Thematic Sessions

14th EASN International Conference Sessions

 

Ms. Ligeia Paletti & Prof. Spiros Pantelakis
DLR, Germany & University of Patras, Greece
A sustainable aviation, beyond the energy transition and recycling

Sustainability is a complex topic. The approach undertook by the sector to transition to a sustainable aviation focuses almost exclusively on technological solutions aiming at reduction of emissions. Though essential, reducing (or even eliminating) emissions is only part of environmental sustainability. The whole topic of sustainability spans over environmental, social and economical considerations. This broad view may be present on some aviation strategic documents, but it is hardly getting the attention (including the funding) it deserves.

This session wants to cover topics which are essential for the transition to sustainability in the air transport system. The session wants to provide a platform for researchers working on aviation sustainability to share their work and participate to a fruitful dialogue. Researchers working on  sustainability aspects out of the mainstream are encouraged to also share their work and contribute with their ideas and views on a better understanding of sustainability in aviation and the way forward to achieving it. The range of topics is broad and includes but is not limited to:

  • Sustainability and Impact measurements and assessments, beyond LCA, LCC, and noise;
  • Business models (alternative to traditional models, circular business models, etc.);
  • Design for sustainability, for circularity, for X and more;
  • Systems engineering and sustainability;
  • Critical raw materials and resilience of the aerospace supply chain;
  • Societal engagement and societal needs;
  • Policies and legislation for sustainability;
  • Cultural and organizational change, educational challenges, etc.

Prof. Patrizia Lamberti & Dr. Monica La Mura
University of Salerno, Italy
Advanced electrical devices powering innovation in aviation and space

This session welcomes contributions concerning the theoretical and experimental approaches to the design and investigation of innovative electrical devices powering innovation in aviation and space. Moreover comprehensive analyses of the state of the art of nanomaterial based solutions are welcome.
Examples are, but not limited to:

  • devices based on nanomaterial, among which 2D materials, such as graphene, MoS2 and other transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) and Dirac semimetals
  • innovative electrical devices for application such as detection, absorption, shielding, or sensing
  • multifunctional nanocomposites and their electrical application
  • battery technology 

Works stimulating discussion about the improvement of the efficiency, reliability, and robustness of the materials and related electrical devices are especially welcomed.

Dr. Jie Zhao & Prof. Yi Qin
University of Strathclyde, UK
Advanced Manufacturing Technology for Aeronautics and Space

Advanced Manufacturing plays a key role in the Aeronautics and Space industry. Researchers and engineers consistently make efforts to develop and improve manufacturing technologies and operations. Delegates are encouraged to exchange ideas and experiences, and to discuss their thoughts and opinions on technological trends and challenges in the present and future years. The session addresses not only the research, development, and applications of conventional manufacturing technologies but also the latest achievements in other emerging technologies. These include but not limited to:

  • Aerospace and Space manufacturing and assembly technologies for Metallic and Composite (such as Forging, Forming, Machining, Additive manufacturing, Jointing, Laminating)  
  • Hybrid Manufacturing 
  • Manufacturing Systems and Production Lines
  • Industry 4.0 and 5.0 (such as Digitalisation and Digital Twins, Autonomy, Human-Centric Approaches)
  • Advanced High-performance Materials Processing Techniques

Prof. Pericles Panagiotou
Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
Advances in UAVs: design methods, performance enhancement techniques and technologies

This Session is dedicated to one of the most rapidly advancing fields of modern Aviation: Unmanned Aerial Vehicles. They range from small-scale aerial vehicles that weigh a few kilograms, to large platforms with a GTOW of several tonnes, and can conduct several missions at an increased effectiveness and efficiency compared to crewed aircraft. In the 21st century they have established a presense in global Aviation, which in turn has lead to a substantial increase in dedicated research studies and projects by academia and industry alike. Authors are invited to present their research on UAV-related topics, focused on (but not limited to):

  • fixed-wing UAV layout design & aerodynamics
  • flow control techniques
  • alternative energy sources & energy methods
  • structures and materials
  • airworthiness
  • sensors

Prof. Octavian Thor Pleter
University Politehnica of Bucharest, Romania
Air Traffic Management (ATM) and Airports

