Ground Test Section for Flammable Fluid Re-Ingestion Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flammability tests for transport category airplanes are prohibitively expensive and inefficient, particularly in simulating fluid re-ingestion through mechanical interfaces during flight conditions.
Innovation Solution
A ground-based testing apparatus and method using a test section with an enclosure and pressure application device to simulate flight conditions, allowing for the detection of fluid re-ingestion through mechanical interfaces without the need for test flights.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If flight tests are used to test flammable fluid drainage, then testing accuracy is improved, but testing cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a ground-based test system that replicates flight conditions through simulated airflow and pressure differentials. The test article is mounted in a test section with upstream and downstream zones, where a fluid source introduces flammable fluid upstream and airflow simulation devices create pressure gradients similar to flight conditions, allowing detection of fluid drainage and re-ingestion without actual flight testing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an enclosure with capture zones as an intermediary between the test article and the testing environment. The enclosure captures fluid in the downstream zone to detect re-ingestion through mechanical interfaces, acting as a mediator that enables ground-based detection of conditions that would otherwise require flight testing
2Measurement precision
If flight tests are used to test flammable fluid drainage, then fluid containment detection is improved, but testing efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary setup of the test article in a ground-based facility before actual testing. The test article is mounted in the test section, fluid sources are positioned upstream, airflow simulation devices are configured, and enclosures are assembled to create capture zones downstream. This preliminary configuration allows rapid testing without requiring actual flight schedules
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replicates flight conditions through ground-based simulation, copying the pressure differentials and airflow patterns experienced during flight. This allows multiple test articles to be evaluated sequentially in a controlled environment, significantly improving testing efficiency compared to scheduling actual flight tests
3Loss of energy
If ground-based testing is used to simulate flight conditions, then testing cost is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the test system into distinct segments: a test section with upstream and downstream zones, separate enclosure structures for capturing fluid, independent airflow simulation devices, and dedicated fluid sources. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates assembly and disassembly for different test articles
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the test system with universal components that can accommodate different test articles. The test section, enclosure structures, and airflow simulation devices are configured to handle various aircraft components and mechanical interfaces, reducing the need for specialized equipment for each test case
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Reduces testing costs and enables rapid design changes by allowing ground-based simulation of fluid re-ingestion, ensuring fluid containment and reducing the need for costly test flights.
Implementation Method 1
a wind tunnel connected to the input port of the test section
Implementation Method 2
a pressure application device to establish a desired pressure within the enclosure
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatuses for performing ground-based testing for re-ingestion of flammable fluid are provided. An apparatus includes a test section extending from an input port to an exhaust port and including a bottom wall and opposite first and second sidewalls, wherein the sidewalls are configured for connection to the test article; an enclosure configured for connection to the test section over the test article, wherein an interior space is defined between the enclosure and the test article; and an injection port configured to inject a fluid into the test section upstream of the enclosure, wherein the enclosure captures any fluid re-ingested through the test article.