ME5662-ME5682 Current Topics Assignment 2023-2024

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Assignment Brief

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL AND AEROSPACE ENGINEERING

ASSIGNMENT BRIEF
Module Code: Assessment Title: Assignment Set By:
ME5662/ME5682 Current Topics in Aerospace Assignment Dr James Campbell

Main objectives of the assessment:


To research a topic of current interest in aerospace. To assess and communicate the current state and
potential impact of the topic.

Brief Description of the Assessment:


You are required to prepare a technical report and poster presentation on a topic agreed with the Module
Leader.

Learning outcomes for the assessment (refer Assessment and marking criteria: The students will be
to the appropriate learning outcomes) required to:

• Demonstrate a critical and a broad Prepare two submissions on the same agreed topic:
awareness of current Research and
Development trends in aerospace. 1. Poster presentation (10% of module)
• Critically analyse and interpret specialist Students are required to prepare a poster on their
knowledge in aerospace engineering. topic and present it at a poster session – date to be
• Apply a broad aeronautical knowledge to confirmed.
critique the potential impact of current The poster assessment will be based on the clarity
research and development on future of the poster (50%) and their discussion of the topic
aerospace practice And propose new during the session (50%).
hypothesis where appropriate.
• Demonstrate self-direction, conduct
independent research and apply technical 2. Assignment report (60% of module)
information. Students are required to submit an individual report
• Communicating information, opinions and which satisfies the main objectives of the
arguments coherently and effectively at assessment in the required format by the specified
Master’s level. Use a balanced analysis deadline.
supported by appropriate source The report assessment will be based on the
materials. following categories:
• Introduction, context and current state (40%)
• Technical challenge (30%)
• Future development and potential impact (20%)
• Style and presentation (10%)

The grades for the report will follow the generic


postgraduate grade descriptors set out in the student
handbook

Assessment method by which a student can demonstrate learning Weighting:


outcomes:
Written technical report 60 %
Poster presentation 10%
Format for the assessment/coursework: (Guidelines on the expected format and length of
submission):

Report.
The report must be typed, single spaced, font size 11. Page margins not less than 2cm on all sides.
The report should include the following:
• Cover sheet (must include: title of course work, student name, ID and date)
• Table of Contents.
• Main body of report (divided into subsections as appropriate, including ‘Introduction’ and
‘Summary’)
• References should be presented in a consistent and standard style.
• Acknowledgements
The maximum length of the report is 5,000 words, reports exceeding this length will be penalised. The
guide length of the report is 3,500 to 4,000 words. The maximum word limit DOES NOT include: Title
page, Table of contents, References, Acknowledgements and Appendices.

Poster.
The poster must be prepared as a single page pdf document. All text and figures should be sized to be
legible when printed on A3 paper with standard printer margins.

Distribution date to students: Friday 6th October 2023


Submission Deadline: Wednesday 29th November 2023 (Poster and Report)
Feedback to students: December 2023
ME5662/ME5682 Current Topics in Aerospace Assignment

Academic Year 2023-2024

You are required to prepare a technical report and a poster on a topic agreed with the Module
Leader (Dr James Campbell). A list of suggested topics is in the following section. You may select
a topic from this list or suggest your own. If you suggest a topic it must be discussed and agreed
with the module leader before you start work on the assignment. Any agreed topic must:
• have clear relevance to the design or operation of aerospace vehicles;
• be the subject of current, funded, research and or development;
• have a scope appropriate to the assignment.

Indicative content for report:

Your report must cover the following aspects of your chosen topic.
• Context and current state: [40%]
o The context of the topic within aerospace.
o The wider context of the topic. What are the relevant wider issues that motivate
research in this topic. These issues could include economy, government and
regulation, environment or society.
o The current state of technology, knowledge or practice relevant to the topic.

• Technical challenges: [30%]


o Identify and select one technical challenge currently being addressed within the
overall topic. This challenge must represent an issue where engineering research
and development is required.
o For the challenge:
▪ Discuss the current technology or practice in service today and identify
why this specific challenge is receiving research and development
investment;
▪ Discuss the technical development(s) proposed;
▪ Identify the timeframe when the technical developments should be in
service;
▪ Provide your critical assessment of the proposed technical developments
and the likelihood of the research delivering the potential impact.
▪ Show use of technical literature.

• Future development and potential impact: [20%]


o The potential impact of the topic on the design or operation of aerospace
vehicles.
o Are there wider impacts relevant to the economy, government and regulation, the
environment or society?
o The timeframe when the topic is expected to deliver the anticipated impact.

The remining 10% of marks is awarded for style and presentation.

