APRÈN. Portal de la producció docent del professorat de la UPC

El transporte aéreo es un motor clave de la conectividad global, pero se enfrenta a retos significativos en términos de eficiencia operativa y sostenibilidad. Este trabajo analiza los procesos de handling en el Aeropuerto Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat, centrándose en la identificación de patrones de retrasos y en el diseño de estrategias de optimización para mejorar la puntualidad y la gestión de recursos. Durante 2023, se analizaron 43.570 vuelos, de los cuales un 65,88% registraron retrasos. Aunque solo el 9,6% de estas demoras fueron directamente atribuibles al handling, las diferencias entre tipos de stands y terminales revelaron áreas críticas para mejorar. En la T1, los stands remotos tuvieron un porcentaje de retrasos significativamente alto (75,68%), mientras que, en la T2, los stands remotos presentaron el mejor desempeño (40,11% de retrasos). Estas discrepancias destacan la necesidad de optimizar la planificación operativa, especialmente en la T1, donde se concentra la mayor parte de las operaciones del aeropuerto. Un análisis por duración de los retrasos mostró que la mayoría son menores a 30 minutos, pero los retrasos superiores a 1 hora, aunque menos frecuentes, generan un impacto operativo y económico desproporcionado. Entre las principales causas de los retrasos se identificaron problemas relacionados con la congestión en tierra, restricciones en el control de tráfico aéreo o llegada tardía de los aviones. Sobre esta última causa y la más relevante, se analiza el llamado efecto bola de nieve y se analizan las escalas para saber si se acumula, se mantiene o se mejora el retraso en la salida. Hay que subrayar que los aviones de fuselaje estrecho, al tener escalas de tiempo más reducido, presentan un mayor porcentaje de retrasos que los de fuselaje ancho. El trabajo también comparó estrategias operativas de aerolíneas como Ryanair y KLM. Ryanair, conocida por su modelo low-cost, se enfoca en reducir al mínimo los tiempos de escala mediante procesos estandarizados, mientras que KLM combina la eficiencia operativa con un enfoque en la experiencia del pasajero. Ambas estrategias subrayan la importancia del uso de tecnología avanzada, una formación sólida del personal y la asignación eficiente de recursos para garantizar una operativa fluida. Como propuesta de mejora, se plantean medidas como la implementación de software especializado, como SmartHand, para gestionar operaciones en tiempo real, la reestructuración de turnos con apoyo de diagramas de Gantt y la automatización de procesos clave en el handling. Estas estrategias, combinadas con el uso de GPUs eléctricos, vehículos sostenibles y combustibles alternativos (SAF), no solo reducirían los tiempos muertos y errores humanos, sino que también contribuirían a la sostenibilidad medioambiental de las operaciones aeroportuarias. Si se adoptaran estas estrategias, el aeropuerto de Barcelona se podría llegar a posicionar como un referente global en innovación y sostenibilidad.

This thesis is focused on the development of a computational method for tracking the movement of free-falling objects and detecting their outer contours. In this work, the technique is developed using a data-set representing motion of liquid droplets. Through video processing, individual frames are captured; image processing, filtering, and contour detection techniques are applied; and the data is stored in HDF5 format for analysis. A function has also been developed to relate the same contour to subsequent images, allowing the evolution of the same contour to be observed. The main objective of this project is to obtain a functional and efficient code that provides results suitable for subsequent analysis. In addition, the developed methodology has applications in other areas, such as tracking aircraft and missile trajectories.

