Comparative Evaluation of Propulsive Power Transmission Technologies for High-Speed Vertical Takeoff and Landing (HSVTOL) Cargo Aircraft

<p>Designing High-Speed Vertical Takeoff and Landing (HSVTOL) cargo aircraft capable of both low downwash velocity hovering and high subsonic speed cruising presents a significant engineering challenge. This challenge, stemming from conflicting design requirements, has been substantially influenced by recent technological advancements, which have offered greater flexibility in rotor placement. Consequently, this has led to the emergence of innovative mission-specific designs that hold the potential to outperform traditional concepts. The central objective of this study is to evaluate the benefits of modern technologies for VTOL cargo aircraft and assess their performance relative to baseline VTOL aircraft. The results of this comparative analysis provide valuable insights into the strengths and limitations of propulsive power traditional and advanced transmission for HSVTOL aircraft. Additionally, the study provides a comprehensive methodology for transmission sizing and weight estimation, ultimately revealing the most suitable transmission type for HSVTOL applications across varying weight ranges, thereby offering valuable guidance for future design endeavors. Within this technical scope, the weight of hydraulic propulsive power transmission with a turbine-speed pump, and electric transmission featuring state-of-the-art industrial and high-temperature superconductive (HTS) components is evaluated. In comparison to traditional mechanical transmission, it is evident that implementing HTS cables is effective in reducing HSVTOL propulsive power transmission weight across all takeoff weight ranges. Additionally, non-cryogenically cooled electrical power transmission demonstrates advantages, particularly for takeoff weights below 50,000 pounds.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis - Open Access

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Aerospace Engineering

Year

2023

Author dc:creator

• Yang, Xinyu

• Hydrostatic transmission; Turboelectric transmission; Mission-specific designs; Component sizing; Weight estimation; Transmission sizing methodology; Specific power scaling.
• Propulsion and Power

Repository record dc:identifier

https://commons.erau.edu/edt/783

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:commons.erau.edu:edt-1804