Reduced Environmental Impact of Aviation through Technological Advancement of Turbo Jet Engines

This article discusses the technological advancements in turbo jet engines that have reduced the environmental impact of aviation. It explores the various environmental impacts of turbo jet engines and the measures taken to mitigate them. The article also highlights the development of gas turbine propulsion and its positive environmental effects. It concludes with the potential future advancements in reducing the environmental impact of aviation.

Running Head: INTRODUCTION TO AVIATION
0
Mechanical Engineering
Introduction to Aviation
(Student details :)
3/15/2019

Introduction to Aviation
1
Contents
Reduced Environmental Impact of Aviation through the Technological Advancement of the
Turbo Jet Engines.......................................................................................................................2
Introduction................................................................................................................................2
Reduced environmental impact of aviation through the technological advancement of the
Turbo jet engines........................................................................................................................3
Environmental Impacts of Turbo Jet Engines operations......................................................3
Noise..................................................................................................................................3
Land-usage.........................................................................................................................4
Air Quality.........................................................................................................................4
Technological advancements in Turbo jet engines operation which have reduced
environmental impacts (e-impacts)........................................................................................4
Development of the Gas Turbine Propulsion an its environmental impacts......................4
Suggested technological measures to reduce the e-impacts in future....................................8
Conclusion..................................................................................................................................8
References..................................................................................................................................9

Introduction to Aviation
2
Reduced Environmental Impact of Aviation through the Technological
Advancement of the Turbo Jet Engines
Introduction
This article is focused on technological improvements caused by advancements in
Aviation. Article will assess how promising are the technological developments in
technology while promoting a sustainable as well as environmentally aware aviation industry.
Aviation operations considerably impacts the environment mainly because of the
aircraft and turbojet engines emitting harmful gases, noise, and particulates that significantly
contribute to climate change as well as global warming (Dimitriou & Voskaki, 2010). In
addition, the quick growth of air travel in modern years subsidizes to an upsurge in whole
pollution attributable to global aviation industry. Hence, the article presents how the
technological advancements of the turbojet engines have condensed the environmental
impacts caused from aviation (Agarwal, 2012). As it is well-aware that aviation cause the
major pollution through CO2 emissions hence the main technological developments of
mitigating environmental impacts consists of measures of reducing these emissions to a large
extent (Bass & Dalal-Clayton, 2012). In this context, technology has optimized turbojet
engines’ efficiency, and air-routes, invented bio-fuels as well as improved jet functioning
processes which has ultimately reduced eco-logical impacts of aviation (Dincer, Colpan, &
Kadioglu, 2013). In this way, a detailed discussion over affected environment and improved
environment with the use of technological advancements within the field of jet engines
evolution is taking place. In order to evaluate how the technology has contributed into
minimizing environmental impacts of turbojet engines the article is going to critically analyse
mitigating effects of aviation through advanced technology (Blewitt, 2008).

Introduction to Aviation
3
Reduced environmental impact of aviation through the technological
advancement of the Turbo jet engines
Source: (Barrow, 2008)
Environmental Impacts of Turbo Jet Engines operations
Here, research over the aviation industry to find its likely impacts to environment has
been conducted. In this context, 3 major types of pollution caused by turbojet engines include
noise pollution, gaseous emissions and discharge of particles into the air. Out of above three
types, gaseous emissions are the most dangerous kind of pollution which airline enterprises
require to control (Upham, Janet, & David, 2009). While researching over the issue, it has
been found that people, who are living near airports and air-craft stations, are having the
minimal knowledge on the presence of particle emissions through turbojet engines of aircrafts
(Gonzalez, Duque, & Restrepo, 2017).
In addition, gaseous emissions include C0x, N0x and S0x compounds have been
comprehensively founded as the pollutants of aviation by the scientists and aviation experts
(Kilkis, 2016). Hence, affected environment has further segregated into following three
segments:
Noise
At a native level, noise pollution seems to be the major issue in the previous 20 years.
Additionally, major impacts of noise and waste are seen in the nearby places of airports
(Casalino, Diozzi, Sannino, & Paonessa, 2009). In this context, people who have stayed for a

