The large density of cables transporting various signals due to the introduction of composite materials and the transition to a More Electrical Aircraft is nowadays increasing the complexity of the design from an EMC point of view. So that the evolution of regulations makes safety analysis mandatory for the EWIS, leading to the necessity to estimate the reliability of the wiring system together with the functions which are committed to it. New EMC EWIS design rules and prototyping tools are needed to ensure the required very low rate of failure, without assuming too high design margins which could question expected gains at “global platform” level, increasing weight, installation complexity and cost. ANALYST aims at developing and validating a numerical modelling methodology based on statistical approaches for the specific context of EM compatibility analysis of cable harnesses in aeronautics. The following main goals will be pursued: • Development of a statistical harness modelling methodology, suitable to catch real-life complexity of aircraft installed harness (of the order of 40.000 cables, 10.000 electrical links) • Demonstration, evaluation of effectiveness and validation of the methodology; different modelling approaches, referring to state of the art solutions and innovations will be compared and validated with respect to measurement data. • Integration of the finally selected modelling approach in a CAE Framework, already equipped with the workflows and procedures needed to properly manage the wiring complexity of real aircraft. The solution has been identified in a fundamentally original approach, assuming to definitely consider the not-deterministic nature of the above mentioned problem, looking for a statistical description and extreme value assessment of the relevant physical parameters (currents, voltages, power) linked to statistical descriptions of the involved variables/environment (cable bundle geometry, installation conditions, etc.).

This three-and-a-half year project is to release, validate and verify a unique computer environment (i.e. the EPICEA platform) assimilating a complete understanding of electromagnetic (EM) issues on Composite Electric Aircraft (CEA – i.e. aircraft with composite and electric technologies combined and operating at higher altitude/latitude). EM on CEA includes EM coupling, interconnects, and Cosmic Radiations (CR) on electrical systems together with new concepts of antennas designed to maintain performance in composite environment without modifying aircraft aerodynamics. In EPICEA, CR, as parts of the EM spectrum, are considered as EM environmental hazards such as lightning or HIRF (High Intensity Radiated Fields). The targeted computer platform will support a decision making process for selection of the best strategy for the integration of electrical systems. Starting at a TRL3, the consortium will demonstrate a TRL4 at the end of the project. The project will address numerous engineering issues, aiming at a significant reduction of energy consumption through more electrical aircraft and systems integration. If successful, it will create a more robust EM protection for electrical systems (i.e. lightweight, cost effective and safety compliant), a lighter and safer electrical system architecture for EM protected, less redundant, safety compliant, easy to maintain systems, a less drag on new systems of antennas while maintaining EM performance, and also will point to best possible health monitoring solutions. Used from the early design phase of electrical systems up to the architecture definition for installation and integration of electrical systems into CEA, the EPICEA outcome will limit the recourse to over conservative protection and unnecessary redundancy in integration architecture. This will overcome the weight penalty currently jeopardising the development of energy-efficient CEAs and will strengthen the aircraft safety.