Engine Department

The virtual engine
Research at the DLR Institute of Propulsion Technology focuses on the development of propulsion concepts for next-generation aircraft. As part of the digital transformation and the use of new digital technologies in aviation, the institute is developing the virtual engine.

The engine department evaluates and digitises future propulsion concepts and aircraft engines and develops methods for their detailed analysis. As part of the digital transformation of aviation and using the latest digital technologies, the department is working on the development of the virtual engine.

Our research focuses on the development of propulsion concepts for next-generation aircraft, with an emphasis on revolutionary propulsion systems and alternative fuels. We conduct technology studies and evaluate the potential of concepts, preliminary and detailed designs. As part of the digital transformation of aviation and the use of new digital technologies, the department is developing the virtual engine. It is developing a highly integrated, collaborative process architecture that takes into account all the necessary disciplines and levels of detail. This approach shortens development times and enables new, environmentally friendly engines to be brought to market more quickly.

The department works with the GTlab software solution to design propulsion concepts and develop new design methodologies. This collaborative platform has been under development at German Aerospace Center (DLR) since 2012. GTlab is an integrative software framework for solving multidisciplinary challenges in propulsion technology. The platform enables the design of propulsion systems or individual components at different levels of detail - from concept through preliminary design to detailed design - and over the entire product life cycle.

The Materials Testing Centre for Fire Behaviour at the Trauen site deals with issues relating to the spread of fire and fire protection, including certification and full-scale fire tests.

More information

GTlab for engine development

The integrative software framework answers multidisciplinary questions in propulsion research. The platform enables the design of propulsion systems or individual components over the entire product lifecycle.

Scientific Publications

Scientific publications from our department can be found on the DLR publication server elib.

Some projects we are working on

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Contact

Dr.-Ing. Andreas Döpelheuer

Acting Head of Institute
German Aerospace Center (DLR)
Institute of Propulsion Technology
Linder Höhe, 51147 Köln