Method for Propulsion Technology Impact Evaluation via Thermodynamic Work Potential

Recent developments in thermodynamic work potential methods based on the second law of thermodynamics are enabling new and innovative approaches to systems design. These methods can assist designers in quantifying the impact of new technology in a comprehensive and consistent manner. Work potential methods allow the creation of a truly unified picture of aerothermodynamic and weight benefits associated with a given technology and, furthermore, allow the explicit calculation each individual contributing factor constituting that impact. The basic theory for technology evaluation via work potential, how it can be directly related to vehicle mass properties (fuel weight), and a demonstration of its application on a classic propulsion technology selection problem applied to the Northrop F-5E aircraft are described.