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Wargaming for aircraft manufacturer product and industrial strategy
No full textPurpose:
Air Transport Systems (ATS) are complex sociotechnical systems with dynamic stakeholder interactions and non-linear relationships. Traditional analytical planning methods often oversimplify these complexities, limiting decision-makers’ ability to understand system dynamics. This study introduces a wargaming framework, adapted from military practices, to help aircraft manufacturers align product development and business strategies with airline competition.
Design/Methodology/Approach:
Developed collaboratively by Cranfield University and Airbus UK, the framework consists of seven elements: objectives, players, game components, game mechanics, scenarios, facilitation and feedback. Its development followed structured engineering project stages design, preparation, testing and evaluation allowing for iterative refinements.
Findings:
The wargaming provides an interactive platform to simulate airline competition and stakeholder interactions, enhancing strategic decision-making. Validation exercises demonstrated its ability to model ATS dynamics, revealing insights into stakeholder behaviour, decision processes and competitive influences on aircraft development. The framework offers both epistemological benefits (deeper system understanding) and pedagogical benefits (improved strategic thinking and decision-making skills).
Practical Implications:
The framework serves as an analytical and educational tool, enabling aircraft manufacturers to assess market dynamics, stakeholder behaviours and competitive strategies in a structured environment.
Originality/Value:
This study presents a novel adaptation of wargaming approach that captures ATS complexities, supporting strategic planning for aircraft manufacturers. By positioning military-inspired wargaming within the broader game science literature, the study provides a methodological bridge between Design-in-the-Large (high level strategy) and Design-in-the-Small (specific game design elements), supporting future advancements in product and business strategy within ATS.UK Research and Innovation.Simulation & Gamin
Bioenergy carbon capture storage and utilization: a critical review of market dynamics and policy implications
No full textBioenergy with carbon capture, utilization, and storage (BECCUS) is a competent technology with the potential to address global climate change challenges. However, its deployment faces significant hurdles across technological, economic, and policy domains. The production of biofuels including ethanol, methane, butanol, and biogas is accompanied by the release of carbon dioxide (CO2). This CO2 can be incorporated into organic molecules through various biochemical routes as part of the metabolic mechanisms of carbon absorption. The efficiency of these carbon assimilation pathways can be improved through ongoing developments in metabolic engineering, which can increase the production of valuable bioproducts, improve carbon sequestration, and support efforts to mitigate climate change. The present review recognizes critical avenues for advancing BECCUS, emphasizing market mechanisms, technological innovations, and cross-sector integration in both developed and developing countries such as India. The review recommends policy modifications aimed at establishing a transparent framework related to carbon pricing, emission trading systems, and proper certification mechanisms for biogenic carbon utilization. These modifications, coupled with the integration of renewable energy systems, would not only stimulate BECCUS adoption, but also foster its economic feasibility and sustainability. Additionally, promising technologies such as chemical looping and microalgae-based carbon capture should be technologically scaled up to ensure industrial-level applications. The integration of BECCUS with other sectors is also critical to optimize the impact of this technology on climate change mitigation. Therefore, the present review highlights the need for a robust policy framework, technology-driven innovation, and cross-sector research collaboration to resolve the challenges associated with BECCUS, boost its adoption, and ensure its economic feasibility and environmental sustainability. Moreover, providing regulatory support, augmenting market competitiveness, and aligning research on BECCUS play a transformative role in attaining the goals of the Paris Agreement and promoting environmental sustainability.Graphical AbstractBiotechnology for Biofuels and Bioproduct
End-to-end edge AI service provisioning framework in 6G ORAN
No full textAs 6G networks evolve to support pervasive AI-driven applications, seamless provisioning of Edge AI services has become increasingly vital. However, current orchestration processes remain fragmented, requiring extensive coordination between AI-powered application developers and the network operators. In this paper, we propose a novel end-to-end orchestration framework that integrates Large Language Model (LLM) agents into O-RAN to automate edge AI service subscription and deployment. Our system translates high-level user intents into orchestrated workflows, including AI model selection, mobility-aware placement, and performance monitoring. We demonstrate the framework via a prototype built on our open-source ORAN simulator, showcasing intelligent, intent-driven AI service provisioning. This work represents a key step toward AI-native, accessible, and scalable service management in 6G.The work is supported by EPSRC CHEDDAR: Communications Hub for Empowering Distributed clouD computing Applications and Research (EP/X040518/1) (EP/Y037421/1).2025 IEEE 102nd Vehicular Technology Conference (VTC2025-Fall
Automation pipeline of the VFP
No full textAn automated aerodynamic analysis framework based on a viscous full potential (VFP) solver is developed and applied to a SAAB wing–body configuration. The method combines a compressible full potential formulation with entropy-based artificial viscosity and viscous–inviscid interaction modelling. An end-to-end automation pipeline enables batch execution and post-processing without manual intervention. Eighteen flight conditions were computed in under one hour, achieving reduction in turnaround time. The results capture key aerodynamic trends, including linear lift behaviour, quadratic drag rise, realistic drag polars, and transonic wave-drag effects. While absolute drag levels are slightly optimistic, the framework provides an efficient and practical tool for preliminary aircraft design and early-stage decision-making.Out of Cycle NExt generation highly efficient air transport (ONEheart)Cranfield Universit
What does cabin crew need during inflight emergencies? a SHELL-model analysis
No full textAlthough flight attendants are responsible for the safety of millions of passengers per year, their safety role is publicly often trivialized. Extensive training is provided by the airlines to support cabin crew to handle emergencies, however, is the training sufficient to overcome the challenges flight attendants face? Technological evolutions to minimize errors in the cockpit can be found throughout the past century, however, most of the equipment which cabin crew are using are outdated and do not meet the requirements of today’s air travel.
