A NANOTECHNOLOGY AIRCRAFT WITH STEALTH TECHNOLOGY

International Journal of Research In Science & Engineering e-ISSN: 2394-8299
Volume: 1 Issue: 2 p-ISSN: 2394-8280
IJRISE| www.ijrise.org|editor@ijrise.org [13-18]
A NANOTECHNOLOGY AIRCRAFT WITH STEALTH TECHNOLOGY
INDRADEEP KUMAR
Aeronautical Engineering 3rd
year
MATS School of Engineering and IT, MATS University, Raipur
indradeep1989@gmail.com
Abstract- The success of the Aviation Industry (Defense) depends on various factors ranging from less visibility, reduction
of weight, availability of materials with multifunctional properties, carrying more payload, eco-friendly fuels, less fuel
consumption, faster and highly responsive communication systems, less or no repairs, extended and safe life, reduced time
frame of development cycle from concept to implementation and many more. Nanotechnology is recognized as a very strong
innovation driver and is therefore seen as a strategic technology for the world’s future economy. Nano-materials with their
exceptional multifunctional properties may transform the functioning of aviation (Defense) industry dramatically. Stealth
properties give it the unique ability to penetrate an enemy's most sophisticated defenses and threaten its most valued and
heavily defended targets. Stealth refers to the act of trying to hide or evade detection. It is not so much a technology as
a concept that incorporates a broad series of technologies and design features. Stealth does not always refer to radar.
Reducing an aircraft's heat signature is also important. This is usually done by channeling the engine exhaust through long
tubes and mixing it with cooler outside air. This paper shows the modern aviation design requirements like faster, miniature,
highly maneuverable, self-healing, intelligence guided, smart, eco-friendly, light weight warrant for materials with
extraordinary mechanical and multifunctional properties with stealth technology. Stealth technology is the use of special
radar absorbent materials, flat angular surface design and other techniques to minimize the amount of radiation reflected to
a radar installation, causing an aircraft to appear as a much smaller signal or not at all. Stealth means 'low observable'.
KEYWORDS- Nano-craft, Nano-particle, Nano-tube, Nano-phase, Nano-scale, Thermo-phoretic, Chemical Vapor Deposition
(CVD), Particulate film, Crystallinity, Nano-clay, Nano-fibers, Stealth, Low Observability.
INTRODUCTION
The aerospace (Defense) industry is one of the most important heavy industries in the world. Countless companies rely on the
ability to ship products and people around the world with the speed that can only be achieved by air On acquiring the best
performance of Aircraft, it is necessary to find a design of Aircraft so that the efficiency (carrying payload) can be increased.
Therefore, some different methods have been proposed to increase the efficiency. These include Nano -materials. Nano
materials are cornerstones of Nano science and nanotechnology. Nano structure Science and technology is a broad and
interdisciplinary area of research and development activity that has been growing explosively worldwide in the past few years.
It has the Potential for revolutionizing the ways in which materials and products are created and the range and nature of
functionalities that can be accessed. It is already having a significant commercial impact.
Nano-scale: generally refers to the size scale of 1 nanometer (nm) = 10-9
m. It refers to the matter whose length scale, in any
dimension, is approximately 1 to 100 nanometers.
The current trend is limited to use some extent only in the fighter Aircraft but this paper is depicting where and which type of
Nano-materials can be used in almost entire Aircrafts including navigation system. The Nanotechnology is a critical enabling
technology for modern aviation and large-scale power generation with less visibility. It's extensive application, however,
Instability of the particles and Difficulty in synthesis, isolation and application. Stealth technology is a sub-discipline of military
counter measures which covers a range of techniques used with aircraft in order to make them less visible (ideally invisible) to
radar, infrared and other detection methods. Stealth technology (often referred to as "LO", for "low observability") is not a
single technology but is a combination of technologies that attempt to greatly reduce the distances at which a vehicle can be
detected.
HOW NANO MATERIALS ARE FORMED?
Nano-materials can be created with various Modulation dimensionalities as: zero (atomic clusters, filaments and cluster
assemblies), one (multilayer), two (ultrafine-grained over layers or buried layers), and three (Nano-phase materials consisting of
equi-axed nanometer sized grains).
For an fighter aircraft generally Nano-materials are formed by Gas Phase synthesis process as follows:

