• Journal of the Korean Society for Aeronautical & Space Sciences
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• v.50 no.1
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• pp.59-66
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• 2022

In order to solve the problem of urban traffic congestion, Urban Air Mobility (UAM) concept using Electric Vertical Take-off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft has been gaining popularity, and many domestic and international studies are underway. However, since these aircraft inevitably fly over densely populated areas, it is essential to ensure safety, which starts with accurately analyzing the crash risk. In this paper, the locations and impact speeds of crash are computed using six degree-of-freedom simulations of an eVTOL aircraft in a fixed-wing mode. System malfunction was modeled by a sudden loss of thrust with control surfaces being stuck during cruise. Because most of these eVTOL aircraft are still under development, a methodology of constructing a six degree-of-freedom dynamics model from generic specification is also developed. The results show that the crash locations are highly concentrated right under the aircraft within a square that has an edge length similar to the cruise altitude. Speed distribution is more complicated because almost identical crash locations can be achieved by two very different paths resulting in a large variation in the speeds.

• Journal of Aerospace System Engineering
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.42-51
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• 2022

An eVTOL aircraft, which is required to operate with low pollution/low noise in urban environments, mostly use battery-powered electric propulsion systems as power sources, not traditional propulsion systems such as reciprocating or turbine engines. Accordingly, certification preparation for the electric propulsion system and securing the safety of the electric propulsion system, are important issues. In the U.S., special technical standards equivalent to FAR Part 33 were issued to certify electric engines, and in Europe, various special conditions were established to certify electric propulsion systems. Thus, in Korea, the technical standards for the electric propulsion system for eVTOL aircraft must also be prepared in line with the U.S. and Europe. In this paper, SC E-19, the technical standard of the electric/hybrid propulsion system (EHPS) in special conditions, was analyzed. Additionally, securing the safety of the electric propulsion system of the aircraft are proposed, through the collaboration of SC E-19 technical standards with the existing aircraft safety evaluation procedure ARP 4761. Finally, through a case study of the Ehang 184 electric propulsion system, it has been confirmed that the proposed safety assurance method is applicable at the aircraft level.