts varies with change in visibility, which affects the aircraft infrared (IR) signature from the rear aspect. This study compares the performances of fixed and variable area nozzles (FAN and VAN) in terms of engine thrust and IR signature of the engine exhaust system in the boresight for the same increase in combustion temperature.
Standard

Aircraft Flotation Analysis

2022-12-20
CURRENT
AIR1780B
This document is divided into five parts. The first part deals with flotation analysis features and definitions to acquaint the engineer with elements common to the various methods and the meanings of the terms used. The second part identifies and describes current flotation analysis methods. Due to the close relationship between flotation analysis and runway design, methods for the latter are also included in this document. As runway design criteria are occasionally used for flotation evaluation, including some for runways built to now obsolete criteria, a listing of the majority of these criteria constitutes the third part. The fourth part of this document tabulates the most relevant documents, categorizing them for commercial and civil versus military usage, by military service to be satisfied, and by type of pavement. This document concludes with brief elaborations of some concepts for broadening the analyst’s understanding of the subject.
Journal Article

Predictive Modeling of Aircraft Dynamics Using Neural Networks

2022-05-25
Abstract Fighter pilots must study models of aircraft dynamics before learning complex maneuvers and tactics. Similarly, autonomous fighter aircraft applications may benefit from a model-based learning approach. Instead of using a preexisting physics model of a given aircraft, a machine learning system can learn a predictive model of the aircraft physics from training data. Furthermore, it can model interactions between multiple friendly aircraft, enemy aircraft, and the environment. Such a system can also learn to represent state variables that are not directly observable, as well as dynamics that are not hard coded. Existing model-based methods use a deep neural network that takes observable state information and agent actions as input and provides predictions of future observations as output. The proposed method builds upon this approach by adding a residual feedforward skip connection from some of the inputs to all of the outputs of the deep neural network.
Article

Advanced simulation using the digital twin to achieve electromagnetic compatibility and electrification management in a modern UAS

2022-01-13
The aerospace industry is facing immense challenges due to increased design complexity and higher levels of integration, particularly in the electrification of aircraft. These challenges can easily impact program cost and product time to market. System electrification and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) have become critical issues today. In the context of 3D electromagnetics, EMC electromagnetic compatibility ensures the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) that radiated emissions from various electronic devices, such as avionics or the entire aircraft for that matter, do not interfere with other electronic products onboard the aircraft.
Article

Quality management experts provide guidance on AS9100 standard

2021-11-04
Quality management professionals across the global aerospace and defense community are convening for one hour – Wednesday, October 27th, starting at 10 am Pacific Daylight Time (PDT) – to discuss the AS9100 international standard. Register to take part in the free AeroTech webinar, hosted by SAE International and Tektronix, designed to help manufacturers, contractors, and subcontractors throughout the global aviation, space, and defense supply chain keep pace with and meet the requirements of AS9100 international quality management system standard.
Research Report

Unsettled Issues Concerning Integrated Vehicle Health Management Systems and Maintenance Credits

2020-05-27
EPR2020006
The “holy grail” for prognostics and health management (PHM) professionals in the aviation sector is to have integrated vehicle health management (IVHM) systems incorporated into standard aircraft maintenance policies. Such a change from current aerospace industry practices would lend credibility to this field by validating its claims of reducing repair and maintenance costs and, hence, the overall cost of ownership of the asset. Ultimately, more widespread use of advanced PHM techniques will have a positive impact on safety and, for some cases, might even allow aircraft designers to reduce the weight of components because the uncertainty associated with estimating their predicted useful life can be reduced. We will discuss how standard maintenance procedures are developed, who the various stakeholders are, and – based on this understanding - outline how new PHM systems can gain the required approval to be included in these standard practices.
Research Report

Unsettled Technology Opportunities for Vehicle Health Management and the Role for Health-Ready Components

2020-03-17
EPR2020003
Game-changing opportunities abound for the application of vehicle health management (VHM) across multiple transportation-related sectors, but key unresolved issues continue to impede progress. VHM technology is based upon the broader field of advanced analytics. Much of traditional analytics efforts to date have been largely descriptive in nature and offer somewhat limited value for large-scale enterprises. Analytics technology becomes increasingly valuable when it offers predictive results or, even better, prescriptive results, which can be used to identify specific courses of action. It is this focus on action which takes analytics to a higher level of impact, and which imbues it with the potential to materially impact the success of the enterprise. Artificial intelligence (AI), specifically machine learning technology, shows future promise in the VHM space, but it is not currently adequate by itself for high-accuracy analytics.
Magazine

