Advanced Heat Exchanger Characterization and Scaling Methodologies for High-Performance Aircraft

An advanced software tool for heat exchanger (HEX) characterization and scaling for high-performance aircraft is proposed, with the objective of removing the limitations associated with the existing methods of analysis. In addition to supporting the conventional methods of analysis, which are based on the lumped approach, the proposed tool will enable highly-accurate and computationally-efficient simulation methods that consider conditions existing in service, such as variable ram air flow rate from ram air cooling. This has not been possible with any previous HEX characterization method. The proposed predictive tool will also provide unparalleled modeling capabilities for in-flight and installation effects, which are usually not considered in conventional HEX models. Other innovations are the ability to scale heat exchangers and the multi-scale optimization procedure. To develop the proposed tool, TTC Technologies, Inc. (TTC) will leverage its experience in advanced heat exchanger modeling and software marketing. TTC will also partner with Hamilton Sundstrand, for validation data and manufacturing related to the proposed tool, and with Modelogics, Inc., whose expertise in developing interface for modeling and simulation tools for rapid simulation of aircraft flight systems has been used by most of the aerospace industry leaders.