1. In homogeneous Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD), particles form in the gas phase and diffuse towards a
cold surface due to Thermo-Phoretic forces, and can either be scrapped of fromthe cold surface to give Nano-powders,
or deposited onto a substrate to yield what is called ‘particulate films’.
2. In heterogeneous CVD, the solid is formed on the substrate surface, which catalyzes the reaction and a dense film is
formed.
3. In order to form Nano-materials several modified CVD methods have been developed. Gas phase processes have
inherent advantages, some of which are noted here:
4. An excellent control of size, shape, crystallinity and chemical composition
5. Highly pure materials can be obtained
6. Multi-component systems are relatively easy to form and Easy control of the reaction mechanisms.
PROPERTIES OF NANO-MATERIALS
Nano-materials have the structural features in between of those of atoms and the bulk materials. While most micro-structured
materials have similar properties to the corresponding bulk materials, the properties of materials with nanometer dimensions are
significantly different from those of atoms and bulks materials. This is mainly due to the nanometer size of the materials wh ich
render them:
 large fraction of surface atoms;
 high surface energy;
 spatial confinement;
 Reduced imperfections, which do not exist in the corresponding bulk materials.
Due to their small dimensions, Nano-materials have extremely large surface area to volume ratio, which makes a large to be the
surface or interfacial atoms, resulting in more “surface” dependent material properties. Especially when the sizes of Nano-
materials are comparable to length, the entire material will be affected by the surface properties of Nano-materials.
NOVEL PROPERTY
Small size effect (Quantum size effect)
--Contain very small number of atoms (molecules)
--Electromagnetic forces are dominant.
--Wave particle duality. The electrons exhibit wave behavior.
--Quantum confinement.
--Discrete energy levels
WHY NANOMATERIALS?
Nano-materials can be metals, ceramics, polymeric materials, or composite materials so it can be used anywhere in the fighter
Aircraft depending on the necessity.
Nano-materials for different Sectors of Aviation Industry
Nano-materials can be primarily used in three areas of Aviation Industry. These are:
1. AIRFRAME STRUCTURE 2. AERO-ENGINE PARTS

3. AIRCRAFT ELECTRO-COMMUNICATION SYSTEM
1. NANO-MATERIALS IN AIRFRAME STRUCTURE
Properties of Materials required for Airframe Structure:
The design requirements of the materials to be used in Airframe Structure are:
 Light Weight
 High Strength
 High Toughness
 Corrosion Resistance
 Easy Reparability & Reusability
 Less Maintenance & Durability
NANO-MATERIALS WHICH CAN FULFILL THE REQUIREMENTS:
The modern aviation design requirements like faster, miniature, highly maneuverable, self-healing ,intelligence guided, smart,
eco-friendly, lightweight and stealth systems warrant for materials with extraordinary mechanical and multifunctional
properties.
Carbon Nano-tube (CNT) based Polymer Composites:
Properties of CNT based polymer composites are their wide range of Young’s Modulus, High Specific Strength, Crash
Resistance and Thermal Performance and these properties can provide conventional composites and light weight metals. Some
CNT based composites which can be used for Airframe structure are: CNT/Epoxy, CNT/Polyimide, and CNT/PP
Fig: Nano-tube Fig: film Grapheme
Nano-clays reinforced Polymer Composites:
Properties of these composites are: Barrier Properties, Thermal and Flame Retardant.
Metal Nano-particles incorporated Composites:
The extra ordinary electrostatic discharge and electro-magnetic interference (EMI) shielding properties of these composites
make them the probable futuristic solution for making the structure which is resistant to lightning strikes.
2. NANO-COATINGS FOR AERO-ENGINE PARTS
The coatings are generally used for protecting the structures and surfaces of the aircraft fromharsh environments. The stringent
requirements like resistance to extreme temperatures, extreme climates, corrosion, abrasion and wear of engine part shave
sparked an increased demand for more reliable high performance coatings. Some Nano-materials Coatings with improved high-
temperature properties may allow higher engine-operating temperatures and therefore improved performance in the future. In
particular, magnesium alloys, which are far lighter than steel or aluminium, are prone to corrosion, due to the high chemical

