Avetec

Advanced Virtual Engine Test Cell

Applied Research

Thermal Management

Thermal management is the single most pressing problem for airframe and engine designers today.  High fuel costs have re-focused attention on accurate modeling of combustion processes to maximize fuel burn and yet produce ultra-low emissions engines. A combined thermal/fluid analysis will provide two important functions: generation of input data from first-principles simulations for incorporation in broad system-level models, and a virtual design capability that can predict and optimize engine/fuel system interaction. Avetec’s high fidelity, integrated airframe-engine systems-level modeling and simulation program will lead to better optimization of heat loads and coolant redistribution for minimizing thermal loads, improved engine health management and reduced maintenance.

The Joint Strike Fighter Thermal Management Systems model was modified to function as a representative system to help understand how it interacts with other aircraft subsystem models. Now, researchers can optimize power management to support the needs of future military aircraft with a detailed, dynamic, system-level simulation. This collaboration between the Air Force Research Laboratory and Lockheed Martin Aeronautics was is part of Avetec's innovation-accelerating virtual lab.

 

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