Current Topics in Aerospace Assignment AY 2023-2024 Page 1 of 7


Indicative content for poster.

In addition to the main report you are required to prepare a poster on your topic. The primary
purpose of the posters is to allow students on the module to learn about the other topics
investigated. A copy of all posters will be placed on Brightspace after the poster session.

A poster can be considered as an illustrated summary. Your poster should provide information on
the following three areas:

1. Context and Current State: Why is the topic relevant to aerospace.


2. Technical Challenge: What is the engineering challenge you have selected, what problem
does it address, what are the development(s) proposed?
3. Future impact: What is the main potential impact of the research.

Timeframe

• Issue of assignment: 6th October 2023.


• Selection of topic: 20th October 2023. Any student that has not agreed a topic with the
Module Leader by this date will be assigned a topic from the attached list.
• Report and poster submission: 29th November 2023.

Content guidance

Length: The report should be 3,500-4,000 words in length. Reports exceeding 5,000 words will
be penalised. Reports under the lower value will not be penalised, however it is unlikely that
a report of less than 3,000 words will be able to cover the topic in appropriate detail and
depth. The maximum word limit DOES NOT include: Title page, Contents list, References
and Appendices.

Style: You are writing a technical report as an engineer and for an engineering audience. Clear
and concise communication is important. Please avoid language more appropriate for
marketing material. Appendices are discouraged and should only be used if absolutely
necessary.

Referencing and Acknowledgements: All sources of information should be appropriately


cited. Sources such as peer reviewed journals, technical reports, technical and aviation
periodicals are preferred. The use of Wikipedia or similar online sources as references in the
final report is discouraged and should be avoided unless no alternative exists. Acknowledge
all support received and software used.

Poster: Submit your poster in pdf format as a separate file to the main report. The poster
should be a single A3 portrait format page.

Topic selection

To select a topic from the list, or propose a different topic, send an e-mail to the module leader
(james.campbell@brunel.ac.uk) with ‘Current Topics in Aerospace – Assignment Topic’ as the
subject. The topic is not agreed until you have received an e-mail from the module leader
confirming your choice.

Current Topics in Aerospace Assignment AY 2023-2024 Page 2 of 7


General Guidance

You are writing a technical report as an engineer and for an engineering audience. Accurate,
concise and clear communication is important.

Acknowledgements

List all the sources of support that you have used in the creation of this report, and describe the
type of support. For example any people you consult or any software you use. Examples are:

• ‘John Smith of Academic Skills Service, who advised me on the use of Vancouver system
of referencing.’
• ‘Jane Smith of Brunel Library who explained how to use Boolean searches in the database
of journals to focus my early searches of literature in the topic’
• “Autodesk Sketch software was used to create figure 4 on page 3.’
• ‘ChatGPT software on page 2, Section 1.3, to enhance the syntax and grammar of the
description of the wider context of the topic’

Referencing

All sources of information should be appropriately cited. Sources such as peer reviewed journals,
technical reports, manufacturer’s data, technical and aviation periodicals are preferred. The use of
Wikipedia or similar online sources as references in the final report is discouraged and should be
avoided unless no alternative exists.

Good academic practice

Brunel defines plagiarism as “the knowing or reckless presentation of another person’s work or
ideas as one’s own, and includes the use of published or unpublished work without acknowledging
the source.” Ensure that all sources of information are appropriately cited and that the report
presents your own understanding of the topic.

What does plagiarism look like?


• Copying someone's work into the body of your work – known as direct plagiarism,
• Referencing a source incorrectly,
• Not referencing a source at all,
• Creating an untrue source,
• ‘Reshuffling the pack or deck’ – this is known as paraphrasing,
• Presenting someone else's work as your own.

Use of Generative AI tools

The use of Generative AI tools is permitted for this assignment. If you do use a Generative AI tool
then its use MUST be acknowledged in the report.

The use of Generative AI tools is, however, discouraged for this assignment. Generative AI tools
tend to provide information that is superficial and lacking in depth. Which, for Masters level work,
communicates at best a limited understanding with significant weaknesses. In addition,
Generative-AI text is known to generate content that can include factual errors, including faked
references.

Please see the university guidance on the use of these tools:


https://students.brunel.ac.uk/study/using-artificial-intelligence-in-your-studies
Current Topics in Aerospace Assignment AY 2023-2024 Page 3 of 7
Proposed topics

The following is a list of potential individual topics for your assignment. For each topic the
accompanying paragraph provides a guide as to the potential scope of the final report.

