This article addresses the analysis of aerodynamic properties and performance evaluation of modern composite General Aviation aircraft, using the Diamond DA50 as a case study. The primary research problem was to verify whether integrating classical analytical methods with numerical flow analysis enables an accurate representation of the actual flight characteristics of this airframe. The objective of the study was to determine the complete aerodynamic polar and flight parameters using XFLR5 software and analytical flight mechanics methods, specifically the component build-up method. As a result of the research, characteristic speeds, aerodynamic efficiency, and climb performance were determined, providing results consistent with manufacturer data within a margin of error of less than 5%. The authors' original contribution lies in the comprehensive development of an analytical-numerical drag model for the DA50 aircraft, including a precise estimation of the influence of the retractable landing gear and empennage, thereby demonstrating the high effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed methodology.
Morphing is a technology that allows among others the shape of rotating components in aircraft structures and hypersonic propulsion systems to be adapted to flight conditions, significantly increasing their performance. This paper summarizes current research in the field of propulsion systems, with particular emphasis on variable duty cycle engines as another method for improving propulsion system performance. This involves changing the airflow within the engine rather than changing the shape of internal engine components. An example of a movable engine air intake is provided, using the Pratt & Whitney J58 engine intake as an example. A new concept for inlet cone modeling is also presented, based on the analysis of the mechanism by which a bee's abdomen adapts to flight conditions. A significant area of research on this topic is the development of cellular structures and materials used in the construction of morphing structures. Artificial intelligence-based mechanisms are considered the most promising method for controlling and diagnosing these types of structures.
The article presents the analysis of reliability and availability of the information system, conducted by distinguishing of principal subsystems constituting the whole system, taking into account the dependencies linking them, and their influence on functioning of the entire system. Their appropriate functioning is crucial for proper performance of the whole system, and eventual disruptions within particular subsystems, can have negative impact on functionality of others, and consequently, on reliability of operation of the entire system. The local load sharing model, for the multistate series system, taking into account relations of disruptions within operation of its subsystems, has been used to analyse their impact on system reliability. The researches can cover both the internal disruptions, that appear within the subsystems, caused by i.e. aging of their components, and also these of external sources (i.e. cyberattacks, additional loads). The proposed methodology allows to distinguish especially sensitive subsystems, which, in case of disturbances appearing in their operation, show abnormally high negative impact on performance of the entire system. This way, the analyses allow to point the weakest chains in the system, the strengthening of which is crucial for safe and uninterrupted operation of the system. They can also help to determine recommended time frames for conducting of renewals of the particular subsystems, which, in case of their exceedance, significantly increase the sensitivity of the system to various disturbances.
Rozwój klasycznych systemów obliczeniowych nieuchronnie zbliża się do swoich fizycznych barier, co stwarza wyzwanie dla sektorów wymagających analizy ogromnych zbiorów danych w czasie rzeczywistym. Celem niniejszego artykułu jest analiza potencjału technologii kwantowych, w szczególności algorytmów wyżarzania kwantowego i kwantowego uczenia maszynowego (QML), w optymalizacji i zarządzaniu ruchem lotniczym (ATM). W obliczu rosnącego nasycenia przestrzeni powietrznej i wynikającego z tego spadku jej przepustowości, w pracy zweryfikowano możliwość wdrożenia układów opartych na kubitach (na przykładzie architektury D-Wave) do rozwiązywania problemów nawigacyjnych. Przeanalizowano dwa kluczowe obszary: analizę obrazowania satelitarnego dla systemów GIS oraz dekonfliktację optymalnych pod względem wiatru trajektorii lotu (np. na obszarze Północnego Atlantyku). Badania dowodzą, że mapowanie problemów lotniczych do kwadratowego problemu optymalizacji binarnej (QUBO) pozwala na błyskawiczne generowanie bezkolizyjnych wariantów przepływu ruchu, na przykład poprzez parametryzację opóźnień odlotów. Ponadto, algorytmy QML wykazują przewagę nad metodami klasycznymi w precyzyjnej ekstrakcji punktów kluczowych ze zdjęć satelitarnych. Mimo aktualnych ograniczeń sprzętowych ery NISQ, takich jak zjawisko dekoherencji, przeprowadzone dowody słuszności koncepcji (proof-of-concept) potwierdzają, że hybrydowe systemy kwantowe stanowią wysoce perspektywiczny fundament dla przyszłych systemów nawigacji 4D oraz bezpieczeństwa lotnictwa.