Este trabajo de fin de grado presenta el estudio, diseño y adapción de ventiladores de efecto suelo en un vehículo de Formula Student, en colaboración con el equipo BCN eMotorSport. El objetivo principal de este proyecto es mejorar el rendimiento aerodinámico del vehículo mediante el uso de ventiladores que incrementen la adherencia al suelo, optimizando así su comportamiento en pista y su competitividad en carreras. Para llevar a cabo este proyecto, se ha empleado el código desarrollado por el equipo BCN eMotorSport utilizando el software OpenFoam, una potente herramienta de simulación de dinámica de fluidos computacional (CFD). La metodología del proyecto incluye varias fases, comenzando con una investigación sobre ventiladores de efecto suelo y sus aplicaciones en automovilismo. Además, se realizó una búsqueda para identificar el ventilador que mejor se adecuara a los requisitos específicos del proyecto. Una vez seleccionado el ventilador adecuado, se realizaron las simulaciones gracias al acceso que brinda el Consorcio de Servicios Universitarios de Cataluña (CSUC) a su supercomputador para evaluar su impacto en la aerodinámica del vehículo. Estas simulaciones consideraron diversos factores, como la velocidad del aire, la presión y la distribución de la carga aerodinámica, asegurando que la integración del ventilador mejora significativamente el rendimiento del vehículo. Los resultados de las simulaciones indicaron un aumento notable en la carga aerodinámica del vehículo, lo que potencialmente se traduce en un mejor desempeño en condiciones de competencia. Este estudio contribuye al avance de las técnicas aerodinámicas aplicadas en vehículos de Formula Student, proporcionando una base sólida para futuras investigaciones y desarrollos en este campo.

This work addresses the critical challenge of accurately determining the propellant mass in the upper stage tanks of spacecraft under microgravity conditions. This issue is fundamental for optimizing fuel consumption, ensuring mission success, and extending spacecraft operational lifespan. Given the limitations of traditional methods, the study evaluates the Spectral Mass Gauging (SMG) technique, which employs acoustic wave propagation and resonance frequencies to estimate the liquid volume in tanks with greater accuracy. The research is conducted within a comprehensive theoretical framework that includes an analysis of tank designs, materials, and propellant management systems. Subsequently, an experimental procedure is implemented using a cylindrical aluminium tank filled with HFE-7100 liquid at 20% and 80% capacity configurations. Acoustic sensors were strategically placed during the experiments to study the effects of key parameters such as the number of acoustic signal cycles and the tank's orientation. Acoustic signals were generated using a piezoelectric transducer, and the system's responses were analysed through Fast Fourier Transforms (FFT). Additionally, spectral counting functions were investigated to enhance precision in detecting liquid resonance modes and mitigating measurement uncertainties. The conclusions highlight the potential of this technique to overcome the limitations of previous methods and propose future optimisations aimed at enhancing its reliability in space applications. These optimisations include the development of more advanced algorithms and tests under real microgravity conditions, demonstrating the feasibility and reliability of this technology for crucial real-world applications.

This thesis aims to advance ongoing research on spoofing attacks and their growing impact on flight safety and Air Traffic Control (ATC) operations. Spoofing involves the malicious manipulation of GNSS signals, causing the receiver to compute a false position, navigation, or timing solution. In aviation, this false position is generated by the aircraft's GNSS receiver and transmitted to ground facilities via communication systems such as Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B). This study explores the potential use of ADS-B data for detecting spoofing events, focusing on two detection techniques: aircraft Speed Analysis and Time Differences of Arrival (TDOA) Analysis. The research evaluates these methods' effectiveness in identifying two types of spoofing attacks: a sudden position jump in the ADS-B position messages and a smooth trajectory deviation from the actual flight path. Both scenarios were simulated by modifying real ADS-B position messages provided by PildoLabs company. The project integrates theoretical analysis with the development and testing of both detection algorithms implemented in Python. Results demonstrate that TDOA Analysis effectively detects spoofing attacks, whereas Speed Analysis fails to identify smooth trajectory deviations.

This project focuses on studying the feasibility of introducing alternative energy sources into conventional aircrafts to reduce fossil fuel consumption. Currently, the use of electricity as the primary propulsion source for aircraft is not very viable due to the low energy density of actual batteries required to provide an aircraft with a practical range. For this reason, this study explores the introduction of electricity as a complement to fossil fuels to help reduce overall kerosene consumption. The initial idea of the project was to develop a hybrid system alongside existing turbofan engines. However, it became evident that electrification should be introduced gradually and naturally rather than being forced. Therefore, the project focuses on integrating electric energy into specific phases, such as taxiing from the stand to the runway threshold. Both the technological and economic feasibility have been analyzed, and the results are compared with current industry developments, such as the solution proposed by WheelTug. As part of the research, an interview was conducted with the company's current CEO to discuss the project, compare proposed solutions, and explore future industry expectations in the incoming years.

