Minimization of aircraft fuel consumption subjected to arrival time constraint

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to minimize aircraft fuel consumption during the cruise phase when the flight is subjected to a specific time of arrival for different weights and distances.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach adopted herein uses sequential quadratic programming algorithm from MATLAB optimization toolbox, which includes a mathematical model of a jet airliner based on the Base of Aircraft Data as a function evaluator, to find out the impact of meet-time of arrival constraints on fuel consumption. The cruising speeds at predefined segments and the altitude are defined as the design variables.

Findings

The algorithm determines the optimum cruise altitudes and speeds for minimum fuel consumption in the case of no time constraints, also, for different time constraints where the flight time shall be reduced by increasing speed and lowering the altitude in most of the investigated cases.

Practical implications

The algorithm computes the optimum speed and the altitude according to different flight scenarios with the meet-time of arrival constraints for minimum fuel consumption which affects the direct operating cost of the flight. The algorithm might greatly help in decision-making for the meet-time of arrival operations.

Originality/value

Developing an algorithm to optimize the speed and the altitude of an aircraft based on weight and range for minimization of fuel consumption. It is a pioneer study in the literature that deals with the effect of meet-time constraints on fuel consumption.

Citation

Gilani, M. and Körpe, D.S. (2020), "Minimization of aircraft fuel consumption subjected to arrival time constraint", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 92 No. 7, pp. 1063-1072. https://doi.org/10.1108/AEAT-01-2020-0023