MODEL-SI (Digital Transformation - Case Studies for Aviation Safety Standards - Modelling and Simulation)

The research objectives and expected outcome

The aim of the project is to explore a combination of methodologies that may be able to deliver practical and reliable flight load envelopes and load distributions, for eVTOL designs propelled by several rotors, operated by fly-by-wire at different stage of the development lifecycle and in support to airworthiness certification activities.

The main challenge, compared to conventional aircraft, is to consider a large number of combinations of possible configurations, control laws, flight regimes, individual rotor speeds / accelerations, and possible failures/degraded conditions. It is impractical to explore all these combinations by flight testing. Modelling and simulation should significantly contribute to this activity.

The simulation model should adequately represent the complex aerodynamics of rotor interaction, including unsteady effects.

The case study shall allow to:

  • Assess the possible changes to existing aviation standards, to flight data collection and SMS, in order to support the deployment of the digital solutions in the scope of the project, while improving the safety management processes used by aviation authorities, operators and industry;
  • Prepare the roadmap(s) for the changes to airworthiness, flight operations, maintenance, training standards aiming at effectively supporting the planning of regulatory activities and the preparation of deployment activities;
  • Provide a comprehensive knowledge base on the series of solutions and options, their impact on operations, working processes, aviation standards, the associated regulatory changes identified and the main indicators for their economic impact (incl. benefits, incentives, main cost factors).

The requested output

The main output of the project shall be the comprehensive evaluation of benefits, constraints, standardisation and deployment issues, including the recommendations for adjusting safety regulations and related standards, and how new digital technologies could contribute to addressing the issue.