Introduction to Aviation
4
long-time near an airport usually observed annoyed from the noise coming through jets,
aircrafts take-off as well as landing activities (Barrow, 2008).
Moreover, recent advanced technologies have implemented some important measures
to reduce environmental impacts of aviation by constructing large airports for reducing noise
levels. On the other hand, technological systems like operating restrictions and limits, noise
monitoring systems, air-traffic management, home insulation as well as anti-noise barriers
have also been implemented to reduce pollution caused by aviation.
Land-usage
In general, land usage compatibility directly affects the surrounding land areas around
an airport. In this context, airports consume huge land and even a periphery around the
airports cannot be utilised for some useful works and building communities. This is the
reason land pollution caused by jet engines and air-crafts is high and considerable (Bibri &
Krogstie, 2017).
Air Quality
As per the data resulted from the research conducted by environmentalists, scientists
aviation majorly alters air quality. As turbojet engines liberate CO2 and other harmful gases
which considerably deprive the air quality in which all living creatures are sustaining hence,
air pollution is a major ill-effect of aviation over the earth’s environment (Dincer, Colpan, &
Kadioglu, 2013).
Technological advancements in Turbo jet engines operation which have
reduced environmental impacts (e-impacts)
Development of the Gas Turbine Propulsion an its environmental impacts
Gas-turbine engine is a main part of technological revolution in the field of aviation.
In this context, an internal-combustion engine using any gas being the operating fluid for
rotating a turbine then it is known as turbo gas propulsion turbine. This term is typically used
for describing a comprehensive engine comprising of a compressor, combustion chamber, as
well as a turbine. In this way, desired work or propulsive shove can easily be acquired
through a gas-turbo engine. Besides, this kind of engine is able to drive a propeller,
generator, and pump. In case of an unpolluted jet aircraft engine, this engine develops thrust
from accelerating the turbine dissipate flow by using a nozzle. In addition, huge amounts of
mechanical power can easily be generated through such kind of engine, for the similar input.

Introduction to Aviation
5
Additionally, this turbojet engine is much smaller as well as lighter than
a conventional internal-combustion engine. However, reciprocating IC engines greatly
depends upon the up-and-down indication of a piston that needs to be transformed for rotary
motion through a crankshaft arrangement. On the other hand, a turbojet gas turbine can
transfer rotary shaft power directly. Therefore, gas-turbine engines installation is usually
restricted to huge units where these engines become cost-effective.
Moreover, environmental objectives of the turbojet with the development of the gas
turbine propulsion are as follows:
 Turbojet reduced NOx emissions to a large extent that is below 1g/kWh
 Turbojet improved thermal efficiency of jet engines through at least 38 per cent.
 Turbojet engines enabled application of marine diesel oil into jet engines which has
considerably reduced environmental impacts of aviation.
In this modern era, various technologies have been designed for reducing the
environmental impacts of flying jet and air-crafts. However, the concept of greener air-crafts,
with the use of advanced technologies is still in progress. Moreover, technologies have
brought further gains in turbojet engines’ efficiency during the last decades. Besides, larger
planes with greater number of seats are allowing somewhat lesser emissions per flight
passenger. However, eco-friendly planes have not been invented as the problem is that
electrical motors are not able to produce adequate power for getting a plane off the ground. In
this way, technologies are using biofuels being the only alternative to kerosene-based
aviation fuels (Gossling & Upham, 2009).
Yet, many airports around the world which threaten local communities’ health exist.
In this context, the writer suggesting that major advances in modern technology is the
primary catalyst which has renovated aviation since their beginning 96 years ago. With the
help of technological advancements, the modern airports are pushing their capacity limits on
account for increased demand of the millennial era. In order to fulfil each and every demand
driven by economics, technologies have produced larger as well as more efficient aircrafts
while also offering improvements in safety, navigation, and aviation communications.

Introduction to Aviation
6
Source: (Upham, Janet, & David, 2009)
The recent technologies in global aviation industry are clearly suggesting that new
millennium will definitely bring larger, quicker, higher-flying aircrafts embedded with
improved turbojet-engines. The new aircrafts driven by new advanced turbojet engines are
carrying more passengers as well as more cargo which is an attempt to reduce their
environmental impacts considerably. Building and construction technologies are further
improving airport development containing runways, terminals, taxiways and roads which are
known for huge environmental impacts.
Furthermore, important advancements in technology within the field of aviation, in
combination with regulatory orders, have significantly minimized noise effects progressively
over the previous 20 years. Hence, such downward trend that is based upon this era’s
evaluation metrics is anticipated to last through era 2025. While focusing on the comparison
amid the old jet model operation as well as the new jet model operation, new ones work
somewhat different for reducing environmental impacts of jet engines.
For an example, the old model of jet engine used to create so much noise. Later then, new
turbo jet engines have been designed to reduce noise (Astley, 2015). In this context, the major
factor which is driving down jet engines’ noise is bypass ratios. Here, the bypass ratio is a
proportion of the air that enters the jet engine inlet and bypassing the turbojet it exits at less
speed, as comparative to the hot, high-speed jet through the jet engine core.

