2008-2009 Academic Year Competition

2008 - 2009 STUDENTCHALLENGE

Fundamental Aeronautics Student Competition
College/University Division 2008-2009 Academic Year

Reminder
US College Student Internship Applications due April 15

Background 

For the first time in the history of commercial aviation, we have taken a step backward. We had the capability to fly faster than sound with commercial transports, as demonstrated by the Concorde.  There are no commercial supersonic aircraft flying today.   How do we enable people to cover large distances (across continents and oceans) quickly without placing an excessive burden on our environment?

The Supersonics Project, part of NASA's Fundamental Aeronautics Program, has identified a set of key technical challenges that are barriers to success for practical supersonic cruise vehicles.  Some of these barriers include:

• Efficiency challenges, including supersonic cruise efficiency.  There are two principal elements to supersonic cruise efficiency—propulsion efficiency and airframe aerodynamic efficiency—and these must be treated as an integrated challenge.  
• Environmental challenges, including airport noise reduction, sonic boom modeling, and high-altitude emissions reduction.

For this academic year challenge, we offer an undergraduate level and a graduate level of the contest.  Students may submit their designs for a highly efficient, environmentally friendly, low boom, commercial aircraft with an Initial Operational Capability (IOC) of 2020.  A successful design will address the efficiency, environmental and performance goals described below.

Small Supersonic Airliner Design Goals:

• Cruise speed = Mach 1.6 to 1.8
• Design Range = 4000 nautical miles
• Payload = 35 – 70 passenger range (mixed class)
• Fuel Efficiency = 3 passenger-miles per pound of fuel
• Takeoff field length < 10,000 feet

Entries will be limited to a 25-page research paper, excluding ancillary material, and adhere to a standard format.  Teams or individuals may enter.  Only US citizens are eligible for cash prizes or NASA funded internships.

Winning entries may be invited to a student forum sponsored by ARMD and/or industry, may receive offers of student internships, and may receive other prizes, including cash, depending on available funds.  Only US citizens are eligible for cash prizes or NASA funded internships.

Challenge for Undergraduate Level College Students:

Using the design limits above, propose configurations and systems to achieve one or more of the following:

• Supersonic cruise efficiency;
• Low sonic boom (< 70 PldB); or
• High-lift for take-off and landing.

For information on how to estimate sonic boom levels based on aircraft weight and length, consult the Seebass/George/Darden
Theory.

Challenge for Graduate Level Students:

Propose an integrated vehicle design that simultaneously achieves supersonic cruise efficiency, low sonic boom, and high-lift for take-off and landing of the small supersonic airliner defined for IOC 2020.   Optional challenge:  Propose how this aircraft may be successfully integrated with subsonic air traffic at one of the world’s major airports.

Consult the following links on this site for information about dates, eligibility, notice of intent, paper format, submission guidelines, evaluation and awards.

Important Dates:

• Notice of Intent requested January 19, 2009
  Notice of Intent is requested as soon as possible!
• Internship applications due April 15, 2009
• Final Papers due April 30, 2009
• Results announced on or before June 1, 2009

For more detailed information on the Supersonics Project, go to http://www.aeronautics.nasa.gov/fap/supersonic.html.

For additional background and context, please consult the information contained in the word document, Initial Operational Capability (IOC) for 2015 – 2030 Summary. See recommended reading on Contest main page.

+ Dates, Eligibility, and Resources
+ Submission Requirements
+ Evaluation Criteria
+ Awards

*NASA Aeronautics Student Contest Internships Applications

Paid student internships may be awarded as prizes for the college/university division contest. 

Internships provide real-world research experience working with a NASA scientist or engineer for a 10-week summer session or 15-week fall or spring session.

Internship awards will include a stipend and a travel and/or housing allowance based on location of internship.  Internship awards are subject to available funds.  Stipend, travel and housing will be determined based on GPA, level of study, number of weeks, and Center placement. 

Eligibility:

• College/University Fundamental Aeronautics Contest contestant
• Full time student
• Sophomore or above
• Minimum GPA of 3.0
• US Citizenship required

Prospective interns need to submit a letter of application and resume with complete contact information to the Fundamental Aeronautics Contest Administrator no later than April 15, 2009.   Intern applicants will be asked for more information if needed shortly after the contest due date of April 30, 2009.

Questions on internships should be directed to Dr. Elizabeth Ward,
Elizabeth.B.Ward@nasa.gov or 757-864-7638