<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">

<p>This study applies advanced computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations to enhance the safety of an aircraft’s fuel system by striving to minimize the risk of on-board fire hazards. Employing a detailed flow simulation model, this research assesses the efficacy of newly designed measures within a fuel system, designed for a modified radial engine on a test-bed AN 2 airplane. The model simulates internal airflow, droplet particle flow, the formation of Eulerian Wall Film, and the vaporization process from the fuel film within the enclosure of the aircraft’s equipment bay. By exploring both the original and modified geometries of this fuel system enclosure, the simulations provide insights into the flowpaths of leaking fuel, the spatial and temporal distribution of fuel vapor concentrations, and the overall effectiveness of design modifications aimed at rapid removal of hazardous substances. Structural improvements, including the addition of strategic ventilation inlets and outlets, are proposed based on the simulation results to ensure rapid dispersion of vapors and minimal residual fuel, effectively reducing the potential for vapor ignition. This study thus underscores the potential of precise CFD modelling in identifying risks and developing robust fire hazard mitigation strategies in aviation fuel systems.</p>
</abstract>

This study applies advanced computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations to enhance the safety of an aircraft’s fuel system by striving to minimize the risk of on-board fire hazards. Employing a detailed flow simulation model, this research assesses the efficacy of newly designed measures within a fuel system, designed for a modified radial engine on a test-bed AN 2 airplane. The model simulates internal airflow, droplet particle flow, the formation of Eulerian Wall Film, and the vaporization process from the fuel film within the enclosure of the aircraft’s equipment bay. By exploring both the original and modified geometries of this fuel system enclosure, the simulations provide insights into the flowpaths of leaking fuel, the spatial and temporal distribution of fuel vapor concentrations, and the overall effectiveness of design modifications aimed at rapid removal of hazardous substances. Structural improvements, including the addition of strategic ventilation inlets and outlets, are proposed based on the simulation results to ensure rapid dispersion of vapors and minimal residual fuel, effectively reducing the potential for vapor ignition. This study thus underscores the potential of precise CFD modelling in identifying risks and developing robust fire hazard mitigation strategies in aviation fuel systems.

Flow Simulation-Based Methodology for Reducing The Risk of Fuel Fire In An Aircraft’s Fuel System Enclosure

Transactions on Aerospace Research

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

This study applies advanced computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations to enhance the safety of an aircraft’s fuel system by striving to minimize the risk...

Flow Simulation-Based Methodology for Reducing The Risk of Fuel Fire In An Aircraft’s Fuel System Enclosure

Article Category: research article

Published Online: Jun 12, 2024

Page range: 66 - 92

Received: Jan 20, 2023

Accepted: Apr 11, 2024

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/tar-2024-0012

Keywords
flow simulations, phase change, Eulerian wall film

© 2024 Janusz Sznajder, published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

Flow Simulation-Based Methodology for Reducing The Risk of Fuel Fire In An Aircraft’s Fuel System Enclosure

Article Category: research article

Published Online: Jun 12, 2024

Page range: 66 - 92

Received: Jan 20, 2023

Accepted: Apr 11, 2024

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/tar-2024-0012

Keywordsflow simulations, phase change, Eulerian wall film

© 2024 Janusz Sznajder, published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

Keywords
flow simulations, phase change, Eulerian wall film