Thesis Projects
It is possible to write a student research project or diploma thesis at the Chair of Flight Mechanics and Control in one of the topics listed below. If you are interested, please contact directly the contact persons assigned to the respective topic. If you are unsure about the choice of your topic, if you would like general advice or if you have your own topic suggestion for writing a thesis, please also contact one of the mentioned contact persons. Please avoid applying for multiple projects initially. All contact persons happily provide alternative topics and advice in a general consultation.
Weather stations and UAS share wind data in order to autonomous fly efficient flight trajectories
In order to make logistics drones fly energy-efficiently in urban areas, their flight routes must be optimized according to weather conditions. In particular, the wind conditions along the flight route have a significant influence on the energy expenditure. To obtain even more detailed data, sensors on the aircraft will record the wind and weather conditions both ahead and around the aircraft. This weather information will then be shared with the other aircraft, providing a comprehensive picture of wind conditions through networking and analysis of the data.
Possible topics for student research projects:
- Estimation of the flight characteristics of representative logistics drones via simulation and wind tunnel test
- Simulation and evaluation of turbulence in urban areas
- Development of a flight control system for exact path following
- Development of a collision avoidance system
- Code-optimization for acceleration of energy-efficient route planning.
Contact:
© M. Kretschmar
Research Assistant
NameDipl.-Ing. Hannes Rienecker
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Topics:
The field of robust control theory deals with the development and application of control and analysis methods for (linear) systems whose model behaviour is subject to uncertainty. The ever-increasing complexity of systems makes it a highly challenging and equally motivating research topic. Student research projects in this research field include:
- Development and application of methods for the robust control of linear systems, with a focus on linear parameter varying and linear time varying systems.
- Development and application of methods for worst-case and stochastic robustness analysis of linear systems, with a focus on linear parameter varying and linear time varying systems.
Contact:
© M. Kretschmar
Professor
NameProf. Dr.-Ing Harald Pfifer
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Topics:
The research field of control of space systems is primarily concerned with the control and analysis of launch vehicles. Space applications represent both a highly complex and thus exciting application example for control engineering, as well as a steadily growing future market. Student research projects in this topic include:
- Control and analysis of current launch vehicles and spacecraft.
- Development of models for reusable launch vehicles and landing systems
- Development of concepts for the control and analysis of reusable launch vehicles and planetary landing systems
Contact:
© M. Kretschmar
Head of Control Systems
NameDr. Felix Biertümpfel
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Topics:
The research topic flight controls adresses layout and analysis of classic closed loop controllers for modern aircraft, but also the development of control concepts for more efficient future configurations, for istance highly flexible flying wings. Moderen flight control is strongly coupled with other tipics such as structural dynamics and aerodynamics. It is a highly interdisciplinary, motivating and future-oriented topic. Studients' thesis' may comprise:
- Classical flight controls and autopilots
- Closed loop control systems for minimization of aeroelastic effects for flexible aircraft
- Development of envelope protection systems and pilot assistance systems
- Analysis of robustness and performance of flight control systems
Contact:
© M. Kretschmar
Research Assistant
NameDipl.-Ing. Frederik Thiele
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Fuselage mockup of the glider D-B 11 in the wind tunnel; the model is installed in upside down position in the test section to gain free access for measurements on the smooth belly surface.
Aircraft aerodynamics is focused on the investigation of a variety of fluid mechanical effects as well as the development of systems that increase the efficiency of future wings and aircraft configurations. Aircraft aerodynamics provides a diversified field of research with a strong focus on future applications. Experimental investigations are conducted in the wind tunnel and in some cases in free flight, too.
Possible topics for student research projects:
- Preliminary measurements for plasma propulsion systems for high-altitude airships
- Investigation and influencing of flow separations at the wing-fuselage junction
- Design, manufacturing and calibration of a very sensitive force balance for wind tunnel measurements on small UAV
Contact:
© M. Kretschmar
Research Assistant
NameDipl.-Ing. Jürgen Frey
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Total pressure distributions in the wake of a laminar wing with attached cover for control surface linkages
In this field, the application of open source and commercial tools to concrete flow problems is in the foreground. Comparative calculations with extensive experimental and theoretical results are used for mutual validation.
Possible topics for student research projects:
- Behaviour of vapour bubbles in fuel tanks in microgravity conditions
- Modeling of a two- or three-element high-lift configuration with drooped spoiler under wind tunnel conditions
Contact:
© M. Kretschmar
Research Assistant
NameDipl.-Ing. David Nölle
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For bookbinding of students' thesis' the ILR has a special contract with "Die Kopie 24".