What are the most pressing environmental concerns related to aircraft propulsion?

Aircraft propulsion is the process of generating thrust to move an aircraft through the air. It involves converting fuel into mechanical or electrical energy and then into kinetic energy. However, this process also has significant environmental impacts, such as greenhouse gas emissions, noise pollution, and contrail formation. In this article, you will learn about the most pressing environmental concerns related to aircraft propulsion and some of the possible solutions to mitigate them.

1 Greenhouse gas emissions

One of the main environmental concerns related to aircraft propulsion is the emission of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrous oxide (N2O), and water vapor (H2O). These gases trap heat in the atmosphere and contribute to global warming and climate change. According to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), aviation accounted for about 2.5% of the global CO2 emissions in 2018, and this share is expected to increase in the future. To reduce greenhouse gas emissions, aircraft propulsion systems need to become more efficient, use less or alternative fuels, and adopt carbon-neutral technologies.

Add your perspective

Daniyal Suhail Malik

Aerospace Innovation | Project & Contract Management | Strategic Consulting
Report contribution
Aircraft propulsion presents key environmental challenges. Tackling carbon emissions, reducing noise pollution, and improving fuel efficiency are critical. Sustainable aviation fuels and innovative propulsion systems aim to cut emissions. Quieter engines and efficiency enhancements are vital for a greener aviation future. Collaboration among stakeholders is key for sustainable progress.

Like

2 Noise pollution

Another environmental concern related to aircraft propulsion is noise pollution, which is the unwanted sound that affects human health and well-being. Noise pollution can cause hearing loss, stress, sleep disturbance, and cardiovascular problems. It can also affect wildlife, ecosystems, and cultural heritage. Aircraft noise is mainly generated by the engines, the propellers, the jet exhaust, and the aerodynamic interactions. To reduce noise pollution, aircraft propulsion systems need to incorporate noise reduction technologies, such as low-noise fans, chevrons, and acoustic liners. They also need to follow noise abatement procedures, such as optimal flight paths and altitudes.

Add your perspective

3 Contrail formation

A third environmental concern related to aircraft propulsion is contrail formation, which is the creation of artificial clouds by the exhaust of jet engines. Contrails are composed of ice crystals that form when the hot and humid exhaust mixes with the cold and dry ambient air. Contrails can have both cooling and warming effects on the climate, depending on their properties and the background conditions. They can also affect the natural cloudiness and precipitation patterns. To reduce contrail formation, aircraft propulsion systems need to optimize their fuel efficiency and emission characteristics. They also need to avoid flying in regions and altitudes that are prone to contrail formation.

Add your perspective

Anusha Santhosh

ISU MSS23 | Aerospace Engineer | Space Enthusiast
Report contribution
Contrails do affect the environment negatively. Along with altering the precipitation patterns, they can also influence the amount of solar radiation reaching the Earth's surface, affecting the radiative balance in the atmosphere. That said, I believe it also depends on what type of contrails we are talking about. Not all contrails are persistent for longer periods in the sky. Even the altitude of the contrail formation plays a key role in determining its atmospheric impact.

Like

4 Future trends

To address the environmental concerns related to aircraft propulsion, several future trends are emerging in the aerospace engineering field, such as electric propulsion, hybrid propulsion, and biofuels. Electric propulsion can reduce or eliminate fuel consumption and emissions, as well as noise pollution; however, it also poses challenges like battery weight, capacity, and safety. Hybrid propulsion offers flexibility, redundancy, and adaptability; yet it adds complexity, cost, and integration difficulties. Biofuels can reduce the net CO2 emissions of aircraft; however, they also have drawbacks like land use, water consumption, and compatibility with existing engines and infrastructure.

Add your perspective

Venu Ganapuram - Human being

Padma Shri Award nominee, Scientist, TEDx Speaker, Asia's 100 Leaders in Technology, Man of Excellence, Atmanirbhar Bharat Awardee, Innovator, Leader, Philosophical Motivator, Mentor & Board of Advisors
Report contribution
Being an Aerospace Scientist, I focus on the system within the boundary i.e., engine itself. Instead of talking about the factors which are at minimal control, when we use such mode of transport, let’s deliberate on performance improvement of propulsion systems. Complete combustion inside the combustion chamber, regeneration and preheating cycles, endothermic fuels etc., when we commit to improve on these, the emissions and environmental safety will be taken care obviously.

Like

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

Add your perspective

What are the most pressing environmental concerns related to aircraft propulsion?

1

2

3

4

5

1 Greenhouse gas emissions

2 Noise pollution

3 Contrail formation

4 Future trends

5 Here’s what else to consider

Aerospace Engineering

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

More articles on Aerospace Engineering

More relevant reading

What are the most pressing environmental concerns related to aircraft propulsion?

1

2

3

4

5

1 Greenhouse gas emissions

2 Noise pollution

3 Contrail formation

4 Future trends

5 Here’s what else to consider

Aerospace Engineering

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

Explore Other Skills