PFSS: Probabilistic Fluid System Software for Tactical Aircraft Thermal Management

ABSTRACT: Modern tactical and commercial aircraft are now dependent on the liquid fuel entering the engine as a primary heat sink for cooling critical engine, power generation and actuation components. The civilian-class fuels being used have an inherently greater variability in thermal properties such as specific heat, which can result in less cooling to critical components or degradation of the fuel itself. A critical need exists for a modeling and simulation tool that can statistically address in the design process the effect of fuel property variations on aircraft thermal management systems.CFDRC proposes to integrate an existing proven fluid flow network solver with a package of statistical and optimization tools to create the PFSS (Probabilistic Fluid System Software) package.During Phase I, CFDRC will conduct preliminary validation against relevant test data.By Phase I conclusion, collaborating with OEM partners, PFSS will have been used to simulate a simplified tactical aircraft mission.In the Phase II program, CFDRC will work with Air Force personnel to build a detailed model of components in the ARSFSS test rig and perform detailed code validation.The software tool will be the basis for future R&D to incorporate additional thermal effects such as in-line oxidation and coking.; BENEFIT: Benefits to the Air Force will be increased aircraft uptime, lower maintenance costs and operation for extended periods of time in extreme temperature conditions due to better understanding of the thermal management system.Pioneering military applications will lead to future civilian work, and CFDRC will pursue opportunities with aircraft manufacturers and engine OEMs.CFDRC will work to transition the PFSS modeling and simulation approach to other aerospace applications, and even commercial industry and manufacturing environments.