The primary objective of this study is to identify the most suitable fan system to meet the performance requirements of a UAM eVTOL aircraft, developed by ONAerospace. To achieve this goal, various airfoil profiles and propulsion system configurations have been evaluated, including both open and ducted propellers, as well as single and coaxial arrangements with different blade counts (3, 4, and 5). The study is structured into three main phases. Firstly, a theoretical analysis was conducted on the aerodynamic and design principles of propellers, encompassing thrust generation, fluid dynamics, and propeller design methodologies. Secondly, a comprehensive analysis was performed to select the most appropriate airfoil profiles, ensuring a balance between aerodynamic efficiency and acoustic performance. Finally, a computational analysis phase was carried out, involving geometric optimizations using QBlade software, 3D modeling with SolidWorks, and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations to validate the aerodynamic performance of the proposed configurations. The simulation phase considered four main configurations: open-propeller, ducted-propeller, coaxial open-propeller, and coaxial ducted-propeller setups. These simulations enabled the evaluation of the aerodynamic efficiency of each design, taking into account factors such as power consumption, thrust generation, and the reduction of aerodynamic losses. The results obtained partially validate the established objectives. Specifically, the coaxial ducted configuration with a 3-bladed E852 propeller successfully met the thrust requirements, although it exceeded the specified power limits proportionally. The use of ducts increased thrust very efficiently; however, their implementation may necessitate a careful management of weight and aerodynamic drag in horizontal flight. Simultaneously, coaxial configurations demonstrated substantial potential but, required precise optimization of rotor spacing, blade design, and rotational direction. Proper airfoil selection emerged as a critical factor, since suboptimal configurations may lead to minimal thrust gains relative to the increased power demands. Furthermore, the feasibility of variable pitch mechanisms was demonstrated, broadening the operational range of optimized geometries, suggesting opportunities for more efficient performance across different flight regimes. In conclusion, this study establishes a foundation for selecting an optimal propulsion configuration for a UAM eVTOL, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach between aerodynamic efficiency, energy consumption, and technical feasibility.

The integration of Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) aircraft into controlled airspace presents new challenges for instrument flight procedure (IFP) design. Traditional navigation standards, developed primarily for fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters, lack the adaptability required for VTOL operations, particularly in the context of urban air mobility (UAM). Given their vertical take-off and landing capabilities, specialized manoeuvrability, and confined operating envelopes, VTOL aircraft call for a fresh evaluation of existing IFP criteria. This study analyses real-world flight data from the SAMVA project, which tested GPS-based navigation procedures enhanced with Satellite-Based Augmentation Systems (SBAS) on the EHang VTOL EH216. A key focus is the comparison of recorded flight performance with reduced Required Navigation Performance (RNP) values suited to VTOL operations, considering constraints such as urban environments, obstacle clearance, and manoeuvrability limitations. Through a comprehensive data-driven approach, including the evaluation of Flight Technical Error (FTE), Navigation System Error (NSE), and Total System Error (TSE), this research derives optimal RNP criteria for VTOL-specific operations. A key finding of this study is that existing RNP standards, including RNP AR (Authorization Required), may not provide the level of precision necessary for efficient urban VTOL navigation. By proposing adjustments to protection areas and introducing tighter navigation tolerances, this research offers refinements to existing IFP criteria, contributing to more tailored procedure design standards. The results facilitate the safe and efficient integration of VTOL aircraft into modern airspace systems while supporting the broader adoption of UAM technologies.

