Aircraft Geometry and Propulsion Architecture Visualization for the Future Aircraft Sizing Tool (FAST)
Abstract
The Future Aircraft Sizing Tool (FAST) is a Matlab-based, open-source software developed by the University of Michigan for early-phase conceptual aircraft design. FAST facilitates the design and analysis of both conventional and advanced aircraft configurations with novel propulsion systems, enabling preliminary sizing and performance evaluation based on specific requirements, desired technology targets, and system-level objectives. It has been employed in NASA’s Electrified Aircraft Propulsion and Electrified Powertrain Flight Demonstration projects to assess novel aircraft concepts, including an electrified commercial freighter (notional Lockheed Martin LM-100J) and NASA’s Subsonic Single Aft Engine configuration. This paper presents the development of a visualization package within FAST, addressing the need for visual representations of aircraft designs throughout the sizing process. The integrated package provides visualizations of the aircraft’s outer mold line and schematic representations of its propulsion architecture. Users can create custom aircraft geometries or utilize preset ones available in FAST. Additionally, the visualization package dynamically updates the aircraft’s shape and size as the aircraft sizing process progresses, enhancing FAST by enabling designers to effectively visualize and refine their aircraft concepts during early design stages.
Nawa Khailany
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Nawa Khailany is an undergraduate senior studying Aerospace Engineering at the University of Michigan (U-M). Since joining the IDEAS lab, Nawa has been involved in researching the operations of regional airliners. This summer they will also partake in the Summer Undergraduate Research in Engineering (SURE) program, where they will develop modeling tools for hybrid-electric aircraft that aim to reduce commercial aviation’s impact on the environment.
Paul Mokotoff
PhD Student and Graduate Research Assistant
Paul Mokotoff is a graduate student research assistant in the IDEAS Lab at the University of Michigan.