Introduction to Aviation
7
In this way, in order to reduce noise bypass ratio has risen so that the air entering turbojet
engines of the first aircrafts passed from the engine. In the old jet turbofan designs of the
1960s as well as early 1970s it was not there, while the jet engines powering huge modern
aircrafts today like the Boeing 787, B777, Airbus A380, and Airbus A350 pull only a 10th of
the air into the jet engine cores (Astley, 2015). Thus, new jet engines have greater, more
leisurely-rotating fans along with the fewer blades and hence all such features reduce the
aircraft's noise pollution (Astley, 2015). In addition, greater-sized aircrafts with greater
engines, provincial turbojets, as well as hyper- and supersonic aircrafts are redefining
tolerable noise levels and modelling methodologies as well. In this way, noise mitigation
being the major pollution caused by aviation, is getting reduced through technologies such as
soundproofing, curfews, as well as operational procedures (Astley, 2015). Besides, evolved
building soundproofing system of the new era includes anti-noise devices in the home or
offices, which easily cancel out aircraft engine noises.
In this context, important measures which are recently utilizing by the airports include
reducing the carbon footprints, managing emissions which are under direct control of the
airports. Furthermore, evolvement of less emission power generation plants, improvements in
energy-efficiency and conservation, ground fleet conversions, and renewable energy supplies
to airports have also become possible after recent technological advancements. In addition, in
some situations utilization of hydropower, geothermal, solar or wind power is being done for
covering an important proportion of regular energy requirements (Birol, 2018). On the other
hand, many airports are focusing over their energies for achieving carbon neutral operations
through offsetting carbon liberations, which is again a result of novel technological
developments (Herring & Roy, 2008).
Here, it will be worth mentioning the names of the airports, which have recently
become carbon accredited for ensuring energy efficient operations, reducing overall costs,
rising airport’s profile as well as credibility (Kennedy, Combes, & Bellamy, 2010). Recent
technologies are also allowing aviation industry to secure a future license to grow through
introducing sustainable practices. Technological advancements in aircraft designs and
operation is majorly contributing to reduced pollution as well as less production of
greenhouse gases due to both of the airports and airlines have been putting notable efforts
(Wood, Bows, & Anderson, 2010). Besides, during the global aeronautics exposition which

Introduction to Aviation
8
has ended in Paris, many major airlines have been promised for reducing CO2 emissions per
passenger through 20 % within the upcoming 6 years, majorly by utilising eco-friendly
cleaner fuels which are presently under trials (Stettler, Eastham, & Barrett, 2011).
Technologies invented in millennium era are trying to restrict the hike in aircraft production
of harmful greenhouse gases like methane, by the year 2020. Subsequently, if the world will
keep on the same track, then we can definitely meet the goal of sustaining the global increase
in the Earth’s temperature from 1 to 2 degrees Celsius by the end of this era (National
Research Council, 2010).
In this way, from the environmental impacts point of view, technological inventions
are increasingly evolving the ways in which environment can be preserved and sustained for
future. Various concerns such as noise, air-pollution, climate change, water-pollution, waste
management and bio-diversity have been successfully addressed to some extent however;
further improvement is needed to a large extent. Still, in terms of already achieved progress
in the area of environmental management, technological advancements have reduced noise,
land and water pollution while managing the waste by improving design and construction of
turbojet or aircraft engines (Agarwal, 2012).
Suggested technological measures to reduce the e-impacts in future
There are some future suggestions by the writer of this article in order to further
improve environmental management for a sustainable future perspective as follows:
 Bio-fuels which are used as an alternative to conventional fuels are not an ideal
solution, since such fuels can become problematic for environment as it would take an
enormous mass of the globe's arable land for growing enough crops for fuelling whole
world's turbojet engines. Hence, writer suggests that scientists and aviation experts
should research and evolve some eco-friendly engines, which can compete with eco-
friendly cars (Blewitt, 2008).
 As per the recent news and data, larger, new-generation aircrafts, counting space
planes, will raise demand of longer runways as well as extra land for the take-off and
landing of the aircrafts. In addition, at commuter as well as common aviation airports,
local jets will also increase claim for lengthier runways as well as extra land for
increased number of gates because of an increased number of flights. Hence, the
aviation development of the upcoming millennium should be parallel that of the
newly made cities (Stettler, Eastham, & Barrett, 2011).