Research question: Following research questions will be addressed in this study: RQ1: Which challenges do cabin crew face during inflight emergencies? RQ2: How can cabin crew be supported during inflight emergencies? RQ3: How can technological aids, such as illumination, support cabin crew handling emergencies?
Methodology: A qualitative study was conducted with 15 cabin crew members. Open-ended questions were asked to assess which challenges cabin crew face and how they can be supported during emergencies. The SHELL-model framework was used to analyze and categorize the open-ended questions.
Results and Discussion: Major concerns were unruly passengers as well as panicking and uncontrollable behaviour. Fire and smoke were another concerns belonging to the Environment- Liveware interface. Improving flight attendant training with regards to duration, content, and frequency were highlighted as an effective measure to increase confidence in cabin crew applying their knowledge and skills. It was mentioned that trainings should be more realistic, such as using actors to mime anxious passengers.
Conclusion: This study identified flight attendant’s challenges using the SHELL model framework. Flight attendants could gain more confidence in handling emergencies by improving the training frequency, duration and content. Technological aids such as smart and/or optimized emergency buttons could further improve discreet communication between flight attendants and cabin crew.27th International Conference on Human-Computer Interaction, HCI International 2025Lecture Notes in Computer Scienc
Exploring low-cost fused-deposition-printed PZT/polymer smart mats for footstep energy harvesting in Masjid Al-Haram
No full textMasjid Al-Haram experiences some of the densest pedestrian flows globally, with foot traffic exceeding 278,000 individuals per hour during peak rituals. This presents a unique opportunity to convert human kinetic energy into usable electricity via piezoelectric floor systems. This paper investigates whether low-cost, fused-deposition-based (FDB) 3D printing methods can fabricate PZT/polymer smart mats that are both mechanically robust and electrically responsive. Two strategies are compared: (i) a modular approach, where discrete PZT tiles are embedded in a compliant TPU lattice, and (ii) a mixed-blend approach, where PZT-filled and insulating filaments are co-extruded into a monolithic structure. Simulations are used to assess each design’s print fidelity, interfacial adhesion, electrical output under 750 N footstep loading, fatigue life across 10⁶ cycles, and foldability for roll-out deployment. Results indicate that while the mixed-blend design offers superior fabrication speed, the modular structure yields more stable electrical performance. This study provides a simulation-backed design framework for scalable, energy-harvesting mats tailored for high-traffic religious spaces, setting the stage for future prototyping and deployment.Key Engineering Material
Automated robotic system for dual ultrasonic and eddy current array integration and data fusion in wire arc additive manufacturing material inspection
No full textWire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) is a direct energy deposition method that enables the fabrication of large, complex metal components with minimal material waste, making it a key technology within Industry 4.0. However, WAAM is prone to weld-like defects, such as lack of fusion, keyholes, and porosities, which compromise structural integrity and require a reliable Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE). Conventional post-process inspection methods, including Ultrasonic Testing (UT) and X-ray imaging, can detect such defects but often lead to costly rework once fabrication is complete. This work presents a dual-sensor robotic inspection system enabling simultaneous phased array UT and Eddy Current Testing (ECT) during WAAM deposition for early defect detection and efficient process monitoring. The system integrates an industrial manipulator with closed-loop force-torque control for repeatable layer-wise scanning without tool changes or process interruption. The system was evaluated using two Ti-6Al-4V reference blocks that replicated WAAM geometries and contained artificial defects. A depth-weighted C-scan data fusion approach, supported by targeted ECT denoising, improved contrast-to-noise ratio by 4.44 dB and 9.02 dB for the two samples, respectively. The approach was further validated on a titanium WAAM sample containing embedded tungsten inclusions, demonstrating the robustness of the methodology. A receiver operating characteristic analysis further confirmed the improved defect discrimination of the fused data, consistently resulting in higher area-under-curve values than either UT or ECT alone across all evaluated samples.This work was supported through the Research Centre in Non-destructive Evaluation (RCNDE) Feasibility/Tech Transfer grant.NDT & E Internationa
Design of a scalable framework for lunar habitats
No full textThe last decade has signalled the crystallisation of a common, global agenda to revisit mankind's exploration and habitation of the moon. Government agencies and private companies are presenting a common front to deliver critical missions and programs such as the Lunar gateway, working towards a permanent presence on the lunar surface. As an outcome of ESA's Open Space Innovation Program, our paper presents a scalable, holistic design and architectural framework for long term human habitation on the Moon, embedding key solutions for environmental protection and mitigation, construction methodology and assembly of a scalable architecture, life support and an overall mission architecture. Our approach differs from existing lunar concepts (i.e. static masterplans that predefine settlement layouts), devising a system that enables continual reconfiguration in response to future, unpredictable social societal needs, technological and operational advancements. The novelty of the proposal will focus around the reconfigurability, reusability, and accommodation of various growth scenarios of a lunar base. This design principle extends to the proposal's approach to system engineering, life support, modular construction techniques, and in-situ resource utilisation which are directly embedded into the architectural framework to ensure seamless expansion.