Managing the safe and efficient flow of air traffic requires increased efforts of the aerospace scientific community. ATM remains a bright spot on the innovation chart. There are several questions facing the ATM system and the airports as key components, which this section tries to address: (i) Flight trajectory optimization problems which may improve CO2 and non-CO2 aviation footprint. (ii) At the EASN Conference 2023, one of the key question was why has the number of safety incidents increased, especially runway incursions on busy airports, in spite of the unprecedented levels of aviation safety? In January 2024, the collision on Tokyo Narita Airport confirmed this concern, and validated the use of incidents as a leading indicator to accidents. Engagement of the scientific community to aviation safety is expected to increase, especially in the ATM and Airports segment. How can aviation safety be further improved? (iii) What are the effects of the increasing unlawful interferences with the GNSS signals and other security challenges caused by war on aviation? How resilient is civil aviation to GNSS jamming and spoofing? How could the risks of GNSS outage be mitigated? (iv) How can AI tools be employed to solve ATM and airports problems? (v) Urban mobility and U-space challenges to the traditional ATM: UAV/UAS, and RPAS integration in the airspace. How can urban mobility traffic interfere with the classic VFR and IFR traffic, especially around busy airports?

Prof. Shia-Hui Peng
Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden
Aircraft noise and noise reduction

Targeting minimizing environmental impacts, the sustainability of aviation is facilitated by continual technical developments of innovative solutions and advanced methodologies. Aircraft noise reduction has long been a significant focus in the quest for greener aviation. Despite remarkable technological strides made in addressing aircraft noise pollution, new challenges are anticipated with the growth of air traffic and the emerging adaption to air transportation for increasing urban air mobility (UAM).

This session, Aircraft Noise and Noise Reduction, aims to present and discuss recent scientific and technical developments that enhance our understanding of, and advance the technologies and methods in addressing, aircraft noise generation, propagation and mitigation, as well as the related regulatory framework addressing community noise concerns. It provides a platform for researchers and engineers from academia, research institutes and industries to share their research findings and perspectives on aviation noise and its environmental impacts.

The session covers the following main topics:

  • Technologies for aircraft noise control and reduction
  • Determination and identification of aircraft noise source
  • Computational and experimental aeroacoustics methods
  • Low-noise airframe configurations and integration
  • Emerging trends in aviation noise research for Urban Air Mobility (UAM)

Prof. Angelos Filippatos
University of Patras, Greece
Cross-sectoral session on LH2-technologies

  • Research around use of LH2
  • Accelerate H2 R&D
  • Cross sector discussions 
  • Synergies with stakeholders and industry
  • Network establishment
  • Inspire new ideas and applications

Dr. Marianna Braza
CNRS, France
Electroactive Morphing for future wing design towards sustainability and greening of air-transport

description to be provided soon

Mr. Andreas Koetter
Capgemini, Germany
End to end sustainable aircraft development and manufacturing

This session will provide latest achievements in research leading towards a fully virtual and circular aircraft, by diving into energy efficient and low carbon footprint manufactured cabins using green materials and bionic design plus using circular manufacturing cells in a data-driven production network.

The session will also provide details for a PCF driven end-to-end manufacturing approach and hydrogen integration solutions combined with a 5G hard- and software test environment. The highlight will be a newly released platform covering a sustainable supply chain. 

Prof. Gisela Detrell
Technical University of Munich, Germany
Human Space flight Technologies

Sending humans to space requires a series of technologies that are not necessarily needed for other space missions. A habitat and a Life Support System (LSS) are the first elements required for human survival in space. The design of the habitat should consider among others radiation protection, safety measures and human factors. The LSS will require technologies able to recycle human waste to produce fresh oxygen, water and food for the astronauts. This recycling can be complemented with In-Situ Resources Utilization (ISRU), for missions on the lunar or planetary surfaces. The materials in-situ can also serve as construction materials or to produce fuel for the return vehicle. All these technologies will be crucial for long-term human spaceflight exploration.

Prof. Andreas Strohmayer
University of Stuttgart, Germany
Hybrid electric flight

The session covers recent developments in hybrid-electric flight, looking at all elements of hybrid electric architectures, i.e. from energy storage, conversion and distribution to electric machines and propulsor arrangements. Also, integration effects and impact on aircraft level are in the focus of the session.

Mr. Daniel Safranchik
Israel Institute of Materials Manufacturing Technologies, Technion R&D Foundation, Israel
Innovative Materials for Extreme Conditions: Advancements, Challenges, and Future Perspectives

This conference session aims to explore the latest breakthroughs and challenges in the development of materials designed to withstand extreme conditions. As technological advancements push the boundaries of exploration and industrial applications, the demand for materials capable of thriving in harsh environments becomes increasingly critical. The session will address topics such as high-temperature resistance, corrosion protection, radiation tolerance and extreme pressure environments, etc. 