Introduction to Aviation
9
 As we know that, the denser the airport will develop, the environmental impacts such
as societal, noise, wetlands will also grow more. Thus, the future global aviation
industry should evaluate such impacts related to continue dwindling obtainability of
land space (Wood, Bows, & Anderson, 2010).
 More research over the turbojet engine designing and alternative fuels of turbojet
engines is needed to fulfil future demands of millennials (Bass & Dalal-Clayton,
2012).
Conclusion
In conclusion, research study conducted for this article successfully evaluated how
has the recent technological advancements reduced the adverse environmental impacts of
turbojet engines in the aviation industry. In this way, the article was able to show that there
are significant results on how technology impacted environmental positively within the field
of aviation. Although, this research data acknowledged the fact that the aviation field places
countless unseen problems over the natural environment, yet technological inventions and
developments have successfully reduced these adverse impacts and are continuing with the
process. However, the article also found that a lack of alternative fuel resources for further
cleaner, cheaper as well as readily available fuels is causing major ill-effects on the
environment. Hence, the writer has suggested some sustainable practices and research areas
in order to improve environmental balance in future. Finally, this article talked over the topic
how the technological advancements of the turbojet engines have minimized the
environmental impacts of aviation industry on global environment. Thus, this article’s
findings are directing readers towards the direction of moving ahead with the more advanced
technological developments in order to mitigate the adverse environmental impacts of
aviation in upcoming future.
References
Agarwal, R. (2012). Review of technologies to achieve sustainable (green) aviation. Recent
advances in aircraft technology, 2-4.
Astley, J. (2015, 07 08). Jet engines are getting quieter. Retrieved from The Conversation:
https://phys.org/news/2015-07-jet-quieter.html

Introduction to Aviation
10
Barrow, C. (2008). Environmental Management for Sustainable Development (2nd Edition
ed.). USA: Routledge.
Bass, S., & Dalal-Clayton, B. (2012). Sustainable development strategies: a resource book.
London: Routledge.
Bibri, S., & Krogstie, J. (2017). Smart sustainable cities of the future: An extensive
interdisciplinary literature review. Sustainable Cities and Society, 31, 183-212.
Birol, F. (2018). Energy is at the heart of the sustainable development agenda to 2030.
Retrieved 10 26, 2018, from
https://www.iea.org/newsroom/news/2018/march/energy-is-at-the-heart-of-the-
sustainable-development-agenda-to-2030.html
Blewitt, J. (2008). Understanding Sustainable Development. UK: Earthscan.
Casalino, D., Diozzi, F., Sannino, R., & Paonessa, A. (2009). Aircraft noise reduction
technologies: a bibliographic review. Aerospace Science and Technology, 12(1), 1-17.
Dimitriou, D., & Voskaki, A. (2010). Regional airports’ environmental management: key
messages from the evaluation of ten European airports. International Journal of
Sustainable Development and Planning, 5(2), 150-162.
Dincer, I., Colpan, C., & Kadioglu, F. (2013). Causes, impacts and solutions to global
warming. UK: Springer Science and Business Media.
Gonzalez, J., Duque, E., & Restrepo, J. (2017). Green airport infrastructure in Colombia:
opportunities for public-private partnerships schemes. London: Pertanika J Sci
Technol.
Gossling, S., & Upham, P. (2009). Climate change and aviation: Issues, challenges and
solutions. UK: Earthscan.
Herring, H., & Roy, R. (2008). Technological innovation, energy efficient design and the
rebound effect. Technovation, 27(4), 194-203.
Kennedy, D., Combes, B., & Bellamy, O. (2010). Options for reducing emissions to 2050.
USA: BAN Ki-moon.

Introduction to Aviation
11
Kilkis, S. (2016). Sustainable development of energy, water and environment systems index
for Southeast European cities. Journal of cleaner production, 130, 222-234.
National Research Council. (2010). For greener skies: Reducing environmental impacts of
aviation. UK: National Academics Press'.
Stettler, M., Eastham, S., & Barrett, S. (2011). Air quality and public health impacts of UK
airports. Part I: Emissions. Atmospheric environment, 45(31), 5415-5424.
Upham, P., Janet, M., & David, R. (2009). Towards sustainable aviation. UK: Earthscan.
Wood, F., Bows, A., & Anderson, K. (2010). Apportioning aviation CO2 emissions to
regional administrations for monitoring and target setting. Transport Policy, 17(4),
206-215.