MuStHaF - Multifunctional control surfaces on high aspect ratio wings

Verification of multifunctional control surfaces for trailing edges of high aspect ratio wings.

In the MuStHaF project funded by the Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK), the project participants are designing a next-generation short and medium-range aircraft. A key contribution to achieving the targets set for a climate-friendly aircraft is to significantly increase the wing aspect ratio in order to drastically reduce fuel consumption. The aim is to make maximum use of the performance potential of a high aspect ratio wing.

A major challenge for the scientists is the design of the control surface system at the trailing edge: In addition to the classic high-lift requirements for take-off and landing performance, it must also meet the high maneuverability and roll control requirements associated with wing design. In addition, innovative materials and structural designs are required for the low overall heights in the outer wing area, as well as a compact design that enables the integration of actuators and kinematics into the control surface bodies.

In MuStHaF, the scientists are applying new design methods in order to use active and passive load reduction methods more effectively. In doing so, they take into account the expected high aerodynamic non-linearities and the aeroelastic deformations of the highly stretched wing. To this end, the project participants are developing a multifunctional control surface system with individually controllable trailing edge elements. They are demonstrating the integration and functionality of the control surfaces on ground test rigs. This allows verification of the kinematics concept, actuator integration and control scenarios and forms an important basis for the flight test.

The DLR Institute of Aerodynamics and Flow Technology carries out multidisciplinary optimisation of the wing and control surface deflections to reduce fuel consumption. Furthermore, the Institute's scientists use data fusion methods to determine the optimum positions of the sensors for the pressure measurements in the flight test.

Project
MuStHaF - Verifikation Multifunktionaler Steuerflächen für Hinterkanten hochgestreckter Flügel
Term
10/2021 - 3/2025
Partners
  • Airbus Operations GmbH (Lead)
  • TUBraunschweig
  • TU Clausthal
  • Volz Servos G,bH & Co. KG
  • DLR Institute of Aerodynamics and Flow Technology
  • DLR Institute of Aeroelasticity
  • DLR Institute of System Dynamics and Control
  • DLR Institute of Software Methods for Product-Virtualization
  • DLR Institute of Lightweight Systems
Funding
Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK), Aviation Research Programme (LuFo-VI-2), ref. no. 100508123

Contact

Institute of Aerodynamics and Flow Technology