Amir S. Gohardani and Omid Gohardani
The purpose of this paper is to outline the potential usage of ceramic engines in combination with other technologies as a possible propulsion contender for future aerospace…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to outline the potential usage of ceramic engines in combination with other technologies as a possible propulsion contender for future aerospace applications.
Design/methodology/approach
The possibility of enabling novel propulsion systems in aerospace engineering is examined through a multilateral review study concerning ceramic engines and a proposed design approach. In view of the benefits and challenges of employing ceramic engines as possible candidates for the sustainable solutions of the future, a fundamental design proposal is presented for a conceptual generic unmanned air vehicle (GUAV).
Findings
The findings of this article identify a number of useful scenarios for future ceramic engine applications and considerations.
Research limitations/implications
It is imperative to emphasize that this conceptual article solely sheds light on a limited number of key ideas associated with ceramic engines and their possible applications. Thus, many new areas may emerge and impact the application of ceramic engines in light of more in‐depth conceptual studies.
Practical implications
Implications of ceramic engine utilization in aeronautical applications may result in enhanced performance characteristics and less operational costs. Further implications could possibly be extended to various naval/automotive applications and new configurations of transportation vehicles.
Social implications
The paper aims to generate an interest amongst younger individuals and environmental aware enthusiasts to consider ceramic engines for transportation applications to a greater extent than before.
Originality/value
The implementation of this particular conceptual design results in a synergistic ceramic engine combination with a hybrid airship design in novel aeronautical applications.
Details
Keywords
Paulas Raja Sekaran, Amir S. Gohardani, Georgios Doulgeris and Riti Singh
– This article aims to investigate a selected number of liquid hydrogen storage tank parameters in a turboelectric distributed propulsion concept.
Abstract
Purpose
This article aims to investigate a selected number of liquid hydrogen storage tank parameters in a turboelectric distributed propulsion concept.
Design/methodology/approach
In this research study, tank structure, tank geometry, tank materials and additional physical phenomenon such as hydrogen boil-off and permeation are considered. A parametric analysis of different insulation foams is also performed throughout the design process of a lightweight liquid hydrogen storage tank.
Findings
Based on the mass of boil-off and foam weight, phenolic foam exhibited better characteristics amongst the five foam insulation materials considered in this particular study.
Practical implications
Liquid hydrogen occupies 4.2 times the volume of jet fuel for the same amount of energy. This suggests that a notable tank size is expected. Nonetheless, as jet fuel weighs 2.9 times more than liquid hydrogen for the same amount of energy, this reduced weight aspect partly compensates for the increased tank size.
Originality/value
In this article, potential insulation materials for liquid hydrogen storage tanks are highlighted and compared utilizing a presented methodology.