The proposal is led through a human centric, design-based approach, prioritising long term self- sufficiency, sustainability, and well-being of future lunar settlements. Formulation of solutions accommodate for a constantly evolving programmatic brief, taking into consideration the physiological, psychological, and social needs of a wider inhabitant demographic. The system is comprised out of several interdependent architectural components; an ISRU-based modular construction system for radiation protection, tensairity-based, pressure-retaining inflatable modules for habitation, a modular interior fit-out system, and hard-shell modules for vertical circulation. The system thus exists as a "kit-of-parts", serving as a comprehensive atlas of architectural elements and life support systems for further testing and development, with any advancements feeding back into its central design principles. Design reviews involving participation of multidisciplinary industry experts and partners were held several times throughout the design development of the project, ensuring robust scientific basis for design concepts and strategies.36th IAA Symposium on Space and Society, Held at the 76th International Astronautical Congress (IAC 2025
A diversity-based strategy for asteroid tour design
No full textThe design of multi-target tours among the celestial bodies of the Solar System is one of the key drivers for scientific return in space exploration missions. Such missions could bring valuable insights into the evolution of our Solar System and the available resources by prospecting many targets with a single spacecraft. The generation of a sequence of encountered bodies is a combinatorial optimization problem that can be addressed with heuristic search algorithms. However, solving the optimization problem does not consider the diversity of the body population and heuristic search techniques often produce tours with the same encountered bodies. In this paper, a new search strategy based on the diversity of visited bodies is described. An asteroid tour diversity score is defined to serve as a metric for a new search strategy in the combinatorial optimization problem. The standard Beam Search algorithm is compared to diversity-based optimization for the generation of asteroid tours in the Main Asteroid Belt and Near-Earth Asteroid populations. Unlike Beam Search, the proposed diversity-based strategy does not generate duplicate sequences and facilitates the encounter of more asteroids at higher eccentricities and inclinations, at the cost of higher Δ v . A hybrid search strategy is shown to find better balance between asteroid tour diversity and Δ v cost. These study cases illustrate the performance of diversity-based search for the preliminary mission design of future asteroid tour missions.Advances in Space Researc
Development of a central data repository and visualisation framework for Fusarium transcriptomic data
No full textBackground: Contamination of grain crops by mycotoxins is a serious threat to food security, affecting up to 40% of cereals worldwide. One of the main contaminants are members of the Fusarium family, which produce trichothecene mycotoxins. Trichothecene biosynthesis is influenced by climatic conditions, and this interaction is essential to study to understand how mycotoxin production will change in the future under more extreme climate change. Transcriptomic studies display gene expression under different conditions, and many datasets are publicly available. However, existing repositories specifically holding fungal transcriptomic data can be tricky to navigate and lack clear annotation of experimental conditions, limiting their effectiveness for exploratory analysis. Results: To address this issue, the Fungal Transcriptomic Database (FTD) was developed as a Fusarium specific repository to hold gene expression data. It was populated with differential expression data from five studies, covering four Fusarium species and four experimental conditions. The FTD provided clear visualisation of data through interactive tables and graphs, including volcano plots and heatmaps. The rapid and accurate recreation of a heatmap showing differential expression of trichothecene genes was used as a benchmark to validate the functionality and efficiency of the repository. Conclusions: The FTD provides a straightforward and interactive tool for exploring and re-analysing fungal transcriptomic datasets. Its modular design supports efficient integration of new features, ensuring the repository remains compatible with emerging technologies and scientific advancements. By highlighting experimental metadata alongside interactive gene expression visualisations, the FTD facilitates data interpretation and reveals new insights regarding Fusarium behaviour. These capabilities provide a deeper understanding of mycotoxin production, enabling accurate predictions regarding trichothecene biosynthesis under future climatic conditions.MSc in Applied Bioinformatic