1. Electric propulsion with batteries.


The use of electric motors over conventional engines offers significant potential for future
smaller aircraft designs, but requires a source of electric power. Batteries are used in many
concepts, and have been used in the first certified electric aircraft. However, as with electric
cars, the energy density of current battery technology (Li-Ion, Li-polymer) is a limitation for
wider application. Improved battery technology is an important enabler for electric aircraft. In
addition, in aerospace there are also important safety issues such as thermal runaway in
damaged battery cells.

2. Electric propulsion with fuel cells


The use of electric motors over conventional engines offers significant potential for future
aircraft designs, but require a source of electric power. Fuel cells generate electricity through
an electrochemical reaction, offering a clean source of electricity. For aircraft, they offer the
potential of a lighter source of electric power than battery technology, particularly or small air
transport. Research and development is required to deliver a safe, reliable and light fuel cell
system.

3. Hybrid-electric propulsion
Hybrid-electric population architectures use a conventional turboshaft, or similar, engine driving
a generator to produce electric power. This then drives motors connected to propellers or fans.
For the regional passenger aircraft sector, currently served by turbo-props, hybrid-electric
regional aircraft offers a route to achieve a reduced environmental footprint in the timeframe of
the 2030’s.

4. Hydrogen fuel for long range passenger aircraft.


Hydrogen is an energy source that is expected to play a key role in zero-carbon aviation. For
long range aircraft the weight penalty of fuel cells is too high, so conventional gas turbines
burning hydrogen rather than kerosene are an option. The requirements for storing hydrogen
fuel on an aircraft is substantially different to conventional fuel, imposing a potentially
significant weight and volume penalty. Challenges include how to safely store the hydrogen
and develop practical aircraft concepts that deliver useful performance with hydrogen fuel.

5. Sustainable Aviation Fuel


Sustainable aviation fuels are a route to reducing aviation’s carbon emissions through
replacing traditional fossil fuels with equivalent fuels manufactured from renewable sources.
Challenges include ensuring it is safe to use in aircraft, understanding its impact on the
environment and producing SAF at the necessary scale.

6. Ultra-high bypass ratio turbofans


Despite the interest in alternative propulsion concepts, today for large long-range aircraft there
is no practical alternative to the gas turbine. Higher bypass ratios deliver improved engine
efficiency, and hence fuel burn and CO2 emissions. The ultra-high bypass ratio turbofan,
making use of a geared main fan, is one solution. Gear box design, lightweight fan blades and
airframe integration are examples of the challenges in delivery of a successful design.

Current Topics in Aerospace Assignment AY 2023-2024 Page 4 of 7


7. Open-rotor engines
Despite the interest in alternative propulsion concepts, today for large long-range aircraft there
is no practical alternative to the gas turbine. Higher bypass ratios deliver improved engine
efficiency, and hence fuel burn and CO2 emissions. Open rotor engines are once concept
under active development, removing the duct around the fan simplifies increasing the fan
diameter. Challenges in development of an open rotor engine include noise, aircraft integration
and safety.

8. Boundary Layer Ingestion propulsion


Boundary layer ingestion offers the potential of reduced fuel consumption by placing one or
more engines at the rear of the aircraft, in the airflow that has passed over the aircraft body.
This reduces the boundary layer thickness at the rear of the aircraft, reducing drag. One
important challenge for this concept is designing an inlet and fan that works effectively in the
distorted flow at the rear of the aircraft.

9. All electric aircraft


An ‘all electric’ aircraft replaces non-electric systems (hydraulic, pneumatic, …) with electrically
driven systems. All on-board utilities will use only electric power generated on-board the
aircraft. This has the potential to improve the operational efficiency of the systems and simplify
maintenance and ownership costs. IMPORTANT: This topic does not include electric
propulsion.

10. Advanced manufacturing for metallic structures


Additive manufacturing (AM) technology is has great potential for aerospace. AM for in service
polymer components is increasingly common, but it remains much more limited for metallic
components. The potential of AM is in the flexibility it offers for manufacture of parts with
complex internal or external geometries, also for the manufacture of repair parts. There are
many issues where development is needed to support the wider use of AM in aerospace.
These include: material certification and traceability, surface finish of AM parts, size of
component, speed of manufacture and safety.

11. Advanced manufacturing for composite structures


A challenge for future composite primary structures is improved manufacturing techniques that
allow high rate, low cost manufacture of large integrated composite structures. One example is
out-of-autoclave processing that offers lower cost, reduced manufacturing time and lower
energy use than established autoclave processing.

12. Transonic Truss Braced Wing


The transonic truss braced wing concept is under active development in the US with the recent
announcement of the X-66A aircraft. This concept, currently aimed at single-aisle airliners,
uses a thin high-aspect ratio wing to reduce drag. This wing is supported by a diagonal truss to
support the in-flight structural loads. The concept offers a significant reduction in drag,
enabling more fuel-efficient designs.

