Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

• Thomas O. Onah ¹
• Christian C. Aka ²
• Bethrand N. Nwankwojike ³

¹ mechanical and production engineering, enugu state university of science and technology, Enugu Nigeria

² mechanical and production engineering, enugu state university of science and technology

³ Mechanical Engineering, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria

Abstract

The gas turbine-based propulsion systems were responsible for the emission of pollutants that damage the ecosphere. Commercial aviation represented a large portion of carbon emissions within the aviation industry, so this study focused on novel aircraft propulsion systems for large commercial aircraft. Electric propulsion was considered to be an alternative to conventional propulsion systems. Therefore, this report analyzed the various electric aircraft concepts within the aerospace industry to see whether they have environmental benefits. A flying wing aircraft was compared to a conventional tube-and-wing aircraft using Computational Fluid Dynamics to determine which aircraft requires more power. The lift forces acting on the conventional aircraft and flying wing at cruise speed were 269,110 N and 10681 N, while the drag forces acting on the conventional aircraft and Flying Wing Aircraft at cruise speed were 260,940N and 7679N, respectively. More electric aircraft approach has allowed the older power subsystems to be replaced by electrical systems within modern aircrafts such as the Boeings, airbus, etc. This has increased fuel efficiency. The result of the lift power requirement should be a boost for battery companies to develop FWA.Conclusively, the result inferred that the Flying Wing Aircraft is more aerodynamic and, therefore, would improve aircraft efficiency and emit less emission.

Graphical Abstract

Highlights

• This research is focused on the propulsion of aircraft using electricity.
• More electric aircraft approach has allowed the older power subsystems to be replaced by electrical systems within modern aircraft.
•  The result of the lift power requirement should be a boost for battery companies to develop FWA.

• The result of the current study inferred that the Flying Wing Aircraft is more aerodynamic and would improve aircraft efficiency and emit less emission.

Keywords

• Turbofan
• Electricity-aircraft
• Convectional-aircraft
• Computational- Fluid-Dynamics
• Forces

Main Subjects

• Mechanical