Aircraft Fuselage Liquid Hydrogen Tank Side-by-Side Layout
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft fuselage designs that incorporate liquid hydrogen tanks in a tandem configuration often struggle to minimize the distance between the tanks and the engines, while also reducing drag and weight.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a third fuselage section with two housings that allow the liquid hydrogen tanks to be installed side-by-side, parallel to the aircraft's longitudinal axis, and symmetrically arranged with respect to the vertical plane of symmetry. This configuration enables the tanks to be positioned as close as possible to the engines and includes a working structure to which the tanks are fixed, providing structural support and load transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If tanks are arranged in tandem configuration, then the distance between tanks and engines can be minimized, but drag and weight cannot be minimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a tandem (longitudinal) arrangement to a side-by-side (lateral) arrangement of tanks within the fuselage cross-section. This dimensional change allows tanks to be positioned closer to engines mounted on the fuselage sides, reducing connection line lengths and improving aerodynamics without compromising fuel capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates the tank housings directly into the fuselage structure, merging the fuel storage function with the airframe. The tanks are fixed to the working structure of the fuselage, eliminating separate mounting structures and reducing overall weight while maintaining structural integrity
2Object-generated harmful factors
If tanks are arranged side-by-side in a third fuselage section, then distance to engines is minimized and drag is reduced, but fuselage structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The third fuselage section serves multiple functions: it houses the two tanks laterally, provides structural support through the working structure, and accommodates engine mounting. The fairings also serve dual purposes of aerodynamic streamlining and structural closure, reducing overall complexity despite the advanced layout
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric fairing designs on the left and right sides of the fuselage to accommodate the lateral tank arrangement and engine positions. This asymmetric configuration optimizes aerodynamic flow around the tanks and engines while maintaining structural efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
An aircraft fuselage is configured to receive two tanks designed to contain liquid hydrogen. The fuselage includes a first section for a cockpit, a second section for a passenger cabin and a third section (T3) distinct from the first section (T1) and from the second section (T2). The third section (T3) includes two housings each to house a tank. The two housings are arranged symmetrically with respect to a vertical plane of symmetry (P1). This arrangement of the tanks in a section distinct from the other sections allows them to be located as close as possible to the motors that they have to supply.