CG-Travel of Passenger Aircraft
Author: Nicolas Detalle
Project
Abstract
This project deals with the analysis of CG-travel (Center of Gravity travel) of passenger Aircraft.
Knowledge has been gained through a literature research which has helped to understand
the relations between the different parameters. On ground, the CG travels because of the
boarding of passengers and the refueling process. Then the cabin layout and the geometry of
fuel tanks have been particularly taken into account. Indeed the position of each passenger
and the volume of fuel loaded strongly affect the CG position. The CG margins have a strong
impact on the horizontal tailplane sizing. Rather than developing a separated tool, it has been
chosen to include it in PreSTo (Preliminary Sizing Tool). It allows investigating the impact of
different inputs on the CG-travel for short, middle and long range airliners with conventional
configurations. By using empirical formulas and a minimal number of input data, the CG
range, the CG margins and the load and trim sheet are given. These results are given with respect
to the MAC (Mean Aerodynamic Chord). They are both accurate and easy to obtain.
The computing has been made in a way to allow as many different study cases as possible.
Human engineering has also been an important part of this project: it is not needed to have
particular computing knowledge to use the software, which has been designed as user friendly
as possible. Nevertheless it is to keep in mind that the tool is limited to single deck aircraft
and only consider one level of comfort. At the end a comparison of results for two different
cabin layouts has been carried out. The reference aircraft has been based on the Airbus A320.
Its conventional cabin layout shows 6 seats abreast with only one aisle. Thanks to the tool an
alternative design with 2 aisles has been evaluated. The results given for the conventional
Airbus A320 have been compared to the real CG margins.