Department Aeroelastic Experiments

CAST 10-2 wind tunnel model in the DNW-TWG
The wind tunnel tests included measurements of stationary polars, forced pitching oscillations and flutter tests on the supercritical laminar profile CAST 10-2
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The department Aeroelastic Experiments is committed to the planning, realization and analysis of challenging experiments in wind tunnels.

We investigate physical phenomena regarding aeroelasticity and unsteady aerodynamics on transport aircraft, turbo machines, UCAV configurations, helicopters, rockets and large buildings like bridges or wind turbines. The compiled results lead us to physically reasonable indication of the problem-modeling of the observed phenomena and provide validation data for state-of-the-art numerical simulation.

Derived from the challenges to future transport needs we improve the physical understanding of flow phenomena and by this enable new technologies to the industrial application.

In our experiments complex wind-tunnel models with time-resolved measurement techniques for pressure, force, acceleration, motion and deformation are applied. We operate a facility for data acquisition and test control with 1000 A/C channels and time-synchronized sampling even over large distances.

The department has several different test set-ups for aeroelastic experiments at airspeeds up to the transonic regime available. The set-ups are designed for investigating flutter, forced excitation and forced response of 2d and 3d wing-models and rotating and non-rotating turbine stages.

All competences are also offered to external partners in common projects or orders.

Research topics of the department

Research topic

Aeroelastic Wind Tunnel Experiments

In the Aeroelastic Wind Tunnel Experiments research topic, we are dedicated to planning, conducting and analysing complex experiments in wind tunnels in order to investigate the Fluid-Structure Interaction at the limit of aerodynamic areas with high transonic speeds and/or detached flows

Research topic

Aeroelasticity of Turbomachinery

As we envision the future of aviation, with 2050 as a pivotal milestone, a significant challenge emerges: reducing aircraft energy requirements by an ambitious 50%. This endeavor demands a comprehensive strategy, encompassing innovative propulsion concepts, streamlined engine integration, and the development of lighter, more efficient engine components capable of operating at extended ranges.

Research topic

Measurement and Testing Technology

In the research field of measuring and testing technology, we are involved in the development of miniaturised, multi-channel measuring electronics and measuring amplifiers for rotating systems up to 10,000 rpm and accelerations of up to 150G. Miniaturised circuits using chip bonding technology fitted to ceramic substrates are also developed to resolve issues regarding restricted space circumstances.

Research infrastructure of the department

System to measure unsteady signals (AMIS III)

High Pressure Wind Tunnel Göttingen

Non-rotating annular cascade test facility Göttingen

Measuring Techniques and Test Set Ups for Wind Tunnels

Technical articles and news from the department

November 14, 2024

Measuring aerodynamic damping in a wind tunnel: Understanding and avoiding flutter

There is a significant risk of flutter in aircraft wings, wind turbines and aircraft engine blades. Flutter is an aeroelastic instability which, under simplified linear conditions, once set in motion will not stop.

November 16, 2023

Propulsion of tomorrow: Introducing the Non-Rotating Annular Test Facility for Aeroelastic Investigations

In our pursuit of aircraft engine efficiency, we are encountering a challenge: the increasing complexity of turbine and compressor blade profiles, which leads to greater sensitivity to aeroelastic effects such as flutter or forced response.

September 20, 2023

Withstand the pressure: NORKA luminaires in wind tunnel test

With the dynamic pressure test in the wind tunnel, the luminaire qualifies for safe use in high-speed tunnels - the meaning is obvious: high-speed trains generate enormous pressure waves in the air of a tunnel, and the lighting must be able to withstand these loads permanently.

February 1, 2023

Surge - When the air flows backwards through the engine

An engine consists of three main components: the compressor, the combustion chamber and the turbine. The compressor’s function is to increase the pressure level in the combustion chamber before the fuel is ignited. In doing so, the increase in pressure level ensures an increase in efficiency, both in combustion and in the compressor itself.

May 6, 2022

Revolutionary aircraft concepts: A new stress test for engines

Recently, many new concepts for future emission-free aircraft have been presented. On closer inspection aircraft manufacturers are also relying on new integration concepts for the engines. The result is that engines suck the boundary layer from the aircraft fuselage.

February 11, 2022

New Methods to Analyze the Aeroelastic Stability of Future Lightweight Aero Engine Blades

To increase the efficiency and overall performance of aircraft engines, larger fan diameters and higher bypass ratios are consistent trends. An associated technical requirement is lightweight design.

Contact

Dr. rer. nat. Holger Mai

Head of Aeroelastic Experiments
German Aerospace Center (DLR)
Institute of Aeroelasticity
Bunsenstraße 10, 37073 Göttingen
Germany