13. Blended Wing Body


The blended wing body (BWB) concept offers lower drag over conventional large aircraft
designs. Due to its advantages it has been extensively studied over the past decades,
including model scale flight tests with the X-48 aircraft. However, its disadvantages have
meant that a BWB aircraft has not been developed. Currently there is renewed interest in BWB
designs, including the recent announcement by the US Air Force to develop a full-scale
demonstrator of a BWB tanker.

Current Topics in Aerospace Assignment AY 2023-2024 Page 5 of 7


14. Design and certification of low sonic boom passenger aircraft.
Since the retirement of Concorde there is no civil supersonic passenger aircraft currently flying.
Concorde was restricted to supersonic flight only over water due to noise. Any future
commercial supersonic aircraft must be designed to minimise the sonic boom. Additionally,
certification standards have to be developed to identify the level of sonic boom that is
acceptable.

15. Safe operation of autonomous air vehicles


An autonomous air vehicle does not have a human pilot and may operate with limited or no
ground control. Drones are a current example, but they are required to stay within a defined
zone around the human ground controller. Future development of autonomous air vehicles
faces a number of challenges, a key challenge for the future development of autonomous air
vehicles is their safe integration with other air traffic. This is particularly relevant for urban air
mobility ‘air taxi’ concepts, where the vehicle will carry one or more human passengers over a
short distance within an urban environment.

16. Icing
Aircraft icing, where ice forms on the aircraft in flight, has long been an important safety issue.
The formation of ice affects aerodynamics by changing the surface profile and can cause
structural damage if substantial pieces of ice form on the aircraft and then break free to strike
other parts of the airframe. The physics of icing, icing detection and anti-icing systems are all
the subject of current research and development.

17. Active Debris Removal


The growth of space debris in Low Earth Orbit represents a significant threat to the longer-term
sustainability of spaceflight. One route to managing this threat is removal of large debris
objects, including rocket upper stages and decommissioned satellites. This is known as active
debris removal, and demonstrator missions are currently under development to prove this
concept.

18. On-orbit spacecraft servicing


With very few exceptions, maintenance or repair of spacecraft in orbit has not been considered
practical. Today, partly enabled by the reduction in launch costs, there is active interest in
developing this capability. There are a number of challenges to developing this capability
including developing spacecraft that are capable of the necessary tasks as well as spacecraft
designs suitable to be refuelled or maintained on orbit.

19. Demisable space structures


Current space debris mitigation requirements include the need for spacecraft to re-enter the
Earth’s atmosphere after the end of its operational life. It is also required that the risk of the
debris hitting someone is low. The design for demise concept involves ensuring that all
spacecraft elements will burnup during re-entry to ensure no dangerous debris reaches the
surface.

20. High power electric space propulsion


Electric spacecraft propulsion, such as Hall-effect thrusters, are increasingly common on
spacecraft due to their high specific impulse and hence high mass efficiency. Current thrusters
are limited both by their power requirement and their low thrust, generating a force of under
0.1N per kW power. The challenge is to develop technology to support high power levels and
higher thrust forces for future spacecraft missions.

Current Topics in Aerospace Assignment AY 2023-2024 Page 6 of 7


Initial Resources
• Further information on the Clean Sky 2 programme can be found at: https://www.clean-
aviation.eu/clean-sky-2
• Further information on the Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking can be found at:
https://www.clean-aviation.eu/
• Further information on SESAR can be found at: https://www.sesarju.eu/
• The Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking, Clean Sky 2 and SESAR are funded by the
European Union. A database of EU funded projects can be found at:
https://cordis.europa.eu/projects/en . Projects funded under the Clean Sky Programme
should include “JU-Clean-Aviation” in the topic identifier. Projects funded under the Clean
Sky Programme should include “JTI-CS2” in the topic identifier. Projects funded under the
SESAR JI should have “SESAR” in the topic identifier. These can be used as an initial
search term when investigating Clean Aviation / Clean Sky / SESAR funded research and
development.
• Information on the NASA Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate and its programmes
can be found at https://www.nasa.gov/aeroresearch
• The Web of Science, accessed through the library databases page
(https://www.brunel.ac.uk/life/library/FindingInformation/Databases) provides a searchable
index of journals and conference proceedings.
• The NASA technical reports server (https://ntrs.nasa.gov/) is a searchable repository of
online NASA publications, including technical reports and papers.

Current Topics in Aerospace Assignment AY 2023-2024 Page 7 of 7

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