Sustainable aviation is essential to the global goal of achieving carbon-neutrality by 2050. In this course, we will start by exploring the fundamentals of aircraft propulsion systems and their environmental impacts. We will subsequently move on to explore potential solutions, with a focus on three aspects: (1) alternative fuels; (2) hydrogen technologies; and (3) electrified aircraft. In Part 1, we will examine aviation fuel standards, physical and chemical properties, emissions, the “fit-for-purpose” approach for designing and selecting alternative fuels, their influence on aircraft design, and the economics and production methods of alternative fuels. In Part 2, we will delve into hydrogen production and storage, water electrolysis, hydrogen storage, ammonia, combustion chemistry, hydrogen combustor, hydrogen fuel cell, and hydrogen aircraft engine. In Part 3, we will look at electrochemistry for batteries, cell designs, the challenges and barriers, and the potential impacts of electrified aircraft. Upon completion of this course, students will be equipped with the latest knowledge of technical solutions and possibilities of modern engineering to make aviation more sustainable. Moreover, the course will also encourage critical and creative thinking about the future of aviation and how you can play a role. Additionally, students will gain exposure to European sustainability efforts through industrial visits to Airbus Space & Defense and Saft Batteries. They will also be able to explore cultural sites across France, allowing them to truly experience the French art de vivre.
For more information, please contact Professor Li Qiao at lqiao@purdue.edu
**An essay is required up to 1,000 words describing your passion for sustainability, how it connects to aviation, and why you are interested in this course.
Students must upload a resume (1-2 pages) including academics, project work, teamwork/leadership, etc.
Proposed Itinerary: (still under development and subject to change due to availability)
May 16 (Day 1): Depart for Paris.
May 17 (Day 2): Arrive CDG, check in hotel, orientation, welcome dinner.
May 18 (Day 3): Class 9am-12pm; afternoon Eiffel Tower visit.
May 19 (Day 4): morning visit to Safran Museum; afternoon visit to Pierre and Marie Curie Institute, Universite Polytechnique; cooking class dinner.
May 20 (Day 5): Morning class; guided afternoon tour of the Palais de Versailles.
May 21 (Day 6): Morning class; afternoon tour of the Louvre.
May 22 (Day 7): Morning class; free evening
May 23 (Day 8): Morning class; free evening.
May 24 (Day 9): Morning class; free afternoon in Paris.
May 25 (Day 10): Train to Toulouse; hotel orientation.
May 26 (Day 11): Morning class; Toulouse walking tour; free evening.
May 27 (Day 12): Visit to Airbus Defence & Space
May 28 (Day 13): Visti to ISAE-SUPAERO and University of Toulouse
May 29 (Day 14): Visit to ONERA - Toulous center; class; farewell dinner.
May 30 (Day 15): Depart Toulouse-Blagnac for USA.