Green Aviation Unveiled: Dr. Suresh Sampth from Cranfield University Lead the Way for ATLAS uGDX Students

ATLAS SkillTech University recently hosted a transformative masterclass on “Green Aviation – Sustainability Challenges & Opportunities” for the B.Tech students of ATLAS uGDX – School of Technology. The session was led by Dr. Suresh Sampth, the Head of Gas Turbine Systems & Operations at the Centre for Propulsion, Cranfield University. With his deep expertise, Dr. Sampth navigated the evolution of aviation, the role of gas turbines and the path toward sustainable solutions for the aviation industry. He also shared valuable insights on the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) in aviation, captivating the audience with both technical depth and future-oriented perspectives.

The Evolution of Aviation: A Journey of Innovation

Dr. Sampth began the session by tracing the evolution of aviation from its humble beginnings in manned flight to the high-tech innovations that define the industry today. He highlighted key milestones, including the advent of jet engines, which revolutionised air travel by drastically reducing flying times. This historical context laid the foundation for understanding how technological advancements have shaped modern aviation and how they continue to propel the industry forward.

Understanding Jet Engines and Gas Turbines

A pivotal part of the masterclass delved into the mechanics of jet engines and gas turbines. Dr. Sampth broke down their functionality, offering a comprehensive look at their components and operational principles. He emphasised the critical role of gas turbines in aviation, from their current applications to their future potential. Topics included the high-pressure turbine (HPT) systems, the technologies driving advancements in turbine engines and the operational intricacies of the gas turbine industry.

Sustainability in Aviation: Economy Meets Environment

The masterclass provided a compelling analysis of the aviation industry’s economic and environmental impact. With over 4.5 billion passengers transported annually, 87.7 million jobs supported and a contribution of $3.5 trillion to global GDP, aviation is a cornerstone of the global economy. Dr. Sampth discussed how this research-intensive field delivers “spillover” benefits to other sectors, with a staggering benefit ratio of 1:30.

However, these benefits come with sustainability challenges. Dr. Sampth outlined the aviation industry’s roadmap to decarbonise and achieve net-zero emissions. This journey spans three phases: the technology squeeze phase, the transition phase and the implementation phase. He emphasised the importance of AI, data analytics, modeling and digital twin technologies in achieving these goals while underlining the need for a unified global approach to the aviation energy transition.

Exploring Sustainable Aviation Solutions

Dr. Sampth presented innovative pathways to sustainability, including:

• More Electric Aircraft: Advancements in actuators, anti-icing systems and other electric components.
• Hybrid Electric Propulsion: Combining traditional engines with electric propulsion to reduce emissions.
• Turbo Electric and Full Electric Propulsion: Pioneering the shift to fully electric aircraft systems.
• Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs): Exploring drop-in fuels and hydrogen as viable alternatives.
• Hydrogen Ecosystem Development: A vision for creating a comprehensive hydrogen infrastructure for aviation.

These solutions, he argued, represent a multifaceted approach to mitigating aviation’s environmental footprint while sustaining economic growth.

Diagnostics and Life Cycle Management

The session also shed light on diagnostics and life cycle management in aviation. Dr. Sampth introduced students to the principles of diagnostics, covering measurable and non-measurable parameters, fault tree analysis and damage factors in jet engines. These insights emphasised the importance of proactive maintenance and advanced analytics for enhancing operational efficiency and extending the life cycle of aviation systems.

Innovative Technologies in Aviation

Dr. Sampth explored cutting-edge technologies like gas path analysis (GPA), which leverages digital twin technology, genetic algorithms and artificial neural networks (ANNs). By combining these methodologies, GPA optimises performance diagnostics, ensuring precise predictions and maintenance strategies. Such advancements demonstrate how AI and ML are transforming aviation into a data-driven, highly efficient industry.

Adding to the masterclass, Jaspinder from Cranfield University provided an introduction to their institution, the only university in Europe equipped with its own airport and fleet of aircraft.

Dr. Suresh Sampth’s masterclass was a powerful blend of historical insights, technical expertise, and futuristic vision. From the evolution of aviation to groundbreaking sustainable solutions, the session inspired students to envision themselves as key players in the future of green aviation. As we embrace these challenges and opportunities, the role of education in driving innovation and sustainability has never been more critical.

This masterclass exemplifies ATLAS SkillTech University’s dedication to fostering a global perspective in education. By hosting such enriching sessions, the university empowers students with cutting-edge knowledge and skills, preparing them for leadership in a rapidly evolving global landscape.