Aerodynamic
The field of aerodynamics for aerospace engineering includes the investigation of various fluid mechanical effects, but also the development of systems to increase the efficiency of future wings and aircraft configurations. The Chair's wind tunnel provides excellent conditions for experimental investigations under controlled conditions. Numerical flow simulations (CFD) are also used to validate a problem. Our Chair focuses on the engineering application of CFD software. In addition, the simulation offers the possibility to investigate flow problems for which an experimental approach is difficult. Our research topics include
- the measurement of airfoils in the wind tunnel
- the characterization of aircrafts in wind tunnels and free flight tests
- the simulation of flow effects using CFD tools
- the investigation of fuel behavior in tanks for launch vehicles and satellites using numerical analysis
Topics:
The Chair of Flight Mechanics and Flight Control currently offers the following topics for student research projects and theses. If you are interested, please get in touch with the contact person for the relevant topic. Please refrain from multiple requests.
The potential for aerodynamic improvements on very small aircraft (take-off mass a few kg, wing area <1 square meter) is generally considered to be limited. Due to the low Reynolds numbers, the viscosity of the air has a strong influence on the airflow. In particular, any gain in induced drag achieved by increasing the wing aspect ratio is quickly eaten up by a higher profile drag due to even lower Reynolds numbers. A significant increase in performance can therefore only be expected if all optimization possibilities are consistently exploited. However, such an increase is certainly desirable, as the comparatively low energy density of the batteries currently still severely limits the range and duration of use or payload. The UrbanCondor UAV used by the Chair for scientific purposes has a very simple aerodynamic configuration: It has a rectangular wing without V-position and twist with a continuous profile. The tail unit consists of flat plates without an airflow contour. The rather voluminous fuselage has a box shape, the rigid undercarriage is comparatively massive. The aim of the work is to explore the possibilities for improving the aerodynamic quality, taking into account practical considerations.
© M. Kretschmar
Research Assistant
NameDipl.-Ing. Jürgen Frey
Send encrypted email via the SecureMail portal (for TUD external users only).
Experimental investigations on the pressure drag of blunt bodies with suction near the separation line The aerodynamic drag of blunt bodies such as motor vehicles is dominated by the pressure distribution on the surface. The basic pressure in the downstream separation area, which corresponds to the pressure at the separation line, is essential. To minimize resistance, the highest possible base pressure should be strived for. Considerations based on potential theory as well as previous measurements show that a sink on an overflown surface leads to an increase in pressure in downstream direction. Within a simple basic experiment, the transferability to flows with large backwater areas induced by inertia and the potential for drag reduction shall be investigated.
© M. Kretschmar
Research Assistant
NameDipl.-Ing. Jürgen Frey
Send encrypted email via the SecureMail portal (for TUD external users only).
If you are still unsure about your topic, we are also happy to offer general advice. Alternative options can also be presented based on the student's individual interests. We are also happy to support student theses with industry partners or initiative topic suggestions from students. The contact person for aerodynamic projects is:
© M. Kretschmar
Research Assistant
NameDipl.-Ing. David Nölle
Send encrypted email via the SecureMail portal (for TUD external users only).