Nouveaux algorithmes d’optimisation de performances d’avions en croisière

Abstract

This Research Master's thesis deals with the methodologies adopted to optimize the performance of an aircraft in flight in order to reduce fuel consumption, and therefore, the emission of greenhouse gases. The main objective is to reduce the environmental footprint of the Aerospace Engineering sector. This objective accomplishment needs setting up algorithms that can be integrated into the Flight Management Systems as functions used by the crew during the flight. Our study is applied with the longest flight phase which is the cruise. The study made during this project focuses on the evolution of aircraft performance parameters during flight, such as weight, fuel flow, altitudes and speeds. These parameters are generated using the Performance DataBase (PDB), which has been qualified and validated before its use in order to avoid any miscalculation that could affect the proper functioning of the algorithms. Two algorithms were developed during this project: The first algorithm is based on a concept of local and global update of the drag coefficient table, that would allow to predict, and then to correct the fuel flow by the Flight Management System (FMS), the second algorithm allows the creation of a new function integrated into the FMS, which makes it possible to follow the optimal altitudes during the cruise according to a continuous climb trajectory. The aircraft used in this research thesis are the Cessna Citation X business aircraft, and the Airbus A310 commercial passenger aircraft. The validation of the results was done on the FAA-certified flight dynamics research flight simulator for the Cessna Citation X at the LARCASE and on the Flight Management Systems FMS CMA 9000 present in the laboratories of CMC Electronics company. Results obtained for the first algorithm show an improvement in the prediction of the fuel flow in the cruise regime. These results show a reduction in fuel consumption and in carbon dioxide emissions by the aircraft and the fuel flow prediction error tends to 0. Regarding the second part of the thesis, the continuous climb cruise function gives promising results. Indeed, this function makes it possible to minimize the number of changes in the regime, made by the pilot, in order to follow the optimal altitude. This function has made it possible to optimize fuel consumption by 6% in cruise and to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases emitted by the aircraft.

Date	2 Nov 2020
Original language	French
Awarding Institution	École de technologie supérieure
Supervisor	Ruxandra Botez (Supervisor)