Assurance–Traceability–Risk Modeling for Verification-Ready Design of a Multi-Fuel Aircraft Reciprocating Engine Test Cell

This study developed and applied an Assurance–Traceability–Risk (ATR) framework for Phase 1 conceptual design assurance of a multi-fuel aircraft reciprocating engine test cell for aviation education and applied research. The study addressed the need for a pre-construction method that links stakeholder requirements, technical feasibility assessments, safety controls, and verification planning prior to fabrication or commissioning. Using Design Science Research and a convergent mixed-methods design, the study integrated stakeholder inputs, technical expert interviews, requirements coding, traceability analysis, hazard-control mapping, Expert Feasibility Validation, and Verification Readiness Index scoring. The requirements baseline identified 42 stakeholder-derived requirements across seven categories: fuel architecture, controls and interlocks, instrumentation and data acquisition, ventilation and exhaust, structural layout, procedures, and verification readiness. Traceability analysis showed that all requirements were source-linked, 92.9% were linked to design features, 83.3% to verification methods, and 81.0% were trace-complete. Safety mapping identified 18 hazard scenarios, with 88.9% linked to controls and 77.8% having dual-control coverage. The overall VRI was 78.2/100, indicating moderate-to-high readiness. Carbureted and EFI configurations showed stronger feasibility, while DI remained conditionally feasible. The study demonstrates conceptual feasibility and verification readiness, not operational effectiveness. Full validation requires Phase 2 engineering, commissioning, and controlled engine-run testing.