Inerting a Boeing 747SP Center Wing Tank Scale Model With Nitrogen-Enriched Air
Abstract
Tests were performed in a 0.24 scale model of a Boeing 747SP center wing tank to validate the existing assumptions for inerting complex geometric spaces, which were developed from previous experiments, and to facilitate design of an efficient, cost-effective inerting gas deposit system for full-scale, ground-based inerting testing. The model was equipped with a variable nitrogen-enriched air distribution system, thermocouples, and oxygen analyzers that were monitored and recorded continuously by a data acquisition system during each test. The model was inerted in different configurations with different flow rates and bay distributions. The collected data was nondimensionalized in terms flow rate and tank size to allow for comparisons between tests. Experiments in the tank verified that the volumetric tank exchange established from research with a simple box-style tank can be achieved in a more complex compartmentalized tank. It also indicated that the same volumetric tank exchange could be obtained with less gas distribution (less complex distribution system) and that modification of the venting configuration to eliminate cross-venting would improve the efficiency of the inerting process. Tests showed that the most efficient method of inerting the tank was to deposit all the nitrogen-enriched air in a single location, allowing for a lightweight, easily installed deposit system for an operational aircraft. Data from full-scale testing compared well with scale tank data illustrating that low cost, small-scale test articles can be an effective tool for developing inert gas distribution systems.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA405137
Entities
People
- Ole Kils
- William M. Cavage