RCAIDE.Library.Methods.Powertrain.Sources.Fuel_Tanks.Integral_Tank.compute_fuselage_integral_tank_volume
compute_fuselage_integral_tank_volume#
- compute_fuselage_integral_tank_volume(fuel_tank, fuselage)[source]#
Computes the fuel volume for an integral fuel tank within a fuselage structure.
This function calculates the volume of fuel that can be stored in an integral tank located between two fuselage segments. The calculation assumes a truncated cone geometry between the inner and outer segments.
- Parameters:
- Returns:
volume – The calculated fuel volume in cubic meters
- Return type:
float
Notes
The function iterates through fuselage segments to find adjacent segments where the inner segment has a fuel tank. The volume calculation uses the truncated cone formula for the space between two elliptical cross-sections.
- Major Assumptions
Fuel tank spans exactly between two adjacent fuselage segments
Fuselage cross-sections are elliptical
Fuel density is uniform throughout the tank
Theory
The volume of a truncated cone is calculated using:
\(V = \frac{1}{3} \left( A_1 + A_2 + \sqrt{A_1 A_2} \right) h\)
- where:
\(A_1\) is the area of the inner segment cross-section
\(A_2\) is the area of the outer segment cross-section
\(h\) is the height (length) between segments
Definitions
- ‘Integral Tank’
A fuel tank that is built into the structure of the aircraft rather than being a separate container
- ‘Truncated Cone’
A cone with the top cut off by a plane parallel to the base