The research presented in this paper constitutes a preliminary stage of a project focused on the development of metal–fiber composites. The project aims to design hybrid materials based on aerospace-grade aluminum alloy (2024-T3) and titanium alloy Ti-6Al-4V (ASTM Grade 5), combined with fibers that can undergo low-emission recycling or processing, namely flax and basalt fibers. The study involved the preparation of adhesive joint specimens between metal sheets and an epoxy-basalt composite, as well as the evaluation of joint quality. Surface preparation of the metal substrates was carried out using six different methods: glass bead blasting – only, glass bead blasting followed by a sol-gel layer, glass bead blasting combined with a sol-gel layer and a primer based on phenolic and epoxy resins with corrosion inhibitors, sanding – only, sanding followed by a sol-gel layer, sanding combined with a sol-gel layer and a primer. The adherends were separated during testing. The failure mode was analyzed and classified as either adhesive or cohesive. Joints were considered satisfactory when failure occurred within the epoxy adhesive layer (cohesive failure), indicating high interfacial adhesion between the bonded materials.
The management of European ports is a strategic driver for international trade and economic development. This study analyzes the determinants of activity in European inland ports through a classification framework based on sustainability and energy indicators. Using Eurostat data for 2018–2024, a decision tree model (Random Forest) identifies the thresholds separating low, medium, and high traffic levels. The findings reveal that energy consumption and international trade are the primary drivers, while renewable energy adoption and protected areas influence lower activity levels. These results provide scientific guidance for regional logistical planning and highlight the role of energy and sustainability in port governance.
The article presents research on combustion products using spectrophotometric analysis to identify burning materials based on the optical properties of smoke. Spectrophotometric measurements of the attenuating properties of smoke from different types of wood with varying moisture content were conducted. The proposed method may be integrated with fire alarm systems to support detection algorithms and improve early-stage fire identification.
With growing public environmental awareness and technological advancements, new initiatives and solutions are emerging to reduce harmful emissions. In air transport, this pro-environmental approach is reflected in the development of biofuel (SAF) technology and its increased market share, the technical advancement of propulsion systems and airframe structures, and programs that help offsetting the impact of aviation CO2 emissions through engagement in initiatives that benefit the environment. An example of such action at the national level is the reduction of domestic flights and their replacement with high-speed rail, implemented in France. The French were the first to take advantage of Article 20 of Regulation (EC) No. 1008/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council, which limits the exercise of traffic rights due to serious environmental concerns. Implementing such solution in Poland would reduce carbon dioxide emissions without significantly impacting travel time. The number of selected connections depends on the adopted criteria and can range from a few to a dozen. Various variants were identified by analyzing factors such as travel time and route length. Due to Warsaw's geographical location and the existing rail network, a significant number of connections to and from the capital were deemed suitable for rail replacement in all scenarios. In the final analysis, six domestic flights were selected, replacing them with rail would result in CO2 emission savings per passenger ranging from 78 to 84 percent, depending on the route. Analysis of the selected options led to the conclusion that rail transport can be successfully considered an alternative to air transport on short routes, thus reducing carbon dioxide emissions.
Designing modern intralogistics systems within the Industry 4.0 and 5.0 paradigms requires a multidimensional approach that combines the optimization of operational efficiency with safety and ergonomic standards. The issue addressed in this article concerns the development of methods for the proactive integration of immersive technologies with the Discrete Event Simulation (DES) process in order to identify risks and assess safety at the design stage. The aim of this article is to present the author’s MUSM-VR (Multi-User Simulation in Virtual Reality) methodology, which employs the FlexSim environment integrated with a VR layer and a multi-user module to examine designed technological systems. This methodology incorporates the assumptions of Virtual Human Factors (VHF) as well as a developed cost model that quantifies the impact of design changes and the financial risk of adverse events at various design stages. The obtained results indicate that the use of MUSM-VR enables the quantitative analysis of potentially hazardous situations (near misses) and ergonomic loads, thereby supporting the development of a measurable compromise between efficiency and safety.Designing modern intralogistics systems within the Industry 4.0 and 5.0 paradigms requires a multidimensional approach that combines the optimization of operational efficiency with safety and ergonomic standards. The issue addressed in this article concerns the development of methods for the proactive integration of immersive technologies with the Discrete Event Simulation (DES) process in order to identify risks and assess safety at the design stage. The aim of this article is to present the author’s MUSM-VR (Multi-User Simulation in Virtual Reality) methodology, which employs the FlexSim environment integrated with a VR layer and a multi-user module to examine designed technological systems. This methodology incorporates the assumptions of Virtual Human Factors (VHF) as well as a developed cost model that quantifies the impact of design changes and the financial risk of adverse events at various design stages. The obtained results indicate that the use of MUSM-VR enables the quantitative analysis of potentially hazardous situations (near misses) and ergonomic loads, thereby supporting the development of a measurable compromise between efficiency and safety.
