Thesis Themes/Topics

Sustainable fuels, new propulsion systems and lightweighting are often considered synonyms of a sustainable aviation. However, considering the demand for new aircrafts in the coming 20 years (40,850 – source Airbus 2023), the number of aircrafts that will be retired (12,000 – source Airbus 2022 – to 20,000 – source ICAO 2019), and the issue of resource scarcity, the re-processing of aircrafts is as well a very important step on the path to sustainable aviation. In that way, valuable resources can be returned for (equal) use. Moreover, given the numbers mentioned above, the related processes (re-cover, re-manufacture, re-cycling, etc.) should also be carried out in an environmental and economically efficient manner. What solutions make sense and are possible? What is the environmental impact of these solutions? What are the enablers, contractual and legal barriers to implement these practices and how to make them economically viable? How will this change with the next generation of aircraft with e.g. new propulsion systems and new materials? And what will be the effect on the consumer perception of flying? These are the questions that this Thesis lab will investigate.

Challenge:

How can design, technological innovation, new business models and legislation help the aerospace industry reduce its impact on the environment?