A Unified System-of-Systems Design and Analysis Toolset for Aircraft Thermal Management Systems

Modern and next generation military aircraft face increasing challenges as thermal demands grow while available heat sinks reduce. Legacy platforms upgraded with advanced electrical systems are also encountering similar thermal constraints. Modeling and simulation (M&S) tools provide a cost-effective solution to the design, analysis, and optimization of growing thermal management challenges, but traditional analysis tools are limited in their ability to address the entire design cycle of relevant systems. New solutions capable of addressing design and analysis at a system-of-systems (SoS) level are needed. The primary objective of the Phase I base effort was the establishment of critical interfaces, modeling requirements, and approaches necessary for the creation of a unified design and analysis environment for addressing SoS thermal challenges. Documentation of all connectivity and desired analysis capability in the Phase I base effort provided an efficient blueprint towards prototype development. The successful demonstration of the proposed capability at the conclusion of the Phase I base provided sufficient justification for full development and validation in a Phase I Option and Phase II. The Phase I Option and Phase II will see significant acceleration in the software tool development through the expansion of the component database, increases to component model complexity, improvements to the end-user experience, verification and validation against available test data, and demonstration of the tool on the Navy application of interest. The successful completion of the Phase II will provide justification for continued expansion in the Phase II Option wherein PCKA will continue to exercise the tool to support the Navy application problem while expanding the end-user base through application to current/future platform needs. The verified, validated, and demonstrated tool will enable continued investment from government and industry in a Phase III wherein PCKA’s continued support of the tool will serve as critical cost and risk reduction for current/future warfighter programs.