Active Flow Control (AFC) techniques are currently being in the spotlight of researchers because of its capabilities to improve significantly the aerodynamic performance of airfoils. This bachelor thesis focuses on the use of Synthetic Jet Actuators (SJA) to improve the performance of the NACA 0012 profile at post-stall angles of attack and high Reynolds numbers. This purpose was carried on by performing Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations using pisoFoam, a transient Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) solver, and using the Spalart-Allmaras (S-A) turbulence model. The mesh consisted in a hybrid (containing unstructured and structured grids) C-type mesh, widely used for airfoil simulations. The studied airfoil was the NACA 0012 profile in the post-stall angle of attack alpha=19º at a Reynolds number Re=2e6. After performing a mesh dependence study, comparing the results with experimental wind tunnel literature, the SJA actuated simulations were performed. The results concluded that the use of SJA could significantly improve the aerodynamics of the non-actuated case, finding that the non-dimensional frequency F+ and the momentum coefficient C_mu of the jet had a major impact on the behavior of the airflow, specially influenced by the latter.

This thesis addresses the study of advanced avionics systems for an electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (ONA Jet) aircraft. It focuses on developing communication and navigation systems. These vehicles are designed to operate in urban environments, where precise and safe control are essential. The main objective of the thesis is to adapt and improve the existing avionics system, enhancing its autonomous capabilities and improving flight efficiency and safety. To achieve this, cutting-edge technologies in communication, navigation, and automation are integrated. This not only reduces the pilot's workload but also improves operational safety and efficiency. A detailed analysis of flight management and navigation systems is conducted. Route planning and precise GPS navigation systems are critical for handling the complex take-off and landing operations. Additionally, surveillance and monitoring systems provide real-time data on engine status and battery levels, which is crucial for operating in urban environments with many obstacles. The thesis also addresses the importance of Human-Machine Interfaces (HMI), which allow pilots to interact intuitively and efficiently with the aircraft through touchscreen displays and other advanced interfaces. The use of the Garmin G3000 integrated flight system is highlighted, recognized for its advanced technology and ease of use. Another key aspect is the study for the development of an Autonomous Take-Off and Landing (ATOL) systems. Various sensor-based technologies, such as vision, LiDAR, and radar, are evaluated to ensure safe and reliable autonomous operations. Additionally, an intelligent voice assistant is proposed to reduce the pilot's workload and facilitate single-pilot operations, aiming towards fully autonomous flights in the future. Finally, the thesis explores future technologies such as advanced phased array antennas, software-defined radios (SDR), and 5G connectivity, which have the potential to significantly improve the precision of communication and the operational efficiency of avionics systems. A detailed and advanced plan for the implementation of avionics systems in the ONA Jet is presented, with a strong focus on integrating cutting-edge technologies to enhance safety, efficiency, and sustainability in urban aviation.

La misión PhotSat, un CubeSat de 16U liderado por el Instituto de Estudios Espaciales de Cataluña (IEEC), tiene como objetivo llevar a cabo observaciones astronómicas de alta precisión. Un elemento crítico de esta misión es su Sistema de Determinación y Control de Actitud (ADCS, por sus siglas en inglés), el cual garantiza un apuntamiento preciso del satélite para una adquisición óptima de datos. Dado que los pequeños satélites cuentan con recursos computacionales limitados, la selección de algoritmos de determinación de actitud eficientes y fiables es fundamental. Este proyecto evalúa el rendimiento de algoritmos de determinación de actitud clásicos y avanzados bajo condiciones realistas de la misión. Mientras que los métodos clásicos destacan por su eficiencia computacional, los enfoques avanzados ofrecen una mayor precisión y robustez. Se lleva a cabo un análisis sistemático de eficiencia, precisión, exactitud y robustez en distintos escenarios operativos, incluyendo modo nominal, reorientación y fallo, tanto en ambientes sin ruido como en presencia de este. Para facilitar esta evaluación, se ha desarrollado un simulador en MATLAB integrando modelos realistas de sensores (magnetómetros, sensores solares y giróscopos). Además, el estudio analiza el impacto del ruido y la optimización de parámetros, incluyendo la selección del paso de tiempo y factores de memoria, con el fin de mejorar el rendimiento global. Los resultados indican que, aunque los métodos clásicos destacan por su eficiencia computacional, los algoritmos avanzados, en particular el Filtro de Kalman Extendido (EKF) y el Estimador de Cuaternión Recursivo Óptimo (REQUEST), ofrecen una mayor precisión y adaptabilidad en entornos dinámicos y ruidosos, cuando los parámetros se eligen adecuadamente. Los resultados de este trabajo contribuyen a la optimización del diseño del ADCS para misiones de pequeños satélites, garantizando una determinación de actitud precisa con un mínimo consumo de recursos computacionales.