Prof. Liberata Guadagno & Prof. Roberto Pantani
University of Salerno, Italy
Innovative Technology and Manufacturing Processes to Realize Structural Smart Composites

Industrial needs and environmental goals require a revolutionary frame vision in research and innovation. The new challenges to combine the efficiency of air transport with the reduction of resources and energy consumption entail a high-level vision of the researchers working in this field. The future aviation sector must be increasingly competitive, clean, safe, and secure. This session focuses on new strategies for reducing resource and energy waste during the Manufacturing Processes of Aeronautical Composites. The session also includes contributions toward integrating smart functions in composite materials using strategies to simplify production processes and determine a significant weight reduction of aeronautical structures.

Prof. Patrick Hendrick
Aero-Thermo-Mechanics, University of Brussels, Belgium
Lighter-Than-Air (LTA) applications and environmental advantages

Lighter-Than-Air (LTA) technologies have improved very largely during the last 2 decades with much lighter structure materials, lighter electric propulsion systems and drone / unmanned flight developments. LTA balloons and airships offer also clear advantages from an environmental point of view with a lower energy demand per ton payload per km distance than aircraft, but at a much lower speed. The most attractive missions and applications of LTA's will be discussed and analyzed with the requested performance and technologies and their impact on GHG emissions and other environmental challenges.

Prof. George Lampeas & Prof. Konstantinos Tserpes
University of Patras, Greece
Materials and Structures of Alternative Propulsion Systems

description to be provided soon

Dr. Andreas Battenberg
Fraunhofer, Germany
Materials, technologies and new manufacturing approaches for future sustainable aircraft

In the pursuit of a more sustainable European aviation industry, the Clean Sky 2 and Clean Aviation Research Programs are about to introduce numerous new technologies, materials, and manufacturing approaches. This session presents a selection of outstanding examples which have the power to push aviation substantially further towards sustainability. A special emphasis is given on the producibility readiness of new materials and technologies as well as the integration of components to form efficient systems.

Dr. Carlos Xisto
Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden
MINIMAL Project

 

MINIMAL

Prof. Ola Isaksson & Prof. Timoleon Kipouros
Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden & Cranfield University, UK
Modelling the System Impact on and from Sustainable Technologies

The session presents results that focus modelling and simulation methods and tools for the dual relation between what is needed and what is provided, by, and from, sustainable technologies.

Contributions expect to deal with both quantifying the potential and limitations to Carbon Neutrality, but also wider sustainability implications, such as material criticality and societal impact.

Prof. Patrick Hendrick
Aero-Thermo-Mechanics, University of Brussels, Belgium
More Electric and Hybrid Electric Gas Turbine Engines for Aircraft and Rotorcraft

Compared to one decade ago and a large European project as POA (Power Optimised Aircraft), electric motors and related technologies have largely changed and their performance have largely improved. In this session, more electric gas turbine engines (GTE) for aircraft and rotorcraft applications will be presented with the use of high-power compact moto-generators integrated in the GTE or electrically-driven accessories as e-pumps. Hybrid architectures of electric propulsion coupled with gas turbine engines will also be presented and analyzed.

Dr. Alexandra Karanika
Hellenic Aerospace Industry, Greece
New Generation Metallic Structures in Aeronautics

The session deals with the forefront of advancements in metallic structures that are candidate to be used by the aerospace industry. With a focus on innovation and cutting-edge technologies, this session brings together researchers and engineers to explore the latest developments in new aeronautical alloys, new design and testing approaches, manufacturing, maintenance and surface treatments technologies, and applications in aeronautical structures. Participants are encouraged to share insights into the research and development of next-generation metallic materials, their performance characteristics, and their applications in aeronautical engineering. The discussions will span a spectrum of topics, including but not limited to:

  • Breakthroughs in metallic alloy formulations
  • Advances in manufacturing processes for metallic structures
  • New maintenance technologies
  • Integration of new functionalities in metallic designs
  • Simulation tools for optimizing performance and functionality
  • New testing approaches of metallic materials and aeronautical metallic structures
  • Considerations for recyclability and sustainability in metallic structures
  • Transfer of know how through training activities

Prof. Elena Jasiuniene & Dr. Helge Pfeiffer
Kaunas University of Technology, Lithuania & KU Leuven, Belgium
Non-destructive testing and structural health monitoring of aircraft structures

This session is open to all applications of all NDT methods (including but not limited to ultrasonic, acoustic emission, X-ray, thermography, eddy current, etc.) and SHM methods on any structures/components/systems made of different materials, including but not limited to metals, composites, 3D printed materials, etc. Presentations on novel applications of NDT/SHM of various aircraft structures/components/systems are expected. Potential topics include, but are not limited to, damage detection, identification, and localization, modelling/simulation, signal processing, and various practical applications.

