Aerodynamic Innovations
Running Head: DESIGN INNOVATION: HIGH SPEED-LOW DRAG
1
Design Innovation in the Commercial Airline Industry
Howard M. Fuller
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Author Note: This paper was prepared for Aerodynamics ASCI 309 taught by Bruce Slack, PhD
DESIGN INNOVATION: HIGH SPEED –LOW DRAG
2
Abstract
The past oil crises have caused dramatic improvements in fuel efficiency in all industrial sectors.
The aviation sector—aircraft manufacturers and airlines—has also made significant efforts to improve the fuel efficiency through more advanced jet engines, high-lift wing designs, and lighter airframe materials. However, the innovations in energy-saving aircraft technologies do not coincide with the oil crisis periods. The largest improvement in aircraft fuel efficiency took place in the 1960s while the high oil prices in the 1970s and later did not induce manufacturers or airlines to achieve a faster rate of innovation. Based on the industry and passenger behaviors studied and prospects for alternative fuel options, this paper offers insights for the aviation sector to shift toward more sustainable technological options in the medium term. Second-generation biofuels could be the feasible option with a meaningful reduction in aviation’s lifecycle environmental impact if it can achieve sufficient economies of scale. It appears all news is bad news when it comes to the current state of aviation. That is unfortunate because it overshadows just how wonderful it is that we can fly. Bearing in mind that just over 100 years ago, few could imagine it and today we take aviation for granted.
Keywords: drag, winglets, fuel consumption, lift
DESIGN INNOVATION: HIGH SPEED-LOW DRAG
3
Design Innovations in the Commercial Airline Industry
The competition within the commercial airlines industry is extremely hot and turbulent.
The two largest world-wide commercial aircraft companies are Boeing and Airbus. In this paper the author intends
1
Design Innovation in the Commercial Airline Industry
Howard M. Fuller
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Author Note: This paper was prepared for Aerodynamics ASCI 309 taught by Bruce Slack, PhD
DESIGN INNOVATION: HIGH SPEED –LOW DRAG
2
Abstract
The past oil crises have caused dramatic improvements in fuel efficiency in all industrial sectors.
The aviation sector—aircraft manufacturers and airlines—has also made significant efforts to improve the fuel efficiency through more advanced jet engines, high-lift wing designs, and lighter airframe materials. However, the innovations in energy-saving aircraft technologies do not coincide with the oil crisis periods. The largest improvement in aircraft fuel efficiency took place in the 1960s while the high oil prices in the 1970s and later did not induce manufacturers or airlines to achieve a faster rate of innovation. Based on the industry and passenger behaviors studied and prospects for alternative fuel options, this paper offers insights for the aviation sector to shift toward more sustainable technological options in the medium term. Second-generation biofuels could be the feasible option with a meaningful reduction in aviation’s lifecycle environmental impact if it can achieve sufficient economies of scale. It appears all news is bad news when it comes to the current state of aviation. That is unfortunate because it overshadows just how wonderful it is that we can fly. Bearing in mind that just over 100 years ago, few could imagine it and today we take aviation for granted.
Keywords: drag, winglets, fuel consumption, lift
DESIGN INNOVATION: HIGH SPEED-LOW DRAG
3
Design Innovations in the Commercial Airline Industry
The competition within the commercial airlines industry is extremely hot and turbulent.
The two largest world-wide commercial aircraft companies are Boeing and Airbus. In this paper the author intends
References: ISBN10:0791802035 Transportation/Aviation newspaper article (2006, November, 10) European Union Incentive Project article (2012, September, 10). Retrieved from http://ec.europa.cu/research/transport/projects/items/evert_en.htm Flight International Magazine article (2012, February, 09) Retrieved from ProQuest Central, Hunt Library, World-Wide Campus George, F, (2012, August) Rebirth of the Beech Jet. Business & Commercial Aviation Magazine 52-54 Houston, S, (2012, August, 26) Aviation & Aerospace profiles. The New York Times, About .com Retrieved from http://www Blatchford, A (2009, February, 06) Bombardier’s ups and downs. The Canadian Press, Retrieved from http.//www.thestar.com/business.article/583189. Articles retrieved from http://www.treehugger.com/files/2006/2007/2008/2009 Whitcomb, R, T (1976, July) Dean, J. (2011, June) New aircraft engines promise environmental benefits. Earthtimes. Org.