Innovative Fuselage Retrofit Designs for Hydrogen-Powered Aviation
Key Ideas
  • Thesis focuses on retrofitting fuselage configurations for hydrogen tanks in aviation, opting for liquid hydrogen due to its high density.
  • Retrofit designs use packing solutions from the logistics sector to maximize fuel capacity within fuselage constraints.
  • Crashworthiness tests based on certification standards were conducted, with all designs passing, meeting crashworthiness criteria.
  • A trade-off study compared designs based on aircraft range, inspectability, and retrofit cost estimation.
The thesis discussed in the article focuses on innovative fuselage retrofit designs to accommodate hydrogen tanks for hydrogen-powered aviation. The chosen fuel source is liquid hydrogen, which has a high density, making it a suitable option despite the larger storage volume required compared to traditional fuel. The retrofit designs are inspired by packing solutions commonly found in the logistics sector, aiming to maximize fuel volume within the constraints of the fuselage. Three different retrofit designs were developed based on two tank orientations: lateral and longitudinal. These designs underwent crashworthiness testing using finite element analysis according to certification standards. Remarkably, all designs passed the crashworthiness tests, meeting the necessary certification criteria. The study also analyzed the crashworthiness results for each design, highlighting differences in load path alteration and energy dissipation. Furthermore, a trade-off study was carried out to compare the designs based on various factors such as aircraft range, inspectability, and retrofit cost estimation. This holistic approach ensures that the retrofit designs not only meet safety and crashworthiness standards but also consider practical aspects like range and cost. Overall, the thesis showcases the potential for innovative retrofit solutions in aviation to support the transition towards hydrogen-powered aircraft. By successfully integrating hydrogen tanks into fuselage configurations while prioritizing safety and efficiency, these designs represent a significant step in the advancement of hydrogen technology in the aerospace industry.
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