SBIR-STTR Award

The principal objective of the proposed effort is to enhance the Vehicle Integrated Thermal Management Analysis Code (VITMAC) to include an optimization scheme, at the component and system levels, that will provide an optimum thermal design ensuring minimum weight while satisfying cooling requirements. Additionally, VITMAC will be coupled with an engine performance code to obtain better estimates of engine thermal loads. For example, for hypersonic aircraft, the engine (ramjet, scramjet, or dual-mode) heat load is the major source of heat to be managed; this proposed effort will provide the designer with a tool to optimize the engine thermal management system, while ensuring acceptable operating temperatures.

Keywords:
Optimization Analysis Tool Turbine Engines Thermal Management High Speed Propulsion Aircraft Electri

The principle objective of the proposed effort is to enhance the U.S. Air Force sponsored Vehicle Integrated Thermal Management Analysis Code (VITMAC) to include an optimization/expert systems architecture for analyzing thermal/fluid network configuration at the component, subsystems, and system level. Optimal thermal designs will be based on mission profile figures of merit. Additionally, VITMAC will be coupled (linked) with engine performance and cycle codes to provide a more integrated mission analysis capability as well as more accurate definitions of thermal loads. This effort will be supported by the Applied Physics Laboratory (APL of the Johns Hopkins University). VITMAC will be linked with APL's RJPA ram/scramjet engine performance code as well as NASA's CEA rocket performance model and NEPP turbine engine cycle code. VITMAC will be further enhanced with an improved graphical user interface (GUI) to make it more user friendly and robust. Workshops are planned to provide industrial experts with influence on and knowledge of VITMAC capabilities as well as end user support and training. A plan for VAITMAC commercialization will also be developed for transferring the technology for aircraft and non-aircraft applications as well.

Keywords:
Scramjet Advanced Cooling Concepts Thermal Management High Speed Propulsion Combustion Optimization