Aft Cabin Fuel Tanks in Blended-Wing-Body Aircraft
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Solution Overview
Problem
The storage of hydrogen fuel in aircraft is limited by the location of fuel reserves, which restricts the design and distribution of fuel tanks.
Innovation Solution
The aircraft design incorporates a blended wing body with fuel tanks located aft of the cabin, allowing for the storage of liquified gas fuel, such as liquid hydrogen, without altering the aircraft's longitudinal center of gravity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If fuel tanks are stored in conventional locations within the aircraft body, then the aircraft structure can be simplified, but the fuel storage capacity and distribution are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions fuel tanks in the aft section of the blended wing body, utilizing the three-dimensional space more effectively by extending storage capacity into the rear volume of the aircraft structure, thereby increasing fuel capacity without proportionally increasing overall aircraft size
Solution Approach 2:
The blended wing body structure serves multiple functions: it provides the primary aircraft body, generates aerodynamic lift, and incorporates integrated fuel storage capacity within its volume, eliminating the need for separate dedicated fuel tank structures
2Stability of the object's composition
If fuel tanks are located aft of the cabin, then the longitudinal center of gravity remains stable, but the design and distribution of fuel reserves becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements fuel tanks with specific geometric configurations (cylindrical, conical, or multi-lobe shapes) optimized for their designated aft location within the blended wing body, allowing each tank to be tailored to local spatial constraints while maintaining overall center of gravity stability
Solution Approach 2:
The fuel storage system is divided into multiple separate tanks rather than a single large tank, allowing for modular placement in the aft section, independent filling and maintenance, and better distribution of weight to maintain longitudinal stability
3Loss of energy
If a blended wing body configuration is used, then drag is reduced and fuel economy is enhanced, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the wing and body structures into a single blended wing body configuration, merging two separate aerodynamic components into one unified structure that reduces drag by eliminating the traditional wing-body junction and improving overall aerodynamic efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The fuel tanks are designed and positioned during the preliminary design phase to accommodate the unique geometry of the blended wing body, with tank shapes and mounting arrangements predetermined to fit within the specific contours and structural framework of the integrated wing-body structure
Data Source
AI summary
Aircraft with fuel tanks stored aft of the main body and method of manufacturing an aircraft with fuel tanks stored aft of the main body. Aircraft includes a blended wing body, wherein the blended wing body includes a main body and a cabin at least partially located within the main body. The aircraft further including a plurality of fuel tanks located at least partially aft of the cabin within the main body and configured to store liquified gas fuel. The fuel tanks may include a multi-lobe geometry.