Ph.D. Defense

Ezgi Balkas

(Advisor: Prof. Dimitri Mavris)

Certification by Analysis in the Context of Non-Conventional Thermal Management Systems

Tuesday, April 22

1:00 p.m.

Collaborative Visualization Environment (CoVE) 

Weber Space and Technology Building (SST II)
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Abstract

The aviation industry is accelerating efforts to adopt hybrid- and more-electric propulsion systems to reduce emissions and noise. However, these novel architectures introduce new safety challenges, particularly in Thermal Management Systems (TMS). This study proposes a Certification-by-Analysis (CbA) framework to streamline and validate TMS design through integrated modeling and simulation, including NPSS engine cycle analyses, custom geometry tools (WATE++-like), and CFD in OpenFOAM. A novel 3D Lumped-Capacitance Thermal Model captures transient thermal behavior in fan, core, and fuselage compartments—enabling a thorough assessment of temperature-sensitive components (motors, power electronics, batteries) throughout the mission, including extreme hot- and cold-day conditions. By combining 14 CFR Part 25 subpart E rules with advanced failure-mode and redundancy analyses, the framework confirms these new propulsion concepts can meet safety and certification requirements. The methodology is also extended to open-rotor configurations, highlighting the unique cooling challenges when the bypass duct is removed. Finally, this work quantifies system-level impacts (weight, fuel burn, and reliability) to inform design trade-offs that balance performance gains with rigorous safety and redundancy needs

Committee

Prof. Dimitri Mavris – School of Aerospace Engineering (Advisor)

Prof. Daniel Schrage – School of Aerospace Engineering

Prof. Brian German – School of Aerospace Engineering

Dr. Eric Hendricks – Propulsion System Branch, NASA Glen

Dr. Angela Campbell – System Safety Section, FAA

Dr. Jonathan Gladin – School of Aerospace Engineering

Dr. Evan Harrison – School of Aerospace Engineering