reactivity of magnesium. Coatings can help prevent corrosion, but the type, typically used contain chromium
complexes which are a highly toxic pollutant. Materials used for these novel anti-corrosion Nano-coatings include silicon and
boron oxides, and cobalt-phosphorous Nano-crystals. Nano-coatings are also now being used on turbine blades and other
mechanical components which have to withstand high temperatures and friction wear. Tribological coatings can drastically
lower the friction coefficient and improve resistance to wear - this greatly improves the efficiency of the engines.
Many Nano-structured and Nano-scale coating materials have been suggested as possible friction modifying agents, such as
carbides, nitrides, metals, and various ceramics few are as follows:
 SiC Nano-particles in SiC-particle-reinforced alumina
 TiN Nano-crystallites embedded in amorphous Si3N4 are used for Wear-resistant coatings.
 The Nano-composite coatings made of crystalline Carbide, Diamond like Carbide and metal Di-Chalcogenide,
TiN are used for low friction and wear resistant applications of aircraft.
 Nano-tube and Nano-particles (Nano-graphite, Nano-Aluminium) containing polymer coating are used for electrostatic
discharge, EMI shielding and low Friction applications of aircraft surfaces.
3. NANO-MATERIALS FOR AIRCRAFT ELECTRO-COMMUNICATION COMPONENTS
CNTs have unique set of properties, including ballistic electron transport and a huge current carrying capacity,
which make them of great interest for future Nano-electronics.
Magnetic Nano-particles (Iron oxide Nano-particles i.e. Fe2O3&Fe3O4)
Incorporated polymer films and composites can be used in various Data Storage Media.
Fig: Nano-particle
Ceramic Nano-particles like Barium Titanate, Barium Strontium Titanate are used for making Super Capacitors.
MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) and NEMS (Nano Electro Mechanical Systems) offer the possibility of
developing a standard fuel management unit which controls the fuel control in aero-engines.
WHAT IS STEALTH TECHNOLOGY?
Stealth technology is the use of special radar absorbent materials, flat angular surface design and other techniques to minimize
the amount of radiation reflected to a radar installation, causing an fighter aircraft or other vehicle to appear as a much smaller
signal or not at all. Stealth means 'low observable'. Stealth technology was first used on aircraft such as the stealth bomb er due
to the reliance of air defense systems such as surface to air missiles on radar guidance. The very basic idea of Stealt h
Technology in the military is to 'blend' in with the background. The motive behind incorporating stealth technology in an
aircraft is not just to avoid missiles being fired at is but also to give total deniability to covert operations. This is very much
useful to strike targets where it is impossible to reach. Thus we can clearly say that the job of a stealth aircraft pilot is not to let
others know that he was ever there.
AIM OF STEALTH TECHNOLOGY
The idea is for the radar antenna to send out a burst of radio energy, which is then reflected back by any object it happens to
encounter. The radar antenna measures the time it takes for the reflection to arrive, and with that information can tell how far
away the object is. The metal body of an airplane is very good at reflecting radar signals, and this makes it easy to find an d track
airplanes with radar equipment. The goal of stealth technology is to make an airplane invisible to radar. There are two different
ways to create invisibility: The airplane can be shaped so that any radar signals it reflects are reflected away from the rad ar

equipment. The airplane can be covered in materials that absorb radar signals. The goal of stealth techniques is to
bounce so little radar power back to its source that the target is nearly impossible to detect or track.
DETECTION TECHNIQUES
Following are techniques of detection for aircraft
 RADAR
 Heat detection
 Turbulence detection
 Visual detection
Radar is a system that allows the location, speed, and/or direction of a vehicle to be tracked. The word "radar" is actually an
acronym standing for Radio Detection And Ranging since the device uses radio waves to detect targets. Radar works by
sending out pulses of these electromagnetic waves and then "listening" for echoes bounced back by targets of interest. Even
though a radar may transmit megawatts of power in a single pulse, only a tiny fraction of that energy is typically bounced
back to be received by the radar antenna. The amount of power returned froma target to the transmitting radar depends on
four major factors:
1. The power transmitted in the direction of the target
2. The amount of power that impacts the target and is reflected back in the direction of the radar
3. The amount of reflected power that is intercepted by the radar antenna
4. The length of time in which the radar is pointed at the target.
STEALTH TECHNIQUES
Stealth Technology is used in the construction of mobile military systems such as aircrafts and ships to significantly reduce their
detection by enemy, primarily by an enemy RADAR. The way most airplane identification works is by constantly bombarding
airspace with a RADAR signal. Other methods focus on measuring acoustic (sound) disturbances, visual contact, and infrared
(heat) signatures. Stealth technologies work by reducing or eliminating these telltale signals. Panels on planes are angled s o that
radar is scattered and no signal returns. Planes are also covered in a layer of absorbent materials that reduce any other signature
the plane might leave. Shape also has a lot to do with the `invisibility' of stealth planes. Extreme aerodynamics keeps air
turbulence to a minimum and cut down on flying noise. Special low-noise engines are contained inside the body of the plane.
Hot fumes are then capable of being mixed with cool air before leaving the plane. This fools heat sensors on the ground. This
also keeps heat seeking missiles from getting any sort of a lock on their targets.
Fig: Radar Detection Technique
Fig: Stealth Technique
WHY STEALTH TECHNIQUE
 The goal of stealth technology is to make an airplane invisible to radar. There are two different ways to create invisibility:
 The airplane can be shaped so that any radar signals it reflects are reflected away from the radar equipment.
 The airplane can be covered in materials that absorb radar signals.

