Joseph Ritchie

Created and used an analytical model to investigate the feasibility of a vapour-cooled shield system for the fuel tank of a hydrogen-powered aircraft.

• Effectively communicated with the fuel system engineering team to determine the requirements for the model.
• Conducted independent research in order to implement the required features.
• Created a steady-state model of heat transfer into the hydrogen fuel tank using MATLAB.
• Used the completed model to predict the vapour-cooled shield performance, and presented my findings to the wider company, including technical and non-technical personnel.

Involved with the design and analysis of the hydrogen fuel system, working closely with the Head of Power System Engineering, as well as the other members of the power systems team

• Used Excel and MATLAB to create tools for valve sizing, and to complete a preliminary mass estimate of the hydrogen fuel system.
• Conducted preliminary market research, independently contacting manufacturers to assess their capability to meet component requirements.
• Participated in weekly fault tree risk analysis meetings.