Aircraft Environmental Control System Air Distribution Architecture Optimization Utilizing FEA Methods

This paper describes a structural analysis optimization method for designing high pressure, aircraft environmental control system bleed air ducts. The focus is on analysis techniques that will improve the structural and kinematic behavior of a bleed duct system.

High pressure, high temperature air is routed throughout the aircraft to supply the necessary energy to power the air conditioning system. These ducts are exposed to high loads due to thermal growth and pressure. Proper care must be taken to analyze the loads and subsequent stresses in these components. Several simplified methods have been developed to effectively determine the optimum duct system for structural integrity and proper functionality. The need to minimize weight and cost has made it necessary to create a procedure which provides reliable results in short cycle times.

The information presented in this text outlines the steps necessary to efficiently develop an analysis procedure for minimizing weight, stress and cost and maximizing overall system performance.