Project-1: Powertrain for aircraft in runways
Part A: Conceptual Questions
1. Total Weight of Various Types of Aircraft
Aircraft weight classifications depend on their type and purpose. Below are typical weight ranges:
2. Difference Between Ground Speed and Air Speed
Airspeed: The speed of an aircraft relative to the air around it.
Ground Speed: The speed of an aircraft relative to the ground.
Difference: Wind affects airspeed and ground speed differently. A tailwind increases ground speed, while a headwind reduces it.
3. Why Aircraft Engine Power is Not Used for Taxiing?
Safety: Jet engines generate high thrust, which can damage airport infrastructure.
Fuel Efficiency: Engines consume a lot of fuel, making taxiing inefficient.
Wear and Tear: Running engines at low speeds increases maintenance needs.
Airport Regulations: Most airports mandate towing to reduce risks.
4. How an Aircraft is Pushed to the Runway?
A pushback tug or tow truck is used to move the aircraft from the gate.
Pilots then take control and taxi using low engine power to reach the runway.
5. Aircraft Takeoff & Landing Considerations
Takeoff Power: Aircraft require maximum thrust to generate lift.
Tyre Design: Designed to withstand high speeds (~270-300 km/h).
Rolling Resistance: Affected by tyre inflation and surface friction.
Tyre Pressure: Ranges from 200 to 300 psi.
Brake Forces: Used for stopping upon landing; supplemented by thrust reversers.
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Part B: Calculations & Simulink Modeling
6. A. Force & Power Required for Aircraft Towing
The force required to move an aircraft depends on rolling resistance and acceleration:
F = (C_r \times M \times g) + (M \times a)
P = F \times V
Assumptions:
Aircraft weight: 100,000 kg
Rolling resistance coefficient (Cr): 0.02
Acceleration (a): 0.1 m/s²
Gravity (g): 9.81 m/s²
Velocity (V): 5 m/s
MATLAB Code for Force & Power Calculation
% Define Parameters
M = 100000; % Aircraft mass in kg
g = 9.81; % Gravity in m/s^2
Cr = 0.02; % Rolling resistance coefficient
a = 0.1; % Acceleration in m/s^2
V = 5; % Velocity in m/s
% Calculate Force Required
F_rolling = Cr * M * g;
F_acceleration = M * a;
F_total = F_rolling + F_acceleration;
% Calculate Power Required
P_required = F_total * V;
% Display Results
fprintf('Total Force Required: %.2f N\n', F_total);
fprintf('Power Required: %.2f W\n', P_required);
6. B. Simulink Model for Force & Power Calculation
Steps to create Simulink model:
1. Open MATLAB and create a new Simulink model.
2. Add Constant Blocks for inputs (Mass, Cr, Acceleration, Gravity).
3. Use Gain Blocks to multiply coefficients.
4. Sum forces using a Sum Block.
5. Multiply force by velocity using a Product Block to get power.
6. Display values using Display Blocks.
7. Run the model and observe the results.
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7. A. Electric Powertrain Design for Aircraft Towing
Assumed Parameters:
Block Diagram of Powertrain:
Battery → Motor Controller → PMSM Motor → Differential → Wheels
Simulink Model Steps:
1. Battery Block (400V, 150 kWh).
2. Inverter & Motor Controller to regulate power.
3. PMSM Motor Block with input power ~50 kW.
4. Torque Output to Differential & Wheels for motion.
5. Duty Cycle Control using a Pulse Generator.
6. Scope Blocks to monitor speed and power.
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7. B. Parameter Design in Excel
Create an Excel file with the assumed parameters.
Use formulas to calculate required power and energy.
Save as .xlsx for importing into MATLAB.
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Final Deliverables:
1. MATLAB Code for Force & Power Calculation
2. Screenshots of Simulink Model & Block Diagram
3. Excel Sheet with Powertrain Parameters