Navier-Stokes equations are one of the Millennium Problems as today. They define the motion or flow of a fluid and they are one of the pillars of fluid mechanics. The equations were stated in the 19th century, however, the solution to them is incomplete, despite its huge importance in science and engineering. The main problem is to state that for the three-dimensional system of equations, and given some initial conditions, a smooth solution always exists. This is called the Navier-Stokes existence and smoothness problem. At first glance, Navier-Stokes equations are far more complex and applicable to real-world applications, including viscosity, turbulence and flow separation. On the other hand, full potential equation is a great simplification for irrotational, inviscid and isentropic flows. It allows the addition of compressibility effects and provides quick computations into streamlined flows and ideal scenarios. In fluid dynamics, full potential flow is a concept that refers to a fluid flow that is irrotational, meaning that at any point of the fluid the rotation of the velocity field is zero and the viscosity effects are negligible. These assumptions simplify the analysis and computations, making it particularly useful for studying certain types of flows where viscosity can be neglected but the compressibility effects are still present. It is usually used to compute the flow around airfoils and easily compute important parameters as final lift and pressure distribution graphs. The Kutta-Joukowski Theorem makes use of this approach as it enables the computation of the lift force generated by an airfoil in a steady flow. It is very useful in several fields of aerodynamics and aircraft design, because of the structural complexity and reasonable accuracy it offers. Furthermore, modern computational techniques such as advanced algorithms and Machine Learning (ML), a computer can be trained to approximate the final computations of full potential simulations based on large sets of previous known and trusted data. These systems can interpolate previous solutions in order to create new scenarios never seen before by the computer achieving accurate results with much less computation time than classic Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) methods.

Efficient supply chain management in low-cost airlines is a key factor for maintaining competitiveness in a highly demanding industry. These companies, characterized by their focus on cost reduction, face the challenge of ensuring the availability of spare parts for aircraft maintenance while minimizing operational costs and downtime. This work aims to analyze and improve the supply chain from a technical perspective, focusing on inventory management, predictive maintenance, and spare parts flow, excluding aspects such as fleet rotation and routes. First, the existing Stocking Policy is enhanced to include rotable, consumable, and repairable materials. An alert system is implemented to manage the inventory of critical spare parts, considering demand uncertainty and lead times. This system minimizes storage costs without compromising the availability of key components, such as engines and electronic systems. Additionally, a proactive approach is introduced to manage alternate materials, avoiding duplications and optimizing available parts. Second, an alert system is developed for the most critical materials, providing a global view of inventory and allowing for the anticipation of future scenarios with an annual time margin. This system is based on data extracted from AMOS, an essential tool for material management in aviation, and is complemented by Skywise, an advanced analytics platform that enables the development of predictive models and optimization of inventory management processes. Using machine learning algorithms, failures in key components can be predicted, and inventory levels can be adjusted dynamically. Finally, the impact of logistics on maintenance process efficiency is evaluated, highlighting the importance of short-term planning to optimize resources and reduce downtime. Scrap rates are analyzed to identify materials that do not meet performance standards and improvements in repair processes are proposed to maximize the reuse of parts. Additionally, simulation techniques and queuing theory are applied to model the flow of materials within the supply chain, assessing the impact of logistics on maintenance process efficiency. This technical approach optimizes a low-cost airline's supply chain, improving spare parts' availability while reducing costs and downtime. The work proposes practical solutions based on advanced mathematical models, alert systems, and data analysis, contributing to maximizing operational efficiency and competitiveness in the sector.

