Within IRDL, Mathieu Goron developed a numerical methodology to simulate hydrodynamic impacts during the water landing of aircraft.
Mathieu Goron, chercheur·e au sein de IRDL (Institut National Polytechnique de Bretagne).
Thèse soutenue en 2024 à l'école doctorale École doctorale Sciences pour l'ingénieur et le numérique.
Référencée dans le réseau ABES/STAR, cette thèse répond aux critères de rigueur de l'enseignement supérieur français.
The thesis of Mathieu Goron, conducted at the Institut National Polytechnique de Bretagne, addresses a crucial subject for modern aviation: the water landing of transport aircraft. This phenomenon, although rare, can have dramatic consequences in the event of a failure, and the emergency procedures related to it are often based on outdated experimental campaigns. These methods, while effective in their time, do not take into account recent technological advancements and new knowledge in fluid dynamics. With the rapid evolution of numerical simulation technologies, it has become imperative to integrate these tools to better understand the complex phenomena involved during water landings.
This research focuses on the phenomena of suction and cavitation, which play a decisive role during impact with water. Suction, for example, can lead to a sudden loss of lift, which is particularly dangerous for an aircraft during the water landing phase. Cavitation, on the other hand, can cause unforeseen forces on the structure of the aircraft, increasing the risk of damage. By analyzing these phenomena, Goron highlights aspects often overlooked in previous studies, thus making a significant contribution to aviation safety.
The results of this thesis are promising. By developing a validated numerical methodology, Goron was able to accurately model the interactions between fluids and structures. The simulations, which account for impact speeds of up to 45.2 m/s, were compared with experimental data, reinforcing their validity. This approach not only allows for the simulation of water landing scenarios but also anticipates the behavior of aircraft under extreme conditions. This paves the way for a significant improvement in aircraft certification protocols, integrating standards based on numerical simulations.
It is essential to ask the question: how can these advancements transform aviation safety? By integrating these results into certification processes, it could not only improve the safety of water landings but also reduce the risks associated with emergency landings. For example, aircraft designed with this new data could be more resilient in critical situations, thus offering better protection to passengers and crew. The implications of this research go beyond mere modeling; they touch on passenger safety and the future of aviation.
The recommendations of this thesis are clear: it is time to act. Civil aviation authorities and aircraft manufacturers must collaborate to integrate these new standards. This requires strong political will and a commitment to invest in research and development. In summary, this thesis is not just an academic advancement but a call to action to improve aviation safety on a global scale.
To illustrate the importance of this research, let us take the example of past water landing accidents. Cases like that of the Airbus A320 in 2009, which had to land on the Hudson River, show how adequate preparation and protocols based on reliable data can make the difference between a tragic incident and a successful landing. By integrating numerical simulations into pilot training and operational manuals, lives could potentially be saved.
Furthermore, this research could also have repercussions on the maritime industry. The knowledge gained about the interactions between aircraft and water could be applied to other areas, such as the design of ships or offshore platforms. This underscores the importance of an interdisciplinary approach in research, where advancements in one field can benefit other sectors.
In conclusion, the thesis of Mathieu Goron represents a significant advancement in understanding the hydrodynamic impacts during the water landing of transport aircraft. By integrating numerical simulations into certification protocols, it is possible to improve aviation safety and reduce the risks associated with emergency landings. Aviation stakeholders must take this research seriously and act quickly to implement these recommendations, as the safety of passengers and the future of aviation depend on it.
Accéder à l'étude complète
Sources et accès
Mathieu Goron. Simulation numérique d'impacts hydrodynamiques impliquant des phénomènes de succion : application à l'amerrissage d'avions de transport. Mécanique des fluides [physics.class-ph]. École Nationale Supérieure de Techniques Avancées Bretagne, 2024. Français. ⟨NNT : 2024ENTA0011⟩. ⟨tel-05036997⟩