Prof. Cezary Szczepanski
Warsaw Institute of Aviation, Poland
Onboard Sensors and Systems

The modern and modernised aircraft are equipped with new avionics whose importance is constantly increasing. Its extensive development created new capabilities for crewed and uncrewed aircraft to perform new missions at a high level of automation or autonomy.

The crucial to modern aircraft are onboard sensors. They are dedicated to navigation, flight control, surveillance, object recognition, and monitoring onboard systems. They can be of any kind: electric, mechanical, optical, magnetic, MEMs and different electromagnetic spectrums sensing. The onboard systems can work independently or in complicated hierarchical structures.

This session is dedicated to the onboard sensors, a fusion of data gathered by them and the systems. In addition, the papers on designing, optimizing, researching, testing and lessons learned from the virtual and real-life tests are welcomed.

The session is the best platform to share ideas recognize new trends and know the experts' opinions.

Dr. Christos Mourouzidis
Cranfield University, UK
Propulsion System Advancements for the Near Future

This session will address issues of interest across a spectrum of technology subjects related to near future air & space propulsion systems, with the view on sustainability for civil aviation as well as high speed vehicles and propulsion. Authors are invited to present their research on relative topics, including (but not limited to):

 

Modelling and Simulations

  • Engine Modelling, Simulation and Validation
  • Whole Engine Performance and Operability
  • Engine Emissions Modelling & Characterisation
  • Alternative Fuels for Aircraft Applications
  • Net Zero Carbon Emission Technologies
  • Unconventional Engine Architectures & Variable Cycles
  • Hybrid-Electric Propulsion Systems
  • Supersonic Propulsion Systems
  • Hypersonic Propulsion Systems

 

Integrated Engine Design & Multi-disciplinary Design Optimisation

  • Collaborative Design
  • Co-located, Distributed and Set-Based Design
  • Value-Driven Design
  • Model-Based Systems Engineering
  • Design Optimisation using AI & Machine Learning

 

Sub-Systems Integration

  • Inlets, Nacelles, Nozzles and Mixers
  • Thermal Management System
  • Power Gearboxes
  • Electric components and batteries

Dr. Valentin Batteiger
Bauhaus Luftfahrt, Germany
Research and Innovation in the field of Sustainable Aviation Fuels

description to be provided soon

Prof. Andreas Strohmayer & Mr. Dominique Bergmann
University of Stuttgart, Germany
Scaled flight testing

The focus of the session is on scaled flight testing and demonstration with its various applications in view of configuration validation, technology demonstration and reduced times for technology maturation, specific methods for scaling, design and data acquisition and project results.

Dr. Vittorio Di Vito
CIRA, Italy
Small Air Transport (SAT) Technologies

Small Air Transport (SAT) is emerging as the most suitable transportation means in order to allow efficient travel over a regional range, in particular for commuters, based on the use of small airports. The vehicles that are comprised under the SAT domain are usually fixed wing aircraft with 5 to 19 seats or similar cargo vehicles, belonging to the EASA CS-23 category. In order to ease the growth of the SAT business domain, the availability of new technological solutions allowing reducing the related operative costs represents a challenge of capital importance. Relevant research activities in this domain are developed in the framework of international programmes, such as, for instance, the European research programme Clean Aviation, where SAT specific projects were carried out. The session, therefore, aims providing the description of the most recent innovations developed in the framework of international research activities addressing the Small Air Transport (SAT) domain, having a look also to sustainability implications in the current and future transport scenarios.

Topics: The topics under the scope of the session cover the whole spectrum of Small Air Transport (SAT) technologies and related concepts, including innovations in cockpit and avionics, propulsion, airframe, materials, air traffic management, self-separation and collision avoidance, mission management, decision making support to the pilot, single pilot operations, sustainability of SAT operations, scenarios, safety regulations and standards. In addition, cross-fertilization among SAT and Urban Air Mobility (UAM) domains is also under the scope of the session, where technologies derived from the UAM applicable to SAT, and vice versa, are of relevant interest.

Mr. Bartosz Dziugiel
Warsaw Institute of Aviation, Poland
Smart-UAM in smart-city integrated and sustainable environment

Technology progress in the field of UAV dedicated electric propulsion we are witness during last decade opened a new promising industry sector. Mobility and transportation related applications are commonly considered as being among most disruptive and innovative – enabling extension of urban ecosystem to the third dimension. But in parallel to the “UAM revolution” there is another one positive disruption on the horizon - smart-city trend. IT/ICT and AI driven change in approach to the key resources we manage as well as cities need to manage every day. What is potential of those two trends if synergized? What will be the smart-UAM, and how will be the impact on potential application areas on sustainability of urban transportation?