With the widespread use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for various purposes and the wide range of components available on the market, the need to use effective and efficient propulsion systems, appropriately selected for the planned performance of the designed aircraft, is crucial. This requires knowledge of the characteristics of both individual components of the propulsion system (e.g., propellers) and the complete propulsion system. However, manufacturers of UAV components rarely publish such data, and even propellers that are similar in appearance and dimensions can have radically different characteristics. This necessitates determining their characteristics through typically costly and time-consuming experimental testing. This paper presents a mathematical model of a brushless DC motor designated 2408 KV 2200, based on which efficiency characteristics were determined as a function of rotational speed and motor current. Next, using the aforementioned motor, experimental testing was conducted on five propellers commonly used in miniature UAVs on a specially constructed thrust stand for the electric motor-propeller system. Experiments were conducted in a wind tunnel at a flow velocity range typical of the aircraft for which the tested propellers were intended. This allowed for the determination and comparison of the most important characteristics of the propellers. The drag coefficient was also determined for the propellers' windmilling range.
The study analyzed the relationship between factors such as physical activity, risk-taking tendencies, and participants’ accident history, and psychophysical abilities relevant to operational safety in High Reliability Organizations (HROs), under both distraction and non-distraction conditions. Particular attention was given to reaction time, and response accuracy. A series of hypotheses were formulated concerning the relationships between the examined factors and greater resilience under both distraction and non-distraction conditions, improved attentional control, and faster stimulus processing. The professional background of participants was also considered, as part of the sample possessed aviation experience, enabling assessment of whether operational practice contributes to enhanced psychophysical functioning. The research employed three measurement instruments – the Cross Apparatus, the Reaction Parameter Meter, and the Whirling Meter – along with a supplementary questionnaire. Findings revealed that physical activity positively influences psychophysical performance in non-distraction conditions, resulting in faster reaction times and improved operational safety. Moreover, aviation experience was shown to significantly enhance performance under distraction conditions, leading to higher accuracy and quicker responses. These results highlight the importance of physical activity and professional experience in strengthening safety performance in high-reliability contexts.
The aim of the article is to assess the influence of the angular speed on the aerodynamic characteristics of NACA 16-006 airfoil. In the numerical simulations, the flow was considered viscous, compressible, and turbulent (the SST k-ω turbulence model was applied). In the initial steady-state calculations, three structured computational meshes were evaluated, all providing consistent results with experimental data. The study mainly focused on unsteady simulations, in which the airfoil’s angle of attack was changed from 0 to 5 at specified constant angular velocities. The time courses of the lift, drag and pitching moment coefficients, as well as airflow parameters around the airfoil were investigated. The study facilitates the selection of a suitable method for evaluating the effectiveness of an all-moving stabilizer of a cruise missile model
With increasing pressure to decarbonise the aviation sector, biocomponents and alternative fuels play a key role in the energy transition of air transport. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the technologies, regulations and practices involved in the implementation of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). The first part discusses the goals and importance of biocomponents in the context of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, indicating their strategic place in the EU's climate policies (Fit for 55, ReFuelEU) and global programs such as ICAO's CORSIA. Applicable quality standards, including ASTM D1655, ASTM D7566, and Def Stan 91-091, which define the requirements for aviation fuels, are also presented. The next section focuses on the types of biocomponents used in SAF, such as HEFA and ATJ as well as innovative future-proof solutions, including BioGTL. The article also analyses the impact of environmental issues and the circular economy (CE) on the aviation sector, highlighting the importance of SAF as a tool for reducing net emissions and the need for sustainable sourcing of raw materials. In the context of aviation fuel blending, the selection of technological parameters for processing various crude oils in the refinery and the component composition of the mineral fraction of SAF is discussed, so that sustainable components can be incorporated into the fuel while maintaining the physicochemical properties of the final product at the level required by standards. The summary indicates the potential of the main technologies of HEFA and ATJ production and identifies key areas for laboratory and pilot verification, necessary for the effective implementation of SAF in operational practice. The essence of the approval tests of mixtures is presented, along with recommendations taking into account guidelines and standards.
