Sensitivity analysis of a hybrid-electric aircraft powertrain based on Sobol indices

This paper presents a sensitivity analysis based on the Sobol indices which is an essential step "on the road of system optimization". Such analysis focuses on electrical propeller subsystem (propellers, gearbox, electric motors) including surrogate design models. A previous study [1] has shown that electromechanical actuators (electric generators and electric motors) involve more than 30% of hybrid electric propulsion system weight. Furthermore, most of the variables used for the electric machine design. The electric motor design model is detailed with the related constraints. A physical analysis based on design parameter sensitivity and parameter couplings are described. This study will permit to remove insensitive variables in view of simplifying the global optimization process to be achieved at the whole powertrain level.