Prof. Ernesto Limiti & Prof. Ernestina Cianca
University of Rome Tor Vergata, Italy
Sustainability in Space Networks: enabling technologies

Space is recognized as a fundamental resource for making our life on Earth more sustainable. As an example, space-based services and technologies are key in understanding climate change and in the full disaster management. In the past few years, a shift has occurred from a mainly governmental use of the space to a private and commercial use: space tourism, mega-constellations for broadband services, Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellations for Internet of Things (IoT) services or to improve the navigation services. Terrestrial operators have finally recognized the important role of satellites in the future 6th generation communication networks (6G). However, such evolution has occurred in an uncontrolled and unregulated way thus leading to sustainability challenges both on Earth and in space.

Nowadays space is extremely congested and soon it will no longer be a safe place to provide services. The issue of a sustainable use of space and its protection has become very urgent and requires strong commitments from governments and legislative/political decisions. However, regulatory entities and politician decisions must rely on available technological solutions that could turn the challenge of space sustainability in a real opportunity for the future of space systems and industry. This special session aims to collect contributions that show the current research effort to face this huge and urgent challenge. In particular, we look for contributions on (not limited to):

  • impact of future constellations in terms of interference to other systems (communication, astronomy): assessment of the impact/mitigating solutions
  • space debris monitoring and management
  • technology to enable the use/reuse as more effectively as possible of the deployed space infrastructure through flexible architecture and networking, multi-purpose satellites and interoperable high data rates Inter-Satellite Links (ISLs).
  • technology to enable a more efficient use of satellite payload resources to increase lifetime, reliability in the long-term.
  • impact of space activities on Earth: assessment/mitigating solutions

Prof. Angelos Filippatos
University of Patras, Greece
Sustainability-driven Design

The session emphasizes on new aspects of design process, where sustainability serves as the primary driving force, based on eco-design approaches και design for sustainability. In this context, sustainability is positioned as a fundamental component to be integrated into the initial stages of design, introducing innovative multidisciplinary criteria that can redefine the design paradigm.
The aim of the session is to discuss new challenges for sustainability-driven design with multi-materials and function-integration on the example of selected contributions. In particular, the subjects include but are not limited to:

  • Progress on sustainability-driven design 
  • Multi-criteria optimization design methods
  • Practical applications of sustainability as design criterion for mechanical components

Prof. Matteo Dalla Vedova
Politecnico di Torino, Italy
Systems / Prognostics / Safety

The aeronautical and space industries have always been sources of innovation and technological progress. Nowadays, they are of fundamental importance for the development and industrial competitiveness of countries. The design and management of aircraft now follow a systems approach widely recognized in the technical-scientific community. This approach is generating interest and having technological impacts in various other fields and disciplines. These developments have fostered strategic issues such as safety, diagnostics, prognostics, and, more generally, a holistic view of the aerospace system. These issues are now in the spotlight of the scientific community and are attracting growing interest in various industrial sectors such as aerospace, automotive, and automation. Therefore, we believe that a session dedicated to collecting and discussing innovative and promising studies can be of great interest to the technical-scientific community.

Dr. Stephan Rudolph & Dr. Björn Nagel
University of Stuttgart, Germany & DLR, Germany
Systems Engineering 2030 = MBSE + Digitalization + Artificial Intelligence?

description to be provided soon

Ms. Wiebke Brinkmann
DFKI, Germany
Way of future orbital and planetary robotics

Use of robotic systems for future planetary exploration involving robotic mobility, manipulation, multi-robot cooperation, modularity, sustainability, sampling, and astronaut assistance. 

This includes all aspects of these robotic systems like design, development, implementation  operation as well as the use of artificial intelligence (AI). Also, research prototypes as well as fielded or flown systems are of interest.

Topics of on-going and future missions involving in-space robotic systems and operations, to include On-Orbit Servicing, Active Debris Removal, Assembly, and Astronaut Assistance are also welcome.
This includes designs and methods to accomplish robotic tasks in orbit, such as mobility, manipulation, assembly or maintenance. 
Specific aspects can be addressed, such as hardware design, open-loop or closed-loop control, rendezvous trajectory generation, autonomy, teleoperation, experimental facilities on the ground, modularity, sustainability, or others of relevance.