En el context actual, la sostenibilitat energètica i la reducció de l'impacte ambiental dels edificis són reptes fonamentals en la lluita contra el canvi climàtic. Els edificis consumeixen una part significativa de l'energia global i contribueixen de manera notable a les emissions de gasos amb efecte d'hivernacle. Per aquest motiu, la recerca de solucions innovadores per a la seva eficiència energètica és crucial. Entre les diferents estratègies possibles, la integració de fonts d'energia renovable en l'entorn construït ha guanyat rellevància, i l'energia eòlica es presenta com una opció amb un gran potencial. Aquest treball sorgeix de la voluntat d'explorar la viabilitat d'implementar sistemes de generació eòlica a l'edifici de l'EETAC, amb l'objectiu de convertir-lo en un espai més autosuficient i sostenible. Aprofitant les característiques del vent a la zona, es planteja un estudi aerodinàmic basat en simulacions de dinàmica de fluids computacional (CFD). S'ha desenvolupat un model computacional utilitzant el programa OpenFOAM, aplicant el mètode LES per analitzar els patrons de flux i identificar les zones amb major potencial eòlic. Els resultats mostren que les vores d'atac de l'edifici, especialment a 2-3 metres sobre el terrat, presenten velocitats del vent que poden duplicar la velocitat del flux lliure, indicant un bon potencial per a la generació d'energia. Tot i així, es destaquen limitacions en el modelatge i la qualitat de la malla, que han afectat la precisió dels resultats. Per aquest motiu, es recomana aprofundir en futurs estudis amb models alternatius (com RANS) i considerant factors addicionals com la presència d'edificis propers i variacions en les condicions del vent. Aquest estudi proporciona una base preliminar per a la implementació de tecnologies d'energia renovable en entorns urbans i contribueix als objectius de sostenibilitat de la UPC.

The increasing demand for air transportation has led to congestion in many major airports all over Europe, producing the necessity of innovative solutions to optimize runway capacity and efficiency. This study develops and simulates a model for evaluating airport runway capacity, integrating trajectory-based calculations and simulation methodologies to enhance aircraft operations. The main objectives are the assessment of the impact of different separation standards-ICAO-WTC and RECAT-EU-on runway performance, evaluating their effects on operational efficiency and safety and the creation of a software able to offer basic local solutions. A functional, robust, and efficient simulation tool was developed in C# to model single-runway operations under varying traffic conditions. The model incorporates key parameters such as aircraft separation minima, runway occupancy time, and approach sequencing, providing an accurate representation of real-world airport dynamics. Designed with a simple yet effective structure, the simulator is capable of processing multiple traffic scenarios, ensuring flexibility in analysing operational conditions. The software meets its intended objectives, providing reliable and consistent results across different input conditions. The results demonstrate that the RECAT-EU separation standards significantly improve operational capacity, achieving a 15-20% increase compared to ICAO-WTC. Homogeneous traffic scenarios yielded the highest capacities, while mixed operations highlighted the advantages of optimized separation rules. Additionally, arrival-dominated sequences consistently exhibited higher efficiency than departure-heavy or balanced scenarios. The simulator successfully validated these results, confirming its reliability in estimating runway capacity under different operational settings. This study highlights the importance of simulation-based decision-making tools in modern airport management. The developed simulator is functional, adaptable, and efficient, allowing users to evaluate and optimize runway capacity with ease and accuracy. Future research could expand the model by integrating multi-runway configurations, environmental factors, and real-time traffic flow adjustments to enhance its applicability in dynamic air traffic environment.

