Project-1: Powertrain for aircraft in runways

(Q1)

Here is a list of the maximum takeoff weights of various types of aircraft:

Airbus A380: 1.2 million pounds (540,000 kg)

Boeing 747-8: 975,000 pounds (443,000 kg)

Antonov An-225 Mriya: 1.4 million pounds (640,000 kg)

Lockheed C-5 Galaxy: 840,000 pounds (381,000 kg)

Boeing 777-300ER: 775,000 pounds (352,000 kg)

Airbus A350-1000: 710,000 pounds (322,000 kg)

Boeing 787-10: 560,000 pounds (254,000 kg)

Embraer E190-E2: 114,000 pounds (52,000 kg)

Cessna Citation X: 36,600 pounds (16,600 kg)

Beechcraft King Air 350: 15,000 pounds (6,800 kg)

(Q2)

Yes, there is a difference between ground speed and air speed.

Air speed refers to the speed at which an aircraft is moving through the air. It is measured by instruments on the aircraft and is affected by factors such as wind speed and direction.

Ground speed, on the other hand, refers to the speed at which an aircraft is moving over the ground. It takes into account the air speed of the aircraft as well as the effects of wind. Ground speed is calculated by adding or subtracting the wind speed from the air speed, depending on whether the aircraft is flying with or against the wind.

So, while air speed is a measure of the speed of an aircraft through the air, ground speed is a measure of the speed of an aircraft over the ground, which can be affected by factors such as wind.

(Q3)

While it is technically possible to use aircraft engine power to move an aircraft on the ground at an airport, it is generally not recommended for a few reasons:

Safety: Aircraft engines are extremely powerful and can create a lot of turbulence and debris on the ground, which can be dangerous to people and equipment in the vicinity of the aircraft.

Fuel efficiency: Using aircraft engines to move an aircraft on the ground can be very fuel-inefficient, as the engines are designed to operate most efficiently at high altitudes and air speeds. At low speeds on the ground, the engines may use much more fuel than necessary.

Wear and tear: Constantly using the aircraft engines to move the aircraft on the ground can cause extra wear and tear on the engines, which can be costly and time-consuming to repair.

For these reasons, most aircraft use specialized ground support equipment, such as tugs or tow bars, to move the aircraft on the ground at airports. This equipment is designed to move aircraft safely and efficiently without the need to use the aircraft engines.

(Q4)

When an aircraft is ready to take off, it is typically pushed back from the gate or parking position by a specialized ground support vehicle called a pushback tug or tractor. The pushback tug is connected to the nose gear of the aircraft and uses hydraulics to push it back from the gate and maneuver it into position for taxiing to the runway.

Once the aircraft is in position, the pilot will start the engines and begin taxiing the aircraft to the runway using the aircraft's own power. During the taxi, the pilot will communicate with the air traffic control tower and follow a designated taxi route to the runway.

In some cases, particularly at very busy airports or in inclement weather, a follow-me car may also be used to guide the aircraft to the runway. This vehicle is typically a specially-marked car equipped with a radio and a lighted sign that the pilot can follow to ensure they are on the correct taxi route.

Once the aircraft reaches the runway, it will typically wait for clearance from the air traffic control tower before beginning its takeoff roll.

(Q5)

Takeoff power:

Takeoff power is the maximum power output of an aircraft's engines during takeoff. It is the power required to accelerate the aircraft to takeoff speed and to lift off the ground. The takeoff power varies depending on the size and weight of the aircraft, the length of the runway, and other factors.

Tyre design:

Tyre design is an important consideration for aircraft, as it can affect the performance and safety of the aircraft. Aircraft tyres are designed to be strong and durable, with high load-carrying capacity and resistance to wear and tear. They are also designed to provide good traction on wet or slippery runways, and to resist damage from debris or foreign objects on the runway.

Rolling resistance:

Rolling resistance is the force that resists the motion of an aircraft's wheels or tyres as it moves along the ground. Rolling resistance is caused by the deformation of the tyre as it rolls over the ground, and by other factors such as tyre design and tyre pressure. Rolling resistance can affect the fuel efficiency of an aircraft and can make it more difficult to accelerate or decelerate on the runway.

Tyre pressure:

Tyre pressure is an important factor in aircraft performance and safety. The correct tyre pressure can help to ensure that the aircraft is able to take off and land safely, and can help to reduce wear and tear on the tyres. Tyre pressure can also affect the rolling resistance of the tyres, which can in turn affect fuel efficiency.

Brake forces when landing:

During landing, the brakes on an aircraft are used to slow down and stop the aircraft after it touches down on the runway. The brake forces required during landing depend on factors such as the weight and speed of the aircraft, the length and condition of the runway, and the type of brakes used on the aircraft. The brakes must be designed to be strong enough to slow the aircraft down safely without causing excessive wear or damage to the tyres or brakes. Additionally, the pilots must use proper braking techniques to ensure a safe and efficient landing.

(Q6) (A)

let us assume that,

Mass of Towing Vehicle= 40,000kg

Mass of aircraft = 155,000kg

Total mass (m)= 40,000+155,000 =195,000kg

Frontal Area of the aircraft (A) =18 m²

Speed of the vehicle ( ) =25Kmph

converting it into m/sec

= 25*(1000/3600)=6.9445m/sec

Drag coefficient (Cd) =0.75

Air density ( ) =1.225Kg/m³

Calculating Rolling resistance Force (Frr) = *m*g

= 0.01*195,000*9.8

= 19,110N

Calculating Aerodynamic Drag Force (Fd)=0.5* * Cd*A* v^2

=0.5*1.225*18*0.75*(6.9445)²

=398.769N

Therefore the total Force required to push/pull the aircrcraft by the towing vehicle (F) = Frr+ Fd

= 19,110+ 398.769

= 19,508.769 N

Calculating the power (p) = Force*Velocity

= 19508.769* 6.9445

=135.478kW

(Q6) (b) in pic

(Q7)

To start with the design process, you would need to consider the following:

1. The weight of the aircraft to be towed and the required towing speed.
2. The terrain and environmental conditions, such as slopes and wind resistance, that the electric powertrain will encounter during operation.
3. The available power source and energy storage system, such as batteries or fuel cells.
4. The type of motor to use, such as a DC or AC motor, and its power rating.
5. The control system and duty cycle range needed to achieve the desired speed and acceleration.