As regards WP1, periodic reviews have been performed between DIGIFuel and LHD as well as Joint Meetings with partners working on the project.
During the Covid-19 spread, meetings have been continuously held in remote only.
The Trade-Off studies (WP2) resulting from joining work between SM and LHD have led to the release of the technical documentation:
- definition of the fuel system final layout and parts list
- fuel pump smart controls studies
- fuel gauging and sensing technology studies
- a preliminary system safety analysis
A preliminary design of Technology Demonstrator gauging and distribution sub-system with optical fiber started during the 1st reporting period.
The preliminary design studies resulting from the joining work between SM and LHD have led to the release of:
- preliminary equipment interface and performance definition
- study and definition of equipment validation campaign and lab testing
- preliminary innovative equipment performance calculation and reporting
- reliability analyses
- preliminary safety and hazard analysis
- preliminary simulation data and SW plans
Activities leading to completion of WP4 allowed opening of the meeting on 12/2019.
Preparation of CDR closure was performed via web meetings, up to formal closure of the CDR meeting. This task was accomplished on 06/2020.
Some modification of the fuel system architecture, as defined in WP3, had to be introduced as a result of the development activities performed by the consortia and by LHD. It was decided to introduce CANBUS communication also for fuel gauging probes, avoiding introduction of fiber optics.
Second half of 2020 and first half of 2021 had to be entirely devoted to completion of Task 4.1. Following achievements are recalled:
- evaluation of equipment installation with LHD. Activities culminated in 12/2020
- analysis of performance points of the fuel system. Several aspects had been analyzed, up to equipment performance full definition in 11/2020
- definition of pipeline routing and 3D model in 12/2020
- definition of CANBUS interface and protocol finalized in 05/2021
In WP5 all production data have been issued, discussed and updated relevant to installation drawings of equipment.
For the equipment also General Assembly Drawing, as well as subassy and component drawings have been generated. Part List have been filed and updated in SM PLM system.
Additionally, for any of the equipment (innovative or supporting), dedicated Acceptance Test Procedures and other system documents have been issued and submitted to topic leader for comment/acceptance.
Equipment prototypes have been assemble, mechanically, electronically and SW integrated and tested.
As part of the forecasted activities of WP6, Qualification by Analysis and Similarity for each equipment was foreseen for initial installation on NGCTR demonstrator, followed by an actual test campaign (defined via a Qualification Program Plan) to support experimental flight trials. SM has prepared a Qualification Program Plan dedicated to NGCTR, that will be executed in parallel to installation of innovative and supporting equipment on Technical Demonstrator (foreseen period: April-June 2023).
Communication and dissemination has been performed by SM (by displaying JU/CS2 Logo and Project Titles and illustrating the project to attendees) during Air Shows, as well as by PoliMi through preparation of scientific document (dissertation thesis).
A Master’s Degree Thesis work has been prepared at SM, during 2022, by Riccardo Barbera, an Aeronautical Engineering Student of the Palermo University.
SM has additionally attended the event Clean Aviation, at Volandia Park and Museum, on 22 October 2022. SM has provided a presentation about its case history in the framework of Clean Sky 2.