Aerospace & Defense Technology: February 2020

2020-01-30
Rad-Hard Microelectronics for Space Applications Outsourcing Plasma Treatments for Surface Modification Adding Context to Full-Motion Video for Improved Surveillance and Situational Awareness Implementing an Aerospace Factory of the Future 90° Hybrid Coupled Power Amplifier - Pros and Cons A New Network Design for the "Internet from Space" Future Advances in Electronic Materials and Processes - Flexible Hybrid Electronics Despite progress being made, there are still significant obstacles to the manufacture and use of flexi-ble hybrid electronics in military applications. Heterogeneous Integration Technology Integrating different types of devices and materials could increase their functional density, improving the performance of electro-optic systems for sensor applications. The Impact of Cyber Cameras on the Intelligence Community The ability to covertly access and manipulate cyber cameras could provide valuable strategic data for the US intelligence community.
Magazine

Aerospace & Defense Technology: October 2019

2019-10-01
Artificial Intelligence and Autonomous Vehicles A "STEP" Forward for Product Lifecycle Management The Challenge of Replacing Hard Chrome Defining an Open System Architecture Standard for Defense Systems Solid-State Microwave Power Module Defeating Commercial Drone Threats with Open-Source SDR Influence of Leading-Edge Oscillatory Blowing on Time-Accurate Dynamic Store Separation Developing an understanding of, and potentially controlling, pitch bifurcation of a store release from an aircraft during flight could improve weapons delivery. Green's Function Extraction from Atmospheric Acoustic Propagation Understanding what affects acoustic waves propagating in the atmosphere is important for a variety of military applications including the development of new remote sensing techniques.
Standard

Perspectives on Integrating Structural Health Monitoring Systems into Fixed-Wing Military Aircraft

2019-09-18
CURRENT
AIR6245
This SAE Aerospace Information Report (AIR) is prepared for stakeholders seeking information about the evolution, integration, and approval of SHM technologies for military aircraft systems. The report provides this information in the form of (a) two military organizations’ perspectives on requirements, and (b) general SHM challenges and industry perspectives. The report only provides information to generate awarness of prespectives for military aircraft and, hence, assists those who are involved in developing SHM systems understanding the broad range of regulations, requirements, and standards published by military organizations that are available in the public domain from the military organizations.
Standard

IEEE-1394b for Military and Aerospace Vehicles - Applications Handbook

2019-08-12
CURRENT
AIR5654A
This Handbook is intended to accompany or incorporate AS5643, AS5643/1, AS5657, AS5706, and ARD5708. In addition, full understanding of this Handbook also requires knowledge of IEEE-1394-1995, IEEE-1394a, and IEEE-1394b standards. This Handbook contains detailed explanations and architecture analysis on AS5643, bus timing and scheduling considerations, system redundancy design considerations, suggestions on AS5643-based system configurations, cable selection guidance, and lessons learned on failure modes.
Standard

Quality Management Systems - Requirements for Aviation, Space, and Defense Organizations

2016-09-20
CURRENT
AS9100D
This standard includes ISO 9001:20152 quality management system requirements and specifies additional aviation, space, and defense industry requirements, definitions, and notes. It is emphasized that the requirements specified in this standard are complementary (not alternative) to customer and applicable statutory and regulatory requirements. If there is a conflict between the requirements of this standard and customer or applicable statutory or regulatory requirements, the latter shall take precedence.
Technical Paper

Guiding Framework for Feasibility Evaluation of Localised Production and Drop in Blending of Aviation Turbine Fuel with Bio Derivatives for Non-civilian Air Bases

2011-10-18
2011-01-2792
The potential for small scale local production of Bio fuel derivatives and their partial blending with aviation turbine fuel in non-civilian bases has been investigated. A feasibility study on technical readiness levels for process viability is presented in the paper. Demand side analysis for various blend mixes and corresponding requirement for production facilities and land area requirements are performed. Sustainable production and blending operations are the basis for selection of key performance indicators for the air base. Guiding framework and readiness evaluation processes are delineated for the base. Qualitative inference is combined with quantitative scoring system within the framework.
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