Geman Aerospace Center (DLR)

Institute of Aeroelasticity

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March 14, 2025

Online Monitoring of Whirl Flutter during Wind Tunnel Testing

Flutter is a dynamic aeroelastic instability caused by interaction of unsteady aerodynamic forces with elastic vibration of the structure. At the so-called flutter critical velocity, the damping ratio of one system mode becomes zero. If the flow velocity is increased beyond this critical point, the damping ratio becomes negative and even smallest disturbances (e.g. turbulence) will lead to amplified oscillations and to mechanical failure of the airframe.

January 27, 2025

Wind Tunnel Test of a Highly Flexible, High Aspect Ratio Wing for a Future Research-UAV

In cooperation with the DLR Institute of Aeroelasticity, the Department of Flight Mechanics, Flight Control and Aeroelasticity (FMRA) of TU Berlin is developing an unmanned research aircraft with highly flexible wings, TU-Flex.

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Departments of the Institute

Department Aeroelastic Experiments

The department “Aeroelastic Experiments” is committed to the planning, realization and analysis of challenging experiments in wind tunnels.

Department Aeroelastic Simulation

The Aeroelastic Simulation Department focuses on the numerical analysis of aeroelastic problems. Investigations for transport aircraft, small aircraft, turbomachines and rotorcraft are performed in close cooperation with the experimental activities of the institute.

Department Loads Analysis and Design

The Loads Analysis and Aeroelastic Design Department is concerned with questions that arise in the context of aircraft design with regard to aeroelastic properties or aeroelastic requirements. In addition, the Department deals with the subject of aircraft loads ‘in general’ (for example, for design tasks) and in-depth consideration of dynamic loads (among others, those due to gusts).

Department Structural Dynamics and System Identification

The Department of Structural Dynamics and System Identification deals with the dynamics and vibrations of structures in aeronautics and space travel. Through numerical analyzes and experimental investigations, essential mechanisms of the vibrations are recognized and cause-effect relationships are understood.

Department Control of Aeroelastic Systems

The Control of Aeroelastic Systems department is concerned with the design of control functions for the reduction of structural loads, aeroservoelastic stabilization and the improvement of passenger comfort.

Careers & Education

Information for Students

From internships and practical semesters during your studies, to bachelor's and master's theses, to graduate programs for doctoral students in a wide variety of research fields - the DLR offers a wide range of opportunities for young academics.

Job vacancies

Start your mission at DLR! Whether in science, technology or training – exciting tasks for a wide range of talents. The DLR careers portal offers current vacancies and information on how to get started.