La línia d'investigació d'aquest projecte és la de reconèixer les virtuts que presenten les tecnologies dels videojocs per aplicar-les a l'aprenentatge de conceptes claus d'assignatures de carreres universitàries d'enginyeria. En concret, aquesta línia d'investigació l'he centrat en la creació d'un videojoc, que permeti a l'alumnat de l'assignatura d'Estructures i Resistència de Materials a assolir el concepte de centroide mitjançant un aprenentatge esglaonat i intuïtiu. Aquest treball és el resultat del coneixement que he adquirit sobre la utilització i aplicació de la tecnologia dels videojocs com una potent eina d'aprenentatge, l'aplicació de la gamificació, amb la finalitat que aquest aprenentatge pugui ser tant atractiu com eficient, la metodologia que he emprat, basada en la metodologia de recerca en Ciències del Disseny, l'estat de l'art, el disseny i la implementació de les diferents versions creades del videojoc, juntament amb les validacions realitzades després de cadascuna d'elles, els resultats obtinguts i les conclusions a les que he arribat. De fet, si el videojoc ha tingut diferents versions, des de la inicial a la final, és perquè un dels principals objectius que ha tingut la creació d'aquesta activitat formativa ha estat la de proporcionar a l'alumnat un aprenentatge esglaonat, a més d'intuïtiu. El videojoc resultant d'aquest treball ha estat creat sota el motor de desenvolupament de videojocs Unity. La versió final és un videojoc en 2D per a mòbil, concretament per a Android. Presenta diferents nivells de dificultat en funció de la complexitat de les figures, a major complexitat d'aquestes major és la dificultat per trobar el seu centroide. Està complementat per diferents elements gamificatius que permeten esglaonar i potenciar el progrés d'aprenentatge de l'alumnat. La realització d'aquest treball demostra que podem arribar a l'aprenentatge de conceptes complexos en el sentit contrari al que fins ara ha estat el tradicional, és a dir, des de la intuïció i la gamificació.

Este trabajo analiza los tiempos de separación entre aeronaves consecutivas en el Aeropuerto de Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat, centrándose en evaluar su eficiencia operativa y explorar posibles mejoras en la gestión del tráfico aéreo. Actualmente, en Europa las separaciones entre vuelos están reguladas por la normativa RECAT-EU, que establece distancias mínimas basadas en la categoría de turbulencia de estela de cada aeronave. Sin embargo, esta normativa no contempla los tiempos reales de separación que se dan en la operativa diaria. Estos registros temporales no son estáticos, sino que existe una variabilidad. Esta variabilidad se ha analizado para encontrar tendencias y patrones, con el objetivo de disponer de datos que permitan vincular estas distancias con tiempos efectivos de separación para mejorar la gestión aeroportuaria y así optimizar la capacidad en aeropuertos con alta densidad de operaciones, como es el caso de Barcelona-El Prat. Para abordar esta cuestión, se realizó un análisis de datos operacionales del verano de 2024 del Aeropuerto de Barcelona-El Prat utilizando registros ADS-B obtenidos de la plataforma Flightradar24. Estos datos fueron procesados mediante un riguroso trabajo de limpieza y clasificación, organizando las operaciones teniendo en cuenta los siguientes factores: el tipo de operación, la categoría RECAT-EU y la pista utilizada. Posteriormente, se calcularon los tiempos reales de separación entre aeronaves consecutivas, permitiendo analizar su variabilidad y determinar la existencia de patrones que pudieran relacionarse con las distancias establecidas en la normativa vigente. A través de técnicas estadísticas, como el análisis de distribuciones de probabilidad y el cálculo de métricas clave (media, mediana y percentiles), se caracterizaron los tiempos de separación y se evaluaron posibles márgenes para optimizar la operativa sin comprometer la seguridad. Los resultados obtenidos permitieron identificar tendencias en función del tipo de operación y la categoría RECAT-EU, proporcionando información útil para futuras estrategias de optimización. Este estudio busca contribuir a una mejor planificación del tráfico aéreo, reduciendo retrasos y maximizando la utilización de las infraestructuras actuales, sin necesidad de grandes inversiones estructurales.