 Most conventional aircraft have a rounded shape. This shape makes themaerodynamic, but it also creates a
very efficient radar reflector. The round shape means that no matter where the radar signal hits the plane, s ome of the signal
gets reflected back:
 A stealth aircraft, on the other hand, is made up of completely flat surfaces and very sharp edges. When a radar signal hits a
stealth plane, the signal reflects away at an angle, like this:
 In addition, surfaces on a stealth aircraft can be treated so they absorb radar energy as well. The overall result is that a
stealth aircraft can have the radar signature of a small bird rather than an airplane. The only exception is when the plane
banks -- there will often be a moment when one of the panels of the plane will perfectly reflect a burst of radar energy back
to the antenna.
DISADVANTAGES OF NANO-MATERIALS
1. Instability of the particles - Retaining the active metal Nano-particles is highly challenging, as the kinetics associated
with Nano-materials is rapid. In order to retain
2. Nano-size of particles, they are encapsulated in some other matrix. Nano-materials are Thermodynamically meta-stable
and lie in the region of high-energy local-minima. Hence They are prone to attack and undergo transformation. These
include poor corrosion Resistance, high solubility, and phase change of Nano-materials. This leads to deterioration in
properties and retaining the structure becomes challenging.
3. Fine metal particles act as strong explosives owing to their high surface area coming in direct contact with oxygen.
Their exothermic combustion can easily cause explosion.
4. Impurity - Because Nano-particles are highly reactive, they inherently interact with impurities as well.
5. Difficulty in synthesis, isolation and application - It is extremely hard to retain the size of Nano-particles once they are
synthesized in a solution. Hence, the Nano-materials have to be encapsulated in a bigger and stable molecule/material.
Hence free
6. Recycling and disposal - There are no hard-and-fast safe disposal policies evolved for Nano-materials. Issues of their
toxicity are still under question, and results of exposure experiments are not available. Hence the uncertainty associated
with effects of Nano-materials is yet to be assessed in order to develop their disposal policies.
DISADVANTAGES OF STEALTH TECHNOLOGY
Stealth technology has its own disadvantages like other technologies.
 Stealth aircraft cannot fly as fast or is not maneuverable like conventionalaircraft.
 Anotherserious disadvantage with the stealth aircraft is the reduced amount of payload it can carry. As most of the
payload is carried internally in a stealth aircraft to reduce the radar signature,weapons can only occupy a less amount
of space internally. On the other hand a conventionalaircraft can carry much more payload than any stealth aircraft of
its class.
CONCLUSION
The above details shows that the potential of Nano-materials with Stealth Technology in Aviation (Defense) Sector. Using
Nano-technology with Stealth Technology in aviation gives the Low Observability with Light Weight, High Strength, High
Toughness, Corrosion Resistance, Easy Reparability & Reusability, Less Maintenance & Durability with increase in carrying
Pay load hence it becomes cheaper, safer and used for protecting to be the target than the conventional. These technology has
some drawback also but due to above reason it can be ignored.
AKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I would like to thanks Late M. Nirmala (Administrator Ganesh Institute of Engineering, Chennai), E. Natarajan (Professor
Mechanical Engineering, Anna University, Chennai) Mr. Ramesh Chandra Lal Das and Mira Devi (parents) for their full
support for making this paper
REFERENCES
1. EPA Nanotechnology White Paper
2. http://www.nnin.org/nnin_edu.html
3. http://www.workingin-nanotechnology.com
4. www.totalairdominance.com
5. www.howstuffworks.com

A NANOTECHNOLOGY AIRCRAFT WITH STEALTH TECHNOLOGY

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A NANOTECHNOLOGY AIRCRAFT WITH STEALTH TECHNOLOGY