Railway microgrid design focuses leads to determining the size of the photovoltaic system and the energy storage unit, with due regard for the traction substation’s time-dependent load and grid integration. The amount of energy transmitted to the distribution network should be as small as possible. Only under this assumption, the microgrid operator can limit the risks associated with the cooperation with the distribution network operator. The article presents a method for dimensioning the power of a photovoltaic installation and the capacity of an energy storage facility in a railway microgrid with a given limited energy threshold (limit on export to the grid) and maximisation of the share of green energy supplied to the traction grid. The Particle Swarm Optimisation algorithm was used in the optimisation procedure. Tests were carried out for photovoltaic installation power variants of 20–160 kW, south and east–west panel orientation, Depth of Discharge 50% and 80%, and a limited energy limit value of 5%. The results show that it is possible to design a very large (close to zero) reduction in the export of this energy and use its surplus to design an appropriate size of energy storage.
This work presents a nonlinear kinematic model of tracked autonomous mobile platform. The kinematic model is described in 2D coordinate configuration considering nonholonomic constraints. A detailed description of the presented model is necessary to develop a complete nonlinear dynamic model of the vehicle, necessary for developing the control system.
In the face of increasing complexity and aging of technical systems, ensuring cost-efficiency while maintaining a high level of operational safety presents a critical challenge. The main research question addressed in this study is: how can cost and safety optimization be integrated within a complex, multi-state, aging technical system? The aim of the article was to develop a methodology for joint optimization of operational costs and system safety using linear programming and probabilistic modeling of operational and safety states. The proposed methodology was applied to a real-world case study of a passenger ferry operating on the Gdynia–Karlskrona route. The results demonstrate the potential to reduce operational costs and increase the system’s residence time in safe states without significantly compromising other performance indicators.
The paper examines the development and application of autonomous systems in small watercraft — yachts and motorboats — with particular emphasis on yacht steering supported by artificial intelligence. A classification of autonomy levels and a functional breakdown of systems are presented: measurement systems (radar, thermal imaging, GPS, INS), control systems based on machine learning and fuzzy logic, and execution systems (steering, propulsion, energy management). Remote operation, route automation, collision avoidance, and automatic docking applications are discussed. Survey results among 50 users and a comparative case study of two vessels show that integrating decision ergonomics and automation reduces cognitive load, shortens reaction time, and decreases decision errors. The authors propose interface design and predefined decision trees to limit micro-decisions and rationalize crew working time. Using the POWERboat project as an example, autonomous solutions with photovoltaic-based energy management are presented. Limitations of autonomy, the need for sensor calibration, and the role of human supervision in emergency scenarios are discussed.
This work presents a nonlinear fully coupled tracked autonomous mobile platform model. Based on kinematic relationships, described in planar configuration considering nonholonomic constraints, the dynamic model of the mobile platform model is presented. The developed model of the platform is used in a simple control system to perform simulation tests. The results are compared with results of other works to check and proof the usefulness of developed model. The obtained results and comparisons are presented in the paper.
In the aviation safety system, the aircraft crew, especially the cockpit crew, plays a key role. In modern commercial aircraft, the basic crew consists of two pilots: the captain and the first officer. Their actions are influenced by several factors. An analysis of more than 260 incidents in commercial aviation indicates that the most important factors include professional aptitude, health, training level, crew cooperation, applicable regulations, manuals and procedures, aircraft characteristics, especially its reliability and operational usability, the functioning of flight support services and aviation infrastructure systems, as well as the impact of the natural and man-made environment. This article discusses the basic elements of these categories of factors, with particular attention to those that determine the potential of the crew. Examples of incidents that illustrate the potential effects of the influence of individual categories of these factors on the actions of the aircraft crew are also provided.
This article analyzes the impact of the method of computational domain discretization on the results of flow simulations around the NACA 0012 airfoil profile. For this purpose, a set of structural and hybrid meshes differing in the number of elements and the value of the 〖wall y〗^+ parameter were constructed, based on which the profile flow simulations were performed. Numerical studies were carried out using ANSYS FLUENT software and consisted in determining the aerodynamic coefficients of the NACA 0012 profile and comparing their values with experimental data. The analyses carried out made it possible to determine the impact of the type of mesh and its main parameters on the reliability of the numerically obtained results.
