Synergistic Integration of Hyperconducting Electric Propulsion and Composite Structures with Intelligent Morphing for Hydrogen-Powered Aviation

HyperMorpH focuses on hybrid-electric hydrogen-powered aircraft architectures. It suggests that as liquid hydrogen (LH2) becomes available for zero-emissions aircraft, cryogenically-cooled electric propulsion systems will become more economically viable. Advanced, sustainable composites, particularly advanced FRPs, will play a crucial role in this high-efficiency propulsion system due to their superior properties in demanding thermal and electromagnetic environments. HyperMorpH aims to develop a cryogenic ultra-light and high-power density hyperconductive electric motor using fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites. Additionally, it will explore how this propulsion system can benefit from coupled aerostructure/propulsion systems integration, focusing on optimal aft-fuselage Boundary Layer Ingestion (BLI) configurations. The project will also investigate hybridization with under-the-wing H2 combustion turbine engines to enhance power supply during critical flight phases. To enable the HyperMorpH propulsion system concept, it will develop advanced composite materials, including self-morphing thermoplastic-based FRPs and metastructures, using sustainable and high-volume manufacturing techniques. Cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence (AI)-supported digital tools will facilitate multidisciplinary analysis and technology integration. The project will culminate in a laboratory-scale validation (TRL 4) of the integrated system, showcasing FRP-enabled cryocooled electric motors and next-generation self-morphing BLI propulsors, with the aim of achieving carbon neutrality in the aviation sector by 2050.