Airbus UK

Airbus UK uses Flowmaster, 1D fluid system, to provide fast and accurate results that help them to focus on critical rig testing before flight testing commences.

“Flowmaster is a design tool used by our engineers on a daily basis to investigate the fluid mechanics of the fuel system. It helps us understand how changes to the fuel system design will affect performance, and the simulation results are frequently used in conjunction with test results in certification reports for the fuel system.”

The Problem

Optimization of Fuel System in accordance with strict aviation requirements Airbus needed to design a fuel system that not only kept a constant supply of fuel to their Rolls Royce Trent R553s turbo fans, but also, amongst other things, ensured fuel optimization and managed the aircraft’s center of gravity. This had to be done whilst ensuring compliance with strict aviation design requirements.

The Solution

Flowmaster has enabled Airbus UK to exceed its design requirements and meet critical project milestones Flowmaster software enabled Airbus to ensure that systems performed as intended and helped them to evaluate how design changes impacted on other areas of the system. Airbus relies on Flowmaster to provide fast and accurate results that help them to focus on critical rig testing before flight testing commences.

The Results

Confidence in Flowmaster performance has been verified by a comparison of model, rig and aircraft tests As well as the A340-500, Airbus UK has applied its extensive expertise to optimize its fuel system design processes, which is also proving invaluable on current programs such as the A380, A400m and A350. Airbus has reduced the risks associated with system development, and has provided an environment which allows rapid and early assessment of fluid mechanical performance.